Quesnel’s archers proved once again they are among the finest in the province with a trio of gold medals in last week’s (Sept. 13-15) 55+ BC Games in Cranbrook.
Stu Murray, 56, won gold in the 55-62 group for 3D shooting as well another in the combined field target event, while Al Fleck, 70 came out on top in the 70+ group in 3D shooting too.
Murray says the results were a nice surprise.
“I never expected to get the gold,” he says. “I didn’t know who I’d be competing against as there were people from all across the province, so it was nice to end up with two golds.”
READ MORE: Triple gold for Quesnel River Archers
The target shooting event took place over two days (Sept 14-15) and involved shooting at targets throughout a field and a 900 round, where archers shot 30 arrows each at distances of 25 metres, 35 metres and 45 metres.
The 3D event saw competitors walking through a set-up course where they had to shoot at 40 foam animals from specific places along the way. These events mimic actual hunting, as the archers walk through trees and fire at targets which are strategically placed behind obstacles.
For two competitors from Quesnel to both excel at the same event is quite an achievement.
“It was pretty tough competition for the 3D and event tougher for target,” says Fleck, who was competing for the first time in 10 years. “[A lot of competitors] are from the Lower Mainland, so they can shoot year round.”
READ MORE: Quesnel archers hit the target in Prince George
Fleck got down to the area a little early to shoot, as he had not been practising all that much leading up to the games. He had to settle for target shooting, as the 3D course is not open to anybody until the games themselves, to ensure an even playing field.
“I really enjoyed it,” Fleck says of the experience. “So I think I’ll look at a different bow and upgrade a bit.”
Murray says he will be starting to shoot indoors in October and hopes to compete in the provincial championships in Victoria next spring.
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