Category Archives: Champion Clients Corner!

Team Awinningway is Largest US Youth Team at World Championships for Indoor Rowing

By: Weber Way to Wellness Reporter

In March 2017, the TEAM AWINNINGWAY youth indoor rowing championship team grew from 6 competitors in 2016 to 11 competitors in 2017 to once again become the largest US youth rowing team at the 2017 Indoor Rowing Sprints (1 km) World Championships!

TEAM AWINNINGWAY also became the 6th largest team in the world. A team from French Polynesia was first with 74 youth athletes (age 12 and under), then 4 teams from France placed second thru fifth largest teams ranging from 15 to 28 athletes.

2017 TEAM AWINNINGWAY – Top Youth Team in United States represented in two world championships in a row!

Sixty-four countries and 280 youth athletes (age 12 and under) were represented in the 2017 World Championship. The size of the youth race grew 82 percent from last year. This is the second year for the annual world-wide event where athletes compete on a Concept 2 Indoor Rowing Machine at locations all over the world during a brief period in March.

There was only one returning youth athlete to compete in this world championship on Team Awinningway. Aisha was the first to race and she set a positive note for the rest of the team competition. She improved her time from last year by 44 seconds! The rest of the youth athletes on TEAM AWINNINGWAY were all new first-time indoor rowers. All eleven athletes are archers first and then they focus on other athletic activities to become well-rounded.

TEAM AWINNINGWAY – LARGEST US TEAM IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2017

The girls competed first and there were 119 total youth girls (age 12 and under) in the 1 km race.

Aisha became the 4th American and 77th in the world with her time of 5:32.7 for 1km.

Next up was Natalie who became the second fastest on the team as she placed 73rd in the world and 3rd American in a time of 5:27.9 for 1km.

We had an exciting surprise from first-time rower, Jadyn, who became the first American and 39th in the world (fastest on the team) with her time of 4:55.2. She was only 52 seconds off the world champion. She discovered her new talent for indoor rowing in this world championship!

Jadyn was the fastest girl and fastest out of boys and girls on TEAM AWINNINGWAY.

Her sister, Jordyn, became the 9th American and 110th in the world with her time of 6:44.4 and their youngest sister, Jayla, became 12th American and 116th in world in 8:27.7. Jayla (6) was also one of the six youngest competitors in the race.

“I like being the younger one. I feel I can eventually be better than the bigger kids because I am starting younger,” exclaimed Jayla after her race.

Gretchen was the 11th American and 114th in the world with her time of 7:17.4

Official youth results for youth girls here.

On the youth boys side, there were 161 boys (age 12 and under) in the 1 km race.

Kenny was the leading boy on TEAM AWINNINGWAY with his time of 5:30.8, which put him 8th American and 122nd in world.

“Alicia’s instructions on how to use the indoor rower, how to properly warm up, and what techniques to do to increase speed all made us do very well on our first time on the machine,” added Kenny.

Kenny was the fastest boy on TEAM AWINNINGWAY.

Zak was 9th American and 137th in world with his time of 5:58.5.

Matteo was 11th American and 143rd in world with his time of 6:10.6.

“I am up for the challenges that Alicia offers us,” stated Matteo and Zak agreed.

Bryton was 12th American and 153rd in world with his time of 6:49.3 and finally Cody (7 and youngest boy on the team) finished 15th American and 157th in world in a time of 6:59.7.

Official results for youth boys here.

There were a total of 21 athletes on TEAM AWINNINGWAY (including adults). Overall, TEAM AWINNINGWAY placed in the TOP 15 largest US Teams in the entire world championship (4,862 competitors). There were over 150 teams just from the US alone (not counting teams from the other 63 countries).

Official results for lightweight women here.

Official results for heavyweight women here.

Official results for lightweight men here.

Official results for heavyweight men here.

END OF REPORT

2016 Halloween Athletic Extravaganza

By Weber Way to Wellness Reporter

World Record Weber’s favorite holiday is Halloween for the fun, creativity, and characters that come with it. This year she had 4 days of Halloween events, which included two Inaugural Championship competitions for youth athletes.

