The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Rifle Picks Up Second Straight Win
December 08 | Rifle
– The Akron rifle team extended its winning streak to two
consecutive matches with a win over the Fighting Engineers of Rose
Hulman Institute of Technology on Sunday morning. The Zips swept
the top three positions in each division while outscoring the
Fighting Engineers 4490-4402, to earn the victory over Rose Hulman
in the Marksmanship Training Facility at Akron.
Sophomore Robert Belko earned the top gun award in the
smallbore division firing a score of 566. UA freshmen Zachary
Szabo and Ryan Stein were hot on Belko's heels as both
fired identical scores of 563. Szabo won the tiebreaker to claim
second place for the Zips while Stein trailed in third.
Senior captain Megan Reinking earned the top gun distinction in
the air rifle division firing a 576 to earn the top slot for the
Zips. Stein continued his impressive day, shooting a 574 en route
to his second place finish. Belko and UA freshman Joel
Nuzum earned the second Akron tie on the day firing like 570's.
Belko would win the tiebreaker and settle in second forcing Nuzum
into third slot.
This week, the rifle team bids farewell to senior Andrew
Castano. Head Coach Newt Engle added that, "We are proud to
have had Andrew as a valued member of the team for the past three
years. We are equally proud he will graduate next weekend with his
degree is psychology. The team is sad to see him go and wish him
all the best in graduate school. His sense of humor and team spirit
will be sorely missed!"
Following Christmas break, the rifle team embarks on the second
portion of the season as they head to Palmyra, Pa. on Sunday,
January 18th. The Palmyra Invitational, which Akron will compete in
for the ninth time under head coach Engle, is the nation's largest
indoor rifle tournament.
