New Prague's archery program is an excellent gauge to measure the growth of the sport, both state and nationwide.
The initial club season brought out a total of 28 archers, ranging from fourth- through 12th-graders, to participate in the sport. Eight years later, that same club is averaging about 160 archers per season, with 40 to 50 of those competing in the high school division. There also are elementary and middle divisions.
The club operates in accordance with the National Archery in the Schools Program, which was developed to serve educational and conservation purposes. It was co-created by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, the state's department of education and Mathews Archery in 2001.
"NASP is really what you want to make of it," said Champlin Park coach Barry Boevers, who serves as the organization's state tournament director. "Some schools are really competitive while others are in just to participate.
"New Prague has a very, very large club. It has a very active program."
Boys and girls compete together for individual and team archery honors. A team consists of as many as 24 participants. For scoring purposes, the top four boys, top four girls and top four of either gender are used for the team aggregate. A school may have multiple teams compete in the same division.
"I honestly don't notice the difference," said Callie Schroeder, a New Prague junior who joined the club as a seventh-grader. "I just look at it as another competitor."
Schroeder won the girls' state championship in 2014. She recorded a 296 out of a possible 300, which topped the boys' highest score.