The 2008 state JOAD outdoor tournament closed under the threat of thunderstorms that skirted the venue to the east on Sunday afternoon. Archers at this year’s tournament experienced some difficult conditions on Saturday with heat, humidity and near gale force headwinds, but not the thunderstorms experienced in Victoria at the 2007 tournament. The winds died down on Sunday, but the heat and humidly still dealt the archers some difficulty.

DOS, Jim Krueger, ensured that the contestants stayed well hydrated by using frequent reminders and providing several breaks.
Thirty-three youth archers from three states (Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas) participated in this year’s JOAD outdoor, setting seven state records. The highlight of this tournament emerged in the Bowman Female Recurve division with Miriam Trafford setting five specific state records, one at each distance and in overall score.

Jessica Tomlinson set a 30 meter record in the Bowman Female Compound division and Tyler Schardt set a new state record at 50 meters in the Junior Male Recurve division. Ten adults also shot in the tournament as guests.

We would like to thank Tom Barker for lending us his equipment and his expertise, Rick Stonebreaker for judging and teaching the young people Bache Ball, Chris and Shawn Faidley for all their work, Jim and Anita Krueger for serving as the DOS and timer. A special thank you also goes to Mrs. Schardt, Mrs. Human, Mrs. Sizemore, and Mrs. Williams for their assistance in verifying score cards.

Dana and Virgil Knowlton