Release: 02/18/2011

Charleston, S.C. – The Citadel Rifle team will look to bring the Southeastern Air Rifle Conference title back to Charleston for the first time since 2001 this weekend as they are set to compete in the SEARC Championships in Anniston, Ala., on Saturday, Feb. 19.

The Bulldogs sit atop the leader board having competed in five of the six SEARC competitions this season, winning all but last week’s SEARC 6 match where they were downed by N.C. State by just seven points. With a first-place finish on Saturday Coach William Smith’s Bulldogs will achieve their ultimate season goal.

“We have strong shooters all around the board this season in all classes. We are a well balanced team and believed all season we would compete for the conference championship,” said Smith.

Sophomore Winston Dorian has consistently led the Cadets, shooting team-leading scores in 9-of-12 matches this season. He has maintained an impressive air rifle average of 573 points per match, firing his best career score of 582 this season against the Air Force Academy on Jan. 29.

“Dorian is a level-headed shooter who always maintains his composure,” added Smith. “His scores and technique have continued to improve throughout this entire season, and he is about to be considered with the best.”

Sophomore Julia McCullohs has taken on a leadership role, firing a women’s team-leading air rifle average of 562 points per match.

“Julia is a natural born leader. She is always very well organized and focused in practice, which makes everyone around her work harder,” said Smith.

This will be the second time this season that the Bulldogs will compete at the rifle range in Anniston, Ala. The last time the Cadets were there was Nov. 6, 2010 when they captured first place at the SEARC 3 competition.

For complete results and information on Bulldog Rifle, visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics, www.citadelsports.com