Unique opportunity provided to shooters at Montgomery Bell Academy Rifle Classic

By Chris Fletcher

USAMU Public Affairs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- High School competitive shooters from all over the Southeast were afforded the opportunity to receive coaching tips from some of the world's finest shooters during the 2014 Montgomery Bell Academy Rifle Classic, Oct. 17-18.

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit's (USAMU) International Rifle team hosted a number of coaching clinics for the almost 400 high school students competing at the event.

The match is the largest high school operated and sponsored shoulder-to-shoulder air rifle event in the U.S. with 79 teams participating in this year's tourney, said Joe Sharbel, the match coordinator and coach of the Montgomery Bell Academy rifle team. Sharbel also said this is the 20th anniversary of this event, which showcases premier position air rifle and junior international standing match talent.

Staff Sgt. George Norton, a USAMU international rifle shooter and instructor, and his team taught a number of classes for position rifle, to include: proper standing techniques; prone and kneeling techniques; a recommended road to make the Olympic team; and building a training plan.

Pfc. Larissa Wright, an international rifle shooter and assistant noncommissioned officer in charge for the Fort Benning junior shooters club, said clinics such as these are extremely beneficial for the students.

"It can be extremely frustrating for these kids to pour their heart into events such as this - not hit the black, and not understand why," Wright said.

The students received plenty of one-on-one instruction, encouragement and advice from some of the world's finest air rifle and small bore shooters.

"The kids who know us, and know of us, come to every clinic and benefit from them," Sgt. Erin McNeil, an international rifle shooter and the noncommissioned officer in charge for the Fort Benning junior shooters club, said. "You cannot come to one of these without learning something."

The USAMU connects to America's youth through teaching, coaching, and mentoring junior shooters throughout the year.

The USAMU is part of the U.S. Army Accessions Support Brigade, Army Marketing and Research Group. The USAMU helps to build advocacy and understanding of the Army with key audiences; and works to increase positive public perceptions about the Army in support of Army marketing and recruiting.