Today I was shooting and I realized it was important to take your time. The more you take your time, the more you will hit the bull’s-eye and get good shots.”Kathleen Davis, third-grade student from Welti Elementary
Photo shows Kathleen Davis.
CULLMAN – On Saturday, Feb. 20, East Elementary School hosted their first archery tournament in the Cullman High School gym. Over 400 young archers, from grades 3-12, were there to show off their skills and compete for terrific prizes.
There are many advantages to learning archery, especially at a young age. Children who take archery classes in school are taught discipline and mental focus. They learn to pay attention to detail and are very persistent. Patience is an important life lesson these youngsters are learning while trying to hit the bull’s-eye at the same time.
“Today I was shooting and I realized it was important to take your time,” said Kathleen Davis, third-grade student from Welti Elementary. “The more you take your time, the more you will hit the bull’s-eye and get good shots. It is really good to practice a lot and if your hands hurt when you pull the string back, you can get those little things to put on your bow so when you pull back, it is a lot softer for you.”
“It is always important to aim your bow correctly and you know what arm you are most dominant,” Davis continued. “Some people are left side-dominant, so they have to get the right bow. You also have to keep your bow safe so it doesn’t get broken, because bows cost a lot of money. Also, make sure nobody gets your bow by mistake, so put your name on it and put it in a special place so you don’t lose it.”
Davis has learned a lot during her first year of archery. Not only was she knowledgeable, she was very excited to explain her newfound craft to everyone she met.
“I am thrilled that East Elementary School is sponsoring an archery tournament,” said David Wiggins, East Elementary principal. “When Coach Whitlock suggested the idea, I did not hesitate to offer my support. It is all about children, about giving them the chance to shine in competition, so I am not surprised at the amount of support that we have been offered. This is no small undertaking, as it involves and requires many people working together to make it possible. Our coaches, students, parents, superintendent and Board of Education have been dedicated to making our program a success. Our community has also been overwhelmingly supportive.
“As a school, we want to offer a variety of activities that will offer our students a chance to succeed,” Wiggins added. “While we have traditionally prided ourselves on exemplary academic and fine arts programs, we have not been able to provide an athletic program. Archery has done so much in meeting that student need.”
The East Elementary Archery Tournament was a resounding success, according to those in attendance. Fun was had by all, from the parents, to the students and those who worked tirelessly to make the event happen.
Archers were especially thankful to Cullman High School for allowing the tournament to be held in their gym.
Sponsors of the event included: McDonalds, Piggly Wiggly, Guthrie’s, Applebee’s, Wal-Mart, Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ, Sunflour Bakery & Eatery, Monograms Plus, Mad Dog Mike’s Famous BBQ, Bill Smith Buick GMC, Grumpy’s Italian Grill, Earth Core, Rusken Packaging, Kernal Kullman, Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, Augusta’s Sports Grill, Fastenal, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jack’s, Publix and Graybow Outdoors.
Related:
http://cullmansense.com/articles/2016/01/30/alabama-wff-s-community-archery-strategy-action
http://cullmansense.com/articles/2016/02/14/cpr-hosts-youth-archery-tourney
