El Dorado archers get nationals berth

El Dorado's high school archery team finished fifth in the Arkansas National Archery in the Schools Program (ANASP) State Tournament, which qualified it for the National Tournament.

El Dorado scored 3307 to place behind Greene County Tech (3366), Waldron (3350), Alpena (3345) and Oden (3311).

Coach Cameron Alexander said the team will compete in the nationals, which will be a virtual event due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“The students have done great this year and I have been impressed at the improvements in many of our archers,” Alexander said. “Covid has moved all archery tournaments to being virtual. This means we shoot here in El Dorado. I wish the kids were getting the experiences of traveling and competing at state and nationals in person. However, we are working hard to make the best out of the situation.”

El Dorado, which claimed the regional championship this season, was led in girls by Lynley Smith, Becca Hooks and Ava Clark. The top boys' scorers were Ashton Yarbrough, Landen Rainwater and Peyton Howard.

“I expect a strong archery program in the years to come,” said Alexander. “Camron Hooks is a senior, and we will miss him. He has been in the top five scorers for our boys in both regionals and state. We are also losing Wilson Perdue. He shot excellent for us at state with a 279. We will miss him next year as well.

"However, we have several returning archers that should lead us to have success in the future.”