KEMMERER — After their initial season, the Kemmerer Junior-Senior High School trap team is back and stronger than ever with 18 student participants and returning coach Garey Lacey leading the way.

The team was formed last year when Lacey and his daughter, Jentrie, identified a need for a trap shooting program in the community. Inspired by an online discovery of the USA League for high school trap teams, Lacey brought the idea to Jentrie, who is passionate about the sport.

“She found out there is a team in Lyman,” Lacey said. That discovery sparked a collaboration with KJSHS Principal Shawn Rogers and, together, they established a local team.

Seventeen students joined the team in its inaugural season, and six of them advanced to the state competition. The current season began the first week of April and runs through June.

According to Lacey, students “submit their scores online and compete with students around the state, including [in] Cheyenne.” He also noted a major tournament this year in Torrington.

“There will be around two to three hundred kids competing,” he said.

The team holds weekly practices at the gun range on Fox Farm Road, meeting every week at 5:30 p.m. Lacey emphasized that the team is inclusive and open to all.

“Anybody who can hold a shotgun can participate,” he said.

The club is recognized as an afterschool program and is co-ed.

In an effort to offset participation costs — currently about $300 per student — the team has launched fundraising initiatives, including raffle ticket sales, and has also established a nonprofit. The funds help cover necessary expenses associated with the activity.

“They have been trying to raise money to help kids pay for expenses, such as ammunition,” Lacey explained.

Lacey has a personal connection to the team’s success, with both of his daughters, Jentrie and Jaylyn, participating. Jaylyn, the younger of the two, was inspired to join after watching her sister’s enthusiasm for the sport.

The program continues to grow thanks to support from the community. Assisting Lacey are AJ Guinta, Pat Rodenbaugh, Carrie Runnion, Kyle Thompson, Benny Yarbo, Jim McSweeny, Wayne Donnafild, Mike Smaldon, Tori Nielson, Dan Johanns, Phil Lockwood and several parents of the team members.

“The sport provides a wonderful and fulfilling lifetime skill,” Lacey said.