Rifle: Ranked Second in CRCA Preseason Poll
October 02, 2008 04:08 PM | General
October 2, 2008
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| Kyle Smith |
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University’s rifle team is ranked second in the 2008-09 Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association (CRCA) Preseason Poll, announced today. The rankings were determined by a poll of NCAA rifle coaches.
“I was surprised to be ranked that high overall,” says Head Coach Jon Hammond. “I was confident we would be in the top four, and I think anyone in the top four will be really strong this year. It’s good recognition for the program overall. Hopefully we can have a strong year and finish well at the end.”
This is the second No. 2 preseason ranking for the Mountaineers, as the squad was also ranked second in the Great American Rifle Conference’s (GARC) Preseason Poll.
Ten-time NCAA Champion Alaska-Fairbanks, winners of the last three titles, ranks ahead of the Mountaineers in the CRCA poll. Kentucky follows at No. 3, while TCU is No. 4 and Nebraska is No. 5.
The Mountaineers and the Nanooks have won every NCAA Rifle Championship since 1988, with the exception of Army’s victory in 2005. WVU has won a total of 13 NCAA Championships, including its first title in 1983.
WVU is the highest-ranking GARC team in the CRCA poll. The Wildcats earned the conference’s No.1 preseason ranking. Defending GARC Champion, Army, is ranked sixth.
The Mountaineers finished third at the 2008 GARC Championships and sixth at the 2008 NCAA Championships, the squad’s first return visit to the national stage since 2002.
WVU opens the 2008-09 season against Ohio State on Oct. 4 at the WVU Rifle Range. The team then welcomes Morehead State on Oct. 5. Both matches begin at 8 a.m. Fans are encouraged to attend throughout the day, as the matches will continue into the afternoon.
