For years, the U.S. Marine Corps JROTC programs at Des Moines Public Schools have been among the top in the nation for the marksmanship they demonstrated at air rifle competitions. On Saturday, Central Campus JROTC added to that legacy by earning most of the honors up for grabs at the 2026 Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) state championship.

Central JROTC hosted the competition at their indoor range at Central Campus. Twenty-nine competitors from across the state took aim at an opportunity to go on to compete at the 2026 CMP National Championship this June in Ohio.

Wesley Rumbaugh, cadet captain of Central’s JROTC, was the overall state champion. Last week, Wesley also kicked off the school district’s State of the Schools event, welcoming people to the Central Campus auditorium and sharing some of his own story.

Placement for Central Campus students in the competition’s categories were as follows:

• Gold Medal and Overall CMP State Champion: Wesley Rumbaugh (550 out of 600 points)
• Silver Medal: Elsie Manning (536 points)
• Bronze Medal: Sophia Cronin (531 points)

• 1st: Wesley Rumbaugh
• 2nd: Elsie Manning
• 3rd: Haylea Spencer

• 1st: Sophia Cronin
• 2nd: (Iowa City)
• 3rd: Brandon Soto-Garcia

• Wesley Rumbaugh
• Elsie Manning
• Samantha Nicholson
• Evan Igirkwishatse

• Sophia Cronin
• Haylea Spencer
• Brandon Soto Garcia
• William Dix