CHULA VISTA, California - Official practice day today at the SoCal Showdown Presented by AAE had a happy atmosphere with classic archery community reunions, sunny skies, and perfect conditions for shooting. The event this weekend, with over 400 archers competing, is expected to be one of the most fun events of the season, with a Team Finals Party, Archery Festival, and the Finals at the San Diego County Fair.
"I'm super excited to see everyone, I think everyone's really excited to be shooting out here and enjoying the great weather," commented Tournament Director Keaton Chia. "Like every tournament you go to, it's a big reunion, and it's great to see that is happening here. Right now everyone is getting checked in, but the Party and the finals at the fair were our reach goals and we're excited to see how people take to them!"
The SoCal Showdown is also the first Masters USAT event, giving masters archers a chance to earn points towards making the inaugural national team. Many archery legends have come out for the opportunity to compete at this event.
Gary Yamaguchi commented: "I'm excited that the program has started through the efforts of a lot of people, especially the Masters Committee, and I hope the program continues forever! I'm most excited this tournament for the masters and cadet combined team rounds. I have a good team together with Rick McKinney and Tom Stevenson so hopefully we'll win at least a few matches."
Qualification tomorrow will count towards Monday's 2016 U.S. Paralympic Team Trials - Archery, final nomination shoot. Many of the archers competing have been training at the Easton Archery Center of Excellence all week since returning from Nove Mesto in the Czech Republic.
"I'm excited, we've worked really, really hard," commented W1 archer Lia Coryell. "Our team has really come together. Finding that support behind you-for me, it's not an individual sport and we have really gelled this year. I feel support from other members of our team and they know I have their backs too. There's that community feeling and there's nothing else like it; that makes a huge difference."
To follow live scores from the SoCal Showdown, click here. For updated standings from the Paralympic Trials, click here. For more, follow USA Archery on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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