The first competition of the new year took the Washington High School archery team to Eldon over the weekend. The Demons participated in the Cardinal Shooting Comets tournament at Cardinal High School, competing against archers from Albia, Cardinal, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, and Ottumwa. Washington claimed the tournament title with 3,360 points.

Four Demon archers recorded scores of 280 or higher and posted the top two girls scores overall. Samantha Mellinger bested the entire field, tallying 22 bullseyes and scoring 290 out of a possible 300 points. Grace Shafer posted 16 bullseyes and placed second overall with a score of 285. Griffin Wood collected 282 points, placing third in the high school boys’ division. Cody Mellinger recorded 280 points, the fifth- best high school boys’ result.

The Washington archery teams will hold their second shoot of the season this Saturday, featuring shooters from Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, Ottumwa, Solon, and Springville. First flights will commence at 9 a.m. at Washington Middle School.