Already in his young archery career, Tyson Mackrell has accomplished several feats at the local, provincial and national level. Tyson is now preparing to take on some of the best competitors around the world.
Tyson, a member of the Battle River Archers, has been practising on his own often two hours a day, for his next big event. That event is the 128th annual Easton JOAD Nationals in Hamilton, Ohio.
Not only will Tyson be competing with archers from all U.S. states, but representatives from Mexico and China are also scheduled to attend. Tyson will represent Canada and is looking forward to the distinct honour.
"The biggest thing is going to be representing Canada, that is exciting," said Tyson.
Tyson holds the Fita Canadian record 50-720 and will be the lone representative for Canada in his cadet category, which is for archers 17 and under.
To qualify to represent Canada, Tyson had to notify Archery Canada and meet a required score. He did that at a shoot in Leoville and was the only Canadian to surpass the required score and make the team.
"I have practised a lot to get where I am today," said Tyson at a practice session Wednesday, which was just days before he and his parents will fly out for Ohio.
Tyson expects to be up against 30 to 50 of the best cadet archers in the world and is looking forward to working with three of the best archery coaches in Canada.
"From what I have seen, and what I have looked up, top 10 would be a good accomplishment for me," said Tyson. "Anything higher than that would be a bonus."
Not only is the June 26 to 30 shoot a great opportunity to prove himself, but it is a stepping stone for another goal Tyson has set in his archery career. That goal is to compete at the world championship shoot next season in China.
To qualify to represent Team Canada, Tyson must again meet the required score and have represented Canada at a shoot prior to worlds. This event in Ohio is part of the requirement. If he can settle his nerves and have one of his better shoots, Tyson will be in line to earn one of three spots on Team Canada next season at the junior level.
"Ever since I have been going to nationals and competing at a higher level, I have always wanted to represent Canada," explained Tyson of his goals in archery.
The Ohio shoot has all competitors shoot on the first two days to develop their rankings. After the two-day scores are added up it is a simple head-to-head elimination format. The top ranked archer will face the bottom ranked archer and the archer with the best score moves on to the next round until there are two left standing. The final day has to top archers in each category positioned on a stage with an announcer in front of a large crowd and the tournament championship on the line.
Tyson expects this to be the largest shoot he has ever competed at, as he did shoot once before outside of Canada, at the World Archery Festival in Las Vegas, Nev. in February.
"The first round will likely be the hardest, and if I have a good round going, the last round may be pretty tough too," joked the young archer, who also helps coach youth in the Battlefords.
