The Granbury MCJROTC Rifle Team accomplished an incredible feat at the 2024 National Marine Corps Service National Championships in Sandy, Utah. They won their seventh consecutive Service Championship with exceptional teamwork and skill and brought home the Director's Trophy.
On Day 1, the team showed their determination and perseverance by taking an early lead with an impressive aggregate score of 2351 over the competition. Team 1 was on fire, with each member displaying their exceptional marksmanship skills. Meanwhile, Team 2 also showed great promise, scoring 2311 and ranking 3rd. The freshmen shooters on Team 3 also displayed remarkable determination in their first national match, ranking 10th on the first day. The team's focus and determination were evident from the beginning, setting the tone for the rest of the competition.
On Day 2, the team was more focused than ever on winning. And that's exactly what happened. Granbury MCJROTC swept the podium in the individual category, with Kameron Wells taking first place, Viola Allen in second place, and Julia Czernik in third place after a very close final by all three Pirates. In the Team Category, Team 1 remained in the top post, taking first place on the podium, and received the Director's Cup with a score of 4688. Team 2 also showed their skills, moving up to take silver on the podium with a score of 4621. Meanwhile, Team 3 moved up to take 9th place in the final rankings.
Their outstanding performance has earned two teams a spot at the JROTC National Championships, where they will defend their national title and aim to make history by becoming the only school to achieve seven National Championships. This is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of the Granbury MCJROTC Rifle Team.
Cadince McGrath earned enough points during the two matches to be presented with her Junior Distinguished Marksman Badge. Viola Allen and Kennedy Wells were also presented with their previously earned Distinguished Marksman Badge at the awards ceremony. The Junior Distinguished Marksman Badge is awarded to school-age junior three-position air rifle shooters who distinguish themselves by achieving high rankings in designated major junior air rifle championships. The badge is serialized and authorized by all branches to be worn on the cadet uniform. In the 20+ year history of the program, there have been 1742 badges awarded, with 24 earned by Granbury HS MCJROTC cadets. Past recipients have gone on to become collegiate rifle athletes, members of the US Army Marksmanship Unit, and even a few Olympians.
Pirate Rifle team members are Seniors Julia Czernik, Cadince McGrath, and Kameron Wells; Juniors Caylynn Price and Kennedy Wells; Sophomores Viola Allan, Ainsley Milligan, and Mataya Turner; and Freshmen Ethan Erwin, Renee Sermarini, Lilly Sojourner, and Emma Wipff all showed exceptional dedication, skill, and teamwork throughout the competition.