Rifle Preview

[Zipsrifle]

Well folks, I just hope the Rifle team can come out as well as the soccer team! We are again "Loaded" (pun intended) for Rifle. For those who haven't been around here for a while, yes, there is a thing as an Akron Rifle team and they are pretty darn good.

Last season, the Rifle team was shattering records left and right. They won the Western Intercollegiate Rifle Confrence (WIRC) and placed 2nd in the Mid Atlantic Confrence (MAC) to Navy, who is one of the top teams in the country. One team member shot in the Junior Olympic Championships and two Zip shooters helped the State of Ohio bring home a National Championship! Below is the press release from Coach. I am more than willing to answer anyone's questions about the sport, just shoot me an IM or ask the question on the thread.

Coach has done a great job building this program. Back in the day, it was mostly folks from Ohio and some walk on's. It appears now he is bringing in top talent from across the country! Keep an eye on these guys and gals and hopefully we'll have two national powers in Akron!

Introductions:

Date: October 10, 2005

Location: Akron, Ohio

Event: Akron Rifle Prepares for Upcoming Season

Introducing the 2005-2006 Rifle Team Members

If you thought last year was exciting, wait till you see what is in store for this season with The University of Akron Rifle Team. Lets start by looking at who is returning.

>>>>Seniors Cristina Ciarula and Angie Engle are this years seniors and eagerly looking forward to starting their forth season. Angie is considering a red shirt season this year but has not decided as of yet.

>>>Juniors

Christine Fortunao Roxbury HS in Succasunna, New Jersey..

Laura Kuntz South Range HS in North Lima, Ohio.

>> Sophomores

Stephanie Elmore from Blanchet HS in Salem, Oregon.

April Engle from Firestone HS in Akron, Ohio.

Ashley Pawlak from Lancaster Central HS in Lancaster, New York.

Megan Reinking from Concordia Lutheran HS in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Cody Shields from Harcort HS in Chandlersville, Ohio.

Ben Soehnlen from Perry HS in Massillon, Ohio.

>Freshman: And introducing the 2005-2006 freshman class for The University of Akron Rifle Team:

Julie DeBrita from Scotia Glenville HS in Scotia, New York.

Adam Hyde from Plum Senior HS in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Melissa Lussier from Middletown HS in Middletown, Connecticut.

Michael Tokarz from Greenbrier East HS in Lewisburg, West Virginia.

Each of these talented athletes come to The University of Akron with a wealth of experience and talent. More in-depth information will be presented on the new members in future editions of this news letter. You will be absolutely amazed at what these talented athletes have already accomplished.

The University of Akron tradition of excellence continues to attract the best of the best in the State of Ohio, as well as the other states in the USA.

After weeks of practice, team members are establishing new personal best performances and eagerly look forward to the first competition. The first test of what the Zips can do will come on October 15 when the squad will be host to Xavier University rifle club. The match starts at 9:00 AM in the shooting facility located in Schrank Hall South, room 7.

“The team has been practicing every day with a “this is the perfect shot which will win the match attitude,†states head coach Newt Engle. “With the experience of the returning veterans, and the energy of the new members, I would not even think of putting a limit on what these athletes will accomplish.†Last year the Zips finished as the #18 team in the USA as well as winning the Western Intercollegiate Rifle Conference Championships. In the Mid Atlantic Rifle Conference, Akron took the #2 slot in the Master category behind a very talented Navy team. Coach Engle is absolutely positive this will be another record breaking season.

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