Nock the arrow, aim, release and follow through are just a few simple steps for an archer during competition or practice. Archery isn’t a popular sport like football, baseball or basketball but there are still passionate competitors around the country doing what they love.
Campbellsville University has its very own archery team, giving students the opportunity to compete in the next level of their sport.
Archery made its first appearance at CU in 2015, and it’s still going strong today.
Paul Eastridge took the head coaching job in March of 2023. He says he’s different than most head coaches in the sport.
“Everybody is worried about a trophy,” he said. “While they are wonderful, it’s just going to sit and collect dust. I love to teach, taking something they enjoy and helping them get better. While doing that, titles will come.”
Eastridge wants everyone to learn from the basics, which he says are the keys to success.
“Start from the top and put all the steps together, and if you continue to practice, you’re going to be fine,” he said. “There’s 11 steps and you must start with the first step and go down the list.”
After winning the 3D Men’s Barebow National Championship, the archery team looks to continue their success and add more titles.
“Winning the national championship is a step in the right direction of what we’re building here,” Eastridge said. “We’re going to continue to be focused and hopefully we can win more and more.”
While some people might argue that archery isn’t a sport, Coach Eastridge thinks everyone should try it and then decide.
“Archery is in the Olympics,” he said. “I don’t see why a non-sport would be in the Olympics.”
Megan Coffey, a CU freshman from Somerset, Kentucky, said there’s so much more that goes into the sport of archery than just what the naked eye can see.
“Archery takes so much endurance, commitment, hard work and concentration,” she said. “You have to continuously practice to stay consistent with your performances.”
Archery is an indoor and outdoor sport, which adds variables to how competitors can perform. Coffey knows, firsthand, how different weather conditions can impact one’s performance.
“Our outdoor tournaments can last three days in hot, cold, humid or rainy weather,” she said. “Shooting six hours in the freezing rain isn’t fun at all. This is where your endurance and commitment to the sport shows.”
For many archers, this sport has been near and dear to their hearts most of their lives. Coffey has been competing in archery for 11 years, starting when she was in the third grade. Rachel Ray, a CU freshman from Brandenburg, Kentucky, has been shooting for nine years. They both have cherished their time and are appreciative for what archery has given them.
“It’s a true blessing,” Ray said. “I have made some extraordinary bonds that I did not think I would’ve.”
Coffey agreed.
“Overall, I get to experience traveling, meeting new people and having fun with people that have the same interests as me,” Coffey said. “This has also helped me grow as an archer. Campbellsville has been a blessing to my life.”
For more information about the Campbellsville University Archery Team you, email Coach Paul Eastridge, [email protected].
