SAN MARCOS, Calif. — A student archery team in San Marcos is receiving national attention for its stunning number of sharpshooters.
In this Zevely Zone, I met the Baypoint Archery Team. This story shows what happens when you combine great coaching, perseverance and talent. Last year Baypoint Preparatory Academy started an archery team. All students were welcome to sign up for the free program.
Educators are always trying to keep kids on target, but in this case, when the archer's scores were sent off to the National Archery in the Schools Program Western Nationals Archery Tournament the results were surprising.
"They are amazing," said Coach Lisl Budfuloski. She couldn't believe out of the 17 California archers invited to compete in the big tourney, ten were from her school. "I did not expect them to qualify and they just blew me out of the water," said Coach Lisl.
"This is going to be a very challenging tournament," said Coach Tim Yargeau. He is a volunteer parent who launched this team and hoped for the best. "They are smart, a lot of them don't know what they are capable of, so when you give them a little bit of encouragement and instruction they can do amazing things," said Coach Tim.
Archery teaches focus and mental toughness. "Sometimes it can get nervous but you just have to stay focused and keep practicing," said Emma, a student archer.
It's a sport they've learned is for anyone and everyone. "If you can hold a bow you can do archery," said Coach Lisl.
The kids thought it would be fun to have a coach sharpshooter shoot-off. So, we set up Coach Lisl and Coach Tim with a showdown. One shot, winner take all. I said, "Shooters ready? 1,2,3, shoot."
Coach Tim was closest to the bullseye. "I lost, ha, ha," said Coach Lisl.
That is until I gave it a shot. "That is one time I am definitely not in the zone," I laughed. I hit the wrong target which is why these fourth and fifth graders are the chosen ones to grip it and rip it.
"We're proud of the dedication and passion of our student Archery Team," Coach Lisl. "We're thrilled to see them advance to this prestigious tournament where their talent will be seen on a national stage."
Baypoint Preparatory Academy, is a public charter school where 50% of students identify as socioeconomically disadvantaged. The event is scheduled to take place from Friday, April 26 to Saturday, April 27.
The following Baypoint students will compete in the national event in Sandy, Utah.
- Michael Hamilton
- Ryan Kiel
- Caliya Pendergrass
- Paityn Branum
- Michael Vargas
- Emma Yargeau
- Briseida Damacio
- Dante Villagrana
- Isaac Hamilton
- Sarah Budfuloski
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