More than 360 archers are taking aim this weekend in Newberry as they compete for a spot on the United States Archery (USA) team.
For the past decade, the Gator Cup has been hosted by the Easton Newberry Sports Complex and has attracted top archers in the world including Khatuna Lorig, a five-time Olympian who trained actors in the Hunger Games film series how to shoot.
According to Easton Archery Center Manager Robert Regojo, the Gator Cup event contributes to the ranking of each competitor and that will determine members of the US Archery team.
The competition is an outdoor target archery tournament that complies with World Archery and USA Archery rules, according to gatorcup.com. The Gator Cup is a USAT Qualifier Series Event which means it is part of the series of events co-hosted by USA Archery that help to determine the national team for archery, called the United States Archery Team (USAT).
Regojo said a few modifications to the event have been made this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Only archers at the line can remove their masks,” Regojo said. “And we’ve got them spaced more apart than usual.
Regojo said spectators are encouraged to come watch the event and it’s free to do so.
Face masks are required and temperature checks are administered upon entering the facility.
Spectators should bring a chair and are required to stay behind the green fencing that surrounds the competition area.
Regojo added that in 2021, the Easton Newberry Archery Center will again be the stage for Olympic archery trials. The center is located at the Easton Newberry Sports Complex 24880 NW 16th Ave.
The event is Nov. 6th to 8th with the following schedule:
Friday, November 6th
8 to 10:30 a.m. – Official Practice
All Senior & Master Divisions and Equipment Inspection
11 a.m – Qualification, 720 Round
All Senior & Master Divisions with 3 ends of practice
3:30 – 6:00 p.m – Official Practice
All Junior & Cadet Divisions and Equipment Inspection
Saturday, November 7th
8 a.m. – Qualification, 720 Round
All Junior & Cadet Divisions with 3 ends of practice
1 p.m.- Eliminations
All Senior* & Master Divisions with 2 ends of practice
(*Senior divisions through Bronze medal matches only. Masters will complete all eliminations, weather permitting.)
Sunday, November 8th
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – LIVE Gold Medal Matches
Senior Recurve Men & Women
Senior Compound Men & Women
10 a.m. – Eliminations
For more information visit https://www.gatorcup.com/