PUEBLO COUNTY
August 19, and Sunday, August 20. Archery teams from across the state weathered the 100°+ heat and crazy wind to participate in the tournament.
In order to be eligible for the state event, participants had to qualify in regional competitions held earlier this year. Nearly 1,000 4-H’ers competed in each of the regionals. Approximately 650 4-H members qualified for this championship event.
Check-in for the contest began at 7:00 a.m. at 5000 Cuerno Verde Blvd. And shooting began at 8:00 a.m. An award ceremony took place at the conclusion of the event. As it has been for the last several years, the archery contest was held in the outer-lying areas near the community center.
4-H Archery is open to youth in grades four through twelve and the goal of the program is to teach youth to use archery equipment safely and develop marksmanship and other valuable archery skills. These skills are taught the 4-H way; the “learn by doing” method of hands-on experiences for which 4-H is known.
Archery is a very popular shooting sport, appealing to a wide range of ages and easily enjoyed in various locations. It is one of several disciplines within the Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports program. Participants are entered in one of five different archery classes in the Junior (813 years) or Senior (14-18 years) age division: Compound Unlimited Compound Limited Compound Traditional Recurve Limited Recurve. Bow type and style are a personal preference. The advantage to using a compound bow is the draw weight is reduced at full draw, making it easier to stabilize and aim. As an archer improves with experience and ability, a more advanced bow may be desired.
The Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports program has annually held its official state competition in conjunction with the Colorado State Fair. Because there is not an appropriate location on the fairgrounds to hold this competition, the different disciplines (air rifle, archery, .22 long rifle, muzzle loading, and shotgun) are held at various ranges and locations throughout the Pueblo & Colorado Springs areas.
The top ten national qualifying performers, in order of placings, were: Tanner Hampton, Teagan Herold, Walker Cameron, Daniel Andersen, Wyatt Ridegeway, Troy Brown, Wyatt Crawford, Logan Uhrich, Carth Schulz, and Austin Bamford.
The eight top finalists of the Compound Limited Division were: Wyatt Crawford, Logan Uhrich, Caleb Alexander, Teagan Jacobs, Konner Ajona, Aaron Lampe, Kyler Clark, and Kaden Murr.
The eight top finalists of the Compound Unlimited Division were: Teagan Herold, Walker Cameron, Daniel Anderson, Wyatt Ridgeway, Troy Brown, CT Suskey, and Carth Schulz.
The eight top finalists of the Compound Traditional Recurve Division were: Mark Jones, Heather Hancock, Hayden Woller, Cole Koch, Carter Hawley, Madison Kragel, and Hailey Rodriquez.