Pulling the String of Imagination
A Look into Pershing West’s Archery Program

 

The building is Pershing West Elementary. The principal is Milken Educator Award Winner Cheryl Watkins.  The teacher is 12-year teaching veteran and Archery Coach, Jeff Skocilich. I met Principal Watkins on our One Year Countdown visit on October 2. Her energy for her school, students and the Olympic movement was infectious.  Ms. Watkins shared her love of sport and I learned that Pershing West Elementary had the only elementary Archery program in Chicago. I was intrigued and knew I had to go back and chat with Mr. Skocilich.

 

Mr. S, as the students know him, started teaching Archery at Pershing West three years ago.  The program is part of the National Archery in the Schools Program.  Already a teacher at Pershing West, Mr. S. approached Principal Watkins about starting an Archery Program.  With no hesitation, he received a ‘yes’ , applied for a grant and the program was born. The grant helped cover the cost of the supplies, which don’t come cheap. The school has five Olympic style targets, 12 bows and practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

Now, you may wonder: What is so great about an Archery Program in Chicago?

 

Let’s start with the basics. There are three area high schools that teach Archery  - Pershing West is the only elementary school.  Archery requires patience, hand/eye coordination and the ability to make an arrow glide through various natural elements – not an easy task. Olympians are known to shoot from as far as 50 yards. Imagine shooting an arrow half the distance of a football field, peering through a small circle, then hoping that arrow lands in the center of the target. 

 

Mr. S., a seasoned bow hunter, walks the students through the basics of the sport, starting with the stance. One foot at a 45 degree angle, other foot straight, three fingers below the string, pull the string back and line up your index finger to the corner of your mouth, lightly release your fingers. I tried this a few times – it’s not easy. 

Approximately 30 students have gone through Pershing West’s Archery program and Mr. S. is hoping more Chicago Public Schools join the movement – bringing the group another school they can compete with.  Many of Pershing West’s graduates come back to continue practicing as well. 46 states offer Archery programs in their schools and there is a national competition in Springfield every year.  

Let’s make it happen, Chicago. Let’s have a future Archery Olympian come from one of our schools.

For more information on starting an Archery program in YOUR school, feel free to contact Jeff Skocilich (pershing213@yahoo.com).  Until then, a small group of students at 32nd and Calumet drives will learn the art of Archery on Tuesdays and Thursdays, honing their skills and practicing the art of aim, strength and coordination.  Thank you to Mr. S. for taking the time to meet with me and for his continued service to our schools.  Also, thank you to Principal Watkins for spearheading the proposal that resulted in Pershing West Elementary’s inception!