By Alex Lauricio

You notice the wind blow in your direction. The sun is just angled right to give you the perfect window to release the bowstring—your arrow flies, and your eyes follow. You take a deep breath and retrieve your arrow, eager to face the rinse-and-repeat of the art of archery.

The most recent addition to the roster of sports clubs hosted by the Athletes’ Council (AthC) fosters a niche community of bow-wielding, quiver-carrying archers. This newly-found Archery organization is home to both budding recruits and seasoned experts within the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS).

Moderated by Coach Merida, the Archery org hits target-after-target in the grassy fields beside the Formation Learning Center (FLC), setting up paper targets against a wooden board during its organization sessions.

“Archery is the art of shooting an arrow. It is the practice of aiming an arrow on a bow, and mastering that skill,” said Marcus Suner, head of the Archery org in the ASHS.

In contrast to other sports that are dependent on fast reactions, the power of archery draws from inner focus— “Archery is centered around focus and stillness,” said Marcus. In between locking eyes with your target and releasing the bowstring is a world full of deep breaths and clarity.

There is a vivid rinse-and-repeat process of stocking up your quiver full of bows and offloading them one-by-one onto your target. The shooting-gathering process encompasses the core loop of archery, with you getting better with each cycle and iteration.

The Evolution of Archery

Armed with a bow and arrow, and fitted with the many different accessories, archery is a sport that has been carefully molded and shaped by history and technology—fulfilling different roles to suit the varying demands the come with the passing of time.

In prehistory, it was originally a tool for hunting. Bows encompassed the distance between prey and predator; packing a powerful punch to any creature that would get caught by any arrow. Eventually, the humble bow quickly became used to shoot people instead of animals. From a widespread tool, it became a weapon of war—thus becoming an icon between ranged infantrymen.

It wasn’t until the advent of gunpowder that archery saw its transition into a modern sport. The 18th century saw the revival of archery as a recreational and competitive sport, and it wasn’t until the year 1900 when it would be introduced as a sport in the Paris Olympics.

Pop culture figures including Disney’s very own Brave and the movie adaptation of the Hunger Games books contain characters that have used bows and arrows. You may even remember a thief that stole from the rich—Robin Hood.

In Ateneo, it was first introduced as an elective for Physical Education in Grade 11 in SY 2022-2023, and for Grade 12 during this year. The creation of the Archery organization under AthC further solidifies the presence of archery within the Atenean community.

#ShootYourShot

While it may take an experienced hand to land a few good shots at a target, there are essentially no entry requirements to join the Archery organization—we all start off somewhere, and the organization is dedicated to cater to both first-timers and veterans within the archery community.

For those without proper bow equipment, the Archery organization is willing to shoulder a couple of bows and arrows for its members, but if you have a bow yourself and have it personalized with accessories, then you are free to bring it.

Among the values that will be taught to each budding archer, there will be a rigid focus on “discipline, mental focus, and patience,” said Marcus. These core principles are what differentiates archery from other fast-paced sports.

“We aim to revive or stoke the student body’s interest and heart for the art of archery through the formation of a tightly knit community of archers,” Marcus expressed.

The advent of the new Archery org highlights the revival of a community of archers within the ASHS, bringing life to a niche sport and spotlighting it so that it may be seen by a wider audience.

Thumbnail from Loyola Archery Club