(PRWEB) October 23, 2012 The Liberty University Flames archery teambrought home national titles in two events at the U.S. Collegiate Archery Association 3-D Archery National Championships in Columbia, Mo., Oct. 19-21.
More than 100 archers representing 19 schools took part in the three-day competition. This was Liberty’s second time at nationals, after the Flames claimed titles in three events last year.
“To bring back two national titles means a lot to the club and its supporters,” said Brandon Reyes, Flames head coach. “The hard work and dedication that was devoted to practice and preparation paid off for all the athletes. All seven competitors competed at levels that were equal to or higher than practice rounds.”
Reyes added he is excited for the future of the team, with a strong freshman class.
Freshmen Ian Rigney and fellow Robert Castello teamed with senior Alex Blake to win the Men’s Team Compound title, defeating Cumberland University in the final.
Rigney, of Gretna, Va., claimed the title in the Individual Men’s Compound Division, making him the second-straight Liberty archer to do so. Blake, who finished third, won the title last year. Castello also competed in men’s compound, finishing in fifth position.
Danielle Thompson, a graduate student from Powhatan, Va., finished third in the Women’s Bowhunter Division, which she won last year. Junior Marissa Scalzo finished 12th.
Thompson teamed with Sam Hatcher and claimed second in the Mixed Team competition, losing in a shoot-off to Michigan State University. Ben Snapp would join the duo in the Mixed Team Bowhunter competition, with Liberty’s team finishing fourth.
The Flames compete next at the National Field Archery Association Indoor National Championships March 16-17, 2013, at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Ky.
The Flames archery team was started in the fall of 2008 and is part of Liberty’s Club Sports program, which includes 31 teams in 15 sports.