(by Don Meador, November 15, 2021)
Calvin Smith and Quinn Hartman led the way as the Allen County-Scottsville archery team started their season last weekend at the Bristow/Warren East tournament at Ephraim White Park in Bowling Green. Eleven of the team’s 14 rostered participants participated in their opening archery shoot of the season.
Smith scored a 275 (out of a possible 300) to lead AC-S and place seventh out of the 81 boys shooting in the high school division. Travis Jackson tallied a 273 score while Ryan Wolfe shot a 269. Additional boys score included Caelan Fox (255), Aidan Stone (247), and Jacob Towe (137).
Hartman led the girls on the ACS squad after firing a score of 263. Her score was 16th in the field of 80 female shooters participating in the two-day event. Ella Fox scored a 261 for AC-S. Additional scorers were Karissa Pardue (227), Amber Smith (194), and Marley Tabor (148).
Overall AC-S was seventh in the nine team field with an overall score of 2796.
Last weekend’s match signaled the start of a season in which AC-S starts the year with increased numbers in the archery program. The high school archers will participate in NASP® events and KHSAA sanctioned competitions next spring.
“We have 14 on our current roster but we will pick up a couple archers once football ends,” explained coach Col. Scott Walker said. “As for the numbers, we have two times as many shooters this season as last. Of course, last year was a startup and we only practiced once before the regional shoot and then, the season ended. This year we have promoted the program earlier and more frequent to ensure those interested had the opportunity to sign up.”
Col. Walker adds that his program has added conditioning to their practice schedule as they prepare for the season.
“Our goal this season is to improve physically,” Col. Walker explained. “We have begun a Patriot Fit program to improve strength and stamina. We want to shoot in three tournaments prior to the regional competition. A goal also to improve individual scores by eight to 12 points over the next three months.”
In addition, Col. Walker points out that his desire is for the program to build in the coming years.
“Our overall goal is to continue to promote the program and grow by 50% over the next three years,” Col. Walker said. “I expect that we will have at least three shooters qualify this season to continue beyond the regional shoot and possible for state. My philosophy is that we win by helping each other; we're creating more than archers, we're creating future leaders.”
In addition to last weekend’s shooters, Shelby Hughes, Gabe Oshefsky, and Shyla Houchens will be participating this year.