2023 Minneota Clay Target Preview
Minneota Clay Target
HEAD COACH: Kent Williams
ASSISTANTS: Dale Verschelde, Ken DeBoer, Mike Monnet, Ryan Wendt, Pat Sarazyn, Nikki DeBoer
The Minneota Clay Target team continues to grow in popularity as evidenced by the team now having 35 student-athletes.
"I am really looking forward to this year's competition, said Kent Williams, now in his fifth year as head coach. "We have a lot of experience from returning members and a lot of excited energy from new members on the team."
Of the 35 team members, 25 are returning from a season ago, including the team's top shooters. The other 10 are newcomers.
"Our top shooters are very experienced," Williams said.
Garet DeBoer, who averaged a team-high 22.3 clays per round last year, returns. Hudson Scholten was second on the team with an average of 20.7 clays per round. Joe Verschelde averaged 19.1 clays per round. All three are seniors this year.
"We have some great seniors returning who will give us some great leadership for our young shooters. Besides DeBoer, Scholten and Verschelde, other seniors are Michael Popowski, Evan Popowski and Nate Allen.
Also back is eighth-grader Thomas DeSmet, who averaged 19.1 clays per round, and sophomore Brock Kremin, who averaged 18.8.
"The weather has been a bit of a hindrance that has put us behind schedule a bit," said Williams. "But everyone in the entire state is having this problem. I am confident that we will get the season moving as the weather turns for the better."
Williams feels Minneota will have a solid team this year with a nice mix of veterans and newcomers.
"I'm excited to see how the new members fit into the mix," he said. "Overall, I would categorize this year as a solid year with a lot of potential."
SENIORS: Nate Allen, Garet DeBoer, Evan Popowski, Michael Popowski, Hudson Scholten, Joseph Verschelde
JUNIORS: Brayden Monnet, Wyatt Myhre, August VanHecke
SOPHOMORES: Robert Beisler, Bretten Coequyt, Brock Kremin, Ella Moorse
FRESHMEN: Dawson Dovre, Emerson Johnson
EIGHTH GRADERS: Thomas DeSmet, Carl Fier, Bradyn Hopper, Grady Jerzak, Cole Johnson, Jents Knutson, Blake Mead, Amadeus Molina, Samuel Myhre, Jaxton Scholten. Garrett Schuttler, Hudson Thostenson, Nolan Van Keulen, Gavin Wendt,
SEVENTH GRADERS: Greyson Dragstra, Jace Johnson, Mason Moorse, Landon Neyens, Bradley Remme, Jason Verly