A mini-dynasty is growing at Mid-Carolina High School.

The Rebels' archery team claimed its third consecutive South Carolina Archery in the Schools state championship this season and will going for more this weekend.

Archers from Mid-Carolina will be competing in the National Archery in the Schools Program National Tournament tomorrow in Louisville, Ky.

Mid-Carolina coach Jason Long hopes his team will represent the school well in day-long competition.

“Last year, we didn't have a great showing at nationals,” Long said. “I think maybe we put some pressure on ourselves. We're making the effort to go to nationals, and we feel like we should perform like we have in states. We're state champs and we want to go compete with other states' champs.”

The Rebels will bring to Kentucky the South Carolina state champion in boys' competition and the girls' top-three finishers. Richard Cates won the state in boys, while Brittany Eller was the girls' victor, followed by Jennifer Wise and Whitney Warren.

Mid-Carolina will be sending around 20 archers to the Bluegrass State.

“I think we're a lot better prepared this year,” Mid-Carolina archer Nathan Huggins said. “I think we have more people here that are ready to shoot and do well instead of just going to goof off.”

Long believes this program provides students an additional opportunity to be involved in a fun after-school activity.

“I think it's a great program,” Long said. “It gives kids that don't have the football or baseball or other big sport skills, another skill that is a sport, and one that they can be involved with at school.”

The team has been practicing at least once a week throughout the school year. When the team misses a Friday practice, Long hears all about it.

“When we don't practice, we have some kids that are disappointed and wonder why we're not practicing,” Long said. “You know its a good program when kids are complaining and whining when we skip.”