The second stage of the World Cup took place in a windy, rainy Antalya, Turkey, just after a week of record-breaking weather. Team Elite’s Reo Wilde and Kris Schaff represented two of four United States compound archery male competitors and Schaff proved, once again, to be one of the world’s top contenders.
Shooting his signature Declaration of Independence Echelon 39, Schaff dominated through qualifications and eliminations. His solid performance earned placement into the men’s compound team, where he represented the United States with Braden Gellenthein and Steve Anderson. The familiar trio battled the best groups in the world and came away with a silver medal.
“With the heat playing a big role in qualification and match play, having confidence in your equipment is instrumental,” Schaff said. “This was my first individual medal match outside and I while I went in to win, I went in with an open mind. Shooting off against a good friend felt a lot less stressful, and while I’m happy with second place, I’m ready for the next one.”
After besting fellow countryman Gellenthein in eliminations, Schaff was set to face the #4 world-ranked Mike Schloesser from the Netherlands. In an acquainted rematch with Elite Archery teammate Reo Wilde coaching at the line, the two exchanged close ends and entered the final end tied. Ultimately, Schaff landed a X-9-9 to Schloessers X-10-9 to secure the silver medal in Antalya with a score of 146-145.
“You will hear the USA Archers say ‘it’s just as hard to make the USA team, as it is to win a World Archery event!’ and for the men & women who do land a spot on those teams and then travel the world to lock horns with the best of the best, coming home with medals is quite the feat,” said Darrin Christenberry, Elite Archery pro staff manager. “Kris continues to prove he IS one of the best in the world and getting better by banking experience, every tournament. Bringing home a team Silver AND the individual Silver medal is, definitely, a memorable week for him. The sky is the limit for this kid!”
Schaff, along with teammates Reo Wilde, Alexis Ruiz, Curtis Broadnax and Christie Colin, compete next at the USAT SoCal Shootdown before he heads to Salt Lake City for the third stage of the World Cup