Fifty years later, Jay Peake still has it.
The North Huntington resident, who was the U.S. archery champion at age 17 continues to be one of the top archers in the country. Only now, he is a senior citizen instead of a high school student. Peake, 67, is one of the 10,400 athletes competing in the Summer National Senior Games which are in Pittsburgh and run through June 18.
"I shoot every day," Peake said. "I am so happy this event is here. It is like it is in my own backyard."
Speaking of the backyard, Peake and Irwin resident Bob Ruozzi, 85, both practice archery in their respective backyards. Both have won medals in the sport, and Ruozzi has claimed 800 overall.
Peake, who owns Jay Peake Archery Supplies in North Huntington, has won the past three Pennsylvania State Archery Association titles in his division by having the highest aggregate score in four tournaments -- field, target, bow hunt and indoor. He has beaten shooters who used sights while he shot without a sight.
Ruozzi is participating in his eighth Senior Games. The archery event is being held at Schenley Park Oval.
Archers -- men and women in many age groups -- shot compound fingers and compound barebow Friday. Ruozzi has several target distances set up in his backyard where he has learned to excel in the sport.
"I also have some really top-of-the-line equipment," he said. "So that helps."
Peake knows about the best bows and arrows. He sells them at his shop.
"I started when I was 11," said Peake, who was a machinist for Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel. "I love this sport and shoot every day. Sometimes it is the first thing I do before I even eat my breakfast."
