EVERYTHING WE THINK COMES BACK IN VISUAL FORM

“I heard another coach describe our job this way,” said Beck, “I’m coaching life skills―I’m just do it through archery.” The training that Beck provides carries far beyond archery. “I have to stay motivated in archery,” said Thomas. “So it just carries over to my daily life.” Thomas feels a big part of her personality has been developed through archery. Competition and everything that comes with it has made her more understanding about life’s ups and downs, learning to accept disappointment and learning to cope. And, learning the valuable lesson that nothing comes easy.

Thomas, who has been a straight-A student thus far, said that schoolwork comes before anything. As archery took off in her life, she was also getting busier with the responsibilities of school and her other sports. Her competitive side eventually took over. To excel in school and compete at a high level in archery, Thomas knew she couldn’t put enough energy into other activities. So eventually the other sports dropped off. Thomas said she’s okay with that. “I get so many great opportunities through archery.” And, she said, she likes her 4.0.

One thing that struck me in talking to Thomas, her parents, coaches and mentors at the archery range, is that Thomas’ attitude, including her composure and ability to be coached, are her greatest assets. “Kinzie has always been such a well-mannered girl,” said her mom, noting that from a young age, Thomas has been a model student, thoughtful and introspective. “We’re very lucky to have a daughter like Kinzie.”

Ben Teets is a family friend through the archery club who has become Thomas’ equipment manager. Teets has been setting state records and winning national titles since his teenage years. “Kinzie’s got the right mentality,” said Teets. “She doesn’t get down on herself when she makes a bad shot. She learns from it and moves on.” John Lien, a family friend who is an avid bow hunter and archer for the past thirty years has been Thomas’ league teammate for the past two years. Lien appreciates her ability to recognize a big lesson despite her young age. “It’s just bows and arrows,” said Lien. “It’s just a game and sport that we’re supposed to be enjoying.” Lien also admires Thomas’ ability to hold her own against anyone in a primarily male-dominated local league. “There’s guys twice her size on either

I HAVE TO STAY MOTIVATED IN ARCHERY, SO IT JUST CARRIES

OVER TO MY DAILY LIFE side of her and she just keeps pounding them in the middle,” said Lien. “She always has a smile on her face, and just keeps it fun. That attitude carries through to how she shoots.”

Thomas’ ultimate goal is to become pro and travel to major competitions worldwide. A big step to this is sponsorship. “It would open more avenues for her,” said Thomas’ dad, noting that sponsorship money would specifically allow Thomas to travel to more shooting competitions and qualify for bigger events. “She wants to do the World Cup,” said Eric, “but without sponsorship we can’t afford to do it.” The qualifying competitions for the World Cup are in France, Morocco, Poland and Thailand―with finals in Las Vegas.

Thomas receives some sponsorship from Scheels, which provides clothing and equipment discounts in return for Thomas’ help with Scheels’ youth programs; Firststring, a company that makes strings for bows―who met and immediately fell in love with Thomas’ ability and attitude―provides her with strings and features her in their advertising; and Kensok’s Hardwood Floors, Inc. out of West Fargo has seen Thomas develop, knows her passion for archery and has helped with some financial support. “Without this help,” said Eric, “it would be impossible to travel.”

Practicing up to five days a week, shooting 80 to 150 arrows each day, most times shooting five arrows one after another―three almost always smack dab in the center of her target, and two in specific spots under the target in the bale so that she doesn’t chance wrecking the other three arrows― Thomas has the routine of loading and shooting so engrained she said she doesn’t have to consciously guide her body through the motions anymore, it just happens. “When I’m loading my arrow, I am trying not to think of anything at all, except for what is going to happen next.” With the guiding words of coach Beck in the back of her mind, reminding her to take things one shot at a time; the steadfastness of her dad every night at the range; the encouragement of her friends in the archery league; and the positive support and love of her mother, younger brother, friends and other family, it is something we all await―news of what will “happen next” with this amazing young woman and promising, determined archer. [AWM]