1/10/2003 - Rifle
Navy Rifle Plays Host to the Junior Olympic Qualifier

The Navy rifle team will serve as the host to the Mid-Atlantic Region's Junior Olympic Qualifier Saturday at the Bancroft Hall Range. The match will feature a number of the top shooters in the Mid-Atlantic area, including those from Maryland and Virginia, ranging in age from 12-20.

Nearly 80 competitiors will be divided into three age groups, with each individual attempting to become the 'top resident' in his or her respective class and qualify automatically for the Junior National Championship in Colorado Springs, Colo., in March.

In addition, six members of the Navy squad will participate in the event, although their individual scores will not be reflected in any collegiate scoring format this season. Their scores will be totalled in the at-large category in their age group, which is generally represented by eight-to-10 competitors annually at the national championship. The Mids participating include Matt Albright (Shelton, Conn.), Trey Buttler (Bellingham, Wash.), Billy Carson (McDonough, Ga.), Iain MacLeod (Brunswick, Ga.), Mike Miller (Albuquerque, N.M.) and Kevin Wilson (Freeport, N.Y.).

"This is the type of competition I've been looking forward to Navy playing host to since I became the head coach," said Navy head coach Bill Kelley, now in his fourth year. "Navy should be a resource for rifle regionally and nationally. Outside of the NCAA Championship, this is the next very important competition for college-age Junior shooters."

The competitors will shoot a half course instead of a full course, with the Mids appearing on the line beginning at 8 a.m. in the air rifle competition and at 2 p.m. in the smallbore.