csantee@journalnet.com

POCATELLO - All-American trapshooter Shawn Cahoon has risen to the top of his sport in the three years since he first took aim at a clay pigeon.

But the Highland High School sophomore has his sights set on even loftier targets.

Shawn hopes to one day make the U.S. Olympic team and to earn a spot in the Idaho Trap Shooting Hall of Fame.

"I go out there and do my best. I try not to think about anything or anyone around me. I'm 100 percent focused," Shawn said of his mind-set when competing.

In addition to making the All-American second team last August, Shawn has participated in a shotgun shooting development program at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. He has competed in Idaho, Utah, Montana, Washington, Wyoming and at the world's top tournament in Illinois.

Based on his successes, he was featured in February's edition of Trap and Field magazine.

Shawn's grandfather, Gary, introduced him and his father, Dee, to the sport at the same time.

"He's just a little bit more successful than me. OK, a lot more," Dee quipped. "It's certainly a proud feeling. He's learning a lot about respect and discipline and goal-setting."

In fact, Shawn, a member of the Clay Dusters trapshooting club based in Brigham City, Utah, won his first competitive shoot in Twin Falls a few months after he picked up the sport.

He now competes in the junior category, which is for 16- to 18-year-olds.

When he's not firing at targets, Shawn enjoys playing football and hopes to play for Highland's defending state championship team next school year.