Beth Sholly of Goshen is shown practicing at an archery range outside Milford. She has been doing archery since 2015. Photo by Phoebe Muthart.
By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY – Archery has been around for centuries, but in recent years it has gained significant popularity in Kosciusko County.
The sport appeals to a wide range of participants, from teens to seniors, offering both recreational and competitive opportunities.
Trevor Roberts, 14, defended his state champion title at the 4-H Archery Competition March 28. He has been involved in archery since 2018, when he began hunting with his father.
Trevor Roberts, 14, defended the title of state champion at the 4-H Archery Competition in March. He is part of Kosciusko County 4-H Shooting Sports Club. Photo provided by Mariah Roberts.
“I started shooting a bow,” he said. “The last two years I’ve really gotten into target archery.”
Roberts is a member of the Kosciusko County 4-H Shooting Sports Club and is in his third year with the program. He primarily practices indoors, where conditions are more controlled, but trains outside when preparing for hunting season.
“There’s always something to learn,” he said. “It takes a lot of focus, and it has really helped me in school.”
Roberts frequently practices at Borkholder Archery in Milford, where he participates in a winter league and uses both the indoor and outdoor ranges.
Borkholder Archery employee Phil Miller said the sport’s appeal lies in both its physical and mental benefits.
“It’s almost like meditation,” Miller said. “You control what you can control.”
Participants take up archery for various reasons, including hunting, social interaction and competition.
Beth Sholly of Goshen uses the Milford range to train for competitions. She began archery in 2015 and now competes as an Olympic-style recurve archer. She participates in both winter and summer leagues.
“I shoot leagues because they are scored,” she said. “So I shoot for both (leagues).”
Goshen resident Jerry De Munda has been involved in shooting sports for about 40 years and continues to practice at Borkholder Archery.
“I do it for exercise,” he said. “It’s good for that.”
New Archery Range
The sport’s growing popularity is reflected in new developments across the county.
A 1.5-mile 3D archery range and walking trail is under construction at the Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area and is expected to be completed in mid-2026.
Supported by a $49,377 grant, the facility will include 25 target stations and three rest areas. The course will provide an accessible outdoor experience through oak-hickory woodlands north of North Webster.
Whitko Archery Club
Whitko High School also offers an archery program. The Whitko Archery Club is a National Archery in the Schools Program-certified program serving students in grades 3-12.
The club competes in tournaments, including the Whitko Archery Invitational, and has participated in national competitions. Its archers have consistently earned top honors at the state level.
Jerry De Munda does archery for the exercise. The Goshen resident started shooting sports about 40 years ago.