Ohio County Celebrates First High School Archery State Champion
CHARLESTON – Ohio County made history this past Saturday as Wheeling Central’s Kimber Koehler became the first high school archery state champion from the county. The achievement was celebrated at the West Virginia State Archery in the Schools Tournament held at the Charleston Coliseum on March 30.
Koehler, a junior at Wheeling Central, dominated the competition by shooting an impressive 293 out of a possible 300, securing the gold in the W.Va. High School Girls Division. This victory not only marked a personal milestone for Koehler but also a significant achievement for her school and Ohio County as a whole.
Joining Koehler in the ranks of state champions was Warren Local’s Raegan Kegley, who claimed the top spot in the Ohio High School Girls Division on March 10 in Columbus. Kegley showcased her skills by shooting a remarkable 292 out of 300.
Both Koehler and Kegley have earned a coveted spot at the National Archery in the School Program (NASP) National Archery Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, scheduled for May 9-11. To qualify for the national tournament, individuals must place in the top 10 in their division.
In addition to Koehler and Kegley, other talented archers from the region also secured their spots at the national tournament. John Marshall senior Marra Tharp, St. Michael’s Parish sixth grader Triton Brown, and Warren Local eighth grader Ashlyn McKenzie all qualified in their respective divisions.
The success of these archers highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of the sport in the region. The archery season continues with upcoming tournaments, including Wheeling Park High School’s participation in Buckhanon this Saturday and a tournament at West Liberty Elementary on April 13.
As the archery season progresses, the community eagerly anticipates the performance of these talented athletes at the national level, representing Ohio County with pride and skill on the national stage.