The Archery Club offers students a chance to practice their skills, build focus, and enjoy the excitement of competition. Meeting twice a week, the club balances learning and enjoyment, with extra practices outside of the club to help members prepare for competitions/tournaments.
Paola Mariscal-Silva is a senior who has been part of the Archery Club for nearly two years. Although she recently decided to step back, Paola’s passion and commitment to the sport have made a lasting impact on her team.
“I originally was here for the club, but as I continued going to practices and tournaments, I realized that I wanted to be a part of the team,” Mariscal-Silva said. “This year I was going to be on it, but not anymore since I will be leaving. I wanted to be a part of the team because every time we would have tournaments, it would be so fun. We would dance and tell jokes and it wouldn’t be that competitive.”
Zen Cing is a senior and a dedicated member of the archery team for the past four years. Her passion for the sport has grown over the years, and she is known for her positive attitude and strong focus.
“I’ve been part of the archery team and club for 4 years, ever since I first wanted to join back in middle school,” Cing said. “I was so excited to find out my school had a club and couldn’t wait to try it out. At first, I joined for the fun, but when my coach saw my potential, he encouraged me to join the team. I’m really grateful for that push; it helped me realize what I’m capable of.”
The club welcomes anyone interested, whether they want to shoot for fun or compete on the team. Competitions vary in style, with some focusing on traditional bullseye targets and others offering 3D shooting at foam animal-shaped targets. Local tournaments are usually close by, but sometimes the team travels farther, even competing against schools from Michigan and Ohio.
Tournament schedules are flexible, with events held on Friday evenings or Saturday mornings. Matches are a mix of focus and fun, often featuring music between rounds to help archers stay relaxed and enjoy the experience.
For those interested in higher-level competition, there are opportunities to qualify for state and national events. The state tournament is held in Indianapolis each March, while Nationals take place in Louisville, Kentucky in early May. The club has proudly sent members to both events for the past several years, showing their growth and dedication.
Whether you’re looking to improve your aim or just try something new, the Archery Club is a great place to shoot for success, build skills, and have fun with friends.
