Club opens doors for interested archers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Carbajal
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Archery is one of the oldest sports in the world dating back to as early as 5,000 B.C. Originally used in hunting more recently many archers view it as a competitive sport.

The Black Sheep Bowmen Archery Club will host Archery 101 classes in building 7271 on Gibson Ave., starting March 13. Interested patrons from Elmendorf and Fort Richardson as well as others from off-base may attend.

"We're encouraging all boys and girls ages 8 and older to come by and try it," said Rod Miland, the club president. "I started about 14 years ago, and it's a lot of fun once you get into it."

The club president said he enjoyed archery so much that he found it addicting.

"I'd regularly come by and shoot after work thinking I'd only spent a few minutes, when I had really spent a couple hours," said Miland, who has been president for six years.

This class will give kids the opportunity to learn and experience archery at an indoor range for free, said Miland.

"What's great about the indoor range is any of our members can come by and shoot anytime--day or night," said Miland. The range is secured with a cipher lock, giving the 150 current members access to shoot year-round.

The classes will run March 13-April 17 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturdays at the range.

"I often tell young girls to come out and try it because I often see them outshoot the boys," said Miland.

The club will provide all the equipment for the classes free of charge. People who decide to join the club can become members for $120 for a year or $150 per family.

At the conclusion of the classes, the club will have a raffle with prizes valued at more than $200.

Off-base members wanting to attend should RSVP prior to the class.

For more information or to RSVP, call 753-1855 or visit www.blacksheeparchery.com.