February 2, 2024
By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS
Rutherford County Schools
When Kase Dixon decided to join the archery team at Plainview Elementary in fourth grade, his main goal was to enjoy the experience of learning something new.
At the end of his first season, Dixon found himself competing at the national tournament in Louisville, Kentucky.
“Getting to nationals was a goal but I just wanted to have fun more than anything, to explore it,” he said.
Dixon finished first in the fourth-grade boys division with a score of 280 out of a possible 300.
Now in fifth grade, Dixon is one of roughly 1,000 RCS students competing with school-based archery teams. He was the lone student in Tennessee named to one of the 2022-23 All-American Archers teams organized by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).
Buchanan and Christiana Elementary schools were the first in the district to field teams in 2009. The sport is open to students in grades 4-12, with teams in place at 11 elementary, 12 middle and eight high schools. Equipment is provided by the schools, but some students use their own.
Erin Hopkins, archery coach at Plainview Elementary, said one of her favorite things about the sport is that each tournament is a “fresh start” for students.
“Our season goes October to May, so it’s a long one,” she said. “Friday and Saturday nights can be long. There’s set up and take down, concessions and buildings willing to host.
“Everyone pitches in to make it work. Everyone involved is truly about the kids,” Hopkins continued.
RCS archery programs offer two types of targets. One is the standard bullseye used by NASP, with the others being 3D models of animals such as turkeys and deer used by the International Bowhunting Organization.
“It’s an inclusive sport. Where there’s a will there’s away,” Hopkins said, noting Paralympians use assistive devices, including those that allow them to shoot with their mouths.
Dixon and Hopkins both agree the sport comes with its ups and down and a host of emotions.
“It can be hard. You have to have self-control but you can do it,” Dixon said. “Don’t give up. A lot of kids do, but I promise you’ll get better.”
There are approximately six tournaments remaining this season, including the Mossy Oak tournament scheduled for Feb. 23-24 at Oakland Middle School. Sponsored by the outdoor lifestyle company, the tournament serves as a fundraiser for a dedicated RCS archery facility to be constructed at Whitworth-Buchanan Middle.
The Warrior Classic, set for March 8-9 at Riverdale serves as the championship for all RCS programs and senior night for high school students.
MTSU’s Tennessee Miller Coliseum will host the state NASP tournament in March. Buchanan Elementary and Stewarts Creek Middle are the reigning champions in their respective divisions, while Riverdale High and Buchanan hold the titles in the state 3D tournament.