Cobleskill-Richmondville will have a clay target team this spring.
School board members approved the new shooting team Monday night after hearing Athletic Director John Henry describe its merits.
Twenty to 22 students are interested in the nine-week competition that would be at the Richmondville Fish and Game range, Coach Henry said.
He’s promoting the clay target team as another opportunity for student involvement.
“It’s something for kids to get into if they’re not in sports, music or drama,” Coach Henry said.
Safety comes first. Students must take a safety course and demonstrate safe gun handling, and Coach Henry, who’ll be the head coach, has already taken a safety course.
There will also be safety practice at the range.
Coach Henry is looking for volunteer coaches––he’s already had interest––and they must also take a safety course.
There’s no in-person competition with other teams; scores are transmitted electronically.
No guns or ammunition will be allowed on school property.
Participating students must be older than 12, so the team will be for students in grades seven through 12.
“All equipment is the parents’ responsibility,” Coach Henry said, meaning guns and ammunition.
The cost will be $330 per student, but sponsors and fundraisers should reduce the cost to families.
But, Coach Henry added, “parents should have some cost” to encourage their kids to take part.
Registration will run February 1 to March 25.
Board members approved the new team, with board President Bruce Tryon praising Coach Henry.
“You should be commended,” he said. “It says something for the Athletic Director to reach out to 40 percent of the students who aren’t involved in anything.”