Earlier this month, Marion High School JROTC Cadet Gwynneth Hamilton brought pride to both Marion High School and our community by finishing in the top 35 percent of all shooters at the prestigious Junior Olympic National Championship.
Hosted by USA Shooting, the sanctioning body for the U.S. Olympic Team, the invitation-only competition was held April 13-18 in Anniston, Ala. Hamilton, a junior at MHS, competed with some of the nation's most talented young marksmen in the precision air rifle category. Representing not only the school’s JROTC program but also the broader Indiana shooting community, Hamilton demonstrated exceptional focus, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the event.
“This experience has been incredible,” she said. “Just being able to compete at this level with so many amazing athletes was an honor. Finishing in the top third really motivates me to keep pushing and improving.”
But, she admitted, the experience was also challenging.
“I am glad to be done shooting, she said. “That was a lot of pressure.”
The Junior Olympics, hosted by USA Shooting at the Civilian Marksmanship Program, CMP southern ranges, drew hundreds of competitors from across the country who had qualified through state-level competitions. Hamilton earned her spot after a standout performance at the regional qualification held back in January at the X Count shooting facility located in Fort Wayne, showing promise and precision that earned a formal invitation to the national stage.
Retired Col. Gary Blagburn, Senior Army Instructor for the MHS JROTC, praised Hamilton’s commitment:
“Cadet Hamilton has worked incredibly hard both in the classroom and on the range,” he said. “Her dedication to the sport and to her training is truly admirable.”
Blagburn also gave high praise to the volunteer coaches who dedicate numerous hours to the program.
“Without the expertise of coaches Kent Santee and Dave Kuester, the program would not be as successful as it is currently,” he said.
This year’s competition was especially intense, with the top rankings separated by mere fractions of points. Despite the pressure, Hamilton remained composed and consistent, a testament to the discipline instilled through both JROTC training and hours of marksmanship practice.
The achievement not only highlights the strength of Marion High School’s JROTC program but also signals a bright future for Hamilton.