MORGAN HICKS HEAD COACH (THIRD SEASON) MURRAY STATE (2004) Coaching Experience Head Coach, Nebraska (2007-present) Head Coach, Murray State (200-07) Assistant Coach, Murray State (2004-0) Coaching Accomplishments Fourth-place NCAA Finish (Nebraska, 2008) Eighth-place NCAA Finish (Murray State, 2007) Athletic Honors 2008 ISSF World Cup Rifle champion 2004 U.S. Olympic team member 2004 NCAA air rifle champion Eight-time All-American, Murray State (2000-04) Morgan Hicks enters her third season at Nebraska in 2009-10 and returns every member from last year s team that just missed out on qualifying for a sixth straight NCAA Championships. A 2008 ISSF World Cup rifle champion and 2004 U.S. Olympian as a competitor, Hicks has helped Nebraska rifle program continue to be one of strongest in nation after taking over for former NU rifle coach Launi Meili. Hicks led her first NU squad to a fourth-place finish at 2008 NCAA Championships before finishing ranked 10th in 2009, just missing top-eight position needed to compete at NCAA Championships. Prior to her arrival at Nebraska, Hicks coached Murray State to a top-10 NCAA finish in 2007. She spent 200-07 season as Murray State s men s and women s head rifle coach. In her first year at helm of her alma mater, she not only led Racers to a second-place finish in Ohio Valley Conference Championships, but also coached m to an eighth-place finish in ir 2th NCAA Championships appearance. Hicks became Murray State head coach after serving two years as volunteer assistant coach and graduate assistant. Prior to her Murray State coaching experience, Hicks was a coach for civilian marksmanship program, which honed rifle competitors across United States. As a rifle competitor, Hicks was an eight-time All-American for Murray State from 2000 to 2004, where she was crowned 2004 NCAA air rifle champion. Hicks also has vast international experience, as she traveled to World Cups in Milan, Italy (2004, 200) and Munich, Germany (200) and World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia (200). She was a U.S. Olympic team member in 2004, when she earned a th-place finish at 2004 Olympic games in Ans, Greece. Hicks also competed on Junior Olympic team four times (1998-2001), earning smallbore championship in 2001. In March 2008, Hicks captured gold at ISSF World Cup 50M Three-Position Rifle competition. Hicks graduated from Bel School in Spanaway, Wash., in 2000 before earning her bachelor s degree in physical education and health from Murray State in 2004. She n went on to receive her master s degree in secondary education at Murray State in 200. In addition to being an NCAA-certified coach, Hicks is secretary and treasurer of Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association and USA Shooting Board of Directors Athletic Rifle representative. What is your coaching philosophy? It s more one-on-one and personal. This is a very individual sport, but it s important to realize how one score can affect or scores for team. I encourage teamwork. A lot of times, coaches will tell a team shoot your 0 shots and tell me your score. I want to know more about that score. I don t want to know just end result; I want to know how y got re. That s growth I want to see from each shooter. I also want m to enjoy ir four years as collegiate shooters because y ll ultimately shoot better. What qualities do you look for in a shooter when you re recruiting? When I m recruiting, I look for someone who is a strong shooter and can handle shooting under pressure. If y re shooting U.S. matches, I look at ir ranking. I want to build a strong team, so I m looking for personalities that mesh well toger. That makes a stronger team. It s difficult with our sport because we re so small, and I m only able to sign two or three recruits each year. You have to be picky, and I know I want a talented shooter who fits in with dynamics of Nebraska rifle. Q&A with Coach Hicks What does your international success lend to your job as a coach? I think it s good that a lot of recruits see what I ve done. It shows that I have a lot of experience and knowledge. I m 27 years old, recently out of college, but I think that helps because I can honestly say to a shooter, I ve done this; I know what you re going through, and I know how things work. I can show m what is most effective. The international experience also helps with knowing how to juggle everything. Just a few years ago, I was shooting internationally, I was going to college, I had a job and I was shooting for Murray State all at once. I know how to balance everything, and I think my team benefits from that. It shows m that it s possible to hold things toger when, for example, I m coaching full-time, shooting internationally and doing well. What was it like to win an NCAA title your senior year? I didn t expect it, but I wanted it. That was one of my goals in college. The first was to earn a college scholarship for rifle, second was to be an All-American and third was to win a national title. Air rifle was my last shot that day, and I shot a 398. I was up against a lot of great shooters, but I knew I could contend for it.