Double Endeavor Halloween Championship Weekend

On October 29th, World Record Weber hosted a Halloween Archery Contest, which tested new and veteran archer’s skills at Halloween targets (where a lot of pumpkin smashing took place). The contest was 10 times more challenging than shooting at regular targets, but after a lot of “warming up” all the archers excelled with flying black and orange colors.

A new team called Constellations prevailed on the female side to take individual first (Lanissa with 15pts) and second places (Jadyn with 11pts). Veteran 2 x champion archer, Indaya of the Camo Hunters, took third place with 7pts. On the male side, Robin Hood (Matteo) won with 28pts, brothers Alex and Nicholas tied for second place with 26 pts, and Henry from the legendary team called The Rubies secured third place with 17pts.

halloweenarchery

The adrenaline for Halloween competitions was just beginning to brew as some athletes returned the following day and new athletes poured in for the Inaugural Halloween Cross Country One Mile Championship.

halloweenrace1

World Record Wonder Woman challenged the excited youth runners to what must be one of the toughest one mile races in the state of Florida. Prior to this competition, Weber (who has competed all over the state and nation) ran the mile course twice in 6:19 each time. Her time is a little more than a minute slower than what she would do on flat grass. She warned the racers that this is very tough and times would be slower than normal. Acting as the pace setter aka Rabbit, the Wonder Woman got the runners off to a whip, roaring start where they huffed and puffed to an incredible triumph (where approx 1,000 meters was on 12 percent grade hills and the remaining 0.4 miles were rolling or flat).

inauguralcrosscountryhalloweenrace

New cross country runner, nine year old JP, took the victory in 7:56 followed by teammates Nicole in 8:54 and Eli in 9:23. They took 1-2-3 and represented the Mariners.

Cody who helped set a Global Running Day world record, took 4th place. Our male and female Halloween Archery Champions, Matteo and Lanissa, finished this challenging course and called this their first-ever running race as they crossed the line in 5th and 6th place.

halloweenhillclimb

“The harder the challenge, then the sweeter the victory,” said Matteo who had a terrific Halloween weekend.

“It feels amazing to win archery, but I like to challenge myself at events where they are difficult for me,” mentioned Matteo.

Lanissa agreed with Matteo. “It feels good to try this run because I never raced before. It was a great motivation to get me out there. It felt great to win in archery yesterday with the top competition,” said Lanissa.

All athletes agreed that they were happy that Coach Weber challenged them to this tough cross country course rather than give them an easy, flat race.

Now, these motivated young athletes will prepare for their next events as they remember and are inspired by the words from Matteo,

“The harder the challenge, the sweeter the victory.”

END OF REPORT

Creative Archery Camp Keeps Archers Entertained in Summer

By Weber Way to Wellness Reporter Photos © AliciaWeber.com

CreativeArcheryMost new archers look forward to their first bullseye as their mark of success and excitement in archery, but Alicia Weber’s Creative Archery Summer Camp goes above and beyond shooting for Bullseyes. Young campers did not know what to expect other than they would be doing archery. Some waited months for this camp to take place. One thing was certain, Alicia Weber’s Creative Archery was out-of-this-world with jammed-packed activities geared to getting young students to master skills quickly and successfully.

Student-Athletes in Alicia’s archery programs become great athletes and excellent students. They develop mental and physical skills and focus needed to achieve any goal they set their minds on achieving. In spring 2016, all the archer-athletes who won the spring championship were also on the Honor Roll. Excelling in athletics and academics are equally important and the Creative Archery Summer Camp allows students to gear up academically with the math, English, writing, reading, public speaking, health, art, and performing arts experiences all tossed into archery in this one week camp. This camp is a great refresher for students about to head back to school after their long summer break or holiday break.

Highlights from the 2016 Creative Archery Summer Camp are below. Contact Alicia for upcoming sport and academic camps at Awinningway@gmail.com

Day 1 Highlights in Creative Archery Summer Camp

Day 2 Highlights in Creative Archery Summer Camp

Day 3 Highlights in Creative Archery Summer Camp

Day 4 Highlights in Creative Archery Summer Camp

Day 5 Highlights in Creative Archery Summer Camp

END OF REPORT

Bullseye Scavenger Photo Contest Championship brings Elite Competitors

By Weber Way To Wellness Reporter Pictures copyright © Alicia Weber

The exciting championship finally arrived and competitors were excited to step up to the cone and give their best efforts. All walked away with age group records and new personal bests in a combo archery target event.

