Rifle team ends successful season!

Two members heading to All-Star Tournament

Rifle team

Rifle team official photo

Kaylee Villanueva Santos, Staff Writer
January 31, 2020

Rifle season is almost over! Stroudsburg’s very own rifle team has had a successful season. It will continue for two sharp-shooting seniors, Jake Orevac and Isabelle Strauch, who will compete at the All-Star Tournament.

In rifle, members shoot competitively at targets and attempt to get as close to the targets in order to gain as many points as possible. Members of the team each get a target sheet with eleven targets, and try to aim as close as possible to the center: the closer, the better. The team members must concentrate, breathe, and focus on their skills.

Between last year and this year, the team has lost many members. “We have a lot more freshmen,” said junior Rachel Sroka. “We lost seniors but our scores are improving because of veterans.”

Despite having lost many members, the team has gained a new expert coach, Mr. Tom Weiss. An SHS graduate and former marine, Weiss says enjoys working with students.

“This position has proven to be a challenge and joy all wrapped in one,” said Weiss. “I am excited to see how this team is going to grow, learn, and hopefully represent Stroudsburg at all levels next year.”

With a new coach, there is also a difference in technique.

“I focused on teaching technique and building confidence,” said Weiss. “I also focused on making sure each shooter knew the rules of safety and procedures.”

At the end of a season, rifle goes to All-Stars and state qualifiers. 

The 2019-2020 rifle team roster:

  • Christopher Busch (freshman)
  • Nicholas Contino (freshman)
  • Giana Gaita (senior)
  • Andrew Huntsberger (freshman)
  • Cole Merring (sophomore)
  • Jack Nowosad (freshman)
  • Jake Oravec (senior)
  • Kailyn Padula (sophomore)
  • Mason Poyer (freshman)
  • Ashley Schwartz (junior)
  • Hannah Siegle (senior)
  • Brandon Smith (freshman)
  • Rachel Sroka (junior)
  • Emma Strauch (sophomore)
  • Isabelle Strauch (senior)
  • Nicholas Susinskas (junior)
  • Nalani Valdez (freshman)
  • Zachary Weiss (sophomore)
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Tom Weiss
Shooters at Rifle practice

For more information check: https://shsnews.org/news/stroudsburgs-rifle-team-fights-for-their-budget/