July 7, 2026 – The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) proudly introduced its inaugural Grand Champion Award at the NASP® Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, recognizing the nation’s most accomplished all-around student archers through a new season-long championship.

Unlike traditional titles that reward a single outstanding performance, the Grand Champion Award recognizes archers who demonstrate consistent excellence across the entire season. To earn the title, competitors combined their scores from four premier NASP® events:

· National Bullseye

· National NASP® 3D

· Championship Bullseye

· Championship NASP® 3D

“The Grand Champion Award represents everything we hope to inspire through NASP®,” said Tommy Floyd. “It’s not about having one perfect day—it’s about learning the 11 Steps to Success, mastering consistency, and competing with excellent sportsmanship throughout an entire championship season. These student archers have proven they can excel in both Bullseye and NASP® 3D, and they have set the standard for what it means to be a Grand Champion.”

Because Grand Champion standings remained confidential, only the scoring room team knew who was truly in contention. Throughout the weekend, archers and coaches were busy tallying scores and trying to predict the outcome, but the inaugural title wasn’t officially decided until the final flight of arrows had been scored, creating one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.

2026 NASP® Grand Champions

Girls Division

Isabella Caplinger (8th Grade), Maysville Middle School, OH

· National NASP® 3D — 1st Place (297)

· National Bullseye — 2nd Place (296)

· Championship NASP® 3D — 1st Place (293)

· Championship Bullseye — 1st Place (291)

Boys Division

Callan Hignight (10th Grade), Magnet Cove High School, AR

· National NASP® 3D — 13th Place (294)

· National Bullseye — 3rd Place (296)

· Championship NASP® 3D — 1st Place (297)

· Championship Bullseye — 1st Place (297)

The inaugural Grand Champions demonstrated exactly what the award was created to recognize. While neither archer won every event, both consistently performed among the nation’s best across all four competitions to earn the highest combined scores of the season, proving that sustained excellence—not a single standout performance—defines a Grand Champion.

The Grand Champion Award itself is a work of art, thoughtfully designed and crafted by Christie Zimmer and Joel Zimmer, directors of NASP® 3D. NASP® is grateful for the time, talent, and creativity they invested in creating an award that reflects the prestige of the program’s newest honor. Their craftsmanship ensures the Grand Champion title will be celebrated with a trophy as exceptional as the achievement it represents.

The Grand Champion Award extends beyond Championship weekend. Through a partnership with the Archery Hall of Fame and Museum, located within the Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, each Grand Champion will be permanently recognized alongside some of the most influential names in the sport of archery. NASP® extends its sincere appreciation to Diane Miller and the entire Hall of Fame team for helping celebrate the achievements of NASP® student archers and preserving their place in archery history.

With both inaugural Grand Champions still eligible to compete in future NASP® seasons, the race to earn—or defend—the Grand Champion title has already become one of the most anticipated traditions in NASP® competition. To learn more visit www.naspschools.org.

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Every arrow released is an opportunity to become a better shooter. Whether you’re preparing for opening day, competing on the tournament circuit, or simply enjoying an afternoon at the range, quality practice starts with a target that can keep pace with today’s high-performance equipment.

The Predator Series from Delta McKenzie was designed with that goal in mind. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, the series gives archers a variety of target options that emphasize durability, easy transport, and long-lasting performance. From compact backyard targets to larger models suited for extended-range practice, the Predator lineup is built to handle the demands of modern compounds and crossbows.

One of the biggest advantages of the Predator Series is its versatility. Every archer practices differently. Some need a lightweight target that can be tossed into the truck for a weekend hunting trip, while others want a larger target face for dialing in sights or practicing at longer distances. By offering multiple sizes and configurations, the series allows shooters to choose the target that best matches their style of shooting instead of settling for a compromise.

Durability is another area where the Predator Series stands out. As bows continue to generate greater speeds and kinetic energy, targets are expected to absorb thousands of impacts without breaking down. The Predator lineup is engineered to withstand repeated shooting sessions while maintaining dependable stopping power. That means less time replacing worn-out targets and more time focusing on improving accuracy.

