Southerland Farms: Site of 2025 ASA State Archery Tournament
Skilled archers from all throughout the Commonwealth visited our little beautiful part of the state. This is just a portion of them during one of the three-day sessions. It was a tremendous event executed precisely by Gasper River Archery and Southerland Farms. PHOTO | Greg Moore
By Greg Moore
Banner Sports Editor
Nestled near the end of Hwy 1117 (Provo Road) almost in Rochester, Junior and Carol Southerland’s Wedding and Event Venue hosts a variation of gatherings for our community and visitors from abound. This past weekend, the venue notched another new feat. Over 200 competitors trekked the woods on the Southerland farm to shoot at 3-D targets set up for Archery Shooter’s Association’s KY State Tournament.
PHOTO | Greg Moore
With archery immensely gaining popularity, Shaun and Brandy White, who reside in Hadley, have made considerable contributions in our neck of the woods. Shaun helped coach successful teams from Morgantown Elementary in the past; but, most recently, he has been coaching archers at his very own, Gasper River Archery, located on the White’s property.
A focused bowman from the Western Kentucky Archery Complex in Madisonville takes aim on his target at the 2025 ASA State Tournament hosted by Gasper River Archery at the Southerland’s Wedding and Event Venue. PHOTO | Greg Moore
With an opportunity to host the ASA State Tournament, Shaun and Brandy knew they needed more space to be able to pull off such an enormous event. So, Coach White reached out to his friend, Tim, Junior and Carol’s son. The Southerland’s were full on board. From Junior pulling a wagon with the International to side-by-side rides by all, archers roamed all throughout their farm.
PHOTO | Greg Moore
60 targets (four different ranges) were positioned uphill and downhill for natural, realistic shots from these skilled marksmen and women, who came from all over the state to compete at the ASA State Tournament Shoot. Only the top five in each category would win a belt buckle, but all of them got to experience a small piece of what our awesome county has to offer.
It was refreshing to see the work that was put into this endeavor by all involved. The White and Southerland families hit bullseye with those in attendance from all around the state. Great food was served of course; and Kona Ice was in attendance to help cool the visitors, also.
