Sharp shooting Ashland-Washburn trap takes over state podiums

Tricky weather this spring threw a wrench in early training for outdoor sports across the Northland. Ashland-Washburn trap was no different, but seasoned for the unexpected the team pulled out the big guns Sunday landing all three programs on the state podium.

"The kids were shooting in cold, using hard warmers to keep their fingers warm when they were shooting [in] snow. I know we canceled two different times because of snow, [and] because we’re so close to Lake Superior we always have wind," head coach Scott Thimm explained. "But I think overall that made our shooters much better and they got down to state and they just shined."

At the Wisconsin State High School Clay Target League 2022 State Tournament, their varsity team placed 3rd shooting 481 of 500 targets. Their JV team took first place hitting 464/500 birds, and their Novice crew placed second shooting 392/500. The three classes are determined by shooting average throughout the season.

Ashland/Washburn would bring 38 of their 46 competitors to state, marking their biggest showing yet.

"I can’t remember if the first year we had 20 or 25 shooters, and every year it seems to be growing," Thimm said. "We had one young man, this was his first year shooting trap, and he placed third in the Novice class in the state."

In total 889 shooters from 32 schools made the trek to Rome, Wisconsin for the two day event.

Thimm said his team will have about a month and a half off then they’ll return to action in the fall.