Story by Keenan Hall
Staff writer
khall16@murraystate.edu
Murray State rifle jumped from No. 6 to No. 1 in the nation in the latest poll conducted by the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association on Monday, Nov. 5.
The last time the Racers were ranked No. 1 in the nation was Nov. 26, 2015. This marks just the second time in Head Coach Alan Lollar’s tenure that Murray State has commanded the top spot.
The CRCA poll is released weekly and determined by the highest score posted from the previous weekend. The Racers posted 4716 points, their highest aggregate score this season, against Jacksonville State. It was also the second-highest aggregate score in the nation this season – only the No. 4 ranked University of Kentucky was higher.
Racer senior Barbara Schläpfer led her team by tying the records for Murray State’s individual aggregate and air rifle score with 1188, and 598 points. Schläpfer has been shooting lights out this season but the Racers’ Head Coach Alan Lollar made it known his entire club has been consistently shooting well.
“I am extremely proud of them all; we earned that No. 1 ranking by shooting the best score of any team across the country, but this week it all starts over again,” Lollar said. Our goal is to train as best as we can, then reach that level in our matches.”
Murray State rifle sits atop some elite rifle programs, even after falling to current No. 2 West Virginia by four points earlier this season. However, the Racers have dominated the OVC in the past three years and continue to shine in the national spotlight.
“The No. 1 ranking more than anything validates our program and the way we go about things,” Lollar said. It is a very nice compliment for my team and the hard work they put in. I really like for them to receive recognition for their commitment and determination they put in over the years.”