Linn Creek, MO — May 3, 2025
Amidst chilly temperatures and persistent winds, the Lafayette Patriots Shotgun Team turned in a standout performance at the 2025 Paul Larsen High School Championship, hosted by the Missouri Trapshooters Association in Linn Creek. The event brought together 930 competitors from across Missouri, including high school teams, FFA shooters, club teams, and independent athletes, all vying for top honors in the state’s premier youth trapshooting competition.
Leading the Patriots’ high school squad was Chase Gantner, who steered the team to an impressive 3rd place finish, narrowly missing the runner-up spot by just two targets behind the Helias Catholic Shotgun Team. The Patriots squad—comprised of Co-Captain Colton McKinney, Ethan Wicks, Chase Gantner, Cassie Coil, and Valencia Hopkins—demonstrated grit and accuracy under difficult weather conditions, cementing their place among the top shooting programs in the state.
In the junior high division, Payne McKinney continued his remarkable season by capturing the Junior High Runner-Uptitle, earning his third belt buckle of the year. McKinney posted his fourth consecutive score of 94, further proving his consistency and composure under pressure.
Sam Rice also made waves, shooting a solid 91, which included his second perfect round of 25 straight in competition—an impressive benchmark for any young shooter.
Rounding out the team’s individual highlights, Susanna Diestelkamp achieved a new personal best with a score of 90, which included a near-perfect round of 24 out of 25. Her performance exemplified the development and promise within the Patriots’ deep roster of shooters.
Despite the tough weather, the Lafayette Patriots left Linn Creek with high spirits and heads held high, their performances underscoring both individual excellence and team cohesion.
Looking ahead, the Patriots are setting their sights on the next challenge: the SCTP Winchester Regionals, scheduled for May 17–18 in Sparta, Illinois. With momentum on their side and confidence in their preparation, the team is eager to compete against some of the Midwest’s best and continue building on their strong 2025 season.