Ben Smolen is a trap coach for the Baldwin Trap Team. Smolen and other coaches have created a successful team and a great environment for shooters.

Q: What got you interested in coaching Trap?

“My daughter Briley showed some interest in shooting trap. They need more coaches to help kids in the shooting sports”

Q: What has coaching taught you?

“To have the patience that all kids don’t pick it up as quickly as others”

Q: What keeps you motivated to coach?

“Helping kids with the fundamentals of shooting helps build confidence, and seeing them improve and break their PB scores.”

Q: What can shooting Trap help teach kids?

“It takes hard work and focus on every target to get a perfect score. Which is 25 targets. Teaches them to be disciplined, work on their stances every shot matters. They need to put in the work if they want to improve.  Have to block out distractions and focus on their shot.”

Q: How long have you been a coach?

“3 seasons now.”

Q: Do you shoot?

“I do but not much now. Just more hunting for duck and geese.”

Q: How did the fall season of Trap do?

“Fall season did well. A lot of the kids got their personal best of the year and a few got their first 25 straight.”

Q: What are your hopes for the spring season and state?

“I hope the team will grow this spring with more shooters and for all the kids to improve there’s skills. Hope we have a big turnout for the state tournament this spring.”