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Team Manitoba returned from the Rocky Mountain Classic in Blackfalds, Alberta, with a remarkable medal haul: four golds and one silver. Five archers represented the province in the competition, which consisted of a 600-round qualification followed by a double-elimination matchplay round. Their success showcases the effectiveness of their training and the high level of competition at the event.

Individual Performances:

• Tiauna Bustard (U15 Recurve): Bustard demonstrated incredible resilience in the U15 recurve female A-side final, overcoming a daunting 4-0 deficit to win 6-4. She then faced and defeated the same opponent, Taressa Pardo, in the gold medal final with a decisive 6-0 victory.
• Anna Parkhomenko (U25 Recurve): Competing across U21 and U18 recurve categories, Parkhomenko secured gold without dropping a single set point in matchplay, highlighting her exceptional skill and composure.
• Ryder Wilson (U21 Recurve): Wilson’s dominance began with a top qualification score of 564/600. He maintained this momentum throughout matchplay, ultimately claiming gold.
• Sylar Anderson Johnson (U15 Compound): Johnson also led after qualifications with a score of 557/600, remaining undefeated in matchplay to win gold. His gold medal final score of 144 is potentially a new Canadian record (pending confirmation).
• Acadia Flockton (U18 Compound): Flockton, despite finishing qualifications in third place (554/600), showcased impressive matchplay skills, reaching the gold medal final before narrowly losing to Sydni Keichinger. Her silver medal is still a significant achievement.

(Photo: Ryder Wilson shooting while teammate Sylar Anderson Johnson watches)

Team Events:

Team Manitoba also competed in team matchplay rounds, achieving further success:

• U15 Barebow/Recurve: Tiauna Bustard and Rylan Kaliel secured first place with a combined score of 757.
• U15 Compound: Sylar Anderson Johnson and Kinzie Peatman achieved the highest score (1,058) but ultimately took second place.
• U18 Compound: Acadia Flockton and Kody McGee earned a second-place finish.
• U18/21/25 Recurve: Ryder Wilson and Piper Smith also finished second.

(Center):Tiauna Bustard U15 Recurve Gold

Coach’s Perspective:

Team Manitoba coach Kelly Taylor praised the Rocky Mountain Classic, describing it as a “must-shoot” event for aspiring Western Canadian youth archers. Taylor highlighted the event’s value in preparing archers for the pressure of high-stakes matchplay, a crucial element of major tournaments. He expressed immense pride in the team’s performance and resilience under pressure. The focus on matchplay aligns perfectly with the demands of elite competition, where qualification scores often play a secondary role in head-to-head elimination matches.

The event’s success is a testament to the dedication of the archers, their coaches, and the well-organized structure of the Rocky Mountain Classic, sponsored by Jim-Bows Archery.

(Far Right): Acadia Flockton U18 Compound Silver

(Center): Sylar Anderson Johnson U15 Compound Gold

(Center): Ryder Wilson U21 Recurve Gold

(Center): Anna Parkhomenko U25/U21 Recurve Gold

Archery Manitoba is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous $10,000 legacy donation from the local host organizing committee of the 2023 Winnipeg World Police Fire Games. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Archery Manitoba member and chair of the 2023 Games, Chad Swayze, and Patrol Sgt. Ward Gordon of the Winnipeg Police Service, who also served as the treasurer, for their instrumental roles in facilitating this donation. We also thank the entire host organizing committee for their dedication and generosity.

In addition to this substantial financial contribution, our involvement in hosting the games, heavily reliant on the commitment of volunteers, has resulted in nearly $25,000 in legacy funds and facility enhancements to the Archery Manitoba Sanford Range. This significant boost will further support our infrastructure and programs, allowing us to advance our mission of developing archery in Manitoba.

A special acknowledgment is due to our volunteer committee members—Tom Comberbach, Chad Sanders, and Mike Oneschuk—whose tireless efforts were pivotal in successfully hosting the archery events at the Games. We also applaud the additional provincial and community sport organizations that collectively received the remainder of the $300,000 in legacy donations.

For a more detailed account of the legacy donation and its impact, please visit: CTV News Legacy Donation Article. We are grateful for this opportunity to enhance our facilities and ensure a brighter future for archery in Manitoba.

We are excited to share important updates following the 2024 Archery Manitoba Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday, November . As our vibrant community continues to grow and evolve, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge our outgoing executive committee members for their exceptional service and dedication.

