The archery students are dialing in their focus and fine-tuning their aim as preparation begins for an upcoming tournament on April 2.

Archers have been practicing consistently and working on everything from stance and posture to shot consistency and mental focus. The steady rhythm of arrows striking targets echoes through the range as athletes push themselves to improve both individually and as a team. However, team members and coaches agree that success in archery goes far beyond physical technique.

“There is a lot more that goes into archery than just the physical side of it,” Coach Thomas Palfey said. “Archery is as much a mental sport as it is physical. We’re focusing on breathing techniques, visualization, and maintaining composure under pressure. The tournament environment can be intense, and staying calm is key.”

As the tournament approaches, excitement is building among team members. 

“I’m excited for the tournament — they are very fun to compete in,” sophomore Owen White said. “Archery is very fun, not too competitive but there’s a little competitiveness.”

Although he hasn’t shot competitively in four years, White has experience.

“I went to States three times in a row and got third and second at them and have been to national 3D before, so I’m not too worried about doing terribly,” he said.

Similarly, junior Taylor Yeager is looking forward to the opportunity to compete — especially with the team hosting its own event.

“I am very excited to hear that we will be hosting our own tournament,” Yeager said. “Even though the tournament this year won’t be a state-qualifying tournament, I would still love to shoot in it.”

Yeager previously shot competitively in middle school at Arrows Christian Academy and recently returned to the sport in her junior year.

“I shot competitively in middle school at Arrows Christian Academy, and recently started again in my 11th grade year,” she said. “I am confident in my skills, taking into consideration that I recently shot my personal record of 282 out of 300 at a tournament, while my previous personal record from eighth grade was 266 out of 300.”

The upcoming tournament will be the first time many members truly compete at the high school level, and the goal is to take as many students as possible to the competition. More importantly, the event represents a step forward for the growing program.

“I am so excited to see how this club advances throughout the next year,” Yeager said. “I pray that we can start a team.”

*** Original story edited March 10 to reflect changes to who will be participating.