Xavier’s sports teams started off strong this 2023 school year dominating many games and tournaments played. Archery and Hotshots-Clay Targets are no different as they have made some amazing progress since the beginning of the season.
Kelsey Gerchar, archery head coach said, “Our new archers who haven’t shot before have been going through the steps with Scott Wagy, our technical coach, and by adding steps it improves their scores. Their Nadaburg Fun Shoot scores from the beginning of the season compared to the Wickenburg scores from November showed a huge increase.”
Gerchar also pointed out some of the archers who have made significant accomplishments and improvements throughout the season.
“Savannah Simon ‘26 has improved her scores immensely and made the top 10 in one of our tournaments. Isabella Beninato ’24, our captain, has been very consistent with her high scores this year as well,” Gerchar said.
An accomplishment that Gerchar wants to see happen this year is beating Brophy at state. The team has come in second to Brophy several years in a row, but this year the Gators are determined to prevail.
Gabriella Conti gives props to her coaches for helping the team and her every step of the way so far. “The coaches have been really good at making sure the team is organized and prepared for tournaments. They help us with our mental game and the little details that really help us come out on top and make a difference in our scores.”
The Hotshots-Clay Target team has made incredible progress since the beginning of the season as well. Brian Trapp, head coach, pointed out some of the progress and achievements of the team. “This year we added 10 freshmen to the team which is a lot. We’ve worked with them on how to have good mechanics and how to use a shotgun the right way. I can say that they have had great improvement.”
He also points out a specific girl on the team who has been outstanding. Savannah LaBerge ‘25 participated in the Junior World Skeet Championship and placed first or second in 20 Gauge Class, 28 Gauge Class, and Doubles. She has won 10 awards.
“Savannah is definitely our top shooter. She gets good grades, and she really puts in the work which shows in her scores,” said Trapp.
“Our biggest goal would be to beat all the other teams in the three disciplines which are skeet, trap, and sporting clays. We are also hoping to win the state championship in those three disciplines,” Trapp said.
Elayna Pennell ‘24 says that her coaches have been supportive of everyone leading up to the state championship. “Coach (Mark) Lacey is very patient when he works with the new girls. Shooting a moving target was very difficult for me in the beginning but my coaches have been very patient when explaining the step-by-step process.”
Hotshots and archery have done amazing this season as they are both headed to state and plan to bring trophies home.
Archery has its next tournament December 9 in Tucson. The tournament, the December state qualifier, is run by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
