Youth archery is rebuilding steadily in San Diego schools following a post-pandemic slump. According to Trevor Olson, athletic director at The Grauer School in Encinitas, many ranges were repurposed for outdoor classroom space and haven’t yet been reopened. However, archery programs have always been well-loved by students and recent growth bodes well for archers and fans alike.
“There is still a lot of interest and plenty of archers in San Diego and many of us coaches in the area are determined to get more schools involved and more bows in students’ hands,” Olson said.
Grauer boasts a team of 35 archers at a school with only 165 students. They are well known for having one of the most beautiful ranges in the county.
Students love the sport because it suits all sorts of athletes. The most driven archers can hone their skills for competition. Those who favor the social aspects of the team can choose a training path that focuses on developing confidence, learning new skills and spending quality time with peers. In either case, participants enjoy being part of a team, while focusing on individual development.
According to Olson, archery is an excellent choice for student athletes because it promotes mental and physical focus, a connection to our primitive roots and because it’s fun!
Several San Diego County schools are sending archers to compete in two major events at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista in April 2024. These events are run by Olympic Archery in Schools (OAS) and are open for the public to attend.
- The OAS California State Championship: April 20
Archers compete on the outdoor field in a well-rounded event that includes a ranking round, elimination round and team rounds.
- The OAS Indoor National Championship: April 27
Archers compete for national ranking in a 36-arrow ranking round.
LOCAL SCHOOLS THAT PARTICIPATE IN OAS
- Dehesa Middle School
- High Tech Middle/High School Chula Vista
- Grauer Middle and High School
- Magnolia Science Academy Middle School
- John Muir Middle School
- Muirlands Middle School
- High Tech Middle Media Arts
- High Tech High Point Loma
- Academy of Our Lady of Peace
- San Diego High School
- Kearny High School
- La Jolla High School
- Sanderling Waldorf School
- San Pasqual Education Center
WHERE (ELSE) TO LEARN ARCHERY IN SAN DIEGO
Girl Scouts San Diego
Summer camps and troop activities
www.sdgirlscouts.org
Archery House
San Elijo, North Park, Morley Field
www.archeryhouse.com
LionHeart Academy
El Cajon
www.lionheartsandiego.com/archery
Performance Archery
Miramar
www.performancearchery.net
Arrowbound Archery
Morley Field (Balboa Park)
www.arrowboundarchery.com
To read about Elizabeth Howe, a record-holding teen archer from San Diego County, click HERE.
Be sure to tune in this summer to see the world’s best archers compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Anne Malinoski is a contributing writer who lives in Santee with her husband and two sons.
