Posted in Club News on November 13th, 2011 | No Comments »

Hello Archers,

We’ll be going over three items in this email: [1] The upcoming Mail-In tournament, [2] The NASCAR Helmet Update, and [3] our winter break.

MAIL IN TOURNAMENT
We’ll be holding the first of four mail-in JOAD tournaments next weekend. Youth archers will be competing against archers across our state and across the country. We hold the tournament at our location, and compare the results against other archers. If you would like to compete in this tournament, the fee is $10 per archer. Payment is due the day of the tournament, November 19th.

If you don’t want to participate in the Mail-In tournament but would like to shoot for JOAD pins, you can do so and there isn’t any cost. If you aren’t club members, we can hold your scores and apply them when you join.

IMPORTANT: If you want to participate in the Mail-In tournament, or the JOAD pin shoot, you MUST let us know by Thursday. You can email me or the club. Several of you signed up this past weekend and you’re already signed up. If you don’t sign up by Thurday night, you won’t be able to shoot. I’m mean that way.

M&M MARS NASCAR HELMET and GLOVES UPDATE
I am very, very proud of our archery club. I turned evil {insert evil cackle here} and held the helmet and gloves hostage from Hunter. Yup, Hunter is stuck in ICU and I wouldn’t give him the helmet and gloves until we raised over $250! See how mean I am?!?!?! Well, you all did it! We raised over $320 for the Hunter Williams Special Needs Trust. Did I mention that even Drew Dulmage that was so kind to donate the Helmet and Gloves in the first place donated money!?!?! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I’ll deliver the helmet and gloves this week. I will also turn down my “Evil Meter” from #11 down to the normal level of #3.

WINTER BREAK
A quick reminder that we’ll be taking our customary break from Thanksgiving through New Years. November 19th is our last practice/lessons. We’ll return recharged and ready for more archery on January 7th, 2012. If we don’t see you in the mean time, please have a safe, fun, family filled holiday season!

Bonus homework: If you have elderly neighbors or family and friends that might need help, surprise them with a random act of kindness. Rake their leaves? Shovel their snow? Bake them something nice? Or even better, sit down with them and get to know them a bit better.

Take care everybody and we hope to see you Saturday at archery!

Coach Kevin Cully
Forsyth County Archery Club

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Posted in Club News on November 10th, 2011 | No Comments »

We received the nicest of donations from Drew Dulmage and Mars Chocolate North America: An autographed NASCAR helmet and racing gloves, signed by Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs, 3 time Superbowl Champ and Team Owner of the M&M’s racing car Joe Gibbs Racing! Hunter is a big NASCAR fan and wants this helmet and gloves BAD!

So, what do we do with such an awesome donation and gift? TURN EVIL, that’s what!!! We’re going to hold this gift ‘hostage’. We want to do a ‘Buy this for Hunter’. I’m not going to settle for less than $250 for these fine items. When we raise this amount for the ‘Hunter Williams Special Needs Trust’, then Hunter will get the donation. (See how evil I am?!?!)

So, to start things off, I’m already putting in $20 into the bucket! We only need $230 more to get these gifts into Hunter’s hands. He’s worth it, right! Without a doubt!!! Who’s with me?!?!

Bring your donations with you to Archery Practice this weekend or next. If you can’t make practice, just mail a check made out to the ‘Hunter Williams Special Needs Trust’ to the following address: Hunter Williams Special Needs Trust c/o Kevin Cully, 5090 Hamptons Club Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Don’t make me be the bad guy! Let’s get this to Hunter and help him brighten his day!

Coach Kevin Cully
Forsyth County Archery Club

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Posted in Archery Stories, Club News on November 6th, 2011 | No Comments »

Thank you volunteers and sponsors! Could not have done this without you all.

To Hunter, please get better. Your archery club will be waiting for your return with open arms and open hearts.

Coach Kevin Cully
Forsyth County Archery Club

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Posted in Club News on October 18th, 2011 | No Comments »

Hello Archers,

I’m very excited about the Franklin County Tournament this weekend. Should be a great tournament.

THERE IS A NEW LOCATION HOWEVER THAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW!

Here’s the directions an important information: CLICK HERE!

What are the kinds of things to bring to a tournament? Glad you asked. Here’s a packing list to help: Packing List

There will NOT be practice this Saturday as our coaches will be at the tournament supporting our archers! We’ll see you next weekend.

Coach Kevin Cully
Forsyth County Archery Club

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Posted in Club News, Shops&Equipment on October 7th, 2011 | No Comments »

Hello Archery Fans!

Another year, another bow buying recommendation for young archers! If you’re not sure on whether to purchase a recurve or compound bow, take a look at "Quiz of 10 Questions" to help you decide what might be right for you.

This is an update to our Youth Recurve Bow Recommendation for 2011.

