Lycoming News

Chad Karstetter, the longstanding archery coach at Pennsylvania College of Technology, is stepping down after a notable career spanning 17 seasons from 2001-2011 and 2014-2019. Under his leadership, the team achieved significant milestones including ten top-ten national team finishes, with two second-place, two third-place, and three fourth-place rankings. His coaching tenure also saw 33 archers receive All-American honors a total of 76 times and produced ten national championship teams alongside nine individual national champions.

Reflecting on his decision to resign, Karstetter stated, "It's been a great ride," indicating that he plans to spend more time with his family. "With two kids, last season it was pretty tough because Chase, 7, was into everything in the spring with baseball and in the fall with soccer. And Leah, 10, is a soccer player and she has been playing almost year-round now," he explained.

Karstetter's choice to step back was influenced by a conversation with his son over a year ago. "You see those TV shows where the son asks the father 'Hey let's go out and play ball,' and the dad is like 'No I've got to go to work.' That actually happened to me," he recalled.

His journey in archery began early; at age 12 he received his first compound bow as a birthday gift. This interest deepened as he worked for Danny Chappell at Chappell Archery while participating in an indoor league during wintertime.

After graduating from Bald Eagle-Nittany High School in 1996 and enrolling at Penn College in January 1997, Karstetter quickly excelled by finishing second nationally in the male compound division that same spring. He earned All-American honors each year on the squad from indoor and outdoor national scores.

In addition to coaching duties beginning in 2001 after Danny Chappell stepped down, Karstetter is employed as lead person of General Services' horticulture and grounds department at Penn College. Recalling when he took over coaching responsibilities: "When I first took over the archery program we were known mainly for men's compound division...It was nice seeing it evolve into both men's & women's programs."

Looking ahead despite stepping down temporarily due to family commitments - “I hope archery at Penn College continues growing...I hope continuing being part even if small.”