Archery Club in Motion

By Jordan Gentry

Bull’s-eye! Archery Club, coached by Mrs. (Rhonda) Smith, is soon to be underway and joining is a straight shot. Any student in high school is able to join the team, whether you know how to shoot an arrow or not.

Matches for the team don’t take place until October, but practices (open gyms) are now every day, except Friday, at 6:45am until 7:45am. Practices include tic-tac toe and balloon competitions.

Mrs. Smith would like all students to know that any student interested is welcome to try out. Archery club is for any student who wants to get involved in a fun, exciting sport that doubles as a lifetime skill. You don’t have to be athletically skilled, the sport is ready for anyone who is willing. Students with physical or other limitations are also able to participate, so don’t be shy.

Practices will be both before and after school to accommodate all types of schedules.

Lauren McMillen, a current participant says, “Everyone is welcome. Come join, we will teach you how [to shoot an arrow]!” She also includes that being on the team is “really fun” and that “there are really good competitors.”

Throughout the competitions, which take place on the weekend, “there can be from a couple hundred to 500 shooters competing,” says Mrs. Smith. “There are 300 points possible for each shooter, shooters shoot three “ends” [rounds] of five arrows each.”

Matches are based on whistle commands with a set of strict rules that must be followed for safety; Just like Mrs. Smith teaches in class.

Outdoor skills are also engaged as participants will get to spend time outdoors and not dealing with high tech items.

“Anything that will assist in getting them out there [outside] and in the fresh air can’t be bad,” says Mrs. Smith when asked how she felt about Wildlife Conservation agencies being concerned that too many young people are going without learning outdoor skills.

Mrs. Smith hopes that this season will bring along a tournament win and a beautiful trophy to be placed at Lloyd.