(Senior Alexis Clemons and her mentor Ted Mager/Holley Rod and Gun Club Director)
Junior trap shooter Alexis Clemons will spend the first half of her season shooting from her wheelchair.
With the help of her coaches and mentor Ted Mager, Clemons has been adapting to it.
“All we do is have her try her best,” says coach Troy Kingdollar.
“We are working with her to get her angled so she can shoot full motion.”
Alexis takes the arms off the wheelchair while she shoots her two sets of 25. Thursday was opening day of the fall league and Clemons hopes to continue to be ranked 2nd or 3rd in the NYS Clay Target League.
“The lower body does not matter too much,” says Clemons.
“When I am sitting I am under the bird while I am shooting.”
Clemons underwent knee surgery over the summer because her knee kept popping out of joint. She can’t walk at all and has to stay off of it. She hopes to be able to stand again half way through the six week season.
“She was a little rusty last week, she is getting the hang of it, I think she will do a lot better,” says Sandra Amedick, Clemons grandmother.
Clemons has had to give up playing volleyball, basketball and softball this year.
Besides practicing and competing for her high school trap team, Clemons is part of an adult league at the Holley Rod and Gun Club and has traveled to other states to keep sharp during the winter.
“It teaches you how to use a shotgun, its a basic necessity for safety and it teaches communications and social skills. It’s fun. I would be very offended if anyone tried to take this away from me. It’s just something I really love. We are kind of like a big family, we teach each other different things and we encourage each other to do better.”
There are 17 boys and girls on the Holley High School team this year. Students in grades 8-12 are welcome to participate.
Spring league sign ups are in January with competition staring in April.
To sign up or get more information, visit the Holley Rod and Gun Club at 4189 Pumping Station road in Holley.
For more information on the league link below.