Despite lacking a proper facility to regularly train at, Castlegarians Kyle Kallin and Trevor McGregor have their sights set on medalling at the upcoming B.C. Winter Games in Vernon on Feb. 23-25.
The two had to travel to Cranbrook on November 26 for the Kootenay zone try-out.
“We went to their archery club and we had to shoot sixty rounds,” said McGregor.
The two have been practicing at home to get ready for the games.
“I practice outside my house since we don’t have an archery club in Castlegar,” said Kallin.
The two are members of the B.C. Archery Association and have competed in several meets throughout B.C.
“We both shoot quite a bit for 3D, which is target shooting,” said McGregor. “It’s shooting at foam animals.”
The boys have been been to shoots in Rock Creek, Nelson, Creston, and Cranbrook.
In the winter games, the two will be shooting Compound bows and be using fixed targets.
“Everytime we go to Cranbrook, that’s what we shoot at,” said McGregor. “It’s easier than shooting 3D. You can see it a little easier. It’s a set distance. You always stand 18 meters from the target.”
Neither archer has been to a provincial meet before but are eager to go up against the best.
“We’re looking forward to the fun and the experience of the games,” said Kallin.
The Kootenay zone archery coach is Elaine Johnson of Cranbrook.
“They’re doing really well,” she said. “Their scores are getting better every time I see them.”
Johnson says that most of the Kootenay archers are from Cranbrook and the team practices there four times a week.
Kallin and McGregor are only able to make it to Saturday practices.
“We practice every Saturday here for the Castlegar kids,” she said. “Kyle and Trevor practice nearly every day at home. I think they’ll do fairly well at the games. There scores are above average.”
Johnson said that competition is different with increased pressure, “But they seem pretty relaxed. I think they’ll do fine.”
