The Southwest Trap Team capped off an incredible season by winning the AIM Grand Nationals Championship in Sparta, Ill., in July, edging out the competition by a single target with a final score of 956/1000.

The winning Junior squad was made up of Colten Phillips, Case Jennings, Levi Carden, Dakota Cotton and Jesse Jones.

‘Their combined effort and focus under pressure led the team to its national victory,’ said Staci Day, head trap coach.

The AIM Grand Nationals is hosted by the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s (ATA) youth program — AIM, which stands for Academics, Integrity and Marksmanship. This year’s competition welcomed over 1,600 student- athletes from all 50 states, making it one of the most competitive fields in youth shooting sports.

‘Southwest sent 11 talented middle and high school shooters to represent our school and community: Phillips, Jennings, Carden, Cotton, Jones, Michael Freeman, Ky Miles, Layten Cole, Riley Phillips, Hayden Rockwell and Brooklynn Freeman,’ Day said. ‘The group kicked off the event with season-high scores from every shooter on day one, landing the Junior Top Squad in second place. Fueled by determination and team spirit, they rallied on day two — boosting their score by two targets to secure the national title by just one.

‘This victory marks a proud legacy for our school. In fact, my own father, Mike Vining, coached the Southwest team that claimed the national championship back in 2009. It’s an honor to follow in his footsteps and lead another group of outstanding student- athletes to the top.’

Phillips said the championship is more than just the hardware.

“What the trap team means to me is more than a sport or a responsibility, but an honor to fill the shoes of the great former shooters in the past, like my dad, Emery Phillips, and the famous 2009 squad taking first in nationals, as well,’ Colten Phillips said. ‘I’m so utterly grateful and blessed for this opportunity, and I will never forget the family I was a part of. We also had great coaches along the way, Mike Vining and Staci Day, and without them, I wouldn’t be the shooter or the man I am today.

‘If there was one quote that I will always look back to when I think of trap, it would be my senior quote, ‘Without losing winning isn’t so great.’ I can’t tell you how many times we have came up just shy by one, two or three targets, and that makes this win 10 times better.’

Along with the 2009 High School National Championships title, a junior high Southwest squad won a national title in 2018, and a Southwest team won a Hall of Fame shoot at the SCTP National Championships in the early 2000s. In total, Southwest has four national championships, two at the high school level.

‘Our season begins in January and spans through the heat of summer, ending with Nationals the last weekend of Jul,’ Day said. ‘Our student-athletes endure all types of weather — bitter cold, driving rain, wind and scorching heat. They show up and put in the work week after week, practicing at our school’s sports complex and competing across the state and region.’

In May, the team also had a strong showing at the Missouri State High School Championships, finishing 5th in an extremely tight competition where just seven targets separating the runner up and seventh place.

‘Leadership has been a key part of this year’s success,’ Day said.. ‘Phillips, a senior, has led by example — always positive, hardworking, and encouraging to teammates of all ages. His leadership has helped shape the supportive and focused culture that powered us through the toughest of challenges and across the finish line as champions.

‘We’ve also been fortunate to have the support of volunteer coaches. Mike Vining and Larry Hicks helped when most of these kids got started in middle school. Jay Carden volunteers his time to help make sure kids guns fit them correctly, and gives valuable insight at the range. Their experience, encouragement, and time have played a huge role in our team’s growth and accomplishments. Their presence at practices and competitions has made a lasting impact on our shooters and our program.’

Day said that support means the world to the team.

‘We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our school, families, and community,’ she said. ‘This victory belongs to all of us.’