Intermediate trap shooting team moving forward at PCM

In a 6-1 vote, the PCM School Board approved the addition of an Intermediate Trapshooting Team for students in grades sixth through eighth. Board member Nicole Stafford was the lone opposition during the regular meeting Monday.

"I feel like this is such a new program, I would love to see it operate a few more years at the high school level before we bring in middle school just to make sure there aren't any things that we didn't expect or something we needed to deal with," Stafford said. "That is the part that scares me."

Coach Joel Wilkerson was on hand to answer any questions about the program, which will be structured in the same manner as the high school team that took home third place at the state competition this year.

"Within the 21 years of scholastic trap, there hasn't been an injury," Wilkerson said. "Can you say that about football, basketball, baseball? This, there hasn't been."

To participate, all students will be required to pass the state hunter safety course, as well as successfully complete 1.5 hours of range safety training before being considered for the team. To take the course, students must be 12 years of age or older.

"We have a great bunch of kids," Wilkerson said. "We had one individual that started off the year shooting four out of 25, with these guys and the other teammates, they are now shooting 15s to 18s. That is because these guys take them off on their own on weekends and help them."

There are currently five certified Iowa hunter education safety instructors residing in the district, who have more than 50 years of combined training experience. Those instructors have committed to providing classes when necessary. The Department of Natural Resources Recreational Safety Officers have also committed to being involved voluntarily and as required for certification.

The high school and middle school teams will have eight coaches to provide leadership and guidance. Practices are conducted at the Jasper County Gun Club in Newton, and other various location as determined and secured.

All equipment and costs will be provided through grants, fundraisers or from the competitors themselves. The shooters will also provide their own shotgun. All handling of guns and related trap shooting equipment will be done at a predetermined, off-school property site.

"I'm impressed with the idea that younger students are going to learn safety and I think that is a big plus," board member Alvin Keuning said. "We get those kids started at a young age, they don't forget that stuff. I think it will be an excellent program for us."

The board also elected officers for the next year. To keep consistency throughout the construction process, Mitchell Chipps was unanimously approved to maintain his position as president while Rod DeHaai will take over for Steve Nearmyer as vice president. All committee appointments will also remain the same except for those the president and vice president must attend.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com