FERNDALE–  Trap shooting is the fastest growing school sport in the country, says Jay Mendels, head instructor of the Monticello High School Trap Team. Close to 52,000 children in 38 states all over the country participate in the co-ed sport through the USA High School Clay Target League. Trap shooting is an online league in which students participate at their home range, and scores are submitted online. “The league is all about safety, says Mendels.” The club’s number one priority is safety, number two is that everyone has fun, and the third priority is marksmanship.

 Mendels praised the kids and parents in the program, which is how the program continues to run and be successful. All parents volunteer to ensure their children are safe and follow the rules. A safety meeting is held before anyone steps onto the range, keeping safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind, regardless of how long they have been on the team. In a sport that some would consider dangerous Mendels, his coaching staff, and all parents involved work hard to ensure the safety of their club. 

“We still go through the basics every time, and there has never been an accident throughout the League’s history,” shared Mendels, “It’s something we’re very proud of.”

Billie Jean McGinnis, parent of Maci and Mason, is proud that her children are a part of the trap team. “It’s safe, fun, and exciting. I’ve loved watching the athletes grow in this sport and get better every week. Coach Jay’s devotion to the athletes and his drive to create a safe, school-based program have made this such a worthwhile family sport again. In a time where guns get a bad wrap, this program has taught my kids how to handle a gun safely and responsibly.” Trap shooting is a sport that McGinnis’s father and both grandfathers enjoyed when they were children, so it holds generational significance. 

Jamie Brasington and son, Liam, echo the same sentiments as far as club safety is concerned. Liam shared with the Democrat, “I like that the trap team stresses safety and teaches us that guns can be safe when handled properly.”

Trap shooting was introduced to this state in 2016 with the formation of the New York State High School Clay Target League,  and  the program began in Monticello in 2017 after Mendels brought it to the Monticello School board. 

That first year, there were only 5 schools in the entire state participating in the program. As of 2025, there are over 250 teams all over NY State, and it continues to grow. Most students who sign up for the trap team have no prior experience. Students in grades 6 through 12, ages 12 and older, are welcome to join the trap team, many of whom have no prior experience. 

The state tournament in Syracuse is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, and all students are eligible to compete at their own skill level. Last season, the Monticello High School Trap Team brought home 1st place in the varsity category, 2nd place in the JV category, and 1st place overall. They are looking forward to a great competition next week and the hopes of bringing home more first-place achievements. 

Mendels and the entire trap team program would like to give special thanks to Sullivan County Conservation Club for their support in hosting the team, and to the school board, superintendent, and athletic director for getting behind this important program.  Assembly Member Paula Kay and State Senator Peter Oberacker recently hosted the team in Albany to show their support of the program.

The trap team greatly depends on fundraising and community donations to sustain the program. You can contact the team at monticellotrapteam@gmail.com for more information or to help with a donation to allow these kids to continue to do what they love.  

The team recently held a “fun night” at the conclusion of the regular season.  After some range time, the students and families gathered for some food and awards.  The team recognized new team member Lauren Bastone as “Most improved over the course of the season”, and returning athlete Scott LaRusso as “Most Improved vs. Last Season”.  

Aiden Schnitzer was given an award for having a 23 average - the highest on the team this season.  A special “Coaches’ Award” was given to Maci McGinnis in recognition of her outstanding attitude, perseverance, and enthusiasm for the sport.