2021 - Second Quarter

DOUGLAS

REPEAT 2X

VEGAS & INDOOR TITLES

CHAMPION

2021 RESULTS: INDOOR NATIONALS

THE VEGAS SHOOT

NATIONAL MARKED 3D

BTB & NFAA 3D OPEN SECTIONALS

Officers

President—Brian Sheffler 7006 Beargrass Ct. Indianapolis, IN 46241 317/627-3401 lbsheff@comcast.net

Vice President—Doug Joyce 30 Willow Ave. Somerset, NJ 08873 732/713/6473 jdjarcher@aol.com

Executive Director – Bruce Cull 800 Archery Lane Yankton, SD 57078 605/661-0877 bcull@nfaausa.com

Executive Secretary –Natalie Vollmer 800 Archery Lane Yankton, SD 57078 605/260-9279 nvollmer@nfaausa.com

Council

Great Lakes

Rocky Kline

1108 N. Korby St. Kokomo, IN 46901 765-438-6413 rlkline1@comcast.net

Mid-Atlantic

Mike Price

1886 Melvin Hill Rd Phelps, NY 14532 315/548-4825 mpricesr1@gmail.com

Midwest Reginald “Shorty” Faber PO Box 66 Carthage, SD 57349 605/772-4468 shortyfaber@alliancecom. net

New England

William Hall PO Box 57 Willington, CT 06279 860/987-2660 inner10@yahoo.com

Northwest Hubert Sims PO Box 1713 Orofino, ID 83544 208/476-5377 hmsarchery1077@gmail.com

Southeast

Tim Austin 1710 SW 76th Terrace Gainesville, FL 32607 352/332-1969 tim.austin@floridaarchery. org

Southern

Lee Gregory 112 Ridge Oak Drive Georgetown, TX 78628-7613 512/966-2799 lee@dlprint.com

Southwest

Tom Daley 23121 Oak Mountain Ct. Auburn, CA 95602 650/722-2713 lestom70@gmail.com

Board of directors

GREAT LAKES Robert Rayhel Director - IL 13984 E 1425th Ave Robinson, IL 62454 618/553-4648 ILarcherydirector@il-archery.com

Michael Arison Director - IN 2301 E 16th St. Muncie, IN 47302 765-748-5477 psearison72@yahoo.com

Mike Spence Director - MI 189 Paul Poppell Rd. Perry, FL 32347 734/649-6375 grysbok1mike@aol.com

Norm Newman Director - OH 103 Aleutian Circle Kenton, OH 43326 419/673-0021

Bruce Trimble Director - WI 9444 Rainbows End Amherst Junction, WI 54407 715/254-7015 stringmaker@gmail.com

MID ATLANTIC

Carol Protack Director – DE 107 Elm Ave. Newark, DE 19711 302/530-8387 carolpro@comcast.net

Tom Coblentz Director - MD 1 Ash Dr. Knoxville, MD 21758 301/834-7154 tomproarcher@gmail.com

Robert Wertz Director - PA 336 Third Street Hanover, PA 17331 717/451-7408 bulldogs4bean@aol.com

Jennifer Dean Director - NJ 115 Flipper Ave. Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609/290-0977 englishteach11@hotmail.com

Samantha Brenzel Director - NY 381 Roger Ave. North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716/930-0098 Sjbrenzel@gmail.com

Jim Quarles Director - VA 7911 Cherokee Rd Richmond, VA 23225 804/272-6512 jim427quarles@gmail.com

Donald Payne Director - WV 807 A Main Ave. Nitro, WV 25143 304/561-8495 b00tlegger.2003@gmail.com

NFAA OFFICERS, COUNCIL, & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MIDWEST

Ray Jones Director - IA 704 West South Winterset, IA 50273 515/462-6788 IowaArchery@hotmail.com

Ray Manfull Director - KS

141 N. Abliene Valley Center, KS 67147 620/755-0464 cqbowhunter@sbcglobal.net

Rob Knutson Director - MN 18437 230th Ave. NW Big Lake, MN 55309 612/598-8276 rob@themnaa.org

Bill Myers Director – MO 2529 Braintree Dr. High Ridge, MO 63049 314/458-3571

Ed Christman Director - NE 3818 34th St. Columbus, NE 69601 402/563-3504 eChristman@neb.rr.com

Lee Hetletved Director – ND 4456 149 Ave. NW Bismarck, ND 58503 701/226-2775 leethetletved@gmail.com

Tim Withers Director - SD 222 Grey Goose Rd Pierre, SD 57501 605/280-6435 timwithers@ymail.com

NEW ENGLAND

Amber Sullivan Director - VT 275 Nason St St. Albans, VT 05478 802/782-9242 vermontjuniorarchers@ gmail.com

Vacant Director - CT

Michael Broadbent Director - ME 117 Webtser Rd. Lisbon, ME 04250 207/607-9115 mbhunta247@gmail.com

David Ferrie Director - MA 52 Sumner St Auburn, MA 01501 d.ferrie@charter.net

Michael Wright Director - NH PO box 237 Marlboro, NH 03455 603/209-8007 barebownh@aol.com

Sunil Verma Director - RI PO Box 8830 Cranston, RI 02920 401/213/9532 sunil.verma.md@gmail.com

2 scores, tournament info and more at nfaausa.com

NORTHWEST

Brandon Higley Director - ID 835 Burley Ave. Buhl, ID 83316 208/308-4267 bugz30x@live.com

Joel McNeese Director - MT 4205 Lewis Ave. Great Falls, MT 59405 406/727-2997 jrmcneese@bresnan.net

Bernie Punzalan Director - AK 1545 Hoyt St. SPC 8 Anchorage, AK 99508 316/258-0297

John Wainwright Director - OR 398 SW Bent Loop Powellbutte, OR 97753 541/420-0312 jvwriver04@hotmail.com

TC Parker Director - WA PO Box 613 Hoquiam, WA 98550 360/533-4698 parkertc@live.com

Andy Turnquist Director - WY 2060 Wolff Rd Gillette, WY 82718 307/257-7509 andyturn@bresnan.net

SOUTHEAST

Mike Albertson Director - AL 531 Laura Ln. Newton, AL 36352 334/324-9322 JMAlbertson@aol.com

Oliver Austin Director - FL 1620 Yearling Trail Tallahassee, FL 32317 850/688-2800 oaustin@fsu.edu

Charles Cumber Director - GA 224 Timberwood Dr. Thomson, GA 30824 706/690-1103 watermedic23@yahoo.com

Glen Baxter Director - KY 189 Tanyard Park Pl, Apt 144 Louisville, KY 40229 502/262-6738 gbaxter@heiltrailer.com

Joe Rozmus Director – NC 116 Trappers Run Drive Cary, NC 27513 919/606-5692 justxsroz@aol.com

Beth Anctil Director - SC 706 Chippendale Dr Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 843/340-2357 wildchildarchery@gmail.com

James Maze Director – TN

367 Deep Gap Rd Jackson, TN 38301 731/422-5529 jamesmaze5529@gmail.com

SOUTHERN

Billy Jacobs Director - MS 4107 Highway 51 NS Summit, MS 39666 601/248-4574 robinhood560@yahoo.com

Jim Metzger Director - LA 2019 Lovers Lane Shreveport, LA 71105 318/402-3381 GreyTrad@aol.com

Fred Hockett Director - OK 727 Kingsgate Rd. Yukon, OK 73099 405/202-7851 delainehockett@sbcglobal. net

Steve Coleman Director - TX 909 LCR 120 Mount Calm, TX 76673 254/723-4018 j13scoleman@yahoo.com

SOUTHWEST Caytie Belzner Director - AZ 1083 N. Boyd Apache Junction, AZ 85119 480/620-4644 caytiebelzner@gmail.com

Gary McCain Director - CA 27928 Clear Creek Rd. Keene, CA 93531 661/809-0947 gary@bgmach.com

Randy Brabec Director - CO PO Box 27 Loma, CO 81524 970/xxx-xxxx rebowtune@gmail.com

George Kong Director - HI 1255 14th Ave Honolulu, HI 96816 808/734-5402

Jay Boushee Director - NM 1508 Mossy Cup Dr. Farmington, NM 87401 505/801-1240 jay_boushee@msn.com

John Thayer Director - NV 7215 W. Tara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89117 702/222-9878 mdthayer@cox.net

Regina Greenhalgh Director – UT 365 S. 100 W. Nephi, UT 84648 435/610-6100 pinkqueen023@gmail.com

Professional Representatives

Great Lakes

Jeff Button 608/839-5137 jnbutton@aol.com

New England Crystal Gauvin 406-259-9801 gauvincj@gmail.com

Midwest

Julene Hakl 651-462-1916 wjarchery@gmail.com

Mid-Atlantic Kendall Woody 434-929-0223 bulldog267@comcast.net

Northwest Shawnn Vincent 360-929-5613 shawnnv@hotmail.com

Southern Jimmy Butts 518-986-1395 platinumbow@yahoo.com

Southeast George Ryals IV 678-901-9861 griv@archerylive.cm

Southwest Randy Brabec 970-314-4971 rebowtune@gmail.com

Pro Chairperson Chuck Cooley 404 10th St. Watkins Glen, NY 14891 607/343-8990 chuckcooley@gmail.com

Certified Instructor Committee Vacant

Bowhunting Chairman Tom Vollmer 800 Archery Lane Yankton, SD 57078-4174 605-260-9279 nvollmer@nfaausa.com

THE NFAA HAS 50 CHARTERED STATE ASSOCIATIONS. EMAIL US AT INFO@NFAAUSA.COM TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NFAA PROGRAMS AND EVENTS.

