TCS Archery Has Its Sights Set
on Another Strong Finish To The Season
By Samantha DePriest
Trinity Christian School continues to build a tradition of excellence in archery as the program continues in the 2025-2026 season with strong momentum, growing participation, and competitive success. TCS participates in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). The program is a nationally recognized initiative designed to introduce students to the lifelong sport of archery.
As part of NASP requirements, all of our middle school students receive formal instruction aligned with national standards. In addition, TCS also participates in Center Shot which enhances the archery experience by incorporating a meaningful spiritual component that aligns with the school’s mission. Currently, the archery team consists of 17 middle school and 20 high school student athletes reflecting the growing enthusiasm for archery at TCS.
Image by Elaine Blalock
Image by Elaine Blalock
Image by Elaine Blalock
Instruction & Curriculum
Archery is currently offered to 6th–8th grade students during Physical Education classes and TCS also provides one middle school archery elective class each week. Students receive 10–12 structured lessons with an emphasis on:
Proper form and function
Safe shooting techniques
Down-range accuracy
Bullseye competition
Skill-building games and increased shooting time
Competitive Opportunities
TCS archers have the opportunity to compete in local, regional, and national tournaments for grades 6–12, including events in LaGrange, Columbus, and surrounding areas. Practices are held Monday nights, with one to two tournaments per month. There are opportunities for student athletes to compete year round. For those interested in learning more about TCS Archery, a meeting is held each August for students looking to join the program.
(Pictured left to right) 2024-2025 TCS Archery Team. Kneeling: Addison Davis, Brie Todhunter. Front row: Jackson Craven, Shepard Millins, Lilyana Claborn, Sophie Young, and Lila Chitwood. Back row: Coach Joey Chitwood, Joshua Schatzberg, Emma Grace Hall, Wyatt Woody, Tristian Schatzberg, and Coach Ron Heatherly. Not pictured: Lorelai Selleck.
A Season to Remember
The 2024–2025 season proved to be a historic one for TCS Archery. The high school team finished as State Runner-Up in Georgia, placing 2nd overall, a remarkable achievement.
TCS Freshman Josh Schatzberg winner of the $5,000 college scholarship.
In May 2025, freshman Josh Schatzberg earned a $5,000 college scholarship from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources after finishing 1st among boys statewide, scoring an impressive 290 out of 300. Josh also set a new TCS school record as a freshman and was recognized as Student-Athlete of the Week.
The year also marked a major milestone as 2025 was the first year TCS qualified to attend the NASP Eastern National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, an event hosting over 13,000 student competitors from across the country.
Leadership & Vision
The program is led by Head Coach Ron Heatherly, who has guided TCS Archery for seven years, alongside Assistant Coach Joey Chitwood.
Reflecting on last season, Coach Heatherly shared, “The 2024–2025 archery season can best be described as ‘impressive.’ Record numbers of students returned to both the MS and HS teams furthering the teams’ commitment to excellence. Many students established new personal records, contributing to numerous 2nd and 3rd place team finishes in regional tournaments. Most notable was the HS team qualifying to participate in the NASP National Tournament in Louisville, KY. With the bumper crop of junior shooters advancing to the HS ranks next season, Trinity Archery is set for the immediate future and what could be its best competitive season ever.”
Assistant Coach Joey Chitwood added, “In archery, just like in life, it’s not always about the perfect shot. It’s about staying focused, learning from each arrow, and always aiming for your personal best. Keep your eyes on the target and never stop believing in your ability to hit the mark.”
Stay Connected
Follow the archery team’s journey on Facebook TCS Archery