Linn Creek, MO — April 27, 2025
The Missouri Trapshooters Association hosted a thrilling weekend of trapshooting at the MO All Zone Championship & Multi-State Challenge, held April 26–27 in Linn Creek, Missouri. This unique event combined two prestigious competitions into one action-packed showcase: the Missouri All Zone Championship, which pitted top shooters from the state’s three trapshooting zones—Eastern, Central, and Western—against each other, and the Multi-State Challenge, featuring teams from Missouri, Illinois, Texas, and New Mexico.
Among the standout performances was the Lafayette Patriot Shooting Team, who brought their A-game across all events and categories.
Saturday Highlights
Event 4: 200 Singles
AIM Pre-Sub Junior shooter Payne McKinney posted a personal best score of 188 and, after a dramatic shoot-off, captured the MO Eastern Zone Singles Championship in the Sub Junior division by shooting a 23.
Jordyn Diestelkamp, juggling theater rehearsals and minimal sleep, powered through to shoot 24 out of 25—twice—showcasing resilience and skill under pressure.
Valencia Hopkins delivered one of her most consistent performances yet, with nearly all rounds in the 20s and a personal best of 175 out of 200.
Celebrating her 17th birthday, Susanna Diestelkamp matched her sister’s firepower with a 24 in singles and her own personal best score of 175/200. Further, she shot her first doubles competition, scoring a 38 out of 50.
In only his third competition, Jared Watkins had a breakthrough day, shooting a personal best of 22 out of 25 in a singles round and completing his first 200-target event.
Event 5: 100 Handicap
Shooting from a newly earned 22-yard handicap distance, Colton McKinney fired a 95 to take the Junior champion title and earn an additional ½-yard advancement.
Payne McKinney added to his medal haul with a score of 90, winning the Sub-Junior championship title, while Ellie Schweizer dominated her division with an 89 to take the Lady 1 championship.
Colton also emerged as the Multi-State Junior Champion, besting competitors from four states.
Event 6: 50 Pair Doubles
Ellie Schweizer continued her hot streak by shooting the top overall score in this fast-paced doubles contest, outpacing competitors of all categories.
Sunday Highlights
Event 7: 50 Pair Doubles
Ellie clinched the Class C Lady 1 MO All Zone Doubles Champion title, reinforcing her reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the trap line.
Event 8: 100 Handicap
Ellie capped off her weekend with a personal best of 97, securing the Handicap Eastern Zone Championship, Lady 1 Multi State Challenge Title Handicap Title, and adding another yard to her handicap distance—not to mention a large and well-deserved championship belt buckle.
Shooting from his new 22.5-yard distance, Colton McKinney put up another strong 95 to enter a three-way shoot-off for the Junior title. Facing off against competitors shooting from shorter yardages, Colton delivered a perfect 25-straight performance to win the Eastern Zone Junior Champion title and earn yet another ½-yard advancement.
Payne McKinney wrapped up the weekend with a personal best of 94 to take the Sub-Junior Handicap Champion title.
With personal bests shattered, championships secured, and plenty of new hardware to show for it, the Lafayette Patriots once again proved they’re a rising powerhouse in the trapshooting world.