TISDALE — The Tisdale Elementary School archery team received a bronze in provincials, with three of their students going on to nationals and one bringing home first place.
In nationals, Liam Evenson ranked 14 out of 103 students, Kaden Doerksen ranked 15 and Marston Parlee came in first.
“We had weekly practices and as we got closer to competition we added some more practices in,” said Sandra Norum, co-coach of the Tisdale archery team. “I know the three boys that made it to nationals, they have a passion for it. They did a lot to practice on their own as well. They have their own intrinsic motivation as well, which is great.”
The Tisdale Elementary archery team is a competitive team that makes cuts when selecting team members early in the year, but Norum said the cuts aren’t just about skill.
“Throughout the year we start with many more students. We do have to cut some kids, so we take the ones who have the most passion in it and inspire those ones, build on their strengths and they inspire the younger ones. As they build up, they can see the things that maybe they can accomplish.”
Norum said by passion, she means both skill and interest.
“We have a lot of kiddos who have that natural skill and natural passions and they like being outdoors and doing those kind of things.”
Parlee, who placed first in the country, got into archery though his brother.
“My brother did it and it just looked really cool, so I just tried,” Parlee said.
This was his first time at nationals, and second time at provincials. He said was surprised to win.
“It’s really special because it’s just really cool.”
He practices once a week at his grandparents’ farm in addition to once a week practices at school.
His strategy is his focus.
“I just stayed focused and still the whole time because you got to be still when you shoot,” Parlee said.
He plans on continuing his archery.
“I like shooting and improving.”
The members of the team that represented Tisdale Elementary in provincials were Foster Arneson, Taylor Bowditch, Gage Boxall, Caden Doerksen, Liam Evenson, Brianna Freedman, Chloe Gaertner, Jaelyn Gonzales, Owen Guest, Braidy Howes, Brock Huvenaars, Ezmera Jenson, Evan Kapeller, Dylan Keen, Riley Keen, Paige Lucas, Cooper Lyken, Corwyn Martens, Marston Parlee, Rylan Roszell, Rhys Steinhausser, Tanner Twarzynski, Kazmyn Wiens and Chanse Wingenbach.
Norum said it was a great opportunity for the archery team.
“It was an indoor facility, so they hadn’t competed in an opportunity like that of such grand-scale, and against other kids throughout the province,” Norum said. “All of our team we’re very proud of. They should be proud of themselves as well for their abilities.”
The other co-coach was Maggie Burtnick. Chantal Cragg assisted with the training.
Provincials took place in March in Moose Jaw and the nationals took place in April in Regina.
