Holley school officials discuss starting target shooting team

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 18 January 2017 at 9:52 am

HOLLEY – The Board of Education discussed forming a team for students to compete in target shooting.

Board member Melissa Ierlan during the Tuesday board meeting brought up having Holley join NYS HS Clay Target League.

Ierlan said she was approached by the Holley Rod & Gun Club regarding formation of a club/team for students.

Ierlan noted the Orleans County Clay Crushers youth shooting team, which includes trap, skeet and sporting clays shooting. She noted that trap shooting trap shooting is a long-standing Olympic sport which became popular as a high school sport nationally in the U.S. in the year 2000.

Teams would consist of five members, she said.  Both boys and girls in grades 6-12 would be eligible.

Ierlan said the club would provide an opportunity for, “kids who may not be served by other sports or academic clubs. It would teach teamwork as well as safety with firearms.”  Participants would take part in a safety course required for hunting licenses as well as an additional safety course after they join. Certified firearms instructors would serve as coaches.

“There are 12 schools involved in New York State,” Ierlan said. “It is growing every year.”

The Holley Rod & Gun Club would help to cover the cost of ammunition and targets, Ierlan said. That would keep the cost for students to between $50-$75. Participants would have to have their own transportation to the Rod & Gun Club and their own firearm to participate.

Ierlan said she has contacted Kendall School Board President Nadine Hanlon regarding the opportunity. The two school districts have been sharing some extracurricular programs.

“The idea sounds awesome,” said Holley Middle School/High School Principal Susan Corey. She said she would like additional information.

Superintendent Robert D’Angelo requested that the district consult with its insurance carrier regarding whether or not creation of the club would necessitate changes in the district’s liability insurance.

During the discussion, Middle School/High School assistant principal/athletic director Dan Courtney explained that clay target shooting is not a state-sanctioned school sport, meaning the group would be considered a school club rather than a school sports team.  He mentioned bass fishing is a sanctioned school sport, a sport which the Kendall Central School District offers students.

Cory said there are Holley students interested in a fishing team.

In other action, the Holley Board of Education on Tuesday evening approved having school principals set up Twitter accounts.

Board vice-president Robin Silvis made the proposal for Cory and Elementary Principal Karri Schiavone to set up accounts, saying Twitter is “a very good vehicle” for sharing information, particularly positive news.

(This article was updated from an earlier version to clarify trap shooting is a long-standing Olympic sport.)

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