“What we did last week was go over the 11 steps,” Salisbury Middle School Guidance Counselor and Archery Coach Michael Dorward tells his students, as they begin class Oct 10. Anyone familiar with archery understands the 11 steps: stance, nock, draw hand placement, bow hand placement, pre-draw, draw, anchor, aim, slot setup, release and follow through and reflect.

This popular sport dates to prehistoric times, used as a weapon as well as a tool for hunting. At SMS, it is the most popular student club, with almost 70 students taking part throughout the school year.

So why is archery so popular with these students?

“This year we have a total of 69 active participants that will be participating in the club over the course of the school year,” Dorward explained.?“For many students, it is a new experience they would not have otherwise had the opportunity to participate in. For others, the club provides an opportunity to build on prior experiences they had at a camp program or with family members who participate in the sport.

“Regardless of prior experiences, I feel the popularity of the club continues to grow as students see it as an activity that provides an opportunity for all students to participate, without limitations and a place where they can take a healthy risk to try something new. Once students participate, they typically return to the club every year for the duration of their time at SMS. I feel this is a strong testament to the valuable experiences and enjoyment the club provides for our students.”

Jovani Hidalgo Tuff, who has done archery in the past with SMS, told The Press, “I joined archery because it’s fun shooting bows and arrows. It’s a great opportunity for you to learn life skills.” He will be back in the club during the next marking period.

A current archery student, Corin Kuchinos, added, “I joined because I thought it was an awesome opportunity. Most schools don’t have stuff like this.”

The SMS archery program has many benefits for the students, according to Dorward. “Archery is an inclusive sport that can be enjoyed by just about anyone with an interest in participating. Students often forego participating in various sports because of their size, gender or real or perceived ability. These variables are not limiting factors to participating in archery. The purpose of the archery program at SMS is to provide students with an exciting new opportunity and experience that perhaps they may have never had the opportunity to explore.”

Hariah Koehler wasn’t convinced about archery at first. Her friends were, and convinced her to join. Now she loves it. “Archery is a good opportunity; you get to do something with your friends,” she explained.

For Alix Martinez, archery has a more personal connection. “I joined because my dad used to do archery back when he was in Mexico. He doesn’t do archery anymore, but he still has some bows and arrows.”

Dorward hopes the students gain valuable life skills with his archery club.

“From skills to self-confidence to pure enjoyment. It is my hope that students gain a sense of accomplishment which, in turn, will help to bolster their self-confidence. I want students to realize the value of instruction, practice, routine, perseverance and a positive attitude in working to achieve accomplishments and, ultimately, their personal goals.

“Once students are able to realize the value of these principles, they can utilize them in virtually all aspects of their life beyond the archery range,” Dorward said.

“Lastly, I want students to have fun and make lasting memories during their middle school years beyond the classroom. I want them to have an experience I have enjoyed since I was their age and my father first placed a bow in my hand and introduced me to the sport. I appreciate the opportunity to pass my experience and knowledge along to the students in the club.”