THE SPORT OF ARCHERY IS A HEALTHY AND EXCITING SPORT PROVIDING AN ACTIVITY IN WHICH THE ENTIRE FAMILY CAN PARTICIPATE.

Table of Contents

5 Upcoming events

6

8-9

10-19

20

20

Get your calendar filled in with updated 2021 & 2022 Tournaments and events!

Councilman Spotlight

Get to know your current northwest councilmanhubert sims

Hall of Fame article get to know hall of fame inductee dee wilde

2021 indoor national championships photos and results from the tournament held in yankton, south dakota & updates on the 2022 event

2021 indoor national junior record holders

5 archers from junior divisions broke records at the 2021 indoor nationals

nfaa foundation news get the details on the upcoming 2021 world archery trifecta-event

21 2021 national roundup get information on the upcoming national roundup in yankton, sd - july 14-18, 2021

22-23

24-40

42-45

46-55

56-62

Hall of Fame article get to know hall of fame inductee louis rangel

the vegas shoot - virtual photos, numbers and results from the 2021 vegas shoot - virtual edition

BTB & NFAA 3D Open photos & results from the break the barriers 3d open tournament in Fresno, CAlifornia

the vegas shoot - championship photos, full article and results from the 2021 vegas shoot - championship in las vegas, nevada

2021 nfaa marked 3d national championship photos & results from the 2021 nfaa marked 3d event held in redding, california

2021 nfaa national field leauge get information about how to join the national outdoor field league and shoot it locally! 63

junior scholarship winners

view the winning art work and essays by our junior scholarship contestants

nfaa sectional news

view the indoor sectional results from each section

handling pressure and distractions article by terry wunderle

CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS!

Step 1: Shoot your score at a NFAA Indoor State, Sectional, or National!

Step 2: Take a photo of your scorecard or the event results.

Step 3: Submit your score & purchase key chain via mail or shop.nfaausa.com.

Step 4: Attach to your quiver, key ring, backpack, etc. Wear it with pride!

Archer’s Name:

Event Name:

Event Type: State Sectional National Event Date: Key chain Score (Please circle): 300 60x, 300, 299, 298, 297, 296, 295, 290, 280, 270, 260, 250, 240, 220, 200, 180, 160, 140,120

Cost of key chain is $6.00 plus $1.00 for USPS shipping. Please send cash or check to NFAA 800 Archery Lane, Yankton, SD 57078 or purchase online at shop.nfaausa.com. Please include a photo of your scorecard or event results to info@nfaausa.com.

VEGAS TOO!

Step 1: Shoot your score at The Vegas Shoot!

Step 2: Take a photo of your scorecard or the event results.

Step 3: Submit your score & purchase key chain via mail or shop.nfaausa.com.

Step 4: Attach to your quiver, key ring, backpack, etc. Wear it with pride!

Archer’s Name:

Key chain Score (Please circle): 300 30x, 300, 295, 290, 280, 270, 260, 250, 240, 230, 220, 210, 200

Cost of key chain is $6.00 plus $1.00 for USPS shipping. Please send cash or check to NFAA 800 Archery Lane, Yankton, SD 57078 or purchase online at shop.nfaausa.com. Please include a photo of your scorecard or event results to info@nfaausa.com.

4 scores, tournament info and more at nfaausa.com

2021

may-aug

may 31-

aug 22

july 14-18

July 14-16

July 15-17

July 17-18

august 13-15

august 21-22

2022

february 3-6

march 18-20

nfaa outdoor field league

local clubs/shops/ranges

National Roundup

nfaa easton yankton archery center

Yankton, South dakota

nfaa outdoor national field championships

first dakota classic

nfaa outdoor national target championships

mile high triple threat

backcountry outdoor archery center

littleton, colorado

midwest classic trail shoot

bass & bucks hunting & archery pro shop

wabash, INdiana

the vegas shoot

southpoint hotel & casino

las vegas, nevada

nfaa indoor national championships

kentucky international convention center

louisville, kentucky

COUNCILMAN SPOTLIGHT

The National Field Archery Association (NFAA) Councilmen are elected from each of the following sections of the United States: the Northwestern, Southwestern, New England, Mid-Atlantic, MidWestern, Grake Lakes, Southern and Southeastern. Interested in getting more involved in the NFAA? Contact us at info@nfaausa.com for more information.

This issue we will take a moment to get to know our current Northwest Councilman. You can view a full list of NFAA officers at https://www.nfaausa.com/ sectional-representatives/.

NORTHWEST SECTION - hubert sims

I was introduced to archery and bowhunting in 1966. My first bow was a Ben Person 45-pound Recurve, and in 1977 my first compound was the Martin Cougar II. I hunted and shot 3-D with that bow and really loved it. Later, I was introduced to field archery, American rounds, and indoor archery and bought a Martin Cougar Magnum. Martin Archery hired me to their staff in 1979, and I had a good run with them. That was the year I joined the NFAA and started shooting state and sectional tournaments. I won a few and lost a few, but I was having a good time.

In 1985, I was elected NFAA Director for the State of Idaho. When I started, I had no idea what I was doing. I learned from other directors and tried to represent the archers from Idaho to the best of my abilities. I was the director for the State of Idaho for 30 years. In 2016, I was elected Northwest Councilman and serve in this position today.

Over the years I have shot many local, state, sectional and national tournaments. I have been attending The Vegas Shoot as a competitor or working volunteer since 1985. As an official for many years, I enjoy helping other archers have fun.

Archery is like life: It has ups and downs, and how an archer deals with them is like dealing with the ups and downs of life. Archery has made me a better person from the experiences that I have encountered. The most gratifying thing about archery is the people. It is like one big family.

NFAA official sponsors

0 2 1 ®

Thank you to our 2021 NFAA and NFAA Foundation sponsors. If you are in the market for archery equipment, please consider supporting the businesses that have supported our organizations the most. Without the support of our sponsors, we would not be the same organization we are today.

DEE WILDE

IS INDUCTED INTO THE NFAA HALL OF FAME

Dee Wilde, one of the most legendary archers in the world, was formally inducted into the NFAA Hall of Fame during the 2021 NFAA Indoor National Championship Professional shoot off. This event took place on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center, located in Yankton South Dakota.

The NFAA Hall of Fame, which began in 1947, recognizes individuals for their lifetime archery achievements. Wilde, who has been referred to as the “Arnold Palmer of Archery”, is only the 27th member to receive the honor, which illustrates the significance of induction.

Born in November, 1950, Dee Wilde is a seventy-year-old professional archer from Pocatello, Idaho. He has been married to his wife, Leta, for 49 years and together they have four children, Reo, Joshua, Logan and Sabrina – two of whom are also professional archers (Reo and Logan).

Wilde’s first introduction to archery occurred completely by happenstance when he was just 10 years old. He recalled, “I found a bow when I was a kid up on the hill behind our house. Someone had left it there and my dad went and put a string on it and I started shooting.”

An elbow injury in High School prevented him from shooting until after he left the Marine Corps in 1972. Dee recounted, “In 1982, some friends of mine invited me to go on a bow hunt, I shot a recurve back then, and I shot a bear. Then they said, ‘You should come shoot a 3-D with us’, so I went in and shot the 3-D with my recurve, actually tied for 3rd place and won the shoot off. I went and bought a compound bow the next day, and I won the second tournament I ever entered. It wasn’t because I was a better shot. It was because I could judge distance, and in 3-D that makes a big difference.”

Wilde joined the NFAA as a member in 1985, turned pro in 1986, and has amassed an incredible list of accomplishments throughout his storied career, including: First Dakota Classic Champion, National Indoor Champion, National Outdoor Champion, Vegas Shoot Champion, World Champion and World Cup Champion. Wilde represented the United States thirteen times on World Championship Teams and competed on the first Compound World Cup team for the United States, among many others. Wilde was also ranked as the number-one archer in the world nine times, between 1989 and 1999.

Not only an incredibly decorated archer, Wilde is also an extraordinarily well-respected archery coach. He has helped to develop several JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) programs and established coaching and development programs for three different countries, including, Italy, Mexico, and India. See Wilde’s complete archery resume here.

When asked to think back on his career and share which accomplishments meant the most to him, Wilde recounted, “There’s a couple of them. In ’93, my oldest son (Reo) and I won The Vegas Shoot – I won the Professional and he won the Open Division. In ’95, Reo and I were on the World Team together and got a gold medal in the team event in Birmingham England, and then my youngest son (Logan) and I were on a gold medal team together in ’99 in France.” He elaborated, “The ones that mean the most to me are the ones I won with my sons.”

