May 11, 2026 – The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) successfully concluded the 2026 Eastern National Tournament this weekend at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, once again bringing together thousands of student archers, educators, families, and supporters from across the country for the largest archery tournament in the world.
Over the course of three days, the event welcomed thousands of participants and spectators while showcasing the continued growth and impact of in-school archery programs nationwide.
Final participation numbers included:
- Bullseye Tournament: 14,303 student archers representing 998 schools and 32 states
- NASP® 3D Tournament: 8,310 student archers representing 709 schools and 30 states
- Total Unique Participants: 16,082 students from 1,132 schools from around the US
From the moment doors opened each morning, the energy inside the Kentucky Exposition Center reflected the excitement surrounding the event. Teams filled the halls wearing school colors, trading pins, cheering on teammates, reconnecting with friends from around the country, and experiencing the unique atmosphere that has made Eastern Nationals a destination event for NASP® archers and families.
For many students, competing in Kentucky represents a major milestone in their archery journey. Months of practice and preparation led to the opportunity to step onto one of the biggest stages in youth archery, creating an atmosphere filled with anticipation, sportsmanship, and celebration throughout the weekend.
The 2026 event also reflected the continued expansion of NASP® 3D participation, with more schools and students than ever before choosing to compete in both Bullseye and 3D disciplines as part of the full NASP® experience.
"Every year the energy at Eastern Nationals is incredible, but this year felt especially exciting," said Jeff Rawlinson. "Students work all year for the opportunity to compete here in Kentucky. You can see the excitement the moment teams walk through the doors. It's more than a tournament — it's a celebration of the hard work, friendships, and experiences that come through NASP®."
"The growth of NASP® 3D has been exciting to watch," added Jeff Rawlinson. "More students are looking for ways to continue their archery journey beyond the traditional target range. Events like Eastern Nationals help expose students and families to new outdoor activities and opportunities they may not have experienced before."
In addition to competition, this year's event introduced several hands-on outdoor experience activities for students and families to explore between shooting lines. Archers had the opportunity to try bowfishing, climb a portable rock wall, and experience a virtual reality archery simulator featuring moving targets and interactive gameplay. These additions helped connect students to broader outdoor recreation opportunities while adding even more excitement to the tournament experience.
"Events like this remind us that NASP® is about so much more than scores on a target," said NASP® President Tommy Floyd. "Thousands of families traveled from across the country to be here, spending time together, supporting their students, and creating memories that will last far beyond the tournament. The excitement throughout the venue was incredible all week long. You could see the pride from parents in the stands, teammates cheering each other on, and students excited to experience everything the event had to offer — including the growing enthusiasm surrounding NASP® 3D. That kind of energy and family support is what makes the NASP® community so special."
Attention now turns toward the 2026 NASP® Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, where the season will conclude with the introduction of several new premier championship opportunities. This includes the inaugural NASP® Grand Champion Award, which will recognize one overall male and one overall female archer based on combined Bullseye and NASP® 3D scores from both national tournaments.
Student archers who participated in the 2026 NASP® Eastern National Tournament are encouraged to review qualification information for the upcoming NASP® Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida this June. Qualification status can be checked through the official "Do I Qualify for the Championship?" PDF available on the NASP® website.
Do I Qualify for the Championship? PDF
In addition, the top five overall male and top five overall female archers in both Bullseye and NASP® 3D — determined by combined Eastern and Western National scores — will qualify for the Scholarship Shoot-Off held during the NASP® Championship in Daytona Beach.
The 2026 NASP® Championship will take place June 18–20 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida and will bring together qualifying archers from across the country to compete in Bullseye and NASP® 3D on the national stage.
NASP® would also like to recognize and thank the incredible team of volunteers who helped make the event possible. From admissions staff and range officials to setup crews, scoring teams, and teardown volunteers, hundreds of individuals worked behind the scenes throughout the week to create a safe, organized, and memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.
The organization also extends its appreciation to the many partners, sponsors, exhibitors, and conservation organizations that continue to support NASP® students and schools throughout the year. Their involvement helps create opportunities for young people to experience archery, outdoor recreation, and conservation education on a national stage.
For additional tournament information, visit NASP® Tournaments.
