On Thursday, Oct. 1, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries recognized Louisiana student archers who participated in the 2015 National Archers in the School Program (NASP) World Archery Tournament in Nashville, Tenn. in July.

This year's NASP World Tournament proved to be the largest ever held with nearly 5,000 student archers competing from five countries including the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa, and Namibia. Of those 5,000 students, 64 came from Louisiana and proudly represented not only their school but the entire state of Louisiana.

Benton Middle School, of Benton, La., were crowned as World Champions in the Middle School Division. Benton Middle School also finished 3rd in the 2015 NASP National Tournament held in May in Kentucky. Benton Elementary, who placed 4th at nationals this year and were last year's World Champions, brought home their second World Championship becoming Louisiana's first ever back-to-back World Champions.

Along with the world titles achieved by these teams, three individuals from Louisiana brought home World Championship titles as well.

Anna Robins of Benton Middle School finished 4th in the World in the middle school girls division.

Nathan Delill of Buckeye High School finished 3rd in the World in the middle school boys division.

Emma Bunch of Benton Elementary became Louisiana's first-ever individual World Champion Archer placing 1st in the elementary school girls division.

In addition to being recognized at the LDWF commission meeting, these students received team and individual awards from the department recognizing their achievements.

The Archery in Louisiana Schools Program is a member of the National Archery in the Schools Program, which teaches international target archery to students in grades 4-12. All students who attend school where the ALAS/NASP curriculum is taught become eligible to compete in State, National and World tournaments. For more information regarding ALAS and how you can get a program started at your school contact the ALAS State Coordinator – Robert Stroede at rstroede@wlf.la.gov or (318)484-2276.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov or www.FishLA.org.