Western trap team at national championships

COLLINS — The Western Reserve High School trap shooting team is competing at the U.S. High School Trap Shooting Nationals this weekend in Mason, Mich. The tournament was held July 11-14 in Michigan, just under a three-hour trip for the team. On July 10, the team was given a send-off through the community by the Wakeman and Townsend Township fire departments; the Wakeman Police Department; the Huron County Sheriff's Office; and Citizens EMS. The varsity team consists of Fletcher Radcliffe, Wyatt Krisha, Austin Kolb, Aiden Gomez and Caleb Caccaro. Connor Reep is the team alternate. Competing individually included Radcliffe, Krisha, Kolb, Gomez, Vaccaro, Reep and Emmett Resko. "It was great to have the support of the community today," said Jack Underwood, the Western team coach and Archery Advisor. "These kids have really worked hard this year to get where they are today. The league's goals are safety, improvement, and fun, and I fully support these goals. "But when you look behind what we are trying to do here, it's to reconnect the community with the school while giving every kid the opportunity to succeed," he added. "This was an absolute miserable day to be out in the weather, but yet people came out to support these kids and show they care." Underwood thanked all the first responders that helped with the parade, including deputy sheriff Steve Stocker. "He has been our school resource officer for two years and has made a big impact on the school," Underwood said. "This really shows the kids he is there for them and not just there to discipline them. "None of this, and most of the things that happen with our team, would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of Michelle Purdy, who heads up fundraising and community engagement for the team." In 2023, Western had three shooters reach the Nationals, but have added two more as a team and two more as individuals. "Thanks to the hard work of our coaches over the past month, our shooters are really starting to peak right now," Underwood said. "There are a lot changes when you are at these big shoots though, especially with nerves and the grandeur of it all." Underwood noted that one of the team's youngest shooters, Resko, recorded his first perfect round of 25 on July 9. The coach added this is one more step for the kids as both a team and individuals. "They are building a lifetime of pride and respect, always moving forward, always looking to improve, working together — not against each other," he said. "Imagine the future of our country if we instilled this in all of our kids today. "We are here and we are doing our best to accomplish that. The team would like to thank everyone for all the support they have shown. We will do our best to make Western Reserve Schools proud of our accomplishments."