The MAC Smallbore Rifle Shooter of the Month is Chris Burleson of the U.S. Naval Academy.

The junior major in quantitative economics fired a Navy record on November 22, 2009 vs. John Jay.  Chris Burleson’s 592 smallbore also appears to be a new NCAA/collegiate record for that discipline.  In addition, his 589 air rifle produced one of the highest aggregate scores in NCAA history! Earlier in the month he led Navy with 577 smallbore and 591 air rifle at the President’s Trophy match.

            Perhaps more amazing than his smallbore score is the path Burleson followed to reach such lofty numbers.  A top 3-Position air shooter in Georgia, he only began shooting smallbore in September 2007.  In a little over two years, his strong work ethic and commitment to improvement have led him to become one of Navy’s greatest shooters.

            Burleson’s leadership qualities have helped inspire his teammates as well.  His “lead by example” style sets the tone for the rest of the team.  His willingness to help other shooters improve- even those who are his closest competition- demonstrates not only a confidence in his own ability, but a desire for the success of his entire team.

The MAC Air Rifle Shooter of the Month of November is Jenna Hansen of John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Jenna has done an amazing job this year, raising her air rifle average by more than 5 points from 553.71 to 558.83. Additionally, Jenna has served as Assistant Captain to Stephen Wilson this year and done a wonderful job. Jenna spends several hours each week working with the new shooters on the team. The “newbies,” as she calls them, look up to Jenna and she counsels them on team dos and don’ts as well as helping them to learn and improve their shooting positions. The sophomore Criminal Justice major from Middletown, NY routinely makes several sacrifices in her home life in order to fulfill her obligations to the team; yet she does so willingly and never misses a match and rarely misses a practice.

Scholastically, Jenna was a member of the 2008 -2009 MAC All Academic Team with a GPA of 3.880. Additionally, at a reception hosted by the College president, Jenna was one of a handful of Student-Athletes who received a John Jay College Student-Athlete Award for outstanding GPAs. She continues to maintain an outstanding GPA despite having to balance the rigors of her academic schedule with a part time job, and her volunteer work with children at a hospital in her home community. She also devotes a part of her time to coaching members of her former JNROTC rifle team where she was Commander of the Unit.

 Jenna’s air rifle scores for the month of November were:

 

DATE	OPPONENT	SCORE
11/14	USCGA	556
11/21	USP	564
11/22	USNA (Navy)	561

D