Third group of kids graduates from archery class at YMCA in Medina

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Archery instructor Merle Fredericks, left, greets young archery Aric Fox and his grandparents Mark and Pam Coville prior to the conclusion of the third archery class at the YMCA in Medina last Monday night.

MEDINA – The third archery class at the YMCA – started and run by Merle and Mitzi Fredericks – wrapped up eight weeks of competition last Monday evening, with a final shoot, some novelty shooting and awarding of trophies to the top three archers.

Fredericks who runs the local chapter of Christian Bowhunters of America at his home, got the idea for the indoor archery range several years ago and after getting permission from the YMCA, spent months clearing out what used to be the indoor shooting range for the National Guard when they occupied the armory.

Students (boys and girls) in grades four through 12 compete for eight weeks. An important component of the classes is learning to be a Christian and each night, in addition to archery instruction, students have a half hour of Scripture.

Archery students and their families and friends wait to be welcomed to the final competition and awarding of trophies after eight weeks of classes at the YMCA.

Students not only learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, but stewardship and good sportsmanship.

Mark and Pam Coville came to watch their grandson Aric Fox, 10, a first-year archer.

“We saw the ad for the classes and saw it was a Christian event,” Mark said. “It sounded like a good program. Aric’s dad is an avid hunter, and like a typical 10-year-old boy, Aric loves to hunt and the outdoors. We shoot in here and outside in summer.”

Instructors of the archery program with Merle and Mitzi are Doug Egert of Middleport and John Curtin of Medina, all certified by the North American Archery in Schools Program.

Merle and Mitzi Fredericks, Doug Egert of Middleport and John Curtin of Medina are all certified archery instructors who work with children in the new archery program at the YMCA in Medina.

Andy and Ann Fisher-Bale enrolled their son Mason, 9-1/2, in the archery program.

“He has participated in other things at the Y and learned about this,” Ann said. Dad is also an archer and his older sister likes to shoot, too.”

The evening concluded with awarding of trophies and refreshments. The top three archers were Niaweik Mt. Pleasant, first, with 1,060 points; Cole Jackson, second, with 1,044 points; and Quincy Atwater, third, with 993 points.

Merle said they have a waiting list to join the archery class.

“Kids just love it,” he said.  “I’m proud of all these kids. We are planning something for them in summer, also.”

The next class will begin later in spring, and any child in fourth through 12th grade who is interested may sign up by contacting the Fredericks on Facebook, by e-mail at mfred2@hughes.net or by calling (585) 765-2839.

An important part of the archery classes sponsored by the Christian Bowhunters of America is learning to be a Christian. Here, leader Merle Fredericks leads the class in a few minutes of devotion.