Winston Academy finished fifth at the MAIS 3A archery meet with a team score of 2,714. The meet was held last Thursday at the Kirk Fordice Equine Center at the State Fairgrounds in Jackson.
“It is very exciting to go to all our archery tournaments,” said Winston Academy coach Dawn Steed. “Going to state is a little more nerve racking and exciting for each kid on the team and the coaches You're going up against schools throughout Mississippi and it is very fast paced.”
A team score is the total for 12 archers, including at least four boys and at least four girls. Competitors shoot 30 arrows – 15 each from 10 and 15 meters – with a maximum score of 10 points for a bullseye.
Winston Academy was led by Bryce Clark, a seventh grader, with a 274 score, including 10 bulls eyes. Freshman Sadie Steed, the coach's daughter, was the top girl with 255, including eight in the center.
Seventh grader Kody Young had a 276 score with 13 bulls eyes while competing for Winston's middle school team.
“I am very proud of our team. They accepted the challenge and pushed forward,” coach Steed said. “Some shot the best scores they have shot all year.”
This is the second year that Winston Academy has competed in archery.
Columbia Academy won the event with a team score of 3,303, led by Josh Stuckey, the top individual with 287.
The competition is part of the Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS) program under the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks.