Athletic Honors 2009 NCAA team champions (team captain) 2007, 2008, 2009 CRCA Academic All-American 2009 A Class Prone national champion 2007, 2008, 2009 USA Nationals competitor Placed 30th at 2008 Olympic trials Competed at NRA Nationals in 2004, 2005 Third place in air rifle at New Jersey Junior Olympics Placed 35th at National Junior Olympics in 200 Alphabetical Name Class Hometown Pronunciation Christine Costello Senior Queen Creek, Ariz. Janine Dutton Freshman Eagle River, Alaska Dutt-in Amanda Jeffries Senior Norman, Okla. Joyce Kim Freshman Gilbert, Ariz. Katie Kostal Sophomore Bay City, Mich. COST-uhl Ashley Lane Junior Grand Rapids, Minn. Sheena Mahloch Sophomore Plymouth, Neb. Mal-lock Ryann McGough Junior LaPorte, Colo. Ryan McGu Head Coach: Morgan Hicks (Third season) By Class Seniors (2) Christine Costello Amanda Jeffries Juniors (2) Ashley Lane Ryann McGough Sophomores (2) Katie Kostal Sheena Mahloch Freshman (2) Janine Dutton Joyce Kim PAUL MILLER VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT (FIRST SEASON) WEST VIRGINIA (2009) Paul Miller joins Nebraska program as a volunteer assistant after an accomplished career at West Virginia that concluded with an NCAA team championship in 2009. As team captain and only four-year letterwinner on West Virginia s championship team, Miller gained valuable leadership experience that will help him transition into his coaching career. A Lawrenceville, N.J., native, Miller walked on to Mountaineers program in 2005 and ranked fifth on team in smallbore as a freshman. During his sophomore year, Miller competed at National Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he finished 35th overall. For Mountaineers, Miller shot a n-personal best 582 in air rifle in season opener and finished fourth on team in smallbore for season. Miller continued to raise his averages as a junior, increasing his smallbore average by more than eight points, as well as matching his personal-best smallbore score of 570. Miller capped his career with a strong senior year, averaging a career-best 580.31 in air rifle and 58.4 in smallbore. In 2008, Miller placed 30th at Olympic trials in three-position smallbore. He also competed at USA Nationals in 2007, 2008 and 2009, earning A Class Prone National Championship in 2009. Miller earned CRCA Academic All-America honors during his sophomore, junior and senior years. Miller graduated from Lawrence School in Lawrenceville, N.J., where he competed under Coach Bill Earnest. An NRA Distinguished Expert, Miller was a member of Langhorne club rifle team and contributed on Pennsylvania 3P championship squad. Miller also competed at NRA Nationals in 2004 and 2005, and won bronze medal at New Jersey Junior Olympics during his high school career. Miller graduated from West Virginia in 2009 with a history degree. Roster Breakdown By Career Averages Smallbore Appearances Christine Costello 31 571.1 Ryann McGough 23 59.78 Amanda Jeffries 37 59.19 Katie Kostal 55.2 Ashley Lane 18 55.1 Sheena Mahloch 11 548.45 Appearances Amanda Jeffries 3 582.94 Ryann McGough 24 578.50 Christine Costello 31 578.32 Katie Kostal 572.85 Ashley Lane 18 570.1 Sheena Mahloch 57.54 By Individual Titles Name Smallbore Total Amanda Jeffries 4 5 9 Ryann McGough 4 2 Christine Costello 4 0 4 By State Arizona (2) Alaska (1) Colorado (1) Michigan (1) Minnesota (1) Nebraska (1) Oklahoma (1) Christine Costello Janine Dutton Ryann McGough Katie Kostal Ashley Lane Sheena Mahloch Amanda Jeffries Joyce Kim MEDIA & RECRUITING GUIDE 7