Wilde talked about how the world of competitive archery has evolved since he started shooting in 1985. “Well, when I started, guys couldn’t make a living shooting a bow, and I didn’t. When I won Vegas in ‘87, the prize was $2,500. The top prize at the 50th anniversary (2016) was $50,000, so that’s quite a spread from $2,500.”

He went on to say that The Vegas Shoot (the largest archery competition in the world, which usually draws over 3,500 archers) played a big role in growing the popularity of the sport around the world, “The NFAA and Bruce Cull are instrumental in growing that, and even though it’s not an NFAA enterprise, they had a big role in developing and promoting it.”

Wilde explained how the NFAA’s partnership with Easton – building centers like the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center and the Easton Salt Lake Archery Center also played a big role in advancing the sport. “I’ve done coaching for different countries, and I bring teams from different countries like Egypt and India to train there.”

When asked to call to mind some of the things that archery has provided him that he didn’t expect, Wilde shared, “Because I’ve competed internationally, I’ve got to travel to places that I never would have gotten to go to. I was on the first team of any sport

8 scores, tournament info and more at nfaausa.com

allowed back into Cuba, as part of an American Championship, and I’ve been to Cuba twice. I went to a World Field Championship in Wales where it rained so hard that it washed away a bridge that was 300 years old. I’ve been very fortunate to participate in some very unique situations.”

Wilde expressed what it means to receive his induction into the NFAA Hall of Fame, “As a professional archer, this has been at the top of my bucket list, and the main goal of my career. But my family is my real ‘Hall of Fame’, so I guess you could say archery is actually number-two in my life, but you know what? That is a heck of a work and a heck of an accomplishment.”

He went on to share a bit about his children, including how his two pro sons got their start in the sport, “Reo is the oldest, I have another one who doesn’t compete Joshua, and then Logan, who isn’t competing right now, and I have a daughter, Sabrina, who is disabled and was just married a couple of years ago. She was doing charity work and met this guy, and it’s working out really good for both of them.”

“Reo started shooting when he was younger, but he got target panic and quit. Later on, he came to work in my archery shop, and started shooting again. Some guys invited him into their leagues, and he wasn’t doing very good, so people were givin’ him a bad time about it. People kept asking me ‘When you gonna help him?’ I said, When he comes to me. When he comes to me, then he’ll be ready for it, and he’ll go through my program. That was in ‘92 when he decided to try really hard, and went to work at it. In February of ’93, he won the Open Division in Vegas. He started my program in October ’92. We put him through the steps and he followed it to the T, exactly what I laid out there for him.”

With a chuckle, Wilde talked about his other World-Champion-son, Logan, “And then Logan, he just thought because he was a Wilde, he would be good. He had me take him to a Junior World Team Trial, and he got his butt whipped. He didn’t even make the cut to the shoot downs, and that bothered him. So, he came home and he went to work. But he’s shot off for first-place at Vegas, he won the Gold Cup – a couple of different ones. In fact, he won the very first tournament of the World Cup for the United States (1999). I was overcoming neck surgery at that time, but going into that neck surgery I was the number one-ranked archer in the world. So, when they announced the World Cup Teams were available, I told them I wanted myself and my sons on that team. So, the first World Cup Team for the United States was myself, Reo, Logan and Dave Cousins. I wasn’t competitive and I knew I wasn’t, because I was just coming off of neck surgery, but I was gonna be on that team, because I had earned it. In 2001, just before 9/11 we had World Team Trials, supposed to go to China, he was the number-one qualifier for the United States, and he set the world record at 70-meters, which stood for a long, long time, and then 9/11 happened so we didn’t go.”

When asked about the dynamic of competing against his children, Wilde said, “I never had a problem with them beating me, I wanted them to beat me. I always wanted to give my best effort, but I don’t care who you are, if you have a problem or if you need some help, I want to help you. So, if you are shooting against me, I want you shooting the best you can, so when I beat you, I know you’re giving it your best.”

NFAA Foundation President Bruce Cull expressed how momentous Wilde’s induction into the NFAA Hall of Fame is. “The NFAA Hall of Fame is one of the most coveted awards that the NFAA has to offer. In my tenure with the NFAA of over 35 years, it has only been given three times, and all three of those inductees are exactly what Dee Wilde represents, which is a life-long loyalty to the NFAA and to the whole sport of archery. Dee, with all the titles and awards that he’s won throughout his career, personifies what archery is and what giving back to the sport really means.”

At the induction ceremony, Wilde received an

NFAA Hall of Fame plaque that reads: “National Field Archery Association congratulates Dee Wilde, 2019 recipient of the NFAA Hall of Fame. The NFAA Recognizes you for your lifetime archery achievements, numerous championships, and records, your World Team representations of the United States, and outstanding coaching recognition. Your archery accomplishments and contributions are greatly appreciated. Presenting on the 20th day of March in the year 2021, at the NFAA headquarters in Yankton, South Dakota, during the 2021 Indoor National Championship.”

scores, tournament

“As a professional archer, this has been at the top of my bucket list, and the main goal of my career. But my family is my real ‘Hall of Fame’.”

3 John Dillinger US-UT 566 38

4 Sean Chan US-NY 547 35

5 Darron Rodgers US-MO 544 23

6 Jonathan Gochenour US-KS 535

14 scores, tournament info and more at nfaausa.com

scores, tournament info and more at

The 2021 NFAA Indoor National Championship moved to the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center, March 18-21, 2021. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the NFAA made the decision to hold the event at their headquarters in Yankton, SD.

Bruce Cull, NFAA Executive Director commented, “We are fortunate to have a Governor in South Dakota that supports the rights of businesses to remain open and allows us to continue to host events safely under CDC guidelines. Holding the event at our facility in 2021 just makes more sense financially and logistically. We are excited to be back in Louisville for 2022!”

With fewer shooting lanes in Yankton, the only major change was the schedule. In order to fit the number of archers the NFAA anticipated, the schedule was extended to 3 days of shooting.

NFAA INDOOR NATIONALS

EXTENDS STINT IN LOUISVILLE

NFAA INDOOR NATIONALS DATES ANNOUNCED THROUGH 2024

Dates:

2022: March 18-20

2023: March 24-26

2024: March 15-17

The NFAA Indoor Nationals will return to the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY through 2024

Mark your calendars and make plans to attend the NFAA Indoor Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky through 2024.

NFAA Executive Director Bruce Cull comments about hosting the event in Louisville, “The Kentucky International Convention Center is perfectly suited for the Indoor Nationals. It has been beautifully renovated and is state-of-the-art. It has over 200,000 sq. ft of vendor and competition space in a single hall. Plus, the downtown hotel scene is new and improved, most of the existing properties have been remodeled and new properties are popping up all over.”

Indoor Nationals Junior Record Holders

In 2021, we had FIVE archers in the junior divisions break records at the NFAA National Indoor in Yankton, SD. Congratulations to these individuals!

MICAH XIE - USA-TX

Cub Male Barebow

572 46X

MIKAILA KRUGER - USA-WI

Youth Female Bowhunter Freestyle

599 96X

LEANN DRAKE - USA-MO

Youth Female Freestyle

600 113X

MADELINE KRUGER - USA-WI

Young Adult Female Bowhunter Freestyle 600 97X

CADEN TUFTS - USA-MI

Young Adult Male Bowhunter Freestyle 600 117X

LOUIS RANGEL IS INDUCTED INTO THE NFAA HALL OF FAME

Louis “Louie” Rangel, a distinguished archery innovator, accomplished competitive archer, and life-time NFAA member was formally inducted into the NFAA Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 17, 2021 during The Vegas Shoot Championship Shoot-Off event which took place at South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The NFAA Hall of Fame, which began in 1947, recognizes individuals for their lifetime archery achievements. Rangel, who hails from Riverside, California, has an archery career which began in 1956 when he was only 20 years old. Rangel is only the 28th member to receive the honor, which showcases the significance of his induction.

In his nomination letter, NFAA member and nominator, Bob Borges expressed his admiration for Rangel’s archery contributions, “Louie is a life-time member of the NFAA and has dedicated all of his archery life to promoting this great organization. He has worked in the archery industry, coached archers and developed many products during the 65 years he has devoted to the sport we love.” The list of archery accolades that Rangel has merited is quite impressive including; California Bowmen Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Bowmen Hunters Club, Riverside California Sportsman’s Hall of Fame, 10 NFAA National Championships, IFAA Field Championship, Castaway Money Shoot Champion, North American Field Archery Championship, 41 California Bowmen Hunters State Championships, has represented numerous companies as an innovator and product developer, (at one time) held a total of five patents on archery equipment, and still competes regularly at 85 years old.

