Bull’s-eye in their sights

Published 1:02 pm Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Two dozen Grant County 4-H archers competed Saturday in traditional and freestyle contests.

The groups, led by archery coaches Andy Day and Mike Springer, gathered at the John Day Industrial Park with family and friends looking on.

Both coaches said they’ve been impressed by the youths’ progress.

“It’s really neat to see the improvement in these kids each year, and it’s a measurable improvement,” Springer said.

“All these kids, from the beginning, have matured quite well,” Day said, adding their progress has been “dramatic.”

The archery 4-H’ers competing Saturday range in age from 9-18 and come from nearly every corner of the county.

Julianna Smucker, 18, who is a senior archer in her fourth year, had quite a few arrows from her compound bow hit the bullseye.

“We skipped last year, but came back this year because it’s a lot of fun,” she said. “I didn’t want to miss out on my last year.”

Preston Boethin, 13, said he prefers using a traditional bow.

“It’s fun,” he said. “It’s a challenge because you don’t have sights, so it’s by instinct.”

June Wolf said she appreciates the help the coaches give at practice and during the shoot off.

Some of the archers like shooting for practice, while others such as Declan Zweygardt additionally appreciate the skills they build for the hunting season.

“Getting to compete is fun and enjoyable, especially when you’re doing good,” he said. “I archery hunt elk and deer. It’s fun and helps you get dialed in for the hunting season.”

Traditional bow

Junior

Alexis Anderton, 163 points, white ribbon

Intermediate

Preston Boethin, 241, red

Kate Hughes, 233, red

Riley Reames, 219, red

Leah Comer, 208, white

Senior

Emily Springer, 302, blue, champion

Andrea Comer, 271, blue, reserve champion

Compound bow

Junior

June Wolf, 376, blue, champion

Talon VanCleave, 360, blue, reserve champion

Gus McDaniel, 332, blue

JW Haskins, 292, red

Madi Grassl, 265, white

Ava Gerry, 262, white

Intermediate

Gabriel Smucker, 397, blue, champion

Declan Zweygardt, 396, blue, reserve champion

Tara Miller, 378, blue

Isaac Koopman, 377, blue

Lucas Wolf, 345, blue

Honorae Miller, 337, blue

Paige Gerry, 332, blue

Logan Namitz, 305, red

Analisha Smucker, 256, white

Senior

Ty McDaniel, 394, blue, champion

Julianna Smucker, 393, blue, reserve champion

Abby Winegar, 374, blue

Kolby “Opie” McDaniel, 367, blue

Mason Gerry, 360, blue