I’ll bottom line the recurve bow recommendations right here:

• If your child is under 13, I recommend the Cartel Bow, also sold as the USA Archery Recurve Bow
• If your child is 13 or over, I recommend the Samick Privilege bow setup.

What is the difference between the Cartel bow and the Samick bow? They key difference is weight. The Cartel bow is much lighter than the Samick. Young archers are physically able to hold up the lighter bow and be more comfortable doing it. The Samick bow is a better investment and can “grow” with the archer for a longer period of time thanks to the ILF limb sockets. The Samick bow is a bit more expensive, but a really good buy.

IMPORTANT: Our coaches can help you choose the right limb weight (strength) for your archer. Do NOT get too heavy of a limb. This can cause shoulder injury. For a child 8 – 13 years old, I might recommend a 16lb limb. For a teenager getting the Samick bow, then I might recommend a 22 – 26lb limb set. It depends on the physical strength of the archer and how used to shooting archery they are.

Samick Bow Setup:

Bow Parts	Lancaster P/N	Approx. Cost
Samick Privilege Riser	3880080	$79.99
Samick Privilege Recurve Limbs	3880015	$89.99
B-50 Recurve String	3310006	$6.99
Spigarelli Zero Tolerance Rest	4090003	$34.99
Cartel Super Plunger	1760056	$11.99
Saunders Nok Sets	3890017	$0.40
Cartel Junior Target Sight	1760042	$29.99
Grand Total		$254.34

Cartel / USA Archery Bow Setup:

Bow Parts	Lancaster P/N	Approx. Cost
USA Archery Bow	New Product!	$94.99
The USA Archery bow includes the riser, limbs and string!
Spigarelli Zero Tolerance Rest	4090003	$34.99
Cartel Super Plunger	1760056	$11.99
Saunders Nok Sets	3890017	$0.40
Cartel Junior Target Sight	1760042	$29.99
Grand Total		$172.36

Optional Equipment

Bow Parts	Lancaster P/N	Approx. Cost
Finger Tab (Recommended!)(RH or LH)	6140021	$6.99
Cartel Target Clicker	1760068	$8.99
Aurora Hip Quiver (RH or LH)	1410133	$29.99

Remember that its best to purchase a bow with low limb weight until strength is built up by the archer. Buy limbs that are 13lbs or 15lbs to learn good form. By this we mean that it takes 13 to 15lbs of force to pull back the bow, a great starting point.

We’ve given you a recommendation on bows, click here to get our recommendation on arrows: Youth Arrow Recommendation – 2012

Forsyth County Archery Club members: Remember that we have club discounts on equipment available for you! Contact me on how to get the discounts before ordering.

Please, if you have any questions, contact your archery coach (like me!) and they will do their best to get you the right equipment for your needs. The only dumb question is the question that goes unasked.

Regards,
Coach Kevin Cully
Forsyth County Archery Club

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Posted in Club News on October 4th, 2011 | No Comments »

Earlier, I put out a call for a volunteer for concessions. Here’s another call for help; this time for someone to seek vendors and gather donations. Again, we are looking for a real *go-getter* to seek vendors and gather donations for the Archery Festival.

Here are the responsibilities you will need to accept and execute:

1. It would be a plus if you feel comfortable tooling around town and visit many stores and merchants
2. Make sure that you have a good supply of Archery Festival fliers, Vendor fliers, and “Hunter’s Story” copies with you.
3. When visiting a merchant, ask them for a donation of either a product or a service. Ask for a lot. If you do not ask for the moon, you won’t get it.
4. Ask if they would like to be a vendor at the Archery Festival. It’s cheap and a great way to publicize their busines.
5. Bring back the donations to the club. We categorize the donations and log them in preparation for the give-aways at the Festival.
6. We don’t need all mega-expensive donations. We need donations of all values

Here is what isn’t required:

1. You are not alone. We’ll help get you together with people that are already pounding the pavement.
2. You don’t need to store all of the give-aways. We will categorize and safe keep the donations.

Thank you ahead of time for helping make this the best Archery Festival yet.

- Coach Kevin Cully
Forsyth County Archery Club

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Posted in Club News on October 4th, 2011 | No Comments »

Hello Archers,

I’m putting the call out to our vast and talented membership. We’re looking for a real *go-getter* to manage and organize the concessions for the Archery Festival. Last year, the concessions brought in A-LOT of income for our charity. I expect the same this year. Of course, this year there is a little 12yo boy that is currently on a ventilator with a new heart that needs you. Yes, you!

Here are the responsibilities you will need to accept and execute:

1. The menu consists of hotdogs, chips, soft drinks and perhaps cookies.
2. Seek donations for buns, condiments, and whatever else we can get donated.
3. Purchase the balance of what is required of the food items.
4. Arrange for a grill or whatever is required for the food preparation such as coolers to be delivered the morning of the Festival.
5. Maximize profits / Minimize expenses – Every dollar we raise helps our little archery buddy.
6. Communicate your progress with the organizers. Let us know any log jams. We specialize in busting log jams.

