NRA Hails West Virginia University For Reinstating Rifle Team

NRA-ILA ^ | March 25, 2004 | News Release

[neverdem]

FAIRFAX, VA -- After an outpouring of support from the National Rifle Association (NRA), the state Legislature, shooting sports enthusiasts, alumni and the community, West Virginia University (WVU) officials have agreed to reinstate the school rifle program. Just days ago, the West Virginia Legislature approved $100,000 to help revive the team, which had been disbanded by the University last year.

"WVU`s outstanding rifle team has long been representative of America`s strong and proud history of participation in the shooting sports," said Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. "Clearly the Legislature understands the importance of the WVU rifle team to the people and heritage of West Virginia by providing funding to reinstate it. We commend WVU officials for recognizing the extraordinary talent of team members and their significant role in the shooting community."

West Virginia`s rifle team has a longstanding tradition of excellence, including 13 national championships. The school has produced numerous Olympic shooters and NRA All-American athletes. Although WVU cut the team, members continued to operate on a club basis through their own fundraising efforts. Even with such limitations, one of their shooters, Nicole Allaire, was named by NRA as a First-Team All-American in smallbore rifle, an honor shared by just eight other competitors in the nation.

"The citizens and gun owners of West Virginia consider the team`s achievements a great source of pride for the entire state," added Cox. "Unfortunately the battle to keep the WVU rifle team alive is far from over. Budget constraints still threaten to dismantle the team in the future. We encourage the Legislature, the University, as well as private individuals to continue to support of the West Virginia rifle team for years to come."

--nra--

The 133-year-old National Rifle Association is the nation`s oldest civil rights group, and advocates enforcement of existing laws to prosecute and punish violent criminals. The NRA is the nation`s leader in teaching gun safety and promoting marksmanship among law enforcement officers. The Association has approximately four million members across America.

[neverdem]

The school mascot is a mountain man with a musket, IIRC.

[neverdem]

BANG

[farmfriend]

short list.

[x1stcav]

Jeez, UWV had dismanteled its rifle team? The situation was more dire than I had thought.

(No sarcasm intended)

I mean, these are the Mountaineers, afterall.

[namsman]

That would be WVU. Yeeeeeehaaaaaaa!

The Mountaineer is hassled from time-to-time by "progressive" universityes that don't want him on the sidelines during football games.

Namsman (WVU '76, '77) sends.

[x1stcav]

Why, is he armed?

[Euro-American Scum]

NRA Hails West Virginia University For Reinstating Rifle Team

Outstanding!

[namsman]

Sorry to follow this up myself, but I couldn't help contrasting the reconstitution of the WVU rifle team with the article on Penn State's LGBT pride week. Just another reason that I'm glad I chose to live in glorious Morgantown WV rather than State College. What's a Nittany anyway?

Namsman sends.

[namsman]

Yes. The Mountaineer always carries his musket and he discharges it after every WVU score.

Montani Semper Liberi!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!

[mtntop3]

It is a scandal that the WVU Rifle Team was ever "dropped" in the first place. The WVU rifle teams, of men and women, have indeed been consistent national champions. If there were ever a sport with application - this is it: our nation has been at war since 9/11 and is going to be for a long, long time. Consider the millions of dollars universities today spend on spectator sports and "student activities"(some too sickening to mention). But the WVU Rifle Team has to go out with a cup extended. If Mountaineers cannot be free, then it is unlikely anyone will be. This situation is a metaphor for our society.

[TheStickman]

I'm thrilled to see the rifle team re-established.

Now if the cowardly WVU football program would just agree to play Marshall all would be well..save for the taxes of course.

[quietolong]

But the jobs only half finished
The ones who disbanded in the first place...Still have there jobs.

[neverdem]

If there were ever a sport with application - this is it: our nation has been at war since 9/11 and is going to be for a long, long time.

I can't believe how forgetful as a culture we have become. The athletic games in ancient cultures were celebrating the skills that would enable them to prevail in combat.

[Inyo-Mono]

My ancestors were the original rifle team in Harrison County in the 1780s, 'cept they weren't shooting at targets.

[Vision]

I went to WVU and took riflery as a PE course. I can't believe they tried to disband the team. There is a long history there.