The season is underway for 1,117 student athletes participating in the Ohio State High School Clay Target League (OHSHSCTL) programs this spring.

Among those are student-athletes from Big Walnut and Liberty High Schools.

These athletes are competing on 55 high school teams across the state, supported by hundreds of coaches, team staff, and other volunteers. The OHSHSCTL is a part of the USA Clay Target League (USACTL), which provides extracurricular shooting sports programs to schools in over 40 states.

“Schools want the opportunity to give their students a place to develop their confidence, sportsmanship, and teamwork without the high costs and limited playing opportunities of traditional sports,” said John Nelson, President of the USACTL.

“Everyone can participate in clay target sports, and it’s clear that the opportunity for students to participate on their school’s team influences athletes’ lives for the better.”

A number of new teams were started nationwide, including in Ohio, as schools took advantage of the League’s offer to start a team for free. Details on that program can be found at https://oh.usaclaytarget.com/start-a-team

The high school athletes’ nine-week spring season is already underway, and will conclude May 24.

Most participants are then expected to participate in the State Tournament in June, with the top athletes in the nation eligible to compete at the USA High School Clay Target League National Championship in July.

About the USA Clay Target League

The non-profit USA Clay Target League provides clay target shooting sports opportunities to over 56,000 students on over 2,000 school-approved teams across America each year.

Including trap, skeet, sporting clays, and 5-stand programs, the League is the leading provider of clay target shooting sports to secondary and post-secondary schools across the country.

The League is the only 100% school-approved clay target shooting sport program in America. Every team must have school approval to participate.

Most participating schools have lettering programs as well as yearbook inclusion for the teams. In addition, tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships are provided to qualifying seniors by the League and post-secondary institutions each year.

The League’s co-ed and adaptive nature are key attractions to schools nationwide: it’s fully Title IX compliant with both male and female athletes competing on the same team, and it’s an ‘adaptive’ sport, which allows students with physical disabilities to take part.

Learn how to start a team at your school!

Priorities are safety, fun & marksmanship

The league is the safest sport in school, with not one reported injury since its creation in 2001. Each athlete must complete firearm safety certification before participation.

Visit https://oh.usaclaytarget.com for more information.

Ohio schools participating

Adena High School

Alexander High School

Allen East High School

Athens High School

Badin High School

Beaver Local High School

Berkshire High School

Big Walnut High School

Buckeye Trail High School

Buckeye Valley High School

Chardon High School

Colonel Crawford High School

East Clinton High School

Fairbanks High School

Gallia Academy High School

Grand Valley High School

Harrison Central High School

John Glenn High School

Kenston High School

Minerva High School

Nelsonville-York High School

New Riegel High School

North Ridgeville High School

Northwest High School

Norwalk St. Paul High School

Olentangy Liberty High School

Ridgedale High School

Tri Valley High School

Trimble High School

Tuscarawas Valley High School

Wapakoneta High School

Wayne Trace High School

Western Reserve High School

Indian Valley High School

Margaretta High School

Monroeville High School

Philo High School

St. Joseph Central Catholic School