NATIONAL CHAMPION

JENNA THOMPSON FOUND HER CALLING

By Kamryn Hellman

is the thrill of a lifetime.”

Jenna Thompson, president of Bismarck State College’s trapshooting team and USA College Clay Target League (USA CCTL) national champion, is always excited to talk about trap.

“My experience on the BSC Mystics Clay Dusters has been such an eyeopening experience,” she says. “Trap

Thompson shot a perfect 50 to finish out the Fall 2020 season, leading the Mystic Clay Dusters to win the USA CCTL Conference 1A-1 National Trap Title. Her average of 23.1 landed her the top female individual spot in the conference, an achievement that both surprised and delighted her. “I am proud of being a National Female Champion. I never thought I would get to this point in my shooting career.”

She has been practicing and competing for five years. “I got started shooting trap my freshman year of high school with a little push from my dad,” she says. “I wasn’t a huge fan of other sports. When I started shooting trap, I found my calling.” Thompson competed for Mandan High School, and after graduating, she become one of the inaugural members of the BSC team. “I was only able to get to this point because of my amazing coaches throughout high school and meeting my fellow BSC teammates.”

Those teammates have been the backbone of her college experience so far. Shooting trap helped give her a sense of belonging at BSC. “I was unsure about going into college and meeting new people, but the Mystics Clay Dusters made it all worthwhile.”

The team started competing just in time for the USA CCTL registration deadline. Thompson says they worked hard to grow together as a team. “It has become such a fun time going out to shoot with new people and becoming closer with each week we shoot. I am so grateful to have met my amazing teammates who stood by my side each week.”

Thompson enjoys the atmosphere of comradery that comes with competing in what she calls a lifetime sport. “When I go out to shoot, I am always supported by my teammates and coaches. It is such a great environment to be in, with all positive attitudes.”

She’s looking forward to passing on the skills she’s learned to the next generation of trap shooters. “I am currently a coach for younger high school students, and it is just as great as I thought it would be,” Thompson says. “This sport is for anyone who knows their way around a gun and is looking for new experiences.”

To learn more about the Mystics Clay Dusters visit bismarckstate.edu/getinvolved.