In the world of competitive clay target shooting, few young
athletes are rising through the ranks as quickly and impressively as Xavier
Trask. At just 12 years old, Xavier has already made a name for himself in both
SCTP (Scholastic Clay Target Program) and NSCA (National Sporting Clays
Association) circuits. Hailing from Walton County, Georgia, Xavier’s journey is
a testament to his dedication, passion for the sport, and the unwavering
support of his family and coaches.
Beginnings in Clay Shooting
Xavier’s story begins when he was just 9 years old, following in the footsteps of his older brother who had competed on the same SCTP team, the Muddy Road Shotgun Team, during his high school years. Inspired by his brother and driven by his own competitive spirit, Xavier joined the team, which has served as a springboard for many professional shooters.
Xavier reflects on those early days, saying, "I got
started shooting through my SCTP team, the Muddy Road Shotgun Team. My older
brother shot on the team when he was in high school, and I have followed in his
footsteps." With his brother as an early role model, Xavier’s passion for
shooting quickly grew, and it became clear that he possessed a natural talent
for the sport.
Photo Credit: Alysia Corbett, Joy Trask, Joy Trask
Achievements and Growth in Competition
Since those early days, Xavier has amassed an impressive
list of achievements, many of which would be remarkable for shooters well
beyond his age. His performance at the SCTP events has been a steady rise, with
multiple podium finishes and a particularly noteworthy 5th place finish at the
SCTP Nationals competition in sporting clays in July for his class. Xavier
describes his success with humility, stating, "I was the GA state SCTP HOA
champion for rookie status the year before last, and this past year I also did
well with SCTP, making the podium at multiple events."
However, it wasn’t just SCTP where Xavier excelled. He also participated in the 4-H shotgun team for the first time this past year. Competing at the junior level (middle school), he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His standout achievements include becoming the Georgia 4-H junior individual modified trap state champion and winning the overall highest combined score (HOA) for sporting clays, trap, and skeet for all middle school shooters in the state.
One of Xavier's most impressive feats was his dominance at the GA 4-H annual target challenge weekend. As the youngest shooter in the state to ever win both the junior individual HOA and the state championship in modified trap, he demonstrated a level of composure and skill beyond his years. Xavier recalls the excitement of the event, sharing, "I was the youngest junior shooter, and the only 6th grader, in the state to have ever won both competitions."
In addition to his success with SCTP and 4-H, Xavier has also been competing in NSCA sporting clays tournaments. Over the past two years, he has quickly advanced through the ranks, progressing from D class to B class, with his sights set firmly on A class and eventually Master Class. For Xavier, shooting at the highest level in the NSCA is one of his primary goals. "I hope to make it to Master Class and be able to compete at that high level," he says, with the determination of a seasoned competitor.
Photo Credit: Joy Trask
The Importance of Mentorship
Behind every successful young athlete is a team of dedicated
mentors, and Xavier’s journey is no different. His progression in the sport has
been guided by a number of influential coaches and supporters who have helped
him hone his skills and develop both on and off the field. Xavier is quick to
acknowledge the pivotal role these mentors have played, particularly Jesse and
Ashley Weaver, his head coaches for SCTP and 4-H.
"Jesse and Ashley have taken me under their wing on my shooting journey," Xavier says. "They’ve helped me learn to shoot trap, skeet, and sporting clays, but more importantly, they’ve taught me to be a leader and show good sportsmanship." For Xavier, the lessons extend beyond technique; they’ve helped him grow as a person, emphasizing the importance of humility, leadership, and being a positive influence on others.
In addition to the Weavers, Xavier credits other coaches for specific aspects of his training. Dan Stephens played a significant role in coaching him during the 4-H modified trap season, guiding him to the state championship win, while Kris Price worked with Xavier on his skeet shooting, helping him achieve a perfect round at the SCTP Nationals.
But it’s not just professional coaches who have been
instrumental in Xavier’s journey. His father has been a constant source of
support and guidance, coaching him and helping him reach his goals along the
way. Family is central to Xavier’s shooting life, whether it’s spending time at
the range with his father or hunting with his grandfather.
Photo Credit: Joy Trask
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The Path Forward: Challenges and Ambitions
Despite his impressive list of accomplishments, Xavier remains focused on continual improvement and growth. One of the biggest challenges he faces, like many competitive athletes, is mastering the mental aspect of the game. "Overcoming the mental game is one of the largest challenges that I am still working on," Xavier admits. "It’s something that evolves in each tournament that I shoot. Consistently maintaining focus and tuning out distraction is also something that I have to work on."
His drive to overcome these challenges speaks volumes about his character. Xavier is not one to back down from difficult situations; instead, he embraces them as opportunities to grow. His goal of shooting a perfect round of sporting clays, which he has come close to achieving, serves as a perfect metaphor for his dedication and refusal to settle. "I know that achieving these goals will take a lot of hard work on my part," he explains. "But that is part of what makes it fun."
Xavier’s ambitions for the future are clear. In addition to his goal of reaching Master Class in NSCA, he hopes to be an HOA champion for both SCTP and 4-H. His pursuit of excellence is matched by a genuine love for the sport and the camaraderie it brings. "I have met so many great people through this sport that I am now proud to call my friends," he says, emphasizing the strong sense of community that clay target shooting fosters.
The Tools of the Trade
Like any competitive shooter, Xavier understands the importance of having the right equipment. Over the years, he’s upgraded his gear to keep pace with his growing skill level. Xavier recalls starting with a youth model 20 gauge Yildiz shotgun, which he quickly outgrew. He then moved to a 12 gauge C-Z Redhead Deluxe before ultimately upgrading to his current shotgun, a custom TSK-stocked Beretta A400, which he acquired with the help of Pedro at Cole’s Fine Guns.
"This gun has really helped as it has been able to accommodate me as I grow," Xavier explains. The custom fit of the stock, combined with a full set of gold Comp-n-Choke chokes, has made the Beretta a crucial component of his continued success. "Gun fit is a really important aspect of shooting, and having a gun that continues to fit me as I grow really helps."
When it comes to ammunition, Xavier is equally particular,
preferring Fiocchi shells with a fast velocity, particularly the 1oz, #8
Fiocchi spreaders for skeet and Fiocchi crushers for trap and sporting clays.
Reliability and consistency are key factors in his choice of ammo, and Fiocchi
has never let him down.
Photo Credit: Joy Trask
Beyond Shooting
While shooting is clearly Xavier’s passion, it’s not the only thing that defines him. He’s an honors student who consistently maintains good grades, balancing his academic life with the demands of competition. His determination and commitment extend to all areas of his life, whether it’s helping others or striving for excellence in school.
Xavier also enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting deer, hogs, and ducks with his father and grandfather. His love for the outdoors complements his shooting, as both require patience, skill, and focus.
As he looks ahead to the future, Xavier remains open to new
opportunities, including potential sponsorships that could help him further his
career in clay target shooting. For now, though, he’s focused on continuing to
improve, compete, and enjoy the sport he loves.
Advice for New Shooters
For those just starting out in clay target shooting, Xavier offers simple but important advice: "You can’t improve if you aren’t practicing. But most importantly, keep having fun with it, because that is the whole point of shooting."
Xavier’s love for the sport is evident in everything he
does. His determination, combined with a natural talent and the guidance of
great coaches, makes him a rising star to watch in the world of sporting clays.
With his sights set on even greater achievements, the future looks bright for
this young shooter from Walton County.
