Clay Target Shooting

Despite its odd name, a clay pigeon is not a statue of a bird. Rather, it’s a round, usually orange target which is blown to bits by members of SPA’s trap shooting team.
“I’ve been trapshooting for as long as I can remember,” junior Autumn Spaulding said.
Compared to other high school sports, the trapshooting team follows an odd schedule. The team mostly spends their time alone, has Saturday practices, and, since there are no seniors on the team, is led by juniors. Meets are low-key, creating a relaxing environment.
In addition to shooting, Spaulding enjoys watching her newer teammates improve. “[At first] some of them might only hit four to five clay pigeons, [compared] to their more recent shoots where they might hit fourteen or fifteen.”
Spaulding believes it’s helpful to have a community around, especially if you have a “bad shooting day” and that “even just talking about bad scores” can help lift one’s spirits.
Overall, Spaulding appreciates the calm environment that the team has to offer. Though individual, there is still a community element to shooting ranges, ear protection, and watching clay pigeons explode into dozens of shards.