Oak Harbor High School marksman Austin McBride competed against the best schoolboy shooters in the United States at the National Junior Olympics Men’s Air Rifle Championships earlier this month in Colorado Springs.

McBride, a junior, was one of only 187 from 48 states to qualify for the event.

McBride finished 68th, which, he said, was “a lot better than I thought I’d place.”

“Seeing as how each shooter there is the best-of-the-best in his state, the level of competition was very high,” McBride said. “It was an honor to shoot beside every one of them.”

A strong showing at the Washington State Junior Olympics Championships earned McBride the berth in the national tournament.

Going into the competition at Colorado Springs, McBride saw it as “nothing but a way to earn experience.”

He came away, however, with more: “(It) proved to me I can achieve more than what I think I can, which is a huge confidence booster for me.”

One experience he didn’t expect was the thoroughness of the gear check. Gear checks are normal, but at the national competition they examined everything, right down to the thickness and stiffness of his leathers (shooting apparel).

“The gear check took three and a half hours and most of my energy that day,” he said. “It was hell.”

Other aspects of the trip were more pleasant, including competing at the United States Olympic Training Center.

“It was amazing to walk in the steps of the elite class of athletes known as Olympians,” he said.

Another positive experience was taking advantage of the city’s activities: “There was so much to do. You could plan weeks worth of recreational tourism and still not cover everything Colorado Springs had to offer.”

One of the activities he tried was scuba diving, getting a lesson from his uncle, a certified instructor.

“I’m hoping to get certified soon so I can go diving on my own.”

With a wink, McBride added, “From what I gather, the Navy has a great program for people who love to shoot and dive — the Navy SEALs.”