SLIPPERY ROCK — A 40th birthday gift arrived early for Heather Stewart.

She created it herself.

Days before turning 40, the Slippery Rock resident put herself in the history books by breaking the Pennsylvania State Archery Association's indoor women's unlimited AA record recently in Harrisburg.

Stewart did so while repeating as the PSAA indoor state champion in that classification.

“I've been shooting for about 28 years and have never shot like that, at least not in a competition,” Stewart said. “I've shot 600 in practice before, but never in a tournament.”

A 600 represents a perfect score in archery competition. That would mean hitting a target approximately two inches in size on all 600 shots from 20 yards away.

While Stewart didn't do that, she came close. She shot a 598 on the first day of competition that Saturday, tying Donna Shannon's state-record round set in 1997.

On the second day of shooting, Stewart broke the record by shooting a 599. She hit the “X” ring — which is smaller than a quarter — 35 times the first day, 44 times on the second.

“The number of X rings is used to break ties,” Stewart said.

No tiebreaker needed on this day.

Stewart shot a 594 and 595 in winning the state championship last year. Once she shot the 598 on the first day this year, she figured she peaked.

“I tied the record, I was thrilled,” she said. “Last thing in the world I expected was to beat it the next day.

“That was just crazy. I was super happy, super excited about it.”

And she was super calm while she did it.

“One of the things I've been working on over the past year in archery is mental practice,” Stewart said. “I've read a lot of books along those lines, about staying calm and in control.

“My dad taught me some things about preparing mentally as well. I definitely think my improvement in that area contributed to my scores.”

Stewart's father, Tom Kennedy, sold archery equipment for a living years ago. She got into the sport because of him.

Stewart's family moved to Pennsylvania from California when she was 12. She said her entire family was involved in archery and began shooting at the East Butler Hunting and Fishing Club when she joined in.

East Butler hosted the regional competition, where Stewart shot a 587 to claim first place.

Kennedy competed in the men's 62-and-over division at the state meet.

“I didn't fare as well as she did,” he said, laughing. “Heather has had an outstanding season. We competed in a tournament in Las Vegas in February and she shot well.

“I think that was a building block toward this.”

Stewart shot a 589 in Las Vegas. She said she entered the state tourney with plenty of confidence.

“I never felt nervous. I have been shooting well all season,” she said.

She hopes to continue her hot hand at a pair of upcoming summer national tournaments. Kennedy and Stewart plan to compete at a tourney in July in Mechanicsburg and August in Dublin, Ohio.