Students to Vie for State Archery Championship

Alabama’s first Archery in the Schools Program State Championship will take place April 29 at the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s headquarters in Millbrook. Approximately 200 students are expected to compete. Three-person teams will compete within the following divisions: Elementary (grades K-6), Middle (grades 7-8), and High School (grades 9-12). The competition will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with an awards ceremony following.

During the competition, students will shoot 15 arrows at distances of 10 and 15 meters for a total of 30 arrows each. Targets will be paper bulls-eyes mounted on fiber mats. These are the same type of targets used by the students in their schools.

Banners, plaques and medals will be awarded to the highest scoring teams in each of the divisions. Individual medals will also be awarded.

Archery is well-suited to students because all ages and abilities can master the technique effectively. Teachers report that students are enthusiastic about learning archery and those that have historically resisted physical education classes are eager to participate.

The Archery in the Schools program is a partnership between the Alabama Department of Conservation’s Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and the State Department of Education. The Olympic-style archery program is being taught in 22 Alabama schools as part of their physical education program. Even more schools are interested in implementing the program if the funding can be found. Thanks to support from the archery industry complete kits can be purchased for $2,350, which is a considerable discount off of the retail price.

Co-sponsors of the 2004 Archery Championship are the Alabama Wildlife Federation and the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Click here to learn more about the Archery in the Schools.

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