March 16, 2004

MEMPHIS, TENN. - Sophomore Beth Tidmore placed 16th in air rifle and 14th in smallbore at the 2004 NCAA Individual Rifle Championship hosted by Murray State University.

Tidmore shot a 387 in air and an 1144 in smallbore as she was selected to the competition according to the results of a series of qualifying matches prior to the championship event. This year 48 individual competitors and nine teams were selected, representing 14 colleges and universities.

The course of fire for Smallbore Rifle shooters includes 40 shots in each of three positions, standing, kneeling, and prone, at a distance of 50 feet. Air rifle contestants fire 40 shots at targets that are 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) distant. Air rifle shooting is done from the standing position.

NCAA has sponsored collegiate rifle championships since 1980. The NRA has selected Collegiate All-American shooters annually since 1936.

Tidmore and freshman Katie Benjamin were both named to the NRA All-America second team as released by the association this week. This is the highest honor achieved by any Tiger Rifle individual to date. Last season, as a freshman, Tidmore was named an honorable mention selection.