Chambana Sun

Illinois youth showcased their archery skills at a statewide competition on September 16 in Pekin. The event, organized by the University of Illinois Extension 4-H, focused not only on skill levels but also on fostering teamwork and camaraderie among participants.

Curt Sinclair, the University of Illinois Extension 4-H shooting sports state coordinator, explained the timing of the competition: “I know at first it appears odd to have competitions at the start of the program year, but these teens have been mastering their skills for a long time. This system gives us a chance to choose our National 4-H teams now as they need to be prepared to shoot against the best of the best from other states next June.”

The top performers in each discipline will advance to train for the National 4-H Shooting Sports Competition scheduled for June. Participants were divided into Senior Division (ages 13-18) and Junior Division (age 12).

In the Compound Bow Senior Division, Isaac Mohr from Henderson County secured first place, followed by Tate Sundberg from LaSalle County in second place. Caleb Cloninger from Macoupin County took third place, Ethan Mohr from Henderson County came fourth, and Riggins Shafer from Stark County finished fifth.

For the Recurve Bow Senior Division, Eve Snider from Mason County claimed first place. Allison Perkins and Rebecca Perkins, both from McHenry County, took second and third places respectively.

In the Compound Bow Junior Division, Henry Neri from LaSalle County emerged as the winner. MaKenna Harding from Macoupin County was second; Grace Glasgow and Jake Glasgow from Brown-Schuyler County placed third and fourth respectively; Zoe Tilton from Livingston County rounded out with fifth place.

Nathan Perkins from McHenry County won first place in the Recurve Bow Junior Division with Kallen Pequignot from Mason County securing second.

Sinclair praised all involved: “Great talent was on display this year in both senior and junior levels. Good job shooters, parents, and 4-H volunteers.”

For more information about Shooting Sports programming with Illinois 4-H, interested parties are encouraged to visit their website.