First win brings new optimism about upcoming season.
photo by Mia Nogueiro
Last Thursday the Spartan Air Rifle Team won their first match against North High School, winning 856 to 825. Senior and Battalion Commander Brianna Dodson was excited to win after losing to Montebello High School in their first match. “It felt great to win, but we still have a long ways to go,” said Dodson, who tallied the second highest score in the match with a total of 216, after Senior Pedro Perez who scored a 227. Other members of the Air Rifle team include Junior Matan Edri, newcomer Sophomore Travis Lafferty, and Senior Andrew Wesch.
Air rifle matches are conducted in three phases: prone (laying down), off-standing (standing), and kneeling. Targets are precisely 10 meters away from the shooters, and team members must shoot 20 points prone, 20 points standing, and 15 points kneeling. The lowest scores of individual players are automatically dropped, leaving the four highest scores to determine the winning team.
Despite the team’s rocky start in their first match, JROTC instructor and rifle team Coach Master Sergeant Brian Wyatt was very proud of the win. “Even with a rifle malfunction they were still able to beat North High School,” said MSG Wyatt.
“It’s awesome having one of the best coaches in DPS,” said Perez. “I feel that I’ve joined the top rated group of shooters, while receiving great coaching tips from a teacher who has great shooting skills and knowledge.”
First-year team member Dodson and three-year shooter Perez have already lettered in the sport and hope to continue polishing their skills for the next away match against rival Lincoln High School this Thursday, October 8th. Despite MSG Wyatt being Lincoln’s old JROTC instructor and air rifle team coach, he maintained a competitive spirit throughout the entire process and wasn’t fazed at all. “I’m looking forward to challenging myself,” said Dodson. “And bringing home a trophy of course.”