Archery Photo Contest Highlights and Champions

Families enjoy the event for the fun, friendly atmosphere, which encourages good sportsmanship and team play. Determined and dedicated archer, Aisha of the Purple Pandas, won this championship with her score of 96. This is a huge victory for her and she exclaimed, “It feels great to win.”

Matteo won this event before and won again today. “I feel amazing,” he said winning first for boys and third overall with his score of 84x.

FinalSeries

It was an exciting match up between Aisha and Nicole of NS Archers as only two points separated them for the Series Championship. Nicole won the Series Championship by one point and finishes second overall today with 94x. Both competitors have developed a lot of confidence and skill over the past year. Their coach was very happy that they both got a big win today!

Henry of The Rubies won the Championship for the boys. He has been showing great progress along with teammate Marcello who attended the one week training camp. Izzy won the first Bullseye Scavenger Hunt and she improved her score on this one.

The archery was very challenging and the scavenger Hunt was the most challenging as well, but there were the most prizes in this championship!

Here are some of the top photos.

SeriesPics

Congratulations to all competitors!!

Contact Alicia at Awinningway@gmail.com for upcoming events.

END OF REPORT

Records Shattered and Families Amused by Unique Clermont Event

By Alicia Weber

CLERMONT, FL—-This week was highly exciting for me both personally and professionally. First, I pulled off an enormous endurance feat I have been eyeing since first grade…(and seriously training 8 1/2 years to finally be able to do…). I became the first person to complete 1,070 strict pull-ups in one hour, which brings my physical fitness world record count to 835 this week (btw 2 WR books). Four days after this feat, I was holding my own unique event for others in my Bullseye Scavenger Hunt Series # 2 held in conjunction with Farmer’s Market.

There is always some nervousness with the anticipation of these events. I was blown away by the confidence and power exuded in my newest archer, Addie (who is 6 with only one lesson under her belt), when she powerfully shot out a few high scoring arrows in just the “warm up”. I knew a record was on the way…

Watch Addie Shatter Record

The youths understand that they may get nervous the first time they compete and their score may be lower than in practice. However, they know that practice ultimately leads to performance. In the 10 arrow 10 yard shoot for 4 minutes, I saw my seasoned archers do what they have done in practice and my newest archer did set a new record!

BullseyeScavengerHuntnumber2Addie, 6, set the record for the “Highest scorer in a 10 yard 10 arrow competition for 4 minutes from a youth age 6 or under with just one archery lesson” with her score of 9 points.

Ramsey of the Rising Underdogs won the boys archery competition with his score of 55 points (10 points away from the boys youth record). This was his first archery victory.

Nicole of the NS Archers won her first archery competition as well with her score of 74 points (12 points away from the girls youth record). Aisha of the Purple Pandas was following close behind with 72 points and she is currently the female leader in the Series Championship.

Onward, the archers went to Clermont Farmer’s Market for photographic scavenger hunt. It’s a great, fun opportunity to get locals acquainted with farmer’s market and all the vendors. The families work together to hunt down items. However, they not only look for interesting things or people, but they have to try to take the best pictures and complete the scavenger hunt in 20 minutes or less. The Photo Contest Winners are below. I look for close up, sharp, well-taken shots with good lighting and interesting angles.

TopPhotosByRamseyAddie

FarmersMarketSeries2

Contact me to join the next monthly Bullseye Scavenger Hunt held thru and including the month of August at Awinningway@gmail.com

END OF REPORT

Pre-Father’s Day Tag Team Archery Championship A Big Hit

CLERMONT, FL—-Youth athletes celebrated Father’s Day in an outstanding way. Five athletes (ages 6-14) became pioneers and champions in the second-ever Tag Team Archery Championship. Families watched their kids take on the challenge of trying a new sport all while rooting and roaring from the sidelines!

