ARKPORT, N.Y. — A Southern Tier school district is celebrating a lot of success in a sport that’s seeing somewhat of a resurgence in popularity. The archery team in the Arkport Central School District in Steuben County might need a new trophy case soon. 

It takes something special to get some kids to school before the crack of dawn.

“Yup. But they’re happy to be here,” said coach Bernie Smith.  

Smith’s assessment of these archers from Arkport, who for months begin their school day twice a week with 6:30 a.m. practice.

“Just having fun with my friends,” said team member Stephen Hoeffner, when asked what he enjoys most. “Shooting at targets and improving every day.”

Practice, it seems, makes perfect.

“Last year was my first year,” said Maddie Marcus. “And since then I've made a lot of progress.”

A cartload of trophies represents some of Arkport’s recent success.

“We’ve been very fortunate,” said Smith. “We’ve won every year we’ve been at it.”

Including back-to-back championships in the middle school division at the New York state archery tournament.

“In states, I got first place for elementary boys,” said Corbin Strobel. “And I was, I was really proud of myself.”

“It's really great to think that people from Arkport, a little town in the middle of nowhere can go to be part of such a big program,” said Marcus.

They make it look easy, even though it’s not.

“To start out, they're lucky if they hit the target,“ said Smith.

“The hardest part is sometimes focusing and getting everything right,” said Hoeffner. “Because it depends on how you are that day, your body actions and stuff like that can affect it.”

Getting past the challenge is the real draw.

“I challenge anybody, but I'll hand you a bow and arrow,” said Smith. “You shoot one arrow, you're going to ask for another one.”

Next up, Arkport’s archery club will shoot in the U.S. Eastern National tournament in Kentucky, the second week in May.

“It’s quite an accomplishment,” said Smith. “I’m happy for the kids.”

Arkport wasn’t the only Steuben County school to find success at the state tournament this year. Nearby Avoca central schools took first place in the elementary division.