Pennsylvania College of Technology archers Zachary Plannick and Glen Thomas, representing the United States in the 25th World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia, made their mark during qualifying Wednesday.
Plannick, of Coraopolis, who will be a junior in the fall, qualified 19th in a field of 44 in the men's individual compound ranking round with a score of 678. Russian Danzan Khaludorov was the No. 1 qualifier with a 698. The top American qualifier was Steven Gatto with a 684. Plannick was the No. 2 American qualifier. Head-to-head eliminations begin Thursday with Plannick shooting against Gusti Nyoman Puruhito of Indonesia, who qualified 14th with a 680.
In men's compound team competition, Plannick, Gatto and Stephen Schwade qualified fifth in a 12-team field with a 2,024. Russia was the leader with a 2,062, followed by Korea (2,035), Mexico (2,031) and Canada (2,030). Team eliminations begin Friday.
In the men's individual recurve ranking round, Thomas, of Mercer, who will be a sophomore in the fall, qualified 38th in a field of 70 with a score of 572. Co-leaders Kuo Cheng-Wei of Taiwan and Kim Seong-Hoon of Korea scored 617. Head-to-head eliminations are scheduled Thursday and Saturday. On Thursday, Thomas will shoot against Elias Cobo Cuesta of Spain, who qualified 27th with a score of 582.
In team competition, Thomas, Tim Meyers and Jacob Wukie qualified eighth in a 17-team field with a 1,755. Korea qualified No. 1 with a 1,818. Team eliminations are scheduled Friday and Saturday.