The University of Kentucky rifle team completed its spectacular 2001 season on a high note, with a second-place finish at the2001 NCAA Championships in Columbus, Ohio this weekend.

The Cats, who dominated their NCAA sectional last month, posted an overall score of 6,175 points, while this year’schampion, Alaska-Fairbanks cruised to the title with a score of 6,283. UK edged out third-place West Virginia by only one point.

Kentucky’s second-place smallbore score of 4,636 was paced by freshman James Nash’s 1,177, while fellow freshmanBradley Wheeldon was close behind with a score of 1,166. Freshman Lindsey Meagher tossed in an 1,163, while sophomoreCrystal Hamilton’s 1,130 rounded out the shooting slate on the gun.

In air rifle action, Kentucky posted a team total of 1,539 to finish third on the gun. Nash again led the way with his 390, whileWheeldon was close behind with a 388. In her last competition as a Kentucky Wildcat, senior Taryn Lewis posted a strong 382,while Hamilton rounded out the scoring with a 379 tally.

“This was a remarkable season for our team,” Coach Harry Mullins said. “To come out and compete week after week as such ayoung group of shooters and be so successful speaks volumes for this team’s work ethic and desire. I’m impressed with both theirheart and patience.”