Black River Archery, LLC.

The Black River Archery Team (B.R.A.T.s) competed in the 3D Archery season Champion today with 6 Top Podium spots and three kids winning Shooter of the Year Champions.

First up Mixed Cubs
Zac Adkins won 1st Place sealing his position of Shooter of the year state champion

Lily Baca took second place, solidifying her position as season runner-up.

In the youth female division

Ashley Etzel finished in 1st Place and won the 2024 State Champion

Skylar Martin finished in 2nd Place and finished 3rd overall for the season.

Aspen Baca finished in 3rd Place today and second overall for the season Championship.

Becky Bonar finished in 4th Place today and in 4th Place on the season overall.

Youth Male.

Kaleb Cain finished in1st Place today and finished the 2024 Season as Champion.

Congratulations to all B.R.A.T.s members on a competitive outdoor 3D Season.

On August 24, the team will compete in the Ohio Archers Association 900. Hopefully to add more to the list of State of Ohio Championships as several Team members are in contention in that state organization as well.

Over the past weekend Black River Archery youth shooter, Aspen Baca. Competed in the USA Archery Buckeye Classic.

This is 1 of 4 USA Olympic team qualifiers. A U.S.A.T. event as it is known by.

Aspen finished in 3rd place and I could not be more proud of her efforts and the amazing young lady she is on and off the range.

Aspen represents exactly what a competitor should be. She wins and loses with humility and grace.

Dedicated to being the best she can be while maintaining friendly and supportive sportsmanship with her fellow competitor's.

I am honored to be her Coach.

Coach Rich.
Black River Archery, LLC.

What a great performance the B.R.A.T.s put in Saturday at the Ohio Archers Association N.F.A.A. State Field Championship. With 7 of the 8 kids on the Podium. Every single one of these kids shot 30 points or higher then last year at the same event.

Cubs Female Bow Hunter Free Style

Lily Baca
2nd Place

Cubs Male Bow Hunter Free Style

Zac Adkins
2nd Place

Young Female Bow Hunter Free Style

Ady Stowers
3rd Place

Young Adult Male Bow Hunter Free Style

Kaleb Cain
3rd Place

Young Adult Female Bow Hunter Free Style

Ashley Etzel
1st Place

Aspen Baca
2nd Place

Skylar Martin
3rd Place

Becky Bonar
4th Place.

We would like to thank:

WickStick Stabilizers Inc.

Black Eagle Arrows

And all the individual sponsors these kids have.

Coach Rich
Black River Archery, LLC.

Today on Meet the BRATs we introduce you to our final team member:

Meet Becky, known for her infectious charisma and boundless energy. Her captivating stories and quick wit always keep us entertained and engaged. When she's not dazzling us with her personality, you'll find her honing her skills in long-distance shooting. Additionally, Becky's culinary talents shine through as she delights us with delicious homemade treats that bring us together as a team.

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Arthea Adkins
Assistant Coach

This week on Meet the BRATs, we meet the final two members of our team:

Meet Skylar, who has quickly become a standout member of the BRATs team, showcasing remarkable growth and dedication since joining. Her sharp sense of humor keeps spirits high during practices and competitions alike. Often spotted practicing diligently in her combat boots, Skylar embodies a serious competitor determined to climb the ranks and achieve her goals. With her combination of ambition and humor, Skylar continues to inspire and impress everyone around her.

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Arthea Adkins
Assistance Coach

My Coaching Philosophy.

I think creating an environment that is relaxed and conducive to learning is important. In addition the athlete needs to be aware of the standards and behaviors that all of the Coaches and Athletes are prepared to accept to help create the optimal learning environment.

The athlete needs to be given the opportunity to develop his or her skill level in a structured learning environment that constantly challenges the athlete whilst providing both encouragement and support. Each athlete needs to develop their core skills constantly to provide them with a solid base as they progress in their sport. The athlete will benefit when exposed to challenging drills that require effective decision making and precise ex*****on under pressure. The repetitiveness of these varied drills during practice helps develop competency and confidence in the athlete.

When dealing with highly motivated and committed athletes the level of individual communication is important, giving them the opportunity to provide input to help deliver the program that is specific to their development. I can not stress this enough. Building individual relationships between each athlete and my self is crucial. This can take time. I believe if you can set some short term goals in consultation with the athlete, this will provide them with direction and motivation that will help to keep them on task. In the beginning coaching is a lot of do this not that style of directions. As an athlete skill level increases it shifts to more or a suggestion based of let's try this and see how you feel style. Understanding when and how to switch back and forth with your athletes is key.

Finally the Coach needs to demonstrate effective leadership for an athlete to follow. Sometimes it is more about what you do in silence then what you say out loud.

