Rifle: WVU Resumes Play With Two GARC Matches
November 14, 2008 02:29 PM | General
November 14, 2008
Season Scores and Averages
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| Michael Kulbacki |
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Following a three-week break, the undefeated West Virginia University rifle team resumes Great American Rifle Conference (GARC) play and travels to Kentucky on Nov. 15, for an 8 a.m. match. The Mountaineers will then face Memphis on Nov. 16, also at 8 a.m., in Lexington, Ky.
The Mountaineers (5-0 overall, 2-0 GARC) were picked second in the 2008-09 GARC Preseason Coaches Poll behind the Wildcats. UK finished second in last season’s conference championship, while WVU finished third.
WVU was picked ahead of Kentucky in the 2008-09 Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association (CRCA) Preseason Poll. The Mountaineers were slotted at No. 2, while the Wildcats were placed at No. 3.
The Mountaineers are 13-5 all-time against the Wildcats after losing last season’s meeting, 4647-4616.
“After a good week of practice, I think we are definitely prepared to face Kentucky at their range,” says Coach Jon Hammond. “We have been more focused during our off-weeks and know that the match against Kentucky will be our toughest thus far in the season. Ultimately, this weekend will be a good measuring stick for where the team is and where it is headed.”
The Mountaineers meet the Tigers for only the fifth time in program history. The squads have each won two of the previous four meetings, with WVU scoring the 4609-4470 victory last season.
WVU last defeated TCU, 4666-4626, at the WVU Rifle Range on Oct. 25. Sophomore Tommy Santelli and freshman Michael Kulbacki both had exceptional days, as Santelli set a school aggregate record (1172), while Kulbacki shot a program-best air rifle score (596).
The Mountaineers will break from their regular-season schedule following this weekend’s matches. The team will next play host to Nebraska and NC State on Jan. 17-18, at the WVU Rifle Range. Both matches will begin at 8 a.m.
