Feb. 27, 2014

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky rifle team will travel to Oxford, Miss., to compete in the Great America Rifle Conference Championships this weekend, with individuals competing Friday afternoon in smallbore, while the team will compete Saturday at 8 a.m. in smallbore and Sunday at 8 a.m. in air rifle. All times are Eastern.

“This is always a great match and great test leading into the NCAA Championships,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “Our conference is really deep this year, when you’ve got five of the final eight competing at the NCAA Championships in one conference you’re going to have some stiff competition.”

Juniors Elijah Ellis and Cody Manning will compete as individuals along with sophomore Luke South and freshman Jason Sharbel.

Kentucky’s counters at the championships will include seniors Aaron Holsopple and Emily Holsopple, junior Jonathan Pinkel, sophomore Connor Davis and freshman Sonya May in smallbore. Air rifle counters feature Aaron Holsopple, Emily Holsopple, Davis, May and freshman Heather Kirby.

The field features three of the top-four ranked programs in West Virginia, Kentucky and Nebraska, while also featuring Army, Akron, Memphis, Navy, North Carolina State and Ole Miss.

Kentucky placed second at last year’s GARC Championships, shooting a 4690, second only to West Virginia’s 4705. The Wildcats have finished second the past four years, last winning the conference title in 2009.

The Wildcats are entering the conference championships after shooting a 4680 at the NCAA Qualifier. Pinkel shot a team-best 584 in smallbore, while Emily Holsopple paced the Wildcats in air rifle with a 592.

“I think there will be some great performances all around this weekend,” Mullin said. “I’m looking for our team to step up to the occasion and really put together everything we’ve been working on.”

All-Conference honors will be announced Friday night at a GARC banquet.

More information on the championships, including live stats can be found at OleMissSports.com.