They work collaboratively, and they work individually. They're called the three Fs - focus, form, fun.

They are the keys to competitive scholastic 3D archery (S3DA) shooting at a high level. They can also be important components in the development of youths.

"The key to success in archery is being consistent," said Bob Lauffer, who's been the S3DA coach of the Reading Archery Club (RAC) for 11 years. "That requires the ability to focus. Good archers do exactly the same thing exactly the same way on every shot. The key to consistency is fundamentally sound practice. Each archer needs to develop a shooting form they can replicate shot after shot. You are not going to work hard enough to become consistent unless you have a passion for it and really enjoy what you are doing. As coaches, it is rewarding to watch beginners develop from just being happy to fling some arrows to perfecting their form and shot process."

Located at 880 Church Road, Reading, the RAC-sponsored S3DA program engages more than 40 boys and girls from ages 8 and under to 15 and older, from the Eastern Lancaster County (ELANCO), Cocalico, Twin Valley, Wilson, Governor Mifflin, Reading, Schuylkill Valley, Boyertown, Owen J. Roberts and Quakertown school districts. Two of those competitors are the Griggs brothers, Abram and Caleb, who are sixth- and fourth-grade students in the ELANCO school district, respectively.

During the 2026 season, Abram and Caleb both captured multiple national championships in S3DA archery. While the amazing accomplishments were a testament to the brothers' hard work, dedication and honed skills, Caleb and Abram are also byproducts of RAC's thriving program and environment.

"They are just great kids," said Lauffer. "They are amazing teammates, supportive of one another as well as their other teammates. Their enthusiasm towards archery is contagious. They love archery, but they are also very well rounded. They both play goalie on their respective soccer teams, are Scouts (Scouting America) and are involved in a lot of school activities."

After being a national runner-up six times in previous years, Caleb claimed four national championships this year, including ones at Owensboro, Ky., in February; at Red Lake, Ill., in June; and at Evansville, Ind., in July. Abram won two national championships in 2026, including one at Evansville, Ind.

Overall, RAC competitors have now won 14 national championships and brought home a total of 50 national medals.

"All of our coaches are extremely proud of the Griggs boys," said Lauffer, a resident of Caernarvon Township. "They go by the nickname 'Barebow Brothers.' We have watched their passion and drive continue to develop. They are both extremely hard workers, and it is easy to be a fan of a young person who brings their passion for archery and work ethic to every practice and competition. They have come a long way in their three years with the team, and we could not be happier for their success or more proud of their achievements."

Since 2017, RAC's S3DA program has nurtured 107 state champions across three disciplines. This season, the program earned its 10th straight team state championship.

"S3DA is doing great things locally, statewide and nationally, and there are opportunities for a wide range of ages and experience levels," said Lauffer. "I wish potential archers and their parents would check us out. I also hope that people would understand the tremendous scholarship opportunities in archery ... (to help them) continue their competitive archery careers."

For additional information, go to http://www.readingarcheryclub.com.