Women's Rifle | 12/9/2015 1:12:00 PM

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Georgia Southern will make its return to the Southern Conference in 2016-17 as an associate member competing in Rifle. The Eagles join fellow associate members North Georgia and UAB as well as full members VMI, Wofford and The Citadel to compete for the co-educational Championship.

The SoCon will become just the second Division I league to sponsor rifle, joining the Ohio Valley Conference, and will conduct an annual conference championship including the air rifle and small bore disciplines to determine the league champion. The SoCon previously sponsored rifle from 1956-85, with The Citadel winning a league-best 10 team titles and VMI claiming two.

"We are excited to have our rifle team join the Southern Conference for the 2016-17 academic year," said Director of Athletics Tom Kleinlein. "Commissioner John Imarino has provided excellent leadership over the years and this move is a great situation for all involved. I'd like to thank Senior Woman Administrator and sport supervisor Cathy Beene as well as head coach Jim Riggs for helping to provide an outstanding opportunity for our student-athletes."

The NCAA conducts a combined men's and women's championship with no regard for NCAA division each March. Participating schools may enter an all-men's team, an all-women's team or a mixed team of men and women. As of the 2015-16 season, 29 schools sponsor rifle at the NCAA level.

"I have received a lot of positive feedback leading up to this announcement from coaches across the country," said Head Coach Jim Riggs. "Attaching our program to the Southern Conference which has a tremendous history is an incredible honor for our young program."

Georgia Southern will continue to compete this season in the South East Air Rifle Conference (SEARC) which will disband following the 2015-16 academic year. The second half of the season starts on Jan. 23, 2016 at The Citadel.

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