Our History
Celebrating 75 years, the WAB Archers has a rich history serving archers through the decades.
Originally located in West Allis, WAB hosted the Midwest Archery Tournament (Sport Show) from the 1940s until the show moved to the State Fair Grounds in 2000.
Founding member, Dan Brey wrote,
In November of 1946 (the last 5 days of the bow season), several of us borrowed bows and went to Necedah; what a fantastic time. The enthusiasm of this hunt immediately led to the purchase of five or six bows. So the next natural thought was, “Where the heck do we shoot these new found weapons!”
The club was named West Allis Bowmen, Inc.
Founding Members
Mike Anicich | Len Brey | Babs Brey | Frank Mikolich | Jack Morris | Bob Rose | Burt Straw | Harold Straw | Joe Wisnewski
Moving to Racine County
In the 1960s, the club moved from West Allis to Racine County after purchasing a large track of land suitable for outdoor archery options including hunting grounds for members.
Some of our members have roots that go back to the founding of the organization. Current WAB President Mark Venne grew up being involved with the club. Venne’s father belonged to WAB as early as 1962 and Mark’s son Josh grew up in the archery tradition as well.
Our Labor Day Weekend 3D Safari Shoot has been held annually since 1958. This is quite possibly the first and oldest 3D tournament in the world. We also host numerous tournaments, leagues, a hunters banquet, and poker tournaments.
In 2021, the WAB Board and members made the decision to change the name of the club from West Allis Bowmen to WAB Archers to better reflect our organization’s presence in Racine County and to eliminate confusion with our location.
Today, we offer great environment to learn archery skills, fun competition for people of all ages and skills and much more.
WAB Archers is a family oriented archery club located in Racine County on 60 acres of wooded land. Our facilities include a clubhouse, storage garage, and 6 outdoor ranges. The clubhouse includes a main room with a natural fireplace, bar, full kitchen, meeting room, and 14 position 20 yard indoor range. Our outdoor ranges include a practice range (10-80 yard bales), a NFAA certified range and a 3-D burlap hunter range.
Our club is a family environment with over 100 active archers. Members archery skills range from beginning youth to skilled professionals. We are proud to be the home club for many individuals who hold WFAA State, NFAA Sectional, and NFAA National Championship Titles. We are also home to many NAA and NFAA certified instructors.
We are dedicated to the promotion of archery and give special attention to youth interested in our sport. WAB holds a Youth (JOAD) League every year. We also support other youth organizations (such as 4H), allowing them to utilize our range to support their programs. Our members graciously give their time to support these programs.
