Josh Smith on Why He Competes in Archery

The first time I saw the Olympics on TV I was amazed by the athletes talent and dedication, and I knew that was something I wanted to do.
When I started archery I just did it for fun, but after a few tournaments I realized I enjoyed competing
and wanted to take it to the next level.  When I go to a tournament whether I do well or not, it only motivates me to train harder and improve.  I enjoy the adrenaline rush of competing and the relaxation of practice.

In order to make it to the next level, in November of 2008, I decided to move into the Olympic Training Center and become part of the Resident Athlete Program.  Living at the Olympic Training Center gives me a chance to train as much as I possibly can for the next Olympics.  Even though training is such a big commitment, I feel it is well worth it.  The great thing about archery is I can shoot 7 hours a day and still enjoy every bit about it.  I rarely get tired of doing it.
Ultimately competing in archery, gives me a chance to win a gold medal in the Olympics.

Tyler Schardt: The Conference

The mattress is warm, comfortable, and soft.  Smooth in every way, a perfect den enveloping your body.  Inky black conceals the room’s features.  The blinds cut out all light from the outside making 4:00AM look just like 10:00AM, just like a hotel room.  You could sleep all day.  Your body screams for rest, it’s sore, it’s cracked, and it’s tight. Limbs sink like lead into the sheets, heavy with slumber.  Your mind rests, fatigued from yesterday’s focus.  Reason has yet to come alive, but your dreams run wild.

You’re on your game, shooting great, winning the World Championships, setting world records, and standing atop the Olympic Podium.  The crowd cheers raucously, half to distract, half to encourage.  Whistles blast rhythmically to direct chaos, bright flags wave to and fro, and voices loose themselves in the moment.   You’re scared, but loving every minute of it.  You’ve felt the pressure’s rush before and it’s why you keep coming back.  Life is awesome, all the pain heals, and all the toil pays off, years of preparation, all for one day.  Here it is: your goal, your dream.

Suddenly it stops, and you’re left in a bed.

Finally Reason stirs and says, “You have a chance to actually do that.  You dream it every night and you can live it today, if you get up…  Go ahead.”

Your mind begins to wander around the room.  It stumbles across a lumpy pillow, sagging mattress, and chilled blankets.  “See where you are?  See how it was better when you slept?  Go to sleep again and get there now.” it says to your body.

Lastly your body squirms about between the cool sheets, testing its strength.  “The pains are gone!  I am strong again!  Let me move mountains!  Put me to use and I shall create the dream!”

“It’s better to dare greatness than to stay in the twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat,” Reason chides.

“Yup, I agree!” your mind chips in, “Whatever gets us out of this clammy bed.”

Finally with all parts in agreement, you rise and live the dream.

Job Well Done!

Dear Resident Athletes, Parents and Supporters,

First of all, let me say thank you to all of our Sponsors and Supporters. Without you, our program would not be at the level that it is at today. This year we were very fortunate to add TaxMasters to that list of sponsors, and they have shown a tremendous amount of support along with Easton, Hoyt, Easton Foundations, Beiter, BCY, Doinker, Range-O-Matic Spin Wings, and Limbsaver!

This year has been a very successful year for the program. This year our athletes have accomplished the following:

14 Top 10 placements at International Competitions!
18 Top 4 placements at USAT Ranking Events!
8 Top 3 placements at California State Competitions!
5 Fita Scores over 1320!
4 Team Gold Medals at International Events.
4 Team Gold Medals at USAT Events.
2 members of the Youth World Team(Peter Kelchner, Emily Blake).
2 members of the Senior World Team and both alternates(Brady Ellison and Kristin Braun, alternates – Jake Kaminski, Heather Koehl).
2 Junior National Champions(Peter Kelchner-Outdoor, Josh Smith-Indoor).
1 National Champion Indoor(Brady Ellison).
2 New National Records set by Brady Ellison(90m 331, Fita 1364).
17 Total Medals won Nationally and Internationally!!!

Next week will mark the season finale for most of our archers. We will be competing at our National Championships in Ohio, and I expect this to be our best performance this season. I know we have all been working extremely hard this year, but I want to urge you to continue striving to be the best and giving your all until Nationals is over. We have come a very long way this year, but we still have a long journey ahead in order to become the best in the world!

Sincerely,

Kisik Lee
National Head Coach / USA Archery