South Dakota Archery Tournament Provides Lifetime Memories for Family
OutdoorHub 05.29.13
A sixth grade student from Murdo represented South Dakota at the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky.
After winning the top award in his division at the South Dakota NASP Tournament, Jacob Birkeland had the honor of representing the state at the national NASP tournament. The national tournament was held on May 10-12.
“It was an overwhelming experience with all the people there,” Birkeland said. “I started archery so I could learn how to shoot a bow and go deer hunting and now I’m shooting with 10,000 other kids in a national tournament.”
NASP is sponsored by the Game, Fish and Parks Department.
“Game, Fish & Parks congratulates Jacob on his outstanding performance at the national NASP tournament,” Jason Kool, GFP NASP Coordinator, said. “Jacob exemplifies the type of young ambassador for our state that everyone can be proud of.”
When asked about his future in archery, Jacob said “I want to continue to participate in state, national and maybe even the world tournament and I still can’t wait to go deer hunting!”
The national tournament was a family affair for the Birkeland’s. Jacob’s mother, father and brother also traveled to Louisville to watch him compete. “We made memories to last a lifetime,” said Jacob’s father Jeff. “It was a great learning experience for the kids and a great little vacation for mom and dad.”
Jacob competed at the highest level at the Louisville tournament. With approximately 10,000 archers competing in the national event, Jacob finished in the top three percent of all age divisions with a score of 282 out of 300. In the elementary division, Jacob placed 25th and 18th among all sixth graders.
More information on NASP can be found on the web at www.nasparchery.com.
