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Cadets right on the mark

2963 Seaforth Army Cadets

The 2963 Seaforth Highlanders Army Cadet shooting team, consisting of CWO Shala Fitzgerald, Sgt. Jordan Walton, MCpl. Alexis Doyle, MCpl. Makenna Gregorchuk and Cpl. Nicholas Brotherston, travelled to Vernon last month to participate in the provincial marksmanship competition.

The team earned the spot for the second year in a row after winning top position in the zone competition.

Each year cadet corps from around the province compete within their geographical zone, going up against several other corps for the chance to compete in Vernon. Should they win at the provincial level, they then compete with the top shooters from across Canada in the national competition.

While the cadets did not place tops in the province, they did achieve a number of results that they are very proud of. The shooting team placed fifth out of 12 teams, and Shala received a silver medal for overall individual prone. She also shot a score of 99 out of a possible 100 points on her individual target.

Following the competition, Jordan stayed behind to attend Spring Concentration-rifle, a training camp for marksmen, and also a qualifying course to attend camp in Connaught, Ont. this summer. Should Jordan qualify to attend Connaught and receive top marks there, she would have an opportunity to be selected for the Nation Rifle Team, where she would travel to Bisley, U.K. to represent Canada in an international exchange program.

She would not be the first cadet selected to attend the Nation Rifle Team, though. For the first time in 2963 RCACC’s history, a cadet from last year’s camp was selected from the corps to attend the NRT this summer. This cadet happens to be Jordan’s brother, WO Alex Walton.

Alex took the same path last year that his sister is taking now — attended Spring Rifle, then qualified to attend Connaught and was selected based on his marksmanship skills, attitude and deportment for the 2015 Nation Rifle team. He will depart for the U.K. at the end of June.

Capt. Wade Fitzgerald and civilian instructor Steve Walton have been working with the shooting team for a number of years, and these past couple of years have produced the finest shooters the corps has seen in a long time. Knowing where the team needs to improve for competitions means that with hard work and dedication the shooting team is confident they will be bringing home the nation competition trophy, and will also be sending cadets to the Nation Rifle Team for years to come.

Army cadets is open to all boys and girls aged 12 to 18. Activities are focused on adventure training and leadership, and cadets have the opportunity to attend summer camps. Parade nights are from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at the Sechelt Legion, with weekend activities throughout the training year. More information can be found at www.cadets.ca, the corps’ page at www.facebook.com/2963seaforthhighlanders or by calling 604-741-1420.