Nearly 2,700 students from more than 90 schools from across Iowa will be in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center (Bullseye) and the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion (3D) at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on March 7-8, to participate in the 14th National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament. This is the largest youth archery tournament in Iowa.
Iowa student participation in the National Archery in the Schools state shoot has grown each year beginning from scratch in 2006 to now more than 4,100 participants in 2020.
“Many schools have welcomed this sport to the school because it engages students of all physical ability. Archery is mostly a mental sport which challenges students to work on focus and attention to detail. This sport is not only fun, but it's safe and anyone and everyone can do it,” said Zach Benttine, archery coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Competition begins at 8 a.m. both days for the bullseye and 3D competitions. There will be 50 targets set up for bullseye, which will allow 100 participants to shoot at a time. There will be 24 targets set up for 3D, which will allow 48 participants to shoot at a time.
Admission is $5 for 18 and older. Kids age 17 and younger are free. Participants and coaches are allowed free admission to the Iowa Deer Classic at the Iowa Events Center upon showing their official wristband.
Archers shoot for college cash & equipment
Archers participating in the Iowa Archery in the Schools Program can earn money for college. More than $14,500 will be awarded in college scholarships based on performance at the state tournament.
An additional $8,000 will be awarded outside of the state competition to archers participating in the program based on academics, essays, and other established criteria.
Teams receiving placement at the state tournament will be eligible to receive an estimated $6,000 in equipment for their schools.
Scholarships are provided by Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, Iowa State Archery Association, Iowa Bowhunters Association, Safari Club International, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Haney Family Foundation, Chuck Hallier Memorial, and the National Archery in the Schools Program.
For more information on the Iowa Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) visit: https://www.iowadnr.gov/NASP.