COLUMBUS, OH - Top male and female archers in Ohio's upcoming National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Tournament will be awarded full, two-year scholarships to Hocking College in Nelsonville, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The tournament is scheduled for February 29 as part of the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus.

More than 600 students, ranging from third graders to high school seniors, will participate in the second Ohio State NASP Tournament. The top male and female archer will be determined by a shoot-off between the top three boys and top three girls from each of three divisions - elementary, middle and high school.

"We are extremely pleased that Hocking College has offered this opportunity to Ohio NASP Tournament participants," said Kevin Dixon, program coordinator with the Division of Wildlife, which oversees NASP in Ohio. "Students who participate in the NASP program are not only developing a lifelong recreational skill, but have shown improvement in their school attendance and studies. The academic reward Hocking College is offering is recognition of that contribution."

Tournament winners will be able to select from among 45 associate and certificate programs in five major areas of study, including natural resources. More than 6,000 students from all of Ohio's 88 counties, as well as 33 states and 58 countries attend Hocking College.

Students who select the natural resources major at Hocking College can choose to pursue degrees in environmental restoration, forest management, ranger services, recreation and wildlife management, and fish management and aquaculture - among other options. The college also offers business, health and nursing, industrial, and public safety majors.

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For Further Information Contact:
Kevin Dixon, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6334
-or-
Eric Postell, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6322