Joe Wilkin ’08 shot his way to victory in the U.S. Collegiate Archery National Indoor Championships last month, tying for first place in his division. 432 archers competed in four different divisions: Compound Freestyle, Bow Hunter, Basic Bow and Recurve. Wilkin competed in the Bow Hunter division, which requires a compound bow and prohibits magnifying lenses. “It was a two day event, with each archer having to shoot 60 arrows per day, a total of 1,200 possible points,” said Wilkin. Eight regional events were held across the country, and the scores were compiled once they the events were completed. Wilkin, a student at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), won his division with a near flawless score of 1144/1200. Wilkin tied with his good friend and teammate Seth Tremblay. The two were named dual champions, 13 points ahead of the next best score from Pennsylvania, according to “The Eagle Tribune.” While attending Andover, Wilkin played a variety of other sports, but his interest in archery was always present. “I used to shoot when I was little, but I stopped for a while through middle and high school. I was always fascinated by archery, but during my time at Andover, ultimate Frisbee and tennis were what [was] available to me; I really enjoyed my time with each sport,” he said. Upon moving to Warren, NH, before beginning his first semester at UNH, Wilkin bought a compound bow and began practicing on his own, as bow hunting is popular in that area. When he arrived at UNH, his training became more rigorous. “My coaches there trained me very efficiently, and I developed a practice regimen that includes meditation, indoor shooting from 20-30 yards, distance shooting from 30-90 yards and close-up form shooting, which is essentially blind shooting at a target five yards away to help develop a consistent form and some weight training,” he explained. During the school year, Wilkin practices three to four days a week, and in the summer he practices two to three hours each day. “The targets we use for the indoor distance of 20 yards have a bullseye exactly the size of a penny,” said Wilkin. “The 10 ring is so small, that mental focus is a must. If you think about the shot too much, you start over-analyzing your form, and your chances of hitting the 10 drop considerably.” Wilkin says what started as a hobby took an exciting and pleasant turn for the better. “I actually got into the sport for bow hunting, which has become a new favorite activity of mine. I never would have expected to become a USCA National Champion,” said Wilkin. The future looks bright for the Andover alum, who is currently working at the Kittery Trading Post in Maine. He will begin shooting for the team once he graduates from UNH. “Aside from preparing for the spring turkey season and fall deer season, I am training to compete in next year’s indoor season, which doesn’t start until after the hunting season, as well as the Vegas Shoot next February,” said Wilkin.
