The largest youth archery competition in Alabama, the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) State Championship, was held Thursday, May 1, 2008 at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center in Birmingham. Over 900 young archers in Grades 4-12 from schools across the state competed in the event with hopes that their school’s team would win the State Championship and qualify for the United States Invitational Championship in Louisville, Kentucky on May 10.

 

The NASP is a joint venture between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division and the Alabama Department of Education promoting student education and participation in the lifelong sport of archery as part of a school’s physical education course and after school programs. Approximately 125 Alabama schools take part in the NASP and more are expected to participate in the next school year. The program can also be included as a unit or activity in the Lifelong Individualized Fitness Education (LIFE) course included in the Alabama Course of Study; Physical Education, which isthe one-credit physical education requirement for graduation. The goal of the LIFE course is for students to make physical activity a part of their lives beyond high school, and archery is a sport that can be enjoyed in adulthood.

 

“The Archery in the Schools program is wonderful,” said ADCNR Assistant Commissioner Hobbie L. Sealy. “The enthusiasm and teamwork the students display during the competition is great to see and the involvement of the parents, teachers and volunteers phenomenal.”

 

At Thursday’s NASP State Championship, there were three flights. Scoring was based on Olympic style, target archery in three divisions – elementary, middle and high school. Competition included team and individual levels.

 

The competition really proves that this program is growing in Alabama,” said Marisa Lee-Sasser, the program’s coordinator for the ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. “We are very pleased with the increased participation and level of competition.”

 

Team Level Winners of the 2008 NASP State Championship:

    ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DIVISION: Charles Henderson Elementary School, Troy City Schools

    MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION: Ashville Middle School, St. Clair County Schools

    HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION: Alma Bryant High School, Mobile County Schools

Top Overall Individual Winners of the 2008 NASP State  Championship:

     FEMALE: Tiffany Cosper, Ashville Middle School, St. Clair County Schools

     MALE: Cody Brown, Alma Bryant High School, Mobile County Schools                 

     

Visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/education/archery/results08.cfm for a complete listing of the 2008 NASP State Championship winners.

 

Sponsors of the event included the Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Knight and Hale Game Calls, Summit Treestands, Morrell Manufacturing, the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation, the Alabama Wildlife Federation, and Academy Sports + Outdoors.

 

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.