By Nick Nunn
Staff Writer

It is now two weeks into the young season for Morgan County’s 4-H Archery team, which has met at their shooting range behind the Morgan County Detention Center, in order to prepare for their upcoming competitions.
Nick Nicholson, the director of the 4-H Archery program in Morgan County, reports that there are 65 participants enrolled in the program right now, and that 63 have made it to the first two practices.
Eighteen of those enrolled are participating in the program’s Genesis program, which allows young shooters to develop an interest in the sport without having to put up the, often large, initial investment that all serious shooters must make. The Genesis program’s goal is to support these young athletes, who hope to convince their parents that they are serious about the sport.
Nicholson says that, after only two practices, many of those currently in the Genesis program are ready to make that commitment. 
Although many of the members of the team are young Nicholson justifiably expects successful results out of his archers. In both 2007 and 2011, Morgan County’s Senior Recurve teams won at the State Tournament, which is held at Rock Eagle every spring, and placed third each time in the National 4-H Shooting Sports competition.
The team will have more than 20 official practices between now and this year’s tournaments.
“The 4-H indoor tournament will be held in Perry on February 23,” stated Nicholson. “The state tournament will be held at Rock Eagle on May 4.”
Each member of the team will be required to attend a minimum of 12 practices in order to qualify to compete in the state tournament in May.
So far this season, the team has enjoyed unseasonable weather for its first two practices, which will take place every Sunday, with the exception of Easter, until the state tournament.
“You can’t ask for better conditions,” said Nicholson. “It’s been perfect for the last few weeks.”