The North Middle School Archery team recently competed at the national tournament after winning the Montana state title.

During the March 23 meeting, the Great Falls Public Schools board recognized the team for their state tournament wins.

To qualify for national, NMS’ archery team won both the 3D Animals and Bullseye team competitions at the state tournament in Helena hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

In his letter to district officials requesting travel approval for the national conference, Jeff Rieger, wrote that he and Heidi Rieger started the program at North five years ago with 10 archers.

“Since then, the program has grown in popularity and success,” wrote Rieger, NMS math teacher and archery coach.

This year, the team started with 32 archers and had 30 in March, providing a club opportunity to 28 students during the school day once a month and practice opportunities on Sundays two to three times a month from January to April.

“This program utilizes a traditional Montana outdoor activity, archery, to develop life skills of focus, sportsmanship, camaraderie, self-discipline, confidence, as well as creates another connection to school while building friendships,” Rieger wrote. “We believe in the value of these programs and have had amazing support from students, parents, school administrators and the community.”

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The school board approved the team’s travel to Sandy, Utah, during their April 13 meeting for the Western National Archery Tournament in late April.

Trips that take students out of school for two or more days in state, or any trips out of state, require board approval.

The trip was funded by individual families and some donations from local businesses.

NorthWestern Energy sponsors the team and “congratulates the student athletes and coaches on an outstanding season that culminated in a Montana state championship and strong performances on the national stage,” according to a release.

At nationals, the team competed among about 2,500 student archers and participated in three tournaments over two days.

The team results are:

• 29th in CenterShot bullseye
• 34th in the National Archery in the Schools Program bullseye
• 40th in the NASP 3D animals competition.

Thirteen of NMS archers achieved personal best scores in the bullseye competition and 7 earned personal bests in the 3D animals event, according to NWE.

NorthWestern sponsors the team and employees volunteered their time locally to help set up and score archery events.

*Photos courtesy of NorthWestern Energy