Archery In The Schools State Competition 2007
First State Competition Right On Target
On Friday, February 23, 2007, 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 National Archery In The Schools Program Championship Tournament," stated Don Crawford, the Assistant Chief of Information and Education of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. "We're really proud of the thirteen schools who represented the thirty-four across the state who participate in the program. We're already looking forward to next year’s tournament. 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 not top priority to be competitive. Some of the smaller competitors have been hugely 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.
Tennessee's Wild Side will feature a story on the competition in a segment set to air on March 17, on public TV across the State.
To view candid photos from the event, click here.
