The Yukon was well represented at the 2019 Archery Canada Outdoor Target Nationals in Prince Albert, Sask from August 7-11. The territory had five archers competing, two with recurve bows and three with compounds.

For some of the archers, it was their first outdoor competition and coach Warren Kapaniuk said they all faired great even though the elements weren’t always on their side.

“By the afternoon the wind picked up,” said Kapaniuk. “We tell the archers in that situation to aim off and aim into the wind so the arrow will carry to the target or adjust the sight.

“Another big thing is the wind blows the archer. They need to learn to tense the core and stay steady.”

When shooting at indoor events the target sits 18 metres out from the archer. The distance at the outdoor tournaments extends much further. The archers were shooting at distances between 40 and 60 metres.

Compound Cub, the bow used and the age (cub archers at 13-14), Emmett Kapaniuk had the best result at Nationals placing first in his category.

At the younger end of the cub age range, Emmett had a great showing at the competition said his coach.

It was Emmett’s first time at an outdoor tournament.

On the final day of the competition, head-to-head match play was held. Kapaniuk said match play is becoming the standard for competitions throughout the world now as it is more exciting to watch and participate in.

At nationals, the match play was a separate event and Emmett won first in his category as well.

Vincent Menard, a compound junior, placed fourth in a category Kapaniuk described as some tough competition.

“The other three archers are representing Canada,” said Kapaniak. “Vincent hung in there and did incredibly well.”

Menard along with a few other Yukon archers were fighting the flu during Nationals. He was the only other archer along with Emmett to advance past the first round of match play.

Dawson archer Emma Tom Tom competing in the recurve cadet (15-17) was competing in only her third tournament outside the Yukon and first outdoor event. She placed sixth.

“To finish sixth is incredible,” said Kapaniuk.

What made Kapaniuk proud in Tom Tom’s performance is the self-motivation she showed throughout the season training in Dawson by herself.

“She would practice as often as she could,” said Kapaniuk. “I would be coaching her over the phone. She’s done so well and come so far. She has only shot for one year.

“She is focused. The lack of experience is made up for by the focus she shows when she steps to the line.”

Kapaniuk said a thank you was in order to Bombay Peggys for their support of Tom Tom.

Sofija Jewell, compound cadet, like Menard was fighting the flu at Nationals. It was also her first outdoor tournament.

“She just wanted to finish,” said Kapaniuk, “and get more experience shooting outdoors.”

The archery team has an outdoor range near the biathlon trails but it is forested and isn’t near the same as the conditions the archers were exposed to at Nationals.

“It was just a big open field with 59 targets across the field,” said Kapaniuk.

Recurve cadet, Wyatt Kapaniuk, came 11th in his first foray up an age level.

“The competition level is huge,” said Kapaniuk. “It is a giant step and he just wanted to get the experience.”

Kapaniuk said it was a successful trip for all the archers and he would expect all their scores to continue improving in upcoming competitions.

Les Johns helped get the arrows ready for the team so they could compete in the championship.