Socorro County 4-H archers hit the mark at state, land seventh at nationals

Four youth from Socorro County: Jacob Angel, Juan Fernandez, Mathew Lopez, and Esperanza Lopez, made local history this summer as they took top honors in compound archery at the New Mexico State 4-H Judging Contests, then went on to represent the state at the 4-H National Shooting Sports Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Coach Joe Lopez reflected on the team’s journey, calling it “a learning experience on every level.” He said, “It’s the first time we’ve ever been to nationals, so getting everything organized and knowing what to expect was huge for us.” Unlike other states that select individual top shooters, New Mexico takes its highest-ranking team, giving the Socorro youth a chance to compete together on a national stage.

Over the course of three days, the team faced multiple archery formats, from circular fixed-distance targets to field challenges with uneven terrain, culminating in 3D life-size foam target shooting from various yardages. Lopez added, “Compound archery was the biggest group at nationals, and also the most competitive. For our kids to place seventh out of 31 teams is just incredible.”

The coach was also proud of how the experience has broadened the youth’s horizons. “Some of them are thinking about jumping into other disciplines, wildlife skills, pistol, maybe shotgun again. It’s exciting to see their interest grow.”

Emily Bruton, County Program Director for the Socorro County Cooperative Extension Service, praised the youth for their versatility. “Our 4-H members have so many opportunities, from traditional livestock projects to these specialized contests,” she said. “These contests, like shooting sports and livestock skill-a-thon, really showcase how well-rounded and knowledgeable our youth are.”

Bruton noted that in addition to the archery team’s national debut, Socorro will also send a state-winning Livestock Skill-a-thon team to compete at nationals in Louisville, Kentucky later this year. “Skill-a-thon tests everything from identifying feed components and meat cuts to understanding feed labels and livestock breeds. It’s an intensive contest, and our kids really impressed.”

The county also fielded a state-winning entomology team, though that category doesn’t advance to nationals. “They identified insect specimens and aced general entomology exams. Even though they don’t move on, they’ve achieved something significant,” Bruton added.

Between multiple disciplines and impressive placements, Socorro County 4-H continues to grow not just in participation but in prestige. “For such a small place,” Lopez said, “our program’s really blown up the past couple years. These kids are putting Socorro County on the map.”