CHRISTINE COSTELLO SENIOR, QUEEN CREEK, ARIZ. Senior Outlook (2009-10) Costello will be a strong candidate for NU s No. 1 smallbore position this season. She is also more than qualified to be a team leader after serving as Huskers captain for two years and earning 2009 Life Skills HERO award, as well as representing rifle team on Student Athlete Advisory Committee. I expect her to have a strong smallbore year for sure, and I know she s been working hard this summer on her air rifle, Head Coach Morgan Hicks said. I expect that to be strong as well. Junior Season (2008-09) Smallbore Avg: 571.1 Avg: 578.32 Smallbore Best: 582 (vs. Air Force, 10//08) Best: 587 (vs. Memphis, 2/3/08) -by- 200-07 Smallbore 2007-08 Smallbore Career Smallbore 31 31 578 579 580 587 582 585 582 587 59.00 572.7 572.17 581.42 572.31 578.08 571.1 578.32 Big Commissioner s Honor Roll (five times) Life Skills HERO award (2009) All-GARC honorable mention (2009) All-GARC air rifle honorable mention (2009) Four career smallbore titles Five-time Arizona smallbore champ (2002-0) Arizona state air rifle champion (2005) Costello was consistent all year for Huskers, recording secondbest smallbore average for NU (572.31) and third-best air rifle average (578.08). Costello matched her best air rifle score of season (585) at GARC Championships to help her finish ninth in individual combined standings. For her efforts, Costello received honorablemention accolades for All-GARC air rifle team. Costello captured two individual smallbore titles on year, bringing her career total to four. She was also individual combined champion against NC State. In classroom, Costello earned her fourth career spot on Big Commissioner s Honor Roll with her selection to list in fall. She also earned a Life Skills HERO award, presented annually to Nebraska student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding leadership and citizenship. Sophomore Season (2007-08) As captain for 2007-08 rifle team, Costello set a positive example in both rifle range and classroom. Costello captured two smallbore titles in her sophomore campaign. She earned a reputation as one of most consistent shooters on team, averaging 581.42 in air rifle and 572.17 in smallbore, making her second-best overall shooter behind Amanda Jeffries. Costello was named to Big Commissioner s Honor Roll in fall and spring for her academic achievement. Freshman Season (200-07) Costello competed in every regular-season match and cracked traveling team lineup for 2007 GARC Championships in Oxford, Miss. Costello concluded her inaugural campaign with a 59 average in smallbore and a 572.7 average in air rifle. She also earned a spot on Big Commissioner s fall and spring honor rolls. Costello came to Nebraska after an esteemed junior career at Rio Salado Sportsman s Club under coaching guidance of her far, Mike Costello. Costello s prep honors include five state championships in smallbore and an Arizona state air rifle title in 2005. The daughter of Mike and Pam Costello, Christine was born on July 20, 1988, in Chandler, Ariz. An economics major, Costello graduated from Queen Creek School in 200, where she was her class valedictorian. Costello was also a member of National Honor Society. She has one sister, Stephanie, 22, and one bror, Ryan, 24. 8
AMANDA JEFFRIES SENIOR, NORMAN, OKLA. Senior Outlook (2009-10) Jeffries returns as NU s top overall shooter for second consecutive year. The two-time air rifle All-American is expected to lead Huskers in air rifle once again, while she hopes to improve her smallbore average significantly. Air rifle seems to be her stronger gun, Head Coach Morgan Hicks said. I know that she wants to work harder on her smallbore and get those scores up. I think she s going to be very instrumental in being more of a team leader this year. Junior Season (2008-09) Jeffries was named a first-team All-American in air rifle after recording a season average of 58.08, which led Huskers. Jeffries captured two air rifle titles and one smallbore title to bring her career individual titles total to nine. In addition, Jeffries was overall combined champion in three matches on season. She recorded a career-best 593 in air rifle in season-opening match against Nevada. At GARC Championships, Jeffries placed fourth in overall combined standings, giving her a spot on All-GARC first team. Jeffries also earned a spot on Big Commissioner s Honor Roll for fifth consecutive semester in fall. Smallbore Avg: 59.19 Avg: 582.94 Smallbore Best: 583 (at GARC Champ., 2/22/08) Best: 593 (at Nevada, 10/5/08) -by- Jeffries was top shooter for Nebraska in both air rifle and smallbore at end of season. Jeffries held a team-best season average of 584.25 in air rifle, and she earned second-team All-America honors in air rifle after capturing four individual titles on year. Jeffries also added two titles in smallbore and scored an average of 573.17, also best on team. Jeffries earned Big Commissioner s Honor Roll spots for her academic work in both fall and spring semesters. 