Granbury high school student sets national record in air rifle competition

What is more amazing is she is a sophomore and has only been shooting for a little over a year. I can’t wait to see what she will do in the future”

Coach Scott Casey

Viola Allen, a sophomore at Granbury High School, set a national record in the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps during the Comanche Peak Three-Position Air Rifle Excellence-In-Competition Cup Match on Oct. 11.

The Three-Position competition includes standing, kneeling, and prone positions. Allen competed in the 20 Shots Standing event in the precision category and earned a perfect score of 200 points and 19x which indicates all her shots were above 10.2, beside one, from the standing position.

Allen noted she didn’t expect to break a national record, but by focusing on each shot and taking her time, she was able to perform to the best of her abilities. She also added that not letting her mind get in the way helped her be successful.

Allen also thanked her coaches and her parents for their support and teaching her the necessary skills needed.

Lieutenant Colonel and Senior Marine Instructor and rifle coach Scott Casey described Allen’s performance as remarkable.

“What is more amazing is she is a sophomore and has only been shooting for a little over a year. I can’t wait to see what she will do in the future,” Casey said.

Civilian Marine Instructor and rifle coach John Becker praised Allen’s focus and hard work.

“She is an excellent example of what one can achieve with the right mindset. Allen has improved on the little things in the past few weeks and was able to put it all together on the line in this match,” Becker said.

The Granbury MCJROTC Gold team also placed first in the event and the purple team placed second in the event out of eight teams.