Rifle sets sights on state playoffs
The march to state continued for the rifle team on Jan. 29 after defeating Apalachee High School 1091-936, marking their tenth victory of the year.
“It went very well. We shot a 1091, it’s one of our highest scores, but we usually shoot 1100 or above. So we’re right there. We’re being consistent,” head coach Sgt. First Class Ricky Keller said.
Sophomore Amber Beale shot her first match, with a score of 276-10. She had a successful meet, even outperforming some of her more experienced teammates.
“She’s a second year shooter. She shot a 281 in practice last week, and she’s in the top 270s now, and she was originally shooting in the 250s,” Keller said.
Beyond target practice, the team has also worked on cardio and nutrition. Keller believes that their nutrition is just as important as their training.
“They have to build up their muscle memory. We’re trying to get their muscles built up for it, because it’s gonna take a lot out of you. The kids have been training every day. Sometimes they do cardio and stretching, which is very important. Also hydration and food intake. If you get nervous, you get shaky, so you need plenty of fluid,” Keller said.
This season is the team’s first in their new facility. As part of school renovations, the program received a dedicated indoor range, including a modern electronic range. The team had previously operated out of a smaller space with paper targets. Keller thinks the new facility has evened the playing field against regional opponents.
“Normally we were at a disadvantage going to Elbert or GMC because they have electronic ranges. Now we’re not at a disadvantage. We’ve been shooting paper targets as well so we’re well rounded,” Keller said. “Next year’s team is going to be shooting in the 280s, and that’s where you need to be. It’s going to be phenomenal.”
The new facility isn’t the only reason Keller sees this season as a special one. This year marks his fourth coaching rifle, and his third as head coach, meaning his first players are now seniors.
“This is such an important year. This is my fourth year coaching, so these players were all young when I started. Seeing the growth of each team member has been amazing,” Keller said.
The team will enter regional championships and state sectionals, as well the playoffs, for the first time.
“As it stands right now, we have the second seed (for area playoffs). This is the best that Cedar Shoals has ever done. We shot at 11 matches and we only lost one. So we’re ten and one. We did very well this year. We should be in the semifinals, then hopefully we’ll make it to state,” Keller said.
