|
|
|
|
by Mary Beth Vorwerk - USA Archery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2004
ATHENS, Greece - In the first round of the men's team round event, the number 11 ranked U.S. team of 2000 Olympic Individual Silver and Team Bronze Medalist Vic Wunderle (Mason City, Ill.), four-time Olympian Butch Johnson (Woodstock,
Conn.) and John Magera (Carterville, Ill.) faced sixth ranked Sweden in the 27-arrow match.
The U.S. was down two points after the first three arrows, but jumped ahead after six and led the rest of the match, winning with a score of 246 points to Sweden’s 242 points, advancing to the quarterfinals to face the number one ranked men’s team from Italy.
“We have a reason to feel very confident shooting against Italy,” said Magera. “When you get to this level, anyone can win. We’re capable of shooting as well or better than any team out here.”
First up for the U.S. team in their quarterfinal match against Italy, who had a first round bye, was Johnson who shot a ten and two nines in his first three arrows, to Italy’s three nines, putting the U.S. in the lead 28-27.
After six arrows, the score was tied at 55 and the U.S. was ahead by six points after nine arrows. They held on and lead the rest of the way, taking the match and upsetting the number one ranked team 243-240, advancing to the semifinals.
Next, the U.S. is set to face second ranked Chinese Taipei, who had a first round bye and then beat seventh ranked Australia 250-247 in the quarterfinals. The match will take place at 3:45 p.m., followed by the bronze and gold medal matches at 4:44 and 5:14.
“We have a tough match ahead of us,” said Magera. “Chinese Taipei us a tough team, but we still feel very confident because we’re shooting great scores.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
