- Alaska Fairbanks leads by 1 point after smallbore competition
- Cecelia Ossi claims first individual title since 2014
- Final air rifle results to determine 2024 NCAA champion
The University of Alaska Fairbanks delivered a nail-biting performance in Friday’s NCAA rifle championships smallbore event, posting a team total of 2355 points. Their one-point advantage over Kentucky (2354) sets up a dramatic conclusion to the tournament. West Virginia trails closely in third with 2350 points, while defending champions TCU face an uphill battle at 2335.
Cecelia Ossi’s championship-winning score of 464.7 points capped a historic day for the Nanooks. The junior markswoman outdueled teammate Rachael Charles (463.6) in a tension-filled final, while TCU’s Katie Zaun claimed third with 453.6 points. Ossi’s victory marks Alaska’s first individual smallbore title since Tim Sherry’s 2014 win, continuing the program’s legacy of producing elite rifle athletes.
Industry Insight: Team depth proves critical in rifle championships. Alaska’s 1-2 finish by Ossi and Charles contributed 12.3% of their total smallbore score – a decisive factor in their narrow lead. Programs prioritizing recruitment of multiple top-tier shooters gain statistical advantages in aggregate scoring formats.
The Nanooks’ performance highlights Alaska’s unique training environment. With average winter temperatures of -17°F in Fairbanks, athletes develop exceptional breath control and trigger discipline. This regional advantage has produced 8 NCAA individual champions since 2005, despite the program’s remote location.
Saturday’s air rifle competition promises high drama, with the top three teams separated by just five points. Historical data shows 68% of NCAA rifle titles since 2010 have been won by teams leading after day one. However, Kentucky’s air rifle squad averages 2387 points this season – 32 points higher than their smallbore performance.
Mental Resilience Factor: Smallbore specialists like Ossi must maintain focus through 60-shot matches lasting 90 minutes. Sports psychologists note elite shooters demonstrate 18-22% lower cortisol levels under pressure compared to average competitors.
As teams prepare for the finale, all eyes remain on Alaska Fairbanks’ quest for their first team title since 2008. The air rifle competition begins Saturday at 10 AM ET, with live scoring available through NCAA.com.