Navajo archers sweep awards

Navajo Tech Archery Team Sweeps Awards in the Western Region of the U.S. Collegiate National Indoor Championships

By Navajo Technical CollegeIn its first participation in the United States Collegiate Archery Association (USCAA), the Navajo Technical College (NTC) archery team swept the award stand in the Basic Bow division in the Western Region of the U.S. Collegiate National Indoor Championships.

NTC was paced by first place medalists Collins Woody of Crownpoint, New Mexico in the men’s division and Deanna Charley of Thoreau, New Mexico, of the women’s division but also received second place medals by Ryan Whitehair of Kayenta, Arizona and Lakoda Joey of Crownpoint.

The tournament took place March 1-3 at Southern Utah University and included competition from schools throughout the western portion of the United States. Navajo Tech has been competing in archery since 2010, but this was their first appearance in collegiate competition.

“At first I was nervous for our archers not knowing how the range was going to be and some of the formats,” explained NTC archery coach, Clyde Henderson. “But after we got an introduction to the shooting format things went a lot smoother. By the time we left I felt pleased with our performance and proud of the archers we brought.”Comment:  Hey, no fair! Indians have an unfair advantage! They've been practicing the bow and arrow for hundreds of years! (Stereotype jokes--just kidding.)

For more on Native sports, see Jacoby Ellsbury's Native Baseball Camp and Marathon Cancellation Dissapoints Lakota Runners.

Below:  "NTC’s archers display their medals after sweeping the awards stand in the Western Region of the U.S. Collegiate National Indoor Championships. Pictured: (l-r) Coach Clyde Henderson; Men’s division 2nd place medalist, Ryan Whitehair, Women’s division 1st place medalist, Deanna Charley; Men’s division 1st place medalist, Collins Woody; and Women’s division 2nd place finisher, Lakoda Joey."