For the second straight year, the Reserved Officers Training Corps’ rifle team achieved first place in team matches in the intercollegiate competition last weekend at the Illinois State University Rifle Association Range.

Eastern competed against other state universities’ ROTC teams. Western Illinois University, Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University and University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana ROTC departments all competed.

“We have these (competitions) every year,” said Joe Rousey, a sophomore industrial technology major and team captain.

The team consisted of six members, including Chris Burns, a freshman computer management major; Becky Kowalski, a freshman biological sciences major; Angela Chard, a junior history major; Lindsay Ribbe, a freshman recreation administration major and Rousey.

The team’s adviser was Sgt. First Class Todd Stokes.

Each team’s score was compiled by members individually shooting .22 caliber small rifles at bulls eye targets, Rousey said.

Individual scores were taken from how each member performed individually during the team match, he said.

Rousey took first place in the individual scores.

Rousey expressed how excited he was with his team’s accomplishment.

“I was really happy with everyone’s performance,” he said. “Everyone did a phenomenal job.”