The archers take take their positions, aim, and let their arrow fly into a new season.

But just like all athletes, as this year continues, the archers have faced difficulties due to COVID-19 (who hasn’t!?) such as lack of practices, social distancing, and the wearing of masks.

Even with the pandemic, three new middle school members joined the archery team which makes 23 archers! That’s quite a handful! (Or is that “quiverful”?)

“It’s always nice to see middle schoolers join!” exclaimed junior Mason McCarty-Cogis.

As with every other sport, the archers must wear masks which actually hinders their abilities.

“Most of us had a learning curve with the masks,” explained senior Connor Stewart, “because our knocking point [the point where the archer draws the loaded bowstring] is the corner of our mouths, so with a mask it’s harder to find.”

Even though the archers cannot meet as frequently because of ongoing restrictions, they will still shoot for their first competition sometime in early January.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to make it back for practice,” stated McCarty-Cogis, “but we’re hoping to be able to participate in our first tournament in early January.”

Mr. Russ Sabo continues his role not only as the team’s coach and primary instructor, but also the program’s co-founder. He and now-retired PE instructor Mrs. Lucy Flynn started the program several years ago. Mr. Sabo is himself a passionate archer and advocate of the sport.

Although the pandemic is raging across America, these group of archers won’t let their spirits down! They keep the arrows flying and try to hit the bullseye every time!