200-07 Smallbore 2007-08 Smallbore Career Smallbore Freshman Season (200-07) Career Sophomore Season (2007-08) Jeffries concluded her freshman campaign as a mainstay in Husker air rifle and smallbore lineups. She competed in every regular season competition and saw action in postseason matches, including NCAA Championships. Jeffries held a season average of 577.8 in air rifle and 55.9 in smallbore. In addition, she was recognized for her academic achievement by being named to Big Commissioner s fall and spring honor rolls. Before joining Nebraska rifle team, Jeffries was a wellrecognized junior competitor who achieved success at national level. The 2005 3-P air rifle champion, she earned a spot on Olympic National Development Team. With her third-place overall finish in three-position smallbore at 200 U.S. Nationals, Jeffries also earned a spot on U.S. National Team. Jeffries previously claimed high junior competitor honors in smallbore at Rocky Mountain Championships in 2005. 11 37 3 57 584 583 590 575 593 583 593 55.92 577.82 573.17 584.25 58.54 58.08 59.19 582.94 All-America air rifle first team (2009) All-America air rifle second team (2008) All-GARC first team (2008, 2009) All-GARC air rifle second team (2008, 2009) All-GARC smallbore first team (2008) Four career smallbore titles Five career air rifle titles Big Commissioner s Honor Roll (six times) First place in junior smallbore at nationals (200) U.S. National Team member (200) The daughter of David and Daphne Jeffries, Amanda was born on Nov. 7, 1987, in Pampa, Texas. Jeffries, who was home schooled, was named to National Technical Honor Society for her academic excellence and is now an accounting and finance major at Nebraska. She has one sister, Emily, 19. MEDIA & RECRUITING GUIDE 9
ASHLEY LANE JUNIOR, GRAND RAPIDS, MINN. Junior Outlook (2009-10) If Lane can turn confidence she gained in last season s final five matches into good results, she could be anor solid option for Head Coach Morgan Hicks. She seems to feel more comfortable with air rifle, Hicks said. She s going to work with her strengths. Sophomore Season (2008-09) Smallbore Avg: 55.1 Avg: 570.1 Smallbore Best: 573 (vs. UAF, 10/28/07) Best: 583 (vs. Mississippi, 1/23/09) -by- 2007-08 Smallbore Career Smallbore 19 19 573 579 571 583 573 583 559.7 573.83 555.08 59.00 55.1 570.1 Fifth in air rifle at 2004 Junior Olympic National Championships 10 Lane gained valuable experience during her sophomore campaign, competing in matches. In late January, Lane fired a career-best 583 in air rifle against Mississippi and n a season-best 571 in smallbore against TCU/ Mississippi next day. Lane finished season with a 555.08 smallbore average and 59 air rifle average, but she showed promise at end of season. Over her last five matches, Lane s averages were 55.8 in air rifle and 575. in smallbore. Freshman Season (2007-08) Lane used her freshman season to develop her smallbore discipline, as well as improve her already talented air rifle discipline. Lane shot a season-high 579 in air rifle in her first collegiate match. For year, Lane competed in six air rifle and smallbore events, averaging 573.83 in air rifle and 559.7 in smallbore. Lane competed for her mor, Coach Jean Lane, at Itasca 4-H Shooting Sports. She finished fifth in air rifle at 2005 Junior Olympic National Championships. The daughter of Scott and Jean Lane, Ashley was born on Jan. 8, 1988, in Grand Rapids, Minn. She has one bror, Tyler, 18. A 200 honors graduate of Grand Rapids School, Lane was involved in 4-H, a cappella choir and soccer. She earned an associate s degree in art from Itasca Community College in 2007. Lane is a biochemistry, pre-pharmacy major at Nebraska.
