The largest indoor archery tournament on the East Coast kicks off at noon Thursday, Jan. 27, when the first line commences shooting at the 2022 Lancaster Archery Classic.
Around 2,000 archers from all over the world are expected to compete at this year’s Classic, being held at the massive Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Manheim, Pa.
This number includes nearly 500 young archers who are competing in the Easton Youth & Collegiate Trophy Tournament, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 29-30.
The Easton event is a separate tournament within the Classic that allows younger archers to get the full Classic experience for a fraction of the cost and time commitment.
Over $300,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs at the Classic, including the top prize of $20,000 for the Open Pro champion. With contingency money added, the winner of that division could rake in up to $50,000 for the weekend.
Just like previous years, we will have contingency money available for those participating in the Bowhunter Class. All you need to do is wear a Bowhunt or Die/Bowhunting.com hat or t-shirt AND place in the top 3 to qualify for the money.
Unfortunately, neither Todd or Justin will be participating this year. However, we will still be there to cover everything, so stay tuned to our website and social media platforms, and stop by our booth to say hi!
New For 2022
There are several new additions to the 2022 version of the Classic. Heading the list is the introduction of a new target for the shoot-up finals matches only. Those targets will include a high-risk, high-reward 12-point scoring ring that measures 1.5cm across.
The 12-ring will be positioned below the center of the target, on the line separating the 7- and 8-point rings. So a miss will likely result in a score of either 7 or 8 points.
Archers must call the 12-ring before they shoot at it, and they can only call for it once per three-arrow end. Going for the 12 at least gives an archer a chance to make up lost ground or to try to seal a victory. This adds a new strategic element to the always-exciting Classic finals.
Also new this year are increased payouts in the Men’s Open, Bowhunter, Masters Open, Women’s Open and Senior Open divisions, the addition of a Women’s Masters Open division for female archers age 50 and older and additional shooting lines for both the Classic and the Youth and Collegiate Trophy Tournament.
The Youth and Collegiate Trophy Tournament will consist only of the 60-arrow round shot from the standard 18 meters at 40cm target faces. There will be no elimination rounds, with trophies going to each division’s first-place finisher, and medals being awarded to the top three archers in each division.
Each age class will feature separate competition divisions for Open, Recurve and Barebow archers in both male and female classes. Since the Youth and Collegiate Trophy Tournament is shot Saturday and Sunday, archers who participate in this event also can compete in the full Classic if they want.
Schedule
Thursday, Jan. 27 – Qualification lines start at noon and 4 p.m. EST
Friday, Jan. 28 – Qualification lines starting at 8 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. EST
Saturday, Jan. 29 – Eliminations begin at 8 a.m., followed by this slate of shoot-up finals:
Senior Open, 1-1:35 p.m.; Women’s Open, 1:40-2:15 p.m.; Masters’ Open, 2:20-2:55 p.m.; Women’s Masters Open, 3-3:35 p.m.; Youth Male Recurve, 3:40-4:15 p.m.; Youth Female Recurve, 4:20-4:55 p.m.; Youth Female Open, 5-5:35 p.m.; Women’s Barebow, 5:40-6:15 p.m.; Men’s Barebow, 6:20-7:50 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 29 – Easton Youth & Collegiate Trophy Tournament begins at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 30 – Easton Youth & Collegiate Trophy Tournament begins at 8 a.m.
Sunday, Jan. 30 – Shoot-up finals: Masters’ Open Pro, 8-8:35 a.m.; Bowhunter, 8:40-9:15 a.m.; Women’s Recurve, 9:20-9:55 a.m.; Men’s Recurve, 10-10:35 a.m.; Youth Male Open, 10:40 a.m.-11:15 a.m.; Men’s Open, 11:20 a.m.-12:50 p.m.; Women’s Open Pro, 12:55-1:30 p.m.; Open Pro, 1:35-3:05 p.m.
