It has been four years in the making for Team P.E.I.’s archers who will be competing in the second week of the 2019 Canada Games.
The ancient sport is one of technique, nerves and skill that can see champions crowned by a matter of millimetres or split seconds. Team P.E.I.’s group of four athletes includes Kristen Arsenault of Wellington, Macy Shaddick of Grand Tracadie, Keegan Crawford of Covehead and Spencer Freeze of Charlottetown. With national and international results on some of the team member’s resumes, they will be heading to Red Deer, Alta., shooting for no less than the podium.
Team P.E.I.’s archery team consists of, from left, Spencer Freeze, Keegan Crawford,
Macy Shaddick and Kristen Arsenault.
Team veteran Kristen Arsenault has a wealth of experience as one of our province’s most decorated archers. Arsenault attended the last Winter Games in Prince George, B.C., and has since competed in four national championships. Each of those four appearances resulted in podium finishes.
Her resume doesn’t stop there.
In 2017, she attended the Vegas Shoot and the World Archery Youth Championships placing respectively amongst the world’s best archers.
Arsenault will certainly be a leader for P.E.I., especially when Crawford and Freeze are just 11-years-old. The two youngsters, however, don’t have any plans of letting their age deter them from setting big goals. Combining for five national championships between them, and even a national record for Freeze, they will have their eyes on the big prize. It is also worth noting that both will be eligible for the 2023 Games hosted here on P.E.I.
Last, but certainly not least, is Macy Shaddick of Grand Tracadie. Shaddick boasts a bronze medal in the 2017 Canadian Open and will also be eligible for the 2023 Games in her home province.
It is common knowledge that athletes must train their bodies to perform at their physical best, but the mental side of sport is becoming just as important. A sport like archery is no exception. That is why the team connected with mental performance consultant Tara Costello-Ledwell. A former Canada Games field hockey player, she is known for working with teams and individuals who want to attain their highest potential in athletic performance.
It only made sense for Team P.E.I.’s archers to obtain the necessary skills from someone who has the experience and education to push them to be their best.
Head coach Kevin Arsenault has been with the team since 2013 and can attest for the athlete’s hard work during the past four years. Training two to three times per week, along with at least two competitions monthly and managing to fit in sessions with Synergy Fitness and Nutrition for strength and conditioning, Team P.E.I.’s archery team has been dealt all the tools necessary to represent their province as best they can.
With about one month to go before heading west, Team P.E.I.’s archers are confident in their abilities and ready to compete with the nation’s best. It has been a long road since first shooting together in 2013, but they are ready to see where the journey will take them. Win or lose, Team P.E.I.’s archers have a bright future in the sport.
For more information on Team P.E.I. and the 2019 Canada Games, stay tuned for our Countdown to the Games articles and be sure to follow Team P.E.I. on Facebook and Twitter.
#IsleBeReady
Jared Murphy is a sport co-ordinator with Sport P.E.I. and will be assistant chef de mission for Team P.E.I. during Week 2 of the 2019 Canada Games.
Roster
A look at the roster for Team P.E.I.’s archery squad at the 2019 Canada Games.
Kristen Arsenault
Keegan Crawford
Spencer Freeze
Macy Shaddick
Coach - Kevin Arsenault
Apprentice coach - Logen Lewis
Manager - Michelle Arsenault
