The East Coweta

High School state champion rifle team began their season right where they

left off last year, by defeating their first two opponents. The Indians

defeated Woodward 1119-1087 and Westlake 1140-1050.

This year's

team is comprised of two returnees: senior Doug Foster(captain) and junior

Amber Crist. Joining the team for the first time are sophomore Bowen Behenna

and freshmen Brandon Hobby and Thomas Nelson.

Since the majority

of the team is new, the challenges of a successful season will depend

on the accomplishments of these first-year shooters.

So far, so

good.

Their dedication

and work ethic have enabled these young athletes to achieve success that

is rarely seen by such inexperienced shooters. Though only in the second

week of the season, the team has qualified three individual athletes for

the state championship Crist (290), Foster (285) and Behenna (285). The

minimum qualifying score is 285.

The Indians'

team average is best in Area 5 with 1129.50 out of a possible 1200 points.

Close behind are Creekside at 1120.00, Henry County at 1115.50, Heritage

at 1111.00 and Woodward at 1103.50.

Each shooter

competes in three positions: prone, standing and kneeling. The maximum

score in each position is 100 points. There is the possibility of 300

points per shooter and the team adds up the top four shooters score.

Area 5 is comprised

of thirteen teams. Eight have scored over 1100 points, a noteworthy accomplishment.

The top four teams earn the right to compete at the 16 Sectionals. Winners

will compete at the state rifle championship.

"Many

challenges lie ahead for our team, as coach, I know their will be ups

and downs," said Coach John Skinner. "The true mark of a team

is how they will face the challanges. Surrounded by youth and inexperience

the excitement is evident, we look forward to a good season."

The Indians

have had an excellent history in the sport. In 1997, the team was the

runner-up in the area competition and placed fifth in the state. In 1998

and 1999, East Coweta won the area meet and finsihed second in the state.

Last year, the squad won the area meet and the state meet.

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