Coach Alicia Weber is calling the shots and teaching first-time players the new game!
Coach Alicia Weber is calling the shots and teaching first-time players the new game!
Fifty-two kids were invited to compete based on their ability and background in playing hockey, soccer, and/or competitive running. Five of these 52 were the brave ones who accepted the challenge.

The coed competition brought kids together who never met before. The kids were placed on teams and encouraged to make new friends as they worked on team spirit and good sportsmanship. The kids were challenged in learning a new sport very quickly, staying positive, becoming aware of their surroundings, learning to react fast, and developing new skills in archery.

Action-Packed Tag Team Archery Championship


The sport involves sprinting and fast footwork over 100 yds. Runners are trying to escape from getting tagged as they travel from a Point A to Point B. The successful runners score goals and earn extra points by then shooting barebow category archery (the hardest type of archery) all while still huffing and puffing from all the running. This is a highly aerobic and action-packed team game. Team N & I won with 52 points. Team C & A took second with 27 points.

Both teams received journals to encourage summer creative writing.
Both teams received journals to encourage summer creative writing.
They were given 4 minutes of playing in each period with two periods. Their advice was to run, run, run and be fearless to rack up the most possible points. Both teams demonstrated their best efforts and courageous plays and the high scores show it.

“Doing your best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” – Oprah Winfrey

Today was a wonderful day where families came together and new friendships were made as all players won journals. They were able to capture these moments in their journals as they all became pioneers and champions in this new sport.

END OF REPORT

New Sport Takes Off with First-Ever Championship

By Weber Way to Wellness Reporter

The American Eagles won the the first-ever Championship with 26 points.
The American Eagles won the the first-ever Championship with 26 points.
Memorial Day 2016 will be a weekend youth athletes will remember as their day to soar in the red, white, and blue and be the first to compete in a championship in a new sport! Six athletes came dressed in their red, white, and blue and gave it all they had in a highly aerobic game, which also required skill.

Two teams took to the fields in a chase game of 3 vs 3 in a large zoned rectangular field upto 100 yards in length. They had to go through the rounds as either the runners or taggers (defenders). Runners tried to successfully get from Point A to B without getting tagged. Each successful runner earned a point. Then, the runner could huff, puff, and triumph more by taking one lucky shot of an arrow at a 20 yard target. They could try to earn more team points with an accurate shot. It is non-stop action and each team is given the same amount of playing time to achieve maximum points.

The USA X-Shots took 2nd place team with 11 points.
The USA X-Shots took 2nd place team with 11 points.

Besides stamina, fast reaction time, fitness, and skill, the other keys to success in this game are courage, bravery, and teamwork.

The final score was American Eagles 26 – USA X-Shots 11.

The Official, Inaugural Stars & Stripes "Tag Team" Archery Championship under the tutelage of Coach Alicia Weber with athletes from American Eagles and USA X-Shots.
The Official, Inaugural Stars & Stripes “Tag Team” Archery Championship under the tutelage of Coach Alicia Weber with athletes from American Eagles and USA X-Shots.

See how the teams reacted to being in the first-ever Championship!

Contact Alicia at Awinningway@gmail.com to get on a team for an upcoming game.

END OF REPORT

Kids Travel to Clermont for One-of-a-Kind Competition

By Weber Way to Wellness Reporter

CLERMONT, FL—-Many youths traveled one hour or more to take part in the first Bullseye Scavenger Hunt of 2016. In fact, it was the request of Izzy, a competitor of the Diamond Gorilla Archers, who asked for the return of this competition as she enthusiastically woke up early and made the long trek to Clermont to compete. She competed in this event in 2015 and calls it her favorite.

This will be the only one she is able to make this summer and she made the most of it. She is all about having fun. She hoped that she could win all while having fun and she did just that! Izzy always shows tremendous sportsmanship as she stood by her teammates as they took a win and she took a second or third place. She has been training for 2 years and this was her day to finally win BIG. Her day started at the Sundance Archery Range where she took a first overall victory out of boys and girls with her archery score of 55 points.

First and Second place males and females at Let's Tie 1 On a vendor sponsor for awards.

