Marysville High School student Jaxon Watson is pictured during shooting practice. Watson is in Lincoln, Neb., where he is competing in shooting events. The events are part of the National High School Rodeo Championships. (File photo)
A local high school student will once again represent the state of Ohio in a national sporting event.
Jaxon Watson, who will be a senior this fall at Marysville High School, is competing this week in the National High School Rodeo championships.
It is the second consecutive year in which Watson will compete in shooting events during the national event.
He is the reigning state champion for the 2020-21 season in both light rifle and trap shooting events.
He has competed on the state level for the past two years.
Watson is following in the footsteps of his older sister, Gabby.
She has competed in past national championships in barrel racing.
Watson’s mother, Suzan Fisher, credits her son’s passion for video games for his proficiency in shooting drills.
“I told Jaxon video games would not help him in life,” she said. “However, the hand-eye coordination he has gained from playing video games has been instrumental in his success.
“He’s been a true natural in shooting.”
Watson said his step-father, Mike Fisher, has also been instrumental in his shooting accolades.
“He has worked endless hours with me,” said Watson. “It’s just another bond we share that is strong.”
The national high school rodeo competition is being held in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Watson began light rifle range practices today and will practice his trap shooting skills on Tuesday.
Actual competitions will be conducted throughout the week.