Lincoln High School Student Shoots Straight in National Marksmanship Competition

COLUMBIA, Missouri — Lincoln High School represented The Natural State at the Student Air Rifle National competition Nov. 8, and one marksman, Brayden Watson, earned top-shooter in the 11th Grade Division. Watson also took top honors in a secondary shoot to test a new scoring system that will help bring the program up to speed with similar Olympic-style marksmanship competitions.  

“The Student Air Rifle program is in the early stages of development, both in Arkansas and at the national level, but it’s great to see Arkansas already among the states represented,” Jose Jimenez, chief of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Recreational Shooting Division, said. “Five states, including Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Alaska, were at the event, and more than 250 registered competitors participated at the Missouri Marksmanship Education Center.”

Jimenez said Lincoln High School was a great school to go through the new SAR program because they have long been standouts in programs offered through the AGFC’s Education and Recreational Shooting divisions. 

“Hailey Robinson coached the team,” Jimenez said. “She’s extremely involved in varying  AGFC programs from Archery in the Schools to trout conservation at Lincoln High School. Lincoln High will join the AGFC’s Youth Shooting Sports program, where students shoot clay targets with shotguns, this year as well.” 

Watson’s accuracy with an air rifle was not only evident during the primary competition, he also stood out in a separate event used to evaluate a new electronic scoring system being considered for use in the program. 

“The electronic system uses a steel trapping mechanism with sensors that instantly record and display shot placement, sequence and scoring on a monitor directly in front of the shooter,” Jimenez said. “Out of 264 competitors who tested the system, Brayden not only scored first place, but was the only individual (including coaches and adults) to shoot a perfect 50 out of 50.”

Watson was recognized at the AGFC’s November Commission meeting in Fort Smith, Nov. 20, where he was given a shooting package consisting of a Umarex air rifle, targets and pellets, courtesy of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.

Jimenez says Lincoln High isn’t the only school to move the new program forward. David McKee from Pangburn was actually the first Arkansas coach to bring a team to nationals.

“He brought a team even before our program was formally established,” Jimenez said. “He’s hosted a Basic Air Riflery Instructor training course at their school to help get the program going as well.”

Wendy Hogrefe at Lamar High School also has contributed greatly to the efforts of the Recreational Shooting Division. 

“Lamar hosted our most recent BARI course and Basic Air Riflery Instructor Trainer course, where we certified seven instructors from AGFC who can now train and certify other instructors,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez said the AGFC will begin taking applications for new schools to participate in the program, which will launch statewide in January. 

“Once a school has at least one certified basic air riflery instructor, it is eligible to receive a grant for a comprehensive equipment package to begin teaching air riflery, including air guns, target holders, storage cases and safety equipment to provide a safe shooting environment,” Jimenez said. “Although the initial roll-out of the program and the first cycle of equipment grants have concluded, any teacher interested in learning more is welcome to contact me directly. Additionally, while we have not officially chosen a location, the next training course to become a certified Basic Air Riflery Instructor will occur Jan. 6-7.”

Contact Jimenez at jose.jimenez@agfc.ar.gov to learn more about the Student Air Rifle program and how to get it started at your school. 

####

CUTLINES:

TEAM IN FRONT OF FLAG
Students from Lincoln High School performed well at the 2025 Student Air Rifle Nationals in Columbia, Missouri on Nov. 8. AGFC photo courtesy Jose Jimenez.

FOUR IN PHOTO
The AGFC recognized Brayden Watson for his outstanding performance at the Student Air Rifle National Tournament during its monthly Commission meeting in Fort Smith. PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Lincoln High School Teacher Hailey Robinson, AGFC Chairwoman Anne Marie Doramus, Brayden Watson, AGFC Recreational Shooting Chief Jose Jimenez. AGFC photo courtesy Jose Jimenez.

WAITING TO SHOOT
Competitors in the Student Air Rifle Nationals used spring piston-powered .177 caliber air rifles with iron sights to shoot a bull’s-eye target at 10 meters. AGFC photo courtesy Jose Jimenez.