ERWIN C. PLETCHER, D.D.S.
1915 -
"CHAMPION ARCHER"
Born in Long Beach, California, December 29, 1915, Erwin became interested in
archery at an early age. While he enjoyed hunting with a bow, Erwin's
achievements relate to tournament archery.
From 1945 to 1950, shooting a long bow instinctively, Erwin won many local and
regional tournaments. He was three times California State Champion (1946, 1947
and 1949) and was never beaten in National competition.
Dr. Erwin Pletcher was the first N.F.A.A. men's champion, winning the first
N.F.A.A. field tournament which was held at Allegan, Michigan in 1946. All prior
tournaments were mail tournaments. He successfully defended his title in 1947 at
Salt Lake City, Utah, but did not compete in 1948. In 1949, the California State
field tournament was held in conjunction with the National tournament in
Pasadena. Erwin won the tournament, becoming for the third time the California
State and N.F.A.A. Champion.
Shooting unmarked rounds of 56 Field, 56 Hunter and 56 Broadhead (the Broadhead
round was shot using 12" field faces at all distances) and using a straight long
bow, Erwin shot the following scores in N.F.A.A. National competition.
Field Hunter Broadhead Total
1946 712 691 780 2163
1947 801 699 845 2345
1949 775 858 875 2506
Dr. Erwin C. Pletcher, D.D.S. - First N.F.A.A. Champion.
Inducted 1979