Sept. 10, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- Lori Goodwin has been around the UAB rifle program since its inception and as she prepares to begin her 13th season as the Blazers' head coach, she says a lot has changed in her sport.

"When I started shooting," Goodwin said, " the scores were not anywhere near what they are now. Every year, the bar is raised more and more. Everybody is getting better which makes for very competitive competition.

Goodwin knows her sport, while it has grown, still lacks significant fan interest. She says part of the reason for that it is that a rifle competition is not a sport easily understood.

"There is a better understanding of the sport," said Goodwin, "but not as much as you'd like. Not that many people shoot competitively and not that many high schools offer rifle as a sports program. There are clubs locally that offer rifle, just not many in high schools."

Goodwin is proud to have been associated with the program since it started in 1993. "It's a really good feeling to watch these girls compete," said Goodwin, who served as UAB's captain in 1994 and 1995.