Rangel recounts the beginnings of his career, “Back in 1956, I was just 20 years old, had just gotten married and was at a friend’s house who had just gotten into archery. That was the first time I shot a bow. He gave me a few pointers and the rest is history. I just fell in love with it – the sound of the arrow leaving the bow and the impact on a target.”

Now in its 65th year, Rangel’s career has provided him with countless memories and opportunities. Rangel recounts winning the first money shoot in Las Vegas – “The Castaway Money Shoot”. “It was the first time that the City of Las Vegas had endorsed a money shoot. I won 100 real silver dollars, back when they used to use those in the slot machines. I always find that entertaining to share with people when they ask how long I’ve been shooting archery. I can say, well I shot the first money shoot in Vegas.”

When asked to look back at all of his competitive success and recount which tournaments stood out the most to him Rangel shared, “Well, they all stand out but winning my first California State Championship in 1963, drove me to go try the Nationals, which was in Running Springs, California and I won with a bare bow recurve at Nationals, so that was the most memorable to me.”

Rangel’s competitive accolades are only the tip of the iceberg. His career is robust and includes many accomplishments as an inventor, businessman and developer, working for some big names in archery, such as Hoyt, Easton, and PSE. “As I was looking for a winning edge, I started thinking, ‘Okay, I practice and do the things that build a champion, but I think there are some things in equipment that might give me an advantage.’ And one of the things I’m most proud of is that I went to work for Easton Aluminum Arrow Company in Southern California as a product engineer and went on to be promoted to a product development manager in Salt Lake.”

At one time, Rangel held an impressive five patents for archery equipment including; two variable length fletching systems, a dualpurpose arrow shaft insert, multi-purpose arrow assembly tool,arrow nock and shaft insert and the uni-bushing nock system. “I’m very proud of the uni-bushing because all of the arrows used to be swedged and you couldn’t adjust the knocks so I came up with this idea.” He also developed a transfer system to apply graphics on arrows. “They used to adonize an arrow with a camouflage green, and then the dye would just be painted on in various lines. Remember when you were a kid and you used to wet a paper and make a transfer on your arm? That is how I evolved the transfer system. Rather than painting the lines on a shaft, I came up with a machine process to use that basic concept, but I used heat instead of water. It was called sublimation ink, and the rest is history.”

22 scores, tournament info and more at nfaausa.com

When asked if there were things that archery provided Rangel that he didn’t expect, he expressed “Oh, yes! The camaraderie of the people involved in archery. I look back at it now, and the camaraderie of people is what’s kept me in it for so many years – the many friends I’ve made across the United States. I’ve traveled around the country with this passion, made many friends, and even though we’re old now we still keep in contact with each other. You know, trophies come and go, but the memories I have with my many friends and even youngsters who come up and say, ‘Hey Louie, look I won a trophy like you!’, that is just dear to my heart.”

Rangel went on to share what

being inducted into the NFAA Hall of Fame means to him. “I think it’s simple. It’s the icing on the cake of my career. It means a lot to me to be among that list of 28 names. Because, you know tournaments come and go, and they’re forgotten – the wins and losses, but the Hall of Fame in my eyes is a special place forever.”

NFAA Foundation President

Bruce Cull shared his thoughts about Rangel’s induction. “His history in archery speaks for itself. He is one of only three Hall of Fame recipients during my tenure with the NFAA (of more than the sport. It really was an honor to recognize contributions, which have had a tremendous

At the induction ceremony, Rangel received a NFAA Hall of Fame plaque that reads: “National Field Archery Association congratulates Louie Rangel, 2021 recipient of the NFAA Hall of Fame. The NFAA Recognizes you for your numerous championships, records, archery innovation, product development history and lifetime archery achievements. Your archery accomplishments and contributions are greatly appreciated. Presenting on the 17th day of April in the year 2021, at the South Point Hotel and Casino, during the 2021 Vegas Shoot Championship.”

scores, tournament

“The camaraderie of people is what’s kept me in [archery] for so many years... You know, trophies come and go, but the memories I have with my many friends and even youngsters who come up and say, ‘Hey Louie, look I won a trophy like you!’, that is just dear to my heart.”

2,300

2,300 ARCHERS PARTICIPATED IN THE VEGAS SHOOTVIRTUAL

THE VEGAS

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2021 Vegas Shoot was held virtually for the Flight and Junior divisions allowing archers to shoot at any 20-yard range in the world while still competing for over $50,000 in cash prizes and scholarships. Archers had an entire month from March 12th - April 12th to shoot 3 rounds. Even though circumstances were unusual, we were thrilled to pull off the 55th edition of the annual event!

1,500

1,500 ARCHERS MADE UP THE FLIGHT DIVISION

800

800 KIDS MADE UP THE CUB, YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT DIVISIONS

50 WELCOMED ARCHERS FROM ALL 50 STATES AND OVER 30 COUNTRIES

167

167 CLUBS/SHOPS/ RANGES REGISTERED AS A VEGAS SHOOT LOCATION

SHOOT - virtual

Compound Young Adult Male

Compound Young Adult Female

BTB & NFAA 3D Open 2021 RESULTS

42 scores, tournament info and more at nfaausa.com

THE VEGAS SHOOt

2021 RESULTS

CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2020/2021 season was anything but normal, but the NFAA staff strove to find a way to make things work by still hosting the Championship Division of The 2021 Vegas Shoot in Las Vegas, Nevada. While the atmosphere was unquestionably different this year, the Pros were definitely excited to have the opportunity to compete in person.

Kyle Douglas of Utah, made history and walked away as the Vegas Champ for the second year in a row. His thoughts on the shoot off - “It’s pretty insane, it was tough the first time and this time, man, Richard is so good, I knew he wasn’t gonna give me one so I knew I had to keep going and going and going. Man that was tough.”

Douglas is not only the back-to-back Vegas Champ, he is also the reigning back-to-back Indoor National Champ. Douglas comments, “It was pretty cool to pull that off, both back-to-back years, so I’m pretty excited.”

The Championship Compound Open Division began with over 110 shooters, and after three days of competition, finally wound down to just 15 who shot a perfect 900, plus lucky dog Steve Marsh, who beat out the other 23 men who had only dropped one point.

The archers who stood on the final line included Paul Tedford, Braden Gellenthein, Cody Lippencott, Gaius Carter, Dave Cousins, Jesse Broadwater, Stephan Hansen, Christopher Perkins, Richard Bowen, Kyle Douglas, Michal Hulburt, Robert Householder, Steve Anderson, Chance Beaubouef, Levi Morgen, and Steve Marsh.

The final three men standing included Cody Lippencott, Richard Bowen, and last year’s champ, Kyle Douglas. With third place going to first-time-final-shooter Cody Lippencott.

Cody expressed what it was like to place on his first trip to Vegas, “Yeah, first time here, and I’ve been trying to get here for three years, so to come and podium on the first one is pretty awesome. I had my most trouble in qualifications, but once I got into the shoot-off I knew Kyle and Bowen weren’t gonna miss, so there was no sense in me missing, but eventually I did. But yeah, I’ve got the fever and I’ll probably be here for the next 20 years.”

Douglas and Bowen went eight rounds, with Douglas walking away as the champ and Bowen claiming 2nd place. Bowen says, “I feel that right there would have won in 99% of shoot-offs, but it won’t cut it against this guy right now. I had more in me, and it didn’t feel like that bad of a shot, but eventually you are gonna miss one and Kyle didn’t, so congratulations to him.”

While it wasn’t a normal year and with just over 250 total archers attending the Championship, the top 8 men still took home an impressive total $31,000 in cash, with 1st place claiming $15,000, 2nd place earning $6,000, and 3rd place walking away with $4,000.

The winner of the Championship Compound Female Division was decided in the 3rd round of competition, with newcomer Liko Arreola taking the top spot on the podium. Liko was the only female who shot clean and

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also the youngest archer, at only 13 years old, to have ever shot a perfect 900 in the Women’s Championship Division, and only the seventh female to have ever joined the 900Club in the Vegas Shoot Championship.

Alexis Ruiz took 2nd place after some impressive performances at the Vegas Shoot over the past five years, making it to the podium four out of the last five yearsthree in the Championship Compound Female Division and one in the Compound Young Adult Female Division.

In the finals round, The 2020 Vegas Champion Paige Pearce, Toja Ellison and Linda Ochoa-Anderson battled it out for third place, with Pearce earning that last spot on the podium.

Pearce talked about being together in Vegas for the shoot. “All of us were just happy to be in Vegas. To get all the Pros together and be in Vegas, for The Vegas Shoot was just a really neat thing. Obviously, this is a really weird year, but it made it feel a lot more normal than it would have been if we held it elsewhere. But we all had a great time together this weekend.”

The second youngest spot in the 2021 900-Club was claimed by 17-year-old Sawyer Sullivan. Sawyer shot a perfect 900, and also earned a 1st place finish in the Compound Young Adult Division, beating out Jacob Weber (2nd place), and Dalan Hazelbush (3rd place).

In the Senior Division Keith Trail walked out of the 3rd round a champion for the fourth consecutive year. Impressively, Trail has taken the top honors in the Senior Division every year that he has competed in the Vegas Shoot.

