By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Chilton County High School student Justin Liveoak scored a new personal best at the National Archery in Schools Program Eastern Nationals, qualifying him for a place in the NASP World Tournament and a scholarship opportunity.

Liveoak scored 297 out of 300 and tied for third place with five other archers.

He attributes his success in the tournament to having good focus.

“I break personal bests often,” Liveoak said. “There is always better.”

The NASP World Tournament changes locations, but it is in Kentucky this year.

Coach Kelly Gaston said the teams come from NASP members from around the world.

Liveoak has also qualified for the Scholarship Shoot Off where he will compete for up to $20,000, but is guaranteed at least $1,000.

He said this competition was the one he was looking forward to the most.

“I had no idea that they did that,” Liveoak said.

The World Tournament will be in June.

After placing to compete in the global competition, Liveoak received an invitation to the NASP All-Star Championship event in Alberta, Canada. It will be held at Winsport Canada Olympic Park, which was a site for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games.

Gaston said she thought the NASP All-Star Championship competition would include some new elements of competition for Liveoak.

She said this is the first time that she has had a student qualify for this level.

The top 30 competitors at the national competition were invited to represent the country in the NASP All-Star Championship.

Gaston is selling sponsorships for Liveoak’s competition shirt to help pay for travel expenses to the upcoming competitions. Those interested in helping sponsor Liveoak can contact Gaston at kegaston@chilton.k12.al.us.