Liberty University Club Sports
WIRC Championship
Rifle team finishes second at WIRC Championships, sets sights on ASSA Nationals
2/23/2023 5:31:48 PM | Rifle
Two weeks after finishing first in air rifle and smallbore events at the NRA Intercollegiate Sectionals, Liberty University’s rifle team returned to Jackson, Mich., and posted second place finishes in both events at the WIRC Championships this past weekend.
The team finished with 2258 points in air rifle (matching its season average) and 2198 points in smallbore (18 points above its season average), and was outfired only by Akron University, which recorded team scores of 2319 and 2276 points in air rifle and smallbore, respectively.
“Liberty Rifle enjoyed competing in person with the other WIRC teams,” Head Coach Marlene Gray said, noting that she was thrilled the championship was held in one location after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the 2021 and 2022 championships to take place remotely. The Flames and Lady Flames shared the range with North Dakota State University for Saturday’s and Sunday’s rounds. “LU students enjoyed making friends with athletes from the other colleges, who share the same love for the sport.”
Multiple Liberty shooters earned rewards at the event, with senior Kristen Gagne earning a spot on the WIRC All Conference Air Rifle Second Team with 575.4 average points alongside freshman teammate Elizabeth Gilroy (566.4 average). Gagne (561.6) and sophomore Claudia Weber (599.0) finished on the WIRC All Conference Smallbore Rifle First Team. Gagne and Weber placed fourth and fifth for individual smallbore standings in championship competition, with 563 and 559 points, respectively.
Liberty was also named runner-up to Akron for this season’s air rifle and smallbore postal matches, recording event averages of 2257.8 and 2180.5, respectively.
Graduate Erica Cruz received second place for most improved air rifle shooter with an average of 581.3 points. Weber finished in fourth in the same category with an average of 572.1 points.
In smallbore postal matches, Cruz also received second for most improved with an average of 560.6 points and freshman Edward Rea finished third.
Liberty will next compete from March 31-April 2 at the 2023 ASSA Intercollegiate Rifle Club National Championships in Fort Wayne, Ind.
“The team will review their journal notes from past matches to prepare for Nationals,” Gray said. “Our training time will focus on improving their natural point of aim, prone, standing and kneeling positions and having a strong mental mindset. The team has grown close together and works well together to encourage one another to improve their technique.”
By Christian Shields/Staff Writer
