Restricted 18+ in CA in compliance with CA State Assembly Bill 2571 prohibiting the marketing of firearms to minors in the State of CA.

Skip to content

Civilian Marksmanship Program

  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • MeWe
  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos
  • Home
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • NM SUPPORT TEAM – NEW MEMBER FORM
    • RETURNING NM SUPPORT TEAM FORM
    • Privacy Policy
    End of Navigation Section
  • About
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Director Emeritus
    • Director of Civilian Marksmanship
    • Board of Directors
    • Programs Chief
    End of Navigation Section
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Matches
    • College Resources
    • Aces Postal
    • American Legion Junior 3PAR Tournament
    • JROTC 3PAR Matches
      • National JROTC Air Rifle Championship History
    • Junior Rifle Camps and Clinics
      • Junior Air Rifle Camp Counselors
      • Application to Host a CMP Summer Camp
      • Junior Rifle Camp Counselor Resources
    • Junior Distinguished Badge
    • Postal and Regional 3PAR CMP Matches
      • CMP 3PAR Regional Championships
      • CMP 3PAR State Championships
    • CMP National 3PAR Championship
      • State 3PAR Junior Olympic Championships
      • CMP National 3PAR Championship History
    • National Trophy Junior Team Match
    • 3PAR Shooting information
      • 3PAR FAQs
      • Sanctioning 3PAR Matches
      • National 3PAR Council
      • 3PAR Forms
      • 3PAR National Records
      • National Standard 3PAR Rules
    • CMP Scholarship Program
    • CMP-USMC Highpower Rifle Clinic
    End of Navigation Section
  • Clubs
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Club-Related Forms
    • CMP Affiliate Rifle Purchase Program
    • Club News
    • Become Affiliated with CMP
      • CMP Affiliation Application Form
      • Benefits of Club Affiliation
    • CMP MOU's
    • CMP-Affiliated State Associations
      • M1 Garand Fund Development Program
    • Club-Sanctioned Clinics and Matches
    • Find a CMP-Affiliated Club Near You
    • Form a CMP Marksmanship Club
    End of Navigation Section
  • Compete
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • ACES POSTAL COMPETITION
    • CMP National Records
    • CMP Smallbore Program
      • CMP Smallbore Postal Program
    • CMP Air Rifle and Air Pistol Program
    • CMP League Matches
    • Get Started
    • Matches
      • Air Gun Matches
      • CMP Match Award Donors
      • Talladega Matches
      • Camp Perry Matches
      • Military Matches
      • Rimfire Sporter Rifle Matches
      • All Upcoming Matches
    • Register for a CT Number
    • Distinguished Badge Program
      • Distinguished Marksman Badge
    • Competition Rulebooks
    • Forms
    • CMP Pistol Program
      • CMP Bianchi Cup
    • CMP Live Target Images
    • CMP Travel Games
    • Marksmanship Forums
    • Junior Highpower Support Program
    • CMP Rifle Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • National Matches
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • CMP Industry Day
    • National Smallbore Matches
    • National Air Gun Matches
    • National Matches Junior Camp
    • National Matches Support Team
    • Long Range Matches
    • National Trophy Pistol Matches
    • Awards & Trophies
      • Vintage Sniper Match
      • CMP Game Events Awards
      • Long Range Awards
      • Individual Pistol Awards
      • National Trophies
      • National Trophy Individual and Aggregate Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Team Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Infantry Team Rifle Awards
      • Team and Special Aggregate Pistol Awards
    • National Matches First Shot Ceremony speakers
    • National Matches Air Gun Events
    • National Matches Welcome Center Information
    • National Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match
    • National Matches Spectator Events
    • National Matches Camps, Clinics, and Schools
    • National Trophy Rifle Matches
    • Directions to Camp Perry
    • Area Lodging Info
    • CMP National Championship Matches
    • National CMP Games Events
    • National Matches Archive project
    • Commercial Row Information
    End of Navigation Section
  • Education
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Basic Archery Course
    • Advanced Maintenance Class
    • Basic Pistol Course
    • Advanced Highpower Clinic
    • GSMM Master Instructor Training and Certification
      • GSM Master Instructor Resources
    • Armorer's Corner
    • Clinics
    • NM COLLECTOR SOFTWARE - CMP EDITION
    • Other Resources
    • Range Officer Training Course
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Rifle
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Pistol
    • Shooting Tips from the USAMU Service Rifle Team
      • USAMU FAQs: Equipment and Ammunition
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Positions
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Techniques and Tactics
    • Information on CMP Target Systems
    • Basic Rifle Class
    • Introduction to Shotgun Class
    • JROTC Marksmanship Instructor Course
      • JMIC- Master Instructor Resources
    • State Directors
      • CMP State Director News Submission Form
      • CMP State Director Application
    • Small Arms Firing Schools at the National Matches
    • Rifle and Pistol Training
    • Coaching Resources
      • Air Rifle Target Stand Plans
    End of Navigation Section
  • News & Media
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • National Matches Results Bulletins
    • CMP Podcasts
    • CMP Media Kit
    • ON THE MARK Newsletter
      • An On the Mark Series by: Gary Anderson
    • Customer Comments/Feedback
    • CMP Publications and Training Materials
    • The First Shot
    • CMP Shooting News Archives
      • Join Our Email List
    End of Navigation Section
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Ordering Information
    • CMP Program & Sales Specials
    • Rifle Sales
    • Creedmoor Rifles & Accessories
    • CMP Gift Certificates
    • 1911 Sales Information
    • Videos - M1 Garand
    • CMP Purchase Eligibility Requirements
    • Club Sales Index
    • Custom Gunsmithing
    • Firearm and Parts Sales Links
    • Guns on Auction
    • How CMP Supports Veteran Organizations
    • Visit CMP Stores
    • CMP Target Sales Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • Ranges
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Competition Centers
      • Anniston, Alabama Lodging
      • CMP Monthly Match Program
      • Open Marksmanship
    • CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park
      • Talladega Matches & Events
      • CMP Talladega Pro Shop
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Shotgun Events
      • 5K Range Run & 1K Fun Run
      • 3D Archery Range
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Sponsorships
      • Paver Project
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park area lodging info
    • CMP Targets at Petrarca Range
      • CMP Petrarca Monthly .22 Bench League
    End of Navigation Section

