North Forsyth High School offers a wide range of sports, ranging from Softball to Soccer, but a sport that often flies under the radar is the Rifle team. The Rifle team is a Varsity team that is coed.
The Rifle team is a unique sport as it requires both mental and physical focus. Freshman Mei Troncalli says that it can be hard to get into the perfect mindset in order to shoot. “Really it’s all about having a calm mindset and just being super laser-focused,” Troncalli states.
Additionally, Rifle requires competitors to stay in the exact position for long amounts of time. Troncalli states it can be very “physically draining.” The slightest movements can cause a mistake. “Sometimes we have gloves that we use to muffle our heartbeat so that we don’t move,” Troncalli says.
The team has a high sense of camaraderie, says sophomore Kale Forth. The camaraderie is so strong that it was the very reason Forth joined the team. He says “In the eighth grade event night, where we got to see all the CTAE pathways, they showcase faculty, and I saw the camaraderie and the amount of time and passion they put into it, and I wanted to experience it.”
The team is very welcoming to newcomers, says Troncalli. “They’re all very supportive because you’re new at it, and they give you a lot of leeway.” Likewise, Forth describes his first year on the team as requiring a lot of learning in comparison to his second year. “Now I am the one teaching, and it’s a great leadership experience.” The team is welcoming to everyone, not just students in JROTC. The sport is a great fit for anyone interested in learning about and shooting rifles.
A common misconception of the sport is that it is dangerous. However, it is one of the safest sports the school offers, due to its relaxed nature.
The Rifle team is a difficult and unique sport full of teamwork and challenges. Surely earning its spot as a Raider sport.
