Air Force Academy

Sunday, February 12, 2006
Falcons outscored by Nebraska
Air Force Rifle Weekly Release
Air Force Rifle at Univ. Nevada-Reno, Feb. 25
This Week: The rifle team will travel to Nevada on Feb. 25 to compete against the University of Nevada-Reno.

Last Time Out: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln rifle team outscored the Air Force Academy, 4666-4629, at Saturday's NCAA Qualifier/NRA Sectional match. Air Force hosted Nebraska on Feb. 11 during the NCAA Qualifier and NRA Collegiate Sectional. The Falcons posted a team composite score of 4629, which is about 20 points lower than what the coaches and team were hoping to finish with. Nebraska posted a team composite of 4666 which combined with their regular-season scores should secure them a spot at the championships, according to head coach Justin Broughton.

Early in the day, the Falcons had a lower than desired performance in the smallbore .22 event. According to Coach Broughton, the team was 10-15 points off their pace, which would allow us to feel a little more comfortable. Later, the team had a respectable 2326 in the air rifle event. The cadets were poised under the pressure of trying to overcome the smallbore score and put up an average to above average score in air rifle.

NCAA Championships: The Falcons are attempting to qualify for the NCAA Championships by accumulating points during their top-scoring home match plus two matches away from home. The top eight teams in the country are guaranteed an invitation to the championships, which will be held at the USOC on March 10-11. Following Saturday's match, the Falcons can only sit and wait while other teams across the country shoot their qualifiers to see how the results play out. The NCAA will not release the official results until later this month.

Recap: AFA's top shooters were Chris Hill with a 582 in both smallbore and air rifle. Tim Siemer finished with a 576 in both smallbore and air rifle. Clifton Mulkey fired a 574 in smallbore and 586 in air rifle, while Jessica Palomba finishes with a 571 in smallbore and 582 in air rifle.

Team Scores: Air Force: 4629 -- Nebraska: 4666

AFA's Rifle Record: The rifle team is now 6-6 overall.