Nikki Stoller and Tristan Bassett.

Two members of the Tyler Consolidated High School archery team, Nikki Stoller and Tristan Bassett, showcased their skills at the WVDNR Archery in the Schools State Tournament on Saturday. The competition took place at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, with both archers stepping onto the range at 1 p.m.

Nikki Stoller faced a challenging day, battling nerves and tough competition. Reflecting on her performance, Nikki shared, “I wasn’t shooting like I wanted to.” Despite the setback, she never gave up, leaving the range with her head held high, knowing she gave it her all. As a senior, Nikki’s resilience and determination throughout the season have prepared her well for life beyond high school.

Tristan Bassett also felt the weight of the moment as he walked into the arena, but after his warm-up shots, his confidence grew. During the 10-yard round, he was nearly flawless, missing the 10-ring just once and scoring an impressive 149 out of 150. His performance at 15 yards saw a few lower scores with some eights and nines, but he maintained his composure and finished with a remarkable total of 290 points–a personal best and new school record. This outstanding effort earned Tristan a third-place finish in the high school boys’ division and a chance to compete at nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, this May.

The success of Nikki and Tristan reflects the dedication of the entire TCHS archery team. Countless hours of practice and support from teammates played a pivotal role in helping them reach this level. The team’s commitment to encouraging and challenging each other has undoubtedly shaped their growth as athletes and individuals.

Congratulations to Nikki and Tristan for representing Tyler Consolidated with pride and determination. Best of luck to Tristan as he sets his sights on nationals!