Rich Hardway
Coach.

This week on Meet the BRAT's we meet the newest members of our team:

Meet Kaleb, who is a quietly focused and highly coachable member of the team, known for his diligent observation and willingness to learn from more experienced teammates. In his debut year of competition, he has consistently impressed by medaling in nearly every tournament—a testament to his skill and dedication. Despite his reserved nature, Kaleb has swiftly earned the admiration and respect of his peers, establishing himself as a beloved and integral part of the team's dynamic. His promising start and unwavering commitment set a strong foundation for his future in the sport of archery.

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Arthea Adkins
Assistant Coach

This week on Meet the BRATs, we introduce you to the newest members of the team:

Ady is one of the newest members of the BRATs, making a strong impression in her debut season. With her infectious bubbly personality and a perpetually sunny smile, she brings a refreshing energy to the team. Despite being relatively new, Ady has quickly integrated herself, demonstrating a keen enthusiasm and a willingness to learn from her experienced teammates. Her positive attitude makes her a promising addition to the BRATs, ensuring a bright future ahead in her adventures.

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Arthea Adkins
Assistance Coach

The FEAR of Failure



I think this is the most common thing I see as a coach. I see parents criticizing their children when they make a mistake, or ask the ridiculous question of “why did you shoot it there”? As if the child ever intended to hit anything other than the gold on every attempt. This cultivates a fear of failure.

Children desperately seek their parents’ approval. You can see the kids most in need of this when they look back at their parents for affirmation after every arrow. Even if the parent isn’t hyper critical by nature, the child still senses a culture of needing to avoid making mistakes.

I see older athletes afraid to try new things or make changes because they have a tournament approaching or are ever so close to earning that next pin, that the thought of having their scores drop while they learn new skills is terrifying. The fear of failure has already been firmly established.

Why is that?

Why do we point out when someone does something wrong so quickly, but we hardly recognize what portions they get right? When a baby attempts to take its first steps and fails, we get excited and encourage it to try again. But as we get older that standard changes. We become more critical and less adverse to taking risks. We certainly forget the encouragement portion of learning new skills.

This isn’t human nature, its human culture, and because it’s culture, we can change it. We can encourage ourselves and others to take risks, we can reinforce that parts that went well and we can reflect on what we need to do to improve. Every failure is an opportunity to learn. We learn what doesn’t work for us or produce the desired outcome. Failure is a requirement to learn difficult things. And discover new skills.

The easiest way to overcome failure is with support and encouragement. When speaking with an athlete, I love to ask questions like: What do you think you have to do to make the next shot better? This gets them to think and start problem solving. If they don’t know ask follow-up questions until they come to an answer that will promote advancement. Then I encourage them to try it.

For me the goal is to get the athlete to improve 1% on just one skill area each day. Over time that 1% adds up and the athlete can see the growth.

With enough time and encouragement we can help athletes overcome the fear of failure and that’s when real growth will occur.

As a parent, ask the athlete what they learned today? How do they think they improved their skills? What do they want to work on the next time they practice? What “step” do they think they are doing the best at mastering? All of these questions get them to think about the process of shooting and less about the outcomes from shooting. A process based thinking promotes growth, an outcome based thought promotes fear.

As an individual athlete. Challenge yourself to try new things, to ask questions when you are unsure. Often athletes know they have a problem area but are waiting to be told what it is by someone else (the coach, parent, peer). The fear of even asking a question is a real thing.

I encourage each of you to challenge your fears and try new things. Talk to your coach on how you can do that as an athlete or a parent.

This week, we meet the youngest members of the BRATs:

Meet Zac, a dynamic young member of our team, known for his enthusiasm and dedication. Despite being one of the youngest members, Zac continually inspires his teammates with his positive attitude and encouraging words. Zac made history as the first member of the BRATs to achieve a perfect score in a tournament, showcasing not only his exceptional talent but also his relentless drive to succeed. As Zac continues to excel and contribute to our team's success, his passion for learning and his uplifting presence make him a true asset to the BRATs.

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Arthea Adkins
Assistant Coach

The B.R.A.T.s were back in action this weekend competing in leg 4 of Ohio 3D Group.

YF

Aspen Baca
1st Place

Skylar Martin
2nd Place

Becky Bonar
3rd Place

MC

Zac Adkins
2nd Place

Lily Baca
3rd Place

FK40
Arthea Adkins
2nd Place.

Next shoot in Ohio 3D Group will be for the season championship.

This week, we meet the youngest members of the BRATs.

