The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

Target shooting sports appoint coaches for 1999 Canada Games teams

The Newfoundland and Labrador Shooting Association announced today that Claude Pike of Mount Pearl had been appointed as coach of the Newfoundland Air Rifle team competing in the 1999 Canada Games.

At the same time Ray Hynes of Bristol's Hope was appointed coach of the Air Pistol team.

Both coaches are well known in the target-shooting community, being outstanding target shooters in their own right, and consistent medal winners in national competitions. Pike served a stint on the Canadian small-bore rifle team and has experience in international competition. Both have also served in similar capacities in two previous Canada Games.

In anticipation of their appointments, the two new coaches had already begun gathering their teams, and notices have been sent to schools around the province soliciting interest among junior shooters. "We are looking for young people interested in target shooting as a sport. Previous experience would be nice, but is not really necessary," said Hynes today when he contacted at his home in Bristol's Hope. "We need highly motivated young people who will be under 18 years of age on the first day of competition in 1999, and are eager to learn and to succeed in our sport."

Coach Pike said that although the exact nature of the training program will depend to some degree on the budget available for coaching, he's looking forward to getting right down to work. He has already held two recruitment and training courses - one in Mount Pearl, and the other in St. Catherine's, St. Mary's Bay, and has made some tentative team selections for the air rifle team. Another recruitment course is scheduled for the Harbour Grace area, in St. Francis High School for the St. Valentine's weekend, this one operated by coach Ray Hynes, seeking shooters for the air pistol team.

Both the air pistol team, and the air rifle team will consist of four competitors, two males and two females on each team. Still to be selected is the team manager.

The Newfoundland and Labrador target shooting team finished in eighth place at the last Canada Games, held in Grand Prairie, Alberta. Both coaches are determined to better that position this time around, and with an early start they see a good chance of succeeding.

Contact: Jim Piercey, Newfoundland and Labrador Shooting Association, (709) 368-2926.