Lana Ward is one of only two shooters to ever be named an eight-time All-American for the Tennessee Tech rifle team.

Competing for the Golden Eagleyes between 1987 and 1990 under legendary coach Jim Newkirk, Ward certainly made the most of her efforts. She excelled in a sport that demands pinpoint accuracy with ice-cold nerves, and she helped continue to bring the sport of rifle to not only local attention, but the national forefront. After Tech had won the NCAA National Championship in 1980, 1981, and 1982, Ward was one of the prime contributors in keeping the program ranked in the nation’s top 10.

Ward, a four-year letter-winner, earned All-America honors in both smallbore and air rifle competition for four consecutive years, but the collegiate ranks weren’t the only avenues she took her shooting sills. At the time of her induction, Ward held 13 national records with numerous national and national appearances.

The Indian Rocks Beach, Fla., native was a member of the USA team that won the World Championship in 1986, and the World Cup Championship teams in 1987 and 1989. Ward took part in the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1987, 1989 and 1990, earning two golf medals in the U.S. National Championship and the World Air Rifle Championship in 1988.