Arrow removal is another factor that can make or break a practice session. After dozens of shots, struggling to pull arrows from a target quickly becomes exhausting. The Predator Series is designed to strike a balance between securely stopping arrows and allowing them to be removed with reasonable effort, helping archers spend more time shooting and less time wrestling with their equipment.

For shooters who log hundreds or even thousands of arrows throughout the year, longevity matters. Several models within the Predator Series are designed to maximize target life, allowing high-impact areas to withstand continuous use over multiple seasons. This makes them a smart investment for dedicated archers who demand consistent performance from their practice equipment.

The Predator Series also reflects the reality that today’s archers use a wide range of equipment. From lightweight hunting setups to powerful flagship compounds and modern crossbows, these targets are designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of shooting styles. That versatility makes them equally at home in a backyard practice range, hunting camp, archery club, or pro shop.

At the end of the day, the best target is the one that encourages you to shoot more often. Reliable stopping power, dependable durability, and practical design all contribute to a better practice experience. The Predator Series delivers those qualities in a lineup that offers something for nearly every type of archer.

No matter where your next shot takes you, confidence begins long before you step into the woods or onto the competition line. It starts with quality practice, and having a target that’s ready for thousands of arrows is one of the best investments an archer can make.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

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Bowtech Archery continued its momentum on the 2026 ASA Pro/Am circuit this past weekend in Metropolis, Illinois, as Team Bowtech professional shooters battled challenging weather conditions to deliver two standout podium performances.

Paige Pearce claimed the top spot in the Women’s Known Pro division, adding another ASA victory to her impressive 2026 season. Pearce delivered a composed, consistent performance throughout the weekend, securing first place against one of the deepest fields in professional archery.

In the Senior Known Pro division, Tim Gillingham earned a third-place finish, marking his second consecutive podium since returning to Team Bowtech. The back-to-back podium appearances reinforce Gillingham’s immediate impact after rejoining the Bowtech roster and highlight the consistency that has made him one of the sport’s most accomplished competitors.

“Watching Paige and Tim perform at this level is exactly what Team Bowtech is built around,” said Todd Snader, Director of Marketing for Bowtech. “Paige continues to prove why she’s one of the most dominant competitors in professional archery, and seeing Tim return to Bowtech and immediately put together back-to-back podium finishes says everything about the shooter he is. Our goal has always been to build equipment that performs when the pressure is highest, and it’s rewarding to see that performance validated on one of the biggest stages in competitive archery.”

The results continue a strong season for Team Bowtech as the ASA tour heads into its final stretch. With athletes competing at the highest level, Bowtech remains committed to delivering equipment engineered for repeatable accuracy, confidence, and championship-level performance.

For more information about Bowtech Archery and its complete lineup of premium compound bows, visit BowtechArchery.com.

Founded in 1999, Bowtech Archery has built its reputation by pushing boundaries and redefining performance in the archery industry. Driven by innovation and precision, Bowtech develops equipment for hunters and shooters who demand more when it matters most.

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Notable finishes include Jimmy Lutz taking home 2 gold medals in Men’s Team Compound and Compound Mixed Team. Isaac Sullivan took home the Bronze in Men’s Compound. Curtis Broadnax qualified 3^rd for the shootdown in Metropolis but the event was called due to rain and he ended with the 3^rd place position and moved up to 2^nd in the race for Shooter of the Year.

Lutz & Sullivan relied on their trusted setup featuring Carbon Express Nano Pro RZ 350 arrows, Shore Shot Tungsten Points. Designed specifically for elite-level compound field and target archery, the Nano Pro RZ combines Carbon Express’ proprietary Tri-Spine Weight Forward technology with 360° Spine Technology for unmatched consistency, faster recovery, and exceptional long-range accuracy. The Nano Pro RZ arrows will be available worldwide this month. Curtis is shooting his new setup of the Maxima XL 27s with Tri-Spine technology. The first large diameter Tri-Spine arrow in the market. Jimmy also continued to use his TruFire Rivet.

“When I had to make the 1 arrow shoot off to win Bronze I knew I had the best arrow for the job,” said Isaac Sullivan, Professional Shooter for Carbon Express. To See our entire team perform at the highest level and on the world stage makes us proud. We have picked an amazing team and will continue to grow stronger!

