Trap Shooting Club on Hold at Massena Central School

Low student interest puts plans for new team on pause

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Despite hopes of starting a trap shooting team at Massena Central School, plans are on hold due to low interest from student athletes. The proposal to start the team came from the Massena Rod and Gun Club, but Athletic Director Gavin Regan said the school hasn't had any students express interest in joining.

Why it matters

Trap shooting teams have been started at several nearby schools in recent years, offering students an opportunity to participate in a unique sport. However, the initiative to start a team at Massena Central appears to be stalling due to a lack of student interest.

The details

The Massena Rod and Gun Club brought a proposal to the school board to start a trap shooting team, similar to programs at other local schools. However, Athletic Director Gavin Regan said the school hasn't had any athletes, even on the existing rifle team, express interest in starting a trap team. Transportation of firearms to and from the school is also a key logistical challenge that needs to be addressed.

  • The proposal to start a trap shooting team was brought to the school board at the end of last year.

The players

Greg Yateman

President of the Massena Rod and Gun Club, who brought the proposal to start a trap shooting team to the school board.

Gavin Regan

Athletic Director at Massena Central School, who said the school hasn't had any students express interest in joining a trap shooting team.

Timothy Hayes

Retired Massena Central Athletic Director, who felt the trap shooting program could be a good fit for the school and offer benefits for student-athletes.

Ron Burke

Superintendent of Massena Central School.

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What they’re saying

“I haven't had one athlete, even on our rifle team, say, 'Hey, I want to start a trap team,'”

— Gavin Regan, Athletic Director (northcountrynow.com)

“I just think it's a good program to be looking into. When I went to Parishville after I was here, we started one there. It engages some kids that aren't involved in anything else. It gives kids an opportunity that are involved in sports here to have an interest in that, to still be involved even though they're involved in sports already.”

— Timothy Hayes, Retired Athletic Director (northcountrynow.com)

What’s next

The school and Massena Rod and Gun Club will continue discussions on how to address the logistical challenges and generate more student interest in starting a trap shooting team.

The takeaway

While nearby schools have successfully launched trap shooting programs, Massena Central is facing hurdles in generating enough student interest and addressing transportation concerns for firearms. The school remains open to the idea, but will need to see more enthusiasm from athletes before moving forward.