Former NCAA Coach, Athlete Brings Fresh Leadership to CMP South
September 13, 2024
By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
ANNISTON, Ala. – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is happy to welcome the new manager of the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center in Alabama – JT Schnering!
As manager, Schnering will oversee several functions of the competition center, like the coordination of events/competitions and weekly Open Public Marksmanship timeslots, operating the Laser Shot simulators within the building, promoting offered programs and, most importantly, ensuring a pleasant and positive experience for all those who visit the facility.
Schnering carries an abundance of experience in marksmanship as both athlete and coach. Though he has recently been hired as a full-time CMP staff member, he has previous connections to the organization – acting as a camp counselor for the summer CMP Junior Rifle Camps while in college. When searching for his next career move, he decided to take his affinity for the CMP and blend it with his passion for cultivating future marksmanship generations.
“I decided to join the CMP because of my involvement in the summer camps and because of the company’s mission,” he said. “I believe it’s important to bring young people into the shooting sports and learn the valuable skills it has to offer.”
“My experience at the CMP summer camps was amazing,” he went on. “I had the opportunity to work with top collegiate athletes from around the country and learn from them. This helped me grow as an athlete, become more consistent in my sport and grow as an individual.”
Raised in Alaska, Schnering began his involvement in the marksmanship community while in high school, where he earned three First Team merits in air rifle from the Alaska School Activities Association as well as an additional First Team title in smallbore. He went on to become a member of the University of Alaska Rifle Team from 2015 to 2019. There, he claimed multiple All-American distinctions, four National NCAA Rifle Championship appearances and was named the university’s Most Outstanding Athlete of the Year in 2019.
Now, at CMP, Schnering is ready to again inspire individuals on the range through his own set of skills and CMP’s many initiatives – taking encouraging steps toward even more valuable opportunities for juniors, newcomers and all who cross the threshold into the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center.
In July 2021, Schnering became assistant coach of the University of Nebraska Rifle Team after also aiding the program at Alaska and at his home club in Fairbanks.
“My goal is to bring more youth athletes into the sport,” he said. “Shooting gives an amazing, and safe, way to allow kids to be involved in something unique and fun. I bring a lot of shooting experience in air gun and smallbore as well as coaching experience and connections to the shooting community.”
“I look forward to building a club team at the CMP South location, meeting new people and teaching others about the shooting sports,” he added.
Stop By to Meet JT! The Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center in Alabama is open each week, Monday through Thursday (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located at 1470 Sentinel Drive, Anniston, the facility includes the CMP South Store, which is fully stocked with equipment and memorabilia needs, as well as a large common area for guests to enjoy.
The attached 80-point air gun range is equipped with innovative electronic targets. The venue regularly hosts local, state and national competitions as well as weekly Open Marksmanship, which allows visitors of virtually any age and experience level to test out air rifles or air pistols with the guidance of qualified CMP staff members.
Rental Space Available! The Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center is open for public rentals for family reunions, showers, birthday parties, company gatherings and more! Contact JT for rental information at jschnering@thecmp.org. We hope to see you soon!
Learn more about the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center at https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/.