JROTC rifle team places fourth nationally among all services

Webb City JROTC’s top rifle team went back to Camp Perry, Ohio, over spring break to compete nationally – not just against other Army units but the best also from the Navy, Air Force and Marines.

When the five-day competition among the 28 teams (seven best from each service) ended, the team of Aleena Arias, Johnathon Tatum, Katelyn Miller and Lilly Othick placed fourth overall in the nation.

Also, Abigail Riggs qualified for the championships as an individual in the precision category. This was the first year that Webb City competed in that category.

Two cadets, Aleena Arias and Katelyn Miller, received Gold Junior Distinguished Masksmanship Badges from the Civilian Marksmanship Program. The badges are awarded to air rifle shooters who distinguish themselves by attaining a series of high rankings in designated major junior air rifle championships. “Bottom line, they have to shoot really well over a long period of time (3-4 years) in order to get enough points to qualify,” said Lt. Col. Dustin Elder, senior army instructor. “These badges are numbered and only about 1,800 have been given… ever.”

Elder noted Webb City and the other 27 teams had risen to the top of more than 3,000 JROTC programs throughout the country. He proudly said his cadets “reacted with poise and focus” at such a high level. “It was a great season and I’m very proud of these kids!”