Local archer Tayler Kruse may have already won more championships titles than you can count of both hands but she has her eye on an even bigger prize…the world’s largest indoor archery competition in Las Vegas.
At just 11-years-old, Tayler is already making waves in the archery community.
“She has won 6 State Championships in archery (3 Arkansas, 2 Oklahoma, and 1 Texas), said Heather Ray from The Wildlife TV show. “Plus, she won the Archery Shooters Association (ASA) Pro-Am here at The Love Civic Center and has also claimed ‘Shooter of the Year’ for the last 6 years in a row.”
While Tayler may spend a lot of time with a bow in her hand, many Paris locals may recognize her through the various charities she volunteers for in Paris including the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels and Lamar County Adopt-A-Cop.
And that is why the community is coming together to help get Tayler to Las Vegas.
“Tayler’s goals are to earn a College Scholarship in Archery and to ultimately compete in the Olympics for the USA Archery team,” added Mike Ray.
However, to reach those goals there are a lot of steps.
“Just this year she must compete in the Nationals at the end of June (in which they give out scholarships for awards) in Metropolis, Illinois. She must compete in at least 3 State Championships in July (Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas), and the Classic in Alabama the first week in August, as well as many local shoots along the way,” said Heather.
But it doesn’t end there.
“Then, in September, the indoor shoots begin which will prepare her for the Largest Indoor Shoot in the world, in Las Vegas NV in February 2019. She’ll be going for the Archery Shooters Association shooter of the year next year as well.”
With plenty of travel required to compete at all these events, the local community is coming together to help raise funds to get Tayler there.
“All of this competition requires money and Tayler’s family is very modest means. So, we are holding a benefit for Tayler on Friday, July 20th,” added Mike.
The benefit will be held at Living Word Assembly of God Church located at 3515 Bonham Street in Paris from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.
For further information contact Tayler’s grandfather, Randy Cornelius, at 903 401-2457, or donations can be sent to Randy Cornelius, 562 1st SW, Paris, TX. 75460.
All proceeds will go to helping Tayler achieve her goals.