What It’s Like to Shoot in College – And How to Get There Part 2 Ashley MacAllister, Head Coach, The University of Nebraska

April 27, 2016

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸What It’s Like to Shoot in College – And How to Get There Part 2 Ashley MacAllister, Head Coach, The University of Nebraska

For some juniors, moving their shooting careers from high school into college is an indispensable goal. It’s the chance to compete at an even higher level of competition, while also gaining a worthwhile and valuable education. But a lot of juniors, coaches and parents have absolutely no idea where to start in getting their athletes onto college teams – or what to expect when they get there.

The following series highlights questions asked of current college student athletes and coaches – some of whom are alumni of the Civilian Marksmanship Program. The series will cover how juniors can gain college attention, what they can expect in college as both athletes and students, as well as the sort of qualities coaches look for in their athletes – answered by those with first-hand experience.

 

Photo courtesy of University of Nebraska Athletics
Photo courtesy of University of Nebraska Athletics

Ashley MacAllister, Head Coach, The University of Nebraska

 1) How long have you coached your current team? Have you coached anywhere else?

“I’ve coached Nebraksa for 2 years. I was at the University of Kentucky for 1 year and Murray State University as a GA for 1 year.”

2) What have been some of your successes while coaching?

Nebraska

  • 4th place team finish at NCAAs 2015
  • 3rd in Air Rifle Team finish NCAAs 2015
  • 4th place finish in smallbore team finish 2015
  • Rachel Martin individual National Championship Smallbore

Kentucky

  • 3rd Place team finish at NCAAs 2014
  • Individual National Champion Air Rifle, Connor Davis

3) What is your background in shooting?

“I have shot competitively since I was 12. I started in BB gun competitions, then transitioned to Precision Rifle when I was 14. I also shot competitive Archery. I shot at Murray State University in College.”
4) What do you look for in shooters when recruiting?

“Someone who has a good shooting IQ. Someone who is able to problem solve on their own without having to rely on coaches all the time. Coaches are a great resource for all shooters, and I want them to be able to rely on our knowledge, but while they are shooting they need to be able to make adjustments without having to confer with a coach in the heat of the moment.

I look for someone who is going to be a team player. We are a team, and selfishness takes away from where we are headed. It is very important to find someone who is going to fit in with the culture of our team. Someone who is going to be coachable and get along with both myself and my assistant. When there is a bond between coach and shooter, it is easier to give the shooter what they need to succeed.

I also look for coachability. Someone who is going to be able to sit back and listen. When we listen to those around, us we learn. Those who are around us often may have more experience in areas that we need improvement. We can learn a lot from our team.”
5) What steps should juniors take if they are thinking of shooting at the college level?

“Unlike other sports that have a database for athletes, we don’t. It is important to let coaches know that you are interested in shooting in college. Don’t be afraid to email them and let them know a little about you. We often have a hard time determining who is what grade level in school, so be sure that you tell a coach what year you are.

Unfortunately, everything we do is based upon NCAA recruiting rules, so we often don’t contact people for fear of violating rules. If this information is given up front, then we are much more willing to respond and work through the process.

