It has been more than a decade since the Nānākuli High and Intermediate School’s Air Riflery team took a shot. But this school year, the Air Riflery team is back in competition.

Master Sergeant Earl Sagucio and Major Christopher Robertson JROTC instructors brought back air riflery to offer opportunities for students.

“We realized there was an interest in air riflery and we know that marksmanship requires you to stay focus on a task, which in return will make them better learners,” said Robertson.

In air riflery, students will use rifles that fire pellets at a target to practice aiming skills and accuracy, and concentration.

“In air riflery, students will fire a rifle from either the standing, kneeling or prone position; you focus on hitting the target…it’s a timed competition and you only have a certain number of bullets,” said Robertson.

The coaches apply not only shooting skills into their practices but other techniques as well.

“We incorporate a lot of yoga because it’s used to help strengthen the muscles and gain balance that leads you to be a better shooter,” said Robertson. 

Competitions are just likes practices, students are lined up and fire at a target; the bullseye is worth 10 points, and the farther away it is, the fewer points you get.

“You need to get a good sight of the bullseye, to shoot the target,” said sophomore JROTC student, Antonio Fomai.

As of September 23, 2017, NHIS’ Air Riflery boy’s team is winless and the girl’s team has two wins.

Although air riflery doesn’t offer extra credit, students join because it offers practice and opportunities.

“I joined because I want to be in more events for JROTC and I can practice for the job I want; military pro shooter,” said Antonio.

“I feel pretty great to see the interest and watch these guys get better every day,” said Robertson.

Students who are interested in air riflery can see Major Robertson or Sergeant Sagucio in the JROTC building. Practices will continue to be held after competitions are over.