One thing I like to do is people watch…and…listen. Doing so allows me to learn about people.
Today, the topic is ACT & State Archery Tournament.
First, let’s talk about the ACT test….
I realize it’s required for college admission. I did not realize that the Kentucky Dept. Of Education sets the date, all across KY, for allJuniors to take the test. I also did not realize it was how schools are graded. Hmmm. Guess it’s a great system, since many of these kids want to get into college and the schools want to look good…a good “scratching of the backs” there.
Now, to the archery part….
This is the second year for our district to have 60 athletes, three teams, competing in archery. Last year EJHS, a first year team, shot their way to World finishing in top 30 (I think #27 to be exact—will confirm). This year, they are aiming for World again. However, there seems to be a lot of doubters out there…like the school employee that told a parent, “Archery is not a sport”. These words should never have flown free from their lips. That is as bad as saying basketball is not a sport. I would invite those “loose lipped nay-sayers” to stand on the line with ANYarcher. You will find it’s much like your beloved basketball player taking a free throw. I’ve stood in the archer shoes and I’ve had my toes on the line for a free throw….both are equal. Both athletes must focus and clear their mind to hit a target that seems to shrink the longer they look at it. They both have a “ritual” that helps them mentally prepare. They both have a small timeframe, a room of eyes upon them and many distractions they must overcome. No one should make a comment about anything if they have no personal experience.
Now, how do these two topics become my blog topic? Well, I was listening to parents relive their experiences. Our Junior class was scheduled to take the ACT on March 4th. Of course, snow hit and they have rescheduled it for March 18th….the same day of the State archery tournament! Apparently, this will have an impact on about 300+ Juniors across Kentucky. Not good! Being as these archery tournaments are scheduled for yearsin advance; and they have no alternate dates because each subsequent level advances teams toward World….they simply cannot be moved or teams will not have a snowball’s chance in hell to compete at each level consequently jeopardizing the World competition.
Parents and students have been asking questions about a reschedule of the ACT…no official word as of yet. But parents are outraged at the resistance and backlash coming from the staff of the school these kids will represent. Hearing them talk about it today really broke my heart….for the hundreds of kids that have put in countless hours training and preparing.
Normally, I would jump on the bandwagon and try to get some movement on this; however, as I told a coach a few days ago…”this too shall pass”. Considering schools across the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky were shut down at least one day this week…I figure there is going to be a LOTof schedule changing.
To all the Juniors – heads up…it’ll work out!!
To all the archers – ARCHERY IS A SPORT…haters need to try before hating!
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