Although the “Sharpshooter” nickname disappeared after Wayne County’s school consolidations, archery teams from Wayne County schools are carrying on the sharpshooter legacy in a different sport.
Lincoln Middle School and Northeastern’s middle and high schools are sending students to a national archery tournament.
Kyra Elliott, a seventh grader at Lincoln Middle School, won first place in the bullseye contest of Indiana’s National Archery in the Schools Program during the March 8 state contest, scoring 285/300. Elliott placed first among 149 seventh graders, first out of 414 middle schoolers and 11th out of a field of 977 girls.
Elliott is currently ranked 10th in the nation in her division. That ranking became available after states completed their championship tournaments.
Elliott also placed fifth among 56 seventh graders, ninth among 150 middle schoolers and 32 out of 292 girls in the 3D category, so she’ll compete in both events during NASP’s May 8-10 U.S. Eastern Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky.
Coleson Burdette, also a seventh grader at Lincoln Middle School, scored 274/300 to earn fifth place in the 3D challenge, and will also compete at the nationals.
Lincoln eighth grader Andi Lakes scored 266/300 during the state Bullseye competition., fifth grader Adam Elliott scored 239/300 and Westley Burdette scored 236/300. The Lincoln team is coached by Craig Pennington.
Western Wayne Schools’ board recognized their accomplishments at their March 12 meeting.
More than 13,000 shooters from across the country are expected to compete at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Northeastern is sending its middle and high school teams to the national contest. Each team includes 24 members and is coached by Brian Richmond.
Northeastern High School competitors at the state tournament included Annie Hickel, Noah Willett, Karlee Delucio, Dakota Booker, Kaci Schepman, Samantha Whallon, Kaylie Perry, Haylee Brown, Aidan Leddington, Bailey Berhalter, Cheyenne Booker, Kevin Muckridge, Regan Haynes, Alicen Cassel, Whitney Burkhart, Leeann Wadsworth, Charlie Roberts, Ayden Alcorn, Austin Robles, Breanna Day, Faithlyn Musselman and Samara Carr. Scores were not available for team members Aerriana Johnson and Brianna Shaw.
In addition, nine Northeastern seniors each received a $500 scholarship. A total of 81 Indiana seniors received a scholarship.
At the state meet, Northeastern Middle School student Ethan Clark received a Challenge Coin from NASP officials. They said he showed integrity and honesty beyond his years that day.
NMS’ state competitors included Addison Schubert, Makenna Burdette, Briar Van Hoorebeke, Easton Koch, Bryson Henemyre, Kole Allen, Dalton Houser, Caleb Byrum, Hayden Goble, Davis Spurlock, Spencer Smith, Ember Shouse, Grayson Pierce, Oliver Breitenbach, Bryson Koch, Devin Burnett, Aryus Pentecost, Emma Lipps, Kynlee Burnett, Dallas Brookshear, Hailey Garwood, Hunter Thomas, Becca Doerflein and Clark.
Although the school districts haven’t announced fundraising targets, financial support is needed to help pay students’ travel and competition expenses. Registration is $35 per student. Contributions can be sent to LMHS, 205 E. Parkway Drive, Cambridge City, IN 47327; and Northeastern High School, 7295 U.S. 27, Fountain City, IN 47341.
On April 15, coaches will learn what time and date their archers compete, which will help families make their travel plans.
The Northeastern school board is scheduled to recognize its NMS and NHS teams at its meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, in the cafeteria.
A version of this article appeared in the March 19 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.