Rock Creek’s Trap Team returned to Kansas in early July from the trap shooting National Championship with a second place trophy in hand.
Former Varsity Squad Leader Seth Figge said it was exciting to see their hard work pay off.
“It really gave a point to the whole season and all the time we put into it,” Figge explained. “Where we ended, it just felt very good and felt relieved that we got product out of all our hard work.”
Head Coach Travis Figge noted that placing 2nd in the nation was a great way to finish off their season, which they worked hard throughout in order to qualify for nationals.
Travis said “there are 21 states represented in the team competition this year. For the national championship you have to qualify. After five weeks of shooting, they take your average over the year, and that’s how you qualify.”
Squad Member Aidan McKinney explained that in order to do well at the tournament, it was important to not get distracted and to just focus on yourself and your team in order to do well.
“There’s a lot of people there, but you can’t let that get in your head,” McKinney said. “At the end of the day, it’s you going out there and doing what you do and making sure you’re doing your best. As a team aspect, you have to make sure you’re shooting good for your team and they’ll do the same for you.”
Seth and McKinney said it’s enjoyable to do well, but their favorite aspects of competitions are watching their teammates succeed and spending time with friends.
“My favorite thing is not even when I shoot good but when our team is shooting good,” said Seth. “When we’re on a roll it just makes me feel pretty good.”
McKinney said “it’s a lot of fun just sitting around when you’re not shooting, playing cornhole or throwing a football around and getting time to relax after shooting good.”
Prior to their second-place finish, the squad experienced a highly successful season, placing first in the state tournament. The squad now has one empty slot to fill following Seth’s graduation.
