New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the results from the 10th annual New York National Archery in the Schools (NASP) state tournament, hosted by DEC on March 9, at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, NY. The event included 485 students from 25 school districts and is the third NASP state tournament where all of the participating archers were together on the same day.
"This year's National Archery in the Schools state tournament was a huge success and we're excited to see the program continue to grow," DEC Commissioner Seggos said. "The NASP program is a great way to introduce young people to archery, and by extension, outdoor activities, which will strengthen their connection to nature. The dedication and commitment of the teachers and students who participate in the program are integral to its success."
NASP is designed to engage students in the educational process and improve participation in outdoor activities by students of all athletic abilities. DEC is involved in the program to introduce young people to archery, a common way to become interested in hunting and the outdoors.
Each competitor in the state tournament could achieve a maximum score of 300 points. There are three divisions: High School, grades 9-12; Middle School, grades 6-8; and Elementary School, grades 4-5. With a score of 291, the overall top female archer in the tournament was Victoria Yuknek of St. Joseph by The Sea High School in Richmond County. With a score of 289, the top male archer in the tournament was Daniel Hoffman of Holland Central School in Erie County. Both Victoria and Daniel received a trophy, a Genesis bow, NASP bow case, and a FeraDyne target. Awards were also given out in each of the three divisions for first through fifth places.
The first-place team in the high school division was St. Joseph by the Sea High School in Richmond County. The first-place team in the middle school division was Hinsdale Middle/High School in Cattaraugus County. The first-place team in the elementary division was Schroon Lake Central School in Essex County. Trophies were also awarded in each of the three divisions for first, second, and third places.
Individuals that placed in the top 10 in their division, and teams that placed first in each of the three divisions, qualify to compete and represent New York State at the national NASP tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky, May 10 - 12.
NASP continues to grow at the national level with more than 2.3 million students participating in the program during the 2016-17 school year. More than 13,000 schools in 47 states, Washington D.C., Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia have adopted the program. In New York, 333 schools from 178 school districts participate in the program and more than 34,000 students participated during the 2016-17 school year.
