
A Day at the Range: Kicking Off the Year with the California Grizzlies
John-Alistair & Marylee George
January 19, 2025 at 8:00:00 PM
Yesterday, January 18th, marked the start of an exciting new season for the California Grizzlies Junior Rifle Team. At 5 AM, a group of us departed from the North and South Bay areas, embarking on a foggy two-hour drive to the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center in Sloughhouse, CA. As we arrived, the morning unveiled a breathtaking scene—pink-lined skies, lush green fields, and grazing cows—a crisp winter day that promised perfect conditions for competitive shooting. While the East Coast endures snowfall, we felt fortunate to enjoy mild winds and sunshine in the heart of January.
The day brought together both seasoned Grizzlies and seven new juniors and their families, who joined our team with enthusiasm and fresh energy. Under the guidance of Match Director John Mercurio, the event began with a safety briefing, followed by inspiring words from John-Alistair George and Lane Ichord, setting the tone for a day of learning, competition, and camaraderie.
A special thank you goes to the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center, which generously covers competition fees for our juniors and donates its raised funds to this youth organization to put towards training and equipment. We are also grateful to local member Steve Grove, who selflessly dedicated his time to coaching new competitors instead of competing himself. This spirit of mentorship is what makes our community so unique.
We were thrilled to welcome one of our sponsors, First Tactical, who visited to see the team in action. Based in Modesto, CA, First Tactical provides high-quality tactical apparel and gear that supports our juniors on and off the range.
For many newcomers, this was their first experience shooting on a 600-yard range—an exciting milestone that introduced them to advanced techniques and pit operations. Among our returning members was Team Captain Alec Brital, currently in his off-season with the U.S. Forest Service, where he contributes to national fire management efforts.
The highlight of the day was Natalie Gannavaram’s stellar performance, earning her the title of Match Winner with an impressive score of 486-14x, including a perfect rapid sitting score of 100-5x. Natalie joined the Grizzlies in 2024 and has quickly become a standout competitor.
Watching last year’s team compete with quiet confidence was deeply rewarding—what began as individual pursuits has blossomed into a tight-knit community bound by shared passion and mutual support.
Another standout moment came from Alex Takaoka, who earned his prestigious Distinguished Rifleman Award last year. Alex not only competed but also generously shared his time and expertise with new shooters. He spoke passionately about his personal connection to marksmanship and its rich history spanning over 150 years. Encouraging juniors—and even parents—to get involved, Alex highlighted the welcoming community that supports anyone entering this sport.
Alex’s presence exemplified the core values of competitive shooting: camaraderie, mentorship, and respect for tradition. His dedication ensures that this historic sport continues to thrive for generations to come.
Coach Ichord reminded us of the enduring legacy of excellence and determination established by former Coach Robert Taylor, whose leadership set the gold standard for the California Grizzlies. Taylor’s vision transformed the team into a symbol of perseverance and achievement, inspiring generations of competitive shooters to aim for the highest levels of success both on and off the range.
As Coach George emphasized, this legacy is not just about winning trophies but about fostering a culture of resilience, discipline, personal development, and camaraderie. For many, this marks only the beginning of their journey with the Grizzlies—a journey shaped by the values and standards we passionately believe in. It’s a legacy we proudly carry forward, striving to uphold the tradition of excellence that defines what it means to be a California Grizzly.
As we reflect on this successful start to the season, we’re thrilled to welcome seven new team members who bring fresh enthusiasm to our program. Stay tuned as we introduce them on our website’s team page in the coming weeks. Here’s to another year of growth, excellence, and unforgettable moments with the California Grizzlies!
With Regards,
John-Alistair & Marylee George

