The West Virginia University rifle team joined 18 collegiate teams at NCAA Champions Day at the White House on Friday, Nov. 17, in Washington, D.C.   Making their second trip in four years and celebrating their nation-best 19th NCAA National Championship, the Mountaineers enjoyed an extensive tour of the White House before meeting with President Donald Trump and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.   "Our trip to the White House was an amazing experience," Mountaineer coach Jon Hammond said. "It's such an honor to be invited to meet with the President of the United States in recognition of the team's accomplishments. Seeing all the history of the White House and having the time to walk through the halls and the rooms, especially the Oval Office, was fascinating and a wonderful experience. Those are the hallways and rooms many Presidents have walked through before. I was delighted for the team members to experience something like NCAA Champions Day, as it's a rare, unique opportunity. "   Following a night spent in Washington, D.C., the Mountaineers arrived at the White House at 9 a.m. Friday and spent two hours on a guided tour. The team then was situated in the Red Room, and after visits with squads in other rooms, President Trump arrived and took a photo with the Mountaineers.   Junior Will Anti had a question for the President before he moved on to his next visit.   "I brought my resume, half as a joke, but I also thought President Trump, as a businessman, would appreciate the effort," Anti explained. "Before he left the room, I asked if he'd look over my resume, and he excitedly said 'yes.' After a minute, he said, 'Wow, a 3.92 GPA – not just a pretty face.' We then talked about his nomination of Jerome Powell as Chairman of the Federal Reserve.   "The President was very gracious and took a genuine interest in talking to our team about the state of West Virginia and the progress we are making."   Senior team captain Elizabeth Gratz brought a copy of Trump: The Art of the Deal with her to the White House. While she left without a signature, she enjoyed her time in the nation's capital with her Mountaineer teammates.   "I had never been to Washington, D.C. Exploring the White House and seeing some of the monuments was like going back in time; it's incredible to think about all the history that has taken place in that city," Gratz explained. "I am truly grateful that we were all invited to meet President Trump. It was an amazing experience - I even got to shake the President's hand."   "As an athlete, I am happy that my team's hard work was recognized," sophomore Milica Babic added. "It was a great honor to meet the President of the United States and to tour the White House with my team."  

Thank you for your support of the WVU Rifle Team!

Your donation assisted the team on their exciting trip to the White House. It 's Alumni and Friends like YOU that make opportunities like this possible!

Thanks again.....Let's Go!