New Mexico Department of Game and Fish |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 25, 2013: |
NASP TOURNAMENT QUALIFIES TEAMS FOR NATIONAL EVENT IN KENTUCKY ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science, AIMS, retained its New Mexico high school archery crown Saturday at Expo New Mexico during the National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament. NASP is a program sponsored by the Department of Game and Fish. Leading AIMS was Miquela Apodaca, the tournament’s top archer, with a score of 291 out of a potential score of 300. The top five archers for each division qualify for the National NASP Tournament May 9-11 in Louisville, Ky. AIMS’ team score was 3,124. Second place in the High School Division was Rio Grande High School with 3,107, followed by Early College Academy with 2,995. Ernie Pyle won the Middle School competition scoring 3,025. Koogler Middle School of Aztec was second with 2,928, and in third place was Raton Middle School at 2,908. 7-Bar was the elementary school champion with 2,213 points, followed by Maggie Cordova with 2,189, and Pajarito with 2,133. In all, five schools competed in the high school category, 14 competed in the mid-school ranks, and six schools competed for the elementary school title. To be eligible, schools must include the NASP curriculum for a minimum of two weeks of class time. Game and Fish helps schools purchase equipment and provides training and certification for coaches. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service includes NASP within the programs that qualify for Federal Aid funding. “This tournament grew from 150 competitors to 500 this year,” said Department Director Jim Lane. “The enthusiasm at the awards ceremony was fantastic, and this is a program the entire State of New Mexico should support. “NASP raises grades, and improves school attendance,” Lane said. “The excitement the students exhibited Saturday night makes me think New Mexico is going to become a NASP force to be reckoned with on a national scale.” Apodaca’s 291 is indeed the type of score that would be competitive at nationals. After receiving her award and the team received its trophy, Apodaca said her 291 is her personal best score. “I’m really excited and I hope our coach will let us go to nationals,” she said. Conservation Officer Brian Guzman coordinates the NASP program for New Mexico. “It was wonderful,” Guzman said of the tournament. “The teachers and the administrators all appreciated the tournament, and I think they appreciate the Department of Game and Fish, too.” For more information about the National Archery in the Schools Program, send an email to brian.guzman@state.nm.us. ###
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