By Joe Fitzgibbon
The Valley Stream District Rifle Team completed its historic season in storybook fashion, defeating rival Clarence High School to win the New York State Championship at West Point, N.Y., on March 3.
Led by the sharp-shooting of South juniors Nick Novello and Stephen Zawislak and the strong scoring of Central seniors Jen Bertha and Mike Supple, Valley Stream fired record-breaking scores in one of the most impressive performances in state history.
After finishing a distant third to Buffalo's Clarence High School at last year's championships, Valley Stream knew they would have to be at its best to capture the state crown. The team was up for the challenge, firing a blistering score of 1110 - its season high and one of the highest scores in state history.
"We went in ready for a tough match considering how well [Clarence] did last year," said Novello.
Valley Stream did not let up as it went on to dominate the air rifle event, tallying a team score of 1095 to break the state record.
"We were preparing for this match since the start of the season - our goal was a state championship," team co-captain Jen Bertha said.
Head coach Blake McCauley said it was extremely gratifying to see his team respond under the spotlight of the state championships and perform at its best. "They all rose to the occasion. I'm very proud of them," McCauley said.
Novello was among those rising to the occasion with one of the most incredible performances in state history. Novello won the individual state championship in smallbore, firing a school record 289 out of 300 points. Included in Novello's record score was a near perfect 97 out of 100 in the standing position, shattering by two points the state record set in 2005 by Valley Stream's Ray Pabelonia.
Among the three positions in the smallbore event (prone, standing and kneeling), shooting from the standing position is the most difficult, according to Novello, because of how hard it is to hold steady long enough to hit a bulls-eye. Standing requires a tremendous amount of discipline, focus and physical stamina to be able to control movement and hit a bulls-eye, Novello said.
"I took it shot by shot and didn't think about the overall score," said Novello.
Novello's success continued in the air rifle event where he finished second to Alden High School's Rebecca Gerevics as she successfully defended her state air rifle crown.
The win was a total team effort for Valley Stream with all team members firing season-high scores. Novello said Valley Stream's focus on team is one of its formulas for success. "Although you shoot as an individual, it's a team sport as the whole team needs to shoot well to achieve victory," Novello said. "We all support each other and have a great time too."
Bertha agreed, adding, "My teammates all have such positive attitudes that it creates a nurturing environment which releases potential."
South junior Stephen Zawislak fired a season-high 282 to place third in smallbore. Zawislak also finished fourth in air rifle, earning him his third straight top-10 finish at the championships. Central seniors Bertha and Mike Supple each tallied personal-best scores of 270 and 269, finishing in 8th and 11th place, respectively.
"I was so ecstatic after we won, [that] there was no room for other emotions," Bertha said. "I was so proud of our team - everyone worked so hard."
Also contributing fine scores were Central junior Chelsea Grayson and Central sophomore Francis Galvez, who both gained valuable experience competing in their first state match and will be important contributors to next year's team, according to McCauley.
Mental preparation was a key part to Valley Stream's success at the state championships, according to Bertha. "All season I felt we had the potential to be state champions and the only thing standing in our way was the pressure of the match."
Throughout the regular season, Valley Stream prepared for the pressure by learning how to focus, by gaining confidence and persevering. "We learned not to let the little things distract us," Bertha said. "You have to think about the target one at a time. If you start adding up your points or deductions, that is when you've lost it."
In order to get the maximum 10 points per target, rifle athletes must hit a bulls-eye about the size of a period. Without complete mind and body control, the competitors can miss, costing them many points. The pressure of big matches only increases the demand on the rifle athletes' ability to control their movements.
Since taking over as head coach in 2003, McCauley has been the architect behind Valley Stream's elevation to the top of the sport. In that span Valley Stream has won three county titles, two state championships and has not lost a regular season match.
"It takes a lot of practice and focus," said McCauley who spends many hours at the range getting his team ready. "A successful rifle athlete has to be really dedicated and be willing to put in time during the season and in the off-season."
None of Valley Stream's team members knew anything about the sport before joining the team. They all heard about the rifle team over the morning announcements at school and decided to give it a try. According to Bertha, it takes a long time to develop as a rifle athlete, but the effort has paid off.
"To be a part of a state championship team is one of those rare opportunities that comes around only once and you'll always remember it," Bertha said.
