NU Rifle Signs Three Recruits

Lincoln, Neb. --- Head rifle coach Ashley Rose-MacAllister announced Wednesday that three recruits have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Nebraska.  Sarah Sutton, Samantha Peterson and Kayla Gadeken will join the Nebraska rifle team for the 2016-17 season.

“We are so excited about the new additions to this team,” Rose-MacAllister said. “All three of these girls are bringing tons of experience on the national stage as high schoolers, which will help us to push forward in our drive for a championship. I think their experience here at Nebraska will be one they will never regret.

“We have a strong air rifle program, which Sarah Sutton and Kayla Gadeken will fit in perfectly with. Kayla and Samantha Peterson are both going to be strong contributors for our smallbore team.”

Sarah Sutton, a native of Oak Harbor, Ohio, is a member of Black Swamp Junior Rifle Club under direction of coaches Fred Sutton, Brad Donoho and Katie Harrington.  Sutton’s coach, Katie Harrington was a member of the Nebraska rifle team from 2004 to 2008.  Sutton has been shooting since she was 7-years-old. In 2015, Sutton set the range record at the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Gary Anderson Range.  In April 2015, Sutton placed fourth in air rifle at the USA Junior Olympics. Additionally, she won the USA Junior National Competition in three-position air rifle in June 2015.  Sutton is also a member of the honor roll at Oak Harbor High School and intends to major in marketing at Nebraska.

Samantha (Sammy) Peterson is from Ham Lake, Minn. Peterson competes for the Minnesota Centershots under coaches Pete Durben, Steve Powell and Liz Powell.  Peterson took first place at the 2015 CMP National Championships in three-position air rifle. She also claimed the silver medal in smallbore at the 2012 Junior Olympics and the bronze medal in air rifle at the 2013 Junior Olympics. Peterson will major in sociology at Nebraska. She chose NU over Alaska-Fairbanks.

Kayla Gadeken, a Seward, Neb., native, becomes the first in-state recruit since Sheena Mahloch who was a member of the Nebraska rifle team from 2008 to 2012. Gadeken competes for 10X 4-H Club, under coach Gary Gadeken. At the 2015 NRA National Championships, Gadeken placed first in three-position air-rifle. She took second at the 2015 Women’s Air Rifle Junior Olympics in the 15-17 age range and at the 2015 CMP National Three-Position National Championships. Gadeken chose Nebraska over Morehead State University and Murray State. She will major in animal science and natural resources at NU.

“The best part about this recruiting class is not only the performance they will be able to bring but the quality of character they have,” Rose-MacAllister said. “All of them are exceptionally hard workers no matter what obstacle stands in their way. We are pleased to welcome them to our Husker Family.”