Carson rifle wins West Coast Championship

The Carson High Naval Junior ROTC Unit can boast of having the best rifle team on the West Coast.

Carson won the Navy division at the West Coast Regional Championships held this past weekend in Colorado Springs. All four of Carson's shooters were impressive, finishing with scores above 520 out of 600.

Carson finished with a 2,117 to finish ahead of last year's champion, Oak Harbor, Wash., which took second at 2,092. As the West Coast Naval champion, Carson advanced to the all-ROTC National Championships to be held March 24 and 25 in Ft. Benning, Ga.

The nation's top 12 teams representing all of the Armed Forces' ROTC units are scheduled to compete in the event.

Cody Stokes also took second overall in the West Coast event, losing by three points to the overall champion 625-622. Stokes advanced to the final round with a 539 out of 600.

Carson's Sarah Stadler had a 533 to also advance to the final round of eight and ended up finishing eighth.

In the finals, Stokes had an 83 out of 100 to end up in a tie for second at 622. In the sudden death shootoff, Stokes had a perfect 10 on his first shot while his opponent had a nine, earning Stokes second.

Also for Carson, Leah Taboada had a 526 and Mike Moltz had a 520. This is the second time Carson has advanced to the all-ROTC nationals, finishing seventh in 2003.

Carson coach Wayne Baker said this year's team has a chance at the national title. Only two other teams - both Army units - have finished with scores higher than Carson.

"This year they're right at the top," said Baker about his team. "We're right in the mix in the competition this year. This year we're looking good. I like our chances."

Anyone who wishes to assist Carson in its trip to Georgia can call Baker at Carson, 283-1781.