Meet Lily, the youngest and spunkiest member of the BRATs. She brings a burst of personality and energy to the team. Born with an irrepressible spirit, she embodies both playfulness and fierce determination in equal measure. Lily's competitive drive is unmatched, pushing herself and her teammates to excel in every challenge they face. She is truly a valuable member of the team destined to be a leader in many ways.

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Arthea Adkins
Assistance Coach

In today's episode of Meet the BRATs:

Meet Aspen, a commanding leader and one of the BRATs' Team Captains, known for her unwavering strength, focus, and fierce competitiveness. She maintains her composure under pressure, never allowing her competitors to distract her from achieving her goals. Aspen is highly regarded within the team for her exceptional leadership skills and positive influence on her peers, serving as a role model. As she approaches the end of her final season as a youth archer, Aspen prepares to transition seamlessly to adult competition next year, poised to continue her impressive journey.

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Arthea Adkins
Assistant Coach

In today's episode of Meet The BRATs:

Meet Ashley, the epitome of cool, calm, and collected leadership. As one of the team captains, Ashley inspires her teammates with her unwavering dedication. Holding three state records, her achievements speak volumes about her skill and determination. She overcame an injury that forced her to miss most of the season last year, but she is back and fighting her way to the top.

B.R.A.T.s were back in action last weekend. Competing in Ohio 3D Group. At Lone Eagle in E. Sparta Ohio.

Mixed Cubs

Lily Baca
1st Place

Youth Female

Ashley Etzel
1st Place
Aspen Baca
2nd Place
Skylar Martin
3rd Place
Becky Bonar
4th Place

Youth Male

Kaleb Cain
1st Place

Congratulations on
Another great performance by the Black River Archery Youth Team.

The Black River youth Archery team is excepting new applications for team members between the ages of 9 and 17 year's old for the up coming new Archery season.

Regardless of skill or experience levels.
From never shot a bow before to a very experienced archer.

All are considered.

Our proven track record of training and coaching has produced multiple former champions in multiple organizations.

Several of the youth members have also earned college scholarships through Archery.

What does it take to be a B.R.A.T.s?

Dedication. From both parent and the child. Dedication to attend practice sessions and compete in tournaments. Ability to be coached. Learn to focus. Problem solving. Handle pressure situations. Sportsmans.

The big Question is always what does it cost?

To be a member of Black River Archery Youth Team is $75.00 per month.

That may sound expensive but it is actually less then $3.00 per hour your kid gets coached in practice and at tournaments by one of the highest ranking Archery coaches in the state. Provided you attend the scheduled practices that is.

Cost of joining the organizations we compete in. About $150 a year.

Each shooting event can run 10 to 70 dollars. Depending on which organization it is.

Equipment is your biggest up start cost. With beginner Equipment starting at about $500.00

We do offer some loaner Equipment on a limited bases to see if Archery could be right for your youth.

P.S. Girls love Archery and excell at it. It is not just a boy sport.

Although Archery is mostly an individual sport. We here at Black River Archery created a team like atmosphere. The first one in the state. Our success has lead to several other team formation. We take that as a compliment. It is good for the sport and ups the level of competition.

In addition to we sell all equipment at our cost to team members. Saving you up to 40% off retail.

We also perform all bow tech services (labor on bow repair and maintenance) free of charge. Parts at cost if needed.

Feel free to reach out via messaging. Texting or phone call

Plan to attend a practice session.

Talk with other parents in the program. See it Archery could be a good fit your family.

You can reach us at
[email protected]

Or call Rich at
440 453 0494

The Black River Archery Youth Team known as the B.R.A.T.s are having a stellar year. We compete in three
organizations.

USA Archery in Ohio.

Ohio Archers Association. NFAA

Ohio 3D Group.

Every B.R.A.T on this team is currently sitting in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Place for the season overall Champion, or the shooter of the year at years end in each organization they compete in. In most cases the team is occupying the top 4 spots of their personal divisions.

With the season past the half way point. These kids stand poised to finish the overall season on top.

Very active weekend for the B.R.A.T.s
As they competed for two separate organizations over the weekend. Capturing a lot of Podium finishes along the was.

Saturday was Ohio 3D Group in Courtland Ohio. Large storm and heavy rain hit a couple of times but the kids battled through it.

Mixed Cubs
Zac Adkins 1st place
Lily Baca 3 rd place

Youth Male
Kaleb Cain 1st place

Young Female Bow Hunter Free Style

Ady Stowers
2nd place

Youth Female
Aspen Baca
1st place

Ashley Etzel
2nd place

Skylar Martin
3rd place

Becky Bonar
4th place

Adult Female
Arthea Adkins
1st place

With no rest for the best. It was on to Ohio Archers Association marked 3D trail shoot. Providing more top Podium finishes.

