May 31, 2011

West Union High School Receives Funding for Archery Program
Avid hunter and Local Conservation Club Make Generous Contribution

WEST UNION, OH –West Union High School is a step closer to implementing the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Principal Tim Davis along with physical education teachers Jim Owens and Sean Inman were presented with funding to purchase archery equipment on Tuesday, May 31, 2011.  The funding came from two separate sources, the Kenton Crawford Memorial Archery Fund and the Adams County Longbeards Conservation Club. Each donated $1000.00 toward the equipment purchase. 

An avid hunter and outdoorsmen; Kenton Crawford passed away on September 2, 2010. His family chose to honor Kenton’s memory by setting up the Memorial Archery Fund and the moneys will be used to help fund the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) in Adams County.  Adams County Wildlife Officer Chris Gilkey made the donation for the Crawford family. 

Similarly the Adams County Longbeards Conservation Club donated the money they raised over the last several years toward NASP. The club places strong emphasis on conservation and archery is an extension of sound wildlife management in Ohio. They are dedicated to supplying the youth of Adams County with outdoor recreational opportunities and have hosted many youth fishing and outdoor programs over the last 10 years. Members on hand for the donation were Kenneth Grooms, Larry Stricklett, and Rhonda Willett.  

The NASP is used to teach target archery right in the school gym. The curriculum covers archery, safety, equipment, technique, concentration skills and self-improvement.  Schools may form teams and compete at the state tournament held in Columbus each March. Last years tournament saw a total of nearly 1,300 student archers from more than 45 teams competed. Each competitor could score a maximum of 300 points by shooting arrows as close to the center of a target as possible.

If you would like to be certified to teach NASP in your school or want more information on the program, visit www.ohionasp.com.