Already having shot firearms for years, in 2001, we added archery as another interest. We joined two outdoors clubs and began a fun and memorable time together with this sport. We shot archery in a Winter League for many years, but never on the same team - it was our rule - we had to keep us happy with each other and especially each other’s scores. For a long time we were the only couple that did. We always looked forward to League night and the fun that we would have with our fellow members. Since we started in the League, many other couples and even families created their own teams. Archery shooting gave us fun times outdoors, too.
For many years, we would travel to the local archery clubs in Ohio and Michigan for their weekend shoots often meeting our friends along the way. After a few years, our granddaughter, Ericka, would join us on several shoot weekends. She was thrilled when we went camping in Hillsdale, Michigan and then on to Indiana to try out a new bow. Little did she know that what she thought was for someone else was actually for her that Christmas and wow was she excited that day when she unwrapped it. By the looks of it in the picture that was taken to capture the moment, I am still not sure who was more excited Matt or her.
Matt really spoiled me and often by making my arrows from scratch and then re-fletching them. After breaking off too many nocks and tearing up vanes and feathers, he eventually taught me to repair them myself. He always was reading and studying his many books, magazines and videos concerning archery equipment, hunting and equipment repair. He shared his knowledge with me all the time whenever he could, making for some memorable discussions and interesting hands-on learning sessions for both of us.
We had fun going to Outdoors Expos and for many years celebrated the day of our wedding anniversary at the one in Novi, Michigan. Our many bow hunting trips to a farm in Tiffin, Ohio usually included an entire weekend together in our pop-up camper which was really quite cozy. We also enjoyed trips to Compton's Traditional Rendezvous.
My love of archery and my involvement in promoting the sport has been a passion of mine for several years and especially with the young archers - our future. Matt was so supportive whenever I wanted to teach archery and then when I studied/attended sessions for my certifications. He often told me how proud he was of what I had achieved and that I instructed. Sometimes he would even help me get ready for my sessions by setting up and then tearing down as well as giving me ideas for class presentations and display tables.
