VARSITY BASE BALL

Joseph McGahee of Clarkesville, Georgia represented Tallulah Falls School at the 2023 National Junior Olympic Rifle Championships in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Each year, junior-eligible shooters (under 21 years of age) from around the country compete at their home state in airgun and smallbore. Top finishers are invited to the National Match in Colorado.

For two weeks in April, McGahee competed against both high school and collegiate shooters from all across the nation. McGahee participated in four separate matches: two air rifle matches with 60 shots fired in standing position, and two small bore matches in all three positions with 20 shots each, firing at 50 meters. McGahee finished 79 out of 116 in air rifle shooting 588 on day one and a 589 on day two. He placed 64 out of 96 shooting in small bore shooting 542 on day one and 540 on day two. Placement is for all three age groups combined under 15, under 18, and under 21 (college NCAA athletes).

For McGahee the degree of competition was higher. “The shooters were really good as many of them have been competing since the fifth grade,” said McGahee. Precision riflery has helped McGahee not just as a shooter, but also as a person and as a member of a team. “Through this sport I have been able to meet and talk with many people not only in our area, but also throughout the nation including college athletes, college coaches, and Olympic medalists,” he said. “It has provided me with experiences that no other sport could offer.”

This was only McGahee’s second year shooting air rifle and his first year shooting small bore competitively. “Joseph’s success is because of his maturity, focus, and determination. In two years, he has become an incredible shooter,” said TFS assistant head coach Tim Stamey. “He never misses a chance to practice. It is that dedication that has taken him to where he is today.”