3-D archery class a hit with area young people

ST. HENRY - A new local archery class has hit its target with young people.

More than 70 area youths, including some from as far away as Anna and Tipp City, have joined the indoor 3-D archery league at Big Bucks Firearms and Sporting Goods, St. Henry. The students learn and practice archery every Saturday morning.

Jared Timmerman, 13, Fort Recovery, said he wanted to join the league because he loves the outdoors.

"It's really helped with my concentration," Timmerman said.

Several younger students were anxiously awaiting their turns.

Jordyn Eisenbrey, 8, Fort Recovery, who has been shooting her pink bow for about a month, said she loves it.

"It's a little hard, but a lot of fun," added her friend, Natalie Zizelman, 7, Fort Recovery.

Before the girls' class, league chairman Mike Acheson was busy teaching several teens how to stand, shoot and hit a target.

"They learn archery skills in here and then get to go outside and shoot," Acheson said. "This gives them good concentration, eye and hand coordination and another option besides baseball or some other sport that maybe they're not so good at."

Father and son Mike and Michael Niekamp, who own Big Bucks, have wanted for years to get young people involved in archery. They have donated space where the teens can practice with moving life-sized, 3-D animal targets, which make practice more interesting.

"We've even got bows and equipment donated for the kids that don't have the stuff they need," Mike Niekamp said. "It's made it really nice for the kids who want to do this that wouldn't otherwise have the means."

Those who have donated to the league, which is sponsored by Mercer County Pheasants Forever, include Bowtech Archery, Mission Archery, Hoyt Archery, Gold Tip, Easton Archery and Dan Heyne.

While the league keeps scores and gives awards at the end of the course, Niekamp said it doesn't stress competition.

"This is to give the kids something to do. Get them involved in something other than sitting in front of a computer playing games all day," Niekamp said. "It allows those kids who aren't good at football or basketball or baseball to get good at some type of sport."

Bill Knapke, a founding member of the league that sponsors the new class, said the sport fits many different ages.

"It really doesn't matter how old you are," Knapke said. "When the kids first come here and shoot, it's so great to see the expressions on their faces. They light up like Christmas morning. This is just good, clean fun."

Niekamp hopes more teens become involved next year.

"It's just a great sport to get involved in," Niekamp said. "It's really something for the whole family.