Senator Pam Helming today welcomed the Pavilion/York Air Rifle Team to the New York State Capitol, where they were honored on the Senate floor for winning the 2026 New York State Rifle Invitational Championship in the Three-Position Event.

The team capped off a truly remarkable season, going undefeated and capturing the first state championship in program history—an extraordinary rise for a team that, just a few years ago, was starting from scratch.

“What makes this team’s story so powerful is not just the championship, but the journey behind it,” said Senator Helming. “These student-athletes went from borrowed equipment and no prior wins to standing at the top of the state. That kind of determination, resilience, and belief in one another is what defines champions.”

Formed just three years ago, the Pavilion/York team began with significant challenges, practicing with borrowed rifles, piecing together equipment, and building a program without the resources many others take for granted. Despite their dedication, they had never won a single match.

But they never backed down.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Jenny Harkins, and with support from their school districts and generous community donors, the team secured the equipment they needed to compete at the highest level. Once given the tools, their talent and work ethic took over.

What followed was nothing short of incredible.

The team went undefeated, earned its first sectional title, and surged all the way to a state championship—transforming from underdogs into the best in New York.

And on the biggest stage, they delivered.

Tyler Brian and Emily Harwood each recorded their first perfect prone targets at the state competition—an incredible achievement under pressure. And leading the way was York junior Myra Beardsley, who rose above the field to earn top individual honors as the overall state champion.

Now, she is taking that momentum to the national stage.

Myra will represent our region at the Junior Olympics next month—an elite competition that brings together the very best young athletes in the country. It is an extraordinary honor and a testament to her talent, discipline, and relentless drive to succeed.

“This team proved that success is not reserved for the biggest programs or the most established teams,” Senator Helming said. “It belongs to those who show up, put in the work, and believe in one another. We are incredibly proud of this team and excited to cheer Myra on as she competes on the national stage.”

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