Eclaron, France – Archers from the 1re Compagnie d’Arc d’Eclaron, the sole archery club representing the Haute-Marne department, secured four qualifications for the French Championships following a successful series of competitions held from April 18-19 and April 25-26. The club also swept all departmental titles during the Beursault competition, which served as a qualifier for the national championships.
The Beursault competition, a traditional event for the club, drew participants not only from Eclaron but also from the Aube, Marne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, Vosges, and Aisne departments. A total of fifty archers competed, showcasing the growing strength of archery within the region.
Claudine Ménissier, Brice Soudant, Jean Douge, and Christophe Keller were the four Eclaron archers who successfully validated their tickets to the French Championships. Their performance highlights the dedication and skill within the club, positioning them as strong contenders on the national stage.
The departmental championships also saw success for Eclaron’s younger athletes. Emma Soudant (U13) automatically secured the departmental title as the sole competitor in her age group. Mylène Soudant also claimed the departmental title in the senior “1” classic bow category.
Further departmental victories came from Brice Soudant in the senior “2” category, finishing ahead of teammate Jean-Luc Chevillion. Claudine Ménissier topped the senior “3” women’s category. In the senior “1” compound bow division, Jean Douge edged out Lucas Bauer (Toul) in a closely contested match. Christophe Keller secured second place in the senior “2” compound bow category, with teammates Xavier Masson and Franck Delannoy finishing fifth and sixth respectively. Florence Masson finished fourth in the senior “3” compound bow category.
The 1re Compagnie d’Arc d’Eclaron has been actively preparing for the season, with adult members training both outdoors and indoors. Training sessions are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, adapting to weather conditions. The club recently held indoor training sessions at the Michel-Marin complex, led by Jean-Luc Chevillion. The club hopes to continue its success in the upcoming indoor season, beginning with a competition in Saint-Dizier on October 12th, followed by another competition in Brienne-le-Château the following weekend.
The club, under the presidency of Jacky Soudant, is actively seeking new members. Individuals interested in archery, whether for recreational or competitive purposes, are encouraged to attend the training sessions to learn more. The club’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for archers of all levels is a key component of its continued growth and success.
Archery continues to gain popularity as a sport that combines physical skill, mental focus, and precision. The success of the 1re Compagnie d’Arc d’Eclaron serves as an example of the dedication and talent present within the French archery community. The upcoming French Championships will provide a platform for these athletes to showcase their abilities on a national level.
The next scheduled competition for the club is the indoor competition in Saint-Dizier on October 12th. Further details and updates can be found through local sports news outlets and the club’s official channels.
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