CHULA VISTA, Calif./NEWBERRY, Fla. - The road to state glory reaches its defining moment this weekend as the Olympic Archery in Schools (OAS) program brings together hundreds of student-athletes for the 2026 State Championships in California and Florida.
Hosted at two of the nation’s premier archery venues - the Easton Archery Center of Excellence and the Easton Newberry Archery Center - the events represent the culmination of months of dedication, training and competition across both states.
In California, the spotlight falls on Chula Vista, where top qualifiers from across the state will gather at the Easton Archery Center of Excellence, a venue synonymous with elite-level competition and athlete development. Meanwhile, in Florida, the Easton Newberry Archery Center once again provides the stage for one of the most vibrant and fast-growing OAS communities in the country.
The OAS State Championships offer athletes an opportunity to test themselves against the very best while representing their schools with pride.
“The OAS State Championship is the peak of the HS season!” said Peter McCormick of East River High School in Orlando, Florida. “Our archers are really looking forward to competing this Saturday!”
That sense of anticipation is echoed across both states, where teams have spent months preparing for this moment. For many athletes, it’s not just about scores, but about the experience - the energy of competition, the friendships, and the opportunity to be part of something bigger.
Tomas Ramos of Magnolia Science Academy in San Diego highlighted the excitement of watching California’s top high school and middle school talent come together.
“This is a great opportunity to watch the best archers in the state compete,” he said.
Beyond the shooting line, the championships also shine a light on the continued growth and impact of the Olympic Archery in Schools program. Designed for middle and high school students, OAS introduces Olympic-style archery in a structured, school-based environment - helping young people develop not only technical skills, but also focus, discipline and confidence.
Since its launch, the program has created opportunities for students to represent their schools, compete at local, state and national events, and build lasting friendships through a shared passion for the sport. More than just competition, OAS is about fostering healthy, responsible and engaged young people through archery.
For Jennifer Harris of High Tech High-Point Loma High School and Middle School, that balance of competition and connection is what makes the event so meaningful.
“Our school team is looking forward to a great championship event full of camaraderie and competition,” she said. “Our students always enjoy meeting up with their friends from other schools across San Diego and California at this event.”
That blend of competitive spirit and community is what defines OAS. Whether stepping onto the line for the first time or competing for a state title, each athlete is part of a larger journey - one that can lead to further opportunities within USA Archery, from club programs to national competition pathways.
Schools, educators and students interested in bringing Olympic-style archery to their campus or joining the growing OAS community can learn more about how to get involved through USA Archery and take the first step toward building the next generation of archers.
