Successful Season Wraps Up for North Haven High Shooters

The North Haven High School rifle team completed a successful season, winning the Central Conference over rival Bunnell, and finishing 5th in the Connecticut even though they were unable to clinch the state championship.

The team came into the season with three primary goals: to achieve a better record than last season’s 7-2 mark, to win the conference, and to find a solid replacement for Matt Buechele, who finished 3rd in the state last season before graduating.

“Matt was a great shooter and coming into the season I had a feeling it was going to be hard to replace him,” North Haven Head Coach Brent Heidenis said. “However, my returning shooters proved me wrong and stepped up to the challenge.”

Because the team had no returning seniors, juniors Tyler McDonough and Kurt Tietjen stepped up to become its leaders.

“Both Tyler and Kurt were great captains,” Heidenis said. “They were able to ground the team. Throughout the entire season, they were calm and relaxed and put a lot of extra time for the better of the team. They led by example.”

Sophomore Caroline Bennett is another shooter who helped the team excel. While some of the shooters struggled to be consistent, Bennett did not give in to the pressure and showed why she’s considered the team’s best shooter “on paper.”

“Caroline was a very important part of our varsity squad this year and she definitely helped us to make it to states, “McDonough said. “Not only is she a great shooter, but she is also a great teammate.”

Overall, members of the team said they were proud of their accomplishments this season.

“I thought it was a great season,” said Bennett.

McDonough agreed.“I am impressed by our overall performance. I am definitely looking forward to next season to see how we can continue to improve,” he said.

Coach Heidenis continues to spread the word about the team and thinks the future is bright. About 20 North Haven Middle School students are enrolled in the Blue Trail Junior Rifle Club in Wallingford in preparation for the high school season.

“As a middle school teacher I get the opportunity to promote the team,” he said. “Once in a while I give out information and packets to students that are interested. I know of four or five eighth-graders that are looking forward to being part of the team next year.”

Coaches and parents know how devoted the student shooters were to the team, and say they are happy to see the hard work pay off.

“I am very proud of our athletes’ accomplishments in personal and team goals,” Heidenis said. “This season was the greatest form of satisfaction.”