By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — What started with a BB gun in his driveway has now turned into a dream to one day attend West Point for senior Cougar Paxton Mounts.
And Wednesday, that vision took a significant step forward in the Cedar Creek Library after he signed to compete for the Bulldog rifle team at Georgia Military College, a move designed to prepare him for his ultimate goal of attending the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Mounts was joined by his mother Kristy and father Bobby at the signing table and dozens of students and faculty in attendance among other family members and friends.
“I’m very excited,” Mounts said. “That’s a great prep program for where I want to be because in about a year from now, I’m hoping to be at West Point. I’ve heard it’s a great place to get me prepared, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Mounts’ opportunity came through a civil preparatory offer connected to West Point, giving him a pathway to strengthen his academics while continuing to develop as a marksman.
“My grades and academics weren’t quite where they needed to be to get to West Point right away,” Mounts said. “So this is the best place for me to go for my first year.”
Georgia Military College serves as one of the official preparatory schools for West Point, providing students with a structured military environment and academic curriculum designed to position candidates for future appointments. Its rifle program competes at the collegiate level and emphasizes precision disciplines such as air rifle and smallbore, aligning closely with NCAA-style competition.
Mounts’ journey in the sport began early. He was introduced to shooting at age six, learning the fundamentals alongside his father, Bobby Mounts.
“We had a lesson on safety and marksmanship right there in our driveway,” Bobby Mounts said, placing his hand on a display rifle. “Lesson one: this is a tool, not a toy. I still remember it like it was yesterday.”
By age 10, Mounts had joined 4-H shooting sports, where his natural ability quickly became evident. Over time, he transitioned into precision rifle competition and began accumulating awards and championships.
“It was something I loved right away and something I was good at,” Mounts said.
His development continued through middle and high school, eventually earning opportunities to train at a higher level and compete among top junior athletes. Along the way, Mounts made difficult decisions to fully commit to his long-term goals.
“He gave up other sports for this,” Bobby Mounts said. “Not returning to football was probably the hardest decision for him. But it was the right one. It’s never easy to give up something you love to pursue a dream.”
That dream extends beyond athletics. Mounts plans to study political science and pursue a career as a pilot, using his time at the service academy to grow both personally and professionally.
“The main thing I want is to become the best version of myself possible while making a positive influence on other people,” Mounts said.
Family support has been a constant throughout his journey.
“They’ve always been very supportive,” Mounts said. “That’s meant a lot.”
Despite opportunities to pursue rifle at larger NCAA Division I programs such as the University Kentucky and the University of West Virginia, Mounts chose a different route — one centered on long-term purpose rather than immediate recognition.
“He could have gone to some of the top rifle programs in the country,” Bobby Mounts said. “But he’s not chasing clout. He’s chasing a dream — to attend West Point and serve his country.”
According to Bobby Mounts, only a small percentage of applicants ultimately receive appointments to West Point, making the preparatory route both demanding and requiring determination.
“You chose a hard path,” Bobby said to his son. “One that demands incredible sacrifice. But it takes courage, and West Point sees great promise in you.”
And for Paxton, the next step is clear: continue developing both in the classroom and on the range, keeping his long-term goal firmly in his sights.
“Keep your eyes on the target,” his father said to him, “and use the tools you’ve been given.”
If all goes according to plan, Wednesday’s signing will be just the beginning for Paxton.
