Murray State University Athletics
Rifle Ninth in CRCA Preseason Coaches Poll
8/27/2013 4:07:00 PM | Rifle
Complete Rankings
The Murray State rifle team will start the 2013 season at ninth in the nation, according to preseason rankings that were released by the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association on Tuesday.
"We are both happy and challenged by our ranking, said Head Coach Alan Lollar. Happy that the potential is there, challenged to get it out."
This season's edition of the Racers will be bolstered by four strong returning shooters from last year, led by 2013 NRA All-American for air rifle and an air rifle and smallbore All-OVC selection Kelsey Emme. Also returning to the range for MSU this season will be another double All-OVC honoree, Michael Burzynski, as well as Bill Harvey and Tessa Howald All-OVC selections in smallbore and air rifle, respectively.
"We are looking forward to the season. We start regular training next week. I'm happy with this team. It's a good mix of experience and youth, said Lollar."
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Murray State kicks off its season at the Ole Miss Invitational on Oct. 4 in Oxford and will host its first tri-match Oct. 20 against Morehead State and Columbus State.Â
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The OVC has all five members ranked in the top 20, with Jacksonville State leading the way at eighth followed by Columbus State in 17th UT Martin in 19th and Morehead State 20th.Â
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Murray State will host the NCAA Rifle Championships in March for the first time since 2004 and will be looking to return for the first time since the 2010-11 season. Spurgin Range will also play host to the OVC Championships on Feb. 8 and a NCAA Qualifier on Feb. 22
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The 2012-13 NCAA Champions, West Virginia, enter the season ranked number one with Kentucky, Alaska-Fairbanks, TCU and Army rounding out the top five.
