On Wednesday November 12^th, the Linganore rifle team met for its second practice that week. Each shooter shot their best, in preparation for their next competition on November 22^nd. Much of the team will not participate, due to a drill meet happening on the same day. Winning this competition will depend on NJROTC novice shooters.

“We have a really strong team this year. We have two set teams of high caliber cadets. One novice team, one veteran team, which is standard,” said Bobby Milburn, NJROTC Cadet Commanding Officer.  Ordinarily, Milburn would shoot at this match, and he is the highest ranked shooter on the team.

At the first competition, in early November,  many of the novice shooters shot above the  average of most novice shooters, including one who lasted in the “guts match.” Junior Melanie Edgar had to shoot while the audience shouted and made distracting noise.

Competition shooting itself is a skill.  It’s different than recreational shooting. It requires focus, form, relaxation, and steadiness. But it’s not all just about the shooting.

“You meet people at the competitions. You also make friends on the team, so it’s not just all shooting. It’s also the social aspect,” said PJ Hinch.

“It takes a lot of focus, helps you with your school work, and it increases self-esteem, ” said Commander Lane.  Lane is in charge of the rifle team and has taken competitors to national ranking meets in past.

Area Five (the Maryland, Virginia region) is one of the most competitive rifle team areas in the nation. Last year the LHS Air Rifle team placed first in the Maryland state NRA championships and had two shooters place. Though the team has started off well, only one shooter has been on the team for more than two years. Commander Lane insists that the only way for the rifle team to get better this year is to simply practice more.

The Linganore air rifle team is one of the three teams that the NJROTC program has to offer. They meet weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30-4:30.