Little making big mark on team
Freshman Cliff Little is looking to make a huge splash on Nevada’s rifle team. One year after sophomore Dempster Christenson made a similar impact on in his first season, Little has emerged as a leader for the Wolf Pack.
Little, who played in his first collegiate match against the University of Texas, El Paso on Oct. 3, led the team in air rifle as the Wolf Pack opened the season with an eight-point victory.
Last Saturday in the team’s first home match of the season Little shot a 582 in the air rifle, second on the team only to Christenson’s 596 as Nevada picked up its second-straight victory of the season.
For Little, his performance has caught him by surprise.
“I didn’t expect that (success) at all,” Little said. “I just wanted to try and make it on the travelling team.”
Junior teammate Jessica Klatt expected nothing less.
“He doesn’t get nervous,” Klatt said. “I knew him before he came here and I know he’s a great shooter.”
Little grew up in Redmond, Ore., where his dad first got him into shooting. Since then, he’s found great success at all levels and attracted the attention of rifle head coach Fred Harvey.
Harvey, who recruited Little from Oregon, knew he could make an immediate impact.
“Yes, he’s a state champion,” Harvey said. “It’s one of the reasons why we recruited him. He is a competitor.”
However, Little isn’t letting any of it go to his head.
“I shot pretty good today,” Little said of his performance on Saturday. “It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either.”
Although Little is enjoying his experience, he’s quick to point out that the college experience is still taking some getting used to.
“It’s the first time I’ve had a coach in three years,” Little said. “Having people that are as good as or better than me really helps to push me.”
As the season starts to hit full swing for the rifle team, Little’s focus is all about the team.
“Hopefully make it to the NCAA Championships with the team,” Little said about his goals for the season.
Lukas Eggen can be reached at leggen@nevadasagebrush.com.
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