By Benjamin Beane

Lots of teachers tell their students to aim high. But one Austin ISD teacher is doing it in more ways than one, and getting national awards in the process. 

Jim DeLine, physical education teacher and archery coach at Highland Park Elementary School, was recently named the 2021 Coach of the Year by the National Archery in the Schools Program.

“This NASP National Coach of the Year is a highlight of my career, and truly underscores what a school community can accomplish when everyone comes together on behalf of young people,” DeLine said. “In a year when we all needed a win, it is an honor and a pleasure to share this award with all the parents, co-coaches, school administration and archers that made it possible."

According to the NASP website, Coach of the Year Award nominees must have a proven history of making an overwhelmingly positive difference in the lives of participating NASP students. The award includes a $500 equipment grant.

DeLine learned about the possibilities of archery while attending a physical education conference. After training and securing funding, he introduced the sport into his curriculum in 2013 to more than 300 students. 

By 2016, the school had an official team, the Highland Park Scottie Shooters, who were competing at the state level. In 2017, the Scottie Shooters competed at the national level for the first time in Louisville, Kentucky, where they finished 10th. 

McCallum High School freshman Sophie Leung-Lieu, who has been with DeLine’s archery program since the beginning, wrote about her experience for “The Shield,” the online news magazine of McCallum High School.

“When nationals finally came, I remember feeling nervous but confident. We walked into the huge Louisville Expo Center and the bright glaring lights were beaming down on us and it was the type of experience that you never forget,” wrote Leung-Lieu.

In addition to Highland Park, DeLine also coaches archery at Lamar Middle School and McCallum High School — a total of 80 archers. All three schools compete yearly in state and national competitions.