Jan. 15, 2002

The University of Kentucky rifle team opened the 2002 schedule with victories over the United States Air Force Academy and the University of Wyoming in a triple match on Saturday, Jan. 12. The Wildcats finished with a total of 6179, while Air Force came in second with 5949 and Wyoming finished with 5938.

Leading the Cats in the smallbore competition was sophomore James Nash who totaled 1163, with his best finish at 393 in the prone portion. Fellow sophomore Bradley Wheeldon finished close behind with a total 1158 but outscored Nash in the prone competition with a 395. In air rifle action, freshman Aaron Shader led the Cats with a 390, outscoring Wheeldon by one for the two best finishes.

“This team performed well after having a month off,” Coach Harry Mullins said. “This match has given us a good measuring stake. I feel that with the level of talent we have on this team and the work ethic, we have a good chance of getting our numbers up in the next few weeks and finishing our season on top.”

The Wildcats have their first chance to improve their numbers when they travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, to face Xavier on Saturday, Jan. 19.