MONROE COUNTY, WV (WOAY) — “Whether you’re a novice, an intermediate, or a seasoned archer, archery offers something rare and unique,” says USA Archery.
That sentiment echoes loudly in Monroe County schools, where students of varying ages and abilities are gearing up to compete in the West Virginia State Championship this weekend.
James Monroe High School and Peterstown Middle School earned spots in the team division, while five students from Mount View and Peterstown Elementary Schools qualified as individual competitors. According to the head coach, the season has been a success, highlighting archery’s inclusivity.
“It’s great because it’s open to everyone. You don’t need to be an athlete,” said Kelly Jewell, head coach of the Monroe County Schools archery team. “We’ve got athletes—baseball players, football players, cheerleaders—but even if you don’t play sports, you can still join and shoot. There’s no physical prerequisite beyond being able to draw the bow.”
The students will face off against peers statewide, vying for a chance to advance to nationals. The Monroe County competitors bring a range of experience, including 5th grader Ronnie Flynn, a newcomer to the sport this year.
“It feels amazing [to qualify], especially since it’s my first year and I barely knew anything about archery,” Ronnie said. “When I started, I was hitting yellows and reds, and people asked, ‘Have you done this before?’ I told them, ‘No, I’ve never really shot a real bow in my life.’ They said, ‘You should keep doing it next year.’”
For these students, having archery in school carries deep personal meaning.
“It helps me relieve stress and unwind a bit,” said Brycen Adkins, a 10th-grade archer.
For senior Michael Balboa, the sport has been transformative, even securing him a college scholarship.
“It means the world to me. I love archery and pushing myself in ways I never imagined,” said Michael, a 12th grader set to compete collegiately. “I’ve made so many friends, and Coach Heather has supported me immensely over the past three years. I’m beyond grateful.”
The students will spend the week honing their skills, preparing for Saturday’s championship showdown.
