David Brent Martin
Area rifle teamers seldom get the exposure they deserve and the sport has been slowly gaining notice in a land where hunting and target sports reign supreme.
GMC JC rifle team instructor/coach Mary Ellen Eaton knows a thing or two about shooting and rifles, having been a teacher of the sport since 1968. Eaton also knows talent and knows a shooter who will pinpoint his or her air rifle with stunning accuracy and precision.
“It’s something I’ve loved, too, all my life,” said Eaton with pride recently.
Both males and females can compete against each other in the sport, and teams are often made up of both sexes.
Antonio Alberto Delgado got his first taste of rifle team competions while at Baldwin High School and has been on a tear with the GMC JC team since August 2008.
Delgado was all smiles at the GMC JC indoor rifle range when discussing his stint as team captain and chief marksman.
“It turned out that the coach at Baldwin actually knew the coach here,” said Delgado. “We practice Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and I just try to go out and do my best.”
Delgado and his Bulldog teammates participate in what is known at their level as the Southeastern Conference and often get a chance to compete against some of the top schools in the region. Delgado has had a knack for finding his mark on the paper targets, and has really progressed well at competitions.
“Well, the way this is set up, if you finish in the Top 8 then you’re doing pretty good. So far I’ve been able to do that in every match but one,” said Delgado. “Whenever I’m out there I try to shoot better than I did the last time. Anytime I manage to increase somewhat. I have finished fifth out of 30-plus competitors.”
Delgado has used his skills as a steady shot to land a spot on the Mercer University rifle team. Delgado is currently in his final semester at GMC JC.
“They’ll have to find my successor. Me, I’m headed to Mercer. I’ll be trying my hand there,” he said.
When asked what he liked most about the sport, Delgado was plain and direct.
“I just love it,” he said.
Delgado’s coach and primary instructor at GMC JC has been more than thrilled to have him on her team the last couple of years and will really miss him when he leaves for Macon.
“I just think he’s been a wonderful asset to the team. It’s been a real pleasure to have him here, to know him — and now I have to find another captain,” said Eaton as she attempted to hold back some emotion.
GMC JC will host a rifle team competition Jan. 23.
