Ritzville's Hayes Hennings heads to national trap shooting competition

RITZVILLE - Heading into his junior year of high school at Lind-Ritzville, Hayes Hennings is already making a name for himself on the national stage.

On July 14 through 20, Hennings will represent Washington at the national trap shooting competition in Rock Springs, Wyo., through the National High School Rodeo Association. He is the current state champion for Washington.

"I'm really proud of him," Hayes's mother Michelle Hennings said. "When he puts his mind to setting goals, he works really hard to get where he wants to go. As parents, Scott and I are really proud of the hard work he's put in."

Each trap shoot during the regular season, there is a round of 25 birdies and the shooter who hits the most gets 10 points. Hayes got most of the wins throughout the season and ended up with the most points, making him state champion.

Hennings said he mainly focuses on himself and how he can be the best shooter for each competition.

"I just remember the fundamentals, where the skeet placement is and how I approach each position on the trap house," Hennings said. "I make sure not to worry about anyone else, so I don't get nervous, and be as calm as I can while shooting."

While Hennings has been shooting in competition for the past two years, he has been learning the sport for most of his life. He has his parents to thank for that.

"My parents were the main ones who got me into it," Hennings said. "In Ritzville, we have a gun club and they've been shooting there my whole life. They got me into it when I was younger, so I've been doing it my whole life."

Hennings said the thing he enjoys most about trap shooting is the competitiveness of the sport as he loves competing against other people.

There are about 20 other high schoolers locally that Hennings competes against, but when he gets to nationals there will be a much bigger field and more disciplined competition. But that won't faze him as he has one goal in mind.

"His goal is to win it," Michelle Hennings said. "We're really excited to go and that he is representing Washington."