USU Eastern News Release

This month, USU Eastern proudly hosted the 3D Youth Archery Tournament, an exciting event that brought together students from across Carbon and Emery counties to showcase their skills, learn discipline, and deepen their respect for the outdoors.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, with Shooting Sports Manager Troy Anderson leading the charge in his first year running the tournament. “I feel like the idea was to expand the NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program), and doing a 3D event was a natural expansion,” Anderson explained. “USU Eastern was a good fit and a great location because of the ingrained hunting culture in Carbon and Emery counties.”

Unlike traditional bullseye tournaments, the 3D archery format uses life-sized animal targets—including a bear, coyote, turkey, pronghorn antelope, white-tailed deer, and bighorn sheep—creating a more dynamic and challenging experience for archers. “The variety of 3D targets keeps archers interested and engaged. The targets get progressively smaller, and most participants would agree that the bear, coyote, and turkey are the most challenging.”

Beyond the arrows and targets, the tournament serves a deeper purpose. “The whole NASP program teaches ethics, responsibility, discipline, teamwork, and more,” said Anderson. “There’s a natural spillover into hunting ethics and an overall appreciation for wildlife and the environment.”

NASP is known for its inclusivity and accessibility. “We lovingly call it the great equalizer,” Anderson said. “You don’t have to be tall, fast, or strong—anyone can participate, and anyone can be competitive.”

While the tournament presented many logistical challenges, Anderson credits the success to a strong team effort. “There were a lot of moving parts, but leaning on the expertise and experience of my colleagues made a huge difference. We held several planning meetings to ensure assignments were clear and that everyone had the support they needed.”

This was the second year for the 3D tournament, and Anderson is optimistic about its future. “My goal is to expand it beyond Carbon and Emery counties and bring in teams from across the state. I absolutely want this to continue as an annual event.”

Jess Brinkerhoff, Director of Athletics at USU Eastern, emphasized the broader impact of the tournament:  

“Our 3D archery event is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of the incredible talent and dedication found in our local archery programs. From elementary students to high school standouts, the growth we’ve seen across Carbon and Emery counties is truly inspiring. At USU Eastern, we’re proud to support and elevate these young athletes by providing a collegiate pathway to continue their archery journey. Events like this one not only highlight the skill of our archers but also strengthen the deep connection between our campus and the community.”

USU Eastern was proud to lead the planning efforts for this community-centered event, with the Utah  DNR. The event was a true partnership between USU Eastern and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, combining resources, expertise, and a shared passion for youth education and outdoor engagement.

“Working alongside the DNR to bring this tournament to life was a great example of what’s possible when education and conservation come together,” Brad Watson, Director of Community and Campus Engagement  said. “We were thrilled to host this on our campus and give young archers a platform to grow their skills and their connection to the outdoors.”

For students and families interested in archery, Anderson encourages participation through schools and local programs. “NASP is an in-school program, so get involved with your school. If your school doesn’t have NASP, contact me—we’ll get it started. Most archery shops and ranges also host tournaments, and the archery community is always ready to welcome newcomers.”

Above all, Anderson had one final piece of advice for participants:  “Have fun. Take in the whole experience. Be safe, and enjoy the moment.”