The Bellmore-Merrick Rifle squad clinched the Nassau County championship on Feb. 6.  

This is the highest level of competition for the team and the seven other teams Bellmore-Merrick competes against in the county.  

Students must learn several skills to be successful at this sport. 

“Concentration and focus, both mental and physical, are required to hit a dot the size of a period from 10 meters,” explained Coach Philip Schratwieser. “The decision-making process involves not only taking the shot - which is challenging enough – but also having the discipline to say ‘no’ to yourself when you realize you aren’t ready. You must then be able to calm your heart rate, control your breathing and to steady your hand all before you try again.” 

Schratwieser served 12 years in the military as a Squad Designated Marksman, was a graduate of the Army’s Master Gunner course and perennial sharpshooter.  

In addition to being an assistant and head coach for the last six years, he works in the district’s network operations team for the technology department.  

There are 14 students on the squad from across the CHSD’s schools.  

“I have been coaching some of these kids for four years and will miss them as they move onto the next phase of their lives,” noted Schratwieser. “I am so very proud of them, their hard work and the recognition they bring to the sport and to themselves as a result.” 

Date Added: 2/13/2025