Published: May 08, 2009 01:08 pm      

Hitting her mark — 05/09/09

Elliott’s Brianna Gilliam is among state’s best in archery

When it comes to shooting a bow and arrow, Brianna Gilliam may not be on a par with the legendary William Tell and Robin Hood, but the Elliott County Middle School student is way above average for female archers her age. And it doesn’t seem to matter whether she is shooting at a stationary target or one that is moving: The 14-year-old daughter of Kevin and Lisa Gillam of Isonville is more likely than not to hit her target.

Brianna won the state individual title for middle school girls at the Kentucky National Archery in the Schools Program competition on March 16. In so doing, she helped lead her Elliott County team to a sixth-place finish in the event won by archers from Boyd County Middle School.

On April 17, Brianna placed second in the 3D International Bowhunters Organization’s state tournament at Jenny Wiley State Park. In IBO competition, competitors shoot at a moving target, making it much like skeet shooting with bows and arrow. IBO competition requires a different type of bow than used in NASP events. However, Brianna has proved proficient with both types of bows.

Brianna will compete in the NASP Nationals in Louisville today. A week from today, she will be competing in the IBO’s national tournament in Bedford, Ind.

Brianna, the grandaughter of Raymond and Elizabeth Meade of Catlettsburg, takes archery seriously and has put in many hours of practice to improve her skills. We congratulate her on her success in Kentucky and wish her well in the national events.