A Bright Future for Archery

[DonBo]

Archers have strong showing at nationals

Minnesota archers had a strong showing in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Nationals, May 12-14, in Louisville, Kentucky.

For the first time, a Minnesotan was a first place finisher. Rowen McAllister of St. Croix Preparatory Academy in Stillwater finished first out of 2004 high school girls and received a limited edition Genesis Bow, a large trophy and $20,000 scholarship as a reward.

In all, 241 competitors traveled to represent Minnesota at nationals. Also earning top honors were Noah Cagle of Robert J. Elkington Middle School in Grand Rapids (fifth out of 2,625 middle school boys); Anna Whitcomb of Princeton High School in Princeton (third in the 3D shoot); Hope Williams of Princeton High (second out of 1,697 elementary school girls); and Emma Juetten of Milaca Elementary School in Milaca (fifth out of 1,697 elementary school girls). Each year students qualify at the state-level NASP competition.

In the schools, NASP aims to train teachers and provide students with the best equipment, training and curriculum available for the lowest price. Through the DNR, schools can receive grant money for archery programs.