The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Hitting the mark
Archery program provides another outlet for fun
Elyria students looking for an afterschool activity may want to take aim at Elyria Parks and Recreation’s archery program.
The once-a-week program has two opportunities for the fall and winter for inspiring archers to learn the basics of the skill.
“It’s something that our director wanted to add to our offerings,” said Jason Groboske, activities supervisor for Elyria Parks and Recreation. “The National Archery in Schools Program was holding a seminar and holding the proper training for archery. It’s mainly for schools, but they had some openings and asked local recreation departments which allowed us to add it.
“This was back in 2012, and it has been a solid program for us.”
Groboske said each class will take place over a fiveweek period.
“We have 45-minute sessions that cover the basics kids will need to get going,” he said. “Range safety is one of the main things you go over. You always need to be aware of where people are firing and get them to understand the importance of doing things safely.”
Groboske said the next part is to look at the fundamentals.
“We look at certain things like the right stance to take,” he said. “Sometimes you see kids that want to square up with the target. I then need to correct them and have them point one foot forward. I then make sure they aim with their front shoulder and show them how to properly release.”
Groboske said he has seen some issues with people wanting to grip the bow with their dominant hand.
“That is the natural instinct, to grab an object with the hand you are most comfortable with using,” he said. “Archery is different in the sense that you hold the bow with the other hand. It can be a tough habit to break but really the first hurdle for archers.”
Groboske said he usually gets around a half dozen per session. Thomas Hutchinson, 11, from Lorain, aims at the target.
“There aren’t a ton of kids in for each session, but it has been a good program for those who attend,” he said. “The first couple of weeks is really all it takes for kids to learn the proper way of doing things. The remaining meetings are used to
continue to improve what they’ve learned.”
Groboske said archery provides a good outlet for young people.
“It’s a good alternative to ball sports,” he said. “It gives the opportunity for someone to participate regardless of skill level or athleticism. Sports teach kids discipline and this is a way for someone, who may not be the most coordinated, to be a part of it. We can also have all levels, grades fourth through 12th, participating at the same time because it’s not physically against one another.” Groboske said it’s not too difficult to get started in archery.
“An average bow will cost you anywhere from $50 to $100,” he said. “Then it’s just a matter of working at it and improving on the repetition. It’s something almost anyone can do, and you can do it for your whole life.”
Thomas Hutchinson, a Lorain sixth-grader, said he enjoys archery.
“It helps me to focus my mind,” the 11-year-old said. “It relaxes me when I get too anxious. I feel like I keep improving which is good, and the instructor does a good job. I’ve learned a lot and look forward to each session.”
Ashleigh Walter, a 10-year-old fifth-grader from Grafton, said she is enjoying the sport.
“It’s very unique compared to the other sports,” she said. “I’ve been shooting a bow for about two years now. I’m glad this program is available, and I feel that I have improved.”
The next group of archery sessions will run from Jan. 8 to Feb. 5 in Elyria’s South Recreation Center, 101 S. Park Drive. The registration deadline ends Jan. 7.
The program costs $38 or $48 for non-residents. Sessions run from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.
“Archery is different in the sense that you hold the bow with the other hand. It can be a tough habit to break but really the first hurdle for archers.”
— Jason Groboske, activities supervisor for Elyria Parks and Recreation