Lincoln High trapshooting wins Division II state title at varsity and JV levels

The 2023 California Youth Shooting Sports Association Senior State Competition Shoot took place June 10 and June 11 in Stockton where the Lincoln High trapshooting team placed first in both the varsity and JV levels in Division II. "For both teams to step up and take the high five for state in our division was great and I feel like they were shooting to their potential," said Zebras coach Jason Hernandez. Lincoln High's varsity squad totaled 919 targets, beating out Sonora High, which finished at 914 while the JV squad totaled 853, beating out St. Mary's High by 21. Leading the Fighting Zebras on varsity was PJ Soto, who hit 191 out of 200 targets and tied for 22nd as an individual. Soto is also a football player at Lincoln High. "I was really excited with my performance because throughout the season, my scores just kept getting better and then I shot my best at Stockton," Soto said. "I feel like just being with my teammates and talking to them was able to calm me down and get my mind away from putting too much pressure on myself. I also feel like my coaches talking to me about everything to calm me down helped a lot as well." Soto was followed by Weston Simons, who hit 190 targets, while Alex Wisdom hit 185. Other varsity competitors included Jake Ellis, Julian Hernandez, Zoey Hatten, Emre Aube, Haleigh Martinez, Parker Rhinehart and Dylan Morales. The JV team was led by Clayton Watkins, who finished with 182 out of 200 targets to put himself in a tie for 21st out of all JV competitors. Following Watkins for the Zebras was Conor West, who hit 179 targets, while Aaron Espino hit 174. Other JV competitors for Lincoln High included Ethan Hawes, Aidan Flores, Kody Lowe, Anthony Patton and Isaiah Herrera. The Zebras will now prepare for the U.S. Open Competition Shoot in Las Vegas, Nevada that begins on July 11. Lincoln High will have between eight to 10 athletes competing. "Our goals are to continue to refine the skills and focus on the mental game," Hernandez said. "Our top shooters are all capable of shooting high scores. My overall goal is and always will be the same, to help shape young adults. My focus is to help them gain confidence in their abilities and the skills to face the adversity competing can challenge them with. I also believe we have a great chance to see some individual medals and to have a squad place."