For the members of the Parkway South clay target team, qualifying for state is more than just another tournament; it’s a milestone in the program’s first season.

The team, made up of students across multiple grade levels, has spent the year learning the mental and physical challenges that come with competitive clay shooting, as well as building friendships with teammates and coaches.

Coach Chris Orban said competitive clay shooting requires focus, consistency, and composure. Shooters competing at state on June 13 in Linn Creek, Mo for the Missouri State Clay Target League will earn individual points, as well as earn points for the team. Each shooter attempts to break 100 targets through 4 rounds as they rotate through five stations, firing at clay targets launched into the air. Each member of the team shoots five shots at every station before rotating.

“There are five stations, each person on the team shoots five shots at each station and then rotates from there,” junior shooter Kelan Shea said.

The Parkway South clay target team has started its first-ever season with a strong foundation backed by skilled shooters, according to Orban.

“Our team will complete each round together in groups of five athletes. Our state-bound athletes are all fairly evenly matched, so any one of them has a good chance to do well,” Orban said.

Clay target students going to state are freshmen Charlie Kane, Jack Reich and Evan Whatley and juniors Henry Kane and Kelan Shea.

Since the start of the season, the shooters have learned many skills, most revolving around the extraneous safety measures taken in order to ensure the safety of the shooters and spectators, according to Orban. Despite this, the team has continued to persevere while continuing to keep a growth mindset.

“About half of the team had little to no experience, and some have gone as far as to qualify for not only JV but Varsity level competition,” Orban said.

While the sport may appear simple from the outside, athletes say there is a strong mental aspect involved.

“The hardest part is kind of mental and physical. If you miss a lot, it can start to mess you up,” freshman Charlie Kane said. 

Despite the pressure, Kane said the sport has taught him an important lesson outside of competition–perseverance.

“Just keep trying, sometimes I think I’m not good at something, but with clay shooting, even if I’m not the greatest, I still enjoy it and keep trying,” Kane said.

As the team prepares for the state competition, expectations remain realistic. Since it is the program’s first year, students are focused more on the experience than the results.

“It’s not really about the results, it’s more about learning the safety skills for one, building team rapport, and participating in something that’s really open to everyone, not just the best athletes in the school,” Orban said.