The Minot Trap Team made an impressive showing at the 2025 North Dakota State Trap Tournament, with 29 athletes representing the team and several standout performances across the board. The event welcomed athletes from across the state to compete in categories divided by skill and division level. Minot’s participants not only met expectations, they exceeded them.
Among the highlights for Minot’s Junior Varsity team were the top five scorers: Sylas Norton (89/100), Kemper Ottmar (88/100), Grant Thorson (87/100), Sam Wolfe (85/100), and Quade Everson (83/100). These athletes led the JV division with consistent and high-scoring rounds, showcasing their precision and composure under pressure.
In the Novice Male category, Grady Mostad had a particularly notable showing. With a score of 87 out of 100, he placed third overall in his division, a significant achievement at the state level. Mostad, new to the sport, demonstrated both skill and promise for future competitions. A photo from the tournament shows him proudly wearing his medal in front of the State Tournament banner—an emblem of his hard-earned success.
Another major milestone for the team was the number of athletes achieving perfect rounds. Five team members shot a perfect score of 25 in a round—an impressive feat for any shooter. These athletes were Isak Nelson, Kyle Lentz, Sylas Norton, Grant Thorson, and Grady Mostad. For Norton, Thorson, Mostad, and Lentz, this was their first time hitting all 25 targets in a single round—marking a major personal best.
Perhaps most memorable was Grant Thorson’s perfect 25 during his final round as a senior. Ending his high school shooting career on such a high note was both emotional and inspiring. His performance embodied the culmination of dedication and growth throughout his time on the team.
Coach and parent messages noted that nearly every Minot shooter either matched or exceeded their season averages during the state competition—an indication of not just skill, but also focus and mental toughness. With 29 athletes competing, the team’s widespread success reflected a strong training program and cohesive team environment.
This year’s state competition also highlighted the growing popularity and competitiveness of high school trap shooting in North Dakota. Backed by organizations like the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Ducks Unlimited, and the Army National Guard, the tournament celebrates marksmanship, discipline, and safe firearm handling.
The Minot Trap Team’s achievements at state this year not only reflect individual success but also signal a strong future for the program. With younger shooters like Mostad already making podium finishes and returning athletes setting personal records, the team is poised for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.
