Freshman Zachary Bovee and junior Victoria Byrd have qualified for the high school archery U.S. Eastern National Tournament, which will be held May 9 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Zachary qualified for nationals by getting a score of 284 in the IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) 3D state championship, which ranked him 7th among overall boys (out of 535) and 1st among 9th grade boys. In the Bullseye State Championship, he placed 58th among overall boys and 6th among 9th grade boys.
Victoria’s score for IBO/3D was 277 for IBO/3D, ranking her 15th among 11th grade girls. In the State Bullseye Championship, she scored 281, ranking 11th among 11th grade girls.
“One word to describe these shooters is ‘amazing’,” Archery Club Advisor Mr. Christopher Weeks said. “They are brilliant at what they do, along with having worked hard for them to even get to that position,”
He said he doesn’t really need to teach them, but he just supports them and gets them places, if needed, so they can show off their talents.
“The great shooters are always self motivated,” he said. “They don’t need somebody from the outside to inspire. They tend to be self driven.”
Zachary started archery in third grade when his PE teacher in elementary introduced him to it.
“I loved it ever since,” he said.
His parents have given him a lot of support on his journey to nationals.
“My parents have been at every tournament I have ever been at,” he said, “with my dad helping me along the way.”
When Zachary is shooting, he focuses on his form and doesn’t look at the target.
“Don’t worry too much where the arrows are going at first, because it can get you kind of discouraged,” he said. “But you have to worry more about getting your form correct. Then, they’ll start doing what you want.”
Victoria started shooting when she was 3 years old with her father. She failed the first time she tried out for a team in 3rd grade, but didn’t give up.
“ When I went for my second try, I made the team with more practice,” she said. “Like they always say, practice makes perfect.”
Victoria said she will not be able to travel to Kentucky for nationals because of academic testing. However, she gives her support to Zachary.
“I believe that Zachary will do great,” she said.
