Four schools represent FCPS in national archery tournament

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) hosted its 10^th annual national tournament May 9-11 at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville with more than 9,400 students competing. Fayette County Public Schools was well-represented by one middle school and three high schools – the largest number of Lexington teams ever to qualify. To participate in the national contest, a co-ed team had to shoot a qualifying score at both the regional and state tournaments.   

Beaumont Middle School, competing for the fourth year, placed 39^th out of 158 teams in its division. The top female shooter was Gillian Bruce, who finished 211^th, and the top male shooter was Paul McIntyre, who placed 88^th. “What a cool experience for our young students! There were 200 targets and 400 archers in one room shooting at a time,” said coach Willow Cooper.  

In the high school division, 156 teams competed. Paul Laurence Dunbar, appearing in its third straight national contest, recorded the highest score ever shot by a Fayette County archery team (3,295) and ranked 41^st in the tournament. The top male shooter was senior Satya Alluri, who finished 17^th overall.  Erin Patrick, a junior, placed 92^nd in the female division. “All the kids’ hard work this year showed in the improvement of their scores,” said coach Henry Harlamert. 

Lafayette High, in its second year offering archery, finished 46^th overall. The team was led by freshman Seanna Bryant, at 25^th in the female division. The top male shooter, junior Mason Griffin, placed 208^th.  “It was great to see so many students shooting at nationals from all over the country. The sport is taking off,” said coach Jesse Peters.  

The brand new Tates Creek High team placed 120^th.  This group was led by junior Tyler May, who was 691^st in the male division. Zoe Fister, a freshman, finished 399^th in the female division. “People who don’t understand archery just don’t understand how phenomenal this team has been. In less than three months, this team qualified for the Kentucky state archery tournament and the national tournament. I am so proud of them,” said coach Betty White.