2011 USA Rifle and Pistol Nationals – Day 2

Today marks the conclusion of the first events at the USA Rifle and Pistol Nationals here in Georgia.  The women finished up in air rifle, men finished up with 3-position rifle, and pistol finished up on center shot.

On the second day of air rifle competition, I struggled with my sighters, but had a strong start to my match.  I began with a 97 then a 98.  The next 20 shots were a struggle with fatigue and loss of focus affecting my aim.  My second to last ten shots were a 95, and I finished with a 94.  This placed me 6th on the second relay with a 384 with 16 x’s.  My aggregate between the two days was a 767, which placed me 33rd overall.

I will be making my way back to Michigan following the awards program today at 2 p.m.  To see the rest of the results for all the events at the USA Rifle and Pistol Nationals please check out http://www.usashooting.com/results.php.

~Angelina (Rifle Team member)

2011 USA Rifle and Pistol Championships – Day 1

Today was the true start of the competition down here in Georgia.  This morning the woman’s air rifle competition got underway at 8 a.m.  Thankfully, I was on the second relay that began shooting at 10 a.m.

The top score of the day was a 396 out of 400 and that score did not belong to me.  I did shoot well though.  I began with a great sighter period of one 8 and the other 9 shots were all 10s.  Then, I struggled a little with my first few shots, but picked up my rhythm as I progressed.  Near the end though I began to get a little fatigued and it showed in my scores.  All in all it was a good match that began with a 93 then a 95 then a 99 and finished with a 96.  This gave me a total of a 383 out of 400.  I also had 17 x’s.  So at the end of the day I am sitting in 37th position.  This was a far better start than what I had at last year’s nationals by almost 20 points.

I missed making the first relay tomorrow by one point, but that is okay.  I will be shooting tomorrow on the second relay that begins at 10 a.m.  Then the awards will be held at 2 p.m.  From there I will be leaving Georgia, but I will post some more information tomorrow sometime.

~Angelina (Rifle Team member)

2011 USA Rifle and Pistol Nationals – Pre-event

Today marked the beginning of the 2011 USA Rifle and Pistol Nationals down here in Georgia.  Shooters checked-in and received their competitor number.  Then, they began their equipment check.  With the new rule changes and new shooting equipment, some shooters had to make adjustments, while others just breezed through.  One of the rules that effected many shooters was the distance between the top of the waistband and the top of the rubber piece on the behind on the pants.  Thanks to all those officials, coaches, and parents that were there to assist the competitors with their equipment adjustments.

Once competitors passed their equipment check they took to the practice relays.  For Angelina from Michigan State University’s Rifle and Pistol Club, practice was a little on the rough side.  Having to deal with temperatures around 70 degrees and a case of nerves they took their toll.  Hopefully after today’s practice most of the nerves are out of the way and tomorrow will bring a little cooler weather.

The competition begins tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. eastern time with the first relays.  Angelina will be shooting on the second relay that begins at 10 a.m. eastern time.

~Angelina (Rifle Team member)