CHULA VISTA, Calif. - Winners were announced today at the completion of elimination matches at the 2013 Flexor SoCal Showdown. With several great upsets, it was a surprising and exciting day with success for many young burgeoning archers.
Recently making quite a splash on the compound scene, Bridger Deaton (IA) defeated World Ranked No. 1 Reo Wilde (ID) in the men's compound semifinals. Wilde finished with the bronze over Connor Kelly (CA) Kelly had a stellar day, defeating Logan Wilde (UT) in the quarterfinals and Braden Gellenthien (TX) in the 1/8th round.
Deaton took silver while Tim Gillingham (UT), a familiar name in almost every archery venue, finished first. Gillingham says he experimented with his equipment during the competition this weekend, and it clearly paid off. Today he says he "was able to handle the nerves quite well and was able to fight through them."
Early in the recurve women's matches, young archer Katie Alexander, (AZ) edged out fie-time Olympian Khatuna Lorig (CA) in the 1/8th round. Also notable, for the first time in four years at this event, Miranda Leek (CA) took the bronze medal instead of the gold, defeating Mackenzie Brown (CA) in her final match.
Heather Koehl (WI) clinched this year's champion title and rising talent Ariel Gibilaro (CA) finished with silver for the recurve women's division. Koehl, in the midst of a very busy season, said that for her preparation, "I basically worked on my shot, and focused on what I need to do for me and� my own goals and what I come out here and set out to do."
Men's recurve archer Jeffrey Dong (CA) had a remarkable day; he defeated Chris Luman (GA) in the 1/16th round and Joe Fanchin (CA) in the 1/8th round in a one-arrow shoot off. Resident athlete Nick Kale (CA) upset Olympian Jake Kaminski (FL) in the quarterfinals before he eventually faced Jeremiah Cusick (CA) who won bronze.
Brady Ellison (CA) triumphed over dark-horse Daniel McLaughlin (CA) for the gold and silver medals respectively.
The compound women had few surprises as Jamie Van Natta (Toledo, Ohio) took gold, Erika Jones (Grand Island, Neb.) finished with silver, and Kailey Johnston (GA) defeated Lexi Keller (WI) for the bronze.
Collin Klimitichek (CA) continued his sweep over the cadet recurve men today with a 6-0 shut out for gold over Baja's Gabriel Perez. Andrew Mateo (AZ) took bronze in a close match against Geun Woo Kim (CA).
Standout Lauren Clamon (CA) dominated the cadet female recurve division, while Rebecca Marquez of Baja finished with silver and Anna Miscione (CA) won bronze over Jenna Ahn (CA).
Danielle Reynolds (AZ) also maintained her grip on the top podium step with a first place finish over Allie Canaday. Emily Fischer (TX) shot impressively to finish strong for bronze over Angelica Ramirez (FL).
Christopher Bee (MI) defeated Matthew Menke (MN) for cadet male compound gold. Tyson Pruitte, who had medalled first yesterday, finished third today over runner up, Justin Dixon (TX).
Next up in Hamilton, Ohio, the U.S. National Target Championships followed by the U.S. Open in mid July will complete the national ranking process. With many young archers shaking strong podium footholds, there is certain to be much more excitement ahead.
All results from this weekend are available at http://www.ianseo.net/Details.php?toId=405. Check USA Archery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for photos and updates from the field.
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