Scott

When and how did you get involved in archery?

My first exposure to archery was in physical education class during middle school …. Basic arrow flinging. My interest in the sport took hold in 1991 while I as in college. At that it was about hunting and getting additional time in the woods. I purchased a bow, practiced, got a license, and off hunting I went. It didn’t take long for me to find that I preferred the shooting over the sitting and began shooting recreationally instead of hunting. My daughter and I started going to 3D shoots together after we purchased her first good quality bow in 2012 and I’ve been participating in 3D and target shoots since.

When and how did you get involved in coaching archery?

My daughter was taking an archery class at the YMCA and the instructor asked for some parental volunteers to help with the class, I volunteered. I really enjoyed working with the youth archers and pursued an instructor’s certification in February 2013. I became a YMCA employee helping instruct 3 to 5 evening and weekend archery classes each week consisting of both children and adults.

My shift to S3DA and the Blazin’ Arrows occurred because my daughter started looking for more challenge and was one of the founding members in 2016. I started instructing S3DA archery at the end of 2017 and ultimately left the YMCA in 2018 to focus on the Blazin’ Arrows.

What is your favorite part of being a coach?

Seeing the “A-ha” moment when an archer suddenly understands something we’ve been working on. As a coach I can help guide an archer, but the discovery of how a concept or practice applies to and works for them is theirs. Nothing can beat the archer’s excitement when that discovery is made.

What part of archery do you find the most interesting?

While the engineer in me is intrigued by the science of propelling an arrow to a target, I find the mental aspect of the sport the most interesting. An archer’s mindset and approach to the shot have a big impact on the physical execution of the shot, and ultimately the result. I believe the key to success is a consistent approach to the shot and an ability to learn from the unexpected then letting it go before starting the next shot sequence.

What is your favorite S3DA Competition format and why? (Indoor Target, 3D, Outdoor Target)

Outdoor Target is my favorite competition round in S3DA. This round consists of the longest shots at a well-defined target … no extreme lighting conditions or changing targets. It is the round most commonly used in international competition such as World Archery’s World Championships and the Olympics, the most difficult round to shoot a perfect score, and an excellent motivator.

OK …. I just think long shots are a lot of fun and a real confidence boost when technique and equipment come together for a good result.