The Monongalia County 4-H Shooting Sports program has its sights set on teaching local youth enduring skills.
“Hopefully, it will foster into a lifelong activity,” said Michael DeMicco, senior certified coach. “We bring the kids in, we teach them about rifle safety.”
One or two Tuesdays a month at 6:30 p.m., the team meets at the Arnettsville Community Center for practice shooting air rifles and to prepare for upcoming competitions.
“Right now is the opportune time to join,” DeMiccio said. “We have not yet set a schedule for the sessions. We have two new shooters who have signed up, and we are hoping for more than that.”
All equipment is provided, including air rifles, target stands, kneeling rolls, safety glasses and shooting mats. Participants are also welcome to bring their own safety glasses.
Participants as young as 9 years old up to 18 are welcome to join the group. Members are asked to make a donation each year of $25. This covers the cost of supplies such as pellets and targets.
No experience is necessary to join the team. DeMicco said during the first five meetings, members will learn everything from safety precautions and how to aim the air rifle to how to shoot accurately in various positions.
DeMiccio said some of the most important things participants gain are important skills like responsibility and working with a team.
Claire Price, club participant, said she was always shy and didn’t have many opportunities to get to know other kids before she joined the rifle team.
When Price first joined the team about five years ago, she said she had no idea her mother had even signed her up for the team. She said her mom told her they were going to a rummage sale, but when she showed up at the community center, they handed her a rifle instead.
“I was nervous, and I didn’t really like shooting at first because I didn’t really do that well,” Price said. “If you keep with it, you get better.”
Price said joining the rifle team helped her come out of her shell, meet some of her best friends and find a sport she is passionate about.
“It’s like a second family,” Price said. “I can always come to everybody here and they know that they can come to me.”
Every year, the team attends tournaments. Alongside Price, her teammates, Chase Atkinson and Jessica Gregory competed at state-level tournaments.
Gregory said her favorite part about participating is getting to attend the competitions.
“I like going to the competitions and feeling the pressure of the action,” Gregory said. “It’s a good experience and it is a good sport to help keep you focused.”
The next novice session will begin at the end of this month. Those interested are encouraged to contact Terri DeMiccio, club coordinator, at 304-278-9973.
By Gabriella Brown
TWEET @DominionPostWV
