The archery team offers a unique set of skills to students. Head coach Robin Bonaventura has 38 archers this season.

“[My coaching philosophy is] to introduce students to archery and to help them grow their skills, as well as assist in developing them for life,” Bonaventura said.

The team had their first and only tournament at South Ripley High School. They entered the tournament in three teams: two high school teams and one junior high.

In archery, the process of shooting the bow and accepting coaching can be condensed into a specific guideline.

“[There are] 11 steps to archery success, coupled with the mental skills of shooting,” Bonaventura said.

These 11 steps include the following: stance, nock, drawhand placement, bowhand placement, pre-draw, draw, anchor, aim, shot setup, release and follow through and reflect.

Joining a team at any level can be challenging and nerve-wracking, but Sylvia Fatten, ‘29, knew what she wanted to do.

“I have always been a huge Lord of the Rings fan, and I shot archery when I was little,” Sylvia Fatten said. “When I found out WHHS had a team, I had to get on it.”

The coach also makes it easy for students to learn the sport, which is crucial for the program to stay successful.

“One of the things that makes WHHS archery special is Coach Robin,” Kim Fatten, parent of one of the archers, said. “She helps everyone who comes to tryouts learn to shoot, regardless of their skill level. We are very lucky to have a coach with the skills, experience and patience of Coach Robin.”

Joining a team is one thing, but to stay on that team throughout the season takes dedication.

“It helped me build my character through leadership and focus,” Dharshenee Kasiviswanathan, ‘30, said.

Practices vary from two to four days a week, providing each player many opportunities to meet their peers.

“The community is really good,” Sylvia Fatten said. “It is like a big family.”

Archery requires intense mental strength, so it can be easy to become inattentive. Therefore, having a way to relax can improve many athlete’s performances.

“When I shoot, I don’t look away from the target at all so I’m not distracted,” Penelope Rahtz, ‘31, said. “I also take three deep breaths before I start shooting and in between every shot.”

Bearing the mental toughness of the game has taught the archers many lessons.

“The biggest life lesson I’ve learned from archery is that the world won’t end if you do bad,” Rahtz said. “What matters is that I tried and I will improve.”

For the high school team, funding can be difficult to attain. The archery team is looking for a little assistance.

“I would love it if WHHS would be able to support the team a little more in terms of replacement bows, arrows, targets and maybe a stipend for our coaches,” Kim Fatten said. “They do so much for our archers.”

Aside from students on the team, archery is available to all ages and kinds of people.

“Archery is a life-time sport, meaning that anyone can participate; young or old, with or without a disability, athletic or not and you can do this alone or with friends,” Bonaventura said. “Just give it a try.”