Andrews – The Wildcats’ shooting team quintet of Chloe Clark, Dylan Ledford, Braydon Roland, Dalton Rose and Dalton West finished in second place at last weekend’s Youth Hunter Education Skills State Tournament.
Andrews’ senior team, which features students in grades 9-12, qualified for the state tournament by placing first in their regional, which took place earlier this month. You can read more about that competition in the April 26 edition of the Cherokee Scout. Teams that won each of the nine regions across North Carolina, along with the individual champion in each region if they’re not a part of the team champion.
“For them to dedicate themselves (for) four months to that program to learning and getting better has been really fun to watch,” head coach Brandon West said.
Andrews finished fifth at the state tournament. Seventh-grader Madison Queen participated in the state tournament at the junior level, which is for grades 5-8, after winning the individual Western Regional championship.
The team had to battle with the elements on April 24, as Andrews competed on a rainy and somewhat brisk morning in Cherokee County. That can wreak havoc on competitors, especially in an event like this where accuracy is key.
West said just a few minor things can throw everything off. Your glasses can fog up, your bows can be a little heavier, and the scopes on the shotgun and rifle can fog up, making it harder to see the target.
“It’s harder to concentrate, really. That rain’s pounding, it’s in the back of your mind, and your equipment doesn’t act normal sometimes.”
The team will start back up in December. Kids who live in the Andrews school district from grades 5-12 are eligible to join.