Michael Braden placed 2nd and Kendall Woody, Randall Morocco and Bill Drake stood on the line for 3rd place. Woody and Drake duked it out for an impressive eight ends with the first end of regular scoring and seven ends of sudden death scoring, but in the end Woody staked his claim to the 3rd place.

The NFAA plans to host the 2022 Vegas Shoot in normal-format, back in Las Vegas, Nevada.

scores, tournament info and more at

Championship Compound Open

50 scores, tournament info and more at nfaausa.com

Championship Compound Female

Championship Compound Senior

52 scores, tournament info and more at nfaausa.com

Championship Recurve Male

Pos Name Last Division Total

1 Madison Wilkens AFBB 1234

1 Saydee Runkey AFBBR 537

1 Tawni Broughton AFBHFS 1467

2 Rebekah Ham AFBHFS 1464

3 Kathryn Novotny AFBHFS 1461

Corri DeMontigny AFBHFS 1437

Yvonne Turco AFBHFS 1299

Kristen Turnbull AFBHFS 1258

dani grate AFBHFS 1241

Jennifer Ebner AFBHFS 1034

1 Isabelle Geissbuhler AFFS 1512

2 Kaylee Geissbuhler AFFS 1503

3 Sherri Christensen AFFS 1499

Trena Jerome AFFS 1498

Rebecca Wiltse AFFS 1497

Kaden Hekker AFFS 1496

Bella Otter AFFS 1495

Taylor Lander AFFS 1493

Shawna Sanders AFFS 1491

Hannah Mathison AFFS 1485

Courtney Eberts AFFS 1481

Danielle Connerty AFFS 1479

Maicie Rackerby AFFS 1475

Lesley Winker AFFS 1475

Tammy Melton AFFS 1473

Kia Tonneslan AFFS 1471

Clarissa Bond AFFS 1471

Mindi English AFFS 1468

Shauna Morgan AFFS 1467

Tomi Omel AFFS 1467

Carrie Lin AFFS 1465

Hannah Herold AFFS 1461

Emily Palomo AFFS 1460

Miranda Moore AFFS 1459

Anieta Appleton AFFS 1456

Kimberly Riner AFFS 1455

Sonya Wilson AFFS 1451

Devon Manney AFFS 1451

Megan Mallicoat AFFS 1450

Candice Reifschneider AFFS 1449

Kristie Bell AFFS 1449

Tina Wilson AFFS 1449

Heather Fite AFFS 1448

Alli Dixson AFFS 1447

Angela Cosentino AFFS 1440

Carey Morgan AFFS 1431

Dana Tatge AFFS 1430

JENNA NICHOLS AFFS 1421

Kadi Vigil AFFS 1417

Chrissy Dixson AFFS 1416

Caitlin Doyle AFFS 1388

Rae Jean Alpaugh AFFS 1382

Akayleah Carver AFFS 1381

Cathleen Quinton AFFS 1375

lauri Dougherty AFFS 1369

Kirsten Ettner AFFS 1361

Cathy Dowell AFFS 1360

Jennifer Wognild AFFS 1340

Toby Hoaglund AFFS 1323

Michelle Bollar AFFS 1306

Tia Boyer AFFS 1305

Christy Boring AFFS 1247

MERCI RUST AFFS 1193 Erin Compton AFFS 1158

1 Therese Gordon AFFSLR 1330

1 Lisa Rodriguez AFTRAD 56

1 Kristopher Mccubbins AMBB 1423

1 Rich Eckenburg AMBB 1423

3 Jeremy Wilkens AMBB 1288 Jody Johnson AMBB 1250

Voigt AMBB 1074

1 Joel Turner AMBBR 1301

2 john Winker AMBBR 1247

3 Kyle Mccormack AMBBR 1239 Jason Harris AMBBR 438

1 Rylan Broughton AMBHFS 1513

Dennis West AMFS 1389

Jonathan Heath AMFS 1388

Jeremy Aguilar AMFS 1381

Brent King AMFS 1374

Jay Donahue AMFS 1350 Erik White AMFS 1305

Taylor AMFS 978

1 PAUL HERSCHELL AMFSL 1157

1 christopher garcia AMFSLR 1420

1 George Papac AMLB 830

2 Renal Earl AMLB 808

3 Devin Martinez-Shinn AMLB 358

1 Sadie Turco CFBHFS 1495

2 McKenzie Wognild CFBHFS 1396

3 Rialey Hartman CFBHFS 1306 Justyce Lacey CFBHFS 0

1 Presley Pyper CFFS 1517

1 Talen Grate CMBHFS 1440

2 Logan Turnbull CMBHFS 1383

3 Sullivan Teel CMBHFS 1339

1 Barrett Mckee CMFS 1464

2 Chance Morgan CMFS 1411

1 Sandy McCain MSFBB 1163

1 Linda Townsend MSFBHFS 1242

1 Becky Pearson MSFFS 1457

2 Bev Kouns MSFFS 1444

3 lisa thomas MSFFS 1325

1 Gary McCain MSMBB 1364

2 Tom Daley MSMBB 1296

3 Gary Burns MSMBB 1167 Horacio Herrera MSMBB 836

THOMAS POWELL MSMBHFS 1319

Brandon Reyes PMFS 1513

Wade Smith IV PMFS 1512

Mark Rubio PMFS 1512

Lee Ford PMFS 1509

Brent Sheppard PMFS 1506

Adam Ross PMFS 1505

Jeremy Beard PMFS 1498

Smoky Doramus PMFS 1497

Elfido Vigil PMFS 1479

Tyler Olsen PMFS 1472

Shane Worland PMFS 1457

Brad Bentley PMFS 1450

1 Barb Carroll SFBBR 1083

2 Marsha Quan SFBBR 996

1 Jeannette Riggs SFBHFS 1369

2 Kim Boyack SFBHFS 1305

3 Jenny Feix SFBHFS 1173

1 Christina Davis SFFS 1497

2 Shawn Wood SFFS 1494

3 Bethany Cravea SFFS 1483

Tamara Neilson SFFS 1456

Danielle Rhoades SFFS 1450

Melody Sisson SFFS 1428

Kim Gentner SFFS 1423

Michelle Copher SFFS 1422

Tina Lakey SFFS 1410

Tami Pullins SFFS 1339

Susan Brudi SFFS 1298

Carol Vout SFFS 1291

1 Kelly Eagleton SFFSL 1339

1 Scott Norris SMBB 1058

1 Alan Eagleton SMBBR 1291

2 Eric Mueller SMBBR 1280

3 Bob Carroll SMBBR 1219

Russ Scharman SMBBR 1092

Chuck Hawes SMBBR 1059

1 Tim Davis SMBHFS 1493

2 Coco Fernandez SMBHFS 1489

3 Gary Curl SMBHFS 1487

Keith Toon SMBHFS 1473

MARIO VASQUEZ SMBHFS 1473

Ron Sherwood SMBHFS 1465

Marvin Riggs SMBHFS 1460

Tim McGinnis SMBHFS

Novotny SMBHFS 1282

Mike Hernandez SMFS 1436

Steve Allen SMFS 1433

Eric luckman SMFS 1433

John Lake SMFS 1428

rory janke SMFS 1428

ROBERT RUST SMFS 1419

Kevin Adamson SMFS 1417

Michael Shore SMFS 1414

Mark Warrington SMFS 1412

Jack Hall SMFS 1409

Chuck Rackerby SMFS 1403

David Hicks SMFS 1403

todd beauvais SMFS 1400

Dan Stone SMFS 1369

Fred Merkel SMFS 1343

timothy Hupp SMFS 1327

David Hoaglund SMFS 1314

JIM GAREY SMFS 1250

1 Densel Landrum SMFSL 1257

1 Ricardo Zeballos SMFSLR 1287

2 Stephen Williams SMFSLR 1193

1 dan Walsh SMTRAD 917

1 Paul Penrod SPMFS 1528

2 Timothy Gillingham SPMFS 1524

3 Tim Audus SPMFS 1524

Ron Barndt SPMFS 1523

Michael Braden SPMFS 1522

Cordell Carpenter SPMFS 1521

Anthony Clem SPMFS 1520

Joe Cartia SPMFS 1519

Mike Leiter SPMFS 1515

Judd Olsen SPMFS 1515

Jayson Baker SPMFS 1513

Ben Hobbs SPMFS 1511

Wade Nichols SPMFS 1511

Jackie White SPMFS 1510

Darren Collins SPMFS 1508

Brian Webb SPMFS 1506

Jeff Button SPMFS 1506

Scott Turner SPMFS 1503

Quinten Erlei SPMFS 1500

Benton Christensen SPMFS 1499

Tony Harbaugh SPMFS 1497

Mike Price SPMFS 1495

Mike Pettit SPMFS 1493

Brandon Powell SPMFS 1493

Cory Miller SPMFS 1492

John Casella SPMFS 1482

Tracy Colin SPMFS 1474

Kenneth Henson SPMFS 1463

Michael Myers SPMFS 1460

1 Debbie Lerg SSFBHFS 1417

2 Gabrielle Garrett SSFBHFS 1310

3 Karen Keating SSFBHFS 1265

1 Sheilah Bomar SSFFS 1473

2 Renee Gee SSFFS 1453

3 Karen Palmer SSFFS 1426

Catherine Belzner SSFFS 1423

Carol Moran SSFFS 651

1 Jill Crinklaw SSFFSL 1328

2 Jeannine doolin SSFFSL 1240

1 Lynn Walter SSFFSLR 1144

1 Robert Williams SSMBB 1353

2 Rodney Sharp SSMBB 730

1 Mike Palmer SSMBHFS 1491

2 Bret Moran SSMBHFS 1483

3 Jim Marshall SSMBHFS 1478

Mark G Hanson SSMBHFS 1468

Chris Jones SSMBHFS 1460

Steven Adam

Shoot at your local range and compete with archers from across the country!

