Muskingum University making noises at the Collegiate Target Regionals

(Story by USA Archery) COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Collegiate Target Regionals concluded last weekend in Mississippi, completing six events throughout April taking place across the United States, and producing the usual outstanding archery.

All six events included the standard 72-arrow qualification round, team rounds, mixed team rounds and eliminations.

University of the Cumberlands hosted the opening regional competition, at the UC All-Purpose Field in Williamsburg, KY.

Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA followed in mid-April, before Southeastern Illinois College welcomed archers to the Chuck Hearn Outdoor Complex in Harrisburg. At the same time, UC Davis Aggie Archery hosted their event in Sacramento, CA. and James Madison University staged a two-day competition in Harrisonburg, VA.

The Collegiate Target Regionals drew to a close on Sunday at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS. Results for all six events can be found on BetweenEnds.

Among the students to shine were those from relative newcomers to the archery scene, Muskingum University, who were in action in Harrisburg, IL the third week of April.

Situated in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University – which counts former astronaut and U.S. presidential candidate John Glenn among its alumni – enjoyed success in the shape of Kylee Brookover, who came out on top in the compound women's event.

Brookover and teammate Grace Pedersen (fixed pins) were also named in the All-Region Team – North. They were not alone, with All-Region Teams filled with top collegiate talent from across the country.

Muskingum University head archery coach, Craig Holycross said, "We are only in our second year (as a program) and first season competing in the Collegiate Target Regionals.

"Due to there being no prior experience or expectations with this program, we are very happy with how we have been doing so far and know this is only the start of our success."

There were also impressive Muskingum performances elsewhere. Treva Hampp finished second in the fixed pins women. There was second in the fixed pins men for Kayd LaCroix, and team golds in both the men's and women's fixed pins, team silver in the mixed team fixed pins and mixed team compound, and bronze in the compound men's team event.

Holycross added, "It is hard to pinpoint exactly what has contributed to our success, but it can be narrowed down to three main factors. While it was challenging in the moment, practicing in the inclement weather ultimately prepared us for shooting in the high winds that were going on during the tournament.

"Additionally, all of the team members who competed in the CTR also competed in 3D and indoor season which gave them exposure to competing at a collegiate level and helped to build their confidence.

"Another factor that has not only helped with archery but life in general is we spend a lot of time working on mental strength. By focusing on this we have seen the athletes have the ability to improve how they perform while competing in archery as well as thriving in daily life."

Muskingum University's archers will be among around 450 athletes competing at the Collegiate Target Nationals, which take place at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA from May 18-21.