News Release

2009 Archery in the Schools Program tournament results

March 9, 2009
Contact: Steve Robbins, 386-754-1051, ext. 215
Photos available at MyFWC.com/SAFETY/Safety_hunt_safety_nasp_photos.htm

Central Florida schools are the big winners in the second annual National Archery in the Schools Program Florida State Virtual Tournament. Two of last year's winners repeated victories in their grade level, and one new school took a top spot.

For the second straight year, the Flagler Palm Coast High School team won the high school division with a team score of 3,073 points and boasts the state's top male and female shooters. Shyla Ramage is this year's high-scoring girl with 266 out of 300, followed by last year's winner, Chelsea Blackburn, with a 254.  Third place also goes to a Flagler Palm Coast shooter, Shelby Johnson, with a 249 score. 

There was a three-way tie in the boys' division, with scores of 269. That score came from archers Pliny Sohl III and Tyler Anderson, both from Flagler Palm Coast, and Steven Vasallo from Altha High School in Calhoun County. The tie-breaker goes to the archer with the most bull's-eyes, but both boys from Flagler Palm Coast had 10 each.

A shoot-off between Pliny and Tyler at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, March 18 in the school gymnasium will determine the winner. Both the top female and male shooters receive a special custom Genesis bow, Morrell target and a trophy for their accomplishments. 

Repeating its win this year is Daniel Jenkins Academy from Polk County, with a team score of 2,947.  The academy won the inaugural middle school tournament in 2008 and came back this year to reclaim the top spot.

This year's number one elementary school is College Park from Ocala. Last year, the school placed second in the elementary school division. The top three schools in all divisions will receive gold, silver and bronze medals for their archers and a trophy for the school to display.

More than 750 students in 35 Florida schools competed in their own school gymnasiums.  All participants received official tournament t-shirts and certificates of participation.

"Students who do not normally participate and enjoy sports-related or extra-curricular activities seem to excel in the program -- something that invariably carries over into their attitude, work habits and other school activities," Florida program coordinator Steve Robbins said. "It often inspires after-school activities shared by families and friends, teaching discipline, respect and self-control."

To inquire about enrolling your child's school in Florida's National Archery in the Schools Program, click on MyFWC.com/SAFETY/Safety_hunt_safety_nasp.htm or call 386-754-1051, ext. 215 to request a brochure.  Complete scores and standings for all schools competing in the tournament will be posted on that Web page.