RYANN MCGOUGH JUNIOR, LaPORTE, COLO. Junior Outlook (2009-10) McGough had a breakout year for Huskers as a sophomore, capturing five individual titles while increasing her smallbore and air rifle averages by eight and five points, respectively. For her team-leading 573.4 smallbore average, McGough earned honorable-mention All-America honors. If McGough can continue to elevate her shooting prowess, she should contend for top spot in both disciplines. She will definitely be a strong force on team this year, Head Coach Morgan Hicks said. I expect her to really shine this year. It s going to be a good year for her. Sophomore Season (2008-09) McGough had a breakout season for NU in 2009, leading Huskers with a 573.4 smallbore average and combined individual average of 1,154.23. McGough also captured a team-best five individual titles - four in smallbore and one in air rifle - as well as overall combined title against eventual national champion West Virginia. McGough received honorable-mention All-America honors in smallbore at season s end. McGough also excelled in classroom, earning a spot on Big Commissioner s Fall Honor Roll with a 4.0 GPA, her second perfect semester in her collegiate career. Freshman Season (2007-08) McGough capped a successful freshman season with a 575.82 air rifle average and a 55 smallbore average. McGough captured air rifle title at Air Force in November with a career-high score of 588. McGough competed at NCAA Championships, shooting a 575 for Huskers in air rifle. McGough maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in fall semester. McGough competed for Coach Gary Trisdale at Cherry Creek Gun Club. The national 10-meter air rifle record holder, she was a member of 200-07 NRA National Team. In addition, McGough won 200 Colorado Junior Olympic State crown and took silver medal in smallbore at National State Games in 2007. Smallbore Avg: 59.78 Avg: 578.50 Smallbore Best: 588 (at West Virginia, 1/1/09) Best: 588 (at Air Force, 10/29/07) -by- 2007-08 Smallbore Career Smallbore 10 11 23 24 571 588 588 584 588 588 55.00 575.82 573.4 580.77 59.78 578.50 All-America smallbore honorable mention (2009) Four career smallbore titles Two career air rifle titles 200-07 NRA National air rifle team 2007 National State Games SB silver medalist National air rifle 10-meter record holder Big Commissioner s Honor Roll (four times) The daughter of Byron and Jackie McGough, Ryann was born on June 25, 1989, in Boulder, Colo. She has one bror, Conlan, 1. A 2007 graduate of Poudre School, McGough was a member of National Honor Society and graduated in top 10 percent of her class. McGough also received 2007 Youth Education Summit Scholarship. She is a psychology major at Nebraska. MEDIA & RECRUITING GUIDE 11
KATIE KOSTAL SOPHOMORE, BAY CITY, MICH. Sophomore Outlook (2009-10) Kostal could use momentum from a strong finish in 2008-09 to raise her scores significantly in 200910. Kostal shot a career-best 582 in smallbore at GARC Championships and was named to All-GARC smallbore first team and second team overall. As a freshman, that s never an easy feat having to deal with that pressure, Head Coach Morgan Hicks said. I expect her to have anor really strong season and contribute to team. Freshman Season (2008-09) Smallbore Avg: 55.2 Avg: 572.85 Smallbore Best: 582 (at GARC Champ., 2/28/09) Best: 582 (at Nevada, 10/5/08) -by- 582 582 55.2 572.85 All-GARC second team (2009) All-GARC smallbore first team (2009) Shares school record for best smallbore score by a freshman (582) Four-year Junior Olympics participant Kostal was No. 4 shooter for Huskers throughout season, but stepped up in a big way for Big Red at GARC Championships. She qualified for smallbore finals with a career-best 582, which tied a Husker record for best smallbore score by a freshman. Kostal n finished third overall in finals and was named to smallbore first team. Overall, Kostal ended up seventh in combined standings, giving her a spot on All-GARC second team. Kostal competed in every match for Huskers, ending season with a 572.85 air rifle average and 55.2 smallbore average, both of which ranked fourth on team. Kostal came to Nebraska from Bay City, Mich., where she competed for Riverside Shooting Club. Kostal competed in Junior Olympics for four years in both smallbore and air rifle. She placed second at 3-P Junior Olympics twice during her high school career. Kostal was a national honor society member at Bay City School and a student council member. Katie is daughter of Amy and Brian Kostal and has one bror, Michael, 15. Katie was born Feb., 1990, and is majoring in secondary education.
