Busy Weekend Ahead for Husker Shooters

Lincoln - Following a two week rest period, the Nebraska rifle team will head to Lexington, Ky., for their first road match of the season. The Huskers will face NCAA runner-up Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 10, before competing in the Walsh Invitational rifle match in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sunday.

The Huskers are 2-3 all-time versus Kentucky, including losses the last two meetings between the schools. The Wildcats beat the Huskers at the Roger Withrow Invite in January and edged Nebraska 6,175-6,135 at the NCAA Championships in March. In that match, the Huskers won the air rifle, 1,547-1,539 but were defeated in the smallbore (4,636-4,588). However, Nebraska holds the edge in dual action. In the same match last season, the Huskers were victorious with both rifles winning the match 6,197-6,157.

This season the Wildcats are 3-0 with wins over Army, Tennessee Tech and Ohio State. KU has put up some impressive numbers early in the season, most notably its 6,181 fired in a triangular with Ohio State and TTU. The Wildcats won the smallbore with a score of 4,636, and finished second in the air rifle (1,548).

This year marks the 45th Annual Walsh Invitational, the largest indoor rifle match in the nation. Hosted by Xavier, the tournament began Nov. 2 and takes place over three weekends with competition concluding on Nov. 18. Last season Nebraska finished fourth overall in a field of 18 teams. The Huskers finished second in air rifle (1,552) and fourth in smallbore (4,622) for an overall aggregate of 6,174.

The Huskers will be on the line with Jacksonville State and UTEP on Sunday. In addition, several schools have already competed, including Ole Miss, Rose Hulman and Tennessee Tech. Host Xavier will shoot on Nov. 10, while defending NCAA Champions Alaska-Fairbanks will fire on Nov. 18.