For once Spencer Schouwenburg was just shooting at targets for fun.
The 14-year-old member of the Silvertip Archers Club was out at the outdoor range on Highway 16 about 10 minutes east of the airport, Saturday as the club celebrated its 60th anniversary. Schouwenburg is expected to be in contention to compete for Team B.C. at the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George.
"It kind of brings joy when you think you can shoot in your home town and try to bring back a medal," said Schouwenburg.
He began shooting three years ago and last winter was ranked second in Canada, behind an archer from Saskatchewan, in the cub category. Cub shooters between 15-21 are the ones who are eligible to compete in the Winter Games.
"I did it every day for so long that I got good," he said. "I shoot every day about 150 arrows a day and score every one on the targets."
Schouwenburg has achieved a score of 298 at both the indoor and outdoor ranges this year. The maximum points an archer can record in a round is 300.
Keith Paterson, head of the junior Olympic outdoor program, said the Duchess Park secondary school Grade 9 student is a dedicated archer.
"His concentration and the effort he takes to put the time in, he puts a lot of time in," said Paterson. "I've spent a lot of winter days up here at the range with him."
Schouwenburg may have an opportunity to compete at the 2014 B.C. Winter Games in February, which would give him more experience competing at big events prior to the 2015 Games. In order to qualify for a national event, junior kids have to shoot 270 or better.
In the last year, the Silvertips have and 52 new junior members register, bring the total of athletes between eight and 21 to about 158, which Paterson says is a direct result of the 2015 Canada Winter Games being held in Prince George.
Paterson also competes provincially and is off to the 2013 B.C. Senior Games in Kamloops, Aug. 20-24 before heading to the B.C. archery championship on September long weekend in Maple Ridge. He started competing at the senior games in 2008 and has gone every year since.
The 70-year-old said he has practical goals when he heads to Kamloops.
"Hit the target," said Paterson. "I don't put any pressure on myself. If I shoot good that's a bonus, I just want to go and enjoy myself and have a good time, that's what it's about."
Paterson has earned multiple silver and bronze medals during his six year archery career, though he's still waiting his first gold medal.