The first place boy was Zeke with 35 points. He is on the team “The Rising Underdogs” where he and his three teammates plan to change their name once they begin winning. Zeke is on his way to getting a team name changed. Zeke just made the first big win for his team! His brother, Nate, tied for 4th place boy overall. Zeke inspired his brother and other young boys into archery with his determined “never give up” attitude. The Rising Underdogs went into the second part of the competition involving a fun photographic scavenger hunt/photo contest and took top honors for their photos (see below).

First Place Male and Female with their awards!
First Place Male and Female with their awards!

The archer-scavenger hunters can compete in this series throughout the summer and earn points for a chance to become the overall male and female series champion and receive special awards! The top male and female archers receive awards in each competition and then there are specials prizes for all. Everyone thanks the vendors and Downtown Clermont Farmer’s Market.

See what goodies are at the Downtown Clermont Farmer’s Market below in the winning photos.

Downtown Clermont Farmer's Market

Henry placed 3rd for boys and took a top photo honor. Frank a new archer snatched a surprising second place for the boys. Cody, a top competitor in archery fitness was on the winning team for Stars & Stripes Championship and he tied for 4th place in this competition. Aisha was the 2nd place female archer and she took two top photo honors.

Downtown Clermont Farmer's Market

Contact Alicia at Awinningway@gmail.com to register for an upcoming competition.

END OF REPORT

Ready Aim Grow Championship Budding with Success

By Alicia Weber Photos Copyright ©Alicia Weber

The April Ready Aim Grow Championship planted a seed of positivity in the hearts and minds of youth. The results were stupendous strength gains, high archery scores, a bundle of flowers, and succulents for the male and female champions. The archer athletes were given the command, “Focus, Form, and Follow Through” and that is exactly what they did from demonstrating proper form in strict slow pushups to hitting bullseyes at targets 15 – 20 meters away. All these athletes had to qualify for this competition and their opportunity to compete is a testament to their dedication and development in archery fitness.

We had a wonderful, warm, sunny day for our event (with three age group competitions) as many youngsters made warm memories that will last a long time.

10 and Under

DJ of X shots winning her first championship! She had the highest score for girls and boys with 71 pts out of 107.
DJ of X shots winning her first championship! She had the highest score for girls and boys with 71 pts out of 107.
“The competition was fun and beyond exciting! I felt accomplished and proud of my results. I remained positive throughout. What a great time!” – DJ of the X Shots, First Place Girl, First Overall, and First Place Team Member

“My experience was fun and I met new friends. It is educational and I don’t want to ever leave.”
– Lilly of the X Shots, Second Place Girl, Second Overall, and First Place Team Member

“The competition was amazing. It was a challenge. It was fun and I tried my best on my first archery competition.” – Nico of the X Shots, Fourth Place Boy, First Place Team Member

Izzy of the Diamond Gorrilas at her 2nd championship. Third place girl and only archer to get an "X" with her score of 52x.
Izzy of the Diamond Gorrilas at her 2nd championship and third place girl and only archer to get an “X” with her score of 52x.
“Archery is awesome. It helps your muscles and it is really fun because you get to team up with your friends. Archery is when you get to do things that you normally don’t do.” – Izzy of the Diamond Gorrilas, Third Place Girl, Fourth Overall, and Third Place Team Member

“I like archery because you can be creative. You can shoot at targets and earn points. The best part is you can team up with a friend.” – Henry of the Diamond Gorrilas, Third Place Team Member

“It was fun for me. I learn that it is not all about winning. It’s about having fun. Thank you for letting me compete in this this event and see you next time.” – Anecya of the Shadow Arrows, Fourth Place Team Member

Ready Aim Grow Spring 2016 Championship Competitors
Ready Aim Grow Spring 2016 Championship Competitors

11 Thru 13

Sona of the NS Archers was the female champion and. NS Archers with Sona  and Nicole won team championship.
Sona of the NS Archers was the female champion and. NS Archers with Sona and Nicole won team championship.
“My experience was amazing. It mentally helped me and made me feel like I could do anything. We also did pushups and exercises that helped me physically. I loved the teacher, Ms. Alicia. She helped us “rock and roll” and made us absolutely prepared as she had faith in all of us. I loved this experience.” – Sona of the NS Archers, First Place Girl, First Place Team Member

