Gray Court-Owings School Archery Team Aims to Win in State State Championship
February 24, 2025
On Saturday, February 15, 2025, the Gray Court-Owings (GCO) School Archery Team participated in the 2025 South Carolina Bullseye State Qualifier in Taylors, South Carolina. Twelve GCO students qualified to compete in the Archery State Championship in Columbia, South Carolina. Elementary students will compete on February 25, 2025, while middle school students will compete on February 27, 2025.
Four elementary students qualified for the Bullseye State Championship- Landon Michels, Jackson Pruett, Blakely Stewart, and Brantley Wright. Seven middle school students qualified for the 3D State Championship- Zachary Brown, Colton Curtis, Kolbie Hughes, Logan Johnston, Jeffery Mckittrick, Jesse Smith, and Bryson Stewart. Six middle school students qualified for the Bullseye State Championship- Zachary Brown, Colton Curtis, Caroline Gillespie, Kolbie Hughes, Jeffery Mckittrick, and Bryson Stewart.
There are a few different National Archery in the Schools (NASP) state-qualifying tournaments held throughout the season that were open to schools in South Carolina. Qualifying elementary-age archers need a minimum score of 200 for bullseye shooting. Qualifying archers in middle school need a minimum score of 225 for 3D shots and 250 for bullseye.
The team (full roster) is under the guidance of GCO Archery Head Coach Terence Legette. He is an educator with many hats. He teaches Business and serves as GCO Assistant Athletic Director, GCO Assistant Football Coach, and GCO Head Archery Coach. He holds a Sports Management degree from North Greenville University. Legette obtained his teaching certificate through the Teachers of Tomorrow Program, a South Carolina Department of Education-approved alternative path to teaching. He is in his third year of teaching in Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55).
In 2021, Legette learned about archery. In the same year, he completed his archery training and began coaching. Legette is the only remaining archery coach in LCSD 55 and is honored to have the opportunity to coach at GCO.
Legette shared, “I want the students of Laurens 55 to have as many opportunities as possible. I’m always going to help if I am able. I feel strongly about ensuring they get whatever we can offer. Being part of an archery program is not something most students can say they have experienced. I’m happy to help provide that for the kids at GCO.”
Coach Legette said his goals for his team include building a community, having fun, and winning. While the archery season can be short, they pack as many practices and tournaments as possible. Players show dedication by practicing before and after school
and on Saturday mornings before tournaments. Most players also take time out of their
“We are so proud of Coach Legette and the Archery Team at GCO. Earning a position in the State Championship is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Seeing a group representing GCO on the big stage and ensuring the state knows that Excellence is our Standard is wonderful,” said GCO Principal Andy Entrekin.
Coach Legette shares the spotlight with Corey Stewart, who coaches the GCO Archery Team with him, and Department of Natural Resources Officer Phil Robertson. He said Stewart is a great colleague, and Robertson is always willing to help his team when necessary. Legette also thanks the parents of the archers. Legette said parental support is instrumental to the GCO Archery Team’s success.
