Rifle coach confident young Pinoys will shine

MANILA, Philippines - New Philippine rifle coach Miguel Tajuelo Rodriguez believes the Filipino shooters, particularly the young ones, have the potential to shine and become a major force in the region.

The multi-titled member of the Spanish team for 23 years said he was impressed with the performance of the national team the recent South East Asian Shooting Association Championships in Malaysia where it bagged one gold, two silver and three bronze medals.

“I have no doubt about the quality of the Filipino shooters and I was surprised with the high quality of their training. Their recent showing was impressive,” said Rodriguez, who was tapped by Philippine National Shooting Association president Mikee Romero to handle the team last month.

Celdon Arellano, Jayson Valdez, Ylvana Dy, Joelle Panganiban, Monica Yang, Frances Nicole Medina, Amparo Acuna, Venus Lovelyn Tan and Shanin Lyn Gonzalez are some of the shooters he said have the potential to shine.

To prepare the Filipino shooters, Rodriguez said he combines his experience and techniques with the character and psychological aspects of European teaching with strong emphasis on concentration level.

“With Rodriguez’s vast experience, I’m sure our shooters will be motivated and inspired to train harder,” said Romero. “I hope we will also produce world-class rifle shooters.”

Aside from hiring the Spanish record holder, Romero said they are now making arrangements with the Philippine Sports Commission and other supporters to have an electronic target range, which he said is crucial to the training of the athletes.

“Slowly, we’re trying to improve our training facilities,” said Romero.