Dec. 16, 1999
The University of Kentucky rifle team wages an uphill battle as it faces a highly competitive schedule with just four shooters on its squad. The Wildcats lost six seniors, two recruits and two letterwinners who decided to transfer, and will use this year as a time to rebuild. Returning from a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Championships last season, the Cats are struggling in competition this season because of the lack of competitors.
“The early part of the season started out shaky because we only had four shooters,” Coach Harry Mullins said. “Things went further down hill when we lost sophomore Garth LoBello to an injury that kept him from shooting in two of our larger matches.”
LoBello competed in the Cats’ first two matches, versus Jacksonville State and Ohio State, before being diagnosed with a pinched nerve in his shoulder. Mullins credits LoBello for competing despite the pain. Had he not competed, the Cats would have had to forfeit both matches.
LoBello is on his way to a full recovery and is expected to compete in both smallbore and air rifle during UK’s first match of the spring semester. The Cats take on Xavier at home on Jan. 22 and hope to bring a well-rested, more competitive squad to battle.
“The most positive thing that came out of the fall portion of our schedule is that we learned to deal with working under the most stressful conditions,” Mullins said. “This will make us a stronger team in the spring and will benefit the freshmen for the rest of their careers.”
The Wildcats are led by junior Taryn Lewis. Lewis has turned in consistent scores throughout the fall schedule but Mullins hopes to see her reach her full capability in the spring.
“We are waiting for Taryn to come out of her shell and really turn in strong scores in the spring,” Mullins said. “As the team captain, Taryn sometimes tries too hard and overworks her efforts, which cause her to make small, yet costly, mistakes.”
The remaining half of this year’s squad is composed of two experienced freshmen.
Crystal Hamilton comes to UK from Prosperity, Pa. and is eager to make an impact.
“Crystal has been our top shooter during the fall,” Mullins said. “She has adjusted well to collegiate shooting and should turn in strong performances throughout the spring.”
The final member of the Cats’ squad is Robert Krukoski, brother of former UK shooter Jill Krukoski. Krukoski has been a large contributor to the success of UK’s smallbore team and looks to improve throughout the spring.
“Robert truly followed in the footsteps of his sister, as far as work ethic and consistency are concerned,” Mullins said of the freshman. “His performances so far in smallbore have been very good, and with a little work, his air rifle scores will make an impact in the spring.”
Kentucky finished the 1998-99 season with an 85-11 overall record, which was highlighted by an 84-7 record in air rifle. The Cats were led by senior Mary Elsass, who is currently training in Colorado Springs, Colo. for the 2000 Olympic team. Elsass, a four-time All-American, finished third in smallbore and fourth in air rifle at the 1999 NCAA Championships.
Highlighting the Cats’ spring schedule is the annual Withrow Invitational in Murray, Ky., on Jan. 29 and the Mid-American Rifle Conference Championships in Jacksonville, Ala. on Feb. 25-27.
