October 12, 2005

by Larry Pena

Archer Mark West is shooting for a small target.  The La Sierra University health/exercise science freshman is currently training to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Archery Team at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China.

“Getting into the Olympics has to be more than a passion,” says West, who practices his sport at an archery range four to six hours every day.   Some days start as early as 2 a.m. and even midnight, in order for West to fit in the full 4-6 hour practice session before school.  “It’s an obsession,” he says.

West, who has been shooting since the age of four, comes from a long line of distinguished archers; his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all competed or were involved successfully in the sport.  His father was even selected as an alternate for the 1972 Olympics in Munich.

West’s family also operates an archery store in Loma Linda, California.  West’s Archery, established in 1937, not only sells archery equipment, but also coaches archers at all skill levels, provides off-site training, and even sponsors a traveling archery team that performs for worships, assemblies, and motivational speeches.  The team will perform at La Sierra University February 23 in Hole Memorial Auditorium.