In the school year of 1952-1953, history was made at what was then East Tennessee State College (ETSC): a riflery team was started. The Military Science Department provided all firearms, ammunition and targets for the members of the team.
In 1954-1955, four teams participated in an invitational tournament that ETSC hosted. ETSC scored a 916, and Robert D. Stachel was selected as ETSC’s first All- American Rifle Team member.
Women were first allowed on the team in the 1965-1966 season. Betty Bowers joined the team, followed by Judy Waynan and Raynella Large. ETSU came in ninth place in the NRA National Collegiate Rifle Team Championships and placed second in the NRA National Collegiate International Championships during the 1967-1968 season.
With the addition of John Tanis, Diana Timberlake and Ann Gribbins, the riflery team was in poised position to have a successful season. Tanis and Timberlake were both given high honors as they each made the smallbore rifle team in 1968-1969. ETSU also placed third in the NRA National Collegiate Conventional Rifle Team Championships and placed second and fifth in the NRA National Collegiate International Rifle Championships. Tanis won the NRA National Collegiate Conventional Individual Rifle Championship.
In the 1972-73 season, first team selection Mary Keys won the NRA National Collegiate International Individual Rifle Championship. As a team, ETSU came in first place in the NRA National Collegiate International Rifle Championships
In 1977, Ray Carter left active duty in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit to become ETSU’s rifle coach. During this time, Carter stayed busy as he was taking classes, serving with the US Army Reserve, and competing with the U.S. shooting team. He held his coaching position until 1983.
Under his first year, he led the team to a second-place finish in the NRA National Collegiate Conventional Rifle Team Championship. The next year, ETSU won the inaugural Southern Conference Rifle Championship, along with placing second in the NRA Collegiate Rile Team Championships. Carter was able to lead the team to more championships in his time with the team.
ETSU continued to build a stellar riflery program throughout the years, but the 1985-85 season was the final year of the team. That season, ETSU placed sixth in the NCAA Rifle Championships at the U.S. Naval Academy.
You must be logged in to post a comment.