Carbon Express Arrows were engineered for archers demanding ultimate precision and consistency. Featuring Carbon Express’ laser-sorted spine technology and weight-matched construction, built to deliver repeatable performance shot after shot under the most demanding competition conditions.

We wish our entire Pro-Staff Team Success in their upcoming events and look forward to sharing more of our team’s success.

For more information on Carbon Express arrows and accessories, visit your local dealer or learn more at CarbonExpressArrows.com.

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The Championship marked the culmination of a remarkable season that brought together student archers, coaches, families, volunteers, and conservation partners from across North America. The event featured competition in both the traditional Bullseye format and the rapidly growing NASP®3D discipline. One thing was evident throughout the season: NASP® students love archery.

More than 3,100 student archers representing 40 states and one Canadian province participated in the Championship, making it one of the largest youth shooting sports events in the world. Complete tournament results are available at https://nasptournaments.org/NationalWorld.aspx.

Held at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, the NASP® Championship once again demonstrated why the city has become a premier destination for archers and their families.

“We love coming to Daytona,” said NASP® President Tommy Floyd. “The beach has become a tremendous destination for NASP® archers and their families. The support we receive from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff, local volunteers, and our sponsors helps make this event possible each year.”

NASP® Vice President Jeff Rawlinson added, “This was a fantastic event and one of the best tournament seasons we’ve ever experienced. We are especially excited about the continued launch and growth of NASP®3D and grateful to the coaches and families who attend our tournaments and help make them some of the largest youth shooting sports events in the world.”

A highlight of Championship weekend was the annual NASP® Scholarship Shoot-Off, where the nation’s top Bullseye and 3D archers competed for scholarship awards in an exciting head-to-head format. The shoot-off once again showcased the exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and composure of NASP® student archers.

The Championship recognized academic excellence through the NASP® Academic Archer program. The top male and female academic archers in each division, six students total, were honored for their outstanding achievements both in the classroom and on the range. Each recipient received an Easton prize package in recognition of their dedication to academics, leadership, and archery.

The Championship also featured the presentation of the inaugural NASP® Grand Champion Award, recognizing the top overall male and female archer who demonstrated excellence across both Bullseye and NASP®3D competition. The award was determined using the combined scores from National Bullseye, National NASP® 3D, Championship Bullseye, and Championship NASP®3D, rewarding archers who performed consistently across all four events throughout the season.

Grand Champion Male – Callan Hignight, Grade 10, MAGNET COVE HIGH SCHOOL, AR.

Grand Champion Female – Isabella Caplinger, Grade 8, MAYSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL, OH.

The success of the Championship would not have been possible without the dedication and support of numerous partners and volunteers. NASP® extends sincere appreciation to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff, local volunteers, tournament officials, coaches, and parents who contributed countless hours to the event.

Special thanks are also extended to NASP®’s sponsors, state fish and wildlife agency and conservation partners whose continued support helps provide opportunities for students nationwide to participate in archery and outdoor education programs.

“Our volunteers, coaches, and parents are truly the foundation of these events,” Floyd said. “Their commitment allows students to experience competition, build confidence, and create lifelong memories through archery.”

As the 2025–2026 tournament season ends, NASP® celebrates not only the accomplishments of its student archers, but also the educators, coaches, families, agencies, and volunteers who make the program possible.

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Athletes using Easton X10 arrows earned gold medals in every individual and team division at the Antalya 2026 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 3 across both recurve and compound competition.

Contested in challenging conditions at the World Cup finals venue in Antalya, the event brought together the world’s top archers. Throughout qualification rounds, elimination matches, and medal competition, the X10 was used by athletes competing at the highest level of the sport.

For more than two decades, the X10 has been used by many of the sport’s most accomplished archers at World Cups, World Championships, and the Olympic Games. Its aluminum-carbon construction has made it a longstanding choice for elite target competition.

For more information on Easton X10 arrows and Easton’s complete lineup of target archery equipment, visit www.eastonarchery.com

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Eugene, OR – Bowtech Archery is proud to announce the return of professional archer, hunter, and industry icon Tim Gillingham to Team Bowtech.

