2019 Vegas in Valdez Archery (VIVA)
by Steve Shiell and Dawson Moore |
Prince William Sound College (PWSC) Archery Club’s ninth annual Vegas in Valdez Archery (ViVA) Tournament takes place on March 21-24, 2019, in Valdez, Alaska.
This event is the largest indoor archery tournament in Alaska, attracting competing archers from around the state. The event is modeled after the World Archery Festival in Las Vegas, known as the Vegas Shoot.
ViVA is held in the Valdez Civic Center, which overlooks the breathtaking Port of Valdez of Prince William Sound. Much like the Las Vegas venue, the allure of shooting in carpeted ballrooms is part of the ambiance and experience that attracts archers to Valdez. This event has become the spring rendezvous gathering for Alaska’s archery community and offers a unique competitive experience that is truly Alaskan.
ViVA is a Vegas 600-round tournament shot over two days and features a “Top Ten Shoot Off” where the top ten scoring archers compete in a sudden death shoot out for a winner-takes-all $1,000 prize. A $2,500.00 pay out across the field will also be awarded.
This year’s event is packed with four days of exciting activities for all ages and levels of archery experience. New this year is the addition of Steve Caufman’s USA Archery’s Level 3 Coach Certification Course. Mr. Caufman is an accomplished archery professional. Steve joined the USA Archery Junior Dream Team coaching staff in 2009, and he spends a month each year at the Olympic Training Center alongside USA National Coach Kisik Lee. Steve has coached US archery teams all over the world, the latest being at the World Archery field championships in Cortina Italy last September. He is a two-time indoor national champion shooting in the traditional class and his barebow and recurve archers have earned fifteen national metals in the past five years. In addition to coaching and shooting, Steve is also a national judge for USA Archery, judging at several national events each year.
Other offerings include free archery instruction, several fun shoots, games, and a social dinner on Saturday night.
Visit the PWSC Archery Club website for a complete schedule of events and registration information, or call 907-834-1622 for more information. Staff can assist with tips on travel, lodging options, and other points of interest.
The PWSC Archery Club promotes target archery, 3D target archery, and bowhunting, along with wildlife and environment conservation. The Club offers student leadership opportunities in organizational governance, archery scholarships, collegiate archery team participation, local, and national competition. They host youth programs and community events, in addition to performing public service and service learning projects. The PWSC Archery Club is a member of USA Collegiate Archery, the Alaska State Archery Association, and the National Field Archery Association, and membership is open to the public.