The 21st Arizona Cup began today with exceptional conditions - low wind and humidity, all welcomed by temperatures in the low 80s.
Nearly 300 archers from around the world converged to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Ariz., to kick off the 2010 shooting season. The majority of archers flew into Phoenix, but some drove. USA Archery Team member Khatuna Lorig singlehandedly won the "Iron Driver" award, wheeling from New Jersey to Phoenix in 32 hours - all just to compete in the Arizona Cup.
USA Archery Resident Athlete Brady Ellison and his Chula Vista, Calif.- based teammates had an easy time getting ready for the tournament, unpacking quickly and setting up their equipment for shooting. National Coach KiSik Lee monitored the team's progress as they shot their arrows into the requisite 70 meter target distance set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert.
USA Paralympic archers also started their preparations for competition, spending their time sighting in and getting used to the desert conditions. The USA Archery Paralympic Team spent the last two days in an organized camp under the leadership of head coach Randi Smith.
USA Archery sponsor B-Stinger and Arizona Cup sponsors AAE, BCY, Carter Enterprises, and Doinker all had booths and support staff ready to assist archers that needed help with their equipment. The Arizona Cup competition will start Friday and conclude on Sunday.
USA Archery and the Arizona State Archery Association will give an update each evening including preliminary and finals results. Stay tuned for more news and pictures from the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix.
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