Savannah Tovar, June- When most people think of their favorite memory from the archery season, it likely has something to do with a score, or a funny moment with other archers. For me though, while I really enjoyed my archery season and made some great memories, I really enjoyed my archery awards ceremony. Okay, well it was funner than it sounds; It was more like an archery end of the season party. Regardless, I got some great awards.
As some of you all may know, I am a freshman in high school this 2023-2024 archery season. One of the awards I got was The Freshman Award. What does that entail, you ask? This award recognizes that as a freshman, I have strived to improve myself not only as an archer, but even as a student. I am proud of this award and want you, fellow archer, to work your hardest and practice in some way this offseason and during the next season. Check out my article, Setting up a Home Range, to keep your skills up!
One more award that I got was the Varsity Award. This congratulates me for being a part of the state tournament (post season) and other likewise tournaments after part of the team got cut from the regular season. I missed my teammates who did not make it, but they still also got awards at the end of the season. We always root each other on, whether we are on the range or not, together, or distant. I never knew what the Varsity Letter was before the awards ceremony and when I was told that I got my letter, I thought it meant someone wrote me a nice letter. I was wrong, it is a big patch for a jacket! Now maybe you have won big awards or have not before, just keep practicing and have fun shooting archery. Read my article Adjusting Between 10 and 15 Meters for some fun games to play when shooting. Also, these games can be played on your very own home range.
If your team does not have an awards ceremony at the end of the season, I highly recommend trying to have one at the end of this next season. The “ceremony” would not need to be super formal, but rather just a team hangout with some snacks and awards for about all shooters. Some basic awards to have could be like best score or friendliest archer. Your team could branch out from there and make awards remembering team records, memories, or even retired coaches. Shoutouts are great too. The snacks are just delicious, but not necessary. Good luck next season!