Rifle team prepares for competition

The rifle team is set to compete Jan.15 to 17, in the South Alabama Rifle League at Fort Rucker near Dothan, Alabama. They are currently competing in postal competitions once a week against other high schools in North Alabama. In the late spring, they will also compete in the North Alabama Rifle League in Anniston, Alabama.

The postal competitions continue for a total of 12 weeks. The varsity one team is currently undefeated (6-0) and leading North Alabama. If they win all of the weekly postal competitions, the team will be deemed the champions of North Alabama and will host next year’s competitions. Fort Payne is this year’s host.

The rifle team practices two-and-a-half to three hours per week year round. Rifle team instructor First Sergeant Walter Jones, feels the team is extremely prepared for competition because of their dedication and performance during practices.

“Practice is key in shooting to keep improving on little details that can result in a few extra points,” senior rifle team member Lauren Fagen said.

Jones sees the hard work and dedication his cadets exhibit when looking at past scores and placings. He has faith that his cadets will live up to his expectations at the coming competitions.

“Sparkman kids, the special cadets, do not like coming in second to anyone.They love being number one. They accept nothing less,” Jones said.

Over the past three years the rifle team has won trophies, medals, medallions and a sense of pride in competing through their placement at competitions. The team looks forward to this year’s competitions because of their past successes.

“I have a great feeling this year. We came in third place the first year, second place the second year,” Jones said. “This being the third year, we look forward to taking first place.”

Despite what place they earn at competitions, Jones says his cadets always have good sportsmanship and respectfully accept their placings.

“They learn how to take things in stride whether they come in first place, second place or third place,” Jones said. “They learn to take defeat and how to accept accomplishment with pride.”

Fagan says going to competitions brings nerves and dread because she does not want to make a bad shot, but her love for the rifle team stretches farther than just a few jitters. With competing as well as practice, she has realized that the team must be willing to learn and work on self-improvement for further accomplishments.

“I have learned to hold my composure better and to just keep going,” Fagen said. “Going to competitions is also really exciting because I love being with my team. My team is my family.”