- Updated: 15 October 2011
- Published: 25 July 2011
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Quarterly Articles from The Executive Board...News You Can Use!
News from the Executive Board
From The President, Rob Pecora
As your new president, I would like to give you a little information about myself for those of you who do not know me. I have been a member of the VBA and Two Rivers Archery Club since the mid 1980’s. After only a year in TRAC they made me president and sent me off to the quarterly VBA meetings. In the past, I have been the Chairman of the Bowhunting Committee, Treasurer, and Field Vice President for the VBA and attended many meetings where I have not hesitated to voice my opinions. I am an avid target shooter and have attended many state shoots and local shoots. I love to camp, socialize with fellow archers after the shoots, and will occasionally bring out my banjo for some entertainment. I was fortunate once to become a state champion. Although I do not hunt as much as in the past, I am a bowhunter and past instructor for the IBEP and NFAA.
That is enough about me. What I really want to discuss is an issue that has been bugging me for some time, which is - WHY DON’T MORE PEOPLE ATTEND STATE SHOOTS?
Over the years I have heard many excuses, none of which have made much sense to me. The worst one is “I’m not good enough to compete with those guys.” Seriously, let’s face it, only a hand full of archers is at the top in the state, and if only they showed up it would be a pitiful event. InVirginia, we have the class system where the individual archer is only competing against fellow archers at the same skill level. In reality though, we should all only be competing against ourselves - that is, trying to improve at each and every shoot. This is where state shoots can really help us all. There is always someone who is more than willing to help you out and give advice on all aspects of our sport. If you are having trouble with your equipment, shooting form, or just mental aspects, at a state shoot there is plenty of advice given out freely and earnestly. Many archers have gone through what you may be going though now and, although some advice may not be right for you, some definitely will be. Never be afraid to ask - the only stupid question is the one not asked.
There are some 1200 members in the VBA but only 50 to maybe 90 turn out for state shoots. Those who attend say they have a good time, and I always do even when I do not shoot particularly well. State shoots are not all about the shooting. For many, they are about getting together with friends and having good times. I, and many others, camp at the hosting range where we gather after the shoot and socialize. Those who stay elsewhere are always welcome and those who do not stay around miss a lot.
Another poor excuse I hear is “I only like shooting with my friends.” It is true that at state shoots you will not always be shooting with your close friends. However, this is a golden opportunity to make new friends who have a similar interest - archery.
I have heard many other excuses and would like to hear some of yours. Let me know why members are not attending state shoots and if there is anything you think the VBA can do to reverse this trend. If you have never attended a state shoot I urge you to do so. Do not come with expectations of winning awards but rather with expectations of having a great time no matter how you shoot! Hope to see you on the range soon.