Concentration and focus, follow-through and enjoyment.
According to Terry Butler of the U.S. Crossbow Team, these are the main ingredients to become a world-class crossbow shooter.
Butler should know, because last year he brought home the bronze medal from the World Crossbow Championships that were held in Portugal.
An Old Forge resident, Butler was in our area to make presentations on crossbows and competitive shooting at the Early Bird Expo that is being held through this afternoon. The expo is being held at the Bloomsburg Fair Grounds. Admission is $6 for adults and children under 12 are free.
Butler had a perfect archer along with him to demonstrate the finer skills of using a crossbow. Brandon McDermott, his seven-yearold grandson, was more than eager to demonstrate his shooting abilities using a junior-sized “Horned Eagle” crossbow.
According to his grandfather, “Brandon is too young to pick up any of the bad habits that us old folks have from years of not shooting correctly.”
Much like a T-ball player of the same age, McDermott uses a tripod to insure that he gets a sure shot every time.
When asked what he enjoyed most about the sport of crossbow target shooting, McDermott replied that, “It’s fun and I like the sound that arrows make when they hit the target. I’ve made lots of new friends and my pap’s eyes light up every time I hit a bulls eye, which happens a lot now.”
The U.S. Crossbow Team uses Australian-made Ausobows.
Butler explained, “These are lighter bows that are capable of meeting the ninety-five-pound draw limit that’s set for international competitions.”
The Australian bows weigh about half the weight of the heavier Americanmade crossbows. No sights or magnification is allowed during the international competition. Arrows must be at least 12 inches long, but no longer than 19 inches.
The most recent World Champion Crossbow shooter is Brent Hankins, from Cincinnati, Ohio. The world champion silver medal winner is also an American. The five U.S. team shooters were able to bring home 12 medals, in all, last year. Eight of these medals were gold.
The strongest competition for the U.S. Team came from the Polish National Team.
Crossbow shooting is a big sport in Poland. In fact, the Polish government subsidizes their national team and is lobbying for crossbow events to be added at an upcoming World Olympics.
“During the world events, having fun is ninety percent of the game and actual competition only counts for about ten percent of the activity,” said Butler, who was speaking between shooting demonstrations. “Crossbow shooters are like a big family and our competitions are like a reunion of old friends.”
He reported that during the medals award ceremony, one of the Polish shooters who was receiving the team silver while the Americans were received their gold medal said, “I love you mens!” “While his English was a little choppy, we all knew exactly what he meant.
Imagine, world peace being achieved through crossbow shooting — not a bad idea,” Butler said.
-- E-mail comments to rgarrett@state.pa.us
Life
Related Photos
-
Bob Garrett/For The Daily Item
-
Bob Garrett/For The Daily Item
Demonstration on target
World crossbow champion shares insight at Bloomsburg show
- Life
-
-
Valley experts differ on ideas for job creation
SUNBURY — When President Barack Obama gives his jobs speech Thursday night before Congress and a nation facing a 9.1 unemployment rate, he should act to lower the minimum wage and taxes, target government investments wisely, spend on long-lasting projects, or cut spending, reduce regulations and trim the size of Washington, Valley experts suggested.
-
Carbs under control
Parents with a child who has Type 1 diabetes sometimes find it difficult to let go of the important responsibility to constantly check insulin levels. Just ask Doreen Giordani, of Sunbury.
-
After the pounds come off
Bariatric surgery offers those who are 100-plus-pounds overweight a viable option for reclaiming their lives, a physician at Geisinger Medical Center noted.
-
Accreditation awarded to hospital
Sunbury Community Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care and safety in hospitals.
-
16 years old and still growing
The more things change the more they stay the same. That's what Dr. Michael Ryan, director of pediatrics at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, in Danville, said, as he discussed the 16 year anniversary of the facility.
-
Americans turn to technology to control impulses
NEW YORK — Dan Nainan can't trust himself to work at his computer without clicking on distractions, so he uses an Internet-blocking program to shut down his Web access twice a day. "I'm sorry, but try as I might, I could never, ever do this on my own," said the New York City comedian who's struggling to finish a book. "I wish I could, but I just don't have the discipline."
-
Some babyproofing basics for the new year
Babies and toddlers are curious creatures. Something captures their attention — a stuffed animal, a shiny object or a noisy rattle — and they're going after it. Just make sure they aren't chasing a teddy bear on top of a dresser, the blade of a knife or a pill bottle.
-
Texts, Web really do allow Santa to be everywhere
PHILADELPHIA — He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, and he knows how many followers you have on Twitter.
-
In tough economy, Santas are suffering
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Craig McTavish — a.k.a. Santa — has the beard. He has the belly. He even has a few tricks up his sleeve, like pulling up to parties on his Harley-Davidson in full Kris Kringle garb. But there's one thing he doesn't have: work.
-
Soften the impact
The cold weather and snow are here, which means winter recreation enthusiasts should be armed with ways to protect themselves from traumatic head and brain injuries that are typical for the season.
- More Life Headlines
-
