by Taylor Massey
The Republic High School Archery Team has again found success at the Flying Tigers Archery Tournament. In February, the team placed first at the tournament. Republic recently became back-to-back champions.
In addition to the team’s overall achievements, three Republic students ranked in the top three in their division. The tournament took place on November 20 at RHS, and 93 high school students from several schools participated. Republic students Morgan Stoneking, Lilly Hindman, and Krislynn Little were able to place in the top three in their respective divisions. Stoneking placed first in the boys’ competition with a score of 291, which also earned him the spot of first overall out of 59 boys. Hindman placed second in the girls’ division with a score of 272 (shooting nine tens) and Little placed third with a score of 272 (shooting eight tens).
Unlike most extracurricular activities at the high school level, archery scoring is not always done by an official. However, Hindman said that the scoring process is very structured and clear for each cadet.
“We usually shoot with a partner (two people at each target) who will score our round and vice versa. When evaluating another’s score, we have to look at the arrows and agree on the number and ring they are in. If the partners don’t agree, we have to get a line judge who will decide for us. Once everyone finally agrees on the score, you fill in bubbles on a scorecard for them,” said Hindman.
Hindman also said being involved with JROTC as a freshman helped her grow as a competitor and improve for this tournament, which was their first of the school year and Hindman’s first as a sophomore.
“The whole team has such a great bond that is hard to come by. We’re always cracking jokes and having a fun time with one another but are also serious when needed,” said Hindman. “Chief Koyles never pressures us to be perfect. He understands mistakes and reminds us that everybody messes up. Still, it took me so long freshman year to understand that. The last few tournaments we had last year, I remembered everything that Chief said and took a breath. Not stressing about my score ended up helping me tremendously and I ended up placing.”
In addition to this tournament, the team will have another opportunity to showcase their talents at the second Flying Tigers Archery Tournament of this school year on January 15.