Bushyhead To Compete In National Archery Competition

MANNFORD, Okla. — After years of preparation, Cherokee citizen and Mannford resident Ty Bushyhead will put his archery skills to the test as he represents the state of Oklahoma at the

Bushyhead, 17, and three other Oklahoma high school students will compete as a team in the compound archery division against teams of four from 33 other states at the national competition in Grand Island, Nebraska. on June 21-26. Competitors are also scored individually during the three days of shooting.
Representing his state, town and tribe is a true honor and humbling opportunity for the homeschooled student.
“I’m absolutely honored to represent my state, town and tribe,” said Bushyhead. “I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better, to be honest, and I’m ready to go compete with my teammates and try to win a national championship for the state’s 4-H program and make everyone proud.”
Bushyhead began shooting a bow when he was 8 years old and entered his first competition at the age of 13. He said the idea of only relying on your own ability is what drew him to the sport and drives him to want to possibly compete collegiately at Oklahoma State University, where he plans to pursue a degree in electrical and petroleum engineering.
“Archery is a single-person sport. You’re not able to rely on anybody, and no one can rely on you,” said Bushyhead. “You’re solely driven by yourself, and you’re only as good as you make yourself. That’s what I like about this sport.”
Bushyhead and his teammates, along with the other teams, will have three rounds of shooting in different archery competitions. Targets in each round will be placed from 5 to 60 yards. Teams and individuals that shoot the most accurate and score the highest percentage of points possible receive top honors.
The Oklahoma 4-H compound archery team has placed in the top 10 every year since 2012, including winning the national championship in 2013.
“Oklahoma 4-H will be very well represented by the Compound Archery Team. This team will continue the excellence demonstrated by Oklahoma 4-H archery teams the past few years,” said State 4-H Shooting Sports Program Coordinator Terry Nelson. “These team members have worked hard to improve their archery skills in order to earn a spot on this year’s team.”
Other members of the state’s 4-H compound archery team include Sara Trotter, of Sallisaw; Solomon Cude, of Muldrow; and Amanda Peterson, of Perry.
For more information on the 2015 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships, visit http://4h.unl.edu/4hshootingsportsnationalchampionships.

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Photo Cutline: Cherokee citizen and Mannford resident Ty Bushyhead, 17, practices for the 2015 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska.