AUSTIN — They might not be competing yet, but the newly formed archery team at Austin Public Schools has plenty to do. X-Treme Archers formed this month with 22 students at various skill levels ranging in age from 7th grade to high school senior.
"We have novice through experienced shooters," said Bob Maxfield, head coach for X-Treme Archers , a name chosen by the students because of the targets they use.
The name wasn't the only thing in which the students had a hand.
"Some of the students actually approached us (about forming the team)," Maxfield said.
Taylor Derry, a freshman at Austin High School, was one of the students who spearheaded the effort to get an archery squad. She approached Paul Jenkins, one of the coaches of the trap team that formed a little over a year ago. Many of the students shooting archery are also involved with the trap team.
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"We have a trap team, why not an archery team?" Derry, 15, recalled asking Jenkins.
He wasn't sure she was serious at first, but Derry assured him she was. She was instructed to get the names of students who might be interested in joining.
"I'd ask kids in school, kids in the hallway," Derry said. "I'd ask kids outside of school and during sporting events."
With her list of names, and the support of the Runnings store in Austin, Derry and Jenkins spoke with the athletic director for the schools, and the team was formed. The goal is to ultimately become affiliated with the National Archery in the Schools Program, which conducts state, national, and international competitions. The Austin team wasn't formed in time to qualify for grant money, and the NASP season had already started.
That's not to say the students aren't able to hone their skills. Practice takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Runnings building in Austin from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each student shoots 60 arrows a night, 30 from 10 yards and 30 from 20 yards. They use the time to work on their mechanics and form, and for some friendly competition among each other.
"Proper form is the number one key to archery," Maxfield said.
His time is spent doling out advice and observations on things like feet stance, bow grip, and anchor point (the spot at which you hold your hand to your face while a bow is drawn). There is also a need for a good multi-tool when a student has a problem with their bow, or something needs adjustment.
"Everything is adjustable on these upper type of bows," Maxfield said. "They have to fit the shooters."
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For students who don't have bows of their own, they are available as part of the $70 participation fee. That money also pays for arrows and targets. More information on X-Treme Archers and how to join the team can be found online at www.austin.k12.mn.us/ahs or by calling 507-460-1800.
