Far from the crowds of a football stadium, a young sportswoman narrows her eyes in anticipation. The clay pigeon thrower whacks, a shotgun bangs, and little shards of glowing orange clay disperse from the stars.  

It’s different from the usual kind of Friday night lights, but the fields offer a similar opportunity for high schoolers: fun, focus, community and growth.  

The 406 Clay Target Team, Flathead Valley’s youth trap shooting club, is the first in the state to offer cosmic nights this fall – a fitting opportunity for the year-round competitive club as the days have grown shorter and colder. 

Kimber Boll, a senior at Linderman Education Center in Kalispell, said the club has helped her develop determination, above all else.  

“It has to be determination, no matter what. It has a lot to do with my coaches,” Boll said. “They’re always pushing us to be our best, and it means a lot to me, that you have people who truly believe in you.” 

It’s not just about markmanship, she said.  

“It's what it teaches you as far as character development. The integrity, the attitude, you just learn so much about yourself, if you care to dig a little deeper,” Boll said. 

As teammates gather in groups at each trap, it’s both relaxed and supportive. 

“Practices are awesome. [Coach] Angela lays out certain points for us to focus on when we’re shooting, and we go out there and get it done,” she said.  

Boll sees herself participating in the sport for the rest of her life and aims to keep motivated.  

“I hope the sport grows for the youth – they are fundamental to keeping it going. It’s not very well known, it’s not like basketball or football. But it’s special. You have your team, and your own self-growth.”  

At the heart of the program is coach Angela Crenshaw, who has taken in upon herself to invite students into the club that she started in 2019. Affiliated with the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s youth program called AIM – Academics, Integrity and Markmanship – the team offers a structured opportunity for life lessons.  

The team currently has about 30 members, aged 14 to 22, and they’ve won multiple tournaments across the state and country in recent years.  

Two years ago, a Flathead shooter Aiden DeLong won the Montana state singles tournament and represented the state at a national competition in Illinois – a testament to the program Crenshaw’s built, with support from fellow coach Andrew Kelly, dedicated parents and community sponsors.  

“Overall, the best part is instilling life lessons,” Crenshaw said. “Some don’t yet realize the problem solving and adversity that they’re going through, from stepping to the line, through 100-200 targets in a singular event, and doing it day in and day out. 

“Finding those consistencies, putting in the effort, and having mental focus – that's what they’re actually learning. We work through the problems and celebrate the victories in a true team fashion. It’s not about the overall score, it’s about competing against yourself, and building a better game.” 

Their “ammunition,” Crenshaw said, is financial support from annual grants and local sponsorships. As a 501c3 nonprofit, they’re reliant on the community to help grow the program’s numbers and have even extended their membership to outside of the valley where there are no programs.  

“It’s not just going out and shooting because it’s a good time... they put their hearts into it,” Crenshaw said. “And it’s proven in the people they’re becoming. I’m always getting comments about how respectful they are.”  

For more info or to follow along, see the club’s Facebook page at  406ClayTargetTeam or online at 406-clay-target-team-inc.square.site 

The Flathead Valley Clay Target Club, located at 1290 Prairie View Rd, is home to 406 Clay Target Team. Collectively, the Flathead boasts the nation’s largest winter league. For more information on opportunities for adults, see flatheadtrap.org.