Kaiserslautern High School AFJROTC Marksmanship team scores big

The Kaiserslautern High School Air Force junior ROTC Marksmanship team reached new heights at the recent AFJROTC regional and national championships in Camp Perry, Ohio. The Raiders won the Camp Perry Northeast Regional Championship title, which includes Europe, and placed third in the overall national championships.

The competition is coordinated each year by the Civilian Marksmanship Program. This year, 86 teams competed to earn a coveted invitation to participate in one of the three regional championships held at Port Clinton, Ohio; Anniston, Alabama; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raider team was one of six precision class teams selected to attend. Team scores at the regional competition are used to determine the national standings.

Senior Scott Wemhoff led the team to victory with a high score of 1126, with first year shooter Alison Ganous right behind him with an 1120. Capt. Victoria Jackson shot an 1119, and senior Renee Sahli, the team’s only third year shooter, scored an 1117. Sarah Robertson also contributed with a solid 1111 showing.

Lt. Col. Robert Meyer, team coach and AFJROTC instructor, was extremely proud of the team.

“The cadets worked very hard this year to both qualify and to compete at this level,” Meyer said. “It was the first time an Air Force team from Europe was invited to the competition, so naturally we are thrilled with the results, especially considering the school has had a team for only three years.”

Jackson, a junior, is already setting her sights on next year’s competition.

“Flying over to Ohio to compete was a great experience with the whole team,” Jackson said. “We’re losing a few members, but I’m confident we will come back just as strong next year, if not stronger.”