USP Mixed Rifle Team

  Press Release 

The Robert S. Ketzner Service Award is given periodically by the MAC to an individual for exemplary service to the conference and the sport of rifle shooting. The award is chosen by the MAC Executive Committee from nominations received from individuals within the conference and is reaffirmed at the annual spring meeting. Paul Mansfield of Norwich University was the last recipient of this award in 2005.

This award is named for Robert S. Ketzner, the rifle coach at New Jersey Institute of Technology from 1962-86 and a member of NJIT’s athletic Hall of Fame. Ketzner ended his career with a remarkable 83 percent winning margin. Under Ketzner, the Highlanders had winning years in 12 of his last 14 years and the 1971-72 team posted a perfect 18-0 record.

Klimitas has hosted and run 24 consecutive NRA Collegiate Sectional Tournaments at PCPS/USP with these tournaments generally being the largest in the country each year. “Coach K” has been a member of the MAC Executive Committee for nearly 30 years and has won 15 Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference Championships along with won eight Non-NCAA National Championships

The 2006-07 season was Klimitas’ 31st season as head coach of the rifle programs at USP, which ties the record for most seasons coached, held by former Kings College coach Bill Kane (1946-1977). “Coach K” also established a second rifle team at USP in the fall of 2005. In two seasons of competition, the USP women’s team has captured a total of three MAC titles, including both air and smallbore titles in the MAC Marksman Division this season.

"Coach K" is a certified NCAA referee, has served as an international rules consultant (International Olympic Committee, United International Shooting Union, USA Shooting), is a NRA certified executive officer, rifle instructor, and a home firearms responsibility firearms instructor. He is also a member of the NCAA Rifle Committee.

Klimitas serves as Associate Athletic Director at USP and is Chairman of the Physical Education Department.

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