PEKIN, Ill. – The best teenage 4-H archery shooters from the state competed recently at the State 4-H Archery competition held Sept. 17 in Pekin. Forty-seven shooters, alongside 4-H volunteers, spent a full day on the range shooting at three different scoring events including 3-D archery, field archery, and FITA archery competitions.   

“The Pekin Archers facility and the dedicated volunteers we have in Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports are amazing” says Curt Sinclair, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development specialist. “But beyond that, how the families bring such a wholesome attitude of togetherness is what stands out to me as the real benefits of this program.”   

The top finishers in the 2022 State 4-H Archery Shoot for Illinois are:

In Individual Compound Archery, Jacob Nusz of Stark County took first, Isaac Mohr of McDonough County placed second, Dylan Blair of Edgar County placed third, and Ian Sundberg of LaSalle County placed fourth.

In the County Compound Archery division, where scores are assessed by combining up to four top individual scores, LaSalle County placed first, Macoupin County placed second, and Marshall County placed third.

In Individual Recurve Archery, Eve Snider of Mason County took first, Corrine Elswick of Lake-McHenry County placed second, Michael Perkins of Lake-McHenry County placed third, and Rebecca Perkins of Lake-McHenry County placed fourth.

In County Recurve Archery, Lake-McHenry County placed first, Mason County placed second, and Pulaski County placed third.

While skill development and mastery are the focus of the competition, attitudes of fun and friendliness also prevail.

“Anyone that steps foot on the grounds of this competition instantly feels the mastery these youth possess in archery skills and better yet – the respect they show to each other,” says Sinclair. “Many new friends were made today.”

The archery event kicks of the State Shoots season with competitions in shotgun, rifle, and pistol to follow throughout the fall. Those who wish to learn more about 4-H Shooting Sports may contact their local Extension Office.

Source: Curt Sinclair, 4-H Youth Development Specialist sinclair@illinois.edu

Writer:  Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa7@illinois.edu

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.