By Stephen Baldwin
RealWV
www.therealwv.com
In 2022, Alderson Elementary School began an archery program inside their cafeteria. They removed the tables, set up a few makeshift targets with bows they borrowed from the community, and placed second nationally in only their second year.
They inspired a wave of new elementary archery teams across the Greenbrier Valley. Over the weekend, three competed in the state tournament in Charleston–Alderson, Frankford, and Ronceverte. The WV Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) hosts the tournament, which is called the WVDNR NASP Bullseye.
Now, Alderson, Ronceverte, & Frankford have qualified to attend nationals. Alderson finished 2nd, while Ronceverte finished 3rd, & Frankford placed 7th in the state.
Alderson Elementary
For the third year in a row, Alderson Elementary placed in states and advanced to nationals as a result. They came in 2nd overall as a team. Top individual performers were: Jenna Baldwin, 3rd place, William Lightner, 3rd place male, & Regan Honaker, 5th place.
In an email interview Sunday night, the Alderson coaches shared their thoughts with RealWV.
“I’m thankful to be a part of this team,” says Coach Andrea Sloan. “The archers, the coaches and the parents are the best and show up in so many ways. It’s been incredible to see them shoot their personal best or shoot a 50 in a practice or a tournament. Their faces light up and the entire team cheers them on and supports them. The practices and tournaments are filled with so many things- laughter, frustration, and tears, but most of all perseverance.”
“I enjoy being a part of this great group of kids,” shares Coach Alicia Utterback. “They have put in a lot of work over the last few months and have pushed each other to do their best and to improve and it’s showing. We are looking forward to our next tournament and bringing home another trophy! ”
“Our team has put in some major work over the last few months at tournaments and practices,” adds Coach Matt Tabor. “We are hoping to continue the momentum and build on our national runner up finish from a year ago in Kentucky. We receive so much support from the community and our team families. We would like to thank the Greenbrier Valley Sportsman’s Alliance for all of their help, the community of Greenbrier County and the town of Alderson for their support on our journey back to worlds in June last year and for investing in this program and team.”
Frankford Elementary
In their second year as a team, Frankford finished 7th in the state tournament for 2025. They nearly matched their personal best team score on Saturday in Charleston on the big stage.
Their top individual performer was Garrett Wallington who placed 5th male. Bradyn Hanshew and Amrey Wykle also performed well, tying for 13th as Frankford teammates.
The team stopped by the state capitol on the way to the tournament for inspiration and education.
Head coach Susan Anderson says she couldn’t be more proud of her team. “Thanks to assistant coaches Jim Anderson and Shawn Woods along with Principal Linda King for her support. All the students, parents, and businesses who helped make this a very successful season are greatly appreciated.”
Ronceverte Elementary
Also in just their second year of operation as a team, the Ronceverte team finished 3rd in the state in 2025.
“They were nervous, but they handled the pressure well,” says Coach Courtney Hudnall. “They exceeded my expectations.”
Ronceverte had two Top 20 performers–Beckett Myles placed 6th overall & Jaxen Hylton placed 7th.
“Our goal this season was to score 3,000 as a team,” Hudnall shares. While they came close several times this year, never finishing lower than 3rd in any tournament, they were able to meet their goal of 3,000 at the state tournament.
“We worked really hard all year,” says Hudnall. “Scoring 3,021 at states was really a blessing. I have two great coaches that help us who are also teachers–Nicki Wolfe & Sheri Lilly.”
With their third place finish, Ronceverte qualified for nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, later this year.
