Williamsburg, KY – University of the Cumberlands has built a tradition of academic and athletic excellence leading to the Patriots success at the conference and national levels both on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.  A pivotal factor in UC’s success is their dedicated coaching staff that not only brings a wealth of knowledge of their respective sport, but also works hard to ensure success in the classroom as well as being a leader in the community. Cumberlands Archery Coaches Kris Strebeck and Caleb Kirby has led their squad to 11 national championships, three Mid-South Conference titles, and countless All-Americans, while making a difference in the local community in a variety of ways, including their being ambassadors for archery at the grassroots level. 

Cumberlands in conjunction with its corporate sponsor Legacy Nissan in Corbin is proud to present the “Building A Legacy” series dedicated to spotlighting Patriots coaches that have made an incredible impact in their local community.  These coaches embody the principles of the NAIA Champion of Character Program and sets the tones for their teams on the court and in the community.

Just over a decade ago, Coach Strebeck was tasked with establishing and building an archery program at the University of the Cumberlands and in a short stint has elevated UC to a perennial power and namestake in the collegiate archery community.  Two of Strebeck’s goal when taking on this new role were to make an impact on the local community through a variety of activities and help grow the sport of archery, both of which have become cornerstones of the Patriots Archery program. 

These projects range from painting houses to building wheelchair ramps to assisting on the Mountain Outreach gift days. In addition to making a difference in Southeastern Kentucky Coach Strebeck, Coach Kirby and countless Patriots have become fixtures in the youth archery scenes not only in the Appalachian Region but throughout both the National Archery School program and the S3DA organization.  

Coach Strebeck and Coach Kirby have made it a consistent effort to help grow the sport of archery, while taking on several volunteer roles to shape the future of the sport.  Both coaches have hosted and ran a plethora S3DA and NASP programs and events.  One of Coach Strebeck’s first role within NASP was serving as a regional coordinator and this past summer he was voted to be a member of USA Archery Board of Director. Coach Kirby has also taken on numerous roles within both organizations, including serving on the S3DA National Board of Directors.  

Over the course of the past decade archery is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.  In the state of Kentucky eight college/university offer it as a club or sport and in 2017 the Mid-South Conference made history becoming one of the only conference across all division to sanction archery as a conference sport.

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