An estimated 1,500 Iowa students from fourth grade to 12th will be at the Iowa State Fairgrounds March 3-4 competing in the National Archery in the Schools Program state tournament.
The bullseye competition will be held in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center while the 3-D competition will take place in the Elwell Family Food Center. Competition begins at 4 p.m. on March 3, and then resumes at 8 a.m. on March 4.
“We are really fortunate to have so much interest in this program and event,” said Donise Petersen, archery coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “Archery really levels the playing field allowing nearly everyone an opportunity to compete because you don’t have to run fast or be tall to excel.”
Archers from 82 schools will be shooting for $8,000 in scholarships and other prizes and a chance to go to nationals May 11-13 in Louisville, Ky. Scores will be posted online at http://nasptournaments.org/TournamentDetail.aspx?tid=1971.
The state tournament is sponsored by the Iowa Bowhunters Association, Whitetails Unlimited and the Iowa State Archery Association. This is the first year the tournament is partnering with the Food Bank of Iowa to accept canned food and monetary donations to help those in need.
Tickets are available for $5 at the door. Attendees may receive a $1 discount by showing their hunting or fishing license. 17 and younger get in free.