Members of the 186 Air Cadets – Lloydminster Squadron’s marksmanship team take part in provincial competition last weekend in Edmonton. Supplied Photos
Hard work, dedication and an ample amount of breath control paid off for the five members of 186 Air Cadets – Lloydminster Squadron’s marksmanship team after a successful weekend at the Edmonton Garrison for State III Marksmanship Provincials.
Under the direction of instructor Gordon Stefanuk, the team, comprised of Cpl. Wyatt Moffat, Sgt. Elijah Belanger, Cpl. Ethan Samarin, FCpl. Hayden Squair, and FCpl. Yshy Maroto, finished 12th of the 16 teams competing, with Moffat also earning himself a silver medal for ‘Alberta Cadet Provincial Marksmanship -Junior Prone.’
“I’m really proud of the team. It’s very good to see they really practised a lot, focused a lot, and used a lot of the things they’ve learned,” said Stefanuk.
“Once you get the mechanics down, trigger pull, holding the rifle, how the rifle works, then it’s psychological.
“Out-guessing yourself, relaxing, laying down for 30 minutes and focusing on your shots to be a little more than a minute apart.”
For Moffat, the silver medal came as a shock as he explained he doubted himself going into the competition.
Cpl. Wyatt Moffat was all smiles on the bus ride home from Edmonton after earning himself a silver medal for ‘Alberta Cadet Provincial Marksmanship -Junior Prone’ at last weekend’s State III Marksmanship Provincials at CFB Edmonton.
“I was really calm the entire way through the competition,” he said.
“At first I was really nervous, but as we were shooting, it was really calming.”
Squair, who had a blast as a member of the team, explained everyone did very well and encouraged anyone interested to give Cadets a try.
“It’s a free program, it’s very positive, and it’s a great community to be in. Anyone can do it, you get to travel, and the fact it’s free is great.”
With marksmanship being the main reason Maroto joined Cadets, and last weekend being her first taste of competition, she explained she’ll be back for more.
“I’ve always been interested in shooting and when I finally got the chance I jumped in,” she said.
For Belanger, a third-year shooter in his second year on the team, provincials were an experience he won’t soon forget and also recommends Cadets to anyone looking to try something new.
