My name is Larry Sites, and I am the President. This is a project that has been almost a life time in the making. I would like to tell you a little bit about how it came to be.
I was introduced to archery while living in Northern Virginia in the mid seventies. As a member of Northern Virginia Archers (NORVA), I continued to work on the discipline of archery on their 28 target lane course. It was during that time that I had my first experience with bow hunting. I am proud to say that through practice I scored on a nice buck at 35 yards. I was hooked from that point on!!!!
After years of perfecting my discipline at the NORVA range I moved to Lake Worth, Florida in 1986. In 1991, I joined Gold Coast Archers in West Palm Beach. In 2004, I became the Club President. Shortly afterward we lost the lease. We were forced to place the Club on hold until we found another place, but I refused to let the club die. I set up weekly shoots at Gator Guns and Archery Center in West Palm Beach for the Club members to get together on a weekly basis to socialize, have indoor tournaments, with the main goal of camaraderie. I can't thank JB enough for all his hospitality during this time and I can't forget his staff. Too many to mention but you all are the best. !!!!
In April 2004, I started a letter writing and phone calling campaign with the ultimate goal of securing land through the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department to build an archery facility that the citizens of Palm Beach County would be proud of and to include different events from paper shoot, 3D ranges, and practice facilities for our Olympic style shooters. Thanks to everyone involved in this project from the County Commissioners to the Parks and Recreation Department employees that worked so hard seeing this project to completion. I can't continue with out thanking Rick and Corky Dorey for all that they did for me. If it were not for their assistance I don't think I would have the courage to continue on. They made it all worth while for me and I can't thank them enough for every thing they did to aid me in this project. West Delray Regional Park opened on October 19th, 2007 with it's Grand Opening at 9:00 am ............ FINALLY!!!!!!
The result of all our hard work is as follows. Gold Coast Archers ended up with just short of 40 acres with a 300' X 310' practice area that has targets set every 5 yards from 20 to 70 yards. There also is an 80 yard target and a 90 meter target. At a later date plans will include an 11 yard walk up, 15 yard target along with targets set for our Olympic shooters at 30, 40, 50, 70 and 90 meters. It will be the only dedicated facility that our Olympic participants can practice their discipline. Also there is a 28 lane International / Hunter course with shots from 11 feet to 80 yards. In addition to being able to use those 28 lanes for 3D archery we will also have room for 30 - 40 more lanes. These will be dedicated for 3D archery only with shots out to 50 yards. It is an awesome time for the archers of Palm Beach County. They now have a complete facility that will be available to them 365 days a year. All you have to do is come out; join us in what will be a tremendous opportunity for all.
Even though at this time I only hold a Level 1 Certified Instructor Certificate from the National Field Archery Association and USA Archery I think my experience has helped me gain a tremulous amount of knowledge in order to aid you to learn as much as myself. I will be seeking further training through the NFAA, as well as the National Archery in the Schools Program. With the knowledge and experience that I have, I can teach you the same principles and techniques of our Olympic Style shooters from foot placement through the shot sequence.
I have to acknowledge three people in my life who have contributed greatly on the development stage of the project. First there is my mentor Wayne Carr who has taught me more about archery than I could ever explain. Second is my wife Linda, who is the Vice President of both Straight As An Arrow Instructions, Inc. and my life. Last but not lease I must thank my biggest supporter, fan, financial backer, mentor, friend, and any other accolade which you can give a brother. Tommy thanks for believing in me.
COME JOIN ME IN ONE OF MY CLASSES. It is a wonderful time for you to come out and play with us. Do you remember summer camp, or maybe some of you took archery during high school or college. You could have used an old recurve, a long bow, or even an old compound. I do have to tell you that the equipment has changed from the old "Robin Hood" days. I use the new Mathews Genesis Bows that is referred to as the "Family Bow." The Genesis has no set draw length; the draw weight is light enough that anyone from 8-80 years old can shoot it. Becoming involved with archery will broaden your knowledge base, build self confidence, build muscles which you rarely ever use, determination, but the most important of all is self discipline. Yes, I said SELF DISCIPLINE!!! I will explain more on this during class.
If you have been patient enough to make it this far, than you know that I can help you. I make this solemn promise to you that I will use all of my knowledge, experience, and ability to do all that is needed to assure you become that best archer you can be. Included in the following will be the pricing information and a few pictures of some of my clinics.
One on one personal instructions are $50.00 per hour and $35.00 per half hour. If you are interested in clinics for your school, church group, or after care organization please contact me for group rates. If you would like further information please feel free to contact me at 561-371-6931 for appointment dates and times. You can also email me at all12s@bellsouth.net. I look forward to you contacting me. It will the best decision you make today.
Larry E. Sites
President
Straight As An Arrow Instruction, Inc.
Proud Member:
National Field Archery Association http://www.nfaa-archery.org/
Florida Archery Association http://www.flordiaarchry.org/
Archery Shooters Association http://www.asaarchery-com
Gold Coast Archers http://tinyurl.com/341pvh
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|