FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - This summer we will be sharing recaps from the 2023-24 athletic season at Emmanuel. Up next, the Emmanuel Archery program! The Lions finished the season with a strong showing at Collegiate Outdoor Nationals and look to build on that success next season.
 
BY THE NUMBERS

• Mixed Team, Martina Zikmundova and Ethan Todd finished 4^th at Collegiate Nationals, a program best.
• Zikmundova finished 6^th overall as an individual at Collegiate Nationals, earning All-American Honors for the third time in her collegiate career.
• The Lions finished 12^th as a team at Collegiate Nationals.
• Zikmundova finished 1^st at the Lancaster Archery Classic.

 
We spoke with Amari Thomas, who was recently named the head coach of the program about his favorite memories from last season and what he looks forward to as the team continues to grow.
 

1. What was a highlight from your season? 

The highlight from this season was at Collegiate Nationals, which was on May 16-19, in Statesboro, Georgia. Martina Zikmundova and Ethan Todd pushed their way into the semifinal round during the mixed team competition. This was new territory for us as we had never made it that far in that competition. I was very proud of the team and how hard they worked to make this come together. 
 
2. What was the biggest challenge you faced as a team? 
 
Our biggest challenge this year was having to stay patient. We have waited 3 years now to have someone as a head coach and now we have to continue building the program. 
 
3. Was there a point in the season where everything "clicked", describe that moment.
 
 This year, we took 7 archers to Collegiate Nationals, and on the morning that we left, I could sense how excited everyone was to have a full team going to this event. It felt good again and we learned a lot about each other during the tournament. 
 
4. What was your favorite memory of the season?
 
My favorite memory of the season was going to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We took a new archer with us, and although the trip was a trek, we endured it together and made lasting memories. 
 
5. What are you looking forward to next season?
 
 I am looking forward to the team building that we will do next season. I believe that we are in a season of growth and opportunity, and I plan to capitalize on it in the near future. 
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.