The Ronald Reagan Middle School Archery Team became world champions this summer. Submitted Photo.Ronald Reagan Middle School’s Archery Team hit the bulls-eye at the 2015 National Archery in Schools Program World Tournament when they placed first in the 3D Archery Challenge July 24-25 in Nashville.
The Haymarket team beat out 39 rival teams from the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Namibia and the United States. A total of 2,633 boys and 2,238 girls representing 236 schools competed at the NASP World Tournament.
The 3D competition, a new event in the World Tournament, involves a team of 12 archers shooting at six 3D animal targets scattered 10 to 15 meters away. Results from the five highest-scoring archers were combined for a potential score of 1500. Ronald Reagan Middle School’s Archery Team earned the highest score of 1407, three points above the second place team.
“I made a bet with the team that if we made the top five I’d shave my head. We ended up on the podium,” Coach Jonathan Bukva said.
Right after the award ceremony the 24 teammates, parents and coach headed to a back room, where each team member took a swipe at the Coach’s hair. A parent finished the job.
To qualify for the NASP World Championship, each team must exceed the qualifying score at the state and national championships. Ronald Reagan Middle School’s team placed thirteenth at the 2015 National Championship, but proved themselves no. 1 at Worlds.
During the World Championship, Coach Bukva encouraged the team to meet students from all over the world.
“They hung out with the Canadian team a bit and the South Africa team came by to talk,” he said.
The team also qualified for the Outdoor World Tournament Aug. 7 and 8 in New York, and placed first in the middle school division. Their final score was the highest among elementary, middle and high school teams. This time Coach Bukva didn’t make any bets.
The archery team ended their season by placing first in the 3 Star Challenge. Team scores from the National, World and Outdoor World Tournaments were averaged into one score, and each team was ranked according to these scores.
Coach Bukva credits the team’s success to his archers and their hard work.
"I just think it’s a great opportunity for the teens. I coach them up and calm their nerves. Like the parents, I pray for the best,” he explained.
Bukva coaches the only school archery team in Prince William County. His team, created three years ago, will be losing students who have competed since sixth grade; those students will be moving on to Battlefield High School in the fall. Bukva hopes the rising ninth-graders are given an opportunity to continue competing in NASP through the school’s archery club.
“We are graduating half of our team that will be going to Battlefield High School next year, but we will still have a good team next year,” Coach Bukva said.
The first place 2015 NASP World Archery Tournament trophy is on display at the Xtreme Archery store in Manassas until Aug. 31.
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