The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently hosted the 15^th annual state archery tournament for New York school students at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. Approximately 35 schools from across the state participated in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) state 2023 tournament.

"The National Archery in the Schools Program introduces young people to the sport of archery and teaches them that patience, focus, and practice can lead to impressive results,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “The NASP state tournament provides an excellent opportunity for New York student archers to demonstrate the results of their practice, dedication, and hard work over the past year.” 

A total of 635 students competed for their schools in one of three divisions: high school (grades 9-12); middle school (grades 6-8); and elementary school (grades 4-5). Nicholas Scalise from St. Joseph by the Sea in Richmond County had the top overall score and placed first among male archers in the High School Division with a score of 288 out of 300 possible points. Abigail Murray from St. Joseph by the Sea in Richmond County was the top overall female archer, earning first place in the High School Division with a score of 284. Both winners received a trophy and a New York Champion Genesis bow and bow case. Awards were also given in each of the three divisions for first through tenth places. 

St. Joseph by the Sea in Richmond County was the first-place team in the High School Division for the ninth year in a row. Arkport Central School in Steuben County repeated as the first-place team in the Middle School Division. The first-place team in the Elementary School Division was Avoca Central School, also in Steuben County. For the full list of tournament results, visit the tournament website. 

NASP® is hosting the U.S. Eastern National Tournament in Louisville, KY, from May 11 through 13. The first-place teams in each division and the top 10 individual girls and boys from each division (elementary, middle, high) are eligible to register for the Eastern National tournament.  

For more information on how schools can become involved in NASP in New York, visit DEC's website. For photos of this year’s tournament participants see the Flickr album here.

Photos attached courtesy of NYSDEC.