It may not be “The Hunger Games,” but one local elementary school already has some excellent skilled archers sure to give Katniss Everdeen a run for her money.
Butterfield Trail Elementary is one of three elementary schools in Fayetteville that have an archery team. These young competitors are all fourth and fifth grade students. Butterfield stands out among the others though, because they’ve earned a spot in the National Archery Competition.
Jeremy Mabry, the team’s coach said the team finished seventh at state to earn the bid.
The kids are thrilled with having qualified for nationals. They’ve been working hard to prepare for the competition, practicing each Monday and Wednesday afternoon once classes are done.
All the kids are very fond of the expertise Coach Mabry is providing them.
“When you're in the gym you will hang up your bow and get your arrows and the Coach Mabry will sit us down and talk us through it all," said Butterfield 5th Grader Dillon Radcliffe.
Unfortunately the kids don’t quite have the funds to attend, and are still trying to raise the money to make it to the tournament.
Team leaders have launched an online auction to raise funds for the trip.
The kids leave May 10 for Louisville, Kentucky. The team hopes to raise $10,000 to get kids and parents out there and pay for hotel costs.
The group has launched a website and online auction hoping to raise funds. If you’d like to contribute you can visit http://butterfieldtrailarchery.wordpress.com
You can also call Coach Jeremy Mabry at (479) 466-7439 or call Butterfield Trail Elementary School at (479) 444-3081.