Did you know we had a rifle team?

Not many students here at WS do. They are even one of the best teams around, ending the season with four wins. Our total of 21 shooting Spartans only shares sheer passion for their sport.

“I like how it’s a combination of mental and physical aspects,” said sophomore captain Ginny Thrasher.

Thrasher’s mother, Valerie Thrasher, is one coach of the team who leads them to success in various competitions. As various people do not expect, shooting is complex and requires focus.

“Competition is stressful because of the pressure, but it’s also rewarding because you get results and it’s a good feeling…I love to win,” said Ginny.

Just like any other sport, the rifle team is competitive, enthusiastic, and dedicated.

“We practice one day a week as a team, and matches are one to three times a week,” said Ginny.

Although their practice schedule is not as rigorous as sports that practice every week day, individual members are expected to practice on their own. When Spartan rifle team members rise above the rest, they are individually invited to more prestigious events.

The Palmyra Invitational is such an event and was held on January 27^th this year. It is incredibly difficult because of the amount of shots that are fired from a standing position, and a total of seven Spartans made the trip up to Pennsylvania for it, including Ginny, senior Kevin Murphy, junior John Kiene, sophomore Amy Vanden Berge and sophomore Jordan Miller.

“The course of fire is six standing targets, which is 60 shots, and every shot is like a match,” said Ginny.

Physical strength is certainly a component of shooting, but even as every shot is fired, it is even more difficult to keep your head in the game.

With your muscles aching after every shot, another mental factor plays in if you look around: intimidation.

“You never know who’s next to you…it could even be an Olympian,” said Ginny, who ended up shooting an impressive 560 out of 600 at the event.