EC Archery Team Headed To World Competition In Myrtle Beach, SC This Weekend

Front Row (L – R): Jillian Kenney, Daniele Dowdle, Emery Hunt, Bailey Burba, Rebecca Childress, Lillian Davis Second Row (L – R): David Poteet, Andrew Embry, Brianna Webb, Justin Daniele, Hunter Ashley, Hanna Minton, Edmond Thomas, Katie Vincent, Caitlin Daniele, Jacob Davis-Hennion, Booster President Keith Sanders Third Row (L – R): Coach Chris Shelton, Brandon Vincent, Kyle Majors, Demetchrie Dugan, Jarrod Sanders, Nate Wilson, Beau Kelley, Matthew O’Bryan, Jacob Pedigo, Dalton Sasse, Coach Wally Ritter

Edmonson Voice Sports
The achievements and opportunities continue for the Edmonson County Archery Team which become more and more impressive, considering the program is only two years old.

They will compete in their second World Competition Tournament in two years, which will be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

"We knew we did well enough at the National Competition to qualify for the World meet, but when we looked at the cost for us to go, it didn't look too promising," said head coach Chris Shelton.

He said that the cost was incredible and seemed nearly impossible to meet, which was going to end up around $10,000 total.

"The community rallied around us and the support has been amazing," said Shelton.

​Donations and fundraising will cover almost the entire cost for the 24 ECHS team members and coaching staff to travel on a charter bus and compete in the amazing opportunity. Several businesses from outside the county have also donated to the team's cause.

​While the team itself hasn't made the Guinness Book Records (yet), the fact remains that they're reaching higher goals with every step. 

"Considering our situation and the competition we've been up against, this team is super impressive," Shelton said. "Some programs start kids off in elementary school. This is only our second year. Other teams similar to us didn't even qualify to shoot at the state meet, now here we are going to the World."

Shelton quickly credited the outpouring of support from the community. "We wouldn't be able to do this without our great community. Our season would've ended a long time ago."

The team is scheduled to leave this Thursday with hopes of hitting their marks as they compete with teams from countries spread out all over the globe. More than anything, Shelton said he was so glad that the kids get to experience such a huge event.

"These kids have always risen to the occasion," he added. "Whether it was fundraising or competing to get to the next level, they did it."

The archery team is urging everyone to show their support by wearing the team t-shirts with the American Flag design on the back, or any other Edmonson County themed shirt Friday, June 24th, their first day of competition, and the same day for Freedom Fest. 

If you don't have a t-shirt yet, you can purchase one at the EC Archery booth that will be set up at this year's Freedom Fest. 

If you'd like to help out with the team's expenses, you can stop by the booth this Friday with a donation or contact booster club president Keith Sanders at 270-784-0054, Tyra Keltner at 270-246-0210, or any booster club parent.