Thursday, April 4, 2019

Students to Compete in Illinois State Archery Tournament This Weekend

It's no secret, much of my time is devoted to high school bass fishing.  I love fishing in general and try to get out on the water as much as possible, but my passion for hunting runs deep as well.  Growing up, that passion was rooted in waterfowl hunting.  I also used to shoot archery as a kid, but, this is one area of the hunting industry I fell away from.

Archery is something all ages and experience levels can enjoy.  If you're an archery freak, just getting into the sport, or want to know more, then this weekend is your chance.  Hunters love archery tournaments because it keeps their shot sharp and clean.  

Students to Compete in Illinois State Archery Tournament April 5 and 6



Top finishers will advance to National Tournament

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Illinois State Tournament on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Participation remains strong as nearly 1,000 archers from 36 schools have registered to compete.


The first shooting flight begins at 8 a.m. both days, and awards will be presented after the conclusion of the last flight on April 6. Top finishers qualify for the NASP U.S. Eastern Nationals to be held May 9-11 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Students participating in the Illinois state event in Springfield will compete in three divisions, including Elementary (Grades 4-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8) and High School (Grades 9-12). Members of the Illinois Archery Association provide volunteer support for the event. Last year’s state champions were Champaign Central High School (Grades 9-12), Champaign Jefferson Middle School (Grades 6-8), and Next Generation School of Champaign (Grades 4-5).

NASP is a nationally acclaimed youth archery program that implements a curriculum-based archery education program into local schools through the physical education department. The program started in Kentucky in 2002 and has expanded to include thousands of participating schools in five countries. Illinois was one of the first 10 states registered in the program.

2019 NASP Illinois State Tournament schools include:

Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire
Armstrong Ellis Grade School
Armstrong-Potomac Schools
Athens High School
Canton High School
Canton Ingersoll Middle School
Centennial High School, Champaign
Central High School, Champaign
Cuba High School
Danville High School
East Dubuque High School
Ewing Grade School
Gifford Grade School
Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School
Georgetown-Ridge Farm Middle School
Georgetown-Ridge Farm Elementary School
Herrin High School
Herrin Middle School
Hubbard High School, Chicago
Jefferson Middle School, Champaign
Judah Christian School, Champaign
Lewistown
Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Chicago
Metamora St. Mary’s
Metamora Township High School
Next Generation School, Champaign
Oswego High School
Phoenix Military Academy, Chicago
Pinckneyville High School
Pinckneyville Junior High School
Potomac
Roberto Clemente High School, Chicago
Schlarman Academy, Danville
St. Bruno, Pinckneyville
St. John’s Lutheran School, Mattoon
Tremont High School

Illinois Statewide Park Entrance Fees On The Horizon

This morning the Senate Environment Committee had a hearing on SB 1310. Senator Rezin introduced this piece of legislation to begin implementing a parking fee for Starved Rock State Park. This state park is ranked 11th in the nation and the local area has seen an increase in the number of visitors. LaSalle County residents are struggling with the over 3 million visitors they see each year and the state park maintenance is deteriorating.
Photo Credit EnjoyIllinois.com