13 Greene County youngsters competed at the Iowa Archery Games in Ames this past weekend.

Instructor Don Orris says three participants received first place in their respective divisions.  Kristen Wailes won the 11 years-old and under cub division, Joe Anderson won the 12-14 year-old youth division and Nicole Rhoner claimed first place in the 18 year-old adult division.

Others receiving a medal included Victoria Peterson with a second place finish in the youth division, Sheyenne Anderson earned a silver medal in the 15-17 year-old young adult division and Kaleb Fisher was third place in the youth division.

28 youth attended the Jefferson Parks and Recreation archery program earlier this summer.  Orris notes that it was the most they’ve ever had.  At the end of the six-week program, participants have the opportunity to compete in the Iowa Games.  He adds that 13 is the most participants they’ve taken to the state competition in 25 years.  He talks about the increasing excitement for the sport.

“I think probably several things.  We have all the equipment, so they don’t have to buy anything to participate and we make it fun.  We also make it a learning experience at the same time.  If you ever put a kid with a bow and an arrow in their hand and shoot a target, put a balloon up there and they crack the balloon, then it’s history and they all want to come back.”

There were about 120 competitors at this year’s Iowa Archery Games.