For the first time in WestPAC rifle history, three teams tied for the top spot. Conemaugh Township, North Star and Meyersdale each finished with a 7-1 mark in conference competition.
For the Cougars, which also finished their campaign with a 12-2 overall mark, it was a season of highs.
Elissa Barron joined the 100 club for a second time in her career in the prone position. Teammate Hunter Snoeberger also reached the century mark.
Barron finished in the top 15 in the state prone competition. She also qualified for the National Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
North Star had seven returning lettermen and three newcomers letter this season as well.
It was a memorable year for the Cougars and George Ryniak, who took over as head coach this season.
“I have been with the team for three seasons, two as an assistant and this year being my first as head coach,” Ryniak said. “We have a young, but extremely talented and hard-working group of athletes. They put in the work each and every day at practice. I am fortunate to have excellent assistant and volunteer coaches in Derek Dwire, Stephen Darr and Cory Snoeberger. Our rifle team continues to progress and thrive, making its mark in the history books at North Star.”
The Cougars lose only Charlotte Fetsko and Hannah Bassett to graduation. Therefore they have high hopes for next season.
“We have been blessed with some great shooters over the years and I am proud to call myself their coach,” Ryniak said. “I look forward to what this team will accomplish next season within the league and WestPAC.”