All NFAA Divisions welcome

Registration is ongoing - A minimum of 10 scores must be submitted

nfaa foundation news.....

2021 Trifecta-Event

September 16 - 30,

worldarchery.sport

2021

First AND ONLY time these three events will take place back-to-back in one location

World Archery Congress

September 16 - 18

The World Archery Congress is a biannual event that governs the organization and strategy of World Archery. World Archery’s member associations vote on motions, elect individuals to the executive board and committees, recognize achievements through awards and discuss initiatives for the sport around the world.

World Archery Championship

September 24 - 26

The World Archery Championships is a biannual event, dating back to 1931, that issues World Champion titles. It is the largest event on the World Archey international calendar, comprising both high-participation (600 elite athletes) and spectator finals – which are designed for live television broadcast and distributed to 150 territories around the world with a reach of 62 million (as of 2019).

World Cup Final

September 29 - 30

The World Cup Final is an annual event, created in 2006 in which the World’s top archers compete on four stages in four different countries to claim one of the eight spots in each category to compete on this final stage. The event is held in spectacular locations which are broadcast on live television and distributed to over 150 territories around the world with a reach of 22.8 million (as of 2019).

junior scholarship opportunities

The National Field Archery Association Foundation, in partnership with the Easton Foundations, awarded $18,000 in scholarships to junior archers that participated in the 2021 Vegas Shoot - Virtual to use toward higher education. Participants had two ways to qualify for the archery scholarships: competing and placing in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in each junior division and competing by submitting an archery themed essay or artwork. Winners were selected by an independent panel.

emily wong

Young Adult Female

brandon reece

Young Adult male

blair dahl

Youth male

natalie wince

Young Adult Female

Personal Growth through Archery

My archery journey began as something fun to do with family. Every Wednesday night, my grandpa would pick myself and my brother up to go shooting at our local club, Lonesome Road Archery. It was and still is, our thing. After a while, I realized that I loved the sport. I started participating in local competitions and leagues. After a few years of shooting, I began to realize the three main reasons why I love the sport. Each reason has to do with growth. Some areas in which personal growth has been demonstrated while participating in archery includes independence, confidence, and focus.

As I have told some of the beginners at my local shop, “My number one reason behind my goal to get better was to have easier scores add up.” I think it is safe to say that I have always overseen the cards. Where some parents would step in, mine understood that it was important for me to know how to do it. My parents also understood the importance of both myself and my brother working towards

buying our own equipment. I bought my first bow when I was around eleven years old. My parents told me that they would go half and half with me, and a deal was made. I started with a bowhunter set up, and then slowly added new/used parts. We used to compare my bow to the Johnny Cash song “One Piece at a Time,” because my setup featured a release with noname and stabilizers of two different brands, all on a bow that was older than myself. This all did not matter though, because I was proud of each piece of equipment on my bow. Since then, I have upgraded to a newer bow, matching stabilizers, and a personality fitting set up! I am still extremely proud of my equipment and have bought nearly all of it. By adding up my own cards, and purchasing my own equipment I have gained independence and responsibility.

Last year, I shot my first tournament that was larger than the state level. I was beyond excited, but at the same time I was terrified and insecure. I had watched videos from previous years of girls my age in the shoot off. This led to both inspiration and insecurity. I tried to tell myself that I could be in that shoot off with those girls. So, I set up a target and practiced after school everyday that it was not snowing or raining. Some days my brother would even come out to hold the spotlight so that I could see. I ended up fixing many form problems and shot a personal best the week before I left for the tournament. When I finally

got there, I had already looked at the previous nights qualification rounds and was beyond uneasy. When it was finally my turn to shoot, I had gotten myself so anxious that I completely choked and shot a little below my average. The second round I had started to settle down and shot much better, but it was not good enough. Even though I did not shoot my best, I had fun and figured out what I needed to work on next, my mental game. Someone once told me that “Even if you don’t do as well as you would have liked, as long as you learned something it was worth it,” and I agree one hundred percent. After working on my mental game, my confidence has exceeded its previous limits, and I have been able to surpass personal bests in competitions. Maintaining confidence to a degree is always important in life, whether inside or out of archery.

Two years ago, my grandfather passed away after a long battle with cancer. When someone dear to you and your family is sick, everyone needs something different. Archery was what I needed. Spending time shooting my bow was the only way that I could escape what was going on in my life, because it was everywhere. The focus required to succeed in archery was what I needed at that point in my life to be used as a distraction. While I couldn’t shoot my bow all the time, it was able to provide a sort of restart. When I am on the line, it is only me and my bow. Archery was able to be one of the biggest resources that helped me through one of the toughest times of my life.

Archery has provided me with tools and traits that will last me forever. I truly have no idea where I would be today if archery had not found its way into my life. Each quality that I have that derived

from archery could not have been founded without my family and all of those who have supported me throughout my journey. I hope that my independence, confidence, and source of escape will help me

caden chow

Young Adult male

A gust of hot air blows against the golden phoenix printed on my damp team jersey as I survey the dusty Arizona competition range. Nervously, I step onto the white shooting line, remembering my disappointment from my previous round. The buzzer sounds. Blinded by the Arizona sun, my body second guesses every action, as my shaking arms aim the bow toward the target which seems impossibly far away. With three arrows in my quiver and 40 seconds remaining, I doubt that I can finish all three shots before time expires. My arrows lose power, just as my concentration shatters. Realizing I shot 40 points below my practice scores, I see my dad’s emotionless gaze. The sun isn’t hot enough to dry my tears of disappointment in my performance at this tournament.

The experience in Arizona was more than just another lowperforming tournament, rather it was a turning point for my archery and also for me personally. Sad to see my father’s reaction, I felt guilty about the costs of traveling to the tournament. I angrily considered other sports that may have yielded greater dividends for the amount of time I practiced. Blaming everything from my equipment, to my physical ability and my coaches, I struggled to find an answer to my failures. How could I expect better outputs

with the same faulty inputs? My inputs - time, practice, discipline, mindfulness - all needed to equal the outputs I expected. With sparks of determination kindling as if they were man’s first flames, my momentary tears of defeat turned into the sweat of hours at the range. As those sparks’ ashes reminded me of my previous failures, the inspiring heat invigorated me to prove to my coaches, my parents, and most importantly myself that I could succeed in archery.

Last round. Breathe in….breathe out. This time we are in Florida as I step to the white shooting line which marks the daunting distance between me and the target. The buzzer sounds, signaling to shoot. Drawing the familiar string to my fingers, my mind enters my new, practiced state of calm. With my arrows soaring to the target like a phoenix rising from the ashes, they hit the center of the target. My name appears 4th on the leaderboard. Above the field, my phoenix screeches a cry of victory, igniting the sky with the energy of my toils.

While preparing for that tournament, I stopped thinking about my failures, the last tournament, the last round, the last arrow, and instead improved my focus. Learning that endurance does not mean blindly practicing for hours, I processed every shot,

battle whatever comes at me in the future. I also hope that others can recognize how they have individually grown through their archery experience and apply it to their own everyday tasks.

concentrating on what could be improved. I believed in my own tenacity to overcome my parents’ doubts, coaches’ language barriers, and personal misgivings about archery. Transforming the initial sparks into enduring flames, I learned to connect my mind to my actions, focus on my target and my goals, and persevere towards what I believed I could accomplish. Kindling my heart’s fiery passion, I realized I was responsible for rejuvenating my phoenix of progress with the flames of my own willpower in order to achieve the fiery success I expected.

Learning that I was in control of my own success, without blaming outside factors, was the greatest lesson I took from the challenge of overcoming my poor competition performance. I improved my scores through discipline and determination, developing an internal locus of control that made me the captain of my fate. Outside of archery, students like myself tend to blame their failures on outside factors such as their teachers and other students, but never themselves. I am able to transfer my ability to persevere with confidence in my own abilities to my studies in university and beyond because of my competitive archery experiences. I know that I can hit any target; when I aim with confidence and mindfulness, it does not seem so far away.

cora goforth

My heart raced as I entered the arena, anxiety a tangible feeling beating alongside it. I rolled my bow case up to the sign-in table, but my mind wandered. The high ceilings of the arena were brightly illuminating archers calmly preparing their bows, warming up, and socializing. Spectators lined up for refreshments, greeting each other with waves and hugs.

