It takes a great deal of skill to compete as a marksman on the Madison High School Air Rifle team. The challenges are as much mental as they are physical. These cadets are calm, patient, determined and disciplined.
Now, after months of hard work, they’re preparing to compete in the Civilian Marksmanship Program at the 2022 National Three-Position Air Rifle Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio.
“Our season lasts all year long,” said Lieutenant Colonel Scott Koast. “We start in August and our goal is to compete at nationals in the summer so that’s 10 months of practice and competitions and dedication from them. I can point out the path to them but they have to walk down it. And they have. I’m extremely proud of this group.”
The team is led by recent Madison graduate Kaden Harris. He believes joining the JROTC program turned him into a leader who will go into life after graduation with confidence.
“I’ve learned so much about myself in JROTC and the air rifle team. It’s all about your mentality and the way you approach things. I’m much more disciplined and organized now.”
This is the third national-level competition the Madison Air Rifle team has qualified for over the past two years, in addition to receiving a national ranking.
Good luck to Kaden, Emily Caldwell, Marcie Mehau and Adrian Gonzales!
