Jan. 25, 2013

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky rifle team wrapped up competition at the Withrow Open in Murray, Ky., on Friday afternoon, posting an aggregate score of 4633.

The Wildcats started off the morning with a 2280 in smallbore, before gaining traction and posting a 2353 in air rifle. Junior Aaron Holsopple delivered a 579 in smallbore while sophomore Jonathan Pinkel posted a 575.

“We learned a lot from today’s competition,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “I was happy with the air rifle score but I think we showed ourselves a few things that we can improve on.”

The strong air rifle performance from Kentucky was led by 591s from Holsopple and senior Ed Ryznar. Sophomore Cody Manning and freshman Luke South put together solid numbers in air rifle, with Manning posting a 586 and South a 585.

Sophomore John Sutton recorded a new personal best in air rifle on Friday, shooting a 582.

“It was great to see Sutton set a new personal best,” Mullins said. “He’s been working hard and it’s always exciting to see effort turn into reward.”

Senior Henri Junghänel, junior Emily Holsopple, sophomore Elijah Ellis and freshman Connor Davis are currently abroad competing in the Bavarian Air Gun Championships in Munich, Germany.

The Wildcats will return to action next weekend, hosting No. 1 West Virginia in a battle of top-three ranked teams.