ECHS Archery Team Has Great Shoot, Finishes 39th In The World

The team pauses for a group photo at the World Archery Championship in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Front Row Left to Right: Jillian Kenney, Katie Vincent, Bailey Burba, Emery Hunt, Dalton Sasse, Andrew Embry, Dillon Webb, Eli Pedigo, Jacob Pedigo, Adri Ray, Rebecca Childress, Brianna Webb.
Back Row Left to Right: Coach Chris Shelton, Colbey Shelton, Kyle Majors, Seth Shelton, Hunter Ashley, Jarrod Sanders, David Poteet, Nate Wilson, Brandon Vincent, Beau Kelley, Jacob Davis Hennion, Edmond Thomas, Demetchrie Dugan, Volunteer Coach Keith Sanders.

After an amazing shoot at the World Archery Championship in Myrtle Beach, SC, the Edmonson County Wildcat Archery Team finished 39th out of around 80 teams. It's important to note that while the team competed against 79 others, there are hundreds of teams, possibly more, that didn't qualify for the World Meet.

While some would simply call the ranking "middle of the pack," finishing 39th in the world is something Head Coach Chris Shelton said he was "ecstatic" to have experienced with this team.  

"The whole experience was amazing for all of us," Shelton said. "It reminds me of when I played high school baseball years ago. We'd go on theses long Florida trips to play in tournaments. The long trips were terrible, but the experience was awesome and still remembered today. That's what we did this weekend, was create an awesome experience, and I'm so happy for these kids." 

The team prepares to make their first shot at the World Archery Championship on Friday, June 24, 2016.

While several kids shot personal bests or near best, Coach Shelton said the kids rose to the occasion and handled the pressure well. Here is a list of EC's top ten finishers and their grades:

1. Nate Wilson (11)
2. Jillian Kenney (11)
3. Bailey Burba (11)
4. Hunter Ashley (9)
5. Seth Shelton (8)
6. Jarrod Sanders (9)
7. Brandon Vincent (11)
8. Brianna Webb (10)
9. Beau Kelley (11)
10. Andrew Embry (9)

​Shelton said it was also great for the opportunity for some to see the ocean for the first time. "Several kids had never seen the ocean, including some parents. This whole experience has been amazing and I'm so proud of everyone."

He also stressed the importance of the amazing support that helped them make the trip. "We simply couldn't have done this without all the support. The community stepped up and helped us make this happen, and for that, we're so grateful. This has been something that these kids will never forget."