Cardinal and Pekin create trap shooting team

The Pekin and Cardinal school districts have announced a partnership to form a trapshooting team for the upcoming school year. Approximately 40 students have shown interest in joining the program, and the two school districts have appreciated the opportunity to share with Ottumwa recently, which has allowed experienced participants to 'hit the ground running” for the new program. Jim and Jill Silvers were instrumental in advocating for the development of a trap shooting team and Jim will be the coach for the 2019-2020 squad.

Coach Jim Silvers, a lifelong resident and graduate of the Pekin Community School District adds, 'This sport gives girls and boys, novices and experienced shooters (enrolled in seventh through 12th grade) the opportunity to safely and enjoyably participate in a high-quality, team-based sport that is focused on the safe handling and use of firearms. Competitions and weekly practices will run from March through May of 2020 with the possibility of state and national competitions for qualifiers to follow. Practices will be hosted by the Ottumwa Isaac Walton Club. Required equipment consists of a 12-gauge shotgun in good working condition and a desire to learn. Fund raising opportunities will be available to help offset associated costs.

'We are excited about this opportunity that we will be able to provide to our students and look forward to working with Cardinal,” said Pekin Superintendent Dave Harper. 'This will allow students to participate in a school activity that are not interested in the fine arts or athletic programs. This will be a great partnership with Cardinal and another example of small schools working together to meet the needs of our students in Southeast Iowa.”

'We are committed to providing our students a wide variety of after school activities that allow them to grow 'soft skills” that are needed for the 21st century workforce,” said Cardinal Superintendent Joel Pedersen. 'Both archery and trap allow kids an opportunity to be involved in a sport outside of our traditional sports' offerings. We are also looking into a creation of a fishing club to help foster that passion as well.”