Dustin Bartron Head Archery Coach | Penn College Wildcats
Dustin Bartron Head Archery Coach | Penn College Wildcats
After a four-season absence from producing All-Americans, the Pennsylvania College of Technology archery team is optimistic about its upcoming season. Coach Dustin Bartron believes the team's chemistry and work ethic will lead to success as they prepare for their opener at the 55th USA Archery Indoor National Championships in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
"I believe we will be very competitive this season. The chemistry and work ethic of these archers are among their strong attributes that will show success this year," Bartron stated. He also noted improvements in skill and teamwork during practice sessions.
The men's compound discipline will feature juniors Jon Vough, Alex Edwards, and Matthew Byrnes. Competing in men's fixed pin are junior Atley Cooper and freshmen Logan Shepard, Ben Malehorn, and Aydan McLain. Edwards, Byrnes, and sophomore Brady Fowkes received All-East Region Team honors last year, with Fowkes also earning a spot on the All-American Academic Men's Fixed Pins Team.
Returning members include Jansen Balmer, Paul Calabro, and Sam Weber. Last year at the outdoor nationals, Penn College ranked 22nd out of 49 teams.
Bartron expects returning members to guide younger teammates through competitions. "I am looking for the returners to be leaders for the younger archers," he said. Byrnes has emerged as a leader both on the range and academically, while Shepard contributes valuable experience to the team.
"Many of the archers are not used to competing in tournaments of 800-plus competitors on the line," Bartron mentioned regarding potential challenges faced by newer team members. He emphasized relying on experienced leaders like Edwards and Byrnes to support their teammates.
"If they can shoot as well in tournaments as they do in practice... I expect big success," Bartron added. He aims for a top-10 national finish if momentum continues throughout the season.
The team's schedule includes participation in several key events: USA Archery Indoor Nationals (Feb. 23-25), USA Archery East Region Outdoor Championship (April 20-21), and USA Archery Collegiate Target Nationals (May 17-19).
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