Acknowledging Our Outgoing Executive Committee Members

• Reed Fowlie, Vice President of 3D, has been a driving force for positive change within Archery Manitoba and at the national level with Archery Canada’s 3D committee during his two-year term. His commitment to our 3D programs has positively impacted many archers.
• Val Mathers, our dedicated secretary, has supported the necessary meetings and effective communications for the past three years. Val’s hard work has been invaluable in keeping our operations running smoothly.
• Vickie Oneschuk, our past president, has provided unwavering support in numerous roles since 2017. Her contributions to enhancing key areas, particularly the provincial team program, annual awards, and championship events, have been integral to our organization’s progress.
• Kelly Taylor has reached his term limit this year after serving three consecutive two-year terms beginning in 2018. Kelly played a critical role in advancing Manitoba’s competitive athlete pool by organizing high-performance development camps and coaching across various levels of the development pathway.
• Mike Oneschuk also reached the term limit after six years of service. Stepping into the role as a newly trained provincial judge, Mike made an immediate impact as our Provincial Judge Coordinator and Technical Director for the Manitoba Winter Games. His commitment to education in officiating and service at prestigious events, including the Canada Winter Games and World Archery 3D & Field Championships, contributed significantly to the growth of archery in Manitoba.

We sincerely appreciate the invaluable contributions of these exceptional volunteers. Their efforts have strengthened our community and left a positive legacy. We look forward to continuing to work alongside them for guidance and support.

Introducing Our Incoming Executive Committee Members

We are thrilled to announce the new members of our executive committee, who bring fresh energy and diverse experiences to our organization:

• Vice President 3D Archery – Sean Murray (Domain, Manitoba): A dedicated member of Archery Manitoba since 2011, he began as a competitive archer and has served on the 3D committee for the past two years. His involvement last summer was pivotal in launching the ASA Tour in Manitoba, adding excitement and consistency to our 3D program.
• Vice President Athlete Development—Avril Hatherell (Winnipeg, Manitoba): With 26 years of archery experience, Avril has excelled as an athlete and coach, including serving as the provincial coach since 2019. Her participation in national and international events and passion for helping athletes reach their potential makes her well-suited for this role.
• Vice President of Coaches & Officials – Jennifer Maczuga (Grunthal, Manitoba): Jennifer has extensive experience on various provincial and community boards. She is passionate about promoting archery, particularly within the Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine (DSFM), and aims to foster partnerships with francophone communities across the province.
• Secretary – Siobhan Cheekie (Winnipeg, Manitoba): As a dedicated archery parent, Siobhan is inspired to contribute more actively to the sport. Her professional background at the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba provides her with excellent skills in problem-solving, team management, and effective communication, making her an asset to the executive team.

We are confident that our incoming executive committee members will bring new insights and drive to our organization, enhancing the experience for all members of Archery Manitoba.

Exciting News for Archery Clubs!

We’re thrilled to announce the 2025 3D Event Host Guidelines for Archery Manitoba! This document outlines everything you need to know about hosting club events, ASA Tours, and Provincial Championships—providing valuable resources, timelines, and responsibilities for all participating clubs.

Key Highlights:

Club Events (Indoor & Outdoor):

• Host unlimited club-level events and receive scorecards, promotional materials, and event registration support.
• Grant Alert: Indoor events can receive up to $400 to offset venue costs!

Co-Hosted ASA Tour Events:

• Join forces with Archery Manitoba for ASA Tour Manitoba events. Access resources, share in revenue, and receive administrative support.
• Apply for dates:: May 25, June 15, July 13, August 9 & 10!

Provincial Championships:

• Enjoy extensive support, including scorecards, promotional help, and access to Archery Manitoba targets.
• Important dates: Indoor Provincials on April 6, 2025, and Outdoor Provincials on July 19, 2025.

Registration Dates:

• Indoor Season: Opens December 2, 2024. Applications due by December 22, 2024.
• Outdoor Season: Opens January 6, 2025. First intake deadline is February 2, 2025.

For full details go to: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1091SZo5dbUlZpuc_UWHyRkwQc9DgkLfv/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108866644028742847213&rtpof=true&sd=true

and to register, visit: Online Registration Form

Let’s gear up for a fantastic 2025 season! Together, we can create thrilling archery experiences for our community. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

#ArcheryManitoba #3DTournaments #ArcheryEvents #JoinUs #ArcheryCommunity #2025Events

Are you ready to elevate your 3D archery skills and work towards becoming a provincial competitor? Now’s your chance! The Manitoba 3D Development Squad is the perfect program for archers aiming to take their abilities to the next level.

Key Program Details:

1. Registration Period: October 21 – November 11
2. Monthly Training Sessions: Starting in December, with dates and locations tailored to the team’s availability.
3. Cost: $100, which includes a custom Team Shooter Shirt!

