Local Emlenton Teen Sets Records in National Shooting Competitions
- Editor
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
EMLENTON, Pa. — Jonathan Russell, 15, son of Nathan and Melissa Russell of Emlenton, has emerged as one of the top young shooters in the nation, compiling an impressive string of victories and record-breaking performances in rifle and air gun competitions over the past year.
Russell, who just celebrated his 15th birthday on June 11, has competed successfully in both smallbore rifle and air rifle events at regional and national levels. His recent achievements highlight a remarkable combination of talent, dedication, and steady improvement.
In September (20–21), Russell competed in an outdoor NRA 3-Position Smallbore (.22) match at the Murrysville Rifle Club. There, he shattered five NRA National Records and tied a sixth in the sub-junior category (athletes remain sub-junior through the end of the calendar year in which they turn 14).
His strong fall continued in December (13–14), when he placed 3rd in the U15 Boys division in Standing Air Rifle at the USA Shooting Winter Air Gun Championship. In January, Russell earned the final points needed for his Junior 3-Position Air Rifle Distinguished Badge on the 16th. The following weekend (Jan. 17–18), he took 3rd place in the U15 category (combined boys and girls) at the CMP Camp Perry Open.
This spring and early summer brought even more success. At the USA Shooting National Junior Olympic Championships (April 12 – 13), Russell earned a silver medal, finishing 2nd in Standing Air Rifle in the Boys U15 division (U15 runs through the end of the year when an athlete turns 15). Later that month (April 24–25), he dominated the CMP 3-Position Air Rifle Regional Qualifier, taking 1st place in the U15 age group (boys and girls combined).
At the USA Shooting National Rifle Championship in June, Russell continued his podium streak. He placed 3rd in Boys U15 Standing Air Rifle on June 7–8, then captured the gold medal with a 1st-place finish in U15 Boys Smallbore on June 10–11.
Beyond the range, Russell remains active in scouting. He is currently working on his Eagle Scout project and needs only three more merit badges to complete the requirements for the prestigious rank.
Competing with local teams including the Oil City Junior Rifle Team and Venango County Dead Eys 4-H group, Russell’s accomplishments reflect years of disciplined training and strong family support. His rapid rise in the sport at such a young age points to a promising future in competitive shooting.
Congratulations to Jonathan on his outstanding season! Local shooting enthusiasts expect to hear more from this talented young athlete in the years ahead.
