By Heather Martin
Three Redwood Collegiate Academy student archers are honing their skills as they head towards the Western Nationals tournament of NASP, or National Archery in the Schools Program, held in Sandy, Utah, on April 26 – 27. Jordan Innes Alemoosh (13), Reese Martin (12), and Luna A. Santana Sanchez (14), are part of Redwood Collegiate Academy’s and Sequoia’ Career Academy’s archery team, coached by Bethany Kerr, who introduced the sport to the Ukiah-based public sister charter schools.
Since 2014, Kerr has been engaging students in archery through physical education classes as well as offering an after school elective. The elective promises students in the 7th – 12th grades the opportunity to participate in a team of unique individuals who learn to appreciate and support one another through sharing a common goal of having fun while doing their best. Archer Ryan Ford speaks for himself and others as he describes the team camaraderie: “I’ve made many new friends, and I really appreciate how Mrs. Kerr has always been by my side, keeping me on target.”
Kerr, who grew up enjoying archery, discovered its positive impacts on her students when she began teaching: “Everyone can be successful regardless of age, previous experience, or physical ability.” It isn’t uncommon for Kerr to find students uninterested in sports who discover a love and joy for “lifelong movement and health” through archery. Kerr’s elective enables students to compete in multiple tournaments, either virtual or in person, at a state and, if they qualify, national level.
The three students representing the Redwood and Sequoia archery team are geared up with NASP required Genesis compound bows, and ready to let their arrows fly in Sandy Utah’s impressive convention center in less than two weeks. The three archers qualified for Nationals in the Virtual CalNASP® State Tournament, a record number for the team.
Reese Martin, who ranked one of middle school boys and two for overall boys in California, shares his insights: “I feel like I shot really well in the state competition. My main goal is to beat my personal best at the Nationals. It will require lots of hard work and focus.” Reese, a 7th grader whose personal best is 271/300, describes the scoring system and what is involved: shooting 15 arrows from 10 meters, then 15 arrows from 15 meters, to reach a maximum total of 300 points. Bull’s Eyes are equal to 10 points, so the highest score of one end, or round (five arrows), is 50 points.
Luna Sanchez, a team member for two academic years, describes how she found archery when she first watched The Hunger Games. “As soon as I saw Katniss shoot her bow and arrow, it was like tasting my favorite candy.” Empowered by the strong female protagonist, she followed her heart and joined Redwood Collegiate Academy because of their archery team. Luna is hoping she will rank well in the Nationals, and she is looking forward to “spending time with friends and having fun.”
Jordan Alemoosh, also a second year archer, eagerly anticipates the event: “I’m extremely excited for Nationals! This was one of my biggest goals in life to be able to qualify for the competition.” He explains that archery has inspired him to explore his interest in sports, and now that he is competing at the national level, he is “pushing towards that perfect 300 score!” Utah is the farthest Jordan will have ever traveled, and he is excited to share the experience with his teammates.
All in all, these enthusiastic students’ and Coach Kerr’s efforts should be celebrated within the community. Without a doubt, the sport of archery, as Kerr puts it, “levels the playing field” when it comes to student participation and engagement.
NASP archery presents students with an alternative way to build confidence and respect for others while working on team and individual goals, and it also provides curricular support for teachers, grants for schools, and student archer scholarships. Educators and community members interested in finding out more about NASP are encouraged to visit their website at https://www.naspschools.org.
Heather Martin is an elementary school teacher and yoga teacher, a parent of two wonderful school-aged children, and an advocate of healthy lifestyles. She is a freelance writer based in Lake and Mendocino Counties.
