Ole Miss Rifle Finishes Sixth At NCAA Championships

March 11, 2006

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Ole Miss rifle team concluded the program's first trip to the NCAA Championships with a sixth place finish. The Rebels turned in an air rifle aggregate of 2321, to finish the championships with a total score of 4616.

"We didn't shoot up to our ability," said Ole Miss head coach Valerie Boothe. "However, I can't be too disappointed, since this was our first trip to the championships. It provides us with great experience for next year."

Senior Natasha Phillips turned in the Rebels best air rifle score with a mark of 584. Jennifer Lorenzen, Megan Sandage and Shannon Wilson all turned in scores of 579. The Rebels finished sixth in the team air rifle standings. Alaska-Fairbanks claimed the overall national title.

The Rebels did pick up one honor on the final day of shooting. Ole Miss head Valerie Boothe was named the national coach of the year by the Colleigate Rifle Coaches Association.

"I was absolutely stunned," said Boothe, who is the only head coach in Ole Miss rifle history. "It is a great honor to be recognized by your peers. Normally awards like this go to the national champion. To have your peers honor your work is very special to me."

The Rebels had a banner season in 2005-06, setting team meet records for aggregate scoring (4666), air rifle (2344) and smallbore (2325). Senior Samantha Leach and sophomore Shannon Wilson set a new school record in the individual smallbore (587) and Wilson tied junior All-America Jennifer Lorenzen's school record in the individual air rifle (590). Ole Miss also won its first-ever NCAA Sectional.

Ole Miss Agate

Team Air Rife

6. Ole Miss - 2321

Team Aggregate

6. Ole Miss - 4616

Individual Air Rifle

Natasha Phillips - 584

Jennifer Lorenzen - 579

Megan Sandage - 579

Shannon Wilson - 579

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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