West Virginia University rifle standout Lauri Syrja has been named to the 2024-25 Academic All-America Division I Men’s At-Large Second Team, as announced Wednesday by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). Read more: WVU’s Riflemen Syrja Earns Top Academic Honors
Etching His Name in WVU History
Syrja, a junior, is the eighth Mountaineer in program history to be named to the CSC Academic All-America second team. He joins 13 other WVU shooters to have earned a CSC Academic All-America honor.
With a total of 26 honors since 1984, 20 have come under Head Coach Jon Hammond.
Syrja is one of 13 student-athletes on the second team to have earned a 3.7 GPA or higher this year.
A Sophomore Campaign to Remember
The Mountaineers won their 20th rifle NCAA National Championship this past season, thanks in large part to Syrja’s efforts.
The Finland native competed in 14 matches for WVU, serving as a counter in every match. He averaged a 596.5 in the air rifle and a 587 in the smallbore.
He showcased those efforts at the national championship, where he finished in 13th place in the air rifle and 34th in the smallbore.
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Following a stellar year, Syrja received his fair share of honors. He was named to the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association (CRCA) first team in both events. He also received CRCA All-America Second Team honors as a whole.
He continued his academic honors by earning the Great America Rifle Conference (GARC) Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The GARC is an NCAA conference designed for schools that have rifle teams but do not have rifle sponsored in their conference.
Syrja also received an All-GARC First Team in the smallbore, air rifle and combined.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025-26 season approaching, Syrja will turn his efforts in preparation for another successful season. With him leading the way, the Mountaineers will look to repeat and win their 21st NCAA National Championship.
WVU’s Riflemen Syrja Earns Top Academic Honors
