David Ruybal is not your ordinary athlete; he is a nationally-known archer who has gained a professional sponsorship and who plans on participating in the 2012 Olympics.

Ruybal, now a 16-year-old junior, started practicing in archery with his father at age of 12 for fun. After getting into classes at Bear Creek Archery Indoor Range, competitive archery became Ruybal’s passion.

With years of continuous Olympic archery training with Bear Creek’s Junior Olympic Archery Development program, Ruybal obtained great skills that caught the eye of an Under Armor sportswear representative while Ruybal was shooting at a range.

“At first he just started talking to me about my archery and goals,” Ruybal said. “But then he asked me if I wanted to sign with Under Armor and I was so surprised and excited.” In August of 2008, Ruybal signed a contract with Under Armor Sports Wear. He received and will now be wearing his choice of Under Armor attire to help promote the company.

“In the future with more serious training I hope to have the opportunity to wear Nike,” Ruybal said. “Nike is the sponsor of the Olympics and will be worn with pride.”

Ruybal shoots at least 150 arrows five to six times a week, in addition to taking trips to California every four to six weeks to meet with his coach to complete special training.

“I work one-on-one with a specially trained Olympic coach for five hours a day two times a day,” Ruybal said. “I’m working with one of the top coaches in the world and just knowing that I’m working with someone special inspires me and gives me something to look forward to.”

When preparing for a national tournament, Ruybal shoots for four days before the week of competition. Ruybal excels in shooting in long-range outdoor ranges from distances of 70, 60, 50 and 30 meters.

“Before tournaments I try and shoot a little less,” Ruybal said. “Archery is also a mental sport and I take that time to think of winning. The top shooters of the sport must focus mentally and physically for the best outcome in the tournament.”

Ruybal has participated in many tournaments such as the National Target Championships of 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. This summer Ruybal participated in his first outdoor field tournament west of Sedalia featuring targets positioned through the woods at various distances.

This year Ruybal will receive the State Champion belt buckle for his age group, for placing first in all state tournaments in the last year. Training for the 2012 Olympics will, however, be much harder. Ruybal has already traveled all the way to a specialized Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. While there Ruybal receives additional education on physical training, mental training, nutritional guidance and shooting technique.

“There is a very specific schedule for training that starts at 6:30 am until 7:00 p.m.,” Ruybal said. “But I will get to train with Olympic medalists. From the first time I trained there in 2007 it felt like home.”

The next step for Ruybal is to earn a spot as a resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. This will require continued hard training and ultimately a move to California but he says that it will be worth it. The ultimate goal is to represent the United States as a member of the Olympic Archery team in London, England in 2012.

“Archery is something I have based my life upon,” Ruybal said. “I look forward to knowing the hard work will eventually pay off. My life, career and future are dedicated to archery.”