Akron Rifle Team Runner-Up At VMI Match

by
posted on February 13, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
akronzips1.jpg

Due to circumstances beyond their control the U.S. Coast Guard Academy had to cancel the collegiate rifle competition with the Akron Zips rifle team scheduled for February 10. Losing the last home match of the season didn’t deter the Zips from competing though, after landing at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Naval Academy rifle teams already scheduled a match for the same day at VMI. In the spirit of true sportsmanship, all three schools graciously welcomed Akron to the weekend festivities. At the end of the day, Akron finished in second place behind Air Force, but ahead of Navy and VMI.

Akron Zips Rifle Team at VMI
The Akron Zips rifle team, along with Coach Newt Engle (not pictured) said that VMI and Coach Bill Bither were outstanding hosts.


Sophomore Anthony Jackson won the smallbore tie breaker as the Akron leader against his teammate, senior Julia Hatchboth with scores of 575. Continuing the trend of tied scores, sophomore Lauryn Cinadr fired a new personal best score of 570 with a high enough X-count to win the tie against junior Caleb Lloyd. The score gave Akron a slim four point lead over Navy after completion of smallbore.

The scores heated up in air rifle—led by talented Akron freshman Wyatt Openshaw with a 591 score that equaled his season high. Making waves again, Lauryn Cinadr posted an impressive score 589. The team effort in air gun gave the Zips a second place finish overall for the impromptu match.

VMI Match Results: Air Force, Akron, Navy, VMI
The NCAA Championship Qualifier will take place at The Ohio State University on Saturday, February 17. Scores from the qualifier will be added to the average of the top three regular season matches to determine who will be going to the NCAA Rifle Championships. Although statistically an invite is not within grasp for Akron—this is the team’s last chance to move up the team rankings. Additionally, the Zips have several individuals that have an excellent chance of earning one of the coveted eight participant slots that will be offered to the highest individual qualifiers.

Latest

CMP Buynow 1
CMP Buynow 1

CMP Streamlines Legacy M1 Garand Sales With Easy ‘Buy Now’ Feature

CMP’s new fixed-price “Buy Now” system makes it easier than ever to own a legacy, non-reclaimed M1 Garand rifle.

Watchtower Firearms, Demolition Ranch Team Up For Limited-Edition DEMOLITIA Blackout 1911

Watchtower Firearms releases limited-edition double-stack 1911 chambered in 9 mm designed with input from Demolition Ranch.

Federal Ammunition Honored With National 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award

Federal Ammunition receives 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award for over 40 years of support for youth programs.

New: Smith & Wesson M&P 15 AXE Rifles

Smith & Wesson launches the M&P 15 AXE lineup of suppressor-ready rifles with reduced gas blowback and modern features.

Review: Savage Arms Mark II & Winchester’s .21 Sharp

As demonstrated in the Savage Mark II FV-SR, Winchester’s .21 Sharp cartridge offers higher velocity and greater precision than .22 Long Rifle rounds.

Marsh Edges Stine In Canadian Showdown To Win Lapua Monarch Cup Opener

Justin Marsh edges Jake Stine by one point to win the Canadian NRA Smallbore Silhouette Nationals and first stage of the 2025 Lapua Monarch Cup.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.