Meet The Coaches
Our dedicated coaches are here to help the athletes as they progress forward. They take safety seriously, work with each shooter individually, and know how to have fun. Enjoy reading the fictional Bios below.
Disclaimer: These biographies are 99% fiction, 1% gunpowder, and 100% fun.
Head Coach
Ed Koeller
Bio: Ed Koeller, the sharpshooting sage of the trap range, has been busting clay pigeons for a decade. With a double-barreled wit and a Stetson hat that’s seen more sunrises than a coyote on the prowl, Ed’s coaching style is as fun and as free spirited as a tumbleweed caught in a dust devil. He’s not just a coach; he’s a six-shooter of sarcasm, a pistolero of puns, and a revolver of rib-ticklers. 🎯 Experience: 🌟 10 years of tracking down elusive clay pigeons like a seasoned bounty hunter. 🌟 Quick draw adjustments to shooters’ stances, making them swifter than a sidewinder strike. 🌟 Sunset showdowns at the trap range, where the scoreboard reads like a saloon menu—extra points for hitting the bullseye and ordering a sarsaparilla. 🐎 Signature Move: When the trap field gets rowdy, Ed’s been known to unleash his secret weapon: “The Ricochet Riddle”—a mind-bending shooting drill that leaves competitors scratching their heads and their shotguns. 🎶 Anthem: His anthem? “Rawhide”, belted out during reloading breaks. When Ed steps up to the line, it’s like a hoedown at high noon, and the clay pigeons better watch out! So, partner, if you’re lookin’ for a head coach who can turn trap shooting into a hootenanny of hilarity, saddle up with Ed “Clay Pigeon Wrangler” Koeller. Yeehaw! 🤠🎯🌅 Disclaimer: This biography is 99% fiction, 1% gunpowder, and 100% fun.
Coach
Ken Karcher
Bio: In the dusty heart of the Midwest, where tumbleweeds gossip about wind patterns, Ken Kracher emerged from the smoke of spent shotgun shells. His story? A blend of sharpshooting prowess, cowboy swagger, and a penchant for turning clay pigeons into confetti. Early Years: Ken was born, so the legend goes, to a pair of shotgun-toting parents. His first words? “Pull!” And thus began his lifelong love affair with flying targets. At age five, he stole his grandma’s broomstick, fashioned it into a makeshift shotgun, and practiced on imaginary pigeons. Fast-forward to Ken’s teenage and adult years. He’d traded his broomstick for a real shotgun and a truckers hat. But trapshooting awards wasn’t enough. Ken craved adventure—the kind that involved more than clay pigeons, so he became a coach. The Great Shootout at High Noon Ken’s showdowns weren’t in dusty saloons but on trapshooting ranges. His adversaries? Not hardened desperados but shaky clays. Ken would squint into the sun, adjust his aviator shades, and say, “Draw, partner.” And then, like a caffeinated rattlesnake, he’d obliterate those clay pigeons. The crowd would gasp. The pigeons would disintegrate. And Ken? He’d tip his hat and ride off into the sunset (or the parking lot, depending on the time). The Legend Lives On Ken Kracher became a fixture at trapshooting events. His holster held shells instead of bullets, and his six-shooter was a sleek over under shotgun. Rumor has it that he once shot a clay pigeon while blindfolded, riding backward on a donkey. The crowd cheered, and Ken grinned. “Folks,” he’d say, “that’s how you make a pigeon say ‘uncle.’” Epilogue: The Last Stand As Ken aged (gracefully, of course), he hung up his spurs and retired to a cozy cabin overlooking the range. He’d sit on the porch, sipping lemonade, and regale visitors with tales of yesteryear. And so, dear reader, if you ever find yourself on a lonely range at dusk, listen carefully. You might hear the echo of Ken Kracher’s laughter, carried by the wind. And remember: Legends are born when shotguns meet clay pigeons, and trapshooting coaches become folk heroes. Disclaimer: This biography is 99% fiction, 1% gunpowder, and 100% fun. Any resemblance to actual trapshooting coaches is purely coincidental. Ken Kracher does not endorse donkey-riding marksmanship.