As part of the 3D Development Squad, you’ll:

1. Train with other driven archers monthly, preparing to meet the Provincial Team Elite Squad criteria.
2. Participate in an annual high-performance clinic to enhance your skills.
3. Learn directly from senior team members who will help guide and shape your progression.

This is your opportunity to become part of a supportive community, build your competitive edge, and further develop your skills. Don’t miss out on this exciting step towards becoming one of Manitoba’s top 3D archers!

Register today and start your journey to the Provincial Team Elite!

Register Here

REGISTER HERE

General Information

Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The meeting be virtual, hosted on Zoom Web Conference
Who: All Archery Manitoba Members (voters under the age of 18 cannot vote)
Registration: Please indicate your attendance and receive meeting access by registering at: https://forms.gle/uA3z95XqCUC9W54F8

Executive Committee Nominations

Nominations for Archery Manitoba Executive Committee Positions with two-year terms beginning after the 2024 AGM are listed below. The nomination deadline is Monday, November 11. For more information on the roles or to nominate, see the links below:

• Vice President – 3D Archery
• Vice President – Athlete Development 
• Vice President – Coaches & Officials
• Secretary

The nomination process has now closed. The following members have been nominated to the executive committee roles:

• Vice President 3D Archery  Sean Murray 
• Vice President Athlete Development – Avril Hatherell
• Vice President Coaches & Officials – Jennifer Maczuga 
• Secretary – Siobhan Cheekie 

Click here to access the nomination forms submitted by the slate of incoming officers

Meeting Documents

• • 2024 Meeting Agenda
  • 2023 AGM Minutes
  • Club Report Form

The Archery Manitoba Annual Awards Program recognizes individuals’ outstanding achievements and contributions within the Manitoba archery community. With up to 16 recipients across nine award categories, this program celebrates excellence in various aspects of the sport, including athlete performance, character, leadership, coaching, and volunteerism. Awards such as the Rising Star, Champion of Character, and the prestigious Presidential Award highlight the remarkable efforts of archers, coaches, volunteers, and judges. Each year, nominations are reviewed by a dedicated committee, with recipients announced in December, culminating in a celebratory banquet early in the following year. New this year, Archery Manitoba is pleased to announce the slate of awards has been expanded to include the Champion of Character Awards, Performance Coach Award, and Community Volunteer Award. For more information on our awards program, see the links below.

Click Here for more information on the Archery Manitoba Annual Awards Program, Nominate a Member, and see Important Dates.

Access the complete listing of past recipients and the Archery Manitoba ‘Roll of Honor’ by visiting our new awards page at: https://archerymanitoba.ca/awards/

Are you passionate about archery and interested in becoming a coach? We’re seeking intermediate to advanced archers eager to undertake coach training and help develop talent at the club level. We have the perfect course for you if you’re keen on guiding new archers within your community or club!

Our certified coach training ensures that archery instruction is delivered with the highest standards of professionalism and accuracy. The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Course covers archery-specific techniques and provides valuable athlete and program management skills that can enhance your personal and professional life.

Archery Manitoba’s Coaching Coordinator, Ron Cooney, will lead the NCCP Instructor of Beginner Archer Course (Level 1) on Saturday and Sunday, September 28 & 29 (enrollment includes both days). This hybrid course will be available both virtually and in person at the Sport for Life Center, 145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day. The course fee is $100 per participant, with a $50 rebate available for those who complete the post-course workbook and become certified.

“Instructor of Beginner Archers: This workshop prepares coaches/instructors to introduce archery to athletes across various settings, including clubs, camps, schools, and other organized activities. Through mini-lessons, demonstrations, and interventions during shooting, participants will gain the skills needed to teach the sport effectively.

Hiring Lessons Coaches (Instructors)
Archery Manitoba hires Beginner Coaches (Instructors) for the Heartland Archery Lessons Program. Suppose you have experience as a lessons student or recreational archer and are interested in teaching new archers while earning up to $20/hour. In that case, we encourage you to consider taking our coaching course. If you’re interested, please email Ryan at info@archerymanitoba.ca.

The course is open to youth (ages 14 and up) and adults interested in becoming archery coaches.

To register, please visit: https://2mev.com/#!/events/instructor-of-beginner-archer-coaching-training-course-september-28-29-2024

For more information, contact Ryan Van Berkel at info@archerymanitoba.ca or call 204-925-5697.

