Take on the pros’ course
If you’re looking to get in a little archery practice and perhaps make a few bucks in the process, a couple of 3D events are coming up in the near future that could serve both purposes. “Aim For A Cure” is the theme of the newly organized 3D World Archery Tour, which will earmark a share of the proceeds for spinal cord research.
The “Tour” is the brainchild of Kevin Polish of Carmichaels, whose son K.J. is a world-class archer who competes from a wheelchair as a paraplegic as the result of an automobile accident in October of 1999. As a T7/T8 paraplegic, K.J.’s legs do not function, but he has full mobility in his hips and upper body.
At the time of his accident, K.J. was a rising star on the International Bowhunter Organization (IBO) shooting circuit, where he breezed through the junior classes and began give the adults shooters ulcers.
After the accident, he switched his focus from the IBO to the U.S. Men’s Compound World Target Championships, made the team and won a gold medal in his first international event at the World Championships in Spain in 2005.
Since then he has been competing internationally when finances allow. His next goal is to qualify for the U.S. Paralympic Archery team, which will compete in the 2010 World Paralympic Games, starting July 27, 2012 in London, England.
The 3D World Archery Tour is just taking flight, so to speak.
A preliminary event was held in July at Hunting Hills Shooting Preserve in Dilliner with some of the top shooters in the country competing.
Darrin Chrisenberry, who has numerous ASA and IBO national and world titles to his credit, exclaimed after the inaugural shoot, “What a shoot!”
He has been shooting for 15 years and has competed as a pro since 2002 when he finally accumulated enough vacation and personal time from his job to allow him to make it to all of the tournaments he wanted to.
“You only get one chance at Rookie of the Year and that was one of my goals!” said Darrin. He competes in the Men’s Open Pro class.
Some of his most recent accomplishments include: 2006 ASA World Champion, 2006 ASA Shooter of the Year, 2006 IBO National Champion and 2003 IBO National Champion.
Another of the top pros who competed was Levi Morgan, a four-year professional, who has been actively shooting for 13 years.
In commenting on the course, Morgan said, “It was the toughest course I ever shot.”
He competes in the Men’s Open Pro class.
Some of his recent accomplishments include: 2010 ASA Kentucky Men’s Pro Champion, 2010 ASA Georgia Men’s Pro Champion, 2010 IBO Triple Crown First Leg Champion, 2010 NFAA Redding Trail Shoot Champion, 2009 ASA Shooter of the Year, 2008 IBO World Champion, 2008 ASA Shooter of the Year, 2007 ASA Shooter of the Year, 2007 ASA World Champion and 2006.
His resume includes two world championships, 12 national records and two world records.
Levi is married to the former Samantha Kline, an area native, who rose through the ranks, shooting local events to become a champion and a professional shooter in her own right.
Morgan and his wife host the Full Draw Adventures television show.
This fall they will host the “Mathews Life on the Road” TV show on the Pursuit Channel, where they share the thrill of competition and exhilaration of exciting hunting adventures.
The World Archery Tour will officially begin in 2011 and includes pro and amateur classes.
One annual event will be held at Hunting Hills, and the August shootoff will also always be held at Hunting Hills.
The sites of the other two shoots are to be determined. A site in the South is hopeful for one event, with the July event to be held within 250 miles of Nelsonville, Ohio.
At his time a second exhibition tournament is scheduled for Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4-5) at Hunting Hills.
The fee is $30 to shoot the 40-target course for practice and $50 to be eligible for prize money.
There will be a 90 percent payback in the pro classes and a 50 percent payback in amateur classes.
All yardages will be unmarked with a 40- to 57-yard maximum distance, depending on class.
Bow Hunter Bonanza
Another big bowhunting event is coming up Sept. 11-12 at Fairbank Rod & Gun Club with a Bow Hunter Bonanza shoot.
The top three shooters in each class will receive guaranteed cash awards.
The winner in the Adult Male Open Class will receive $700, the first Adult Male Pin Class shooter will receive $300, and the Adult Female Open shooter will receive $200.
Entry fee is $20 for adult competitors, $15 for practice only and $10 for youngsters 10-and-under (practice only).
There will be a roving start in place form 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
3D league under way
A six-week 3D league is under way at Hunting Hills, but there is still time to get in on the action.
League rounds can be shot between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursdays and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays.
The cost is $15 per week for the 20-target course.
The league will conclude on Sunday, Sept. 5.
For more information contact Roy Sisler at 724-324-2738.
Herald-Standard Outdoor Editor Rod Schoener can be reached online at rschoener@heraldstandard.com.