SHEENA MAHLOCH SOPHOMORE, PLYMOUTH, NEB. Sophomore Outlook (2009-10) Mahloch performed well late in 2008-09 season, averaging 572.4 in air rifle over her last five matches, but she hopes to show more consistency this season to earn a spot in Husker lineup. She s really looking forward to trying to boost her smallbore score, but she knows what her strength is, and that s air rifle, and she s worked really hard on that this summer, Head Coach Morgan Hicks said. Freshman Season (2008-09) Mahloch finished her first year as a Husker with a 57.54 air rifle average and 548.45 smallbore average. She shot a career-best 579 in air rifle in a three-way match with TCU and Mississippi in January. Her 55 in smallbore against Air Force in October was her top mark of season in that discipline. Mahloch excelled in classroom in her first semester as a Husker, earning a 4.0 GPA and a spot on Big Commissioner s Fall Honor Roll. -by- A Tri County high school graduate, Mahloch competed for Souast Nebraska Shooting Sports 4-H club during high school. In 200, Mahloch helped club win 200 Nebraska State School.22 Rifle Silhouette Championships. Smallbore Avg: 548.45 Avg: 57.54 Smallbore Best: 55 (vs. Air Force, 10//08) Best: 579 (vs. TCU/Mississippi, 1/23/09) 11 55 579 548.45 57.54 Big Commissioner s Fall Honor Roll (2008) Nebraska State 3P Jr. Olympic Champion (2007) Sheena is daughter of Tom and Connie Mahloch. She was born Sept. 29, 1989, and is majoring in criminal justice. MEDIA & RECRUITING GUIDE
JANINE DUTTON FRESHMAN, EAGLE RIVER, ALASKA Freshman Outlook (2009-10) One of top recruits out west, Dutton brings a strong air rifle to Nebraska program, but Head Coach Morgan Hicks feels she has a lot of potential in both guns. You never know with freshmen, Hicks said. You know what ir backgrounds are, but you don t know what s going to really come through when matches start. We hope she has a stellar first year and contributes to team. Dutton is first recruit from Alaska under Coach Hicks. She placed second out of 12 competitors in Junior 1 division at 2008 National Jr. Olympic 3-P Championships. She was a four-year member of her high school honor roll at Eagle River and was in honor society as a junior and senior. 2008 state champion in 3-P 2008 national runner-up in 3-P school honor roll member National Honor Society member Janine is daughter of Scott and Sarah Dutton and has one sister, Erin, 11. Janine was born October 21, 1990, and is majoring in pre-pharmacy. JOYCE KIM FRESHMAN, GILBERT, ARIZ. Freshman Outlook (2009-10) Kim is expected to compete right away for a spot in Husker lineup. Having competed nationally for U.S. team, Kim is accustomed to tough competition. She s a really strong shooter with both guns, Head Coach Morgan Hicks said. She s been in some tough situations where she s had to shoot high scores, and she s pulled through. I expect her to be very helpful and contribute to team this year. Kim competed for Rio Salado Sportsman s Club in high school under Coach Ernest VandeZande, same club Husker senior Christine Costello came from. Kim was named Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association Smallbore Junior of in 2007-08. Kim was also an honor roll member at land School. 2007-08 Arizona smallbore junior of year Competed nationally for U.S. team school honor roll member 14 Joyce is daughter of In and Mi Kim and has one sister, Kezlah, 24, and two brors, Sam, 28, and Isaac, 17. Joyce was born November 15, 1990, and is majoring in business administration.