Holsopple Adds Peterson to 2019 NC State Rifle Recruiting Class

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State rifle head coach Emily Holsopple announced Thursday the addition of John Peterson, as he has signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to compete for the Wolfpack starting with the 2019-2020 academic year.

"We're thrilled that John has chosen to join the Pack! He's a very talented athlete that is already putting up scores that would be competitive in the NCAA," Holsopple said. "I've been recruiting potential student-athletes that are not only great shooters, but also great people.

"In addition, I'm looking for hard workers that are driven and want to win, and I believe John is just that. We're excited to see what he can do here at NC State."

Hailing from Keller, Texas, Peterson was tabbed a 2018 Eley High School All-American in air rifle and smallbore. He has won a Gold Medal at the Texas Junior Olympic Championships in air rifle in each of the past three seasons (2016-18).

Additionally, Peterson has claimed a Gold Medal in smallbore in two of the past three seasons at the Texas Junior Olympic Championships and achieved a Bronze Medal most recently in the competition.

Peterson placed third at the Robert Mitchell Rifle Championships last year in the 50M three-position rifle competition. Additionally, he earned a Bronze Medal at the 2018 Dixie Double in the junior competition, firing a personal-best score of 613.4 in air rifle.

The standout prep shooter has qualified for the USA Rifle Junior Olympic Championships in each of the past five years.

Not only does he excel athletically, but also academically as Peterson is a member of the National Honor Society and was the Parliamentarian in Student Government. He will graduate with STEM endorsement in May from Spring Creek Academy.

Peterson has participated in numerous community service events, including collecting goods for people impacted by natural disasters, Toys for Tots and writing letters to deployed service members.

In addition, he is an avid fisherman and enjoys all types of fishing, particularly fly fishing. Peterson once reeled in a seven-foot sturgeon in British Columbia. He also speaks German and had a pet octopus.

NC State returns to action on Jan. 19 when the Wolfpack travels to Lincoln, Neb., for matches with Navy and the host Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Holsopple Adds Peterson to 2019 NC State Rifle Recruiting Class

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