by Jay Creek, NASP Central High School Archery Team Coach & CTO Parent
The Central High School Archery Team was supposed to be an underdog. We were expected to be somewhat competitive, but not a threat to win anything. My how things have changed.
When Central Archery started at the beginning of the season last November, our goal was to be better than the year before; both individually and at team competition. At our first practice, we had over 80 kids show up. We did not have the space, the targets, or the equipment to handle a group so large. When we reached out to groups like GSL and CTO for help, they willingly donated equipment that allowed us the flexibility that we desperately needed.
Ramping up to the tournament season, the team leveled out at 60 archers. We worked with archers individually to maximize their potential by working on their form and mental toughness. We reinforce the thought that every shot counts, so shoot one quality shot at a time. We work them hard while they shoot, but we also want to keep practice light-hearted and fun. We want kids to enjoy shooting, so our team laughs a lot. It helps create those team bonds and support that most teenagers need. After more than 6 weeks of practicing, the tournaments begin in Mid-January.
Our first tournament, a 10-Meter Shootout in Armstrong, Central Archery pulled off the upset and won the high school division! We went on to compete in 6 more regular season tournaments; winning the GRF Stampede, placing 2nd at 2 tournaments, and coming in 3rd at 2 other tournaments. We have had at least 1 male and 1 female shooter end up in the top 10 at every tournament. As a comparison, last year's team never finished higher than 5th place. With the regular season coming to a close, it was time to focus on the State Tournament.
The NASP State Tournament is a huge event. All of the NASP archery teams from around the state compete and there are some really good teams. The Central Archery Team took 2 teams to State - 48 archers. We knew going in that the competition would be strong and that anything can happen. Depending on how you score at the State Tournament, you can qualify for the NASP National Tournament in Louisville KY on May 12-14. Our goal going in was to win State and to qualify both teams for Nationals. Last year, we did not place at all and we missed qualifying for Nationals by 11 points (out of 3600). It was a long day, but our archers shot well, they stayed focus, and more importantly, they had a blast! After the tournament was over and the scores tabulated, the officials started reading off the results. Individually, Central had the #2 male shooter overall and the #2 female shooter as well as the #4 female shooter overall. As a team, Central finished in 2nd place at State out of 23 teams! We also shot our high score for the year! It turns out we only missed first place by 12 points (out of 3600). Congratulations to Danville's Schlarman Academy for their 1st place finish and to Champaign Centennial High School for finishing in 3rd place. We would also like to congratulate Champaign's Jefferson Middle School for their 4th repeat State Championship win in the middle school division.
In addition to placing 2nd at State, both Central teams qualified for Nationals. In total, Champaign Unit 4 Schools had 7 teams qualify for Nationals (168 archers). On Thursday, May 12, Central's White Team will be shooting in Louisville KY. On Friday, May 13, Central's Maroon Team will be shooting. This is the first time that Central will ever be represented by full teams and it is the first time that 90% of our archers will have ever competed at Nationals. We could not be more proud of the way our archers have performed.
NASP Archery is one big family. In Illinois, we encourage, support, and interact with other teams every week during the tournament season. We learn from each other, happily recognize the other's accomplishments, and we try to have fun competing at a sport that we all enjoy. In fact, at the Roberto Clemente Tournament in Chicago this year, all of the archers from all of the schools gathered in a big circle on the gym floor and danced to "Stand By Me". I have never seen so many kids smiling, laughing, and having a good time. If you are not having fun, then you are doing something wrong.
So much time and effort goes into an archery season and this would not have been possible without the help from a lot of people. We must recognize groups like GSL, CTO, WhiteTails Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, generous parents, our families, our friends, and Unit 4 Schools and Administration for providing equipment, funds, and additional support. We could not have done it without you. Thank you!
To see more photos from throughout the year, visit our Facebook page: Central High School Archery - Champaign IL.
You can also send us an email: CentralArchery@gmail.com.
