Jan. 23, 2014
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky rifle team will travel to Murray, Ky., to compete in the Withrow Invitational Friday, with the Wildcats set to compete at 9 a.m. ET in the Pat Spurgin Rifle Range.
“We’re looking for another solid performance this weekend,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “Coming off a good weekend is always a good feeling but now it becomes about continuing that pace and pushing through to higher numbers.”
The Wildcats will travel 10 to the invitational, including seniors Emily and Aaron Holsopple, juniors Jonathan Pinkel, Cody Manning, John Sutton and Elijah Ellis, sophomore Luke South and freshmen Heather Kirby, Sonya May and Jason Sharbel.
Sophomore Connor Davis is competing at the Bavarian Airgun Championships in Munch, Germany, this weekend.
“With Connor away at the Bavarian Airgun Championships, some others have an opportunity to move into the lineup and put their work to the test,” Mullins said. “This is a good opportunity for some to show their skills and I’m hoping we see some good performances from them.”
UK is coming off a weekend that showcased its two highest scores of the season, with the Wildcats shooting a 4700 on Saturday vs. Murray State, followed by a 4697 Sunday against Army.
Murray State’s range will also host the 2014 NCAA Rifle Championships March 14-15.
“It’s always nice to get to shoot on the range that hosts the championships,” Mullins said. “Hopefully our team will take this opportunity to really get used to the environment.”
With four away competing at the Bavarian Airgun Championships, the Wildcats shot a 4633 at last year’s Withrow Invitational. Aaron Holsopple shot an individual aggregate of 1170 at last year’s invitational, shooting a 579 in smallbore to go along with a 591 in air rifle.
“Withrow is a traditional tournament that we’ve enjoyed coming to in year’s past, “Mullins said. “The field will be a little more crowded this weekend since Murray is hosting the NCAA Championships. But we always have a good experience in Murray so we’re looking forward to the trip.”
