Archery shoots for big numbers

By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
June 18, 2003
The number of participants who will take part in the archery competition during the State Games of Mississippi will not be known until the event begins on Saturday morning.
This is not a problem for event commissioner Wade Smith.
While the commissioner waits for the phone to ring at the event that runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Bonita Lake, he hopes the event will draw a surprise number like it did last year.
What is known about the two-day competition is that changes are in store for the field no matter how many people want to test their skills with the bow.
Smith said the event is tweaked after nearly every year to keep everything running smoothly.
This year's major change is a new class for shooters to take part in, if they choose.
But the more things change at archery, the more things also stay the same.
The one constant at the event from year to year is the camaraderie the shooters share on the range.
Competitors will be divided up into male and female groups and by their age.
Participants are allowed to compete in as many competitions as they wish as long as their equipment and age allow.
The events will consist of 3D targets and field targets competition.
Archery has developed into a family outing for many bow-and-arrow enthusiasts.
The 3D competition is akin to a nature hike in which targets are set up along the journey.
Competitors will stop at different stages to shoot at targets of varying lengths.
The field competition is a more stationary event. Participants aim for foam blocks with the classic bull's eye target. The targets are laid out in three distances, and the shooter gets 30 arrows. Scores are awarded on a 10-point scale.