Scholastic 3-D Archery (S3DA) is proud to announce that Alex Wanless has been appointed as the new Michigan S3DA State Coordinator. In this role, Alex will oversee all aspects of the S3DA program within the state, including tournament coordination, instructor trainings, and further development of regional divisions. These regional divisions will provide S3DA participants with multiple monthly competition opportunities while minimizing travel. As part of his responsibiliites, Alex will also work to recruit and hire additional Regional Coordinators to oversee areas beyond those already established, ensuring the continued growth and accessibility of S3DA across Michigan.
Alex brings both personal and professional dedication to his new position. A lifelong Michigan resident, Alex was born in Lansing and has lived in Central Michigan his entire life. He and his wife, Alyssa, reside in Crystal, Michigan, with their two sons, Weston and Tripp. The boys share a unique connection to Michigan’s hunting culture – Weston was born on November 15th, the opening day of rifle season, and Tripp was born the following year on November 13th, which also happens to be Alex’s birthday.
For the past decade, Alex has served as Shop Manager and Dispatcher at his family’s business, J. McGill Trucking, where they haul logs across the state. His passion for archery began at the age of eight or nine, when he first picked up a bow. That passion later grew into family involvement after Alyssa discovered a local S3DA club on Facebook. Their sons joined the team, and after the first year, Alex became a coach for Central Michigan Goldstars.
“I truly enjoy helping the kids learn archery and watching them grow in both skill and confidence,” Alex said. “I’m committed to seeing the program thrive and continue making a positive impact on youth for years to come.”
As State Coordinator, Alex’s short- and long-term goals include building on Michigan’s strong momentum by engaging even more youth in archery while ensuring that they have fun along the way. He aims to make Michigan S3DA events something families look forward to – just as his own family does – and plans to promote the program through education, believing that understanding leads to involvement.
Michigan S3DA currently has ten active teams and two Regional Coordinators, with Alex eager to expand that network and welcome more members from all corners of the state. While he recognizes there will be much to learn in his new role, Alex is enthusiastic about the journey ahead and excited to collaborate with others who share his vision for youth archery.
“I want Michigan S3DA to be known as a program where kids not only develop their skills but also create memories with their families,” Alex said. “The more people we can introduce to this sport and this community, the stronger we’ll be.”
For more information about the S3DA program in Michigan or to get involved, please contact Alex Wanless at awanless3da@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/MichiganS3DA.