Locked in on Louisville

Next Friday, May 8, 39 Nodaway Valley archers will step into the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, to take their best shot at one of the highest levels of competition in their sport.

That’s all head coach Bill Newbury is asking of his Wolverines: their best shot. Still, after one of the most decorated seasons in program history, he’s expecting good news by the end of the national tournament.

“You know, taking a team down to nationals is a great feeling. Taking two teams down is an even better feeling. Taking a third team down — it’s just simply awesome,” Newbury said. “But then the kicker is to find out you’re taking the number one-seeded team in Iowa in high school 3D.”

Nodaway Valley qualified for nationals through the state tournament in late March. Collin Akers won state titles in both 3D and bullseye competition, while Myka Hanscom earned a 3D nationals berth with her finish in that division. The high school 3D team, middle school bullseye team and middle school 3D team also qualified. That high school 3D team won the state title."

“The kids just did a superb, awesome job this year, and I’m excited for them and the teams,” Newbury said. “I can’t wait to see how we do. But regardless of how well they perform, I just want them to go down there, experience something like this, enjoy themselves and have fun. That’s the whole point of archery — to do the best you can, enjoy it and have fun while you’re doing it.”

Because of its distance from Louisville, Nodaway Valley was able to secure favorable shooting times. All of its archers will compete in the same time slot for 3D and another for bullseye. Newbury said that while they’ll meet competitors from across the country, there’s a strong chance they’ll be shooting alongside teammates.

“We’re so far away from home that they’re working with us to get that accomplished,” Newbury said. “What’s nice is we’re all shooting at the same time. They’ll feel comfortable with each other, be able to talk and enjoy themselves. I think that will help tremendously.”

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports that while archery had no participants in Iowa in 2006, more than 5,200 student archers now compete at more than 230 schools. Held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, the state tournament is one of the largest in the nation and continues to grow by 10% to 15% each year.

Newbury said the combination of fun and success is helping fuel the program’s growth.

“It’s a sport anybody can do,” he said. “With the popularity we’re seeing and the support we’ve received for our trip to nationals, people are recognizing how fun it is. You talk to adults and parents, and they say, ‘Wow, I wish we would have had this opportunity growing up.’ I think our success this year — and going to nationals — will keep things growing at Nodaway Valley.”