The shot was apparently heard around the state and nation Thursday when West Virginia University officials announced reinstatement of its national championship rifle team and the continuation of the rifle club.
That’s because calls and e-mails from supporters askingwhere to send the moneyare coming in fast and furious, said Ron Justice, assistant dean of students, who oversees all campus clubs and student organizations.
Armed with a $100,000 line item in the state budget and the promise of thousands of dollars from private contributors, the team and club hope to compete by the 2004 season.
Private support is vital to the team and the club,he said.The line item from the Legislature is going to get us in a position to operate, but those who have pledged money or want to show their support can now do so. With all the calls the coach and faculty adviser (Marsha Beasley) and I have receivedjust yesterday and todayit appears that private support is going to more than exceed our expectations. We appreciate this ground swell of public support.
The team operated on a budget of approximately $163,000 in the past. The club’s goal is to raise at least $200,000 that would benefit both the NCAA team sport and club level competitions and travel.
Donors can send their contributions in support of the WVU Rifle Team to the Mountaineer Athletic Club, P.O. Box 0877, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26507 , or in support of the WVU Rifle Club to P.O. Box 6444, Morgantown, WV 26506 -6444. For more information, call Justice at 293-4397.