![MMA cadet Federico Cordero takes aim in the Ozark Tiger Rifle Classic competition.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769191598/missourimilitaryacademyorg/v6b7qjl981123xainpyq/260117RifleatOzarkHighSchoolLoSenty-19_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769191598/missourimilitaryacademyorg/v6b7qjl981123xainpyq/260117RifleatOzarkHighSchoolLoSenty-19_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1769191598/missourimilitaryacademyorg/v6b7qjl981123xainpyq/260117RifleatOzarkHighSchoolLoSenty-19_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769191598/missourimilitaryacademyorg/v6b7qjl981123xainpyq/260117RifleatOzarkHighSchoolLoSenty-19_1.jpg","width":1200}])
Missouri Military Academy’s rifle team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Ozark Tiger Rifle Classic on January 17, 2026, hosted by Ozark JROTC in Ozark, Missouri. Feature photo, MMA Cadet Federico Cordero takes aim in the Ozark Tiger Rifle Classic competition.
Competing against 31 teams, MMA earned 1st and 3rd place overall, including an exceptional showing from the Academy’s rookie team.
“It was a long but worthwhile event for the rifle team,” said MMA Coach CPT Joseph Balvanz, USA (Ret). “Our rookie team actually won the top honors against all rookie and veteran teams; quite a remarkable feat. This match gives us confidence heading into our final few remaining matches.”
MMA Cadets Thompson, Jones, Shepard, and Fitzsimmons compete at the Ozark Tiger Rifle Classic.
Individual Standouts:
- Freshman Federico Cordero earned 2nd place overall with a score of 539.
- Sophomore Javier Carlsen earned 3rd place overall with a score of 535.
- Senior Robert Shepard scored 524.
- Junior Tru Jones scored 523.
- Sophomore Thomas Fitzsimmons scored 522.
Team Rosters:
Gold Team (Rookies) — 1st place
- Federico Cordero
- Javier Carlsen
- Carter Cole
- Ryan Derstein
Maroon Team (Veterans) — 3rd place
- Duane Thompson
- Thomas Fitzsimmons
- Robert Shepard
- Tru Jones
Navy Team (Mixed)
- John Trippe
- William Larson
- Bret Sietsema
- Charles Heady
Alternate (Individual Competitor)
- Eli Lamb
The results highlight the strength and depth of MMA’s rifle program, with both veteran and rookie cadets demonstrating exceptional discipline, focus, and marksmanship as the season continues.
MMA Cadet Javier Carlsen aims during the Ozark Tiger Rifle Classic.
Photography by Cadet Jeremiah Senty ’26
![Cadet artwork on display at the 2026 Epple Memorial Art Show.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776436883/missourimilitaryacademyorg/gsdj5oxr0h3jmwb0wcyj/2604-Art-Vorga-Squoosh.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776436883/missourimilitaryacademyorg/gsdj5oxr0h3jmwb0wcyj/2604-Art-Vorga-Squoosh.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776436883/missourimilitaryacademyorg/gsdj5oxr0h3jmwb0wcyj/2604-Art-Vorga-Squoosh.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776436883/missourimilitaryacademyorg/gsdj5oxr0h3jmwb0wcyj/2604-Art-Vorga-Squoosh.jpg","width":1200}])
![Brick entrance sign for Missouri Military Academy with campus building and trees in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749551135/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ypvorq6p0hfzu8fxjlzf/missouri-military-academy-campus-web.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749551135/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ypvorq6p0hfzu8fxjlzf/missouri-military-academy-campus-web.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749551135/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ypvorq6p0hfzu8fxjlzf/missouri-military-academy-campus-web.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749551135/missourimilitaryacademyorg/ypvorq6p0hfzu8fxjlzf/missouri-military-academy-campus-web.jpg","width":1200}])