CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign Central High School achieved first place at a national archery competition held in Louisville, Kentucky over the weekend. Central was represented by 24 students at the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Eastern National Tournament. They finished first among 265 high school teams, with three of their archers ranking in the top five for individual performances. Alexeika Mowry secured third place among 2,664 girls in the national tournament, while Rylee Smalley and Pooja Jagarlamudi both tied for fourth place. Coach Jason Brown said the archery program in Champaign began about 12 years ago. Since then, they’ve seen massive improvements and growth. Central’s team took home 6th place in the national tournament three years ago, and 3rd place in 2024. “To reach the top of it this year was a really, really special feeling,” Brown said. Brown said each of the 24 students on the team received a $750 scholarship. Brown hopes that the continued success of the program helps to inspire other students in the state. “My hope is that it grows and give more kids the opportunity, not just in Champaign County, but also throughout Illinois. You don’t have to be the biggest or strongest or fastest,” Brown said. “It gives kids the chance to be a part of a team.” Other Champaign schools also saw success this weekend at the national archery tournament. Centennial High School took home eighth place in the bullseye competition and third place in the 3D tournament. In the middle school division, Jefferson, Franklin and Next Generation competed over the weekend as well. In Vermilion County, Armstrong-Potomac Middle School and High School, and the Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School competed in the 2025 US Eastern Nationals. You can find the results of all participating schools here.