First State Archery in the Schools Competition Right on Target

On Friday, February 23, student archers, coaches, parents, and onlookers converged on the National Wild Turkey Federation Jakes area at the Opryland exhibition hall, in Nashville, Tennessee. Just beyond all the attractions set up to entertain the younger attendees of the convention, the students found brand new targets, shooting lanes, a presentation stage, trophies, medals, prize bows, and T-shirts commemorating this historic event in which they were about to compete.

“This event that has drawn 160 students from across the state is the first Tennessee state competition for the Archery In The Schools program,” stated Don Crawford, Assistant Chief of Information and Education of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. “We’re really proud of the thirteen schools who were represented out of the thirty-four across the state who participate in the program. We’re already looking forward to planning for next year. This event will only get bigger and better.”

“Archery In The Schools got its start in Kentucky and has enjoyed tremendous success. Today, over 500 elementary, middle, and high schools participate in the program in that state. Featuring Olympic style target archery, it’s a sport that allows all students to compete on a level field,” continued Crawford. “Unlike other sports, height and muscle strength are definitely not top priority to be competitive. Some of the smallest competitors have been highly successful.”

The TWRA believes that as the program is implemented in more schools, it will enjoy the same explosive success as it has in Kentucky. For information about getting your school involved in the Archery In The Schools program, contact Don Crawford at 615-781-6538, or by email at don.crawford@state.tn.us.

Tennessee’s Wild Side, the TWRA sponsored TV program will feature a story on the competition in a segment set to air on March 17, on public TV across the State.

To view photos from the event, including winning students, the final results of the competition, and listen to a podcast describing the program, click here: Archery in the Schools Competition.