Mesa Targeteers Take Part in NAA JOAD Camp

June 10, 2005

US Olympic Training Center, Chula Vista, CA

06/12/2005

Report courtesy of Max and Vicky Lambert

from left to right: Kevin Hensberry, Andy Swayze, Max Lambert, Tennessee JOAD, Cassandra Votruba, Indiana JOAD	from left to right: Kevin Hensberry, Andy Swayze, Tennessee JOAD, Max Lambert, Cassandra Votruba, Indiana JOAD, Don Tucci	Coach Don Tucci

Four Mesa Targeteers from Arizona were among the six JOADs from across the USA who converged on Chula Vista, California for the June 4-10, 2005 NAA JOAD Bronze level camp. Cassandra Votruba (compound), Kevin Hensberry (compound), Andy Swazey (recurve) and Max Lambert (recurve), all from the East Valley, joined other JOADs from Tennessee and Indiana for the weeklong camp.

Don Tucci, a level 4B NAA coach, trained the young archers.  Upon arrival, the JOADs were greeted and helped by such archery greats as Ruth Rowe, Don Rabska, Lloyd Brown, Guy Kruger and Tom Parish (note: there were too many coaches to list here!)  The coaches were at the OTC for a high level coaching conference, where they discussed new techniques for improving the training of U.S. Olympic archers.  The six JOADs were among some of the first archers to learn these new techniques.

Each day the JOADs participated in individual and group lessons, mock competitions, equipment tuning, video taping sessions and group video analyses.  Each JOAD was given a "Theraband" and taught how to use them for warm ups and muscle toning; they also were lectured by physical trainers on how to tone archery muscles at the gym and at home.

The camp fee includes lodging in the OTC dorm and breakfast, lunch and dinner in the “all you can eat” style cafeteria where the JOADs can dine with Olympians.  The Chula Vista OTC cafeteria is known for it's great food and varied selection.

During free time the campers could visit the gift shop, rowing lake, the other training tracks and fields or just hang out.  Our JOADs were exceptionally lucky to be able to watch the Chinese, Australian, Canadian and U.S. Women’s Olympic Softball teams compete during the International Sports Invitational at the OTC during their camp.

Was it worth it?

“This camp was THE most fun and helpful learning opportunity I’ve had in my archery career” remarked Max Lambert. “It has definitely improved my skill as an archer; I can’t thank Coach Tucci enough for his help.”

JOAD and Open camps are offered to NAA members throughout the summer. Some AZ parents are registered for August Open Camp to improve their own skills and to be able to pass along their experience. For more information, feel free to ask any of the campers or their parents.

There are still openings for upcoming camps! For more information visit: http://www.usarchery.org/html/2005JOADCamps.html