Coach
Mikayla Klaas
BIO: Mikayla Klaas, born in the rugged heart of the Missouri, was destined for greatness. From an early age of 10, Mikayla displayed an uncanny talent for marksmanship. She preferred the woods to the confines of their humble cabin, spending hours perfecting her aim with her father’s old rifle. Tragedy struck when Mikayla learned she was right-handed with a left eye dominant shooter. She was left to fend for herself as a one-eyed shooter. That changed when her father made her become left-handed when shooting. She worked hard to hone in her skills further, being left handed now. At the tender age of fifteen, Mikayla fully escaped the clutches of shooting right-handed. She now shoots with two eyes open and slings that shotgun up on her left side. Mikayla prowess with a firearm caught the attention of Mr. Katzenberger, the owner of the local gateway gun club. Mikayla’s clean shots—always using her left hand —made her highly sought after. With her constant smile on her face and winnings, she helped lead her team to many victories. Mikayla’s reputation spread far and wide as the smiling bandit with a deadly shot. She adopted the moniker “Hawk-Eye” for her unerring accuracy. When the famous traveling showman Frank E. Butler heard of her, he placed a bet that she could outshoot any local fancy shooter. Mikayla accepted the challenge with a smile on her face, and the crowd watched in awe as she shattered clay pigeons with ease. Butler, impressed, invited her to join the Gateway Gun Club Youth Shooters club. Under the big top, Mikayla dazzled audiences with her sharpshooting feats. She performed daring tricks, shooting targets while riding horseback or blindfolded. Her signature move was splitting playing cards in midair. The world marveled at this left-handed woman who could outshoot the best of them. Mikayla became a sensation, touring Europe and captivating royalty. Her name echoed from London to Paris, and she even performed for Queen Victoria herself. Mikayla “Hawk-Eye” Klaas retired from the college circuit but continued to teach her craft. She became a revered trap shooting coach for the same club she shot for. She is now passing down her wisdom to generations of sharpshooters. Her legacy lives on in the annals of sporting history, alongside Annie Oakley. Mikayla's motto—“Aim true, shoot straight”—still inspires those who step onto the firing line. ________________________________________ This biography is 99% fiction, 1% gunpowder, and 100% fun. Mikayla Klaas’s story mirrors that of Annie Oakley, blending determination, talent, and a touch of showmanship. Her impact on the world of trap shooting remains indelible, just like the bullet holes she left in her targets. 🌟🔫
Coach
Mitch Hoffman
Bio: Mitch Hoffman is a man of grit, forged in the crucible of shotgun ranges and the smell of gunpowder. His life story reads like a well-worn novel, each chapter etched with the echoes of clay pigeons shattering against the sky. Mitch Hoffman, Trap Shooting Coach Early Days and Unexpected Beginnings Mitch’s journey into the world of trap shooting was serendipitous. He wasn’t born with a shotgun in hand or a penchant for precision. No, his initiation came later, when his son stepped onto the trap field for the first time in 2011. The crack of the shotgun, the thrill of the chase—it hooked Mitch instantly. He became a silent observer, watching his son’s determination and passion unfold. From Novice to Olympian Aspirations Mitch’s transformation was swift. He immersed himself in the sport, devouring every nugget of knowledge like a hungry hawk. His path led him to the USA Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, where he honed his coaching skills under the watchful eyes of seasoned mentors. The thin air of the Rockies whispered secrets to him—the wind’s unpredictable dance, the geometry of trajectories, the rhythm of breaths before the trigger pull. The Head Coach Years In 2016, Mitch donned the mantle of head coach. His grizzled exterior masked a heart that beat in sync with every shooter on his team. He molded raw talent into polished marksmen, instilling discipline, focus, and camaraderie. The trap range became his cathedral, and the clays his congregation. His coaching philosophy? Precision, patience, and a dash of stubbornness. Five Clinics, Five Insights Mitch didn’t rest on laurels. He sought wisdom beyond the confines of his own experience. Five different shooting clinics—each a revelation. The old-timers shared their secrets—the way the sun kissed the barrel, the rhythm