Naming and Claiming a State Title
Jarrod E. Stephens
The Ashland Beacon
While attending a conference some years ago, I recall a speaker making a statement that we should try to envision what it would be like to achieve our goals. “Your journey is going in the right direction whenever you envision yourself at your goal.” When you envision the goal, you are more likely to achieve it. While I am quite skeptical of some motivational tips, as I attended last week’s NASP State Archery Tournament, I heard with my own ears and saw with my own eyes the importance of naming and claiming a goal.
Having been part of our school’s archery program for several years, I have witnessed the importance of developing good habits and honing skills to win tournaments. Archery as a sport within the schools has been life-changing for many kids as they work to perfect their shot. Disciplining your mind to follow the 11 steps for success in archery is not as easy as knowing the steps and owning a bow. Consistency is the key.
Each archery season begins late in the fall and by December the teams begin vying for a spot at the NASP State Archery Tournament. Gatlin Stephens shoots for the Raceland-Worthington Middle School team and has had high expectations for himself since shooting a 290 once last season. That high score had alluded him for quite some time but after the calendar turned to 2025 Gatlin has shot a 290 or greater at six tournaments. As his dad, I couldn’t be prouder of his dedication.
The season began well but really hit a rocky patch whenever Gatlin’s scores dipped into the 260s consistently. He even declared that he wanted to quit because he had lost his touch. Knowing how well he could shoot; I decided to examine his bow. Upon a simple examination of the bow I discovered that the bushings on all the limbs were worn out, the power cable was bad, and the string was in terrible condition. Thankfully, his former elementary coach Doug Burchett agreed to do the necessary repairs. The results were instantaneous.
Gatlin’s scores soared back into the 280s and then the 290s. He had found his stride. His team qualified for the state tournament and selected to shoot during the final flight time. All he could do was practice and wait.
When we arrived at the tournament site in Louisville, Gatlin went to the trophy display. We looked at all the plaques and team trophies. Towering above the team trophies were two larger trophies. One was for the overall high female score and one for the overall high male score.
“There are the middle school plaques,” I told Gatlin.
He looked at the plaques and said, “I’m going to win that one,” as he pointed to first place. He then looked at the overall high score male trophy as said, “I’m getting that one too.”
As a parent I nodded optimistically and told him to settle in a do it. Needless to say, the next 24 hours I spent a lot of time thinking about his statement. We tried to stay loose and have a little fun while in town.
As the team approached the line for their 3:45 flight on Saturday, Gatlin seemed to be quite focused. One thing I never do is coach or communicate with my kids as they shoot. I only nod or smile to keep them focused.
For each tournament the archers shoot 15 scoring arrows at ten meters followed by 15 scoring arrows at fifteen meters. The perfect score is 300. His groups of arrows were tight, and he seemed quite focused. Fast forward to the last end of arrows and I knew that he needed a 49 or 50 to have the overall score. He shot a 49 and finished with a score of 294! I wanted to scream and I’m sure he did too.
Since there are hundreds of archers’ cards to be scored, the results are not instantaneous. The wait was brutal, but it turned out to be worth it whenever Gatlin was declared as the overall winner from 3,969 male archers.
Gatlin was thrilled to have won the middle school male 1st place, but even more so to have been the overall high scoring male. There was one more surprise awaiting him as he received his overall trophy. Unbeknownst to Gatlin, the winner also received a new State Championship Genesis bow. His expression was priceless.
As is the case in all sports, athletes have no control over the mindset or performance of the opposition. To win at archery you must control your emotions, forget your surroundings, and apply your skills to each shot. However, as was the case for this tournament, you also need to know what you want. Gatlin proved that there’s no doubt that the power of positive thinking is important when you have a goal. Congratulations Gatlin on your amazing achievement.