Jan. 22, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Freshman Ethan Settlemires, who set a new career-high Saturday with a 594 in air rifle, has been selected Kentucky rifle shooter of the match, head coach Harry Mullins announced.

Settlemires, a native of Kossuth, Miss., fired a 594 in air rifle and a 576 in smallbore – highlighted by a 196 in prone. Kentucky defeated state-rival Murray State Saturday, 4658-4550. Junior Ashley Jackson was selected as UK’s performance of the week with a match and personal-high 1176 overall score, including a 590 in air rifle and a career-high 586 in smallbore.

“I am really proud of Ethan, to put up a 594 in air rifle as a freshman in the first match of the spring season is awesome,” head coach Harry Mullins said. “To perform at that level is good and solid, starting as a freshman in both guns. From our team standpoint, that ties the highest score of the season, equaling Ashley (Jackson).

“It is very commendable for him, he is a capable shooter and he came out and showed that. Hopefully that will lead to good things to come for the next few matches and I am really excited to see him continue to compete.”