Army West Point Athletics
Q&A: Kyle Kutz
March 11, 2021 | Rifle
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Freshman Kyle Kutz will be competing in the NCAA Rifle Championships in Columbus, Ohio, this weekend. The Darien, Conn., native shot a 589 in smallbore in the NCAA qualifier meet. Kutz was one of just three freshmen to qualify individually in either smallbore or air rifle.
Q: What were your expectations coming in as a freshman?
A: Coming to West Point, I had high expectations for myself and the team. I had been watching the team in years prior to my arrival and knew that this season had some incredible individuals on the starting line. I was thoroughly surprised by how warm and inviting the team was to the incoming class.
Q: What goals did you set for yourself?
A: A goal I set for myself was to be a starter on the team for the entirety of my four years. Though this was an ambitious goal, I had little expectations to achieve it, especially during my freshman year. Starting the season off, I was very intimidated by the stigma of now being an NCAA athlete. Leading up to our first match, I was extremely nervous and only had hopes of having an average performance. Somehow, I had an exceptional day, setting a personal record in my NCAA debut. Now within arm's reach of leading the team, I reevaluated my potential. I knew I had the ability to do something great this season. I worked hard and am extremely happy with how it has gone thus far.
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you qualified for NCAA Championships?
A: Leading up to NCAA Qualifiers, I had hopes of the team qualifying as a whole but never a thought of individually qualifying. Coming out of the qualifiers, I matched my PR that I set earlier in the season. Shooting a PR during the biggest match of the year by itself was a huge feat. Later, when I learned that I qualified, it was just the icing on the cake. I was incredibly happy seeing all of the work throughout the season pay off.
Q: Going into championship weekend, what are you hoping to accomplish?
A: Heading into the championships I am not nervous whatsoever. Obviously, my goal is to win and represent Army on the podium. However, in my mind I have already won. I qualified and am walking into the biggest match of my NCAA career feeling confident and more than prepared. I am performing the best that I have all season and it is just at the right time. Like I said, I am here to win but regardless of where I place, it's just the icing on the cake at this point.
Q: How did you feel as a whole about your performance this season?
A: Overall, I could not ask for a better freshman season. I am more than happy with how I performed and the challenges that I had to overcome. I cannot wait to see how the championship goes and the great things in store for next season.
Q: What were your expectations coming in as a freshman?
A: Coming to West Point, I had high expectations for myself and the team. I had been watching the team in years prior to my arrival and knew that this season had some incredible individuals on the starting line. I was thoroughly surprised by how warm and inviting the team was to the incoming class.
Q: What goals did you set for yourself?
A: A goal I set for myself was to be a starter on the team for the entirety of my four years. Though this was an ambitious goal, I had little expectations to achieve it, especially during my freshman year. Starting the season off, I was very intimidated by the stigma of now being an NCAA athlete. Leading up to our first match, I was extremely nervous and only had hopes of having an average performance. Somehow, I had an exceptional day, setting a personal record in my NCAA debut. Now within arm's reach of leading the team, I reevaluated my potential. I knew I had the ability to do something great this season. I worked hard and am extremely happy with how it has gone thus far.
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you qualified for NCAA Championships?
A: Leading up to NCAA Qualifiers, I had hopes of the team qualifying as a whole but never a thought of individually qualifying. Coming out of the qualifiers, I matched my PR that I set earlier in the season. Shooting a PR during the biggest match of the year by itself was a huge feat. Later, when I learned that I qualified, it was just the icing on the cake. I was incredibly happy seeing all of the work throughout the season pay off.
Q: Going into championship weekend, what are you hoping to accomplish?
A: Heading into the championships I am not nervous whatsoever. Obviously, my goal is to win and represent Army on the podium. However, in my mind I have already won. I qualified and am walking into the biggest match of my NCAA career feeling confident and more than prepared. I am performing the best that I have all season and it is just at the right time. Like I said, I am here to win but regardless of where I place, it's just the icing on the cake at this point.
Q: How did you feel as a whole about your performance this season?
A: Overall, I could not ask for a better freshman season. I am more than happy with how I performed and the challenges that I had to overcome. I cannot wait to see how the championship goes and the great things in store for next season.
Players Mentioned
/ Rifle
Friday, June 12
Wednesday, May 27
Saturday, May 23
Monday, May 11