Sharpening the Shot: 2025 USAMU JROTC Coaching Clinic Raises the Bar for Youth
September 25, 2025
Submitted by Major (ret.) Bryan Williams, Department Head and Marksmanship Coach, Mariner High School JROTC
In a sport where milliseconds and millimeters separate champions from contenders, coaching makes all the difference—and at the 2025 U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) JROTC Coaching Clinic, that difference was on full display.
Hosted for the third consecutive year at Mariner High School in Cape Coral, Fla., this elite-level clinic didn’t just develop coaches—it elevated entire programs.
What began as a bold idea from Coach Marybeth Williams and retired USAMU standout SFC George Norton has grown into one of the most impactful youth marksmanship development initiatives in the country. Backed by U.S. Army Cadet Command and shaped by some of the sport’s most accomplished athletes and coaches, the clinic has become a proving ground for youth shooting excellence and a beacon for programs hungry to grow.
Olympic-Caliber Coaching for Grassroots Growth
This year’s clinic, held July 30–31, welcomed three of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s premier instructors:
Staff Sgt. Brandon Muske, a multiple-time national champion and member of the 2022 World Championship team.
Sgt. Ali Weisz, a 2020 Olympian and NCAA All-American, who continues to be a dominant force on the international stage.
Spc. Molly McGhin, a rising star who earned NCAA titles and a berth on the U.S. National Team.
These elite athletes didn’t just share their resumes—they shared their passion. Over two days, they delivered hands-on instruction and coaching strategies that prioritized fundamentals, fostered mental toughness, and promoted pathways for success beyond high school.
A Platform Built for Excellence
Mariner High School, a Florida powerhouse and consistent state and national contender, served as the perfect host. Its state-of-the-art 28-point electronic range system gave every athlete and coach in attendance access to the same level of precision technology used in collegiate and international competition. The venue embodied the clinic’s goal: bring world-class instruction and resources directly to youth programs across the nation.
Guest speakers further enriched the event. Coach Layton Dempster of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Coach Lisa Kelley of Georgia Military College shared insights on recruiting, collegiate competition, and the life-changing scholarship opportunities available through Shooting Sports. Their presence underscored the sport’s expanding impact and the growing bridge from JROTC marksmanship to college and beyond.
Bridging Programs, Building Life Skills
One of the most exciting opportunities emphasized during the clinic was the American Legion’s Junior Shooting Sports Program—a nationally recognized initiative that promotes marksmanship and personal development among youth athletes. The program culminates in an all-expenses-paid National Championship at Hillsdale College in Michigan, where top performers compete in a high-level environment that demands focus, independence and discipline.
Traveling to this prestigious event challenges young marksmen to manage their schedules, gear and performance in unfamiliar settings—offering a powerful training ground not only for competition, but for life readiness. These experiences develop the same core values promoted by JROTC: self-reliance, leadership and a commitment to excellence.
Leading by example, Cape Coral American Legion Post 90 has become one of the nation’s model Junior Shooting Sports programs. Widely regarded for its leadership and vision, Post 90 partners with all five Cape Coral high school shooting teams, offering mentorship, resources and competition support. This type of local collaboration is exactly what the clinic aims to encourage across the country—creating sustainable partnerships that empower youth and elevate programs.
Beyond the Bullseye: Life Skills That Last
While the air rifles were finely tuned and the coaching cutting-edge, the clinic’s deeper aim was about transformation—of programs and of people. Instructors and guest coaches emphasized how shooting sports cultivate essential life skills:
Concentration and focus, honed by every sight picture and trigger press.
Self-control and discipline, critical under pressure.
Work ethic and teamwork, built through structured training and shared goals.
Excellence, not just in sport, but in life.
These values resonate far beyond the range. For JROTC cadets, they align perfectly with the leadership and character development at the heart of Cadet Command’s mission.
Results That Speak Volumes
The clinic’s impact isn’t just anecdotal—it’s measurable. Historically, only two to three Florida Army JROTC programs qualified for the Army Service Championship each year. But following the 2024 clinic, nine programs qualified. That remarkable leap is a testament to the powerful return on investment this event delivers—not just in training, but in outcomes.
This year’s clinic brought together 27 coaches and 22 cadet athletes from five different states, creating a collaborative learning environment that transcended unit lines and state borders. Coaches walked away with best practices for growing their teams, gaining community support and advocating for resources. Cadets walked away inspired, empowered and better prepared for competitive opportunities after high school.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
This incredible event would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of several key partners. Sixth Brigade of U.S. Army Cadet Command provided the critical funding for both the USAMU instructors and for all Sixth Brigade JROTC coaches to attend—a game-changing investment in coaching development.
The American Legion, especially Cape Coral Post 90, continues to serve as an essential partner in youth shooting sports across Southwest Florida. Special thanks also to Zachary Snell, Chief Operations Officer of Scopos, for his expert presentation and ongoing technical support of Mariner’s electronic target system.
Finally, our mentor coaches—Coach Dempster from West Point and Coach Kelley from Georgia Military College—added tremendous value with their insight, experience and vision for the future of the sport.
Building a Stronger Future, One Shot at a Time
Hosted by Major Bryan Williams, Mariner’s Senior Army Instructor, and his wife Coach Marybeth Williams, the USAMU JROTC Coaching Clinic has grown into a cornerstone of youth marksmanship development. Their leadership and vision, backed by the professionalism of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and supported by a growing coalition of coaches, schools and Cadet Command, are changing the trajectory of JROTC shooting programs nationwide.
For Army Cadet Command leadership, school districts and civilian marksmanship supporters alike, the message is clear: investing in coaching clinics like this pays off—on the range and in the lives of America’s youth.
