4-H News: Smith County Archers Snag Two #1 Spots and Other Awards at State 4-H Archery Jamboree

Smith County 4-H archers ready to compete at the 2024 Archery Jamboree!

by Rachel Petty – UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

Over 60 sharp shooters from all across Smith County participated in our 4-H Archery Group this year, making it far and away the largest afterschool activity we offer. Twenty-nine of those archers, who have been diligently practicing since February, took the opportunity to compete at the State 4-H Archery Jamboree, which was held at Hyder-Burks Ag Pavilion on April 19 & 20, 2024. Smith County had two archers compete in the Compound Division and 27 archers compete in the Genesis Division. Smith County snagged a handful of awards!

In the Senior Genesis Division (8th-12th), Easton Bibbings placed 1st overall, and in the Junior High Genesis Division (6th & 7th), Presley Claywell placed 1st overall.

In addition to those two top awards, Robert Purtee placed 5th in the Senior Genesis Division. Jessa Cowell placed 5th and Loften Trusty placed 7th in the Junior High Genesis Division. Lily Brawner placed 10th in the Junior High Compound Division.

Our 4-H Archery program wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team of volunteer coaches, Rocky Cowell, Kenny Claywell, John Laurie, Spencer Meeks, and Sheryl Taylor, who have dedicated their time and effort to make this season successful. Thanks also to Nancy Malone, Carson Meeks, and all of the parents and 4-H’ers who helped with set up and tear down at all of our practices. It truly takes a village to make our archery program go!

By participating in archery through 4-H, youth practice important shooting sports safety skills, spend time outside and away from screens, develop new friendships, and learn a new skill that can help boost self-esteem.

We have seen tremendous growth in our program this season and invested in new equipment to get more shooters on the line. We know the future is bright!

If you are interested in financially supporting our 4-H archery program, serving as a volunteer coach, or learning more about the many opportunities that 4-H can offer our local young people, call Rachel Petty in the Smith County Office of the University of Tennessee Extension at 615-735-2900.