The gym was filled with steady focus, proud smiles and the unmistakable thump of arrows meeting their mark as Preston Public Schools hosted its inaugural Bullseye and 3D Archery Tournament this past weekend. With teams from across the region competing, the first-year event proved to be an overwhelming success – both in competition results and community spirit.
Preston archers delivered a strong showing, earning multiple top-10 finishes and team awards across Bullseye and 3D divisions. Morris archers also posted an impressive start to their competitive season, taking home both individual and team honors.
But beyond the medals and scores, the event was marked by deep gratitude and collaboration among schools, coaches, volunteers and families who helped bring the tournament to life.
Preston Results
Bullseye – Individual Girls (Elementary) 7th – Myah Turner
• 10th – Jentrie Carter Bullseye – Individual Boys (Elementary) • 8th – Eastern Bradford Bullseye – Team
• 3rd – Preston Elementary 3D – Girls Individual • 1st – Jentrie Carter
• 2nd – Myah Turner
• 3rd – Austyn Wasson
• 4th – Abigale Vance 3D – Boys Individual • 3rd – Easton Bradford
• 6th – Samuel Mitchell
• 7th – Grayson Brice
• 8th – Blade Allen 3D – Team Awards
• 1st – Preston Elementary
• 3rd – Preston Middle School — Morris Results
Morris Archery opened its season in impressive fashion, capturing several individual medals and placing in both team divisions.
Team Awards
• Middle School – 2nd Place
• Elementary – 2nd Place High School
• Makenzie Stacy – 3rd (3D), 7th (Bullseye) Middle School
• Kash Walters – 3rd (3D), 9th (Bullseye)
• Cole Casey – 7th (3D)
• Sophie Hildebrant – 4th (Girls)
• McKinlee Boatner – 5th (Girls) Elementary School
• Aspen Henry – 3rd (Girls)
• Rylie Summey – 4th (Girls)
• Presley Ford – 5th (Girls)
• Mia Brigge – 9th (Girls)
• Brennon Route – 3rd (Boys)
• Cylas Boone – 9th (Boys) — Organizers express heartfelt gratitude
The event was coordinated by Preston special educator Lacey Carter, who said she was “overwhelmed with gratitude” for everyone who made the tournament possible.
“My heart is so full, and I am beyond thankful for everything that came together to make this event possible,” Carter said. “Mrs. Turner and I have worked so hard for this moment, and to finally see our vision come to fruition has been nothing short of amazing.”
Carter extended appreciation to all visiting schools, praising coaches and students for their conduct and sportsmanship.
“The kids were so well-behaved, respectful, and talented. You all made this day truly special.”
She also recognized those who worked behind the scenes:
• Mrs. Cassie – “For moral support, hugs, and helping with all things technology.”
• Principal Cassie Holleman Sharp – “For support, love and wisdom when I was stressed and overwhelmed.”
• Anna Osborn, Levi Morgan, Jessica Thomason, Rusty McNew and Debi Gardenhire – “A huge shoutout … We could never thank you enough.”
• Superintendent Mark. Hudson – “Your support is the reason this event could happen.”
• Brad Cowan and the Locust Grove team – “For staying late to help tear down.” Carter noted how every student shook her hand and thanked her.
• Morris and Coweta homeschool archers – “Same thing – each one shook my hand and thanked us.”
• Students running concessions and targets – “You kept everything running smoothly.”
• John Hall – “For feeding everyone with delicious BBQ.”
• Brian Jackson – “For putting on the tournament and making the entire event remarkable, memorable and fun for all the kids.”
Carter said seeing the young archers succeed made every hour of preparation worthwhile.
“I am just so proud and so grateful. Thank you all for making this event unforgettable,” she said.
With its first tournament now complete – and a long list of achievements to celebrate – Preston looks forward to establishing the competition as a yearly tradition that brings together schools, families and archery enthusiasts from across the region.
