Some STA History from Graham Kuchel (January 2005)

The founding members were Graeme and Lorraine McVitty, David Percy and in particular, our Life Members Rob and Helen Fairweather. These pioneers started and ran an archery club through some pretty tough times and strong opposition to the idea of having an archery club in Strathalbyn.

The club has had several names over the years including the Strathalbyn District Archers and was originally affiliated with the Australian Bowhunters Association.

The late Ros Johns was probably the club's first coach. She lived at Milang in the late 1980's.
Innovation

STA is recognised on the International front. We were given the recognition of being the best set up National Field event for not only competing junior archers, but for spectators to "actually watch" the event take place from 17 different vantage points around the 2 day course in 2002.

To quote former Adelaide Olympian and now FITA Secretary General Terry Reilly, "one of the best Field events seen anywhere in the world. It is of international standard".

We were the first club to serve a meal during a field event in progress at the 1999 Australian Masters Games. This practice has now become mandatory in junior national field events.
International Recognition

Local archer Simon Fairweather also set this "identity" in concrete at the World Target Championships in 1991 and the Sydney Olympics in 2000- both events GOLD.

Andrew Kuchel also made his mark at the 1996 World Junior Target Championships in San Deigo, USA, finishing 3rd in the individual event and taking team Gold with two fellow AUSTRALIANS. Andrew also took Gold and set five records at the Trans Tasman Cup event in New Zealand in the same year.

We have Kate Fairweather, Michael Ware and Megan Kuchel. All Gold medalists on the International front - all from "Strathalbyn Target Archers".
National Achievements

There are other Australian National Champions such as Angus Barrie, Simon Tucker, Helen Hann, Candeece Falland, Rupert Lindon, Krystal Hicks, Alistair Falland, Lucas Weeks, Aaron Groffen, Angus Dinnison, Dan Colville, Luke Haeusler, John Vogelsang and Graham Kuchel.

Our members have participated in postal shoots like the Bunbury Archery Club's "Silver Leprechaun", which is internationally shot, and the Toowoomba Clout.

There are more champions such as Peter Groffen, Chad & Stuart Jeffreys, and Richard Hicks. These are all pre 2000 winners, along with some of the "greats" already mentioned.

Today the club is thriving with 50 permanent members and another 30 temporary or seasonal players. In 2005 the club is now poised to enter a new era with the signing of a long-term lease for the Forrest Road, Strathalbyn venue. With security of tenure the club can now plan to establish the best archery facility in the state.