My first season shooting competitively was in 2005, shot in probably 10 local events. After my first 5 shoots or so, I ended up in the top 1-3 places on a consistent basis. Wrapped the season up at a VERY large regional event that draws 300+ shooters every year (Tupper Lake Mountain Challenge) and shot against most of the best in the Northeast and Canada and ended up only dropping 5 arrows on a 60 target course (590/600) with something ridiculous like 30X's (x's scored only for tie breakers), but still only took 5th place with that score. Had we been counting 11's or 12's for X's, I would have likely placed, I had the highest X count there.
Second season (2006) I didn't shoot until July, was working with a coach and I elected not to shoot at anything for 3+ months so that I could focus on rebuilding my shot execution. Started shooting again in July 06' after missing the first part of our local league, and won literally every hunter class event I shot in that year except for1 (Dan/Jawshooter got me). Included in that win streak wasthe ASA NY State Championship in hunter class (my coach ended up in 2nd [8D]) which was also my first timeshooting the ASA scoring system. I also cleaned my first 3D course on all 10 rings that summer. I held an average of 310-318ish that summer with IBO scoring as center 11's on a 30 target course.
My first time trying, in 2006 I also managed to place4th in our state FITA championship (outdoor spot shooting to 90 meters). I also shot my first 550+ score in field archery in 06', ended up with a 552 on the hunter target face.
After 3D season ended in 06' I started training hard for indoors, and was shooting some really good games (444-449) and honestly just burned out a bit. When hunting season started I stopped seeing the coach, and stopped shooting a target rig, and focused only on hunting. Didn't get back into it really until probably the following February, started seeing the coach again and working on the basics to try and get back to where I was.
Threw a borrowed bow together with less than a week notice and sighted it in and went to Harrisburg for the Eastern Sportsmans Show without looking at or shooting any foam for 6 months, and managed to take 3rd place in February 07' in the hunter class. Not tremendously tough competition there, but it's a tough course and something you can't really prepare for, and the
huge crowd watching will test anyones nerves. Add in the fact that I was
really rusty and competing against a bunch of guys that were all halfway through an outdoor 3D league, and I was pleased with at least placing. Pics below of the shooting line and crowd, along with me and my cool moose trophy.
Went on to shoot the 07' season and won all but 1 event locally (12+ shoots) in the Open class while using a MBR (pins/long stabilizer) class rig. I was the only one in the class shooting without an adjustable target sight, which is a major disadvantage from the long stakes. Didn't shoot any large events other than the New York Bowhunters Rendezvous (very large local/regional event that draws guys from around the state) and managed to take 1st place in the open class, I was also shooting a MBR setup here as well against the full blown open class guys.
I've made a commitment to really give it a good effort in 08 for 3D. This last weekend I shot for the first time in our indoor 3D league, I'll be back in Harrisburg again shooting MBR class at the sportsmans show,will be competing in the IBO Northeast Indoor 3D Championships in Springfield, MA in February (should qualify for worlds there), will shoot an entire list of local shoots all summer long, and then will end up in Ellicotville, NY for the IBO Worlds in August. Worlds are now only about 4 hours from me, a very easy drive, and I'm going to really work my butt off to get there in good shape both mentally and shooting wise.
Last yearI actually beat a guy on a few occasions locally that has 3 top 10 finishes at the IBO Triple Crown in MBR class between 2006/2007.If I can bring that kind of game to Worlds this year and just shoot to the best of my ability I'll be happy with wherever the cards fall.
Your chance to shine (3D/Target Resume')
