Leonidas Neifert, 15, won seven awards at the Pennsylvania State Trap Shooting Competition, held from June 8 to 16 at the Pennsylvania State Shotgunning Association complex in Elysburg.

The rising 10th-grader at Manheim Central High School has only been trap shooting since in February when on a whim, he decided try the activity with four other Manheim Central students. Leonidas started trap shooting at an introductory program at the Palmyra Sportsman Association, and he was hooked.

He joined the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) and began working toward being able to compete in the state event. To compete at the state level without receiving a penalty, participants must shoot 1,500 registered targets in singles competition and 1,500 registered targets in handicap competitions prior to the state events. Leonidas took part in his first registered shoot on Feb. 18, achieving his first 50 targets needed.

In a singles competition, participants shoot from five different angled positions that are 16 yards from the trap house. In a handicap competition, each participant's distance from the trap house is based on his or her skill level. Leonidas is currently shooting from the 20-yard line, and he hopes to someday earn the distance of 27 yards.

Leonidas was the sub-junior champion in the Bradford Gun Club Single, where he shot 98 of 100 targets; the South End Gun Club Handicap, shooting 92 of 100 targets; and the Elysburg Handicap, shooting 92 of 100 targets.

He was the Academic, Integrity, Marksmanship (AIM) sub-junior champion runner-up in the Stephanie Wrisley Handicap, taking down 91 of 100 targets. AIM is the official youth program of the ATA.

He was also the sub-junior champion runner-up in the Krieghoff Handicap, shooting 85 of 100 targets. His participation in the Krieghoff event included a shoot-off with three other competitors.

In the Pennsylvania State Singles Championship, he took down 191 of 200 targets, making him the Class D champion. In the Pennsylvania State Handicap Championship, he shot 91 of 100 targets and was the sub-junior champion runner-up.

During the week, Leonidas was also able to shoot 75 clay birds in a row.

Leonidas has learned that competing in trap shooting sports is more of a mental game than a physical one. He also noted that trap shooting is an inclusive activity. He hopes that someday there will be a team in Manheim.

Leonidas plans to compete in the Maryland State Shooting Competition from June 26 to 30.