Anyone that knows me knows I love my job. Archery has been a part of my life, all my life. I started shooting 48 years ago at age 4 and went on stage 34 years ago this year! Fun stuff. We had seven show requests for 2020 come in this week, so 2020 promises to be another busy year.
Some friends of mine have sent me links to some of the new archers doing some fancy shots on video. Here’s my take on this.
First of all, I applaud them all because they aren’t on video games, watching tv or on a computer. Obviously they are spending their time with archery. That also probably means that like me they had great parents. I applaud that too.
Second, they are good for archery ! Hopefully they connect with young people and inspire them to get active in the sport. It’s a win-win.
To many people’s surprise I don’t view other exhibition shooters as competition. I view them as an asset to archery. Byron Ferguson has been an international ambassador for archery. Byron Tabor, Randy Oitiker, and Chris Hurt have been great too.
When I decided I may be interested in exhibition shooting, Ann Clark and Rev Stacy Groscup encouraged me. As a matter of fact Stacy tosses the first aerial target I ever shot at. A Pepsi can. I hit it and that very day he took me to his show and put me in front of an audience.
I am happy too when I see this youngsters put their bow behind their back. Since 1994 that’s been my signature style and it’s cool that they try it. Chris Bracket was doing exhibitions for a while and he would do some shots behind his back.
Although there’s many “trick shots” on the internet, I like to see the archers perform live because in my opinion that’s the best way to see their skill. Videos are easy to dub and do retakes and the viewer has no idea how many tries it takes. A live show is my favorite way to see these shows.
I’ve had a few people tell me at shows that they can do some of the shots I do in their back yard. Doing it there verses in front of a crowd or news camera is much different. It’s adds another dimension of pressure to the shot. How many people have you seen that can shoot bullseyes all day long in practice but go to a competition and don’t win?
Overall though in the big scheme of things I appreciate them all because it promotes archery and it promotes younger people getting into the sport with their families. And that’s a win-win situation.
I’ve made a living at this gig for more than three decades now. In 2004 I was honored to be a surrogate Appealed for the President of the US and do my little Show on his behalf. Fun stuff. I hope all these new folks will enjoy the friendships, fun and good memories like I have from the sport of archery. It’s a great sport full of the best people.
We have a bright future thanks to these younger shooters coming along. Well done ! And thank your parents for us too.
Frank
Art by my son when he was little.
