Targeting Success: How Mesa View's Archery League Nurtures Student Growth

At Mesa View Middle School, student archers have an opportunity to learn essential skills and compete with other teams in the area, thanks to Olympic Archery in Schools (OAS). This program has introduced a unique archery league for middle schools, offering students an exciting chance to engage in the sport and excel in Olympic-style archery, thereby opening up various opportunities within the sport.

Archery is not only a safe and enjoyable activity, but also a fantastic way to develop focus, self-discipline, and self-esteem. It enhances hand-eye coordination and offers numerous other benefits. The OAS curriculum teaches the National Training System (NTS), which was developed by Olympic National Head Coach Ki Sik Lee. By introducing NTS from the beginning, the program ensures that archers have a solid foundation in proper biomechanics, shooting techniques, and practice habits. This approach fosters a safe learning environment, as students learn good form and safety measures before handling a bow. With this strong foundation, it is hoped that students will carry their passion for archery throughout their lives.

Grace Sidell, a teacher and archery chaperone at Mesa View Middle School, emphasizes the inclusivity and community aspect of the archery club. "It is an ideal way to incorporate a team opportunity for students who want to be part of a community, but may not want to focus on traditional sports," she states. "Archery provides an outlet for students to try something new, build self-confidence, and be part of a non-academic learning experience."

This past season, a local in-person tournament provided student archers with the chance to compete with their peers from neighboring schools. The event combined the thrill of competition with the joy of collaboration, making for a fun-filled day in the spring.

Coach Mike Duignan and Mrs. Sidell’s interest in supporting the club stemmed from their efforts to support their own children. The archery club became a way to nurture personal growth and develop a new hobby or skill. Whether archery becomes a lifelong passion or not, the memories and experiences gained from participating in the club are sure to last a lifetime.