By: Misty Green

Nearly 1,000 shooting competitors, representing 31 states gathered in Sparta, Ill., on August 7 & 8th, to battling out for top honors during the 2010 Grand American World Trapshooting Championships.
The event took place at the World Shooting & Recreational Complex, which houses 120 trap fields that stretch over three miles.

Trap shooting has been a sport since at least 1793 when real birds were used. According to Wikipedia, the Passenger Pigeon was the usual choice for targeting, which was extremely abundant at the time.
Fake birds were introduced around the time of the American Civil War as the Passenger Pigeon was nearing extinction and sufficient numbers were not reliably available. Clay targets were introduced in the 1880s.

The layout of modern trap shooting is different from skeet shooting, in that there is only one house that releases targets and the shooters move through 5 different positions, which is what Macon County Trap Shooters have learned to excel in.

During last year’s Wold Championship event, MCHS was able to return with six top medallions, and this year, their heights reached even further, claiming seven top spots this go around.
Trap shooters from Macon County packed their gear and headed to Illinois for the annual showdown.

For all but one winning participant, this was the first year they made a trip to the Championship event, however each member took their turn to display the talents they have learned thus far from their Tennessee high school team.

(Above) Assistant Coach David Minchey, Matthew Minchey, Wes Pedigo, and Head Coach Jeff Brewer are shown above. Matthew and Wes earned two top medals for their individual shooting results.

Matthew Minchey competed in the individual B-Class Division, and out of 100 clay targets released, he nailed 98 the first day and 99 the second day, earning the Silver Medal for second place.

Wes Pedigo entered the individual D-Class Division and for a first-year shooter, claimed third place among all other participants.

MCHS Trap Squad #2 (above, left to right) Wes Pedigo, Alexis Bartley, Matt Young, Maggie Sircy, and Austin Mathews.

The MCHS 2nd Trap Squad earned the Bronze Medal for third place in the Team Division competition. The 2nd Squad consists of Wes Pedigo, Alexis Bartley, Matt Young, Maggie Sircy, and Austin Mathews.

Congrats MCHS Trap Team!

Coach Jeff Brewer wanted to extend a special than you to all of the sponsors who helped make this journey possible and also to commend the Trap team for all of their hard work this season. They have represented their team with honor and placed Macon County in the World record books.

Coach Brewer also wanted to take this time to also let interested students know that the Trap team is always looking for new members, no matter what school they attend. Application forms may be picked up in the office of each high school.