An inside look at the Tarleton Archery Club

BY HANNAH BROOKS

Multimedia Journalist

Many, including myself, were unaware that amid the multitude of Tarleton State University’s clubs and organizations is the Tarleton Archery Club.

The previously disbanded club was revived just this past fall of 2025.

I sat down with Executive Assistant and long-time archer Samantha Kitch to find what being a part of the club entails.

“It’s not a high-maintenance club, and it's not super strict.” Kitch said. “We’re not preparing for anything big, so if you miss a practice, it’s OK. It’s very no-pressure.”

Kitch started doing archery competitively in high school with Texas 4-H, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She’s one of the handful of experienced archers on the team who help novices.

Many major universities have archery clubs that compete with one another. Once Tarleton's club has more experience and better equipment, they could step into the ring.

“That’s a long-term goal, " Kitch said. "Short-term we just want to spark student interest and create an accessible, community-focused environment rather than focusing solely on competition.”

According to the president and founder of the club, Catherine Melton, they haven’t established a new practice schedule to accommodate for cold, rainy weather and early darkness this semester, but they will release it soon on their Instagram page, @tarleton_archery_club.

Last semester, practices were held on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and monthly meetings were in the O.A. Grant Humanities Building.

The club typically hosts practices at the Tarleton Challenge Course for the versatility of space.

The club is supplied with plenty of recurve bows from the Campus Recreation Center, including a couple of left-handed bows. Kitch described them as starter-type bows, but functional and good for beginners.

Individuals with their own preferred bows and supplies are encouraged to bring them.

In addition to getting support from the Rec, they also have a sponsorship with local business Guns and Gear, where they are able to practice if the weather proves to be problematic.

Currently, there are no fees to join.

One of the newer members, Jay Lindsey, encourages those who are curious but hesitant about coming out to practice.

“There are a lot of people who have never shot before. There’s no judgment whatsoever,” Lindsey said.

Archery may be a niche hobby at other universities, but at Tarleton, the club is always open to new members, especially within a campus community that already has a substantial hunting population.

Given the number of students who bowhunt for sport, the club offers a practical way to practice and sharpen skills off the field.

Reminder: It’s free.