Coming off of a historic finish last year, the Washington archery team is set to embark on a new season. This is the fourth year Washington Community School has offered archery as a winter athletic opportunity, and participation in the sport continues to increase.

Washington head archery coach Jolleen Cerka said 140 students ranging from fourth through 12th grade have signed up for the program, a 20 member increase from last year.

Last season produced the best overall finish in the program’s history. Washington’s high school team scored 3,277 during the May 7 national shoot in Louisville, Kentucky. The performance was the 80th best in the country out of the 192 high schools that competed in the event.

The key returners for the high school team include seniors Joseph Dalziel and Jade Wells and juniors John Sands and Grace Shafer-Smith. All four placed in the top 100 individually in their age grouping during last season’s national shoot.

The first meet of the season for the Washington archery team is set for Saturday, December 19, competing in the Albia archery tournament.