Mindlessly, I set up my bow, careful to wax the string and tighten my stabilizers. Family members and archery friends wished me good luck, and I smiled and thanked them, but I was in a daze.

10 minutes. 10 minutes until my first ever archery competition.

I brought my bow to the line. 3 minutes. I fidgeted with the pins attached to my quiver. 2 minutes. I mentallytallied and checked my equipment.

3...2...1...

Distantly, I comprehended a whistle blowing to signify the beginning of the practice rounds. Somehow, my body moved of its own accord. I felt like I was watching myself from

underwater. Relaxing as best I could, I anchored, feeling good about my shot. To my horror, the arrow ricocheted off my bow with a sickening sound. All at once, I felt numb yet incredibly aware of everything.

Looking down at my riser, my entire arrow rest was hanging onto it by what could only be described as a miraculous patch of leftover stickiness. This small piece of metal fell onto the concrete floor soundlessly, but to me, it felt like the crack of a gavel, sealing my failure in this competition.

With shaking hands, I grabbed my bow and hurried to my family, on the verge of tears. “Help me. What do I do?!” They had little knowledge of archery, however, my parents sought help from a former coach while I tried to calm myself.

Through the haze of anxiety, I later remembered this coach taking the bow from my sweaty hands and sitting down on the bleachers. Within seconds, he relayed the items needed to properly fix my bow to the people around us. My grandfather stood by the coach’s side, assisting however he could. Hopelessly, I stood back with nothing to do but watch as he wound strings, adjusted alignments, and applied

components to my bow.

By this point, the third practice round was already being shot, and I was shaking with anxiety. I noticed three strangers around the coach exchanging objects, but I barely paid them any attention. I was a helpless bystander in my own competition. As he worked, he introduced me to those strangers. Three archers who saw my need and generously donated the parts to fix my bow.

At this news, I was overcome with gratitude; not only for the spare equipment, but for the unification I saw. We were a community. With a small grin, my former coach handed me my bow, politely wished me luck, and rejoined his club.

I heard the buzzer ring and judges yell, “This one’s for score!” I profusely thanked everyone and hurried to the line 10 seconds late. As I shot, my mind still strayed. My form was sloppy and my mental game was even sloppier, making my shots mirror my own mental state. I was finished within seconds, and I refused to meet my family’s eyes because I could barely shoulder my own disappointment.

The next three rounds ended similarly. I kept trying to accommodate for my failure by adjusting my sight, slightly altering my form, or aiming off. My indecision was evident in my low scores.

I hurried back from retrieving my arrows, too ashamed to pay much attention to my score. I

was standing away from the line, wondering what to do.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see my mother conveying a whirlwind of emotions in her eyes. “You have got to get out of your own head,” she said. I shook my head and looked down, but she lifted my chin. “Listen. You had an equipment malfunction before you even got to shoot! No one expects you to win this. It is your first competition, Cora; and you have nothing to prove, nothing to lose. So once this is sorted, go out there and just do your best. Because you are capable, and only you think you’re not.”

I had expected a mirror of my own disappointment and frustration etched into her expression, but I was instead faced with two options. I could either do my best with the conditions I was given, control

my mind, and walk out knowing I did all I could do to get back up; or I could shoot as the panicked, unfocused person I was, having no fun in the process.

Somehow, my mom reached me through her short monologue. She patted me on the back and repeated, “You can do this.”

With new confidence and encouragement, I stepped up to the line. I had nothing to lose in this competition. That end, I shot a 28. The next; a 29. Thenceforth, I had maintained a score as good as what I would get at practice. I felt like an entirely different archer. My head cleared, my form became smoother, and my shots became consistent. I was even having fun.

By the end of the competition, I had shot my best score ever.

As the competition ended, I was

SEBASTIAN KAZAKOV

Youth male

Breathe, stance, straight ahead. Breathe, stance, straight ahead. Breathe, stance, straight ahead. That was the only thing going through my head. Rain pounded at my head, my body, my legs, my face, hitting me at every angle, proceeding to roll down the raincoat. I reach for an arrow, and touch the wet, cold knock. The fletchings shake, raining down droplets to the ground. I raise the arrow, making a subtle screeching noise, as it rubbed against the quiver, and then place it onto my rest. I pull the arrow back, and knock my arrow with a click. I reach

for the release, and fiddle to get my wet fingers into place.

The release is unforgiving, as the cold stabs at my fingers with little knives. I precariously hook the release onto the D - loop, place the limb onto my hip, and draw back. My fingers strain to stay on the release, yet I draw into my anchor, and aim. The peep wraps snuggly around my sight, I move my sight to the 10, and exhale.

Everything disappears, nothing except for me, and my target. I rotate my back, and: Thwip! My

left to reflect upon the events of the day. Without those three generous archers, I would’ve never recovered from my equipment failure. Without the compassion of my former coaches, I wouldn’t have stood a chance in getting back on track. Without my family, my mental stability would’ve continued to falter.

The day of my first competition, I realized that the archery community is a place for growth andvcompetition, and a strong group of individuals who are always there to support one another. Without them,vI wouldn’t be the person I’ve become today. For that, I am grateful.

arrow soars through the air, and slams with a thud into the 9. I exhale, in dismay, and repeat. Thwip! The arrow hits another nine, so I proceed. Thwip! Finally, I hit the 10, and I crack a smile. I go to collect my arrows, and raise my shirt. I put my hands onto my back, as warmth immediately comes rushing into my hands, and I remember how I would touch the hot dishes from a dishwasher on a cold day. I reach for the arrows, pulling them out, and pinching the plastic fluff off of the tips of the arrows. I then took the arrows, and slid them into my quiver, making

another subtle screech against the plastic. Being here for at least half an hour, I was freezing, and thought about going home. But my gut told me otherwise. I turned back, and told myself: “One more ” I lined up my feet, knocked, drew, aimed, and, Thwip! An eight?! I was scared, knowing this is unacceptable. I did everything again, slower, with more concentration. Thwip! A 10.

I cracked another smile, wider than my previous one. I drew another arrow, but the water lubricating it madeit slide onto the floor. I bend down, and a nearly a pint of water

trickles down my hood, and onto my hand. I raise the arrow, and knock it. I shake my hand, trying to awaken it, and warm it up a little. I grab my release, and pull back: I fail to. My fingers start slipping, as I realize the water has been lubricating the release. I let down, and the arrow sharply slid back into place. I mutter under my breath, wipe my hand on my pants, and grab the release. I pull back, with pain and exhaustion, exhale, and Thwip! Another 8, meaning, I have to shoot again. I trudge myself to the target, sloshing in mud, water, and leaves. I pull at the arrows,

Annie houts

cub Female

There are so many amazing athletes in the archery community, and it’s always great to have new learners. I think archery is a great sport for all ages, but it is especially great for kids. I’ve made many friends since I started and am growing great friendships as I go. If you find what’s right for you - the right range, the right bow, the right coach, and the right community - then you’ll enjoy it greatly.

If you learn techniques fast, great! And if you learn them slow, even better. Learning every right and every wrong, every rule, and every step to become the best archer that you can be may take a while, but trust me: it’s worth it. Saying something as simple as, “I want to be in the Olympics,” or “I want to be the top archer of my age group or even the world,” means commitment, patience, and lots and lots of practice. Some people, especially younger

kids, may give up after the first few days, not knowing that it takes time and knowledge. They might just want to get straight on the line and shoot at the target. But the correct equipment, and most importantly safety, always comes first. I think that it’s so fun to make friends along the way, as you learn, because they can learn with you and help you.

One thing to think about is respect. Not only to your coach and your colleagues, but your bow as well. If an arrow goes off the target, or not in the ten ring or yellow ring, it’s important not to take it out on your bow, or damage your bow in any way, shape, or form. Your first thought might be: “It was my bow’s fault, it made my arrow go off from where I wanted it to be,” when it really should be: “Ok, let’s take some time to figure this out. Did my arms collapse, or did I move my anchor?” or it may even be your bow! You never know until

but my hands slip. I tried again, but there was no use, it was stuck, and my hands were wet. I wiped my hands on my pants again, and one by one, I headbutted the target and pulled at the arrows. My fingers were pink, and they screamed in pain, complaining that the cold was ripping, and stabbing viciously at them as they tugged at the arrows. I dragged myself to the 30m mark, stood my stance, looked up at the unwelcome dark sky, letting the water hit my face, and thought to myself: “One more”.

you discuss it with yourself and your coach or teammate.

Having the right equipment is also important. You can go through different limbs of different pounds depending on your strength and ability. If you want to be the best archer you can, it’s important to listen to your coach. If you can get the “perfect coach” that listens to you and can teach you the correct form and challenges you to your highest standards, then great! If your coach tells you something they want you to know about your form or bow, then be prepared to listen.

