Oct. 19, 2007

GALLERY

EL PASO, Texas - The UTEP rifle program has something to cheer about - fans. After years of waiting, the 11th-ranked Miner program is now a spectator sport, with the addition of a state-of-the-art electronic scoring system that allows spectators to visually see the each rifle shot as it happens.

"Rifle has always been a spectator sport to our student-athletes but not to a novice," said UTEP rifle head coach George Brenzovich.

Paper targets were used in the past, but electronic targets make the sport more fan-friendly. Spectators are able to keep an eye on each individual shooter and team scoring with results being flashed across screens.

Electronic scoring allows for more accurate scoring, as paper targets were scored using a magnifying glass and the naked eye of the host institution.

"The new scoring system is independent of the biases of judges when compared with paper scoring," Brenzovich said. "This now takes away all subjectivity and puts it on a black or white scale - no gray."

Shooters also have the ability to monitor their shots.

"The athletes are able to see their shot and make adjustments accordingly unlike before," Brenzovich said.

Under Brenzovich, the Miners have seen continued success. UTEP has been represented in three consecutive NCAA rifle championships, including an appearance last season by former two-time All-American Leah Wilcox.

Wilcox was able to shoot on the electronic system last season at the championships - the first time the process was used in a championship event. The system has been used for several years by many universities.

The Miners will break in their new scoring system, Saturday, Oct. 20th as they face the 2007 NCAA defending national champions Alaska-Fairbanks. Competition begins at 8:00 a.m. and continues on Sunday.