Winslow Homer, “The Army of the Potomac–A Sharp-Shooter on Picket Duty” 1862
NCAA Rifle Competition began in 1980 and features both men’s and women’s teams competing together. The competition includes smallbore and air rifle events, with each athlete shooting in both disciplines.
The two primary events are smallbore rifle (also known as .22 caliber) and air rifle (using a .177 caliber air gun). Competitions typically involve both individual and team scoring, with athletes shooting a series of targets from different distances and positions.
Several U.S. colleges and universities have competitive rifle teams that participate in NCAA rifle competitions. Some of the notable institutions include:
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
- West Virginia University
- University of Kentucky
- Texas Christian University (TCU)
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Murray State University
- Ohio State University
- University of Akron
- United States Military Academy (Army)
- University of Memphis
- North Carolina State University
- Jacksonville State University
- Morehead State University
- University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
- U.S. Naval Academy (Navy)
The NCAA rifle competition serves as a pipeline for athletes aiming to compete in international events, including the Olympics where it was part of the inaugural modern Olympics in 1896. Rifle events scheduled for the 2024 Olympics include:
- 10m Air Rifle (Men and Women): Athletes will shoot from a standing position using a .177 caliber air rifle at a distance of 10 meters.
- 50m Rifle Three Positions (Men and Women): Competitors will shoot from kneeling, prone, and standing positions using a .22 caliber smallbore rifle at a distance of 50 meters.
- Mixed Team 10m Air Rifle: Teams composed of one male and one female shooter will compete together in the 10m air rifle event.
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