M.C. Perry earns Top 10 finish at MCJROTC Air Rifle National Championship

IWAKUNI, Japan – The Matthew C. Perry High School Marksmanship Team embarked on one of the most challenging and exciting competitions of its season as they traveled from Iwakuni, Japan to Sandy, Utah, to compete in the MCJROTC Air Rifle National Championship.

Departing Feb. 4, 2026, the team navigated multiple airport transfers and a long international journey before arriving Feb. 5. Despite jet lag and the dramatic time‑zone shift, the Samurai shooters stepped onto the competition grounds focused, disciplined, and ready to represent M.C. Perry on a national stage.

Ranked 25th in the nation, M.C. Perry entered the event a few days after winning the Far East Marksmanship competition as the top overseas team competing among some of the strongest Marine Corps JROTC programs in the country. Under the leadership of Coach Master Sgt. Bradley Cramer, the four‑member squad—Gabriel Martinez, Emma Roberts, Autumn Hendra, and Grady Ladd—prepared for two full days of firing. Each day consisted of kneeling, prone, and standing positions, performed twice under strict match conditions and time standards.

Across two intense days of competition, the M.C. Perry shooters battled nerves, altitude differences, and the pressure of performing on a national stage. When the last pellets were fired, the Samurai finished with a combined team aggregate of 4,167 with 93 center shots, earning ninth place while demonstrating remarkable determination and resilience against elite competition.

Individual Performances

Gabriel Martinez led the team with an exceptional 1,093‑41X, highlighted by an impressive 195‑14X prone series on Day 2. His consistency in both prone and kneeling anchored the team’s performance.

Emma Roberts recorded 1,048‑21X, showing reliable prone scores and noticeable improvement in her standing position—one of the most technically demanding components of the match.

Autumn Hendra delivered 1,021‑14X, maintaining composure through challenging strings and offering stability in kneeling that helped keep the team competitive.

Grady Ladd rounded out the team with 1,005‑17X, demonstrating consistent growth, solid shot groups, and a positive attitude that strengthened team cohesion throughout the competition.

A major highlight of the championship came when Gabriel Martinez qualified 5th overall for the MCJROTC Individual Finals, a remarkable achievement for any competitor—let alone one from a small overseas program.

The finals shoot‑off challenged shooters with demanding, time‑critical stages:

• Three 5‑shot kneeling series – 2:30 minutes each stage
• Three 5‑shot prone series – 2:30 minutes each stage
• Two 5‑shot standing series – 2:30 minutes each stage
• Followed by 50 second elimination shots, one by one, until only a single shooter remained.

In front of range officials, coaches, teammates, and spectators, Martinez delivered under pressure, finishing with a Finals Score of 395.0. His performance showcased not only technical skill but also confidence and stamina.

For the Samurai rifle team, the trip to Utah represented much more than a match. It was the culmination of months of training, discipline, and teamwork. The M.C. Perry shooters represented their school, their JROTC program, and the Pacific region with professionalism and pride. Their efforts reflected the character, skill, and commitment that define the M.C. Perry community.