Area archers hitting the bullseye

Since there are no organized archery clubs in the McCook area, you might assume that there's little local interest in the bow-and-arrow sport. You would be wrong.

Showing that just the opposite is true, three archery enthusiasts from the McCook area won first place prizes this summer at Cabela's Third Annual Archery Shoot in Kearney.

Bringing home the top prizes were Cody Broomfield, winner in the 16-and-under division; Quinton Pohl, triumphant in the employee division; and Tab Kalinski, champion in the adult division.

To do so, the trio from the McCook area had to outscore a talented field. "We had more than 80 entrants," said Quinton, a McCook High School graduate who attends the University of Nebraska-Kearney and works in Cabela's archery department.

It has taken a lot of personal practice by each of the McCook area archers to succeed.

"I started when I was 4 or 5 years old," said Tab, who grew up in McCook and now lives northwest of Culbertson. His interest in the sport grew, and seven years ago he began competing in three-dimensional shooting events. Since there are no clubs or organized shoots close to McCook, Tab takes part in events in North Platte. He also has competed on the national level, traveling to last year's championships in Yankton, S.D.

Although only 21, Quinton also is a long-time archery participant, estimating that he has has been involved in the sport for 10 years. The son of Dave and Cindy Pohl of McCook, Quinton has a strong interest in outdoor sports and is majoring in recreation parks management at UN-K.

Cody, 14, became interested in archery when he was 10 years old, and has taken it up seriously in the past year, practicing nearly every day. "I used to hunt with a rifle but I like the bow better. It's more challenging," he said. The Cabela's shoot was the first for Cody, who is the son of Mike and Susan Harris Broomfield of McCook. But it won't be his last. "I'm going to do as many as possible," he said.

With Tab, Quinton and Cody's interest and success, don't be surprised if archery's popularity increases in the McCook area. As Cody says, it is a challenging sport to master because of the need for great precision and practice.

Comforting Crosses

When Ann Trail of McCook started making ribbon-cross bookmarks eight years ago, she had no idea the pastime would grow into an outreach program which would touch hundreds of American troops overseas. "I just knew I liked making the crosses and tucking them in cards I sent to friends," she said.

Things started changing early this year when her husband, Dick, came across a website that fit well with Ann's devotion to making bookmarks.

The site -- adopt.a.chaplain.org -- was looking for ways to show American troops overseas that the people back home were thinking of them. The ribbon-cross bookmarks proved to be most appropriate.

And so Ann, with the help of volunteers from Willow Rodge, started making an abundance of the crosses. "We've sent 1,000 so far," she said. Most are going to Iraq, with one delivery of 400 crosses going to Baghdad.

Ida Rogers and Ralph Stevens cuts the crosses out of canvas, then they are laced with ribbon by Laura Eby, Beth Schrader, Helen Goodson and Mrs. Trail.

"We want the troops to know that those of us back home are thinking about them," Ann said. The crosses -- which are approximately three inches tall and two inches wide -- are placed in ziplock snack bags. Selected Scriptures are sent with them, along with a personal note, expressing heartfelt sentiments, such as, "May God put His arms around you every day." Then they are simply signed with the sender's first name, be it Laura, Ann, Beth or Helen.

"We just want the troops to know that there's a person back home thinking about them," Ann said.

Little things do mean a lot ... especially when they are conceived in love.