WV has a program called Archery in the Schools, sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources. Just over 50 schools from across the state field teams where students stay after school and learn about archery, practice technique, and try not to completely destroy the nerves of their instructor. Their best archers go to the state tournament held in Charleston. Last weekend Isaac shot for his school.
Isaac attends a pretty small school. Their team sets up their shooting range in the cafeteria, which, of course, is pretty small. Apparently they can only shoot at a distance of 10 meters. Isaac practices a lot and has become a really great shot at that distance. He just seems to have an eye for it.
As a little side-step, it sort of cracks me up that there is a school sponsored “weapons in the classroom” program state-wide. Anyhow, Archery in the Schools is a fantastic program and lets a lot of kids participate in a sport who otherwise may not be able. The Civic Center in Charleston was packed this weekend with kids from all over the state. These kids were a great bunch but most were not your typical jock. Many came in camo and boots and looked like they were ready to go out in the field immediately after the competition.
Isaac’s school shot in the first group. Each archer got a practice round of 5 arrows at 10 meters followed by 3 volleys of 5 arrows each which were scored. After the 10 meter shoot, the students shot the same way from 15 meters. Click this link to see a video of Isaac shooting. He is target #2. I love the sound of all the arrows hitting the targets!
Isaac shot his 10 meter round and did absolutely fantastic. Remember I mentioned that they could only shoot from 10 meters at his school? Well it showed in the 15 meter competition. At the 15 meter range, I suppose Isaac got only half what he got at 10 meters. He was pretty disappointed. His grandparents just bought him one of the competition bows so I suspect we have a good bit of shooting ahead of us this summer…at 15 meters.
And who says they don’t teach the metric system in schools…
Isaac really did well at the 10 meter range. You could see the smile on his face all the way in the stands. I’m glad he likes archery and hope he continues. I cannot wait so see how he does next year after we get some practice in at the 15 meter range!
Nice job Isaac!
.-= YDavis´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday from me, not June =-.
Cool! I wish our schools had a similar program.
My daughter (15) has taken up archery as her sport. They start at 9 meters and move to 13 meters. How wonderful that your kids are doing so well at 15 meters. That’s a long way for an arrow to fly straight.
.-= Ceecee´s last blog ..Indoors or Outdoors =-.
Isaac is such an achiever whether it’s in the classroom or at all sports he participates in. His Grandpa and I are so proud of him.
Way to go Isaac!!!
.-= Capri Kel´s last blog ..Goomba On the Loose =-.
That’s wonderful… we’ve done that in scouts, but what a great idea for a school program. As a (sometime) bowhunter, I can appreciate that 15m is a long way indeed.
.-= Beau´s last blog ..Hard Woods in Still Waters =-.
Hi Warren,
I saw this link today, and it made me think of you guys!
http://slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/2010/bees_under_glass.htm
Abigail got a bow for her birthday this weekend. I am certain we will be shooting this coming weekend!
Bethany – thanks for the link…that’s super cool!
I love coming to your site. Too bad you guys don’t live here in Alabama.
We just had our State competition on Saturday. We got 2nd and 3rd. Not bad for our first year.