Page 4-H archers qualify for nationals

Posted

Page 4-H Shooting Club has performed excellently this year in the 4-H archery competition and is the largest club in Coconino County. For the first time in three years, Page 4-H took its first large team to the Arizona state competition in Kingman to compete against the best 4-H archers in the state. Three archers will compete in the national competition in Grand Island, Nebraska, in June.

Nationally, over 500,000 youth participate in 4-H shooting sports, including archery, small-bore rifle, small-bore pistol, air rifle, air pistol, black powder and shotgun disciplines. Page 4-H currently only offers archery and has one of the fastest growing clubs in the state. The archers compete in different age groups: 8-10, 11-13 and 14-18 years old. 

The morning of the regional competition started with a wind chill of 25 degrees Fahrenheit and peaked at a comfortable 65 degrees. It was cold, but the hardy competitors’ Northern Arizona blood helped keep them warm.  

Each state sends five archers to the national competition. Of the five from Arizona, three are from Page.  The two others are from Flagstaff.  Joshua Tenpenny, Tommy Nez and David Allen won the state championship with first, third and fifth places in the 14-18-year-old Senior Division and will be going to the national competition.  

The Page 4-H club has over 30 members signed up for archery and has been successful because of the parents and other volunteers that make it all happen.

Kip Bennett leads the club. His assistant, George Wertz is, according to Bennett, an amazing instructor.  

Stix in Page helped the club get started with discounts on equipment. The Arizona Game and Fish and Page Police departments also donated equipment and targets. Bull Basin in Flagstaff helped set up bows for the archers. The Page Gun Club allowed the club access to the range and targets. 

The placings of Page archers in the regional competition were:

Senior Division (age 14-18):

1st: Joshua Tenpenny

3rd: Tommy Nez

5th: David Allen

6th: Olivia Baughman

7th: Coleton Craft

9th: Maximus Nez

10th: Jamen Mcnutt

Tied for 11th: Emma Baughman and Kendyl Bennett

Intermediate Division 

(11-13):

2nd: Shane Mcnutt 

3rd: Trace Bennett

7th: Joshua Allen

In the Junior Division (age 8-10), Page had one competitor, Amber McNutt, who won 6th place.

Sign up for 4-H shooting sports is in January of each year.  For more information and how to sign up, visit www.youthshootingsa.com/product/coconino-county-4h-shooting-sports/ or contact Kip Bennett at lakepowellfurniture@yahoo.com.