VIENNA — Vienna Eagles Archery Club head coach Tim Simmons announced Nov. 5 that he is entering his final year in the role and will begin transitioning leadership to assistant coach Ethan Murphy. Throughout the 2025-26 season, Simmons will be working closely with Murphy to ensure another succssful year of growing the program.

The meeting focused heavily on communication, safety and discipline as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Simmons urged families to join the GroupMe app, which will serve as the main source for updates and weather-related changes.

“I’m really big on communication,” Simmons said. “I don’t like being part of an organization that doesn’t communicate.”

The GroupMe app is the first place information will be sent from. Simmons said it’s the easiest way for coaches to reach everyone.

The archery program usually has an impressive turnout. Simmons said the team typically includes 42 to 48 students a season, alongside returning students. Practices will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the small gym and are scheduled to begin in late November. Several instructors and parent volunteers will assist in coaching and organizing sessions.

The team is still waiting on a full list of tournaments, but two dates have been confirmed so far, Vienna’s home tournament on Feb. 22 and a conference tournament the weekend before at Chamois. Practices for new shooters will begin soon and additional dates will be shared through the GroupMe app and by email.

Registration fees are set at $50 for returning archers and $70 for those ordering a new team shirt. Checks should be made payable to the Vienna Archery Club (VAC).

Volunteers are needed to help organize Vienna’s February tournament. Parents are encouraged to assist with setup, check-in and gate duties.

Simmons also reminded students to follow all safety and dress code guidelines. Archers should wear blue jeans or slacks without holes, their team shirt and closed-toe shoes. Long hair must be tied back at all times, both during practices and tournaments.

One of the program’s main slogans, “Stay alert and be business only on the range,” was repeated throughout the meeting as a reminder that horseplay will not be tolerated.

“Archery practice is all business,” Murphy said. “We’re basically working with firearms, so we take it very seriously.”

The season is expected to begin with tournaments in January, continuing through state competition in March.