“My experience was good. I was nervous, but I got a good score. It was good to be a championship for the first time.” – Nicole of the NS Archers, Third Place Girl, First Place Team Member

“Today at the spring competition, everyone had fun. During the exercise round, I didn’t think I would get all 6 points, but I did and I was so proud of myself. I have to thank Ms. Alicia for the opportunity to compete in our city.” – Aisha of the Purple Pandas, Second Place Girl, Official Event Scorer

“My experience at this archery competition was that I was nervous at first, but once I started shooting, it all went away. I did better than I ever done before.” – Jenna of the Purple Pandas, Third Place Team Member

“I felt nervous at first, but not now. PS I like doing the pushups. Oh, and I like archery.” – Jessica, Third Place Team Member, Rising Star Archer

“I have really enjoyed archery and learning it with Ms. Alicia.” – Donovan of the Hawkeyes, First Place Boy

The age 11 thru 13 Teams  at Awards Ceremony.
The age 11 thru 13 Teams at Awards Ceremony.

13 and 1/2 Thru Age 16

Indaya, 2 time champ, (66x) and Matteo, youngest competitor,  (70x) are Champions in the most advanced competition where they compete at 20 meters.
Indaya, 2 time champ, (66x) and Matteo, youngest competitor, (70x) are Champions in the most advanced competition where they compete at 20 meters.
“My experience today was breathtaking. I never realized how much better I got since I practiced. I had a terrific time today and I will remember this forever. Since I have a Bible verse to go with it Collosians 3:23-24 and Jeremich 29:11 without forgetting John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoesover believed in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16,” – Indaya of the Camo Hunters, First Place Female and Second Overall

“This was one of the best experiences of my life. I got to spend time with a friend. I can meet new people and improve in a sport. I think archery is something I will always want to do.” – Logan of Blue Thunder, Second Place Male, Third Place Team Member, Rising Star Archer

Congratulations to ALL competitors!!

Cheers to the 2016 Spring Championship!

The field of elite male archery fitness competitors.
The field of elite male archery fitness competitors.

END OF REPORT

Count Down to Ready Aim Grow Championship

By Alicia Weber

Youth Archer Athletes prepare for their spring championship by competing in a Bullseye Challenge Championship and Pushup-Archery Challenge Championship. These competitions test them individually and among their peers. All athletes performed beyond expectations and are now geared up for their spring championship where 12 teams will compete.

Thirty-three competitors competed in these challenges. The challenge championship videos are below. They highlight and introduce the male and female champions of the age groups and overall winners. Most of these competitors will be returning to compete in the upcoming spring championship.

Meet Spring 2016 Bullseye Challenge Champions and Hear What They Say About Archery

Spring 2016 Push-Up Archery Champions of Central Florida

Two male and female champion performers were selected for Honorable Mention based on their outstanding winning performances, improvements, and versatility or dominance in an event(s).

Honorable Mention goes to the following Champions:

(Left) DJ of the X Shots  was a Rising Star archer in fall 2015 and now, five months later, she is a Champion!
(Left) DJ of the X Shots was a Rising Star archer in fall 2015 and now, five months later, she is a Champion!
Sebastian, Team “The Rubies” 1. Only archer athlete to win both challenges for his age division. 2. Highest scorer out of all competitors in the Push-Up Archery Challenge (with score of 47pts).

Hunter 1. Archer won overall title for One Hour Bullseye Challenge with 15 Bullseyes. 2. He also tied and won the Pushup-Archery Challenge for his age group 13 1/2 and older (with 30 pts).

Aisha, Team “Fierce Fighters” 1. Overall Winning Female archer in One Hour Bullseye Challenge with 14 Bullseyes (and 2nd overall with Hunter only beating her by one bullseye).

DJ, Team “The X Shots” 1. Winning female 10 and under for Pushup-Archery Challenge with 34pts (17 slow consecutive pushups and 17 archery pts at 15 meters) 2. Only two boys scored higher than her in her age group as Nico won with 42 pts. 3. Highest scoring female among all age groups in the Pushup-Archery Competition.

Congratulations to all competitors and Champions and keep going STRONG!!

For more info on archery programs, Contact Alicia @ Awinningway@gmail.com

END OF REPORT