Marion JROTC cadets, Andersson Guevara and Danielle Purdy, have qualified to compete at the Junior Olympics. They join only two other Marion marksmen to have previously earned a trip to the prestigious event.
The teammates will travel in April to the Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs, Colo., to compete in the International Air category.
Over the course of two days of competition, they will be required to take 60 shots from the standing position, aiming at a target that is 10 meters away. To be competitive, they will need to be able to hit the bull’s-eye — basically the size of the tip of George Washington’s nose on a quarter coin — repeatedly.
Purdy, a freshman, was elated, shocked and a bit terrified when she learned that she was an instant qualifier to attend the Junior Olympics. Guevara, a sophomore, joined in her excitement when the announcement for the males who have qualified was announced the next day.
“My coach entered me in the qualification match for me to gain experience,” Purdy said. “I had no idea that I would actually qualify to attend.”
Both marksmen were instant qualifiers for the event by shooting the necessary minimum score during the qualification match in January of this year.
“These two, along with their teammates, have been progressing nicely all season long,” said retired Lt. Col. David Farlow, Marion’s rifle team coach. “It is so exciting to see them earn a visit to this ‘Big Dance’ as such young marksmen.”
The Junior Olympics is sponsored by USA Shooting. Only the very top marksmen from across the country qualify for attendance.
Farlow credits the success of the rifle team to the team’s volunteer coaches, David Kuester and Kent Santee, who donate many hours each week helping the cadets train. Additionally, Farlow recognized Marion High School for providing a dedicated 11-point firing lane that allows for numerous athletes to train each day. In addition, he expressed thanks for wider support.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge the huge role our community has played in the development of our marksmanship program,” Farlow said, “by generously donating thousands of dollars helping us to establish a state-of-the-art range facility, the ability to purchase quality equipment, and cover the travel expenses for team members to attend these high-pressure national-level matches.”
The Giants marksmen have an ever-growing list of championship titles, accolades and invitations to national competitions.
“The travel costs for these two cadets to go to Colorado Springs is high,” Farlow said. “We welcome any donations to help off-set their cost for attendance.”
Donations can be mailed to JROTC at Marion High School, 750 W. 26th St., Marion, IN 46953, or made online here.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Marion High School marksmen Andersson Guevara, sophomore, and Danielle Purdy, freshman, have qualified to compete at the Junior Olympics in April at the Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs. They will compete in the International Air category. Only two previous Marion marksmen have earned trips to the Junior Olympics. (Photo provided by Marion Community Schools)