Jan. 31, 2005

Charleston, SC - Construction has begun on The Citadel campus for the new indoor rifle range. The site of the new range is in the northwest corner of Washington Light Infantry Field, behind the current soccer field.

Pile driving has already been completed and now excavation is underway for the rest of the foundation to support the building. Construction of the building's steel frame is expected to start in late February, while installation of the exterior concrete walls is slated to begin mid-March.

With the rifle range's completion, The Citadel plans to have 16 points for air/smallbore/center fire at 50 feet. Current plans are to start hosting an All-Academy Rifle and Pistol match on an annual basis and to bid on hosting the NCAA rifle championships. Currently, the rifle team holds practice and home matches in Deas Hall.

"It's going to be a quantum leap forward in the quality of our program," said head rifle coach Bill Smith. "Having a new facility will definitely enhance our practice time and give us a better edge against our competitors."