My Olympic Goal

So there I was...

Watching the Opening Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics with my son, when I asked him which events he was looking forward to seeing:

Son: "I'm really looking forward to watching archery."

Me: "Archery? Archery looks like it could be fun."

Son: "It can be. I've tried it in scouts, but it's really hard."

Me: "Yeah? It's hard? Why do you say that it's hard?"

Son: "Well, I couldn't even hit the target."

Me: "How many arrows were you allowed to shoot?"

Son: "Four."

Me: "Four? They only let you shoot four arrows? How are you supposed to learn if they only let you shoot four arrows?"

Son: "I don't know."

Me: "Did the instructors know what they were doing?"

Son: "I don't know. I think they did. Maybe not."

Me: "I'm not so sure that they did. You know what? I bet that I could learn how to shoot a bow. I already know how to shoot a rifle and pistol from the Marines; I'm sure that I can learn how to shoot a bow."

Son: "Yeah, probably."

Me: "I know how to teach as well. Once I learn how to shoot a bow, would you like me to teach you?"

Son: "YEAH! I want to finally hit the target!"

Me: "You know what else? I wonder what it takes to shoot archery in the Olympics. If I can learn how to shoot a bow, and how to teach how to shoot a bow, I'm guessing all it will take is time and a lot of hard work. I bet I could figure it out."

Son: "You've got four years, right?"

Me: "I'm not sure. I guess I'll find out."

That's how I got into archery. It all started with my son wanting to learn how to shoot. Since I've started shooting archery, I've learned so much about myself. Archery teaches one focus, patience, control, confidence, and so much more. I've been able to share what I've learned with my son, which was my original intention. Now, I want the opportunity to compete at the highest level, the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The first leg of the Olympic Trials starts in College Station, Texas, at Texas A&M University, at a tournament called the Texas Shootout.

I would like support to help me pay for travel expenses, hotel costs, tournament fees, car rental, food, and equipment. Unfortunately, archery gear isn't cheap, and neither are the expenses that accompany the sport.

I appreciate any and all support that you may have to give. If you can't help monetarily, I would greatly appreciate spreading the word of this USMC veteran/high school science teacher/single father's Olympic goal.

Thank you so much for your consideration.