The top three archers who received trophies were Jace Grimes, first, with a score of 936; Grady Panek, second, with 914; and Haylee Wright, with 908. Merle Fredericks, founder and leader of the Bow Bending Believers, the Orleans County chapter of the national Christian Bowhunters of America, has announced the graduation and success of the […]
The top three archers who received trophies were Jace Grimes, first, with a score of 936; Grady Panek, second, with 914; and Haylee Wright, with 908.
Merle Fredericks, founder and leader of the Bow Bending Believers, the Orleans County chapter of the national Christian Bowhunters of America, has announced the graduation and success of the program he started a year ago.
Jesse Cudzillo, center, director of the YMCA, poses with Merle and Mitzi Fredericks, leaders of the archery class which graduated its second group of youth on Thursday night.
Instead of coaches giving verbal commands, the NASP/Centershot teaches the kids four different whistle commands, so they know what they can and cannot do by the number of times the whistle is blown.
National Archery in the School-Centershot Archery is an eight-week archery class for boys and girls in grades four through 12.
In addition to NASP/Centershot classes, Fredericks added that they have 3D targets set up inside, so local bowhunters can hone their skills shooting out to 35 yards at buffalo, caribou, black bear, whitetail deer and other critters.
One whistle means they may shoot (release an arrow); two whistles means they may get their bow; three whistles means they may retrieve their arrows; and five whistles means “Emergency. Stop what you are doing.” Safety is emphasized regularly during the course, Fredericks said.The recent free eight-week archery class began Dec. 5, 2024, with 10 youths who met from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday night.
What is unique about this class is not only do the kids learn about archery, but they actually spend about one-half hour of the two-hour weekly class enjoying a snack and learning about God, following the Centershot Biblically-based devotional curriculum called “The Plan.” According to Fredericks, this is the primary reason for teaching archery at the YMCA.
Once the kids are allowed to shoot, they shoot at NASP/Centershot bulls-eye targets which have scoring rings that begin with 10 points in the center, decreasing to nine, eight, seven, etc. the further they get from the center.
They are now taking applications for the next eight-week NASP/Centershot archery class. Boys and girls in Orleans or Niagara counties in grades four through 12 who are interested are encouraged to call him at (585) 765-2839 or e-mail him at mfred2@hughes.net. There is a limit of 15 in a class, first come, first served. Classes are free, however, donations are always appreciated.
The Bow Bending Believers are also contemplating having regular indoor leagues in the future. Anyone who is interested is asked to call Fredericks at (585) 765-2839.In addition to Fredericks, three other NASP certified basic archery instructors are Mitzi Fredericks, Jeffrey Robinson and John Curtin. Also assisting with the program were Jason Cogovan, Jim Pritchard, Francis Grabowski, Donald Ingersoll, John Follman and Jim and Angel Arnold. Several of these are hoping to become certified in the future, Fredericks said.
The first class from March to May 2024 graduated 14 young archers.
Classes begin at ground level, first determining if the kids are right eye dominate or left eye dominate (essentially if they are a right-handed or a left-handed archer). Before a Genesis compound bow is put into their hands, the kids make a string bow, which helps them identify their draw length and develop good form and mechanics, Fredericks explained. Then the NASP/Centershot’s 11 steps of archery success are learned – stance, nock (notch), draw hand set, bow hand set, pre-draw, draw, anchor, aim, shot set-up, release, follow through and reflect.
Fredericks extended his appreciation to all who helped make this program successful, especially YMCA executive director Jesse Cudzillo, for allowing them to clean and renovate the old rifle range, which can now be used for archery and ministry.
“We want kids to know how much God loves them and what Jesus Christ did for them at the cross,” Fredericks said. “We want them to know they can be saved, reconciled to God and to live a meaningful life for God, sharing this Good News with their friends and family.”After Thursday’s awards presentation, all in attendance were invited to celebrate with a piece of cake.
It became a reality in Orleans County after Fredericks got permission from YMCA director Jesse Cudzillo to clean out and renovate an unused section of the basement, which had been the indoor shooting range in the former Company C Armory.
The three top winners in the archery class sponsored by the Bow Bending Believers at Medina’s YMCA are, from left, Grady Panek, second; Jace Grimes, first; and Haylee Wright, third.
In addition, each archer was awarded an archery medal and certificate of completion.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 February 2025 at 1:22 pm
The 10 youths who participated and successfully completed this latest class were Jace Grimes, Maverick Hill, Bradley Klotzbach, Annalynn Kusmierczak, Charlotte Miner, Dudley Panek, Grady Panek, Zachary Prine, Evan Wright and Haylee Wright.
From left, Evan Wright, Charlotte Miner and Annalynn Kusmierczak compete one last time on Thursday night.Before they handle a Genesis compound bow, the kids are taught range safety, which Fredericks said means they must know and understand what the three lines represent – the waiting line, the shooting line and the target line. Then they must learn and understand the whistle commands.
It is emphasized from day one and every week thereafter that there will be friendly competition and every arrow shot will be scored ranging from 0 to 10. Kids know that at the end of the eight weeks, only the top three archers will receive a trophy. Each week, the kids shoot at least four rounds of five arrows and every arrow is counted and tabulated weekly. Good sportsmanship is emphasized throughout the course.
Archery students and parents who came to observe their final competition filled the former shooting range of the Medina YMCA during their graduation Thursday night.
“The competition was fierce, and a few kids missed a trophy by only a few points,” Fredericks said. “All the kids did a great job and improved weekly. We’re proud of all their many accomplishments.”
MEDINA – The newest event to call the YMCA “home” graduated its second class on Thursday night.
