4-H member named Collegiate Men’s Bow Hunting National Champion

Michigan State University student and MSU Archery Club vice president Nathan Ketchum recently earned the title of National Champion in Collegiate Men's Bow Hunting.

Michigan State University student and MSU Archery Club vice president Nathan Ketchum recently earned the title of National Champion in Collegiate Men’s Bow Hunting. Ketchum is also a 14-year member of Clinton County 4-H -- he started out as a Cloverbud at 5 years old.

Nathan said that he got his first bow for the 4-H Shooting Sports program, and that was the beginning of his successful archery career.

“4-H is what got me started in archery,” Nathan said. “This is where I continued to practice, and once I started improving and shooting better, I decided to come to Michigan State and shoot at the Demmer Center, and I still really enjoy it.”

Youth development to ensure that children and teens become positive and productive adults in society is the primary goal in all 4-H programs. A specific goal of the 4-H Shooting Sports program is exposing youth to safety and shooting, and building awareness and understanding of the environment, along with conservation knowledge and skills.

The Shooting Sports program provides hands-on learning experiences and emphasizes safety and responsible use of archery equipment and firearms. Ketchum exemplifies how 4-H members acquire these skills and knowledge while participating in recreational activities and acquiring various life skills.

"Nathan has always been known to set his personal goals high,” said Clinton County 4-H coordinator Corissa Harris. “In addition, he has been a leader and role model to many and continues to be an active 4-H'er.” 

For the past two years, Ketchum has earned All American honors in addition to his 2014 title as the Collegiate Men’s Bow Hunting National Champion. In addition to his personal achievements, Nathan’s coach, Glen Bennett, said his effort and positive attitude are great contributions to the team.

“Those great attributes make him the champion he is,” Bennett said.

Nathan, on the other hand, credits much of his success to what he learned early on in 4-H.

 “Through 4-H, not just archery, I learned leadership skills,” Ketchum said. “I also showed animals, so I learned to care for things, and now I know how to care for my equipment, too.”

He credits Bennett, other coaches and mentors of the past, and anyone he has practiced with along the way for helping him achieve his level of success.

Overall, the archery team had four participants in the 3-D tournament, all of whom received All American honors as well as Academic All American honors.

“Achieving honors like this team has just proves the hard work and dedication to the sport of archery by these members,” Bennett said.

Youth interested in participating in Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports programs can find more information at the Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports page. Michigan State University students interested in learning more about the Archery Club can visit the MSU Archery Club website.

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