One of the most accomplished and respected archers in the sport, Gillingham brings decades of competitive success, bowhunting experience, and product expertise back to the brand. His return marks the reunion of two names synonymous with performance, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tim back to Bowtech,” said Colin Legge, Executive Vice President of Bowtech Archery. “Tim’s reputation as both a competitor and a bowhunter speaks for itself. He has always demanded the very best from his equipment, and his decision to return to Bowtech is a strong endorsement of the products, people, and vision driving our brand forward. We look forward to working together as we continue to elevate performance and innovation for archers around the world.”

For Gillingham, the decision to return was an easy one.

“I’m so excited to be back with Bowtech shooting what I’ve always felt was the very best bow on the market,” said Gillingham. “The performance, shootability, reliability, and technology built into these bows continue to set the standard, and I’m looking forward to competing, hunting, and helping showcase what Bowtech is capable of again.”

Gillingham will work closely with Bowtech across competitive archery, hunting initiatives, and product evaluation, bringing valuable insight and real-world experience to the continued development of future products. His return further strengthens Bowtech’s commitment to partnering with proven archers who demand uncompromising performance both on the tournament range and in the field.

For more information about Bowtech Archery and its complete lineup of premium compound bows, visit BowtechArchery.com.

About Bowtech Archery: Founded in 1999, Bowtech Archery has built its reputation by pushing boundaries and redefining performance in the archery industry. Driven by innovation and precision, Bowtech develops equipment for hunters and shooters who demand more when it matters most.

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YANKTON, S.D. – Five archers added USA Archery 3D Nationals titles to the Field Nationals they had claimed just 24 hours earlier, with a further seven more medaling in both.

Ava Jones (barebow women), Marcel Laurens (barebow 50+ men), Cody Hasson (traditional men), Joella Bates and Michael Davenport (both longbow) were the five to triumph in both forms of the sport following three days of competition at the Gavin’s Point Archery Range just outside Yankton. Field Nationals took place on Thursday and Friday, with 3D Nationals unfolding on Saturday.

Grady Kane took Field Nationals gold in compound U21 men before claiming silver compound men at 3D Nationals, behind Adam Winey. Michael Rossiter is the new 3D Nationals champion in the recurve 50+ men’s division, having taken silver in Field Nationals.

While Jones (pictured) claimed the barebow women’s national title in both disciplines, Erin Hollom manage silver in both. Chloe Crandall emerged with gold and silver in barebow, claiming the U21 women’s title at Field Nationals and departing with 3D Nationals bronze in the senior division.

Jacob Olmstead and Gabriel Urgelles each left with one gold and one silver in barebow U21 men. Olmstead won Field Nationals by two points from Urgelles, with the latter victorious by four points on Saturday.

Jon Starks was another to podium in both events, taking traditional men silver in 3D Nationals and bronze in Field Nationals, while Stephanie Correa went even better, winning Field Nationals gold in traditional women before settling for silver at 3D Nationals.

A full list of scores from the USA Archery 3D Nationals can be found here, with photos from the event as well, including awards.

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MEDELLIN, Colombia – It was a case of quality providing quantity as the United States topped the medal table at the 2026 Pan American Youth and Masters Championships, with a haul of 11 gold, nine silver and 11 bronze, while also setting new standards along the way.

Mark Williams and Janis Grellner set a new world record in recurve 50+ mixed team, shooting 1239, before marching on to win gold. Williams finished with three gold medals, taking top spot in individual recurve 50+ men and then winning recurve 50+ men team alongside Ali Gungoraydinoglu and Mark Hainline.

“Medellin has been fantastic,” Williams commented. “They’ve put on an amazing tournament. Team USA has been very successful. It has been an honor to represent the USA. What a privilege to be here. Thank you USA Archery for organizing this for our team.”

Grellner also won individual bronze in recurve 50+ women, with teammate Jamie McCarrison taking the gold. Grellner added, “All competitors shot well and the host country did a wonderful job! I’m grateful for the achievement of the recurve 50+ mixed team world record. I’m honored to represent our country and to earn the world record!”

