Thursday, June 28, 2018

S3DA Holds 3-D National Championship in Metropolis, Illinois

Williamsburg, KY – The Scholastic Archery Association continued its mission to successfully bridge the gap between beginning archery programs and target archery by hosting the annual S3DA 3-D National Championship at the Mermet Lake State Conservation Area near Metropolis, Illinois on June 22nd – 24th.  The 2018 event featured more than 900 archers vying for their chance to be crowned a National Champion. Held in collaboration with the Archery Shooters Association (ASA), just prior to the Mathews Illinois Pro/Am, the tournament grew by more than 250 archers from 2017. The ranges were virtually crawling with archers, parents, and spectators and by all accounts was hugely successful. The 900+ archers encompassed more than 100 clubs and teams from 27 states and innumerable families who took part in not only the tournament but also some special events that were held. 

The Pope & Young North American Big Game Challenge and QDMA Family Whitetail Challenge each featured 10-target ranges that parent/student teams could compete in. Not only were plaques and certificates given for these events, but drawings were also held from the more than 170 student/parent teams that competed for 2 compound bows donated by Bear Archery as well as 2 special hunts at Pape’s Victoria Crossroads a 3,600-acre quality deer managed reserve featuring more than 60 food plots as well as trophy bass fishing.

This year’s Championship was held during near perfect weather conditions and many vendors, sponsors, and partners were on hand to see the future of the outdoor industry in action. A successful event such as this would not be possible without dedicated parents, coaches, and Regional/State Coordinators who volunteer their time selflessly to make sure that these student archers are focused and safe, but most of all are having fun in the outdoors. 

Mike Tyrell and the Archery Shooter’s Association (ASA) crew deserve a huge debt of gratitude as this event would not be possible in its current form without their assistance. S3DA is part of this archery industry that is essentially a family working together to ensure that the younger generation not only have opportunities to enjoy the outdoors but learn to utilize it respectfully, ethically, and conservatively. 

Archers are now looking forward to the next event on the schedule, the S3DA Outdoor Target National Championship held in conjunction with USA Archery in Raleigh, NC on July 10th.

Started in December 2012 by the Scholastic Archery Association, S3DA has grown exponentially as a next step program to follow introductory programs offered as part of 4-H or the National Archery in Schools Program.  S3DA addresses the need for a program to bridge beginning target archery experience and more advanced activities such as 3-D shooting and bowhunting.  The program currently operates across the United States with hundreds of certified coaches serving

thousands of young archers, grades 3–12. 

For more information on S3DA membership go to: WWW.S3DA.ORG or email: infos3darchery@gmail.com

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