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Preliminary estimates indicate the 2016 National Archery in the Schools (NASP) National Tournament held at the Kentucky exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. May 12 - 14 broke the previously held attendance record. Now in its 13th year, participation was up seven percent over the 2015 event

According to NASP President Roy Grimes, more than 12,897 student archers, representing 909 schools from 41 states and the District of Columbia preregistered for the event, compared to just two years ago, when 9,426 youngsters representing 600 schools participated.

Also making great strides in participation and growth this year was the NASP/IBO 3D Challenge, in which student archers compete by shooting lifelike 3D animal targets. That event exhibited an increase in participation of 20 percent over the previous year.

"This year we had 3,416, shooters, compared to 2,841 in 2015, which is obviously another historic number for 3D competition," said Bryan Marcum, IBO President. Sponsors of the 3D Challenge included Rinehart Targets, National Wild Turkey Federation, Whitetails Unlimited, Academy Sports and Walls Outdoor Goods. A total of $24,500 in scholarships was awarded to the winners this year.

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In standard NASP competition, archers ranging from grades 4 through 12 shoot 5 practice arrows and 3 ends of 5 scoring arrows from 10 and 15 meters, for a total of 40 (10 practice and 30 in competition) arrows launched per archer.

The highest score possible for an individual is 300 points. The average score shot for all grades and genders was 250. Teams consist of 12-24 archers with at least four of both genders included. The top 12 individual scores from each team were summed to calculate team rank. The highest possible score for a 12-person team was 3,600 points.

During the awards ceremony $192,000 in cash scholarships were presented to members of top teams and individuals. This brings the dollar total for scholarships awarded since NASP's inception to $926,000.

Top 2016 awards:
- 1st Place High School Team - Hartland HS, Hartland, Mich. - 3,437
- 1st Place Middle School Team - Benton MS, La. - 3,404
- 1st Place Elementary School Team - White Hall ES, Ky. - 3,255
- Overall Male Archer – David Machart, Anamosa, Iowa - 299
- Overall Female Archer – Ashlie Garrison, Newburg, Ind. – 297
ES Female – Macayla Falls , Campbellsville, Ky. – 291
ES Male – Toby Aycox, Wilson, Okla. – 293
MS Female – Ashlie Garrison, Newburgh, Ind. – 297
MS Male – Logan Kelly, Mount Vernon, Iowa – 296
HS Female – Rowen McAllister, Stillwater, Minn. – 297
HS Male – David Machart, Anamosa, Iowa – 299
As part of new recognition category this year, "On Target for Life Awards," were presented while tournament administrators awaited final competition results on Saturday. These awards were presented to students and adults, nominated by their peers, for academic prowess, courage, community service, volunteering, coaching, outstanding alumni, and a very special legacy presentation.

For more information and results, go to www.nasptournaments.org.

- The Archery Wire