I would encourage everyone to shoot high-level matches. This allows college coaches to see you in action. It also puts more pressure on you than local matches. We like to know what contribution you are going to be able to make to the team based upon past experiences.”
6) What do you feel they should look for in a school or coach to make sure it’s the right fit for them?

“Look at the team. While you are in college, you will spend a lot of time with the individuals that are on your team. It is important that you fit the culture of the team

Be sure you are comfortable with the coaches. These are the individuals that will influence the next 4 years of your life. It is also important that the academics of the school meets your goals.

In reality, 1 percent of all student-athletes ‘go pro.’ So have a plan for after college if you aren’t in the 1 percent that will continue to shoot.”
7) Is there anything you feel juniors overlook when they think about collegiate shooting?

“Collegiate shooting is a huge commitment. Often, it is more of a commitment than they have ever experienced in their life up to that point.

All incoming freshmen learn a new level of work when they come to campus. This is all stemmed by how well they use their time. It is very important once you get to college that you properly manage your time in order to accommodate everything. Not only do classes become harder, but you have other commitments. You are no longer going to class from 8-3 everyday. Depending on your schedule, you may go to class longer, then you have to fit in workouts, practice, study hall.

The great thing is that college provides you with the resources needed to be successful, but students often feel like they do not get any down time. Being a student athlete is hard – it isn’t as glamourous as TV makes it out to be.”

8) Smallbore is sometimes a discipline that not many juniors have experience with. Do you ever have any challenges with student athletes when they first begin to shoot smallbore? How do you go about introducing it and implementing it into their practice/competition routines?

“The reality is in college we need 2-gun shooters. I can only take 5 to NCAAs at the end of the year, and I need them to be able to shoot both guns.

We do have individuals who come in with little to no experience in smallbore. The hardest part about that is the learning curve. While we are spending a year trying to get them to where they need to be, they may or may not be traveling with the team. This can be a hard transition for many athletes. The idea of little fish in a big pond sometimes makes it very difficult mentally when freshmen are used to being the big fish in a little pond.

We train Air Rifle and Smallbore equally, so it wouldn’t be weird for the first couple of weeks of training to only spend time in smallbore with those individuals who have little to no experience. We would work everyday to build good positions, and once we are able to get to a point where that individual can replicate the position, we would move on.

Quality positions are the most important part of shooting. Scores will come later if you have a solid foundation. This thought is often hard for shooters to comprehend. Patience is hard for any athlete.

The best thing a new shooter can do when learning a new gun or position is to dry fire. Live rounds are fun, but if you are trying to build muscle memory and really focus on perfecting what you are doing/changing, then dry firing a lot is necessary.”

MacAllister (second row, far left) was a CMP Summer Camp Counselor before taking her coaching abilities to the collegiate level.
MacAllister (second row, far left) was a CMP Summer Camp Counselor before taking her coaching abilities to the collegiate level.

Past involvement with the CMP:

1) How long were you involved with the CMP Summer Camps? Why did you become involved?

“I have been involved for 6 years with CMP Summer camps. I worked every year in college except one and have continued to help after college.

I got involved initially because I had heard about the camps from some of my teammates that had worked them. It sounded like fun, so I thought I would try it out.

Every year I came back to work for the people I worked with – for the kids I helped. When you enjoy what you do and the people you work with, work becomes fun. I always loved getting up every day to go work camps.”
2) Do you feel that working the Summer Camps helped prepare you for coaching? If so, how?

“Summer camps prepared me for being a coach, but it also helped me as a shooter. My first summer, I encountered some stubborn shooters who didn’t like to listen, and it really put my own coach ability into perspective. I vowed from then on to not give my coach a hard time, to listen more and talk less.

It changed how I approached my own shooting and ultimately allowed me to learn more. Any time you are in a position to have to verbalize what you know, it makes you look at the big picture. Shooters often get caught in tunnel vision and don’t know how to look at the big picture.

Getting caught up in how things should be done is also a problem. Sometimes you have to be creative in how you talk, approach things or handle situations. I have seen a ton a personal growth happen during summer camps – not only for the campers, but for the counselors.”
3) What do you look forward to in the future of your coaching career?

“I look forward to watching my athletes grow every year. I find myself amazed what students learn about life and shooting. They relate in so many ways. I hope that everything I do every day helps their personal growth.”

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos

Civilian Marksmanship Program

Mission – Promote marksmanship through firearms training, safety, competitions and youth programs.
Vision – To lead the nation in marksmanship excellence providing safe, high quality and innovative programs with a focus on youth.

If you need assistance accessing any of our content or would like it in an alternative format you can contact us via our contact form, click here.

  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • MeWe
  • Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
  • Clubs
  • Compete
  • National Matches
  • Education
  • News & Media
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
  • Ranges
  • Privacy Policy

©2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program. All rights reserved.
Site by West Edge Collective.