COC junior biathlon summer highlights

The junior/U14 Craftsbury biathlon program wrapped up a fun-filled and successful summer. The 21 kids in this program have not only built strong camaraderie as a group but have also developed many process-oriented shooting skills that will help them on the range this coming winter. The group continues to practice biathlon basics such as sight alignment, breathing, trigger squeeze, and range procedure while always keeping safety awareness central.

When asked about his highlights of the summer for the junior program, Craftsbury coach Rick Costanza shared, “I guess we are pretty lucky because we have a group of young athletes and coaches that are so supportive of one another. Every practice is just bubbling over with enthusiasm and positive energy. I can’t recall a session where the kids didn’t make us laugh and yet they have this incredible ability to focus and learn while having a good time.”

Many of the Craftsbury juniors also attended either the U15 or the U17/U19 COC summer camps which were multi-day intensives into both shooting and physical training. The gains made during those camps augmented the weekly work that the athletes did on the range.

The 2 singletrack shootout events during the summer gave the athletes opportunities to practice what they were learning in a low-key and fun race environment, even during a rain storm!

We joined one of the last fall practices (before the group switches to winter mode) to experience a junior biathlon practice for ourselves. And it WAS fun! With a great balance of focus, just as coach Rick said, and expert instruction from both him and Susan.

The juniors shared their highlights from the summer:

“Biathlon Camp!” “The whole thing!” “Shooting while standing on funny stuff!” “Speed walking relays!” “Shooting games!”