HLP Thunderbird Archery

02/21/2025

The March-April Montana Outdoors (magazine) features an article about archery, including a couple photos of HLP students.

01/15/2025

When I left last spring (retired) I had a couple people lined up to keep the archery program going at HLP. Unfortunately they both had changes in their job situations, so that didn't work out. This past fall I encouraged several folks involved with the school to see if they can find a way to keep it going, but to no avail. The state tournament is March 18-19 in Helena. I'd sure like to see the HLP kids there. -Benson

These photos are from a big tournament that I helped with in Missoula this past Monday (1/13/25).

04/08/2024

We may have to try a little William Tell style archery this week. What! You don't know the legend of William Tell? Then you'd better watch this YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLLVpcVFKe4&t=130s

03/21/2024

Here are the photos from the state archery tournament in Helena. Enjoy! Click on the photo below to access the album. Thanks to Bruce and Louwanna for all the help on the trip!

50 new items added to shared album

03/20/2024

Another state archery tournament is in the books! The trip went well, the weather was great, and I'm proud of the way our kids represented HLP! We got back to Hays at 10 pm Tuesday.

Our Thunderbirds did good, finishing second in the 3D competition and second in the target competition (the main event) as well. Our team score was higher this year, but the competition was tougher (more schools involved). James Sullivan was our top performer again, earning a silver medal in the high school boys 3D event and a top 10 finish in the main event. Several others finished in the top 10 in the 3D and target events. Here's a link to the photo album. https://photos.app.goo.gl/W2mFsKPWNXkL1rsC6

03/17/2024

STATE BOUND on Monday morning! Bring your permission slips and your purple hoodies!

Here are the lists of the students who will be representing HLP in the state archery tournament on Monday afternoon and Tuesday. Everyone needs to be ready to load up at 8 am Monday morning. So, if you want to eat breakfast, be at the school earlier. I have included the itinerary in this post.

03/08/2024

Brad Snell (with yellow bow in photo), joined the "250 Club" during our "shoot for state" competition this past week. Brad has been shooting 2-3 times per week all winter, and has been one of our top archers in every competition. He shot a 252, moving into the number 2 spot behind James Sullivan (258).

Due to the school closure this past Wednesday, we still have a few students who need to get a chance to shoot for state. Hopefully, they can get their rounds in on Monday, so I can finalize the state team.

Here are the current top 5 boys and girls - all will be state bound! The remaining slots on the state team will be determined early this coming week.

1. James Sullivan 258
2. Brad Snell 252
3. Axel Swan 251
4. Ethan Jones 247
5. Calvin Tumalak 241

1. JoJo Russell 247
2-3. Nina Fox and Amara Speakthunder 245
4. Shaydyn Blount 242
5. Diana Old Elk 239

Photo was taken at the Great Falls competition earlier this winter.

03/03/2024

The state tournament is just two weeks away!

We'll have our "shoot for state" opportunity this week. Everyone gets one more chance to improve their score in hopes of making the state team. It looks like some of our best state finishers* from last year are opting out :(, so that improves everyone else's chances :).

*Those "best state finishers from last year" (all seniors) still have a chance to participate at state, but they need to get in 4 practices before the end of the day on March 14th. -Benson

02/22/2024

STATE BOUND?

Basketball is over with, so it's time to start focussing on the state archery tournament, which will be in Helena on March 18-19. We will take 12 boys and 12 girls.

ATTENTION SENIORS - How well we do in Helena is up to you. You haven't been practicing :( but there is still time to get your shooting eyes back. If you want to go, you need to be in the top 12 AND you need to attend at least 4 practices between today and March 14th - same goes for sophomore girls (none of you have been practicing either) :(.