In some Hamilton County classrooms, students shoot rifles – air-soft rifles. As part of the national JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) program in high schools, students have the opportunity to join special teams including color guard, drill, academic, athletic and rifle teams.
On Saturday, nine Hamilton County high school rifle teams competed in the 33rd annual Superintendent’s Trophy Match, but one JROTC program was missing – Hixson High School.
“We are the only JROTC school in the county who doesn’t have a rifle team” said Hixson JROTC instructor Col. Scott Campbell. “My goal is to secure a shooting range. It’s a pretty lofty goal, to be honest.”
After receiving approval from the Hamilton County school board in January, Hixson High School seeks a grant from the National Rifle Association to build a joint-use marksmanship range at the school for the JROTC program and the school’s archery team. Organizers also hope the grant will fund equipment and start-up costs needed to create a rifle team.
“Our kids like to compete, because that is part of growing and learning about yourself,” Campbell said. ” I want to be part of that competition and so do my kids. We just want to afford them every opportunity we can.”