JOHN MALLORY "JACK" MANTELL
1908-
Archer - Parliamentarian

Jack as he was known to all was born in Seattle, Washington, moving to California in 1929. Jack became interested in archery in 1946. He joined the Redwood Bowmen the same year and immediately became involved in the politics of archery, an interest he was to maintain for 20 years. -

Jack was president of the Redwood Bowmen from 1949 through 1951. During 1952 and 1953 he served as President of Northern California Field Archers Association, during which time he was instrumental in instituting new procedures to make the NCFAA a smoother running association. During this time he also edited "The Northern" which was the NCFAA official organ.

Jack Mantell's ability and ambition carried him on to the presidency of the CBH-FAA (later to become CBH-SAA), where he served from 1954 through 1967. Under his guidance the basic Legislative Committee procedures, as we know them today, were formed. He was also a prime mover in consolidating the procedures of the CBH-FAA meeting by establishing such committees as Policy, Legislative and Tournament. Jack served as Parliamentarian for both CBH-FAA and the NCFAA. He also was a delegate to the Associated Sportsmen of California.

For many years, Jack campaigned for a statewide classification system under which all archers competed against their class, no matter what tournament or in what part of the state it took place. At that time, the classification systems were mostly local. He instituted a classification system in the Redwood Bowmen, which was later adopted by the NCFAA. Many changes were made, it is true; but it was the beginning. After many meetings and discussions-some quite heated-trials and errors, a workable classification system evolved.

Prior to 1955, California's State shoots were as a rule non-standard tournaments. Unmarked distances with shooting positions varied as land conditions allowed. In 1955, the Redwood Bowmen hosted the California State Championship tournament. With Jack's guidance this was the first tournament in which state-wide classification cards were used and the first state tournament in which the standard rounds as we know them today, field, hunter and broadhead were shot.

In 1952, the Redwood Bowmen presented Jack with its highest award, the Helm Award and in 1966 made him a life member of the club. He was also presented with a Life Membership in both the NCFAA and CBH-FAA and in 1966 was awarded the National Medal of Merit, the highest award given by the National Field Archery Association.

His lifetime dedication to archery, from a personal, club, regional and state level, earned Jack the respect of all who know him.

Jack MantelI-archery Legislator.

Inducted 1982