The Emmaus High School rifle team won a state championship last season because the Hornets were not only awesome shooters, but also because they refused to lose.

“There was no quit in them,” Emmaus coach Michael Schuler said. “There was a great ‘next student up’ mentality.”

Like you have some days that are better than others, Schuler said it’s not easy for a shooter to be at their absolute best every time out.

“It’s really, really hard to be 100 percent locked-in every single match,” Schuler said. “There are a few shooters who can do it, but it’s not common. The sport we participate in is unique in that it’s a team sport that’s focused on individual performance.”

The Green Hornets’ success last season was a product of their depth.

“We have 10 shooters in a match and take the top five scores,” he said. “We were lucky to have a great core of shooters that could interchange in-and-out of the top five and pick each other up.”

The coach realizes defending that title will not be easy but does expect another superb season.

“We’ve got a large group this year that we’re very excited for,” Schuler said. “We have a lot of younger shooters coming up that are pretty promising so far. I’d expect another great showing this year, both in the league and in the state tournament at the end of the year.”

Nobody did more showing with a rifle last season than senior Griffin Lake. With a rifle in his hands Lake is as good as it gets. He’s the defending state individual champion.

“Griffin is an incredible resource,” Schuler said. “His shooting credentials speak for themselves. He was in Cairo last month for a world championship. He’s a consistently great shooter.”

Other seniors expected to hit many marks this season include Shannon Anders.

“Shannon is a great presence to have around the team,” the coach said. “She’s a solid shooter who cares about improving her performance on the range.”

Kaden Issa is another senior Schuler is happy to have around.

“He’s always willing to help with the new students as well as taking charge,” Schuler said.

Aubrey Marshall rounds out a fine senior class.

“I’m going to be most disappointed to lose Aubrey after this season,” Schuler said. “She’s just such a great calming presence...and she’s a pretty great shot, too.”

The competition around the Northeast Pennsylvania Rifle League is loaded with schools who will test Emmaus sharpshooters all year long.

“The competition is always strong,” Schuler said. “Close to home, Southern Lehigh and Freedom are always tough teams. In the ‘northern division,’ East Stroudsburg South and Berwick are always close matches that normally come down to a point difference. I think really most of the league has a really good shot at beating any other team on any given day.”