NJROTC Marksmanship Team Receives National Recognition

It was a season defined by discipline, precision, and steady improvement, culminating in a series of standout achievements that have placed the local air rifle team among the nation’s elite in what is a recognized high school varsity sport nationwide.

After months of rigorous training and competition, the team delivered an exceptional performance at the Navy National Championships, securing an impressive 7th-place overall finish. Competing against some of the top scholastic and service-affiliated marksmen in the country, the athletes demonstrated both technical skill and composure under pressure—hallmarks of a program that has steadily built momentum throughout the last four years.

“This result didn’t happen overnight,” Chief Edward Morales said. “It’s the product of countless hours on the range, attention to detail, and a commitment to getting better every single day.”

The Navy Nationals performance was only part of the story. The team also achieved a major milestone by qualifying for the Armed Forces National Championships, where they earned a 23rd-place finish—an accomplishment of considerable significance given the scale and competitiveness of the event. The championship field represents hundreds of teams and thousands of cadets from across all service branches, making a top-25 placement a testament to the team’s consistency, resilience, and ability to compete at a national level.

Team members credited their success to a combination of strong leadership, peer support, and a shared sense of purpose. “We push each other,” Cadet Samuel Militante ‘26 noted. “Everyone here wants to improve, and that creates an environment where success becomes the standard.”

A key factor in the program’s rise has been the construction of its dedicated air rifle range four years ago—a development that fundamentally changed the team’s training capabilities. Athletes and coaches alike were quick to recognize the individuals and organizations whose generosity made that facility possible.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our benefactors, administration, and community,” CDR Brian Morrill added. “Having our own range has allowed us to train more consistently, more effectively, and at a higher level. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make that vision a reality.”

Throughout the season, the team improved in both individual scores and overall standings at regional and qualifying events. Their ability to perform in high-stakes environments—particularly at Navy Nationals—underscored their readiness to compete on even larger stages.

With a top-10 Navy Nationals finish, a top-25 placement at Armed Forces Nationals against a field numbering in the thousands, and a foundation built on community support, the team has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with—and a program that continues to be on-target.

Pictured: Samuel Militante ’26, Armani Wynn ’26, Chief Morales, Katie Epps ’27, Gracie Keupper ‘26