Diné College

Archery History at Diné College

The inception of an archery program at Dine College, formally known as Navajo Community College (NCC), began in 1972 under the supervision of Evan Oswald, more affectionately known as “EO.” Arriving from Kentucky, EO became the Athletic Director for NCC and was eager to introduce archery as one of many activities for his Physical Education curriculum. Soon after, he decided to initiate his own archery program at Navajo Community College.

By 1974, EO formed his first two-man archery team and the following year with six members. Three years later in Harrisonburg, Virginia, EO earned the Coach of the Year Award at the 1977 U.S. Inter-Collegiate Archery Championships. After serving a decade as Archery Coach (1974-1984), EO retired from NCC and moved to Sun City, Arizona.

Following in the footsteps of EO was the Gorman Era. Curtis Gorman, a prodigy of EO, graduated from NCC and earned an archery scholarship to Arizona State University (ASU). He then led ASU to 2 National Championships and was simultaneously inducted into the Top-10 All-American Team. After graduating from ASU, Curtis returned to NCC in 1985 as the Director of Computer Services and Archery Coach. Unfortunately, the administrative duties and responsibilities were much too demanding and time consuming; therefore, Curtis turned to his younger brother for assistance.

By 1986, Foster Gorman took over the reigns and led the archery team to numerous winnings in his first year as NCC Archery Coach. For the next fifteen years (1986-2001), Foster coached and led NCC/DC to countless victories and honors. Foster was instrumental by transforming ordinary people into top-notch competitors within a matter of months. His ability to accomplish this feat with his archery teams so many times is uncanny, and it has rightfully earned him the title of 1992 Coach of the Year Award at the U.S. Inter-Collegiate Archery Championships in Mays Landing, New Jersey. By 2001, Foster was also recognized by the Arizona State Archery Association (ASAA) and was honored with the Toxopholite Award; acknowledging archers who have greatly contributed to the sport of archery within the Great State of Arizona.