A silent leader, a sweetheart and a Swedish meatball-making pro all describe one of the newest additions to the UAF rifle team.

In his first year on the team, Patrik Sartz, 21, has won the respect of his team members and his coach not only with his shooting skills but also with his down-to-earth personality.

"He's a good person," said teammate Kim Harris, 23. "He's inside-and-out phenomenal and smart and an amazing shooter."

Sartz came to UAF holding the title of the Swedish National Champion in 2006, and was the junior European record holder in airgun in 2005.

Despite his highly praised shooting skills, Sartz remains humble about his achievements.

"He's so modest," said Harris. "He has the reddest little cheeks."

One of Sartz's long-time friends from high school, Christian Lejon, has been on the rifle team since 2005. Lejon and past UAF rifle members now teaching at Sartz's Swedish high school convinced him that Alaska is the best place for him to continue his rifle career, said rifle coach Dan Jordan.

Sartz plans on graduating in Fairbanks before going home.

"We've had a bunch of shooters come from over there (Sweden)," Jordan said. "I think initially he was just thinking to come for one or two years and I think now he's going to stay here for all four."

Jordan calls Sartz one of his top four starters and expects success out of him in the NCAA rifle championships at UAF, which are on Friday and Saturday.

"He'll do well," Jordan said. "He's doing great with the team. He'll do real good here in the next couple of years."

Sartz is funny in his own quiet way, said his neighbors in the student apartments.

One of their favorite things about him is how easily he gets embarrassed.

"One time he did a back roll out of his chair at the Pub. He was leaning back in his chair and he went a little too far," said Carrie Haddad, 21. "He hit the floor, did a back-roll and just popped back up. He got embarrassed and tried to be all smooth about it."

The residents of Cutler 505 all named Sartz the "extremely hot Swede," and said his listening skills and knowing when they need a hug make him a treasured part of their lives, both on and off the range.

Although Sartz has proved his capability with his rifle and in making friends, there's still one thing he said he still hasn't gotten used to in Fairbanks.

"American girls are so flirty," he said. "But when you try to get close to them, it's like they become so distant. It's really hard to get to know them."

Sartz's coach said it would probably take time for Sartz to feel completely comfortable in Fairbanks

"He's a good kid, real quiet. He's always very polite about everything," Jordan said. "I think he'll open up in the next couple of years."

Sartz said he was never much of a night owl until this year.

"It's so convenient here, everyone is right here," said Sartz. "And the Pub is so close."

Fairbanks has lived up to Sartz's standards so far, even in the 40 below zero weather.

"I love it," said Sartz. "It's perfect."