As the most viewed sport at this year’s summer Olympics, its no secret that archery is gaining popularity. With that said, the university archery program is beginning to receive the same attention here on campus.

Assistant Director of Recreation and Sports Facilities Dan Langlois supervises archery at the Environmental Adventure Center located in the basement of Hilltop Center on campus.

Historically, Langlois said the EAC has been overlooked because of its somewhat hidden location under the center. However, he said archery has become more popular at the university by residence halls and various
other groups recently.

“I had no idea the range was going to take off like this,” Langlois said. “I just love to see it.”

Walk-in shooters are starting to become a commonality for the EAC archery range, which Langlois said is usually accustomed to only having occasional visitors.

The rising success of the archery program on campus could be a product of the sport’s prominence among Wisconsin’s youth, Langlois said.

“Archery is really popular in the high schools and grade schools of Wisconsin,” he said. “So the kids already have a lot of exposure coming into college.”

Among those beginning to frequent the archery range is junior Laura Schulist, who said she is rediscovering her interest in the sport.

“I’ve been shooting since I was around eight years old,” Schulist said. “But I’m just getting back into it now.”

Senior Tyler Lindeman is a beginner archer, but considers the sport something he can identify with.

“I’ve always been a big fan of the outdoors, so I thought I’d give it a try,” Lindeman said.

Students of any archery background like Schulist and Lindeman who share a love for outdoor physical activity can find their place in the EAC range easily — the campus archery range welcomes all ability levels.

Sophomore Garret Olson is one of four range officers at the university — as a certified archery teacher, he supervises recreational shooting.

After only about a year and a half of arching, Olson said he became a natural at the sport, which is a testament to the sport’s accessibility.

“Archery is for anyone, really,” Olson said. “I taught four classes last year ranging from third graders to
high schoolers.”

Lessons from range officers such as Olson are available for anyone looking to improve their arching during open shoots.

Additionally, the EAC provides novice participants with easy-to-use Matthew Genesis bows. For students who own their own bow, the facility conveniently houses equipment.

Beginning next semester, the EAC will host an official archery league.  Unlike the majority of organizations on campus, the league will be open to the public.

The archery league will run for seven weeks this spring, Monday through Thursday. The league shooting fee is $15 for once per week league meets, as well as unlimited open shooting.

The fee for open shooting alone is $10, and a one-time visit to the EAC archery range is $1.

To learn more about the university’s spring archery league, contact Langlois at the EAC, grab a friend and join the sport’s trending popularity
on campus.