LBSAC Hits the Mark
According to ArcheryTrade, the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) has seen a substantial increase in colleges and high schools participating in their tournaments across the nation. In 2018 alone, NASP recorded 8,062 participating schools. Naturally, COVID-19 decreased the participation levels to 5,829. However, in the following years, the data shows that those numbers continue to grow. In fact, 2022 saw 8,559 participating schools.
Before a surge in collegiate archery, the Long Beach State Archery Club had been established in 1963, making it the nation's longest-running club. The club is a symbol of Long Beach State culture and traditional archery. The current set of archers maintains the club's longevity despite its unknown origins.
At the helm of this club are some of its board members; Andres Flores, club president, Abigail Lew, secretary and Matthew Cunningham, team manager and captain. These and additional board members lead their fellow archers on a weekly journey of camaraderie where everyone feels they belong.
Two archers pull back their bows ready to fire. Photo by Sydney Woodley
“Being a part of the archery team, just like any other team sport, has taught me how to be a team player and it has improved me both as a person and as an archer. Our coaches have been a great support system for me and for everyone on the team,” Cunningham said. “Also, having a group of other like-minded people around me definitely helped me find a place on campus where I felt like I belonged.”
What contributes to the amusement and growth of the club is the thrill of competitions. The club's impact reaches far beyond the practice range and travels into their matches against other colleges. Next weekend, the team will head up to the University of California of Los Angeles (UCLA) and compete in a tournament.
The Long Beach State Archery Club competes under the USA Archery (USAA) and US Collegiate Archery (USCA) programs. The USAA and USCA have contributed to the rise in individual participation and school participation. Over 90 colleges and universities nationwide offer archery as a club. According to the guidelines of the program, to qualify to compete the group must be a club sport, student organization or varsity team that offers scholarships.
An archer aims his bow at the target board. Photo by Sydney Woodley
However, the club’s increase is also attributed to its inclusivity to not only CSULB students but Long Beach community members of any age, demographic or archery experience. Members can find solace,and strength to improve their skill in archery. Team members like Francisco Jimenez speak about its impact on his life.
“From a social life perspective, it made me work in teams with my fellow archers and get along with people I never thought I’d get along with,” Jimenez said. “Another point is that it helped me physically by being active with my body. From doing cardio to improve endurance to improving my diet and sleep schedule.”
Some past members join as coaches to instill their wisdom in the current club members. Thus, it speaks of the mark that the club leaves on its past club members and team competitors. The archery club serves as a bridge—a bridge between past and present, which is how the club continues its longevity.
“I think the biggest factor that contributes to the longevity and success is the feeling of family that we have created,” Cunningham said. “Anyone is welcome to join and everyone is encouraged to join because we love having new members to have fun with and train to the best of their ability. Our coaching staff is also very talented and helpful in every way.”
A focus shot of the target board as two archers prepare to release their arrows to the board. Photo by Sydney Woodley
As participation continues to grow and interest in the sport grows, the club has goals to strengthen its program from all aspects.
“I have high hopes for the club to keep going for years to come at our college, especially with our alumni team members visiting and coaching from time to time,” Jimenez said. “Our goal hopefully is to recruit more members for the club and more people in different divisions for our team and get better equipment for our club members. Hopefully, we can achieve all of this. I’ll try my best as I will be running for the position of Vice President in our club when our elections come up.”
Archery is a world where precision collides with passion, where every aim counts and the silent symphony of concentration and skill as the arrow cuts through the air and sticks to the target board is important. Each of the shots is a testament to devotion and focus.
Three archers preparing to shoot their arrows. Photo by Sydney Woodley
The Long Beach State Archery Club represents more than the sport, they are the foundation of maintaining an idea and contributing to the upward trend of archery and student clubs.
As the longest-running club in the nation, its origins shrouded in mystery, the archery club stands as a testament to the unwavering enthusiasm and passion of its members. As new members join and equipment changes, one thing remains constant: the Long Beach State Archery Club is not just hitting the mark—it's continuing the narrative, one arrow at a time. And as participation continues to grow and the club's legacy grows stronger, its impact on college culture will be felt for generations to come.
“I think the future of our club and team is very bright. We have been slowly improving over time, and I think this trend will keep following this path,” Cunningham said. “We have the oldest and longest-running collegiate archery program in the nation, and I don’t see it stopping or decreasing in quality any time soon.”