Williamsburg, KY – Smoky Mountain Archers of Knoxville, Tennessee happens to be one of the oldest archery clubs in the southern United States. Recently, they partnered with one of the newest archery programs, S3DA, to hold a Tennessee Regional S3DA tournament. A total of 136 competitors from across the state of Tennessee traveled to vie for a podium finish in their division. Prior to the start of the noon round, a competitor from one club had a problem with a release. Without any reservations, Marisa Cox, a competitor from a different club, went to her bow case, pulled out a spare release and handed it to him. Many of the kids that shot the morning round, also stayed over to encourage and support their teammates shooting the afternoon round.
“I would like to take a moment to recognize the children and the outstanding sportsmanship they displayed at this event. I had more than one parent/coach from other teams and clubs to comment on the behavior and character the kids displayed. This was a wonderful turnout for our 3-D tournament debut and Smoky Mountain Archers is proud to be a host,” stated coach Joe Neal, Smoky Mountain Archers.
Tennessee Regional Coordinator, Ronda Elam stated, “I can tell you in my short time being involved in this archery program, that I can see the progress all our kids are making. It is simply amazing as a parent and coach to see the strides from when they first started shooting archery to where they are now.”
Results:
Elementary School Division:
8-11-year-old Male Traditional: 1st Nathanial Bryan
8-11-year-old Female Fixed Pins: 1st Gracee Sparks
8-11-year-old Male Fixed Pins: 1st Reece Adams, 2nd Cord McLerran, 3rd Warner Melton
8-11-year-old Female Open Compound: 1st Catie Elam
8-11-year-old Male Open Compound: 1st Hayden Adams, 2nd Kaden McGrath, 3rd Kayson Deckard
Middle School Division:
12-14-year-old Female Traditional: 1st Claire Krepps
12-14-year-old Male Traditional: 1st Luke Fugitt, 2nd Dillion Burnette
12-14-year-old Female Fixed Pins: 1st Brie McLerran, 2nd Rosey Collins, 3rd Aly Copeland
12-14-year-old Male Fixed Pins: 1st Travis Burnette, 2nd Dalton Hatley, 3rd Ryan Davis
12-14-year-old Female Open Compound: 1st Brinley Bartley
12-14-year-old Male Open Compound: 1st Ethan Comer
High School Division:
15-18-year-old Female Fixed Pins: 1st Hunter Tunstill, 2nd Bailey Elam, 3rd Natalie Fugitt
15-18-year-old Male Fixed Pins: 1st Colton Thompson, 2nd Aaron Smith, 3rd Ayden Jones
15-18-year-old Female Open Compound: 1st Bethany Freer
15-18-year-old Male Open Compound: 1st Cody Cogdill, 2nd Taylor Hamrick
15-18-year-old Female Olympic Recurve: 1st Jordan Lyons