U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) applauded the passage of a resolution they introduced March 30, which congratulates the West Virginia University (WVU) rifle team on their victory in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) national championship. The Mountaineers made history last month by capturing their 19th NCAA title – a nation-best – with a championship score record of 4723.
The Senate resolution recognizes the West Virginia University Mountaineer student-athletes and coaches on their fifth straight NCAA national championship.
“I am so proud of the WVU Rifle team for winning its fifth-straight national championship,” said Capito. “As the mother of a former college athlete, I understand the hard work and dedication required of student athletes. Balancing a full schedule of academics and athletics is difficult, but these athletes have shown that hard work truly pays off. I offer my congratulations to these Mountaineers who have established themselves as the nation’s best.”
“I’m incredibly proud of the West Virginia University rifle team members on an undefeated regular season and another national championship,” Manchin said. “These achievements by these Mountaineer athletes serve as a model that all of our athletes should follow. They are excellent representatives of West Virginia University and our great state and I congratulate them on yet another championship.”
The 2017 West Virginia University Mountaineers National Championship Team are: Jack Anderson, Will Anti, Milica Babic, Noah Barker, Elizabeth Gratz, Jean-Pierre Lucas, Morgan Phillips, and Ginny Thrasher. Head coach is Jon Hammond, and graduate assistant coach is Michael Bamsey.
