Williamsburg, KY – The Cumberlands Archery program has been a beacon of consistency and success at every level for the past decade.  One of the driving forces behind their success has been stability within the coaching staff and on Thursday Head Coach Kris Strebeck announced that Caleb Kirby has been promoted to Associate Head Coach. 

"From day one, Caleb has been an invaluable part of our program," said Coach Strebeck.  "He has demonstrated outstanding leadership, a tireless work ethic, and a commitment to the development of our student athletes. This promotion is a direct reflection of the impact he has made on our program."

Kirby is entering his tenth year at UC, where he has made an immeasurable impact on the program.  Kirby has helped guide the Patriots to 12 USA Archery national titles, including the triple crown during the 2022-23 season along with eight consecutive Mid-South Conference titles.  He is one of the most respected coaches at both the conference and national levels as he has been voted the MSC Assistant Coach of the Year five times.

"I am very honored and excited to be named Associate Head Coach of the Archery program.  I can't thank Coach Strebeck, Coach (Chris) Kraftick, and President Dr. Quentin Young enough for this opportunity," said Coach Kirby.  "I'm grateful for all the past archers who have set the standard for this program and that I get to be a steward of that excellence for past, present, and future Patriots.  Cumberlands has had a huge impact on my life, and I hope to pass that impact on to our student-athletes."

In his nine seasons on the coaching staff at Cumberlands, Kirby has been instrumental in the success of the program.  He has worked with a plethora of national champions and USA Archery All-Americans, including the Patriots 17 USA All-Around Archers of the Year.  During that time UC archers had rewritten the record books with incredible performances across all divisions.

In addition to his work at UC, Kirby serves on the USA Archery Collegiate Advisory Council, is a member of the S3DA National Board of Directors since January 2025, and is also on the Kentucky S3DA Board of Directors.  Kirby completed his USA Archery NTS Level 4 certification in 2021. 

Prior to joining the coaching staff, Kirby was decorated archer for the Patriots.  He captured five individual podium finishes, including a program-best three individual national titles.  Kirby also became the first Patriot archer to be inducted into the Patriots Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.

UC will open their 2026-27 season on Friday, September 18^th, when they travel to London, KY to compete in USA 3D Regionals. 

For more updates on University of the Cumberlands Athletics, visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com and follow @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday on Twitter, @UCPatriots on Instagram and TikTok, and "Cumberlands Patriots" on Facebook and YouTube.