Cub Female Bow Hunter Free Style

Lily Baca
2nd place

Cub Male Bow Hunter Free Style

Zac Adkins
3rd place

Young Adult Male Bow Hunter Free Style

Kaleb Cain
1st place

Young Adult Female Bow Hunter Free Style

Ashley Etzel
1st place

Aspen Baca
2nd place

Skylar Martin
3rd place

Becky Bonar
4th place

Adult Female Bow Hunter Free Style

Arthea Adkins
2nd place.

As you can see Black River Archery Youth Team once again put on a very dominant performance. Podium Finishes at both events. Walk 3 to 6 miles up and down hills shooting at foam animals in the woods. Some as for out as 100 yards.

This weekend 5 of the B.R.A.T.s youth Archery team members competed in Columbus, Ohio.

This time at the USA Archery State of Ohio, Double 900. Hosted by Ace Archers.

For thoughts that dont know. Its a two day event. Shooting 90 arrows both days. 180 total.

B.R.A.T.s did not disappoint this weekend as the B.R.A.T.S did what B.R.A.T.s do.

All 5 of them finished on the Podium.

U13 Female fix pin
Lilly Baca
1st Place

U18 Female fix pin
Sky Martin
1st Place

Becky Bonar
3rd Place

U18 Boys fix pin
Kaleb Cook
1st place

U21 Female fix pin
Aspen Baca
1st Place.

We would like to thank Our sponsors for there continued support.

Black Eagle Arrows
WickStick Stabilizers Inc.
Shirts and logos

All the kids individual sponsors and Ace Archers and Ohio Target Archers for running a very professional top notch event.

Coach
Rich

Please indulge me while I brag for a moment about 2 of my BRATs.

After the first day of the double 900 with over 90 arrows shot.

Co Team Captain Aspen Baca and fellow Team member Kaleb Cain signed up for an additional fun shoot of mixed bows.

The rules.
3 person team.

1 archer must be shooting a long bow or recurve on the team

8 teams are assembled.

The 3 Archers have 120 seconds to shoot 6 arrows in a two arrow each rotation.

The scoring would be 2 points per round for the team with the highest total score and 1 point for the second highest.

So Aspen and Kaleb being both fixed pin compound shooters join up with a older gentlemen shooting a recurve.

Round one.
Aspen leads off for the team and Kaleb follows. Both are shooting fantastic. The recurve guy shoots last in the rotation.

The Brats are the first team to five and advance to round two. With a bi they then watch to see which other 3 teams make it to round 2.

In round 2. 4 teams remain. Only 2 will advance. Brats are down 4 to 0 and on the edge of being eliminated. They however stand poised with courage and skill as they mount a come back to win round two 5 to 4.

Final round only two teams left.

Again the BRATs find they are down 4 to 0. Against a team of all adults and very accomplished Archers at that. They also have movable sight pins. Definitely an advantage.

Brats dig in and bring it to 4 to 2 before finally falling short to the 1st place team.

Finishing in second place..

As a coach. This perhaps was one of my proudest moments in my coaching career. Watching these two kids take on all these adult teams. To stand there and stay mentally strong when facing the moment of being eliminated. To trust in their skills and stay with the process. Fighting their was back and making it into the final round. Finishing Second was a great finish. How they hung strong and stayed focused was amazing to watch.

Coach Rich.

5 of the Brat team members are in Columbus this weekend shooting the USA Archery double 900. First day was very good. Now its day two. Time to complete this with a top Podium Finish.

7 of the BRATS youth team and 1 adult will be competing once again in Ohio 3D Group Inc

There are 4 regular shoots with a 5th shoot being the championship shoot. Competitors must shoot 3 of the 4 regular shoots to be eligible for the championship round..

Leg one was this weekend at Ashland Bowman

Youth Female
1st. Ashley Etzel
2nd. Sky Martin
3rd. Aspen Baca
4th. Becky Bonar

Youth Male
1st. Kaleb Cain

Cubs mixed boys and girls division

1st. Zac Adkins
2nd. Lily Baca

Female Known Hunter

2nd. Arthea Adkins

Congratulations on a
Another great showing by our Archery Team.

Next up.. In two weeks the team will be in action at the USA Archery Double 900 in Columbus. Hosted by Ohio Target Archers.

Ashley Etzel won the USA Archery J.O.A.D Silver Medal Pin Award with her 293 of 300. Performance

Ashley competes in the compound fixed pin division in USA Archery and Bow Hunter Free Style in NFAA. Ashley is a senior in high school.

Equipment:
PSE Supra 2024 Bow
QAD Fall a way rest
True Ball Release
Black Eagle Arrows
WickStick Stabilizers Inc. Front and back stabilizer bars.