By Nick Craddock

UK rifle head coach Harry Mullins always wants his team to be spot-on with its shooting. For 22 years, he’s done his part by being spot-on with his coaching.

When UK’s season begins on Friday against North Carolina State, the match will mark the beginning of Mullins’ 23rd season at the helm of the UK rifle program. During his tenure, Mullins has twice been named National Coach of the Year and has guided UK to seven top-three national finishes, the most recent coming last season as national runner-up.

Despite all the glory, Mullins insists he is not the major reason for UK’s success.

“We’ve been fortunate to have some great student-athletes come through this program both on the academic side and the athletic side,” Mullins said. “Really, these kids make me look good, and sometimes I feel like the bus driver more than anything else.”

Modesty aside, Mullins is not only the bus driver, but the architect of the team. In his tenure, he has designed the team to compete nationally every season.

Mullins believes the student-athletes are the ones who could be considered the actual building blocks of the foundation for the program’s sustained success.

“I challenge each senior class to strengthen traditions we have and to create new ones so that they can come back in 15 to 20 years and ask, ‘Hey, is coach still making you do this?’ ” Mullins said.

Mullins said this year’s veteran rifle squad, which includes four seniors, is poised for success once again.

Mullins’ compliment of his team is not exaggerated, as he has had an eye for talent in the past. He has coached several All-Americans as well as 2000 Olympic gold medalist Nancy Napolski-Johnson.

One All-American on the current roster is senior Ashley Jackson, who understands the experienced shooters have to set a high standard this season to impress upon the underclassmen the importance of the tradition of UK rifle.

“Just as badly as coach wants to win a championship, I want to win a championship, so that commonality allows us to play off one another,” Jackson said.

Freshman James Jasis decided to come to UK because of the history of good shooters and the rich tradition Mullins has crafted.

“(Mullins) knows how to push each person, and each person is different and he notices that,” said Jasis, who has worked with Mullins to adjust his shooting stance because his 6-foot-3 frame detracts from his shooting form.

This coaching technique of catering to each athlete’s specific needs is a newer strategy Mullins has developed in the last seven or eight years. He uses that in conjunction with “blanket coaching,” which is training that applies to the whole team.

Rifle has evolved dramatically in Mullins’ reign thanks to new technology and UK’s willingness to invest in the program. In fact, UK hopes to make rifle more of a spectator sport this season. Matches are planned to be shown over the Internet.

However, despite all the changes, Mullins said the one constant has been the enthusiasm and hard work of his student-athletes.

“The day I feel like I’m coming to work is the day I need to find another profession,” said Mullins, who is still targeting championships instead of a retirement date. “I’d love to continue this for at least another 15 to 20 years.”