5/4/2006

Oklahoma youth shoot for success

            More than 200 youngsters converged at the University of Central Oklahoma Wellness Center for the second annual Oklahoma Archery in the Schools State Tournament April 27. 

            Eric White, a 9^th grader from Sapulpa, took home the top shooter trophy, while Coweta High School captured the team high school trophy. In a very tight match, Cottonwood School in Coalgate grabbed first place in the middle school division. South Rock Creek in Shawnee took first place honors in the Kindergarten through 5^th grade team category.

            “It was a very intense competition this year. These kids didn’t just come to participate, they came to win,” said Lance Meek, Wildlife Department coordinator for the Archery in the Schools program. “Everyone had a great time including the teachers. During a couple of the shoot offs at the end of the day I thought I was going to have to get ear plugs because the kids were cheering so loud.”

            According to Meek, the tournament would not have been possible without a variety of important partners including the UCO Wellness Center, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Norman Archery and assistance from a number of Wildlife Department game wardens.

            The tournament showcased the innovative archery education curriculum called the Archery in the Schools program.  Offering a two-week long archery curriculum, the program is designed to introduce Oklahoma students to Olympic-style archery. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation coordinates the ambitious program.

            To date, Oklahoma is one of 36 states that have adopted the Archery in the Schools program. In 2005, about 500,000 students across the nation went through the Archery in the Schools curriculum. With more than 50 schools and 5,000 students already involved in Oklahoma, the program is quickly gaining popularity. Wildlife Department officials expect participation to double by the end of the year.

            To participate in the Archery in the Schools program, teachers must simply attend a free one-day training session conducted by certified instructors. Once a teacher has completed the training course, their school is eligible to purchase an equipment kit at a reduced cost. Some equipment grants also are available through Wildlife Department. To learn how to bring this exciting program to your school, contact: 

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Elementary School Division

Girls

Boys

 Middle School Division

Girls

Boys

High School Division

Girls

 Boys

Pictures of all the winners are available for viewing and download at www.wildlifedepartment.com/archeryevents.htm

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