University of Memphis Athletics
Former Tiger Dan Hermsmeier Vying For U.S. Olympic Rifle Team Spot
Jun 01, 2016 | Rifle
The Memphis six-time All-America first teamer is one step away from the 2016 Olympics.
CAMP PERRY, Ohio – The University of Memphis already has one former student-athlete traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 2016 Olympic Games in track and field standout Pauls Pujats, who is competing in the men's pole vault.
By the end of this week, the Tigers' representation for the Rio Olympic Games could double as former rifle All-America Dan Hermsmeier is vying for a spot on the United States Olympic Rifle Team in air rifle. Hermsmeier is shooting for one of the team's two air rifle spots at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Camp Perry June 3-5. Hermsmeier is one of 13 shooters competing for those two Olympic spots.
Hermsmeier was a member of the Memphis rifle program from 2010-14, and for the past two seasons, has served as a graduate assistant coach for the four-time defending NCAA champion West Virginia Mountaineers.
"I'm excited about the opportunity this weekend," said Hermsmeier. "I'm looking forward to sticking with my match plans, as well as having fun competing against those I've been shooting with for years – some who are really close friends.
"Rifle is an individual sport in terms of everyone is competing to earn the score needed to get on the Olympic team. Everyone is trying to do everything possible to get a spot, but at the same time, you're happy to see your friends do well."
Hermsmeier earned his way to this weekend's U.S. Olympic Team Trials with his first-place performance at the 2016 Olympic Trials Makeup Match for Airgun at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Spring, Colo., May 13-15. Hermsmeier exceeded the 1857.4 qualifying score with his 1862.8. In the three-day match, he shot 617.4 on the first day, a field-best 624.8 on the second day and 620.6 on the final day.
"Obviously, I'm extremely proud of Dan," said Memphis head coach Butch Woolbright. "He's come a long way. When he signed with us, Dan's expertise, at that time, was smallbore. He really improved in air rifle and earned All-America honors in the discipline his last two years here.
"This is a pretty big deal for Dan this weekend. The shooters at these trials are the best in the country and includes former Olympic team members."
Hermsmeier had one of the most decorated careers in his four seasons at Memphis. A six-time All-America first team honoree, Hermsmeier qualified individually for the NCAA Championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013. As a senior in 2014, he helped lead the Tigers to the program's best national team finish. With Hermsmeier serving as a team captain, Memphis earned a fourth-place finish at the 2014 NCAA Championships.
The Chesterfield, Mo., native posted career highs in both smallbore (587) and air rifle (595) his senior campaign. He also was a nine-time All-Great American Rifle Conference (GARC) honoree.
Hermsmeier graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor's degree in accounting in May of 2014. He is pursuing a master's degree in accounting from West Virginia University. Hermsmeier was a two-time Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll selection (2012, 2013) and a Tiger 3.0 Club member.
"I enjoyed my time at the University of Memphis," said Hermsmeier. "I learned a lot of what I know now from being at Memphis, competing with my teammates and learning from Coach Woolbright. It was a good experience."
By the end of this week, the Tigers' representation for the Rio Olympic Games could double as former rifle All-America Dan Hermsmeier is vying for a spot on the United States Olympic Rifle Team in air rifle. Hermsmeier is shooting for one of the team's two air rifle spots at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Camp Perry June 3-5. Hermsmeier is one of 13 shooters competing for those two Olympic spots.
Hermsmeier was a member of the Memphis rifle program from 2010-14, and for the past two seasons, has served as a graduate assistant coach for the four-time defending NCAA champion West Virginia Mountaineers.
"I'm excited about the opportunity this weekend," said Hermsmeier. "I'm looking forward to sticking with my match plans, as well as having fun competing against those I've been shooting with for years – some who are really close friends.
"Rifle is an individual sport in terms of everyone is competing to earn the score needed to get on the Olympic team. Everyone is trying to do everything possible to get a spot, but at the same time, you're happy to see your friends do well."
Hermsmeier earned his way to this weekend's U.S. Olympic Team Trials with his first-place performance at the 2016 Olympic Trials Makeup Match for Airgun at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Spring, Colo., May 13-15. Hermsmeier exceeded the 1857.4 qualifying score with his 1862.8. In the three-day match, he shot 617.4 on the first day, a field-best 624.8 on the second day and 620.6 on the final day.
"Obviously, I'm extremely proud of Dan," said Memphis head coach Butch Woolbright. "He's come a long way. When he signed with us, Dan's expertise, at that time, was smallbore. He really improved in air rifle and earned All-America honors in the discipline his last two years here.
"This is a pretty big deal for Dan this weekend. The shooters at these trials are the best in the country and includes former Olympic team members."
Hermsmeier had one of the most decorated careers in his four seasons at Memphis. A six-time All-America first team honoree, Hermsmeier qualified individually for the NCAA Championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013. As a senior in 2014, he helped lead the Tigers to the program's best national team finish. With Hermsmeier serving as a team captain, Memphis earned a fourth-place finish at the 2014 NCAA Championships.
The Chesterfield, Mo., native posted career highs in both smallbore (587) and air rifle (595) his senior campaign. He also was a nine-time All-Great American Rifle Conference (GARC) honoree.
Hermsmeier graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor's degree in accounting in May of 2014. He is pursuing a master's degree in accounting from West Virginia University. Hermsmeier was a two-time Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll selection (2012, 2013) and a Tiger 3.0 Club member.
"I enjoyed my time at the University of Memphis," said Hermsmeier. "I learned a lot of what I know now from being at Memphis, competing with my teammates and learning from Coach Woolbright. It was a good experience."
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Rifle Edition - October 25, 2023
Wednesday, October 25
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Rifle Edition - October 18, 2023
Wednesday, October 18
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Rifle 11/2/22
Wednesday, November 02
Rifle: Taylor Gibson Comes Back Stronger 3/11/21
Thursday, March 11