Cadets Target Experience

By Kelly Sharp

Rocky Mountain Rangers Cadet Biathlon team of Fort St.John

They did not to expect to qualify for the provincials. Just to compete in a sport that combines skiing and marksmanship was achievement enough for the 2276 Rocky Mountain Rangers cadet corp. Aged 12-18, the nine member team from Fort St. John shot and skied their way through the cadet zone biathlon championships at the Otway Nordic Ski Centre. The one-day event was the very first biathlon competition for a good portion of the Rangers. Twelve year-old Leanne Williams admitted she only shot rifle two or three times prior to pulling the trigger at the Otway shooting range.

“I didn’t get any (targets), but I was trying,” said Williams.

Sixteen year-old Micheala Morin of Fort St. John smiled when asked about her initial biathlon event.

“It was hard, but I did it,” replied Morin.

“I like the combination of skiing and shooting.”

The veteran of the Fort St. John team is 17 year-old Chris Williams. He credits the sport of biathlon in boosting the confidence of the young cadet. Discipline is obviously needed when making the transition from racing to concentrating on shooting a target.

“We improve every year at the zones,” Chris Williams said.

The Rocky Mountain Rangers head back to Fort St.John not concerned about results, just enjoying the experience.

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