INDEPENDENCE – The Independence Mustang Archers did very well at the 2025 Iowa NASP (National Archery in the Schools) State Championship in March.
Overall results
High School: 14th place
Middle School: 2nd Place
Elementary School: 6th Place
High School 3D: 6th Place
Middle School 3D: 13th Place
Individual Awards
Cael Post: 3rd Place High School Boys 3D
Cael Post: Bullseye All-State
Evan Miller: 6th Place Middle School Boys 3D
Evan Miller: 3D All-State (the only middle schooler)
Natalee Schellhorn: State Champion Elementary Girls
Schellhorn is in the Fifth Grade and was ranked 56 out of 852 Overall Girls; 1 out of 86 Grade 5 Girls; and 1 out of 127 Elementary Division Girls.
She became interested in archery after watching her sister Ericka (now Grade 6) participate. For the Bullseye competition an archer shoots 5 arrows at 10 meters and 5 arrows at 15 meters. The top possible score is 300. Natalee scored 279 / 300.
“It was exciting to see the score at the end,†said Natalee. “It felt like a dream.â€
Although she appreciates all of the archery coaches, she said the one she worked with most was Coach Brian ‘Bo’ Peyton.
“He helped me find a new aiming point and gave me a new grip so I wouldn’t hit my arm as much,†she said. “He gave me courage.â€
“Natalee is a very determined archer staying centered on her goals,†said Coach Peyton. “She set out to be a state champion this year focusing on her technique. Her commitment was evident when she put her shyness aside to ask the coaching staff for advice. Natalee made sure to get the most she could from our regular practices and also extra practice at home to become the 2025 NASP Bullseye Champion. I can’t wait to see how she does as she travels with the team to Louisville Kentucky for Nationals in May.â€
Other State Competition Results
Personal Bests: Natalee Schellhorn, Zoey King, Jasper Franz, Cora Adams, Jaycie Zieser, Lexie Goedken, Oliver Schmitt, Harrison Heminover, Aubree Adams, Owen Schlesser, Blake Halligan, Clinton Junk, Ranger Reed, Elly Lampe, Harrison Heminover 3D, Owen Schlesser 3D, Paul Hansen 3D, Wyatt Main 3D, Cael Post 3D, Christian Simmons 3D, Phillip Johnson 3D
National Qualifiers: Natalee Schellhorn, Cael Post 3D, Evan Miller 3D, Middle School Bullseye Team.
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