MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The No. 1-ranked West Virginia University rifle team will travel to Magaliesburg, South Africa, Dec. 28 – Jan. 8, for a training trip at the Eagle Eye Shooting Center.
 
The foreign trip is the first under 13-year coach Jon Hammond.
 
The 19-time National Champion Mountaineers will train smallbore at the outdoor, 50m training facility and stay at Askari Game Lodge.
 
"I think it's important to take this team on a foreign trip, as it helps us continue the elevation of this program," Hammond said. "The trip will provide the student-athletes with an excellent experience. It's been a goal of mine for a number of years, and it's exciting to finally make it happen."
 
In addition to training for the 2019 spring season, the Mountaineers also will experience a South African Game Drive that includes the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo), along with other outdoor activities, such as zip lining and visiting an elephant sanctuary.
 
"I am familiar with the training venue, and I'm excited to bring the student-athletes to a unique country that provides so many diverse opportunities," Hammond added. "Many of the excursions we have planned are specific to this region and not something we could experience just anywhere. Additionally, while our team has always been diversified and global, no one on this year's team has visited South Africa before. Now, they all get to experience this region together.
 
"Most importantly, this trip provides our team with the chance to gain excellent preparation as we prepare for a tough spring schedule and the 2019 NCAA National Championships."
 
WVU Athletics supporters can help ensure the Mountaineers have the trip of a lifetime by directly supporting the rifle team's training trip in South Africa.
 
"The WVU rifle program has one of our strongest followings," Eric Buda, WVU's Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving, said. "Now we are calling on that support to help provide a wonderful and memorable experience for the student-athletes and coaching staff as they prepare for their spring schedule."