The first year Picayune Memorial High School archery team placed second in the 5A division at the state competition in Jackson on April 15.

Archery coach and Picayune Career and Technology Center teacher Jason Childs said the team placed 18th overall at the state championship and placed first in the 5A division at the South State Championship.

Childs said the team’s 26 students competed against 59 teams and more than 4,000 students at the State Championship, finishing with a score of 3,120.

The highest scoring team was Saltillo High School with 3,360 points.

“For a first year team, I was very impressed throughout the year with the results we were getting,” Childs said.

Childs said he and the students realized they had a chance at a successful season after beating Hancock High School in their first match.

“Throughout the year the kids kept improving and improving,” Childs said.

He said many of the team members have expressed interest in participating in the program next year so they can improve and make it to the next level.

“I see a lot of room for improvement and we have kids who want to improve,” Childs said.

He said he is glad Picayune Memorial High School adopted the program this year and he only sees the program becoming more successful in the future.

“It opens up an opportunity for anyone to compete,” Childs said. “There are no pre-requisites necessary to excel.”

The team will be losing three members who are graduating this year, but Childs thinks there are more than enough students to step up and fill the void.

“I’m excited for next season and hate that it doesn’t start until February,” Childs said.