Elementary archers take aim at national competition

Forty-six students from Creston Community School District competed at the 2019 Iowa Archery State Tournament March 9 and 10 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, and of those, four elementary archers have qualified for the 2019 NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) National Tournament, to take place May 9 through 11 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Fifth-grader Lila Berning, in her second year, is ranked first in the state for elementary girls. At state, she beat out 152 other girls for the ranking.

“I can’t believe that I’m first. It’s really exciting,” said Berning, who practices in her dad’s workshop three days a week in addition to her regular team practices and meets.

This year, CCSD had more than 120 student archers partcipate in the program, and of those, 46 went to the state competition, where Lila Berning (2D), Lilly James (3D), Logan Findley (3D) and Kaycie Britten (2D), came out in the top 10 in their respective divisions.

Growing program

The Creston archery team, which started with 16 members, was established through cooperation with the NASP and is open to any student in fourth through 12th grade.

“It was a little bit of a challenge getting everything structured compared to the small team we’re used to last year,” said Jenny Berning, support coordinator and assistant coach.

Jenny said the team has had to switch practice facilities to accomodate the growing program. They currently practice in the Burton R. Jones gym, on the south end of the Early Childhood Center on North Elm Street.

“It took a lot of people, and a lot of parents volunteered,” Jenny said.

As an entity separate from Creston Community Schools, the team is responsible for acquiring its own funding. With the help of several organizations in the community, the club has been able to add to a seed fund for future needs and continue purchasing equipment to ensure the program is accessible to all.

The NASP curriculum includes units such as the history of archery, archery safety, character development and mathematics associated with archery. NASP’s curriculum is also designed to teach students with a variety of disabilities.

The Creston archery program – coached by Toby Williamson – has been made possible with the support of High Lakes Outdoor Alliance, Whitetales Unlimited Local Chapter, Creston CWC and the Creston Kiwanis Club.