The success level of the Becker Bulldogs Archery Team continues to impress, from National Tournament participation to fielding perhaps the largest overall team in the United States.

“Our season started with a record number of participants - 237,” said Program Director Scott Brake. “The NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) organization indicated that our program is likely the largest NASP archery program in the country.”

Becker’s team boasts 73 archers in the Elementary division (grades 4-5), 120 at the Middle School level and 44 at the High School. There were an additional 44 participants in the Jr. Bulldog category (grades 2-3) that also participated this year.

Brake noted that the HS team had its best showing ever this season, and looks to be even better next year.

“With a solid core returning and bolstered by a strong incoming freshman group, the HS team is gearing up to have their best season ever next year,” Brake said.

Junior Elaina Schneider qualified for Nationals in both Bullseye and 3D competitions, as she finished the state tournament ninth out of 336 archers in Bullseye and sixth out of 148 in the 3D tournament. Classmate Marissa Hook narrowly missed qualifying for Nationals with a 12th place finish in Bullseye.

The Becker MS team had an unprecedented season by winning their first six tournaments, and they spent the entire year ranked as the number one team in the state. They also ranked as high as ninth in the nation at one point. They finished in second place at the state tournament and qualified for the National tournament, where they finished the season by placing 79th out of 240 teams.

Individually at the state tourney, eighth graders Dalton Weisz and Isaac Ochs finished in sixth place and eighth place (out of 396), respectively, and qualified for the National tournament with their top 10 finishes.

Brandon Struffert finished 18th while Mavrick Pink, Cooper Pany, TJ Oeding and Landon Blum all finished in the top 30 at state.

In State 3D competition, Becker MS placed third out of 17 teams. Mason Lumley led the way with a national qualifying score by placing seventh (out of 187). Ava Scheiber, TJ Oeding and Damyen Slavnic all finished in the top 20 overall.

Brake also reported that the Elementary had a tremendous season, placing second or third in every tournament this year.

At the State Tournament, the team placed second in Bullseye and second in 3D.

“Individually in Bullseye, Bentley Trautner came so close to defending his state championship from the year before,” Brake said.  “His score tied for first place, but he ended up in second place (out of 229) on criteria.” 

Avery Roles also qualified individually for Nationals by placing seventh (out of 139). Others finishing with top 20 finishes were: Roman Brake, Brynn Kasper, Caden Nattress and Sawyer Smith.

In 3D, three Becker archers qualified for Nationals from the field of 101 archers: Blake Koubsky placed fourth, while Sawyer Smith was eighth and Roman Brake 10th. Mirra Koubsky and Caden Nattress both had top 15 finishes.

In May, Becker sent a total of 44 archers to the National Tournament in Louisville, KY.

Elaina Schneider was the lone Becker HS participant and she completed her rounds by placing 129th overall (out of 2,461) in Bullseye and 146th (out 1,104) in 3D.

The Becker MS team brought 24 archers to Louisville and came away placing 79th out of 240 teams. The MS team had many great scores, with Ayden Trautner leading the way finishing 184th (out of 2,767). Brandon Struffert was 250th and Mavrick Pink rounded out the top 3 Becker finishers placing 352nd. In 3D, BMS placed 66th out of 156 teams. Mason Lumley was Becker’s top finisher in the 3D tournament, placing 65th (out of 1,340).

The Becker Elementary team had 19 archers attend Nationals. The team Bullseye competition finished with Becker placing 81st out of 190 teams. 

“Bentley Trautner shot an incredible 280, placing him 17th overall in the nation (out of 2,110),” Brake said.  “Blake Koubsky finished in 137th place.”

In 3D, Becker Elementary placed 53rd out of 99 teams, with Koubsky leading the way with an impressive 19th place finish out of 936 archers.

Overall, Brake was incredibly pleased with the program’s overall success.

“Our program also grew to 50 volunteer coaches this past season and 40 of them have obtained their Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) training and certifications,” Brake said. “Not only do our students learn archery skills, many parent coaches have been able to learn about this lifelong activity and are trying something new as well. For many, it has become something the parents and children can do together as a family.”

Brake also gave a special shoutout to Becker Schools and the program’s sponsors, including Becker Lions, Clear Lake Lions, Bad Axe Throwing, Current Accessibility Solutions, Vonco, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Pioneer Storage and Equipment, Santiago Lions, Angell Construction, Majestic Creations, Liberty Paper, Sherburne State Bank, Haller Realty, Hubbard Electric, Cornerstone Concrete, EMR, Lallak’s Delivery, Travis Williams State Farm Insurance, Wruck Sewer & Portable Rental, Dueling Brews, Coldwell Banker Realty - Melissa Koubsky, Binnall Consulting, Berger Custom Woodworks, Haus Construction, Archery Country, Country Lumber and Ess Brothers & Sons.

“Another great season was had by the Becker Bulldogs archers as they continue to build their program, reputation and tradition,” Brake said. “We really appreciate our sponsors for their continued support.”