Archery Indoor Nationals 2022

(Written by Jared)

USA Archery Indoor Nationals was back in Virginia this year. Last year (due to you-know-what) the Indoor Championships were shot at the State tournaments. Dad and I drove up early Friday morning, and arrived at the hotel around 2 hours before we had to report to the shooting range.

The first shoot was for the JOAD Championships, which consisted of 2 rounds (60 arrows). I ended up shooting a 536 out of a possible 600 and ranking 76th in the nation!

Saturday and Sunday were both apart of the 53rd USA Archery Indoor National Championships, consisting of 4 rounds (120 arrows) across the 2 days. I was beginning to grow tired, and scored a 1049 out of a possible 1200 and ranking 96th in the nation. Although, that score did mean I ranked 4th in USA Sectionals! My highest ranking in this class (U18 aka Cadet, which consists of 14-17 year old archers).

Apart from the Archery, Dad and I had some fun times when we were at the hotel. It is a tradition that we bring my favorite game, Memoir '44, with us when we travel to the shoot. I won all 3 games we played (Dad's excuse was the dice were rigged). What was new this year was Dad brought his computer so we could watch 2 war movies we'd wanted to see for a while. The first one was Midway, the true story of the Battle of Midway. This was by far the best movie I had ever watched! Dad and I can't wait to watch it on a bigger screen. The second movie we watched was Pentagon Wars, based on the true story of the development of the M3 Bradly Fighting Vehicle. The movie was written as a sick comedy, since all the stupidity of the members of the Pentagon actually happened. It was another movie worth watching!

Even the drive up and back are enjoyable...mostly because I get to play MY music (*cough* Sabaton *cough*). The entire trip was a great time! I am very thankful to Coach John and Coach Lesley for all their help in preparing me for this competition, and I can't wait to go back!

NFAA State and Sectionals were at the range again this year, so Amber and Titus came to this tournament. Unfortionately, NFAA decided to schedule this 3 day tournament only 1 week after USA Nationals! Due to the fact I was still exhausted from Nationals, I didn't perform very well, posting some less-then-admirable scores.

BUT! Titus and Amber did amazing in their first ever tournament! Titus ended up winning State Champion and Amber got 2nd in their respective classes! I'm glad they had great success at their first competition.