By next fall, Hillsdale College will have the space to accommodate its first-ever archery class for students.
The college will begin construction on the archery range and additional shooting facilities starting in May. The new construction will add a 20-target archery field, a driveway, a 40- by 60-foot pavilion, an office space, storage, and a concession stand to the existing shooting range facilities.
The archery class was available for the first time in the college’s history during registration this past week, and the student response was overwhelming.
“The class was full almost immediately,” Hillsdale shooting instructor Bart Spieth said. “I have already received emails from 15-plus students who want to be put on the waitlist. Hopefully, we can open up another section.”
This construction was financed by various donors, the college, and the initial gift from the Ebersol estate, which financed the massive additions to the shooting range in previous years.
Friends of NRA has also donated $3,800 worth of archery equipment, including long and compound bows, arrows, and quivers for students to use with the new course offerings.
Students who were lucky enough to get into the archery class have defined it as the highlight of their schedule next semester.
“Archery is something that many new students can be good at,” Spieth explained. “Unlike rifle or pistol shooting, it doesn’t take long for a new shooter to get on target and get acquainted with the equipment.”
Spieth has been instructing students in shooting sports and archery since 2004. He believes the new course will offer many benefits to students who may be overwhelmed by the usual academic grind.
“One of the things I really love about archery is that it takes you to a quiet place,” Spieth said. “You need to shut everything out to focus on a good shot. It’s a huge stress-reliever.”