From August 8-11, 2024, the Canadian Outdoor Target Championships took place in Fredericton, New Brunswick, where Manitoba’s archers made a remarkable impression. With a dedicated team of fifteen athletes—nine in compound, one in barebow, and five in recurve—Manitoba’s provincial team demonstrated exceptional skill and perseverance. Coach Dale Bakker ably supported the Team at his first Canadian Championships in the role of Team Coach. Below is a full listing of Manitobans who were competing at the Championships:

• Compound U13 Men – Laganjot Sandhu
• Compound U15 Women – Khushreet Sandhu (Provincial Team Member) 
• Compound U18 Women  
  • Acadia Flockton – (Provincial Team Member)
  • Bailey Mathers – (Provincial Team Member)
• Compound U21 Women
  • Chyler Sanders- (Provincial Team Member)
  • Taylor Klimchuk – (Provincial Team Member)
• Compound 21+ Men 
  • Brady Klassen – (Provincial Team Member)
  • Ryan Cherniak – (Provincial Team Member)
• Compound Men Open (Para Archery Division) 
  • Chris Waterman (Provincial Team Member)

• Barebow 50+ Men 
• • Greg Rubell 

• Recurve U15 Women –  Tiauna Bustard 
• Recurve U21 Men – Kadin Giebelhaus (Provincial Team Member)
• Recurve U21 Women 
  • Sarah May (Provincial Team Member)
  • Cleo Wermann-Thorn (Provincial Team Member)
• Recurve Women Open (Para Archery Division) 
  • Carolyn Lindner 

Outstanding Performances and Achievements

In the Compound U13 Men division, Manitoba’s Laganjot Sandhu showcased his prowess by securing first place after the ranking round with an impressive score of 661.

Khushreet Sandhu (pictured below), competing in the Compound U15 Women category, not only clinched first place after the ranking round but also set a new Canadian Championships record with a score of 679. Reflecting on her achievement, Sandhu said, “I had a really great time, and I’m happy that all my hard work and dedication paid off.”

In the U18 Compound Women division, Manitoba’s athletes had a notable presence. Bailey Mathers earned a bronze medal match victory with a score of 133 – 126 over Victoria Tensen of Alberta. Rookie Provincial Team Member Acadia Flockton displayed remarkable skill, making it to the final match, where she earned a silver medal. The gold medal match saw Flockton tie with the top-ranked Anya Pinel of Ontario at 137 – 137, leading to a tense shoot-off determined by an arrow measurement. Flockton’s margin was just 1mm short of gold, but she was thrilled with her silver medal performance. She shared, “The qualification round of the Target event was a rainy morning. I tied my personal best to finish qualifications in 3rd place, earning a bye into the quarter-finals. I started slowly but could move into the semis, where I carried the momentum to the gold medal match. The gold medal match was decided in a single arrow shoot-off, with both of us hitting X’s. Everyone around us, teammates, parents and coaches, couldn’t believe we both shot an X, and nobody could tell who won. The suspense to determine the winner was insane. The judge had to bring out the callipers to determine a winner, and I was 1mm short. I was excited to receive the U18 Female Compound Division silver medal. I told my parents we will go to Lac La Biche, AB, next year!”

In the U21 Compound Women division, Manitoba’s Chyler Sanders and Taylor Klimchuk competed strongly, finishing in the top four. Sanders emerged victorious in the bronze medal match, defeating Klimchuk 137 – 135.

In the 21+ Compound Men division, Ryan Cherniak and Brady Klassen both performed admirably. Klassen fell to eventual Canadian Champion Yerxa Connor from New Brunswick in the quarter-finals, while Cherniak advanced to the bronze medal match, where he lost in a shoot-off to Benny Parenteau of Quebec, finishing 4th.

Barebow and Para Archery Highlights

Manitoba’s sole barebow competitor, Greg Rubell, excelled in the 50+ category. He ranked first after qualification and went on to win gold in both the Target and Field competitions. Rubell expressed his pride, stating, “I feel very proud and humbled to have won Gold in both the Men’s Barebow 50+ Target and Field competitions. This was the largest Barebow group I have ever shot with, and the competition was stiff. In reflection, I believe that the support I have received from both the 17th Wing and Flatlanders Archery Clubs and shooting indoors at Heights in the winter has enabled me to achieve these goals. I can’t express how much the encouragement and wishes I have received from the other archers and those associated with this sport have meant to me.”

In the Para Archery divisions, Manitoba’s Chris Waterman and Carolyn Lindner found the podium, finishing second and first place, respectively, in their categories after the ranking round.

