Courtesy Photo | The Michigan National Guard Biathlon team poses during the National Guard Bureau...... read more read more
Subscribe
Four members of the Michigan National Guard biathlon team participated in the National Guard Bureau Eastern Invitational at Fort Kent, Maine March 28-29, 2026.
Originally scheduled for February in Utah, the 2026 Chief of the National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships was cancelled due to poor snow conditions. However, the opportunity to compete alongside civilian competitors arose and the National Guard Bureau Eastern Invitational was born.
“The Fort Kent Outdoor Center was gracious enough to allow the National Guard to join in on their Invitational which included civilian athletes 13 years and older, from the Northeast and even Canada,” said U.S. Army Capt. Austin DeOrio. “The event was successful largely through the many civilian volunteers who spent their personal time taking care of setting up the venue, providing range personnel, timing and various other support staff positions.”
Biathlon is a unique sport, which combines skiing and shooting from prone and standing positions. Missed shots mean a time penalty or skiing extra distance.
“It’s like a combination of two opposing activities,” said U.S. Army Maj. Brad Watkins. “You’re pushing yourself hard, your heart rate is at its peak, and then you have to slow down and calm your heart rate and breathing to shoot.” Waktins competed in his first competition last year and has found a love for the sport.
“This year really reinforced how much I enjoy this sport," said Watkins. “I realized that I need to dedicate some serious time to the range this summer and focus on improving my shooting if I want to progress.”
Another team member, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Dohnal saw improvement from his previous results.
“I did the best I’ve ever done at a competition,” said Dohnal. “I shot really well, but I still have room for improvement. I especially want to improve my shooting. My goal is to hit every single target.”
The team is planning to participate in the future and looking for additional team members.
“There were plenty of biathletes at this event who were brand new to skiing and still having a lot of fun with the sport,” said Watkins. “I would say give it a try. It’s a great sport that really translates to making you a better soldier and will probably make your Michigan winters more enjoyable!”
For those interested in joining the Michigan National Guard Biathlon Team, Capt. Austin DeOrio can be contacted for more information at austin.a.deorio.mil@army.mil.
Results:
Staff Sgt. David Dohnal (Men’s Master 50-69 Intermediate Category)
4.5km sprint - 5th
7.5km short individual - 2nd
Maj. Brad Watkins (Men’s Master 30-49 Intermediate Category)
7.5km sprint - 14th
10km short Individual - 16th
Capt. Austin DeOrio (Senior Men’s Category 22y/o and older)
10km sprint - 9th
15km short individual - 9th
Sgt. Shelby Flory (Senior Women’s Category 22y/o and older)
7.5km sprint - 7th
12.5km short individual - 7th
| Date Taken: | 04.08.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.09.2026 11:04 |
| Story ID: | 562234 |
| Location: | LANSING, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Michigan Guard Biathlon Team Competes in NGB Eastern Invitational, by TSgt Tristan Viglianco, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
