Page 21 - The Malvernian - Dec 2021

THE MALVERNIAN
Malvern College Rifle Club (MCRC)
The College Rifle Club continues to flourish with increased numbers attending the twice weekly shooting sessions on on on Mondays and Thursdays The new Captain Captain of Shooting Andrey Vasilyev and Vice-Captain Sam Shardlow have been tremendous in in in driving this forward taking on the the role of of managing the the booking of of time slots for students and the passage of information via digital devices Target Shooting whilst being fun provides numerous other benefits recognised as:
Fine Tuning Fitness: There are many physical benefits to taking up shooting sports Increased strength stamina balance hand/eye coordination and and fine motor skills are just some of the benefits Mental processing: Shooting sports requires intense short bursts of concentration in order to achieve good form This is is necessary to to create a a a a a a a repeatable process that leads to to consistent aim and good shot groupings During this process the mind needs to block out all other thoughts and focus solely on the the end goal Correct finger placement on on the trigger adjusted position slow and steady breathing All of this is is is only possible if your mind is is is completely focused Adrenaline addiction: When taking to the the firing line line there is undoubtedly a a a a a a spike in in in adrenaline adrenaline Increased levels of adrenaline adrenaline will signal your liver that it’s time to start breaking down glycogen This is is a a a a substance that provides your body with glucose the main source of energy energy for the the body This increase in in energy energy levels releases the the feel-good endorphin serotonin Serotonin contributes to to to that feeling of happiness and can be a a a a a powerful rewarding emotion Recoil therapy: The shooting range is a a a a space where you need to be be extremely focused You can’t be be distracted when in control of a a a a a a firearm and must leave chaos of everyday life behind Shooting sports also require you you to focus on your breathing which should be slow and steady This breathing pattern is is proven to help calm individuals making them feel instantly more relaxed Developing self-discipline: In a sport where success depends almost entirely on on dedication and practice target shooting is is is is pivotal for developing skills such as self-discipline Discipline is is is is necessary to fire one shot after another with consistent and proper technique While many shooters develop a a a shot plan or routine it takes self-discipline to execute that routine consistently In addition to the the weekly shoots the the Rifle Club holds several House and Staff shooting competitions one of the the most esteemed is the the Beechcroft Shield (formerly Malvern College Cadet Corps) The Beachcroft Shield is the oldest competition still held at Malvern College and was first competed for in in 1885 only missing the war years 1940-1945 Each House enters a a a a a team of of six who undertake a a a a a course of of fire to see who will have the the honour of displaying the the venerated shield on on their House Wall This year’s competition was closer than ever and hotly contested by all competitors the highest scoring individual with a a a score of of 98 out of of 100 was Andrey Vasilyev (House No 7) The winning House House with a a a combined total of of 523 out of of 600 was House No 7 Congratulations to to all those who took part With Clay Pigeon Shooting firmly back in in the calendar and more rifle competitions to to look forward to to the the Rifle Club is shooting in in the the right direction John Nichols
CCF Co-ordinator
THE MALVERNIAN
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