December 16, 2013

 To detail to the Marshall Public School Board the viability of a competitive trap shooting team associated with Marshall High School;  To discuss the financial and capital resources available through Lyon County Pheasants Forever (LCPF) and Redwood River Sportsman’s Club (RRSC) and other groups to sustain the team;  To address safety and firearm-related concerns the Board might have;  To highlight the success of trap shooting teams at area schools and similarly-situated schools throughout Minnesota; and  To answer any questions the Board may have.

 The MNHSCTL is a competitive trap shooting organization formed in 2001 with 3 teams; now consisting of 115 teams in Minnesota.  Provides coach training & score management  Its spring league is open to co-ed teams of 5+ students in grades 6-12 with firearm safety certification through the Minn. DNR.  Over 3,200 participants statewide.

 A trap team would create a spring activity for those not involved in current spring programs.  It would foster involvement in other similar programs, such as fall FFA shooting.  Would allow students to interact with teammates, succeed individually, develop skills, become well-rounded, and create positive memories of their time at MHS.  Would build bonds with community groups and businesses and increase support of MHS from untapped resources.

 Initially backed by RRSC & LCPF financially.  Currently the groups receive $1,750+ each year via a $35,000 grant program and have other cash resources which would be dedicated to making the program cost-neutral to MHS.  PF’s National “FOREVER Shooting Sports” group will also reimburse half of all ammo expenses (up to $2,000) which are incurred by the team.  RRSC’s facility would provide the necessary throwers, club house and ranges for the team.  Students would provide their own firearms and transportation to RRSC.

 $10 per 2 rounds per shoot (shells and targets), over 10 shoots: $200.  Shooting vests with team name, participant name & local sponsoring entities: $50. League Fee: $25.  Estimating 10 initial participants and miscellaneous expenses, the total would be $3,000 for year one.  LCPF, RRSC and related sponsors would cover costs in year one, and assess after to secure additional funding through other sources, if necessary.  If enrollment is significantly greater than expected, we will adjust participation costs, find other sponsors or utilize fundraising to help get the program up and running, while accommodating all who wish to participate.

Expenses (x 10 students x 20 rounds) Clays - $5 per round = $1,000 Shells - $5 per round = $1,000 Registration, Vests & Other Equipment = $750 Travel to State Events & Misc. Costs = $250 Group Financial Support MidwayUSA Grant = $1,750 PF Ammo Reimbursement 50%) = Up to $1,000 Additional LCPF/RRSC/community support if needed, or if participation rate was greater = ~$5,000+ COST NEUTRAL NOW & ROOM TO GROW!!!

 #1 FACT – Since the MNHSCTL started in 2001, NO STUDENT HAS BEEN INJURED. This is a claim that no other athletic activity can make.  Students are required to complete the Minnesota DNR firearms safety program prior to joining a team and provide a copy of their certificate.  Many DNR-certified instructors are part of LCPF & RRSC and will be on hand for the team.  Students use THEIR OWN firearms – ones they are comfortable, familiar and safest with.

 RRSC is an insured and locked facility with an 18-gun safe and the ability to add more as demands dictate for on-site storage.  Participants would be instructed to leave all firearms at home or at RRSC so they never come near or onto school property.  All practice and league events will be supervised by adult coaches with firearms safety training & MNHSCTL certification  Coaches would be RRSC and LCPF volunteers  who are familiar with trapshooting

 Area school systems much smaller than Marshall are already participating in MNHSCTL, including Tracy, Canby, Montevideo & Wabasso.  Similarly-sized school systems have found success with the program including Delano, Waconia, Worthington, & Fergus Falls.  Conference placement based on number of team members, not size of school.  “We’ve been up for a year, and the experience has been awesome; a ‘20’ on a scale of 1to10.” – Dave Aeling, Waconia HS Trap, Lead Coach

 RRSC summer youth league – 40 participants, grades boys, 8 girls participated in the 10-week summer league program.  Marshall HS FFA Shooting fielded 15+ participants at September state RRSC  12 students signed interest forms with their contact info for MNHSCTL MHS  Fastest growing student activity in Minnesota, doubling since 2011 from 1,500 to over 3,200 participants currently.

 Members of both LCPF & RRSC are on hand to help answer any questions or concerns the board might have.  LCPF: President, Nick Simonson; Treasurer, Ron Prorok (DNR FS Instructor).  RRSC: President, Kevin Kayser; Past President, Angie Trost (DNR FS Instructor).

 On behalf of LCPF and RRSC, thank you for considering this opportunity!  It is a chance to provide student participants with another outlet and an opportunity for them to learn, grow and excel in an activity.