Two archers compete provincially

Ellie Cleroux (left) and Curtis Skinner took part in the Archery Ontario Junior Challenge over the weekend in Peterborough. Cleroux won a gold medal while Skinner captured silver. Both train out of Amherstburg Target Sports.

A pair of local youth headed to Peterborough last weekend with their bow and arrows in hand.

Ellie Cleroux and Curtis Skinner, along with their parents and coaches, travelled to the Archery Ontario Junior Challenge. They train at Amherstburg Target Sports, located at 9583 Concession 9 South.

Coach Jason Stewart said youth who compete at the Archery Ontario Junior Challenge range from 13-years-old to 20-years-old.

“It’s held in different cities across Ontario,” he said. “This year, it’s in Peterborough.”

Both Cleroux and Skinner compete under the umbrella of Archery Windsor. They went to the competition shooting a compound bow at a distance of 30 yards.

They competed in separate divisions as male and female divisions are separate.

Cleroux ended up winning gold in her division while Skinner won silver.

“They have been practicing since the beginning of April, twice per week,” said Stewart.

The public is welcome to come out and try archery Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m., he added.

Cleroux and Skinner have been shooting for about one year, he added. They were two of a total of 57 youth at the Archery Ontario Junior Challenge.

“They are doing really well,” said Stewart.

During a practice last Thursday evening, Cleroux said it was her first time at a competition.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “I’m also kind of nervous.”

Cleroux said it was the first sport she has played competitively, and she was confident she would have a good result.

“I’m not going to come in last, I know that,” she said.

Skinner said he felt good heading into the junior challenge. He added it was his first competition.

Skinner added he enjoys archery and went into it after his father encouraged him. He said he likes the sport and finds it fun. 

Cleroux said her father suggested it and she signed up for it. She also finds it fun.

“I wanted to get into some sort of sport,” said Cleroux. “I signed up and I have a lot of fun.”

Both students say they want to continue in the sport and enter more competitions. Skinner stated he wants to see what his capabilities are while Cleroux plans to work her way up.

Two archers compete provincially

By Ron Giofu