Williamsburg, KY – The TN S3DA Outdoor Target State Championship had over 100 people in attendance. This was an increase of over 35% in participants, as several new shooters opted to try out the discipline this year. Shooting at distances set past their normal 3-D max, archers fired 36 arrows for qualifying scores, which seeded a head-to-head tournament for eight of the classes. As the last shoot-down arrow flew 50 meters down range in 25 mph winds, the Tennessee S3DA program closed their 2019 competition season. During this competition, not only did archers compete for the state title in their respective categories and age groups, but they competed for “Overall Shooter of the Year” for all three disciplines of S3DA: Indoor, 3-D and Outdoor Target archery.

“Our boys have battled it out all year long,” stated Taylor’s Archery parent Michelle Stubblefield. “In the end, they’ve all become close friends. My son, Aidan, has been able to really get to know a lot of these kids and we have thoroughly enjoyed this year”.

Tuckasee Archery student Jace Hood’s mother said, “This is why we love archery. Watching these boys and girls from different clubs and teams play and have fun together was great. The friendships and memories that are made through archery are something these kids will never forget. It does not matter what jersey or team they are from, watching them encourage each other is something you will not see in any other sport.”

Joe Pennington, parent of Delaney Pennington from Muddy Bayou Archery stated, “Delaney had so much fun at this shoot. It was her first time doing any type of Outdoor Target style shooting and it is safe to say that she will participate next year. We would like to thank everyone who helped out with this event, as this was such a great shoot.”

“We established a partnership last year with the Tennessee State Parks and specifically with Buddy Ingram at Cedars of Lebanon in Lebanon, TN,” stated TN S3DA State Coordinator, Matt Adams. “When we began looking for a venue for the 2nd Outdoor Target State Championship, Ingram was very excited about the possibilities of bringing archery back to Cedars. Through a recent purchase, Cedars of Lebanon officials were able to offer an additional venue suitable for Outdoor field tournaments located across the road from Cedars in the form of the Sadie Ford Heritage Farm and Art Center.”

Through successful partnerships, TN S3DA is growing by leaps and bounds. The more connections that are formed, the better the opportunities for the youth across the state. For more information about TN S3DA, follow and like the TN Facebook pageand contact TN S3DA State Coordinator, Matt Adams via e-mail at s3datn@gmail.com.

Started in December 2012 by the Scholastic Archery Association, S3DA has grown exponentially as a next step program to follow introductory programs offered as part of 4-H or the National Archery in Schools Program. S3DA addresses the need for a program to bridge beginning target archery experience and more advanced activities such as 3-D shooting and bowhunting. The program currently operates across the United States with hundreds of certified coaches serving

thousands of young archers, grades 3–12. For more information on S3DA membership go to: WWW.S3DA.ORG or email: infos3darchery@gmail.com. Check out S3DA on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram