Wolf pack: A term that describes a group that works as one to meet a goal.

That was the case on Feb. 16 when 24 youth members of the West Penn Archery Club Wolf Pack traveled to the Lebanon Expo Center for the 2025 Pennsylvania Scholastic 3D Archery (S3DA) State Championship. The competition was the largest state championship in Pennsylvania S3DA history, with just over 200 archers registered.

Several West Penn Archery Club members made it to a place on the podium in their respective age groups, helping the club bring home state championship banners to add to the club’s wall.

The team is comprised of four age groups: junior eagles, eagles, youth and young adults, ranging in age from 8 to 18.

For many in the Wolf Pack, they have grown with the program, moving up from eagle to youth and beyond over the last several years.

Lilly Parks, whom coach Karl Bachert depends on to lead the team, has been perfecting her skills for 11 years.

“This activity is a very good activity because I grew up around it,” Parks said, crediting her dad for getting her interested in the sport. “It brings me so much joy. I couldn’t imagine myself not shooting a bow.

“Having the team environment and all these people cheer you on, it’s really encouraging. Everyone here encourages and helps each other.”

Competition at States is tight, Parks can attest to, sometimes coming down to the number of Xs or bull’s-eyes an archer gets.

For example, the 17-year-old took home a third place in the young adult female open category with a score of 299 out of a possible 300 and 44 out of a possible 60 bull’s-eyes. Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-place finishers also scored 299s. However, the number of bull’s-eyes pushed Parks above the others.

Like Parks, Levi McCullion and Emily Buchman are both honing their skills and setting their aim on hitting the bull’s-eye.

Fourteen-year-old McCullion is now in his fifth year in archery and fourth year competing with the Wolf Pack, bringing home several medals over those years.

“I like it because it’s really interesting,” McCullion said, noting that archery is something different and focuses on different types of skills. “It aims for everyone to put their effort into doing their best.”

Buchman said that while this is her second year competing, she still gets nervous.

“With every shot, I take a deep breath and it helps me focus,” the 13-year-old said.

Both McCullion and Buchman took second in their categories at States.

So, what’s next for the Wolf Pack?

It’s taking aim at the 3D and outdoor seasons, as well as national competition.

For more information on the West Penn Archery Club, the youth archery program or upcoming events, check out the club’s Facebook page. The club’s address is 147 Archery Club Road, New Ringgold (West Penn Township).

Wolf Pack state championship results

Members of the West Penn Wolf Pack took home several medals.

Those who placed are:

• Emily Buchman, youth female pins, second place.

• Catrina DeWitt, youth female pins, third place.

• Roxy Laninger, youth female open, second place.

• Levi McCullion, youth male open, second place.

• Lilly Parks, young adult female open, third place.

• Bill Mills, young adult male open, first place.

Other members who competed are:

Junior eagles: Finley Fenkner.

Eagles: Leah Vincent, Gabriel Degler, Peter Young, Logan Miller, Mason Bailey.

Youth: Piper Harding, Sabrina DeWitt, McKenzie Campbell, John Horvath, Hudson Henritzy, Andrew Mummey, Mason Loving, Jacob Deiter.

Young adult: Rylee Campbell, Xavier Harding, Eva Melochick, Kaylee Meeker.