COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Freshman Stephen Scherer, fresh off of helping lead Army to its first Great America Rifle Conference title a week ago, is a contender for a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Air Rifle Team following the second day of the Trials being held at the Olympic Shooting Complex in Colorado Springs.

Scherer was the first-day leader with a personal best 595 match score along with a final of 104.6 for a total mark of 699.6. The Army freshman bettered his match score with a 597 the second day to find himself tied for first place (1400.1) with Olympic gold medalist Matt Emmons, who is vying for his third berth to the Olympic Team. U.S. Army Marskmanship Unit member and two-time Olympian Jason parker in is third place iwth a 1394.1.

The three-day competition concludes Monday with the top two shooters earning a berth on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team.

Scherer captured the air rifle title last weekend at the GARC Championships. The Black Knights are the host site for the 2008 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Championships March 14-15.