Lycoming News

Pennsylvania College of Technology's archery team is set to begin its season this weekend, with coach Chad Karstetter aiming for a strong finish. The team, which had a young roster last year, managed to secure two national champions and five All-Americans. With the return of these key players, Karstetter is optimistic about their prospects.

"So far, at the beginning of the season, everything's coming together pretty well," said Karstetter. "We have quite a few returners from last year... they're all going to come back with a little bit more experience."

The Wildcats will compete at the Pennsylvania Field and Target Archers Indoor State Championships in Taylor on February 25-26. "I'm excited to see us going to an event close to home… It definitely is going to give us something that we can go through the routine," Karstetter added.

Key returning athletes include Andrew Rupp and Erica Gause, who won the mixed bowhunter national championship last season, as well as Markus Weber, who was the male compound national champion. Other notable returnees are Tim Lamont and Tyler Schoonover, both recognized as All-Americans.

"They were definitely some of the top archers in the (national) field last year," noted Karstetter. "I expect them to do very well."

Additional returning members include Logan Booth in male compound; Nicholas Daniels in male recurve; Tanner Huff in recurve; Justin Rinehimer and Adam Thomas in male bowhunter; Kaylee Burk in female recurve; Chelsea Douglass in female compound; Stephanie Plummer and Sabrina Toplovich in female bowhunter.

"Being that they've all been through it (nationals) once, they all come back this year with that much more experience," said Karstetter.

Newcomers this season include freshmen Aaron Cummings in male compound, John Kleinfelter in male bowhunter, Josh Maring in male recurve, Sarah Decker and Rylee Butler in female bowhunter.

The indoor season runs until mid-March before transitioning outdoors. Penn College will host the Eastern Outdoor Regional on April 22-23 for the first time in three years. "We're excited to get it back again," said Karstetter.

Karstetter emphasized building on last year's performance: "Right now (as a team) we are in the average range... hopefully practices we get in the first two events they learn what they need to do."