US OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER, COLORADO SPRINGS - University of Alaska Fairbanks freshman Joe Hein, 20, of Mason, Michigan, emerged as the winner of the men's 3x40 smallbore rifle event at the 2002 US Junior Olympic Championships.
Hein's score of 2415.5 out of a possible 2509.0 points was the product of two 120-shot matches plus a ten-shot final round to determine the medal winners from the field of 84 shooters. Attempting to close some of the distance on the winner's imposing 23-point lead throughout the final was silver medallist Matthew Rawlings, 17, of Wharton, Texas, finishing with a score of 2393.8. Third place honors went to Joseph Hall, 16, of Carrollton, Georgia, posting a core of 2381.9.
"This feels great! It's my first step toward next month's world championship team selection match and this year's world cup events," said Hein. "I felt a lot of pressure starting the final, even with my big lead. After the first shot I relaxed, but the rest of the guys in the final were really pushing us hard." The win was Hein's first national Junior Olympic title. The impressive performances from both Hein and Rawlings earn them places on the USA Shooting National Development Team.
The Junior Olympic Championships are the premier national event in shooting for the age group 20 and under. Joe followed in the footsteps of UAF's Matt Emmons who won the event last year. Joe also earned a spot on the US National Development team which will
lead to additional training opportunities and support from the US National Team.
"Joe came in the door last fall as a "walk on" determined to see how far he could go. He has worked extremely hard all year and earned this latest honor. I just have to smile when at a national level match the other competitors comment "who's that new guy?...must be another great shooter from UAF!!!" -UAF Rifle Coach Dave Johnson
