The Christmas morning of 2011, senior Kenzie Schultz rushed down the stairs to see what was under the tree. An oddly-shaped package laid in wait for her to unwrap. Tearing the wrapping paper apart, she quickly discovered that her newest possession would be a recurve bow, an item required for a hobby that she has loved since her childhood. Her father Jeff Schultz smiled and told his daughter that he and her mother purchased that bow from Amish country.

Schultz received her first bow and arrows at age fifteen and has been an archer for three years. She always loved archery as a kid, but she never had a bow. Jeff, an experienced archer for 32 years who bought his first bow in 1982, gave tips to Schultz and fellow senior Kathryn Fenton on how to use bows properly. Fenton’s father also played a role in the teaching process. The students practice their archery for leisure at multiple locations, including an indoor range by Fred Martin, Fenton’s private property in Chesterhill, Cuyahoga Valley National Forest or even the Metro Park. Schultz described her reaction to receiving her bow and why she loves archery.

“I used to run around in my backyard pretending that I had a bow when I was a kid. So when I got my [bow], I was so happy, and I wanted to start as soon as I could. I love hitting the target and seeing how well I did. I also love doing it with my friends and laughing at our mistakes,” Schultz said.

Fenton voiced why she picked up archery.

“I picked it up for fun because we have a piece of land on our property in Chesterhill Ohio. My dad said let’s go hunting so we got a bow and arrow,” Fenton said.

Jeff added what is required to take up archery and what needs purchased based on one’s future plans for archery.

“Taking up archery is fairly simple. It requires proper equipment, selection of a bow that suits your individual taste and desire relative to what type of activity you want to do; hunting small or large game, or joining a league for competition or simply recreation,” Jeff said.

Jeff explained the proper equipment required for archery, including safety measures.

“The proper bow, arrows, a broadhead [arrowhead] for hunting and field tip [arrowhead] for target shooting, a fingertip protection glove to protect the fingers from getting blisters or cut by holding the sting under high tension, or a mechanical device called a trigger release that saves on the fingers [are required pieces of equipment for an archer],” Jeff said.

Schultz explained that archery is not necessarily competitive, but it is a fun way to create memories with friends.

Jeff added that he has used the same bow for 32 years, and he has not had to repair or replace it since its purchase. He explained the similarities between two common bows: the recurve bow and the compound bow.

“Recurve and compound bows are similar in some respects because they both have strings and arrows, but the similarities end there. You can immediately tell the difference between a recurve and compound bow by the body shape,” Jeff said.

Jeff explained that archers sometimes call a recurve bow a traditional bow because the recurve bow shares numerous similarities with the same bow and arrow that has been used for centuries. Also, recurve bows only have a single string. However, compound bows consist of modern technology and materials. Several strings and pulleys are attached to the limbs of the compound bow. Compound bows also utilize a rather sturdier and usually smaller body.

Fenton voiced that she expects to take a couple classes on archery in college, because it serves as a fun hobby and also builds muscle. She hopes to join some form of archery clubs in college.

Fenton and Schultz participate in archery whenever time allows, Fenton a one-year archer, and Schultz a three-year archer. Each use a specific bow tailored to their needs and uses the proper gear to function as archers to the best of their capabilities. Instructed by experienced parents, the two have learned to sharpen their skills as archers and improve greatly. Both seniors plan to continue archery in some form, either practicing at college or shooting at a nearby range. They still take trips when they can spend a day with friends while enjoying the weather and continuing their unique hobby.