2/19/2003 - Rifle
Navy Rifle Garners NCAA Berths

The Navy air rifle team qualified for the NCAA Championship following a 1547 performance against SUNY-Maritime in the NCAA-qualifying match Feb. 8. The top-eight scores across the country advance to the championship, which will be hosted by Army, March 14-15, at Tronsrue Marksmanship Center.

"We're certainly thrilled to be a part of the NCAAs," Navy head coach Bill Kelley said. "We're disappointed that we didn't make it in smallbore as well, especially when our score last weekend at Army (5772) would have clinched a spot for us. We'll go into the competition and do our best."

In addition to the air rifle team, team captain James Kauber (Burlington, Wash.) and sophomore Matt Albright (Shelton, Conn.) earned berths as individuals. Kauber qualified in the air rifle discipline after recording a career-best 392 against the University of the Sciences and later tying the mark against SUNY-Maritime. On the year, he has posted the team's top average of 387.0 in the discipline.

"I think it's a great thing he received this spot," continued Kelley. "Especially, since he has never been there before in his four years. He's worked hard all season, and I'm really excited for him."

Albright has set new standards at the Naval Academy in only his second season. After tying the Academy record in smallbore in the fourth match of the season, he later broke the individual mark in the NCAA Qualifier with 1176. A member of the USA Shooting National Development Team, Albright has been the Mids' most-prolific performer this season, posting a season average of 1168.0.

"For Albright, this will be the culmination of a great year," concluded Kelley. "He should contend for one of the top-six positions. He's definitely a competitor and should be in the middle of the mix. It's exciting for him to have the opportunity again. He'll be a legitimate contender."

Navy, 9-1 on the season, will wrap up its regular season against Canisius Sunday, Feb. 23, at 8 a.m.