WASHINGTON — A Northeast D.C. archery coach is making an impact in the lives of his students at Stuart-Hobson Middle School, and the reason why he’s back after a 40-year hiatus is what’s getting us uplifted!
Myron Alston, whose students affectionately call "Coach M," credits Vincent Price, a renowned archery coach with 60 years of experience, who also served as his mentor and coach when he was a student, for keeping him off the streets and out of trouble during the challenging times of the '80s in D.C.
So when Price, who’s still actively coaching archery in Germantown, asked Alston to consider coaching archery in the DC Public School system, he didn’t hesitate. He knew the impact the sport had on his life.
“When I look at the news, and I hear about all these carjackings, I think these kids have nothing to do, the system has failed them to some degree. But teaching kids something to do at an early age that can follow them later in life I think is essential because you have to start somewhere and sports is a good medium, but starting in an archery environment is gold,” Alston said.
He believes the discipline that archery instills in individuals is 85% mental, 10% physical, and 5% other nuances. But according to Alston, the mental aspect of archery transcends the sport and has positive effects on various aspects of life.
Alston reflected on his own journey and acknowledged that without archery and Price’s influence, his life would have taken a different path. As an amputee, he said archery gave him a unique opportunity to challenge himself and build confidence.
“I am an amputee, and was always good at most sports, but archery gave me something that I can challenge myself in because you are only shooting against yourself, so each time you try to get better and better,” he said.
Although the archery program at DCPS has evolved over the years, Alston acknowledges the challenges the sport is facing due to a decline in interest and support. However, he remains passionate about the positive impact it has on young individuals.
He encourages anyone interested in the sport to give it a try and emphasizes the simplicity of starting and the lifelong benefits that come with learning the discipline. For Alston, archery is not just a sport; it's a way of life that has the power to shape futures and provide a positive outlet for individuals of all ages.
"Archery is something they can take with them the rest of their lives. And going back into archery for me was like putting on my shoe after falling asleep and waking up with my shoe on, that’s how it fit because the mental aspect didn’t leave, it just clicked, and that’s where we are now,” Alston said.