DC Archery Team Shines in Tribal College Competitions
May 06, 2025
Tsaile, Ariz. The Diné College Warriors Archery Team showcased its precision and sportsmanship during recent competitions held in Santa Fe, NM, and Crownpoint, NM.
The events marked an exciting opportunity for the team to engage with fellow student-athletes from the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) and Navajo Technical University (NTU).
The Diné College Warriors, led by Coach Darwyn Clyde Henderson, kicked off their Tribal College & University tour with a competition against IAIA. The match included both standard and 3D targets set at 11, 17, and 23 yards. Each competitor shot 36 arrows after completing a morning practice session.
Displaying excellent marksmanship, Seidel Joe (242), Nanibah Bigman (229), and Tomilethia Chee (227) secured the top three spots, with Kaitlyn Yazzie (206) placing fourth and Wilmena Joe (191) finishing in fifth.
Following the main event, an additional challenge at 23 yards required a single arrow to pop balloons. Seidel Joe won two prizes, while Nanibah Bigman claimed one.
Corbin Charley was honored with the Sportsmanship Award, which IAIA archers determined. “We are deeply grateful to Coach Swimmer and his team for their hospitality, campus tour, and even introducing us to a traditional Handgame session,” Henderson said.
On Sunday, May 4, the Warriors competed in NTU’s 3 Spot Shot Challenge, which featured 10 3D targets and Vegas-style target faces set at 20 yards.
The format required athletes to shoot 20 arrows at the 3D targets and 60 arrows at target faces, with scores combined for a final tally.
The brother-sister duo of Seidel Joe (300) and Wilmena Joe (173) earned third place in their respective divisions. Other scores included Bigman (164), Yazzie (149), Chee (147), and Charley (107).
Reflecting on the event, Henderson remarked, “This was a challenging marathon for our team, particularly with fatigue emerging before the final rounds. I’m incredibly proud of these student-athletes, especially the growth shown by our beginners. The team demonstrated resilience and gained valuable experience shooting at various distances and target styles.”
This two-day tour reinforced the Warriors’ technical growth and competitive spirit while encouraging teamwork with other tribal college athletes.
The Diné College Archery Team’s efforts emphasize their dedication to the sport and their emerging excellence on the field.
