Local teen to represent U.S. at world championships

GROVE CITY, Pa (WKBN) – Grove City incoming Senior Jack Ogoreuc, has qualified for the USA National team for the 2024 International Shooting Sport Federation Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru in Fall 2024.

Ogoreuc is at the height of his junior career but he said he started competitively shooting when he was 13 years old.

“Yeah there’s definitely nerves,” said Ogoreuc. “Heart rate gets higher.”

The 17-year-old is now one of the best competitive marksmen in his age group in the country.

“You want to shoot the best,” said Ogoreuc. “You want to be in that I want to win mentality.”

The Eagle’s senior said when shooting competitively you have to find a calm space.

“Really not thinking much, just trying to get my breathing down or heart rate down,” said Ogoreuc.

Ogoreuc is fresh off two major competitions, the Junior Olympics and the USA Shooting National Championships.

He took home two gold medals at the national championships in late June in Fort Moore, GA. The Grove City standout won gold in the Under-18 Male Smallbore and the Air Rifle competitions.

“If you’re a junior like me, you’re shooting against guys, the people that are on the Olympic team right next to you,” said Ogoreuc.

Also, at the national tournament, Ogoreuc said he found out he would be representing the nation on the World’s stage.

“Just a whirlwind of everything all at once,” said Ogoreuc.

Ogoreuc will be 1 of 5 U.S. male riflemen competing in the 2024 ISSF Junior World Championships. He said this is the highest honor a junior rifleman can achieve.

“Just kind of eases the pressure, but also ramps it up a little at the same time,” said Ogoreuc.

Ogoreuc qualified for the international tournament with his first-place performances at the USA Shooting National Championships.

He’ll be shooting in the Smallbore and Air Rifle events for the nation this Fall. He said his final target became clearer when he realized what he could hit.

“When I really saw my scores jump up, I saw my full potential,” said Ogoreuc. “You know, hopefully, to get on that Olympic team someday.”

The 2024 SSF Junior World Championships takes place at the Peruvian capital of Lima from Sept. 26 to Oct. 7.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.