Kentucky has added another promising talent to their rifle team roster as Sam Adkins, winner of the U18 air rifle championship at the 2023 USA Shooting Championships, has officially signed with the Wildcats. The university made the announcement on Friday, expressing their excitement for Adkins’ arrival on campus in the fall of 2024.
Head coach Harry Mullins spoke highly of Adkins, stating, “Sam is going to be the perfect fit for our program… He has all the tools and work ethic to be a great shooter for us.” This endorsement from the coach reflects the high expectations they have for Adkins as he joins the team.
Adkins hails from Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, where he has proven himself as a skilled performer for the Palmyra Junior Rifle Team. His success extends beyond the local level, as he has achieved notable results in prestigious competitions. At the 2023 USA Shooting Championships, Adkins emerged as the U18 champion in the men’s 10m air rifle event. Additionally, he finished third in the men’s smallbore competition and ranked 10th overall at the 2023 USA Shooting Junior Olympic Rifle Championships.
The young athlete’s accomplishments aren’t limited to these two events. Adkins also secured first place in the U17 Precision Age Group at the 2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program 3P Nationals and clinched the top spot in his class in marksman at the 2022 American Smallbore Shooting Association Smallbore Rifle National Championships.
With Adkins’ signing, Kentucky anticipates an even stronger rifle team in the upcoming seasons. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress by visiting UKathletics.com or following UKRifle on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
