Archery is a highly competitive sport using the traditional bow and arrow, which historically dates back to various indigenous cultures across each continent. The bow and arrow, which was primarily used for hunting and combat, became a sport as hunters showcased their accuracy for shooting. The term archer comes from the Old French archier, and the Latin word arcārius, alteration of arcuārius.

The sport of archery has gone through many transformations with high tech equipment and efficient designed bows, but it’s objective remains unchanged. Although the sport is still dominated by Whites in western society, there are a few African-American archers making their mark in the competitive arena. One such group is The Georgia Boys.

Michael Cain

The group consisting of Danyale McDonald, Michael Cain, Stephen Edward, Ezra Alleyne, Corey Bryant, Bryant Johnson and Randy Cosby has been competing at local and national events to become professional world-class competitive archers. Their primary objective is to promote awareness of the sport in the African American community and to highlight the opportunities available. Cash prizes are awarded to top ranking competitors at local and national tournaments and there are a number of college scholarships also available to those seeking to compete in archery on a collegiate level. Local and national stores and outdoor retailers sponsor many of the Georgia Boys as well. So the sport can lead to a career.

The group was formed through various meetings at archery ranges and shops across the metro-Atlanta, Georgia area. McDonald and Cain met in 1994 while preparing for the Archery Shooters Association (ASA) 3D Tournament and became friends as they practiced and competed in local and national tournaments including the National Field Archery Association (AFAA) and Georgia Bowhunter and Archery Association (GBAA). McDonald competed for a local archery and hunting shop and soon met the remaining members as his own turkey calls and other hunting equipment. Since then each of then have set off on a competitive track and have established themselves as highly skilled archers.

Danyale McDonald

Just recently, McDonald, the highest ranked archer in the group, led his class of 71 archers in the first round of the 2008 ASA Pro-Am 3D competition, held in Hattiesburg, MS. He placed 5th overall. McDonald has competed as a pro staffer for various companies including Gold Tip, Inc., Alpen Outdoor Optics, Vapor Trail Strings and Cables, and 12 Point Archery Pro Shop. McDonald also placed 1st place at the Christian Bowhunters of America, 2nd place at the 2007 NFAA/GBAA Georgia State Indoor Championship and 3rd places at the 2007 NFAA 3D Southeast Sectional Championship and 2007 NFAA/GBAA Georgia State 3D Championship.

Cain, who has been shooting for over 20 years and currently sponsored by Lake Oconee Shooting Club was the 2007 Georgia State Champion, completed Level 2 Archery Coach Course in 2007 and took 2nd place in the Louisiana ASA Pro-AM in 2004. Alleyne took 2nd place at the GBAA Fort Gordon State 3D Shoot in 2007, 2nd in the Georgia Games 900 FITA Round in 2007 and 7th place at the Georgia State Indoor 5 Spot in 2007. Bryant placed 9th at the ASA Augusta Pro-AM in 2007 and was named CBG shooter of the year in 2007.

Cosby took two 2nd place wins in the 2008 ASA and two 1st place wins in the 2007 ASA. Johnson, the youngest of the group has been hunting since 6 years old and won his first archery championship at age 11. The group recently lost one of its members, Stephen Edwards, which was a devastating blow to all members, especially McDonald. McDonald received word of the news while competing.

The Georgia Boys are a very close-knit group and are dedicated to bringing awareness to the sport of archery.

Bryant Johnson

There are usually thousands of attendees at the national tournaments and you can guarantee that one of the Georgia Boys will be competing. For more information on the Georgia Boys and competitive archery contact Danyale McDonald at Dmac61@comcast.net or visit http://blackarchers.ning.com