The Southwest Trap team ended its 2022 season at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, Ill., on Aug. 1-2.

Day one of the competition brought high temperatures and uncomfortable conditions. Despite the weather, the athletes competed well. The junior squad of seniors Olivia Ayer, Ty Howard and Samuel Jennings, as well as sophomores Caleb Ayer and Lilly Wolf, competed in A class.

The participants of the sub-junior squad competed in B class. That squad is made up of Levi Carden, Case Jennings, Samuel Lawrence, Colten Phillips and Bailey Stevens.

The partial sub-junior squad of Kyler Cobb, Jesse Jones, Hunter Patterson and Austin Tull competed in class D.

The first day of competition went well for everyone. Carden was able to shoot his first 25 straight during the morning’s practice round. The team will celebrate by shooting Levi’s hat at a future practice.

Day two of the competition had much more favorable weather, with Southwest shooters excited to compete and see how they stacked up to other competitors.

With three seniors closing out their high school trap careers, the junior squad placed 10th in the nation.

The sub-junior squad shot well but missed the podium by a single target, earning 4th place in B class.

The partial sub-junior squad, with three first-year shooters did great, placing 4th in D class.

Jones dominated as a firstyear shooter, shooting his personal best and earning 3rd place in the nation individually in D class.

“I could not be more proud of this group of athletes,” said Coach Staci Day. “They all worked diligently throughout the season toward their goals. Every single shooter shot above their average at our biggest shoot of the season. They were calm and focused through the competition and really held each other up when they had a tough round.

“I’m happy with the progress we made this year, and I’m really looking forward to next season. The team members would also like to thank all the sponsors. They could not enjoy this sport that they love without the support.”