Allow me to indulge in just a little bit of Proud Daddy boasting.....
Yesterday my twin 6 year old daughters participated in their first JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) Tournament. They're not actually old enough, as to compete an archer needs to be at least seven years....but the Range officials managed to bent the rules just a bit to accomodate us.
The girls shoot a pair of matched Martin Prodigy recurves (amo 48", 15# @ 24"), although they are really only pulling 18 inches draw. They shoot 1/4 dowel arrows made by Dad. :bigsmyl: For ease of learning they shoot a "No-Tab" rubber fingers mounted right on the string. No sights. They're little Instinctors! :thumbsup:
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/MikeOrton_2006/DSC02890.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/MikeOrton_2006/DSC02892.jpg)
Targets are just at 10 yards and the competition was at times pretty intense. Some lessons learned about the most important arrow in the world is the one on your bowstring that you'll shoot next. The last arrow does not count, since it's already history. Lessons learned about keeping one's head in the game....take full advantage of the time allowed and remember the fundamentals of good form....
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/MikeOrton_2006/DSC02899.jpg)
Success comes from disciplined coaching and solid application of what is being instructed. Mark West of West Archery JOAD club in Colton, CA is our coach. Hiring Mark West was one of the best ideas I've had toward developing my daughters as archers and eventually huntresses. Mark is an outstanding instructor and great with children.
Accuracy does not get too much better this....
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/MikeOrton_2006/DSC02900.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/MikeOrton_2006/DSC02901.jpg)
At the end of the day my girls took first and second place in the girls Yeoman class. The winning score was a 171. Proud little ladies and a very happy Coach Mark West.
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/MikeOrton_2006/DSC02910.jpg)
I'm hoping this is just a peak into future archery successes.
That is just awesome Mike!
Give them High Fives from all of us. Nice form to boot!
GREAT :clapper:
Good stuff right there Mike, Congrats!
Pass it on! Awesome!
Thats good stuff for sure.... :thumbsup: :notworthy: :archer: :clapper:
that there is AWESOME!!!! no doubt you are a proud daddy......
That is completely awesome. Good Job.
scott
Way to go dad. :thumbsup:
Tell em' congrat's from me.
That's awesome bud! :thumbsup:
Way cool. You must be doing something right.
That is awesome...Congratulations!
Dang Mike, That's just plain awesome bud :clapper:
Words cannot describe how cool that is :thumbsup: Those are two of the cutest archers that i have ever seen.
:bigsmyl: :thumbsup: :clapper:
Great stuff!-- and them gals got some good form to.
AWESOME! CONGRATS TO ALL! <><
Awesome Mike, you have every right to be bustin at the seams!! :thumbsup: :clapper:
David
Yep, the little girls always have the best shooting form.
That is a great story!
Way to go ladies :clapper:
Good job Mike!, and beautiful girls you have there.
Can't remember the last time I shot the bullseye like that... at any range.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
-Sharps
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Absolutely awesome!!!! Congrats to the archers and to Dad!
Wells
:thumbsup: :clapper:
Congradulations, to the 4 of you! Wups don't forget mom! Super day at the range, and story! And they are as cute as can be, not to mention talented! :thumbsup:
Brent
PS Did ya sign them up in our on line Tournment? We gotta have some compition for Rod Jenkins :D
Way Cool. You cant get any better than that !
Dang thats good stuff!And 3 under even.Enjoy your time together.
I Love to see stories about "Family Stuff" it is so rare these days. Congradulations to the girls.
Thanks to all for the nice comments....
Brent, you mentioned Rod Jenkins in your post. Here's a plug for Rod, true story...last year I ordered a few strings from Rod for my own bows, as I beleive he has the best product in terms of craftsmanship. Rod is one hell of a nice man also....well, as an afterthought I asked Rod to build a couple of strings for my girls Martin Prodigy recurves. Rod not only built those strings but refused to accept payment for them. So....in no small part my girls success is contributed to by the benevolence of non other than World Champ Rod Jenkins.
Thanks again for the nice comments and for allowing me a few moments to boast.... :wavey:
Thats what it's all about right there! Great job! I hope they keep it up and they grow!
Great Stuff Mike!!!...thanks for sharing with us
Congrats to all!
Doesn't get any better than that! Congratulations!
Wow, congratulations! That was a good idea about hiring a coach. Guess I will have to start looking for a coach for my two year old son.
Mike, it's great to see your post and you have every right to be proud! Pass on my congrats to your girls! They did good and so did you! Mike
Very cool. I would be a proud dad as well.
Great that you're raising them up like that.
Mike,
Congratulations on your two very beautiful daughters! It must make you bust a seam, and I'm extremely happy for you. We'll need to get them into an ACS pretty soon!
Very cool. Those are 2 girls I wouldnt want to shoot against
Mike, You have two beautiful daughters. Thanks for posting and the pictures are great.