William "Bill" Beard (2012) - Hall of Fame - Murray State University Athletics

William "Bill" Beard

William “Bill” Beard – Rifle, 1967-1970

Beard began competitive shooting at the age of 18 at Murray State University as a freshman “walk-on” rifle team member.
He was a member of MSU’s first National Championship Teams of 1968 and 1970.
He was named All-America First Team in 1968 & 1970 and was All-America Second Team in 1969.
The opportunities for travel as well as the challenge of competition were the things that caused Beard to become interested in the sport.
He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation and later completed Armor Officers Basic Course at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.
He his next two assignments he was attached to the 197^th Infantry Brigade at Ft. Benning, GA.
later he was transferred to the International Rifle Section of USAMU for a 2-year tour, which included competitions in Sweden, Germany, and Russia.
He was a member of the USAR International Rifle Team from 1973 to 1994, competing in numerous countries.
He won the Individual Silver Medal in the English Match at the 1982 World Championships in Caracas, Venezuela.
In 1984, he was an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team.
He won the World Cup Prone Championship in Los Angeles in 1991, which guaranteed Team USA a spot in the 1992.
Served as OIC for USAR International Rifle Team from 1986-1987.
Retired with 23 years of active/reserve service in August 1994.