Practice Makes Perfect

Insight into the UC Archery Team with Team Member Cammie Shuman

BY AMBER SIMPKINS Staff Writer

The archery team here at the University of the Cumberlands displayed a lot of skill and talent during their recent tournaments. The archery team puts in a lot of hard work utilizing their skills and focus. Cammie Shuman, an archery team member, enjoys this sport and the work it takes to pull off each tournament. As a freshman, it is Shuman’s first year playing archery at UC, but she has had previous archery experience before coming to UC. Shuman provides insight into her experience as an archer.

Archery first started to interest her when she was in middle school. Shuman’s inspiration to pursue archery came from the influence of female archer characters. “I started archery in the sixth grade in the NASP program,” Shuman states, “due to my inspirations from Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games and Merida from Brave.” The eight years that Shuman has participated in archery have been an enjoyable and rewarding experience. According to Shuman, the most satisfying thing about archery is seeing improvement. She states, “[a]rchery is so enjoyable because you not only have such satisfaction when you see yourself improve, but you always improve your ability to rebound from a bad place involving your mindset.”

Archery is very enjoyable to Shuman, but it also comes with challenges. The sport can be very intense, and many people overlook that aspect. “Archery is much more intense than some may think, for both the team and the audience,” she says, “as it can also come down to the last arrow to determine who wins or loses.” The intensity of archery is more mental than it is physical. According to

Shuman, it requires a lot of focus to make the important shots. “Archery is tough not necessarily on a physical level, but rather the mental side because some shots are not the most desired and can really affect you if they affect your chances of winning.” Participating in archery provides athletes with the opportunity to learn important lessons. Archery helps Shuman improve herself in not only archery but also other areas of her life. “I have learned a lot from archery,” she says, “including how I view my losses, as well as giving me steps to improve myself, not just with archery.”

The UC archery team has accomplished many great things this year so far. One of the team’s most recent accomplishments was winning first place at Mid-South Conference in Madisonville, Kentucky. A few months ago, the UC archery team competed at a tournament in Folley, Alabama. Shuman enjoyed how energetic the competition was, stating, “Folley was a very fun experience and was one of the most energetic tournaments I have ever been to.” According to the UC archery schedule, their next shoot will occur on April 5 in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

Cammie Shuman provides insight into the archery world—the highs and the lows. The UC archery members demonstrated great skill and talent throughout the season, which helped them in their recent wins. Their principles and firm foundation will continue to help them on their journey forward.