FHS JROTC competes in Army National Championships

The 2012 Army Junior ROTC Service Championships have been concluded and the Fredericktown High School Rifle Team was fortunate to represent the Army Cadet Command’s 3rd Brigade in the finals.  The championships were held in Ohio at Camp Perry, located on the southern tip of Lake Erie.  Camp Perry has been the home of national matches in marksmanship since 1907.  There are over 1400 Army JROTCs across the country, in Germany, Japan and on Guam.  Two-hundred and fourteen teams attempted to qualify for the Championships and 39 were extended invitations to participate.

Seeded 33rd Fredericktown finished 26th, up seven spots from last year’s 33rd place finish. Overall, the team improved by 138 points over last year. Shooting in the finals for Fredericktown were; Joe Chitwood, Jessie Tackitt, Annamarie Persons and Brighton Talley.  Gabriel Coonce made the trip as an alternate.  Joe, Jessie and Annamarie were on the squad last year and their championship experience was valuable. 

The championship’s course of fire requires each shooter to complete 40 record shots prone, 40 standing and 40 kneeling.  This total is divided into two sessions over two days.  Annamarie led the team with 1,013 points, a new personal best for her and 53 points above her score last year.  Her total sets a new school record in the championships.  Brighton was close behind at 1,009, very good work in his first championship.  Joe added 1,007 points, a new best for him and 43 points above his score last year.  Jessie contributed 978, a new personal best for her, 13 points above last year.  Freshman Gabriel Coonce was on the firing line competing as an individual.  He showed real improvement as he progressed to the second day.   The Fredericktown squad is still a young team.  Joe is the only senior.  There is every reason to expect a Fredericktown team to return to these championships next year.

Next up for the rifle team are the American Legion Missouri Shooting Sports Championships in March.