Offutt archers keep eyes on target

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter R.O. Danielson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  There's a slight chill in the crisp spring air. It's quiet in the field, and the dewy grass rustles gently with each breeze.
 
A pause in the wind comes, and a subtle snap echoes through the clearing. A blur of motion shifts 40 yards, slamming home into a set of brightly-painted circles. The blur quivers, now more clearly recognized as an arrow, buried deep inside the target. Bulls-eye!

"It's a real joy to get people involved in the sport," said Samuel Hines, an Offutt intramural archery representative. Mr. Hines' interest in archery started in fourth grade, and he has continued that passion after his military retirement with local, regional and national archery tournaments.

As a military retiree, Mr. Hines has made sure Offutt archers have a place to practice and enjoy their sport since 2003. After his retirement, he helped move the archery range to the old Rod and Gun Club, and then to a spot at the base lake.

This year, a new area has opened up for the bowmen, one that can accommodate anything from a 15-yard practice session to an Olympic-sized 90-yard competition. This area comes in handy during Offutt's third annual intramural archery tournament.

Each week, tournament teams, made up of between three and six people, go out to the archery range to shoot a 300-point round, either with 30 arrows worth up to 10 points apiece or 60 arrows worth five points each. Teammates may go to the range individually.

However, Mr. Hines seeing others enjoy his sport enhances his enjoyment.

"What means the most to me is watching the young Airmen come out with their families after long deployments," said Mr. Hines. "I just want people to try it, to take advantage of this field and the great Nebraska weather."

While the tournament started during the first week of May, teams are still being encouraged to join. Once they've paid the dues of $12 a person, new teams can shoot multiple rounds to catch up to the current round.

Archers may use any type of bow they'd like, which is balanced in the tournament by using a handicap.

"I could go out there and shoot a 300, but someone with a longbow without sights might outscore me," said Mr. Hines. "The handicap is what makes it fun."

While some people tease target shooters by calling them "paper hunters," Mr. Hines said he recognizes the value for all archers to join a competitive league.

"The big push in the sport is bow hunting, and most people who get involved (in intramurals) are bow hunters who are learning how to shoot a new bow, or keeping sharp for the season by ranging bows and getting practice," he added.

"Just because you have a high ops tempo, doesn't mean you should let your skills suffer for it," said Mr. Hines. "I feel like I wasted 20 years by not staying involved."

For more information about Offutt's Intramural Archery League, visit http://digitalperspective.org/OffuttAFB2010IntramuralArchery.aspx.