VIENNA — Vienna Future Farmers of America (FFA) Trap Team turned in a strong performance against 20 competitive teams on Oct. 4 at the Area Trap Shoot hosted by the Vienna Gun Club.

The sound of gun fire echoed across County Road 331 during the perfect fall weather that provided occasional gusty winds. The Vienna A Team claimed a fourth-place finish in the crowded field, while the B Team came in seventh and the C Team finished 15th overall. Leading the way was shooter Nolan Baker, who tied with a couple other competitors for third place in top shooter standings. After a tense tiebreaker round, Baker finished as the fourth highest shooter overall and earned the title of top shooter for Vienna with an impressive score of 47 out of 50.

Baker’s focus helped set the tone for the A Team, joined by Max Keeran, Bentley Haller, Gage Davis and Holden Higbie. Keeran, who was Vienna’s top shooter the previous week, finished this time with a solid 40 out of 50.

“Today I shot alright but the speed and the wind played a factor today,” Keeran said. “The wind made it hard but I’m sure I’ll be shooting better next week. We have districts, so hopefully I’ll shoot a 50 out of 50 then.”

Vienna’s B Team included Ethan Klorppel, Evan Simmons, Paul Welschmeyer, Peyton Backues and Gage Curtis, while the C Team lineup featured Dillion Hollis, Mason Backues, Austin Bax, Jaxon Gorman and Clay Kurler. Each group contributed to the team’s overall standing in a meet packed with talent from across the area.

Rounding out the roster is Vienna’s D Team, represented solely by Hayven Holterman, the only girl on the squad this season. New to the sport, Holterman said she joined to try something different and hasn’t looked back since.

“It feels good actually,” Holterman said. “I thought there were gonna be more girls, but there’s not. I’m glad I tried it out because I feel like this is a good thing to do. I just started trap shooting and I’m gonna keep up with it.”

For many of Vienna’s shooters, Saturday’s competition offered a mix of challenge and excitement, with shifting winds and fast-moving targets. The results reflect steady progress across the roster, as the team continues building momentum heading into the district shoot next week.