On March 14, 2026, the NASP State Archery Tournament took place at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center in Gainesville, Florida. Hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the event gathered hundreds of student athletes from 522 schools across the state participating in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). This program integrates international target archery into the physical education curriculum for grades 4-12, providing a unique opportunity for students to engage in the sport.
The competition was fierce, but the Tampa Bay H.E.A.T., a homeschool association from Brandon, showcased remarkable talent by clinching the first place in both the Elementary and High School divisions, along with a second-place finish in the Middle School division. Meanwhile, Meigs Middle School from Shalimar excelled, winning the Middle School division with an impressive team score of 3,192.
Highlighting the Champions
Among the standout performers were Eli Damron and Abigail Cooper from Tampa Bay H.E.A.T., who were recognized as the top male and female archers in the 3D category, each receiving Bear Cruzer Ready to Hunt Bows as their prize. In the individual competitions, Joran Tokash (Tampa Bay H.E.A.T.) and Kiara Diaz (Baughman Homeschool) took home $7,000 each for their impressive first-place finishes in the male and female categories, respectively. Tokash scored a remarkable 286 with 20 perfect 10s, while Diaz closely followed with her score of 285, also achieving 20 perfect 10s.
Second place winners were Andy Cardona Cruz from Summerlin Academy and Abigail Cooper, both of whom received $5,000. The third-place finishers, Eric Lee from Choctawhatchee High School and Jocelyn Hannah from Geneva Classical Academy, were awarded $3,000 each. In the Elementary Division, Austin Reiss from SnowShine Homeschool led the boys with a score of 268, while Grace Lambeth from Precision Prep topped the girls’ scores with 273 points. In the High School Division, Andy Cardona Cruz led the boys with 286 points, and Abigail Cooper led the girls with 285 points.
The Importance of NASP
Bill Cline, FWC’s Hunter Safety and Public Shooting Ranges Section Leader, emphasized the significance of the NASP program for community building and personal development. The program, which has been a part of Florida’s educational offerings since February 2004, teaches archery to students in grades 4-12, promoting skills like discipline, respect, and self-control. Teachers undergo an 8-hour instructor training course before leading a two-week archery curriculum, covering a range of topics including safety, technique, and mental focus.
NASP not only fosters athletic skills but also encourages students who may not typically participate in sports to thrive. The program is designed to be inclusive, allowing students of all sizes and abilities to compete, including those with physical disabilities. As a result, many students find a newfound passion for archery, leading to positive impacts on their attitudes and engagement in school activities.
Looking Ahead
For those interested in participating in future tournaments, the Florida NASP State Tournament has an entry fee of $10.00 per archer, with awards available for top performers in each division. The next tournament is scheduled for April 12, 2025, at the same venue. Schools must provide arrows for their archers, and a practice range will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. This event promises to continue fostering skill and camaraderie among Florida’s youth.
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