Archery- in its tenth year at AHS, the sport is gaining numbers and more of its events are gaining publicity. On Feb. 25, Atlantic is hosting nine-time National Champion Robby Wessinger, a University of South Dakota alumnus. In efforts to help improve fundamentals before the state tournament, this is an opportunity that high school archers can’t pass up. Coach Clint Roland said he coached Wessinger in high school at Valley and added that they “have always had a close relationship, and it’s cool to get to work with him again.”

“Basically it’s preparation for kids moving to the state tournament this year,” said Roland. “It’s important for kids to get things out the back of their heads, and just focus on the only tax at hand.” Roland describes archery as a sport that is “mentally challenging just as much as physically challenging,” and is a good sport to prepare for other sports with.

This season has had great success, those who stand out include Freshman Grant Petty, Sophomores Madeline Blake and Elynor Brummer, and Juniors Mariah Hadley and Connor Johnson. “However, we have had over 135 kids from sixth grade, all the way to seniors, and each one of them has surprised me in their own way,” said Roland. Now, the team ranked for the past three years in the top 30 for high school archery programs nationally, Roland said that his future goals are to stay where they are at and continue to grow.

If you’re a student who aims to grow in other activities, and as a person, email Coach Roland @[email protected].