Recurve Division Success

In the recurve categories, Manitoba’s youngest competitor, Tiauna Bustard, debuted at the Canadian Championships in the U15 Women category. Bustard placed 2nd after the ranking round but was narrowly defeated 4 – 6 by Iris Champagne of Quebec in the quarter-finals.

In the U21 Recurve division, Kadin Giebelhaus (pictured below) achieved a notable 4th-place ranking after qualification. Giebelhaus’s strong performance included a close semi-final match against top-seeded Dylan Villanueva of Ontario, where he lost by a slim margin of 5 – 6. He bounced back to win the bronze medal match against Charles Dufour of Quebec with a score of 6 – 4. Giebelhaus commented, “It was a really good shoot. It was the first time in a long time I could shoot like I do in practice, which I think helped me win a medal. It was an exciting event, and it was my first time getting on the podium for target during nationals.”

On the women’s side, Cleo Wermann-Thorn ranked 6th in qualification and advanced through the rounds to win the bronze medal match with a decisive 6 – 0 victory over the first-ranked Amelia Gagne. This achievement marked Wermann-Thorn’s first national championship podium finish.

Manitoba’s success at the 2024 Canadian Outdoor Target Championships resulted from hard work and dedication from all athletes. We extend our gratitude to the Archery Manitoba and Provincial Team Members who trained tirelessly and proudly to represent Manitoba. Special thanks to their families for their unwavering support. Coach Dale Bakker played a crucial role in guiding the team, and we appreciate his commitment. Finally, we thank the Pentagon Archery Group, Archery Canada, and Archery New Brunswick for hosting an exceptional championship event.

Manitoba’s archers have set a high bar for future competitions, and their achievements at this year’s championships are a testament to their skill and determination.

To see the full results listing, visit https://www.ianseo.net/Details.php?toId=18772

The 2024 ASA Tour Manitoba wrapped up its inaugural season with a thrilling finale at Eternal Springs near Virden. The two-day format, featuring an additional round and shootdowns, injected a new level of excitement and competition into the tour.

The final stop showcased some of the closest finishes of the season, with archers battling it out arrow for arrow. Kazwel Levandoski staged a remarkable comeback in the largest division, overcoming a three-point deficit to claim the top spot. Ed Wilson also delivered a standout performance in the Known 50 Male division, securing victory by two points. These intense competitions highlighted the exceptional talent within the Manitoba and Saskatchewan archery communities. To check out the full list of results from the final stop, CLICK HERE.

The tour’s conclusion also marked the end of the highly anticipated Shooter of the Year Ranking. Archers who participated in at least three of the four events, including the finals, were eligible, with special recognition given to division winners who met specific participation requirements. These top shooters will be awarded a unique 2024 “SOTY” belt buckle. Congratulations to this year’s “Shooter of the Year.”

• Hunter Female: Anika Evans
• Hunter Male: Kazwel Levandoski
• Known 50 Male: Ed Wilson
• Known 50 Female: Stella Braun
• Open Male: Curtis Braun
• Senior Known Male: Kelly Taylor
• Super Senior Known Male: Jay Bauerlein

To check out the 2024 SOTY Rankings, CLICK HERE.

Archery Manitoba extends its heartfelt gratitude to Tour Director Sean Murray for his tireless dedication and leadership. His vision and commitment were instrumental in bringing the tour to fruition. Additionally, the invaluable contributions of volunteers, including Kazwel Levandoski, Francois Squirra, Tom Paukovic and the Winnipeg River Archers, Dave Andries and Family of the Eternal Springs venue, and range marshals Angela Anderson Johnson and Chris Sandison (named 2024 ASA Tour Manitoba Volunteer of the Year), were essential to the tour’s success.

The inaugural ASA Tour Manitoba exceeded expectations, attracting over 100 tour participants and nearly 225 registrations. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from archers and their families is a testament to the tour’s impact.

Building on the momentum of this successful first year, the tour organizers are already hard at work planning for the 2025 season. Key priorities include finalizing dates and locations well in advance to allow for ample planning and communication with participating clubs and communities.

Sean Murray expressed immense satisfaction with the tour’s outcome, stating, “It’s been an incredible journey witnessing the growth and enthusiasm of the archery community through this tour. The joy of seeing so many competitors, especially young archers, has made every effort worthwhile. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another exciting season.”

The ASA Tour Manitoba is dedicated to fostering a thriving archery environment by providing exceptional competitive opportunities for archers of all skill levels. As the tour evolves, it promises to become an even more prominent and beloved event in the Manitoba archery community, offering a fantastic experience for archers and families alike.

To check out the photo gallery from the final stop, CLICK HERE