Students from Picayune Memorial High School and Poplarville’s archery teams are gearing up for the South State Competition, which will be held this week at the Columbia Exposition Center in Columbia.

Picayune Memorial High School’s Coach Jason Child said this is his team’s second time to compete in regionals since the team’s inception last year.

“So far this season, we’ve set some goals before each match and we just try to improve from one week to the next,” Child said.

This season, the team has competed in and won two matches against Hancock High School and Poplarville Middle and High School.

Child said his team consists of 35 players, 20 of which are new this year.

“During our practices, we make sure our athletes have good form when shooting and know how to shoot at a set distance to prepare for competitions,” Child said. “We stress our players to have a positive attitude because their mindset dictates how well they shoot.”

At regionals, an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 students from elementary, middle and high school archery teams across South Mississippi will attempt to qualify for the state competition in April, Child said.

“Last year, we placed first in the South State Competition and we’re hoping to do that again this year,” he said.

This year, 24 players will represent Picayune, Child said.

“We don’t have enough room to bring everyone, so we’re kind of going with who we think is going to shoot the best and who has proven themselves thus far,” Child said. “Plus we’re going to take those kids who have also shown commitment to the team.”

The team will compete during Thursday’s matches, Child said.

The Poplarville elementary, middle and high school teams will head to Columbia on Wednesday to compete in regionals.

Coach Glenn Barber said this will be the third year Poplarville will compete in regionals.

“This is a big event, and around 63 of our team members have signed up for it, so we’re hoping mostly everyone can compete this year,” Barber said.

Barber hopes his team will qualify for the state competition, which will take place April 14 to 16 in Jackson.