Kris Schaff made his regular debut for the USA compound men’s team in mid-2017. Less than two full seasons later, at the age of 26, he’d won the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final. Then, in Vegas this year, he added the Indoor Archery World Series title, too.
It made him the first person since Brady Ellison in 2012-13 to hold both outdoor and indoor circuit titles at the same time.
“I wouldn’t say I’m the best all-around archer because I would have won athlete of the year,” said Kris.
That honour went to Mike Schloesser, who still sits in the number one spot in the compound men’s world ranking.
“Everyone is shooting awesome as always and I was just fortunate enough to come out on top at those [events].”
Schaff made a medal match at each of the three tournaments on the Indoor Archery World Series he attended, finishing fourth, second and first in the circuit finale. It was one step up from the silver he picked up in 2018.
At the Vegas Shoot, the tournament that hosts the Finals, Schaff wasn’t so fortunate.
He dropped a point on the first day of a three-day competition in which the compound championship contenders shoot perfect. His final ranking position was 25th, highest of all those who didn’t make the shootdown.
“My number one goal in archery is to win the Vegas Shoot,” said Schaff. “I’ve been close but just not close enough.”
“Also to take over the number one spot in the rankings would be awesome, too.”
While Kris will have to wait another 12 months for a shot in Vegas, he’ll have all year to try and jump the four spots from his number-five world ranking to the top of the pile.
