Lycoming News

With the Pennsylvania College of Technology archery team set to begin their season, coach Dustin Bartron is optimistic about their prospects. The Wildcats will compete at the Easton Collegiate Tournament in Manheim on Saturday. Coach Bartron expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming competition, stating, "(It) will be great to knock the competitive dust off. Many of the archers have not competed in a large tournament this year."

The team has 30 student-athletes practicing daily, which is the largest number since Bartron began coaching. "Practices have been going well, very productive," he noted.

Senior Matthew Byrnes leads the returning members. Byrnes has been selected to the All-East Team for three consecutive years and holds a record-setting score from his freshman year at Atlantic Cape Community College.

Other returning athletes include juniors Emery Gunsalls and Atley Cooper, and sophomore Ben Malehorn. Among promising freshmen are Casey Keiter, Brady Buriak, and Eli Bartron, who bring accolades such as state championships and national team membership.

Coach Bartron praised his team's dedication: "This group has endless drive and work ethic... There is no other college program that is working as hard as our student-athletes are this year." He believes they have potential for top finishes nationally.

He also anticipates strong performances from freshmen Liz Gruodis, Wyatt Steigerwalt, Travis Lilly, and Josiah Hinojis. "Our men's compound team and men's fixed pin team are very strong at the top," he said.

Bartron aims to end an All-American drought for Penn College archers since 2018 and sees potential national championship contenders among his athletes. He added that representing Penn College at the World University Games in Germany would be a significant achievement.