of a shooter’s heartbeat, the zen of follow-through. Mitch absorbed it all, weaving these threads into the tapestry of his coaching abilities. Legacy and Beyond As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows on the range, Mitch reflected on his legacy. His shooters had become champions, their medals glinting like promises kept. But Mitch knew there was more to give. He dreamed of nurturing the next generation, passing down the torch, and watching it blaze brighter than ever. So, if you find yourself on a dusty trap field, squinting against the sun, listen for the echo of Mitch’s voice. It’ll guide you through the smoke, the recoil, and the thrill of hitting that elusive clay. Because in the world of trap shooting, legends are made one shell at a time. Note: This semi factual and semi fictional bio is a tribute to all the dedicated trap shooting coaches out there, whose passion fuels the dreams of young marksmen. 🎯🌟
Coach
Matt Griffin
Soft-spoken yet lethal, Coach Matt “Whisper” Griffin is a coach for Gateway Gun Club Youth Trap Shooting team. His calm demeanor belies his deadly accuracy when those clay pigeons take flight. Background: Coach Griffin hails from the hills of Missouri, where his grandfather (a self practicing Monk) taught him patience and precision. His grandmother, with a steely gaze, ignited his love for trap shooting. The Soft Whisper: On the range, Coach Griffin voice barely rises above a murmur. He imparts wisdom like a sage, emphasizing breath control and focus. The Storm Unleashed: When pigeons are released, he transforms. His shotgun becomes an extension of his will. The air crackles with anticipation. Clay pigeons shatter, and Coach Griffin’s excitement bubbles beneath the surface. Contained Enthusiasm: His soft-spoken cheers echo across the field. He high-fives students, mindful of not overwhelming them. His legacy? Trophies and whispered tales of his prowess. So, listen for the soft-spoken voice—it might be Coach Matt “Whisper” Griffin, ready to unleash his storm, one clay pigeon at a time. 🎯🔫🕊️
Coach
John Davis
Bio: John “The Machine” Davis: A motorcycle enthusiast, trap shooting coach, and a man of many talents. With four years of experience under his belt, John has honed his skills and passion for coaching shooters to perfection. Let’s delve into the intriguing life of this modern-day Daniel Boone: Background: Born and raised on a farm in Missouri, John’s roots run deep in the heart of the countryside. His upbringing instilled in him a love for the outdoors, adventure, and the thrill of the open road. Motorcycle Maverick: When he’s not coaching trap shooting, you’ll find John straddling his trusty motorcycle, wind in his hair, and the horizon stretching out before him. The rumble of the engine is his symphony, and the winding roads are his canvas. Trap Shooting Guru: John’s expertise extends to the world of trap shooting. He’s not just a coach; he’s a mentor who imparts wisdom, technique, and precision to his students. Whether it’s skeet shooting or sporting clays, John’s eagle eye and steady hand guide aspiring marksmen toward excellence. Culinary Adventurer: But John’s talents don’t stop there. He’s a culinary maverick too. Armed with his trusty smoker, he transforms freshly caught fish into mouthwatering delicacies. And the secret ingredient? His bear hands—literally! John’s bear-like grip ensures that every cut of meat is seasoned to perfection. Modern-Day Daniel Boone: Like the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone, John Davis embodies the spirit of exploration, self-reliance, and fearlessness. He’s not afraid to blaze new trails, whether it’s on the shooting range or in the great outdoors. So, if you’re ever at a trap shooting range and spot a leather-clad figure with a twinkle in his eye, that’s John “The Machine” Davis. A man who lives life on his terms, fueled by adrenaline, and unafraid to chase adventure wherever it leads. 🏍️🎯🔥
Club Treasurer
Sherry Peaslee
Bio: Sherry “Dollar Bill” Peaslee is our sharpshooting Treasurer who doesn’t just hit pigeons with ammo; she takes them down financially. Armed with spreadsheets and calculators, Sherry turns every budget meeting into a high-stakes showdown. Her favorite targets? Line items that dare to overspend. When asked about her secret weapon, Sherry winks and says, “Forget clay pigeons—I aim for those pesky expense reports!” Achievements: Top Marksman in Excel Formulas Gold Medalist in Budget Balancing Master of the “Profit & Loss” Shotgun Motto: “Shoot first, ask for receipts later.”