There’s a new team in town practicing the right to bear arms, and they have a retired local dentist to thank for that. 

On April 25, 2024, Powell High School [PHS] granted permission for the new clay target team to use the name Powell Panthers in the Wyoming State High School Clay Target League. This approval officially created the team. However, they are not sponsored by the school nor receive any funding. 

That’s where Head Coach Dr. Larry Akin, a former local dentist, came forward to volunteer. 

“The hope and desire nationwide is to someday have this sport become an official school-sponsored sport just like the other sports are,” Dr. Akin said. “Fun is the second goal. We want every student-athlete to be accepted and encouraged by their teammates. We will not tolerate any bullying, intimidation, nor harassment of any [kind].”

Expectations for anyone who aspires to participate in this program are immensely important due to the safety of all athletes. Park County School District 1’s academic policy falls on the contributors as well as their official participation agreement. 

The ability to handle a firearm cautiously is enforced by requiring coaches to sign off on a safe range day form for every student-athlete on their team. Without the signoff, the competitors will not be allowed to engage in the activity.

“I think all the safety stuff is great,” sophomore Dakota Erickson said. “You have to do the NRA certification program, just go out to the range and prove that you are capable of handling a gun.”

Player safety is a priority at PHS, so going the extra measures to ensure all contestants will be taken care of is crucial.

The expansion of clay target teams across the country is nothing short of impressive. Its popularity continues to grow as time goes on.

“Nationwide, this is the fastest growing high school sport and also the 7th largest high school sport,” Dr. Akin said. “This is 100% co-ed and even includes youth with disabilities as long as they can safely operate a shotgun.”

The Panthers’ fall season concluded in November; on the other hand, their time in the spotlight will resume in March as the plants begin to bloom again. There will be an informational meeting on Feb. 9 for those interested in participating, and practice will begin on Mar. 30, with the first competition taking place on Apr. 20.

“I would absolutely recommend the team to all students,” junior Brooklyn Neves said. “I expect that the team will continue to grow in numbers and improve the individual shooter’s scores.”

On top of the hopes for progression in scoring, the ultimate expectation for everyone on the team is to be encouraging to their fellow marksmen and to have an enjoyable time.

“We want every member of the team to be supportive of each other and to help each other improve their marksmanship,” Dr. Akin said. “When our student-athletes break more clay targets, they naturally have more fun.”