Bowling Green School archery competitors combined for three state titles and three second places in the Middle School Male and Female Pins Divisions in the Louisiana and Mississippi Archery Shooter Association Championships.
Austin Forbes captured state titles in Louisiana and Mississippi. Matthew Bienvenu was second in Louisiana. Meredith Rogers won the state title in Mississippi and was runner-up in Louisiana.
Also Jeremy Bryant finished fourth in Louisiana.
“Overall, I am really proud of the progress,” coach Leslie Rogers said. “These kids worked really hard this year. It was a tough year and they’re getting through it. They set big goals for themselves this year at both the national and state level, and at the rate they’re going, I think they’re going to exceed their goals. It shows their hard work and dedication paying off. I’m proud of them.”
Rogers said every one of the competitors is growing in the sport and they have another year to go in the class.
To show their progress, Rogers said the boys’ and girls’ scores last year were between 185 and 190. This year, they are consistently 200 and up. Rogers said 200 is a contending score and 210 gives you a chance to win.
Several members are ranked nationally in their age divisions.
Rogers is second while Kaylyn Dupre is 13th.
In the boys, Forbes is ranked 12th, Bienvenu is 17th and Bryant is No. 20.
Rogers said they would’ve given anything for these rankings last year.
Up next for the team is the Archery Shooters’ Association Classic, which takes place Aug. 3-6. The group is going for overall national rankings.
That will conclude this season, which runs from February through August.
Coach Rogers said the offseason would consist of training for the Vegas Shoot. The event takes place Feb. 9-11. The indoor competition features 3,500 novice to Olympic shooters from around the globe.