Nick Wright couldn’t believe what he was reading. Something like this didn’t happen to a kid from small town Iowa, he thought.
“I was very surprised. I had to re-read it,” said the senior at Spencer High School. Wright was offered a scholarship to become a member of the archery team at Union College, in Barbourville, Ky. “When he threw out the scholarship offer; Mom and I just looked at each other.”
Wright is the first Iowa National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) archer to be recruited to continue on in college. He signed his letter of intent on March 12, and will travel to the small southeast Kentucky town in June for orientation before arriving on campus in early August. He plans to study mathematics.
Wright is a member of the Spencer NASP team that will be heading Thursday night to compete in the Bullseye and 3D National Tournament, May 12-14, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky. Wright placed third in the High School Boys Division and sixth overall in the 2016 Iowa NASP State Tournament in March.
One difference between high school and college is, there are more scheduled competitions in college, he said. As a Union College Bulldog, Wright will participate in indoor, outdoor and 3D competitions. Union College is a member of the NAIA, and a member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
While his Iowa career is nearing its end, Wright said he will take with him the friendships he created, confidence learned and skills honed as a competitor in the Iowa NASP.
“I’ll miss the people who put it on – they make you feel welcome; enjoy talking to the coaches. I’ve become more outgoing and made a lot of friends (during the years of competition) and not just in my grade but like three grades above and below me,” Wright said.
Wright will graduate on May 22.