Porterville Military Academy students represented Porterville in a big way at the State Marksmanship competition at Camp San Luis Obispo, taking home 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards.
Marksmanship is a program where students utilize safety while firing various firearms. Marksmanship helps students not only sharpen their aim, but also strengthens their minds. Although students are handling rifles during this competition, safety is made to be the most important skill.
Range Safety Officer and PMA’s 13th Brigade Commander Ariyiah Brazell explained how while utilizing safety, they use risk management, as well as creating risk assessments. “We never want students to get hurt,” said Brazell. Brazell stated they're always practicing their skills and working efficiently and as smoothly as possible.
This is Porterville Military Academy’s fourth year attending this Marksmanship competition at Camp San Luis Obispo. PMA’s Military Instructor and Coach for the senior division Marksmanship Program, Enrique Perez mentioned how much this program has grown since the first year it was established.
As Porterville Military Academy grows, programs like this within the school grow as well. Now with PMA having more than 250 students, the Marksmanship program has the most kids it ever had trying out. This year, more than 30 students tried out for the senior division, while 22 tried out for the junior division.
Out of the students who tried out, 10 students for the junior division were able to compete. Ten students and 1 captain were able to compete for the senior division. When choosing students to be on these teams, teachers look for the students who are going to be absolutely dedicated to the program. Just like any other school sport, students must also have good academics to participate on a Marksmanship team.
“This program definitely shows the cadet dedication and commitment,” said Brazell as she explained how those in the senior division tried out to be on the team. Brazell explained how students had to complete a mile run, fitness gram pacer test, and then practice firing their firearms.
“We want somebody who is able to work as a team, show their focus and discipline just like they do in their class,” said Perez. For the middle school students, their coach Staff Sergeant Jose Ortiz had them complete something called the Phoenix Challenge. This challenge happens in house at PMA before they head to San Luis Obispo.
During this challenge, students must start by firing in prone position, then run around the soccer field where they would then fire at the kneeling position. After that they had to complete an obstacle course, shoot from standing position, then complete the obstacle course one last time.
The Phoenix Challenge is based on their fitness and their agility. Teamwork and sportsmanship are important when it comes to being on a team like this. “It is important that we are a family,” said Ortiz.
Since starting the program 4 years ago, PMA has taken home a Top Shot trophy three years in a row.
The teams to bring back trophies consisted of
Senior Division, winning 3rd place - Ariyiah Brazell, Isaiah Torres, Daniel Beltran, Valentin Hernandez
Josue Martinez.
Junior Division Team 1, 1st place - Abigail Clower, Rigoberto Valenzuela, Jeremy Garcia, Brandon Linas Avial
Junior Division Team 2, 2nd place - David Ramirez, Hunter Addison, Romeo Lopez, Darren Perez
Top Shot for Middle School - 1st place- Abigail Clower; 2nd place- Rigoberto Valenzuela; 3rd place- Jeremy Garcia