The popularity of Archery has increased dramatically over the last several years. HCCSC has integrated Archery into our curriculum for Physical Education in our elementary schools.
“Most of the students really enjoy participating in the Archery Unit. It teaches them to use step-by-step instructions, focus on the task at hand, be respectful while they wait their turn, and they must be responsible to use the equipment safely. This sport challenges each individual at their level and with practice they all see improvement in their Archery skills” stated Jami Cale – Physical Education Teacher at Salamonie Elementary.
Mrs. Jacque Cansler is a Social Studies teacher at Huntington North High School and a world-class archer. She started the Archery Club at HNHS several years ago. “We have approximately 90 archers and expect that number to rise to 100 this year. One reason for the popularity of this sport is that everyone can do it. We have archers who are in wheelchairs, use one arm, etc. Archers can come into the program with little or no experience and we train them. Archery has become quite popular at colleges and universities. Thousands of dollars is offered in scholarships. Indiana had $250,000 given in scholarship money last year alone”.
Both Mrs. Cansler and Dustin Eltzroth, a senior at HNHS, recently qualified and competed in the World Archery Competition in Snowshoe, West Virginia. This was only Dustin’s second year competing and he qualified for the Worlds at the Indiana State IBO (International Bow Hunter’s Organization) Tournament. Dustin finished in 4th place and Mrs. Cansler finished in 6th place in their respective classes. Congratulations to both of these amazing archers. This is a perfect example of the HCCSC Core Value of ‘High Achievement’.
“Archery is a wonderful sport that a person can begin at any time in their life. The ‘archery family’ is very close. Once you begin traveling the circuit you become life-long friends with people from around the world. It teaches discipline, positive competitive attitude, focus, establish goals, and how to be a member of a team” explained Mrs. Cansler.