Granbury High School Marine Corps JROTC served as one of several nationwide host locations for the prestigious Gary Anderson Invitational Rifle Match, bringing together junior athletes from across the country to compete in precision and sporter air rifle events. The match, named in honor of Gary Anderson, two-time Olympic gold medalist and CMP Director Emeritus, represents one of the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s premier annual competitions.
During the match, Granbury’s own Cadet Mataya Turner delivered a historic performance, breaking both the Marine Corps JROTC national record and the overall open national record in the 10-shot final. Turner fired an exceptional score of 106.0, finishing with a perfect 10.9 on her final shot—the highest possible scores in precision air rifle competition.
The previous record of 105.0, set by Heather Kirby of Shelbyville, Kentucky on March 24, 2012 at the JROTC National Championship, stood unmatched for more than a decade. Turner’s performance now establishes a new national benchmark for all junior programs, regardless of service affiliation.
“We’re incredibly proud of Mataya and the professionalism she brings to every match,” said LtCol Scott Casey, USMC (Ret.), Senior Marine Instructor for Granbury MCJROTC. “Breaking a national record is rare; doing it under championship pressure, with a 10.9 on your last shot, speaks volumes about her mental toughness, training, and commitment to excellence.”
The Gary Anderson Invitational is a 3x20 air rifle match featuring prone, standing, and kneeling positions, followed by a championship final. It attracts elite junior marksmen from across the country and serves as a key match for national-level juniors.
Granbury continues to earn national recognition as one of the leading scholastic marksmanship programs in the country, supported by the Civilian Marksmanship Program, American Legion Post 491, and the Granbury community.
“This was a special moment for the program and for the Marine Corps JROTC community nationwide,” Casey said. “We are honored to host this event and proud to help shape athletes who represent Texas and the Marine Corps at the highest levels of the sport.”
Granbury MCJROTC will continue its competitive schedule through the winter season, including national qualifying events and service championships.