Voyles named top shooter in state, attends nationals

The Exeter High School Trap Team recently completed the 2026 Spring Season and attended the Missouri State High School Clay Target League state shoot in Linn Creek.

Spring season team members were: Lily Stevenson, Jacob Stevenson, Destiny Reed, Jeremiah Reed, Briar Lewis, Weston Eakin, Cooper Caddell, Jaxon Crumpler and Tristan Voyles.

The season ends with a state event in June and all the teams are eligible to attend and compete at that level. The Spring season awards are also given at that event.  

This year, Exeter was in Division 1 and competed against 10 schools in the state. Several shooters performed very well and brought home several medals and trophies. In the male division, Voyles was awarded First Place and Jeremiah Reed was awarded 3rd Place.

In the female division, Lily Stevenson was awarded First Place.

At the State event in June, Voyles received a medal and trophy for top male shooter in the entire state for the season. Tristan also attended the Nationals event and performed quite well. Although he did not receive a medal, he shot very well against competitors that were hitting perfect scores repeatedly.

“We’re very proud of the team and their great performances resulted in the team receiving First Place team in Division 1,” said Coach Lee Tripp. “We are a small school and we don’t have an unlimited budget, so the kids do fundraisers to offset our expenses, and we also have a number of sponsors including The NRA, L & L Convenience Store, Barry County Co-op, and others.”

Team staff include: Lee Tripp, coach; Donnie Gautney, coach; Mary Fellows, scorekeeper; and a number of the parents help, including Ty and Amanda Voyles, Amy and Jessie Stevenson, Jerry Reed and others.

“We are already gearing up for the fall season which will begin in September,” Tripp said. “We hope to add more team members so if you’re interested talk to us to see if you are eligible to shoot.”