Burnet County 4-H shooters receive elite training

BRENHAM — Eight members of the Burnet County 4-H shooting team recently got some help honing their precision sport and air-rifle firing skills.

The team got special one-on-one training with members of the U.S. Army’s Marksmanship Unit, an elite group that travels around the country demonstrating their skill with a variety of weapons.

The Burnet 4-H contingent including Alex and Ryan DeFily, Brandon Panzarella, Cody Roberts, MacKenna and Bailey Lawson recieved training, Kara Coffey and Katie Bridges Nov. 8-9 from Michael Moore and Armando Ayala, World Cup shooters and military shooting trainers stationed in Fort Benning, Ga.

Beginning shooters including Ryan, Brandon, Roberts and MacKenna Lawson went through training on the prone position while second-year participants Bailey Lawson and Coffey received additional instruction on the kneeling position.  

Bridges, an advanced marksman, received training in all three positions and also attended the USAMU Smallbore Clinic in Victoria in early November to prepare for the Junior Olympics and the 2009 National Rifle Association National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. 

Alongside their Burnet County participants, parents and grandparents were able to participate in the Brenham training as well.

“It was top-notch training,” said Rhonda Bridges who attended the event with her daughter.  “They received instructional training to help their performance.  We hope to have them here on our range this time next year.”

Since 1956, members of the USAMU have gained worldwide respect by winning more than 40 World Championships and 22 Olympic medals.   

The unit provides technical and advisory assistance in the development of military match-type small arms, equipment and ammunition. They also coordinate and conduct rifle and pistol marksmanship clinics for U.S. military units throughout the world and public awareness programs.