MUSCATINE — The Solon Spartan trap team faced off against the formidable Wilton team Saturday, March 29 at the Muscatine Izaak Walton League, competing in all three disciplines: American Singles, Handicap, and Doubles. The team earned numerous medals through intense shoot-offs. Energetic newcomer Charles Ferin tied with another competitor in the intermediate entry level singles and had to engage in two shoot-offs to secure his first medal, finishing in third place in that category.
Allen Shima faced tough competition and excelled, claiming first place in the male varsity singles. Caden Stull earned second place in varsity handicap after participating in an additional shoot-off, while Alannah Mahoney tied in all three disciplines and competed in multiple shoot-offs, ultimately finishing with 2nd in female varsity singles, and 3rd in both varsity handicap and varsity doubles by the end of the day. Kasey Craig took home third in the male varsity doubles. In junior varsity division, Dylan Dunnwald finished second in both male singles and handicap while Alina Steele took second in female JV singles.
In addition to first year member Charles Ferin receiving the 3rd place medal in singles, Jack Dunnwald impressed with a second place finish in the same category. At the intermediate advanced level, Arthur Martin captured three medals: first in singles, second in handicap, and third in doubles. Connor Mahoney also secured three medals, second in doubles and third in singles and handicap in the intermediate category.
Coach Eric Bilskie was happy with Saturday’s turnout.
“The weather was comfortable with a light wind creating perfect conditions for our young team’s first outing. With no seniors on the squad, we have a strong varsity team of juniors who have been shooting together for up to four years, and we hold high hopes for the next two years. Moreover, we have a group of eighth graders showing great promise in their second year of shooting. The addition of six new shooters has revitalized our team’s competitive spirit, and we aim to become a formidable presence in the sport. The Wilton shoot remains one of our favorite meets, as it cultivates participation, confidence, and a competitive attitude among young shooters.”
Next weekend, the team will travel to Potosi, WI to compete against at least five other schools in all three disciplines.
As the team has grown more than anticipated, there is still a need to secure additional funds for registration fees to give the shooters as many competitive experiences as possible. If there is any interest in helping, please contact Sherri Shima at 319-330-9420.