MONTICELLO - With only the State Tournament left on their schedule, the Monticello High School Trap Team recently completed regular season play.

As part of a state-wide program, the New York State High School Clay Target League had a record number of teams and participants this spring.

A total of 1,693 student athletes on 103 high school teams across the state participated on teams for trap, skeet, 5-stand and sporting clays. While Monticello ended up 5th in their conference for trap shooting, they did have some outstanding individual team results.

Coach Jay Mendels reported that awards were given for the following team members: High Average (Male) - Jake Kelly 20.8; High Average (Female) - Kaitlyn Miller 20.5; Most Improved - Chelsea Walz; Coaches' Award - Cavan Leaney-Levenson.

Mendels noted that this special Coaches' Award goes to the athlete who best represents a positive attitude, enthusiasm for the sport, and dedication to the team and school. Michael Feltman was also recognized for scoring not one, but two perfect rounds of 25 this season.

On a state-wide level, Monticello's Kaitlyn Miller had an outstanding season and finished in the top 3 female shooters in conference, and in the top 25 female shooters overall in New York State.

Monticello's final shoot of the regular season was attended by School Superintendent Matthew Evans, School Board President Lori Orestano-James, and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. All were impressed with the students' knowledge and performance.

Next up is the State Tournament scheduled for June 12. While schools won't be traveling up to the state Amateur Trap Association fields in Syracuse this year due to covid restrictions, Monticello will still make a day of it by shooting at their home range at the Sullivan County Conservation Club, with scores being submitted online.

Everyone competes at their own level (Novice, JV, or Varsity) based on their season-ending league average. Mendels proudly points out that this is Monticello's 5th year in the State League, and that it's been another great year being able to provide this opportunity for his student athletes.