Koteewi Archery to hold fundraiser for Mandy Boggs’ travel expenses
Five years ago, Mandy Boggs would never have dreamed she’d be representing the United States in an international archery tournament. But the 45-year-old Noblesville native and Koteewi Archery’s own, as part of Team USA Archery, is heading to Stroncone, in the Province of Terni, Italy, to compete in the Rhinehart World Archery 3D Championships next month.
The World Archery Championships are held every two years at different locations throughout the world. The last such competition was held in 2019 and it was shortly after that tournament that Boggs was invited to join Team USA.
Mandy Boggs warming up at the 2021 indoor nationals in Yankton, S.D. (Photo provided)
To do so required Boggs to prepare for the 2021 games. That preparation included rigorous training, followed by disappointment for her and other competitors when learning the games had been canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Undeterred, she continued her intense training, which paid off in a second-place finish at this year’s trials, ensuring a place for her on this year’s team.
Boggs is one of only 24 archers representing Team USA at the Rinehart 3D Championships. The tournament, scheduled to take place Sept. 4 to 10, is comprised of seven days of shooting, with two qualification days of 48 arrows being shot each day, followed by a mixed team event that requires one male and one female from each style of shooting. To reach the finals, competitors must first advance through the quarterfinals and semifinals.
The competition is actually held on Roman ruins, making the games all the more special. While quartered in the historic ancient town of Stroncone, the athletes will not only be participating in the archery competition but will represent the United States in opening and closing ceremonies.
Mandy Boggs participating at the NFAA Indoor Nationals 2022 in Louisville, Ky. (Photo provided)
Boggs has been shooting for years, but within the last four years took her dedication to the sport to a much higher level. Archery has become a lifestyle for her, requiring a greater investment of time, and accepting the sacrifices necessary to elevate her game. Whether shooting recreationally, coaching the Koteewi Archery youth team, or competing for Team USA Archery, proudly wearing the red, white and blue, her commitment to the sport and competitive accomplishments are evident.
As in many world athletic events, to compete, athletes are solely responsible for not only purchasing their equipment, but also for funding their travels, including transportation, meals and accommodations.
To help Boggs cover the costs of representing the United States at the Rhinehart Championships, Koteewi Range will play host to a benefit shoot on Aug. 20 and 21. The fundraising tournament is open to all archers whether shooting recurve, compound or anything in between. Other fundraising activities at the shoot will include a silent auction, the sale of freshly-grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and an opportunity to meet Boggs and fellow Hoosier archer Kenny Jordan from Versailles, Ind., who will also compete for Team USA Archery.
Mandy Boggs focused at the Hoosier 690. (Photo provided)
The public is welcome to attend, whether to shoot the course, located in scenic Strawtown Koteewi Park or meet the archers in person. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised at the event and donations received during the month of August will go directly toward funding Boggs’ and Jordan’s trip to Stroncone as representatives of Team USA.
For more information about Boggs, the benefit shoot or to donate silent auction items, please contact Tony Girt by calling (317) 776-8472 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. or emailing koteewiarchery@gmail.com.