The first week in April, this newspaper reported that the top archery teams in St. Clair County were in Ashville. The last week in April, this newspaper reported that the top archery teams in Alabama were in Ashville. Next week, we hope to be able to report that the best archery teams in the United States are in Ashville.

But whether or not that dreamed-of report pans out, we’ll still be proud of Ashville’s archers. They’re champs in our book.

All three Ashville teams — elementary, middle school and high school — won their divisions in the regional tournament in Pell City at the end of March. They went on to win all three divisions of the state tournament in late April, setting new state records in team scores. Coaches Jeremy Cox and Stephen Nuss took 66 kids to the competition at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, and they brought back the three team titles and a slew of individual medals.

This year was the first time the elementary and high school teams won state titles, but it was the third consecutive win for the middle school team.

This weekend, Cox and Nuss are taking their teams to the nationals in Louisville, Ky. Nuss’ high school team will be looking for its first national title. Cox’s middle school team is the defending champion and this year will be combined with the elementary archers in a single “super team.”

“This is a new sport, and it is a big deal for the school,” said Cox. “To me, it’s seeing the kids compete in something they never have before in their lives. It’s an opportunity, and it is something different for the kids who may not can play football, basketball or baseball or fit in that mold.”

Whether or not Ashville’s archers bring home trophies from Louisville, they have brought honor to their school and pride to their county. Cox is absolutely right: This is a big deal.