Rifle: WVU Receives Grant for New Technology
January 12, 2007 01:18 PM | General
January 12, 2007
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University rifle team recently received a grant from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust that will allow for the installation of a state-of-the-art electronic target system.
“The new system will keep us in line with a number of the other top rifle programs out there,” WVU coach Jon Hammond said.
The new system, produced by MEGAlink Electronic Scoring Systems, scores a student-athlete’s shot based upon sound waves. With the advantage of a computer screen located at the shooter’s stand, team members can view the results of their shots immediately.
While the system will be a vast improvement for the shooters, it will also add an advantage for spectators. Hammond says he plans to put a large projection screen in the viewing room so fans can follow along shot-by-shot with the athletes.
Morgantown mayor Ron Justice was instrumental in helping the WVU rifle team receive the grant. He is excited about the many benefits the new target system will bring to the range.
“This system will put our facility on a level with the top programs in the country,” Justice says. “This is very important from a recruiting standpoint as well. We will be able to show recruits a very up-to-date facility.”
Justice adds that in addition to making the sport more spectator-friendly, it will also allow coach Hammond to bring more teams to Morgantown to compete.
“It is a fantastic system that will bring a lot of advantages,” Hammond commented.
The new system is anticipated to be installed in the coming months.
