My limited experience with coaches is through a great one in this day and age. Rod Jenkins is his name. My limited time with him I felt he was a humble, yet strong man, not just in physical strength. He probably will find these words of mine a little embarrassing. But I will be greatful to him for the rest of my life. That's just the way it is. When you have someone add to the quality of your life in anyway we need to take the time to say "Thanks" and tell them what they have done to improve you in some way is appreciated.
I was just reading a book that had highlighted the downward trend in archery. This was printed in the '30's and was talking about the 1880's! It discussed how to reverse this. The man stated that it wasn't the tackle and this should be even truer today with all the access to great bows, arrows, etc. He proclaimed it was "technique"! That we need capable, trained coaches, expert instructors...just like in the golfing world. Oh, I know, there are some of you who say "I do instinctively" and on and on. Well that's all well and good for you. But whether it is music or golf or cooking or archery you must have a firm foundation to build upon. Men like Rod Jenkins should be applauded for their efforts. They are taking some of us and trying to install meaningful shot sequences, ways to be accurately repeatable, that we may continue to improve and then take that to the next generation. For without this the next generation may fail. Anything worth doing is worth doing well. We don't have to achieve to be Olympic archers. Just to be the best we can be. That next generation may fling arrows, have the bow string blacken their forearm, and just plain quit because they didn't have the tools to succeed.
I for one, for some unknown reason, was put in the path of such an unselfish and highly patient teacher. I feel blessed by this and have a responsibility with this upon me. My son-in-law and his son will know, if they wish to, what should be known and applied to their shooting of a bow. Because of this they will have a step up, a head start over where I was when I blundered along with a bow for years. Hopefully their friends will see how much fun and success they are having at this archery thing and want to join in. Fun attracts people! Ever notice this? It is the efforts of Rod Jenkins and many others that have made it possible for me and a lot of others to have fun and be successful at whatever level we aspire to.
We go through life often not saying thank you until it is too late. We compliment bowyers, hunter's accomplishments, and other aspects of this passion of ours. And we should. There is one part of this world of archery that sometimes is overlooked. In a lot of ways it is the most important.
"Thank you Rod, and all other archery coaches/teachers, for your efforts. You have and will make continue to make a far more reaching impact on the world of archery/bowhunting than you may or may not realize. I applaud you for your efforts in trying to help archery grow and improve the quality of shooting with each person you come in contact with."
David
Topic: A standing ovation to all archery coaches!!! (Read 321 times)
