For the Youndt family of ELANCO and the Slusser family in Cocalico, taking part in Scholastic 3-D Archery (S3DA) through the Reading Archery Club is very much a family affair. Scott Youndt, father to Cannon and Grace, who are Garden Spot High School students, coaches with the organization. Pete Slusser, father of Alivia, who attends Cocalico High School, is state coordinator for the S3DA clubs.

Cannon, a sophomore, who now has more than 15 state titles in S3DA and has been ranked in the top three nationally in his age group, remembers first shooting with a bow and arrow in fourth grade. He has also stood on the National podium as one of the top three in the nation multiple times, having garnered the honor in different age groups and disciplines over the years. Grace, who is in ninth grade, began tagging along to practices about a year later. While Cannon quickly showed promise, it took Grace, who was 2021 state champion in 3D, a little longer to excel. When Grace started shooting, club leaders were excited if she just hit the target, reported club president and founder Bob Lauffer. "It was a thrill when I started hitting the target. We would cheer," recalled Grace.

Lauffer shared that Cannon's shooting improved tremendously during the COVID-19 shutdown, calling it a "turning point" in the young man's journey. Cannon has not lost a state or regional championship since he was in sixth grade. "I was in seventh grade (during the shutdown), and we were home all the time. I was out shooting like crazy," said Cannon. During his eighth-grade year, he was homeschooled, and went outside to shoot during breaks or when his schoolwork was finished. Grace pointed out that the family has a 27-yard range in its basement and an acre of land with several 3D targets for practice.

While Grace said she prefers contact sports, such as basketball and soccer, she loves practicing archery with her family. Cannon noted that the sport is accessible to most young people. "This sport is 90% mental and 10% physical," he said. "You don't have to be a track star to be good at this."

Alivia, a ninth-grader, agreed, saying, "I am not athletic. I am on my school's quiz bowl team." She went on to note that she enjoys the fun of the competition. "It takes a lot of focus," she said.

Pete, who has been shooting competitive archery for 20 years, was excited to get Alivia involved. He has seen her take the podium at national competitions five times. "She was our first-ever national champion as an elementary school girl," reported Lauffer.

Pete works to start S3DA chapters in other parts of the state, talking to archery club leaders and sharing testimonials about the members who practice at Reading. Lauffer said he has watched students get to know competitors from other clubs and seen positive camaraderie grow as they unite. Pete echoed those words, saying, "Our slogan for Pennsylvania is 'PA Powerhouse' and that is for all teams within the state."

Area students who are interested in learning more about the club may visit http://www.S3DA.net.