“I had nothing to do after school,” he said.

In the past, Kerby had used his own bow at home, but the practice at Cardinal is “definitely” making a difference, he said. While he started out with scores in the 100-range, he is now regularly breaking 200.

LaRue believes archery is a critical program for the district.

“When I first approached the school district, I [told them] I was hoping for 20 kids,” he recalled. “The first night, there were 137.”

So did he feel like cheering — or crying?

“A little of both, actually.”

Because while the overwhelming response helped prove his point that there was a need for such a program, the large numbers also meant there wouldn’t be nearly enough equipment. LaRue didn’t want to turn anyone away.

“I approached the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Wapello County Chiefs Bowmen. They saw what this could do for the sport,” he said.

Hundreds of dollars in contributions later, students were able to transform the gym at the elementary school into an indoor practice range.

As of now, he said, there are about 77 “active” archers in grades 6-12. He pointed out some of the smaller students. He said some of the younger kids started out with a “12- or 14-pound draw,” but soon built up to the club standard of 20 pounds.

Although it is the school’s first season, LaRue and the five assistant coaches are taking 41 top archers to the state tournament in Des Moines on Saturday.

“This is a sport for kids that [shows] they can do anything they want to do,” he said.

Size and strength are not the most important parts of the activity, and boys don’t have an advantage over the girls.

“Our top scoring high school boy shot 269. Our top girl shot 276. She’s in sixth grade,” LaRue said.

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