From last to first, Fox’ chief meteorologist is right on target

Capital Region meteorologists line up and take aim during a special archery tournament on Thursday at Siena College to announce the return of the Northeast Outdoors Show. From left to right: Steve LaPointe, WRGB CBS Channel 6; Bob Kovachick, WNYT NBC NewsChannel 13; Heather Morrison, Your News Now; Steve Teeling, FOX 23 News. Now in its 24th year, the Northeast Outdoors Show returns to the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, NY from Friday through Sunday.

ALBANY, N.Y., March 18, 2010 – Four local meteorologists tested their accuracy Thursday morning at a competitive archery tournament to kick off the annual Northeast Outdoors Show at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, NY. FOX 23 News’ Chief Meteorologist Steve Teeling walked away the winner, scoring a total of 18 points during the five rounds of competition. Teeling orchestrated a remarkable turnaround after placing fourth in last year’s ax throwing competition among similar company, proving that archery is his preferred sport to axes.

Your News Now’s Heather Morrison came in a close second with 17 points. WRGB CBS Channel 6’s Steve LaPointe and WNYT NBC Channel 13’s Bob Kovachick performed solid showings and completed the tournament in third and fourth place, respectively.

Teeling took home the prize of dinner for two at downtown Albany’s premier steakhouse Angelo’s 677 Prime, courtesy of Mazzone Management Group.

Before the competition began on the athletics field at Siena College, the professional team of archers from Amsterdam-based archery shop Bowhunters Plus demonstrated their own skills. Shop owner Dennis Francis and archer Jon Scott lent their own expertise to the four meteorologists with some “pointers” on hitting the bulls-eye during a practice round.

The friendly competition is a precursor to the weekend-long Bowhunters Plus Vegas Shoot Archery Tournament to be held at the Northeast Outdoors Show. The tournament will feature experienced archers of all ages competing in a number of shooting styles and divisions.

The tournament took place the day before the Northeast Outdoors Show opens its doors to celebrate the return of the spring and summer recreation season. Sponsored by Stihl, Dodge Ram Trucks, Hudson River Tractor Company and Stewart’s Shops, the Northeast Outdoors Show is the only one of its kind from Rockland County to Canada devoted to a wide range of outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, kayaking, boating, rafting, camping, hiking, and other outdoor family activities.

More than 100 exhibits will feature the latest products and services for the outdoors. There are also family-friendly attractions and entertainment, as well as a host of educational seminars during the three-day event.

The 24th annual Northeast Outdoors Show will be held Friday, March 19 from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 20 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 21 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 4 to 12. Children ages 3 and under are admitted free. Visitors can save $2 off adult admission by presenting their Stewart’s Milk Club card or Times Union Source Card at the box office.

For more information, visit www.northeastoutdoorshow.com.