JROTC has added a new program to their course offerings this year: competitive archery. The team aims to develop students’ focus, discipline and teamwork.
The program, part of the National Archery Schools Program, was initiated by JROTC instructor, Colonel Moulton.
“It requires concentration, focus…and consists of all the kinds of traits I want to develop in our students,” Colonel Moulton said.
The team has quickly evolved from a casual training exercise to a structured operation with varsity and junior varsity components. Corps commander and team member Ellison Hicks spoke candidly about the group’s unique creation.
“We started shooting last year, but really got serious this summer,” Hicks said. “We use it as physical training.”
Unlike traditional sports, the archery program requires students to complete seven to eight hours of academic classroom work before picking up a bow. The first competition was Nov. 8, with a team of 15 competitive shooters.
The archery team came in second place in bullseye (target shooting) and third in three-dimensional shooting (moving targets) out of nine other teams.
“We’re not trying to turn students into [professional archers],” Colonel Moulton said. “My goal is the competition,…[getting] involved in a competition and working with their team.”
The program provides structure and competitive opportunities for students who might not traditionally participate in school sports.
“There’s a bunch of people in JROTC who don’t play sports,” Hicks said. “So this is a great opportunity.”
Outside of the athletic benefits, some students have also seen involvement aid their long-term educational goals. Participating on the archery team helps the athletes hone their initiative, leadership and commitment skills.
“I included it in my [college] application,” Hicks mentioned. “I think it shows something unique about me.”
The team practices Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch periods using a makeshift archery range in the school’s storm shelter. With a potential pathway to a national championship in May, the archery program represents an exciting new frontier for HHS’ ample extracurricular landscape.
