Ohio County Archery just completed its 8th season with participant numbers that have nearly doubled since its creation in 2016. Retired and legendary Bridge Street Middle School Physical Education teacher, Rick Thomas, began with 42 students, 38 from his home school of BSMS. The program now houses between 75-80 students ranging from elementary to high school in age. “Archery is for all types of kids,” Thomas states, “and seeing these kids smile, have fun, and get excited when hitting that target is the absolute best part.”
Thomas has used his talents to train other schools and states on the archery program, and has helped bring archery to Brooke, Hancock, and Tyler counties as well as various schools in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Training is offered 6-7 times per year and typically sees participants from at least four other states. “Training can show how archery can be utilized in a PE class, but also how to create (their own) archery program as well,” Thomas adds.
Ohio County Archery hosted “A Shot in the Park” this past January at the Highlands Sports Complex. The event proved a massive success, drawing in 813 students participating from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, and even catching the attention of OVAC officials.
Thomas hopes to continue growing the program and has teamed up with many local businesses to create Ohio County Archery’s Summer Adventure Camp. The camp, scheduled for July 22nd-July 26th, is housed at Bridge Street Middle School from 6:00-8:00 P.M. The unique camp encompasses all things adventure: participants will fish, camp, kayak, bike, rock wall climb, and learn first aid and archery skills. Partners like Bass Pro, Ridge Riders, JK Tank Rental, Valley Grove Fire Department, Ohio Valley Mountain Men, and Shadyside DiscWerx have made the camp possible, but the camp and program could not thrive without the constant dedication and ideas from Thomas. “This started with a visit to Cabela’s last year,” Thomas states, “They had a giant outdoor pool and Cabela’s employees were teaching young students how to fish. The ideas just started rolling,” he adds laughing.
Summer Adventure Camp has 8 beginner spots and 14 advanced spots remaining. Check out more information by going to ohiocountyarchery.com, viewing Ohio County Archery on Facebook or by emailing Coach Thomas at rickthomas.oca@gmail.com.
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