State Field Championships 2008

Tournament Director's Summary:

Needless to say, those that did not attend this event missed out. The attendance was record setting and the weather was as good as it gets this time of year. By all those that made comments, they said it was a very good layout and challenging. We had about 26 newbies this year and by all indications, they said they would return. 

I personally would like to thank everyone that pitched in to make this event such a success. Some spent Saturdays helping out, others one day and countless others several hours of their time - all is very much appreciated BECAUSE it is YOUR tournament. An old Amish saying: "Many hands make light work!" Every year I am amazed that it takes about 100 people hours to set up this field and ONLY two hours to take it down. You have to see this to believe it. All new records were broken as FITA changed the target scoring. The "X" ring in the center of the yellow is now scored as a 6 instead of a 5-X. An ATTABOY goes to Mike DeBord for not only spending a Friday helping out but sacrificing both Saturday and Sunday to assist scoring, carrying bows and pulling archers up and downs hills for a special group of people. 

The True family spent two entire Saturdays in preparation for this event. Kudos also goes to Mike, Tom, Bruce, Greg, Rod and I hope I didn't forget anyone. Thanks to T.J., Brandi, Denise and Lu for doing registration and miscellaneous paperwork. 

And we couldn't do anything without Nolan Blaschke for allowing us to play at his property for the last seven years. And I couldn't do any of this without the help of co-director John Blaschke. 

The highlight of the event was early Friday morning while setting up. I was taking care of details when I spotted movement in the underbrush. Upon closer examination, I saw a baby goat, less than 12 hours old. It was born the evening before and was curled in a tight little ball. He raised its head to look at me and I stroked its nose. That made my whole weekend. That photo will be in the gallery soon to be on the webpage with the rest of the photos. 

Gaylon Blankenship traveled 6 ½ hours from Oklahoma for the sixth time in seven years. Seven archers trekked in from Shreveport, La. Tim Mundo from England (currently working in Houston) competed with world class scores in preparation for the NAA nationals and a repeat berth on the British National Team to compete at the upcoming World Field Championship. Adam Guggisberg, Clayton DeBord, and Kayla DeBord made it seven for seven. Meagan and Mark Lesak shot one day so that makes 6 ½ years out of seven. 

The opening ceremony was unique as music to the Star Spangled Banner was superbly provided by Rachael and Heather Trafford. To those not familiar with field shooting, archers are formed into groups of 3-4 and sent to an assigned target on the course. At a predesignated time, a signal is provided to start competition. This is called a "Shotgun" start. Variations include an air horn, or car horn, or fireworks etc. 

This year, a 200-pound cannon started the event. Anyone within 100 yards could feel the earth shake and sound concussion AND set off car alarms in the parking lot. 

And as always, please send any edits, deletions or corrections to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I will get it fixed as soon as possible. Thank you and see you again next year. Rick Stonebraker