TROY – Triad Trap Team Head Coach Bill Lawrence announced his retirement recently during the team’s annual banquet at the Edwardsville Gun Club, drawing a standing ovation from students, parents, coaches, alumni and supporters gathered at the clubhouse.
Lawrence is retiring after eight seasons with the program, including the last five as head coach of the Troy-based team. He said he is stepping away from the position mostly because he is turning 80.
“I am officially retiring as your Head Coach of the Triad Trap Team mostly because of turning 80,” Lawrence said at the annual banquet. “But I might show up a few nights just to be around coaches, parents, and the team students.”
Following the announcement, the crowd rose in recognition of Lawrence’s leadership and dedication to the team.
During his retirement speech, Lawrence reflected on his time with the program.
“Being a coach for Triad was one of the best things that has ever happened to me in my life,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence credited fellow coach Gary Marco for bringing him into the program eight years ago and thanked the coaching staff, team families and volunteers who supported the team.
Triad teams under Lawrence’s leadership earned multiple top finishes in shoot-offs and tournaments with honors.
Lawrence also expressed confidence in the program’s future.
“There’s a lot of talent coming up, and I think the future of this team is really strong,” he said earlier this spring.
The Triad Trap Team competes in the spring and fall high school trap leagues held at the Edwardsville Gun Club in Edwardsville, Illinois.