Gungoraydinoglu, Hainline and Williams set a new Games and Continental record in recurve 50+ men team with a combined total of 1897.

Paige Lee was another multi-medalist, winning gold in recurve U15 women and silver in recurve U15 mixed team with Anirduhkalyan Pinjala. Paige’s score of 688 during qualification is another Games and Continental record, as is her combined score of 1352 with Pinjala.

Paige said, “I love being able to wear the USA jersey and represent my country doing what I love. It has been such an amazing experience meeting athletes from other countries and competing against them. I’m so grateful for this opportunity!”

Others returning home with more than one medal include Eliana Son (bronze, recurve U21 women; silver, recurve U21 mixed team), Jack Chen (gold, recurve U18 men team; bronze, recurve U18 mixed team), Madelyn Yi (gold, recurve U18 women; silver, recurve U18 women team), Yeshaswini Tati (silver, recurve U18 women team; bronze, recurve U18 women) and Zoie Thompson (silver, compound U21 women; bronze, compound U21 women team).

The USA claimed 12 of the 14 medals up for grabs in the barebow division, including a silver for Nathan Lee in U15 men and women. His score in qualification was 621, yet another Games and Continental best for the outstanding USA.

Find a full list of the medals here, plus all the scores and results from the 2026 Pan American Youth and Masters Championships.

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The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) is proud to recognize the generosity and servant leadership demonstrated by NASP® schools, coaches, and student archers during the 2025–2026 NASP® St. Jude E-Championship Charity Tournament Series. Together, participating schools voluntarily raised $35,152.09 in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Hosted through NASPtournaments.org, the monthly virtual tournaments provide schools an opportunity to compete in the familiar NASP® format while also supporting children and families facing life-threatening illnesses. Participation in the fundraiser portion is entirely optional, making the effort especially meaningful for the schools and coaches who choose to participate.

NASP® would like to recognize the fundraising schools of the season that raised $500 or more and inspired a culture of service among their archers, encouraging students to continue shooting arrows in support of others.

• Centennial High School IL
• Cornerstone Full Gospel OH
• Prosper High School TX
• Pelion Elementary School SC
• Heritage Academy MD
• Saint Mary Catholic School FL
• Old Greenbrier Baptist WV
• Somerset Christian School KY
• Bolton Academy LA
• Mill Creek OK
• Russellville Middle School MO

“Our gratitude to the NASP® BAIs across the country who continue to make the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital fundraisers a priority,” said Tommy Floyd. “These wonderful NASP® instructors are teaching so much more than just archery. Their student-archers are learning the value of ‘doing’ for others and no doubt, feel the pride that comes with supporting such a worthwhile cause as SJCRH.”

He continued, “Thank you NASP® coaches, teams, and individuals that have made this worthwhile fundraising effort an annual success. This is a great example of what NASP® continues to emphasize across its 10,000 schools; NASP® is changing lives, one arrow at a time!”

One participating program, Prosper High School, shared how the fundraiser reflects the culture of their archery community. Jennifer, a Prosper coach, said, “Supporting St. Jude teaches our archers something bigger than competition: the power of giving back,” she shared. “It reminds them that their efforts can make a real difference in the lives of children and families who are fighting unimaginable battles.”

Centennial High School archery coach Heather Miller stated, “The fight against childhood cancer hits close to home, as one of our current senior archers was cured of cancer by St. Jude Children’s Hospital as a young boy and remains in remission. For the past four seasons the Centennial Charger Archery Team stepped up for this important cause by hosting a special St. Jude internal tournament for archers and their families and implementing other fundraising efforts.” Each year, Centennial continues to beat previous record donations. Their archers and families are one amazing example of how NASP® students are making a difference in their lives and others.

While NASP® is built around the safe instruction of archery and the 11 Steps to Archery Success, efforts like the St. Jude E-Championship continue to demonstrate that NASP® programs are also developing leadership, compassion, teamwork, and service-minded students in schools across the country.

Schools interested in participating in future St. Jude E-Championship events can learn more at NASP® St. Jude E-Championship Charity Tournament Series.

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