The archery community is a great space for kids to learn and get experience because, from my point of view, it’s incredible the long way I’ve come, and the people I’ve met along the way.

ty rardin

Youth male

will tell you about my hunting story.

My name is Ty Rardin, I am 11 years old and I am from Greenfield, IA, Adair Co. I am here to tell my story about my bow hunting experience and my first deer harvest.

I started shooting my bow about two years ago. My type of bow is a Mathews Craze. Like most people, when I started shooting I really didn’t know what I was doing and had a lot to learn. After a couple months of shooting I started to realize I was getting pretty good. I joined the Adair County Hot Shots which is our local shooting sports team for 4-H. I continued to improve with accuracy and consistency. That year I went to the state 4-H Shooting Sports match in Searsboro, IA and finished 2nd. One of our friends had been shooting in some indoor competitions and thought I should try it out, so I did. The next four competitions I placed 2nd each time. I wasn’t frustrated with second but I knew I could shoot better. The number one thing that I had to change was my mental mindset. Every time I dropped a point in a competition I would get frustrated and I knew I had to change that. This year I once again shot at the 4-H shooting sport match, and guess what, I finally placed first. Now that you have learned about what I have been doing for the last two years, I

The last day of youth season was Sunday, October 4th. We had been out two previous times but never had a close enough encounter to be able to have a good shot. That Sunday we headed to the blind about 3:30. My dad had my sister with him in an elevated blind, and I was sitting about 200 yards away from them with my cousin and younger sister. We were on a field edge where the corn had already been combined. About an hour before sunset several does came out of the cedars to feed but never got any closer than 50 yards and eventually walked back into the cedars. Sunset that night was at 6:53 and as it got closer to this time the odds of me shooting a deer were going down every minute.

Then all of a sudden a big bodied spike deer came right down the path we walked in out of the cedars. He walked out into the cornfield and started feeding about 60 yards from where my dad and sister were sitting. My sister wanted to shoot this as her first deer but the deer stood between us and she had no safe shot. After about ten minutes the buck started to walk in my direction. By this time it was about 6:45. The buck continued walking towards me and kept getting closer and closer. The deer walked to a point where I had a good shot out of the big front window, but then he decided to work towards me and I had a clear shot out the little window. The window was too small so I asked my cousin to open the front door about a foot and when he opened the door it creaked just a little bit and I drawed back. I put my 20 yard pin on his heart and let the arrow fly. When I let go of my string about one second later he jumped up and there was blood coming right behind his front shoulder and

I knew it was a good shot. I watched him run towards the cedars but he stayed on the field edge then came back into the cornfield. He took a couple more steps and then started wobbling. After a few seconds of wobbling he dropped to the ground and then I knew he was done.

We were heading over to the deer and then we called my dad and said we were heading that way and then reminded us there was still shooting time left for my sister. He told us to keep quiet and stay in the hunting blind until shooting hours were over. I had a hard time being patient because it was so exciting and I wanted to retrieve my first bow kill. After shooting hours was over we made our way over to the deer that was lying motionless in the field. We met my dad and sister at the deer, and I took a cornstock and poked it in the eye to make sure it was dead. At that moment we all celebrated my first deer kill. Our friend, Chris Baudler, let us hunt on his land, came with his four wheeler and cart to help us haul the deer out. My dad helped me gut the deer. Once we got the deer gutted we found the heart and saw that I made a perfect shot. We then hauled the deer back to our truck and took it home. We brought it home and skinned it out that night, and hung it outside to cool that night. The next day we processed the deer and put it in the freezer.

I shot my first deer with a 20 gauge shotgun when I was 8, but shooting with a bow is more challenging. I believed that I could get one with my bow, I just needed the right opportunity. For all of you kids out there about my age, if you put in the time and practice, you can have the same success that I had. Keep on practicing and good luck to all you fellow bowhunters. “Remember you don’t have to be the best, you just have to be better than you were yesterday” Byron Ferguson. May you all be safe and God Bless.

Great Lakes Section

Rocky Kline, Councilman

2021 Great Lakes Indoor Sectional Results

74 scores, tournament info and more at nfaausa.com

78 scores, tournament info and more at nfaausa.com

82 scores, tournament info and more at nfaausa.com

New England Section

William Hall, Councilman

2021 New England Indoor Sectional Results

2021 Southeast Indoor Sectional Results

2021 Southern Indoor Sectional Results

HANDLING PRESSURE AND DISTRACTIONS

By Terry Wunderle

Competing at an indoor target tournament, one of my students performed well with the exception of two shots.

When I asked him if he ran his mental program on every arrow, he replied, “Yes.”

His buddy who was standing beside us remarked, “He may have been running his program, but he was flipping the channels.”

At that moment, the true problem came to light. The archer’s concentration was broken by something that was going on behind the line. Instead of letting down and starting over, he continued with the shot. Unfortunately, the results were reflected in his score.

Many things can create pressure or be a distraction. Score, winning, worrying about a competitor’s performance, trying to meet the expectations of others, or even your own ego can create such mental distraction that you will lose your concentration. When anxiety rises, focus declines and performance suffers. Needless worry is the greatest hindrance in reaching a top score in an archery competition. I refer to it as “needless worry” because it is nearly always a concern about something that you cannot change. Will agonizing about points or beating the competitors increase your chances of raising your score or cinching first place?

The most important attribute of a great archer or any other athlete is the ability to remain focused when faced with diversions. Everyone gets side-tracked, but the exceptional athletes quickly refocus and unite the bond between their mind and body. Distractions are a part of the sport and so are coping with them. These diversions are not a problem until you let your thinking dwell on them; instead, let them pass and treat them as just part of the game. If you give mental interruptions more importance

than your performance, then they will hinder what you accomplish at the shooting line. Actually, distractions and pressure are what make archery exciting. They give us a surge or charge, pump us up, and add thrill to the game. If they didn’t, we would quickly get bored with the sport.

Think of a situation when you lost your cool and your point of focus went south. Replay that event in your mind, but this time think of how you would handle it in a more positive manner. Do not let the distractions get to you and dominate your performance; instead, remain calm and in control. I like to think of diversions as a normal part of a tournament. Look at the circumstances calmly and focus on what you are supposed to do. Stay in control of the situation and do not let what is happening influence your emotions. When you are faced with distractions and you become emotionally involved, step back and observe the situation as an outsider. This will give you a more objective view. If you cannot manage your feelings, you will not be able to focus; and if you cannot focus, you will lose the opportunity of giving a top performance.

At a national tournament, one of my accomplished archers was a bundle of nerves. I called him over and said, “If you really want to see something funny, watch the other shooters. See how nervous they are and what they are doing to themselves.” He started pointing out different contenders, noting the humor in what they were inflicting upon themselves. Then I asked him, “Were you looking at someone else or in a mirror?” He saw the true humor in the situation and laughed at his own behavior. Observing the circumstances as an outsider gave him the insight he needed to address the tournament with a more relaxed approach and have an excellent performance.

Have your friends work with you in practice, letting them distract you as you force yourself to remain focused on your game. Distractions are not a problem unless you let them override your performance at the shooting line. Learn to clear your mind of irrelevant thoughts and free your body of the tension. The body should be relaxed except

for the muscles needed to execute the shot; and the mind should be calm and directed at shooting the perfect shot.

On the practice range, I will occasionally bet one of my students a dollar on his or her ability to shoot five spots in a row. Once the person agrees to the bet, I announce the wager to everyone in the vicinity and invite them to watch. This creates a distraction and unwanted pressure; so now my student must take control of the situation, while refocusing on the task in front of him or her. The shooter’s concentration has to be directed at shooting a shot with perfect form, rather than scoring five 10’s.

The next time you encounter an upsetting situation in activities other than archery, force yourself to control your emotions. Try to remain calm and go back to what you were doing before the interruption occurred. I had one female archer who had to give a speech in front of a sizable crowd. She was nervous, so she ran her archery mental program and quickly regained her composure. The athlete had relied on and used mental control in archery so much that she turned to it when another difficult situation confronted her. Practicing mental control in your daily living will enhance your archery performance; but more important than that, it will help you face other circumstances in life.

At an indoor national championship, one of my top-level archers had his release go off accidentally and he shot a no-score arrow. He was mentally down and upset, so I instructed him, “Now show me what you are made of. Get your emotions under control, refocus and clean the rest of the shots.” He did, and that impressed me. This type of concentration is what makes a champion. It is good advice to remember that feeling sorry for yourself and giving up is what makes a loser. Sometimes it is very difficult to put a bad shot behind you, but you must try hard to regain your focus. The more you work at refocusing, the easier it will become in the future. Archers train many hours in developing their shooting accuracy. Practicing emotional control and focus under pressure are equally important.

[Terry has coached students to over 350 national and world titles and set over 450 national and world records. This article and more of his professional coaching tips are in his book, Archery: Think and Shoot Like a Champion, found at wunderlearchery.com.]

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