MONTICELLO — The Monticello High School Trap team ended their fall season at the beginning of November, and Coach Jay Mendels sent out a news release highlighting some of the team’s achievements.

Junior Jake Hovis earned the Team MVP award after achieving the team’s highest overall average with a 22.1, even scoring a 24 four times. His best series this season was a 48.

For the returning students, Dillon Cole (8th grade) received a Most Improved award after raising his average over six points from last spring. Cole is now shooting at the Varsity level and averaging 20.6. 

Of the new students, Mason McGinnis (8th grade) received a Most Improved award for his commitment and determination to improve his skill level by the season’s end.

Noah Fitzpatrick (7th grade) received a Coaches’ Award for representing an outstanding attitude and perserverance, dedication to the team and enthusiasm for the sport.

Nearly 150 schools around New York, including Monticello, are members of the New York State Clay Target League. The USA High School League is currently in 38 states and has grown to over 40,000 students in more than 1,500 schools. 

“I’m proud of how far the league has come since Monticello joined in 2017,” Mendels said. He also commended the Monticello School Board for their commitment to the program.

Coach Mendels was honored on October 18 by the Sullivan County School Board Association as an “Outstanding Friend to Education” at their annual awards dinner.

The school shooting sports program is the fastest growing — and safest — school sport in the country. This is due to the league’s primary goal of safety, and the fact that throughout this league’s existence there has been no incidents.

“All students build an appreciation for the sport while learning respect for firearms and their proper use,” Mendels explained. “These are important life skills that everyone should learn.”

The team is hosted at the Sullivan County Conservation Club, and functions with the support of team volunteers, students and parents, donations from community members, team fundraising and a youth program grant from the NRA.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about the program, or getting onto the team’s waiting list for the spring season, Coach Mendels can be reached via email at monticellotrapteam@gmail.com. The co-ed, all-inclusive program is only available for Monticello students grades 6-12 and over the age of 12 years old.

“You don’t need any prior experience,” Mendels said. “Just dedication, respect and a positive attitude.”