UAF SHOOTING COACH TO ACCEPT POSITION WITH U.S. OLYMPIC RIFLE TEAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2002

Fairbanks, Alaska — University of Alaska Fairbanks rifle coach Dave Johnson announced that this would be his last year coaching the Nanooks. Coach Johnson has accepted a position as the head coach of the U.S. Olympic rifle team. Johnson will fulfill his duties through the end of his contract, however UAF will begin an immediate national search for a new rifle coach.

"We are very excited for Dave’s opportunity, but at the same time we are sad. We are losing a great guy and a great coach," said Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Jake Poole.

Johnson met with his team this morning to break the news. "I have real mixed emotions about leaving. It’s been outstanding here, from the president of the university on down all the way into the community of Fairbanks there has been great support," said Johnson. "I want to thank the university, the chancellor and athletic director for the continued commitment to the program. Since I have been here, I am proud of the high quality student-athletes we have attracted. It has been a joy working to increase the rifle endowment by more than $18,000 for student athletes. I feel the team will continue to be successful and has an outstanding base to continue its run for many years to come.

"There is nothing here that is driving me away, that’s for sure," Johnson said. "This is just a huge professional opportunity that I couldn’t resist."

During his two years at the helm of the Nanook rifle team, Johnson’s shooters won their third and fourth consecutive NCAA titles. This year featured a team title, an individual NCAA title and record-setting score in smallbore, and a Junior Olympic champion as well as eight All-Americans.

Bob Mitchell, executive director of USA Shooting, was Johnson’s former U.S. Olympic rifle coach. Mitchell has known Johnson for years and asked him to apply for the position even before he came to Fairbanks.

"I’ve watched Dave develop as a shooter and a coach. It is obvious that he is a good people person and as you well know, that is what coaching is all about," said Mitchell. "He has proven himself up in Alaska, not only being able to coach top athletes, but also to develop walk-ons."

Johnson was again offered the position in December, but he refused. When the Olympic flame called this last time, it was with an offer Johnson couldn’t resist.

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Contact: UAF Coach Dave Johnson at (907) 474-6811 or UAF Public Information Officer, Carla Browning at (907) 474-7778.

KR/CJB/4-10-02/02-060