The University of Alaska Fairbanks, the five-time defending NCAA National Rifle Champions, posted some very high numbers Saturday in the 2004 National Rifle Association Open Sectional held at the E.F. Horton Range. The smallbore and air rifle scores are compared with scores around the country to determine the national champions.
"It looks like we're firing on all cylinders," said UAF mentor Glenn Dubis. "I believe both of our scores will be enough to win national championships in the respective matches."
UAF fired a team total of 1779 in the air rifle, led by freshman Matt Rawlings. The Wharton, TX native shot 597 out of a possible 600. He posted three perfect 100 scores and three 99s. Joe Hein chipped in with a 594, while Karl Olsson shot 588.
Also shooting for the Nanooks in the air rifle competition was Cassie Pinkel (582), Matt Wallace (582), Kim Harris (578) and Karen Gerde (578).
In the smallbore competition, the Nanooks fired a 4724 total, just eight points off the national record. Rawlings again had the hot hand for UAF, posting an 1186. Wallace came up with an 1183, while Hein shot 1180 and Olsson fired an 1175.
The Nanooks will participate in the NRA Open 3-Position Sectionals on Sunday, February 29 on the UAF campus. The action should begin at 8 a.m.
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