19 February 2010 - Former German National Coach Franz BAUM passed away

Former German National Coach Franz BAUM passed away Wiesbaden (GER) - 19 February 2010   It is with deep sadness that the German Shooting and Archery Association announces the passing of Franz BAUM on 17 February 2010 at the age of 83. Franz was the German national archery coach from 1972 to 1991.   Born in 1927 in Groß Czernosek (in present-day Czech Republic), Franz BAUM moved to Alfdorf bei Welzheim (Bade-Württemberg, Germany) in 1945 after a short captivity during World War II. He entered the local shooting and archery club in 1960, of which he became president four years later. Archery was to become the centre of his life.   After his club showed greats results at the national leve, Franz BAUM was named German national coach in 1972. He occupied this position until his retirement in 1991. Under his supervision, the German archers were very successful, winning several European and world titles as well as two Olympic medals.   Franz BAUM was also the organiser of many Grand Prix tournaments, including the Tournament of Nations in Welzheim which was the test event of the first ever Olympic Round.   Franz BAUM was decorated with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and received a Bronze Plaquette from FITA in 1999 for his contribution to archery.   Deutscher Schützenbund Edited by FITA Communication