Yellow Jacket Air Rifle team aims high in national competition

  • The Hayesville Yellow Jacket Air Rifle Team members are, from front left, Jaxin Eubanks, Rockie Brown, Masyn Parrinello, Nathan Fisher and Wednesday Johnson; back, Maggie McClure, Will Jennings, Devin Ramey, Leyah Parrinello and Zoe Angelopulos. Team members not shown are Hunter Chastain, Lucas Brown, Ryder Schaffer and Ragen Schaffer.
    The Hayesville Yellow Jacket Air Rifle Team members are, from front left, Jaxin Eubanks, Rockie Brown, Masyn Parrinello, Nathan Fisher and Wednesday Johnson; back, Maggie McClure, Will Jennings, Devin Ramey, Leyah Parrinello and Zoe Angelopulos. Team members not shown are Hunter Chastain, Lucas Brown, Ryder Schaffer and Ragen Schaffer.
  • The Hayesville Yellow Jacket Air Rifle Team, from left, Zoe Angelopulos, Maggie McClure, Wednesday Johnson and Masyn Parrinello compete in the kneeling position.
    The Hayesville Yellow Jacket Air Rifle Team, from left, Zoe Angelopulos, Maggie McClure, Wednesday Johnson and Masyn Parrinello compete in the kneeling position.
  • From left, Devin Ramey, Masyn Parrinello and Zoe Angelopulos compete in the prone position at the air rifle competition.
    From left, Devin Ramey, Masyn Parrinello and Zoe Angelopulos compete in the prone position at the air rifle competition.
    Competing in the standing position at the air rifle competition are, from left, Leyah Parrinello and Regan Schaffer.

    Competing in the standing position at the air rifle competition are, from left, Leyah Parrinello and Regan Schaffer.

    By John Mazza

    Guest Writer

     

    The Hayesville Yellow Jacket Air Rifle Team, composed of dedicated middle and high school students, continues to make its mark on the national stage. Sponsored by the American Legion Post 532 Junior Shooting Sports Program and led by Head Coach Larry Parker, the team recently demonstrated its precision and skill while competing against 1,316 student-athletes from 158 teams across the country. The event, hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program, utilized the ORION scoring system.

    During the competition, each athlete shoots at targets in three positions — prone, kneeling and standing — over a two-hour period. It’s an intense, focused sport you may have seen featured during the Olympics.

    One Hayesville athlete, Will Jennings, earned a spot in the top third nationally, highlighting the team's competitive edge and commitment to excellence.

    The team practices three days a week at a state-of-the-art, nine-lane indoor range located in the basement of the old community building. This facility, made possible through the support of Clay County and the American Legion, provides a vital space for athletes to refine their marksmanship. It also serves as the venue for Clay County Senior Games matches hosted by American Legion Post 532.

    Although recognized as a club by the Clay County School System, the air rifle team does not receive direct funding or management from the school due to regulatory restrictions. As a result, the program relies heavily on community support, including fundraising, grants and donations.

    Parker and American Legion Post 532 are dedicated to offering local youth opportunities to develop discipline, responsibility and teamwork through shooting sports. The team's impressive achievements are a testament to their hard work and the unwavering support of the community.

    For those interested in supporting or learning more about the Hayesville Yellow Jacket Air Rifle Team, American Legion Post 532 welcomes inquiries and contributions to help sustain and grow this valuable program.