The 18th Annual State Archery Tournament in Des Moines, held from February 28 to March 2 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, brought together over 2,200 students from more than 140 schools across Iowa. Hosted in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center for Bullseye shooting and the 4H Building for 3D competitions, this event marked the largest youth archery tournament in the state.
Since its inception in 2006, the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) has seen exponential growth in Iowa, with student participation skyrocketing to over 4,800 participants in 2025. Zach Benttine, the archery coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, lauds NASP as an exceptional youth sports program that instills discipline, focus, and perseverance in students of all skill levels. Beyond physical activity, NASP nurtures confidence, personal development, and a deep appreciation for the sport of archery.
The tournament kicked off on Friday at 5 p.m., with competitions resuming at 8 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday for both the bullseye and 3D events. With 50 targets for bullseye shooting allowing 100 participants to compete simultaneously and 30 targets for 3D shooting accommodating 60 participants at a time, the competition was intense yet inviting for all involved.
Admission to the event was set at $5 for attendees aged 19 and above, while those 18 and younger enjoyed free entry, making it a family-friendly affair accessible to all. In addition to the thrill of competition, archers participating in the Iowa Archery in the Schools Program had the opportunity to win substantial rewards in the form of college scholarships and equipment.
One of the standout features of the tournament was the chance for archers to earn money for college through their performance. Over $10,000 in college scholarships were up for grabs based on participants’ achievements during the state tournament, with an additional $13,000 in scholarships awarded outside of the competition for academic excellence, essays, and other specified criteria.
Moreover, teams that secured placements at the state tournament were eligible to receive an estimated $18,000 in equipment for their schools, providing a valuable boost to their archery programs. Generously provided by organizations such as the Iowa Hunter Education Instructor Association, Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, and more, these scholarships and equipment grants aimed to support and nurture the next generation of archery talent in Iowa and beyond.
The camaraderie, sportsmanship, and sheer excitement of the 18th Annual State Archery Tournament in Des Moines captured the essence of youth sports at its finest. As young archers took aim, honed their skills, and competed with passion and determination, the spirit of NASP shone through, inspiring participants and spectators alike with the thrill of the sport and the promise of a bright future ahead.
