Two senior are leading a group of Washington archers to Louisville, Kentucky this week for the 2016 National Archery in the Schools Program’s National Shoot. The Washington High School, middle school, and Lincoln Elementary school teams all qualified for the national shoot with their overall performance at the Iowa National Archery in the Schools Program’s state shoot in Des Moines in March. However, because of expenses, the school will be represented by a single team comprised of students from all three squads.

This will mark the third straight season Jade Wells and Joseph Dalziel have participated in the largest archery tournament in the United States. Dalziel says having familiarity with the process the last two years has been helpful in preparing for this year’s national competition. To avoid putting pressure on their younger teammates, the seniors and the coaching staff are trying to get the other members of the group to look at the shoot as just another competition.

Washington’s senior archers both said the best part of the trip is meeting new people and the chance to compete next to students from other states. Last year, Wells said she befriended her shooting partner from the state of Indiana, saying the two keep in contact on social media.

The goal for Wells and Dalziel is the put together their best performances in Kentucky. Dalziel has his eyes set on a score of 280 or higher. His best score of the season came at the Washington Archery Shoot January 16, recording a 279. Wells is hoping to achieve a score of 287 or higher. She achieved scores of 287 twice as a senior the latest coming at Washington’s Archery Shoot on February 19. The National Archery in the Schools Program’s National Shoot takes place today through Saturday at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The Demons will compete in the bullseye shoot tomorrow, and are set to take part in the 3D shoot on Saturday.