Air Force Academy

Air Rifle
1. -- Clifton Mulkey (584)
2. -- Chris Hill (578)
3. -- Justin Raines (577)
4. -- Jessica Palomba (576)
5. - Tim Siemer (567)

Smallbore:
1. -- Hill (584)
2. - Mulkey (584)
3. - Siemer (569)
4. -- Palomba (562)
5. -- Raines (556)

From The Team: "I was nervous throughout the whole match, but practice has helped my shooting, especially today where I was able to shoot well and have some good scores in today's competition," said freshman Clifton Mulkey. Since middle school Mulkey always knew he would come to the Academy. "The Academy is a great environment and offers great opportunities for education and career. Our coaches do a great job, they have experience and good ideas that make our team do better."

"The coaches told me that we really needed a strong performance from every member, so I've worked hard too get my scores in the 560s," said Cannard.

"Shooting against the national champions really brought out the best in me and I think it helped us all focus like never before," commented Hill.

From the Coach: "We knew it would take a team record to be competitive with these two national powerhouses, and a team record is what we got."

Head coach Justin Broughton: Head coach Justin Broughton is in his seventh year at the helm of the Air Force rifle team. In October 2005, Broughton became the first-ever civilian rifle coach. Broughton is a 1994 Air Force Academy graduate. He was a four-year letter winner, team captain and 1994 honorable mention All-American. Coaching the Academy's rifle team since 1999, Broughton's teams have amassed a 77-136 team record with two top 10 team finishes. During this time, the Falcons have been represented at the NCAA Championships in 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2004.

Distinguished Visitors: Watching the competition Sunday was Lones Wigger a former Free Rifle Olympian and World record holder, who holds eight individual World records spanning from 1964 until 1986. Wigger is also the father of Army's rifle head coach Maj. Ron Wigger. "Everything improves and scores are much higher than when I shot. The equipment and clothing are much better, the technology improved, people take advantage of that and the scores get better. The athletes are better trained now, there is more coaching, better programs, kids learn younger and perform better at the younger ages," said Wigger.