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Justin Derryberry helped his daughter, Ashlyn Derryberry, with her bow during 4-H archery practice. In the background is coach Mike Hale observing the class. -
Dylan Billingsley received instructions on how to place an arrow into a bow from 4-H archery coach Mike Hale. -
Coach Mike Hale explained safety rules to the students. -
Anzlee Hale (left) and Michael Woodward set up hay targets during 4-H archery sports practice.
The Scurry County 4-H Club has an archery sports program, which began this spring.
Mike Hale and Jeremy Haynes, who received archery instructor training in October, are the coaches.
Mike Hale’s wife, Bobbie, said through their involvement with 4-H, they learned there was a lot of interest in archery, but no one had ever gone through the training to start the program.
“Mike is an avid outdoorsman and loves hunting, so he decided to volunteer his time to help youth with the same interests. He has always enjoyed working with kids whether it is basketball, stock shows, church activities, this is no different,” she said. “Youth have joined the 4-H Club just to compete in archery. Our group has about 20 members and we expect that to grow next year.”
She said the group raised $2,700 to get the program started.
“That money will go towards expanding our program and purchasing more equipment,” Bobbie Hale said. “Kim Robertson, owner of PSI, donated a start-up package consisting of bows, arrows and targets, and Ross Preston donated the hay for us to use as well.”
Mike Hale said there are many benefits to archery.
“Students learn marksmanship and safe and responsible use of archery equipment. They also learn life skills of concentration, discipline and structure,” he said. “They learn the principles of archery, parts of the bow and scoring. Members also gain muscle memory from repetitive shooting.”
Archery competitors are preparing to compete at the county level later this month and at district May 13. After district competition, classes will end and reconvene next spring.
Bobbie Hale said students may still join the archery program before the competitions, but they need to join 4-H first.
Members may use the donated equipment or bring their own. All 4-H shooting sports require that each participant have a parent or guardian present at all events, including practices.
The program has three competition levels and four divisions.
The competition levels are juniors (third to fifth grade), intermediates (sixth to eighth grade) and seniors (ninth to 12th grade). All students compete at their competition level, except for the third grade students, who only compete against other third graders.
The divisions, which are broken down by bow types, are compound unassisted, compound assisted, recurve unassisted and recurve assisted.
The members meet from 5:30- 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“Russell Wall, a 4-H supporter, has donated a building for us to practice in, so we are able to meet even in poor weather conditions,” Bobbie Hale said.
“It is going well. Parents comment that their kids love coming and look forward to the next meeting,” Mike Hale said. “They are improving with each practice and are improving and increasing their accuracy as they prepare for the upcoming contests. Overall it has been a very positive experience for everyone involved, and we look for it to grow in the coming years.”
To join, visit the Scurry County 4-H office, which is located inside the Scurry County Senior Citizens Center at 2603 Ave. M, or call 573-5423.