1/21/2005 - Rifle
Navy Rifle Team Stuns No. 1-ranked Alaska Fairbanks

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Navy rifle team pulled off one of its most historic upsets, defeating No. 1-ranked Alaska-Fairbanks, 4672-4662, Friday afternoon. Alaska-Fairbanks had entered the meet 8-0, but succumbed to the Navy pressure in the air rifle competition. The Mids trailed the Nanooks by 28 points after the smallbore portion, but got world-class performances from two shooters in the air rifle to shock Alaska-Fairbanks.

"This is definitely the biggest rifle victory in my time here at Navy and perhaps in Navy rifle history," said Navy head coach Bill Kelley. "Alaska-Fairbanks had an off day, and we were on today. I am so proud of the way we didn't fold after the smallbore and stuck with it and shot great in air rifle. We did what we had to do when we needed to do it."

The Nanooks, who have won the last six NCAA Championships, held a 2358 - 2330 advantage after the smallbore. UAF got three scores in the smallbore higher than 590, led by Matt Wallace's 596. However, the Mids were able to stay in contention, thanks in large part to the Albright brothers. Senior Matt Albright scored a 592, while brother Josh Albright fired a 586. Chris Schneider and Mike Miller added a pair of 576's, respectively.

The Mids then dominated the air rifle portion, getting a 595 from Matt Albright and a 593 from Sarah Bergman. Schneider followed with a 587 and Kevin Wilson totaled a 567 for a 2342 total, which easily outdistanced the Nanooks' 2304. Matt Albright's combined score of 1187 is one of the top performances in the NCAA this year. UAF, meanwhile, had just one score over 580, in the air rifle.

"What can you say about Matt Albright," said Kelley. "He is one of the best in the country. There are shooters in the world that can equal that, but collegiately, there are very, very few that can compete with that score. He is consistently putting up great numbers.

"Bergman's score is overshadowed by Albright's score, but that is a phenomenal total as well," said Kelley.

Kelley, however, warns that Alaska-Fairbanks is still the team to beat on the collegiate level.

"We have to see them again," said Kelley. "But what is encouraging is that I believe we can shoot better too. We put forth a great effort today and hopefully it can continue."

The Mids are scheduled to head to the Palmyra (Pa.) Tournament on Sunday, weather permitting. At the tournament, Navy will likely see UAF again as well as Army.

# GO NAVY #