Proctor trap team shoots to second straight state tournament berth

Last season they set their sights in their first ever Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Clay Target State Tournament, and Friday the Proctor trap team will go back-to-back.

They’re one of 40 qualifying squads out of 337 member programs in the state, and the sole Northland team to punch their ticket to Prior Lake.

"I’m hoping our odds are good, that’s all we can really do," junior Owen Forstrom shared at their final home practice Wednesday at the Proctor Gun Club.

"I think that we are going to do very well this year and we all are excited, so we’re willing to do the hard work and do very well," fellow junior Allana Carlson said.

Carlson is returning for her second straight stint as Proctor’s sole individual qualifier after shooting a 95 out of 100 at the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League Trap Shooting Championship.

However their team’s top scorer, and technically another individual qualifier, in her brother Austin Carlson is unable to compete.

"Proud coach and father, both my kids qualified," head coach Allan Carlson shared. "Unfortunately my son, who is the best athlete on the team, is only in sixth grade so it’s only open to 7th through 12th graders."

The state tournament, held since 2015, begins at the Minneapolis Gun Club in Prior Lake Friday at 9am with team competition. Individual competition, with 93 participants, is to follow.

In individual competition the Northland will also be represented by Donn Billman of South Ridge, Dylan Mesojedec of Hermantown, and Seth Lynch and Tyrel Shoberg of International Falls.

For a full list of individual qualifiers, click here. For all teams, click here.