Penn College Archers Headed for National Championships

For each of the past nine years, Pennsylvania College of Technology has had at least one All-American archer. Coach Chad Karstetter, a four-time All-American himself, expects that streak to continue this weekend.

Eleven Penn College archers will compete Friday through Sunday in the U.S. Intercollegiate Archery Championships on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles. Thirty-two colleges with nearly 100 archers are expected to participate.

Michelle Wright, a junior from Kendall, N.Y., who earned All-American honors two years ago, is the Wildcats' best bet to get the coveted honor, according to her coach.

"I expect Michelle to make it. Last year, she missed by just a few points, but she had a bad outdoor round. She's shooting a lot better this year than she was last," Karstetter said.

Karstetter said Ryan Rambo, a sophomore from Millville; Jason Kornbau, a senior from Red Lion; and Chris Adams, a junior from Pen Argyl; also are capable of becoming all-Americans.

"Anything is possible when we get out there," the coach said.

Ranking rounds will be shot Friday and Saturday. On Friday, archers will shoot 36 arrows each from 90- and 70-meter distances and, on Saturday, they will shoot another 36 arrows from 50- and 30-meter distances. That will be followed by team rounds in which competitors will shoot two arrows in two minutes for four rounds to decide the national team champs.

On Sunday, individual competition will be held. Archers' scores from Friday and Saturday will determine matchups for head-to-head eliminations.

Entering team competition, Penn College is ranked third in women's compound team, fourth in male compound and seventh in male recurve.

In addition to Wright on the female compound team are Jessica Larson (freshman/Montoursville), Sarah Wilson (junior/Tyrone) and Lindsey Fackler (freshman/Halifax).

"They've been practicing well together and shooting really well, and they have a good chance that they can be champions," Karstetter said of the squad.

Joining Rambo on the male compound team are Chris Keiper (freshman/Sidman), Brock Smith (freshman/Brookville) and Shawn Tappen (sophomore/Wellsville).

"I'm hoping that they get a chance to compete against James Madison, which should be one of the final two. If we continue shooting as well as we have been, we'll be there," Karstetter said of the male compound squad.

On the male recurve squad with Kornbau and Adams is Mark Lambert (freshman/Venus).

"I'm hoping that they shoot really well and move up a few spots, but they have a tough class," the coach said.

"I'm looking forward to heading out to UCLA and giving them a good run," Karstetter added.

Penn College Archery History

Team1998 National Collegiate Outdoor men's compound champion. 1999 National Collegiate Indoor men's compound champion.

Individual National Champion2004 Ryan Romberger (Pillow), male compound

Individual National Runner-Up2005 Karen Morse (Canton), women's compound

All-Americans1997 Chad Karstetter, Chris Champaign, Brian Parker 1998 Chad Karstetter, Brian Parker, Steve Craig, Shawn Naylor 1999 Chad Karstetter, Brian Parker, Shawn Naylor 2000 Chad Karstetter, Brian Parker, Chris Champaign, Shawn Naylor, Jason Harris, Harry Bauman, Beth Dentler 2001 Matt Frye, Justin Wendorf, Harry Bauman 2002 Matt Frye, Justin Wendorf, Harry Bauman, Sarah Douglas 2003 Ryan Romberger 2004 Ryan Romberger, Ryan Benny, Michelle Wright 2005 Ryan Romberger