Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
Maddox Intermediate School’s 4th and 5th Grade Archery Team is headed to the 2024 National Archery in the Schools Program’s Alabama State Championship tournament, which will take place April 4-5 at the Sportsplex at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. The invitation to participate in this event is a significant achievement for the team, considering that this is only the second year that archery has been included in the school’s extracurricular offerings.
The National Archery in the Schools program aims to introduce students from 4th to 12th grade to the Junior Olympic Archery Development style of archery as part of their in-school curriculum. The comprehensive program covers various aspects of archery, including its history, safety protocols, techniques, equipment, mental concentration, and self-improvement, all designed to enhance educational performance and student participation.
Coaches Lindsey Stuart and Haley Elliott, who previously coached archery with Jasper Parks and Recreation, have been instrumental in bringing this sport to the school. Their efforts have resulted in 40 total participants, with 23 students comprising the fourth-and-fifth grade team that will compete at the state level.
“This season, we have placed in the top three in two different tournaments, and one of our girls shot top in her age division at regionals. All of our archers have improved their scores with each competition, and we have also seen improved confidence in so many of these students,” says Elliott.
“Most of these kids hadn’t even picked up a bow and arrow until this year, so being invited to state is a big deal! Archery is as much an individual sport as it is a team sport. Students of any skill level can participate – you don’t have to run the fastest or jump the highest; you just have to be willing to focus,” Stuart adds.
Both coaches share a desire to see the program grow within Maddox and throughout the Jasper City School System, pointing out the potential for academic archer scholarships to benefit students.
“We want to get these students started now and let it benefit them well into their future,” says Stuart.
The Walker Leader congratulates Maddox Archery on a great season and wishes the team good luck at the State Championship! WL
