Joe Manchin III, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : March 14, 2008

Third Annual “West Virginia Archery in the Schools Program” State Tournament a Big Success

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section hosted its third annual West Virginia Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament at Summersville National Guard Armory on Saturday, March 1, 2008. Approximately 30 schools and 500 students from across West Virginia participated in this year’s tournament.

“Participation in West Virginia Archery in the Schools state tournaments, like the program itself, seems to be growing at a phenomenal rate,” said Frank Jezioro, Director of the Division of Natural Resources. “The first year’s tournament at Capitol High School had 280 students; the second year’s tournament at Braxton County High School had 350 students. The Summersville National Guard facility allowed us to accommodate a much higher number this year.”

“We at the DNR are very encouraged about the success of the Archery in the Schools Program,” said Jerry Westfall, Program Coordinator. “The Program is really geared to generate participation rather than competition. However, we are aware that competition generates a lot of excitement in the program. Also, some students are more motivated by competition than just participation, so a tournament is very useful to the program as a whole. Keep in mind, this may be the only time in some of these student’s lives they will wear school team colors and compete in front of a thousand or more spectators.”

“Thanks go to the army of volunteers required to score, register, and assist these students. Without the continued support of these volunteers, state tournaments at this level would not be possible, and as we continue to expand, we will need more next year,” said Westfall.

For more information on the West Virginia Archery in the Schools Program or to attend the next instructor training, scheduled April 15th and 16th at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, visit our Web site at www.wvdnr.gov/archery

The top individuals and teams in this year’s tournament are posted on the DNR’s Web site at www.wvdnr.gov/archery/documents/TOPSCORERSFROMSTATETOURNAMENT2008_001.pdf

**DNR**