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The University of Arkansas at Monticello is set to launch a trap shooting team in the fall 2025 semester.

Trap shooting, a shotgun sport where players shoot clay targets launched into the air from a spring trap machine, tests accuracy and reaction time. The sport helps develop discipline, teamwork and mental focus among participants.

The decision to establish a trap shooting team comes as part of UAM’s broader initiative to diversify its extracurricular activities and provide students with unique opportunities that encourage personal development, foster a sense of community and cultivate valuable life skills that extend beyond the classroom. With the increasing popularity of shooting sports at the collegiate level, UAM is excited to join other institutions that have successfully integrated trap shooting into their team offerings.

UAM Trap Shooting will practice weekly and compete in statewide competitions, including those organized by the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) and the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA).

“We are thrilled to bring trap shooting to UAM,” Chief John Kidwell, director of the University Police Department and team sponsor of UAM Trap Shooting, said. “We’re looking for students, especially duck and bird hunters, to join us. Trap shooting is gaining popularity across Arkansas, and we welcome high school competitors looking to continue to compete at the collegiate level to be part of our team.”

The team is currently seeking sponsors for various needs such as ammunition, team vests, clay targets and other essential equipment.

Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, stated, “We are excited to offer a new opportunity for our students to engage in a growing sport. The addition of a trap shooting team is another example of how UAM continues to provide diverse and dynamic extracurricular experiences that support our students’ personal growth and leadership development. We look forward to seeing how this new team will thrive and represent our university.”

UAM Trap Shooting representatives will be present at Weevil Welcome: College Preview Day on Monday, March 3, in the Gibson University Center on UAM’s Monticello campus to provide more information to interested high school juniors and seniors.

For more information on UAM Trap Shooting, contact Chief John Kidwell at 870-460-1083.