By Darrell Puckett
Auburn University Montgomery has a new archery club on campus called the AUM Archers. This newly established club has been consistently growing over the past two years of existence and exemplifies the qualities needed to start a team.
AUM Archers President Paul Wigham, Vice President Barry Langston, and Secretary Kelsey Fleming have been influential in developing the club’s membership and overall message since 2012.
“We exist to give students the opportunity to travel places they otherwise may never go,” Wigham said. “We have something very special at AUM and have the opportunity to make a mark on not only Montgomery, but Alabama and the entire country.”
The team started with 10 members in 2011, but has grown to 14 males and eight females. The closest collegiate programs that have an archery team are Kentucky, Texas, and Michigan.
In 2013, the AUM Archers won best new club honors on campus. “Our goal is to be able to raise enough money through sponsors and other means to be able to give members scholarship in the future.” Wigham said. The Archers goals are to help and reward their members for hard work.
Langston’s success away from college archery has brought AUM recognition by itself. He finished second out of 122 competitors at the Realtree Archery Shooters Association pro-am in Columbus, Ga. on Feb. 28, 2014. Also, Langston finished second out of 103 competitors at the Hoyt ASA pro-am in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on March 28, 2014. “I love the sport of archery and want to help spread the sport all around,” Langston said.
Langston is currently ranked in Open A class, which is the highest amateur ranking class. He will be moved into semi-pro next season. “I’m not only excited about my pro career, but thrilled about this great opportunity to get the AUM Archers name out there,” Langston said.
Wigham constructed the AUM Archers in 2012 and is still thriving to make this club a success and keep it going for future aspiring archers. “Our goal is to provide students with the opportunity to be a part of something special,” Wigham said.
The next competition will be in Texas, where Langston chases his opportunity for shooter of the year. “All of my hard work could potentially payoff with a high finish in Texas, and I couldn’t have done any of this without the AUM Archers support,” Langston said.
The AUM Archers are looking for new membership and would be more than happy to hear from anyone. If interested in membership, send an email to aumarchers@gmail.com or call 334–549 –4772.
Contact the writer: dpucket1@aum.edu