Here is what isn’t required:

1. You won’t be alone and you do not need to do all of this by yourself. We just need you to lead the charge and ensure this happens and is a success.
2. You don’t need to work event and the booth alone. We’ll make sure you see your child shoot archery and you get to enjoy a good portion of the Archery Festival. You will have help.
3. I promise you a warm feeling in your heart for doing a good deed.

If I am talking to you, please contact me ASAP. Together we can make this a great event for one of our own. He needs us. He needs you.

Thank you for making the Archery Festival a success.
-Coach Kevin Cully
Forsyth County Archery Club

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Posted in Club News on September 18th, 2011 | No Comments »

Here’s the story of how I have gotten to know Hunter and his family.

I remember exactly the moment I met Hunter and his family. It has stuck in my head like it happened yesterday. It was a cool evening about a year and a half ago. A new family was walking down to the archery fields. I like to greet each new family so I went over to introduce myself. I met Kelly (the mom) and Gracie and Hunter. All wore bright smiles, as I have learned, is a natural requirement for this family.

The first thing I ever said to Hunter was “I sure hope you’ve been eating purple popcicles cause your lips sure are purple!” It was cold but not that cold! Kelly let me know that Hunter had a heart condition that makes his lips appear purple. “Ah, I understand!” says I. “Come on down and we’ll get you started.”

As I’ve probably told you, archery is a sport fit for everyone. We have top, elite athletes. We also have kids with physical and learning disabilities. We do our best to make everyone feel welcome and to challenge each archer to do their very best. I am proud that we offer an activity where a child with a heart condition can compete, and does Hunter ever compete! Yes, archery requires some physical strength but more than anything it requires: focus, discipline, and control. Hunter has these fine qualities.

Over the past many months, I have had the pleasure to get to know their family. Our club has grown to the size that I don’t always get to coach Hunter and Grace myself … but I always look for them and I smile on the inside when they come to practice because I know they love archery. They love being in the outdoors, talking and joking with the other kids. Hunter literally jumps for joy when he gets a bullseye.

Hunter has had his “good health” days and his “bad health” days. Sometimes he’s too weak or too sick to come out to practice. If the weather is too cold or too hot, it’s too great of a risk to have him come out. He’s been going through a variety of treatments and tests. I don’t understand most of them. All I know is that it has come to the point where he needed to be on the heart transplant list.

On September 14th, 2011 Hunter got his new heart. He’s currently in recovery. He faces a lifetime of taking immunosuppressant medicine to
keep his body from rejecting his new heart.

Somewhere else in the country there is a family that is going through the worst kind of hurt possible. I hope that family takes some solace knowing that they have helped Hunter live a longer life in the shadow of their tragedy. Thank you from our family at the Forsyth County Archery Club.

All of this medicine and treatments are very expensive. I know that there will be money troubles for this family. I am NOT a fan of national charities. Many of these “directors” have fancy cherry desks in their New York hi-rise offices. I do believe in acting locally.

If you feel you can help the Williams family, please consider donating to the “Hunter Williams Special Needs Trust” by mailing, or dropping off your donation at a local Wells Fargo Bank:

Hunter Williams Special Needs Trust
Wells Fargo – Freehome Village Branch
12416 Cumming Highway
Canton, GA 30115

Thanks so much,

Coach Kevin Cully
Forsyth County Archery Club

http://forsytharchery.com

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A picture of Brandon (father), Gracie (left), Hunter (right) and Mikayla (center). They call Mikayla “mac-n-cheese” and so does everyone at archery practice. How adorable is that! They were at a 3D archery tournament where you simulate hunting by taking a single shot at a foam animal target. This target is a foam boar. 3D archery is kinda like a cross between hunting and golf! You can see it is fun for the entire
family.

*** All pictures are used with the permission of the Williams family. ***

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Posted in Club News on September 14th, 2011 | No Comments »

Hunter is out of surgery and is in recovery. Hopefully Kelly and Brandon will be able to get to see him at 9:30pm tonight. The main concerns now is bleeding, infection and rejection.

I know the Williams family extends their thanks for your thoughts and prayers. We’ll keep you all informed.

- Coach Kevin Cully
Forsyth County Archery Club

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Posted in Club News on September 14th, 2011 | No Comments »

Hello Archers,

I just wanted to let you know that Hunter is going in for heart surgery as I type this. I know that you all wish Hunter and his family for the best of outcomes. Please keep them in your thoughts today.

Somewhere else in the country there is a family that is going through the worst kind of hurt possible. I hope that family takes some solace knowing that they have helped Hunter live a longer life in the shadow of their tragedy.

Stay tuned for updates.

- Coach Kevin Cully
Forsyth County Archery Club

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