College Rifle: WVU, TCU Move To Top Of Rankings

The West Virginia University (WVU) and Texas Christian University (TCU) rifle teams both move up to No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in this week’s College Rifle Coaches Association (CRCA) rankings. The rankings are based on each team’s highest score in the last week.

The WVU Mountaineers began the past weekend with a 4712-4658 win over the Army Black Knights at West Point on October 27. (WVU won smallbore rifle, 2335-2307, and air rifle, 2377-2351.) With the victory, WVU improves to 39-10 all-time against West Point. The Mountaineers also shot a score of 4703 in a win against the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, who scored 4556. (WVU won smallbore rifle, 2330-2238, and air rifle 2373-2318.) Both matches were held at the Tronsrue Marksmanship Center on the campus of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY.

The TCU rifle team reaches No. 2 after a victory over the Virginia Military Institute. TCU led the entire match, winning with a score of 4706. (TCU won smallbore rifle 2332-2084, and air rifle 2374-2209.) The win extends the team’s current win streak to 12.

Top-ranked WVU and No. 2 TCU will meet on Saturday, November 10 in Fort Worth at the TCU Rifle Range for what should prove to be a thrilling match.

Previously ranked in the top spot, the defending NCAA rifle champion University of Kentucky rifle team drops to No. 3, although they did so after two wins this past weekend. Kentucky beat Ole Miss 4694-4647 to open their two-match weekend. The second match was also a victory for Kentucky, triumphing at Memphis 4692-4674.

Rounding out the top 10 in the CRCA rankings are the University of Alaska-Fairbanks at No. 4 (4693), and the U.S. Air Force Academy at No. 5 (4686). Murray State University comes in at No. 6 (4679), followed by Memphis at No. 7 (4674). The U.S. Naval Academy ranks No. 8 (4668), and Ole Miss is No. 9 (4664). Nevada completes this week’s rankings at No. 10 (4662).

Lead photo of WVU rifle team junior Morgan Phillips courtesy of WVU Athletic Communications