Diné College Warriors Archery Team Captures Medals at 2026 New Mexico State Indoor Championship
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 3, 2026. The DC Warriors Archery team secured silver and bronze medals at the 2026 NM State Indoor Championship on Sunday, March 1. The competition took place at the Hit or Miss Archery Center and marked the team’s first event sanctioned by USA Archery.
Five athletes represented the team in the single-elimination indoor round. The event required competitors to shoot 60 arrows at a distance of 18 meters on a 40-centimeter single-spot target face.
The women’s team found success in the Barebow Senior Women division after a steady start. Kylee Manuelito earned second place with a score of 215. Kaitlyn Yazzie took third place with a score of 201. Wilmena Joe finished strong with a score of 162.
In the Barebow Senior Men division, Andrius Begay achieved a personal best score of 353. He finished just 14 points shy of the podium. Anfernee Tsosie completed the men’s effort with a score of 192.
The championship represented only the second overall competition for the DC Warriors, but the team continues to gain valuable experience. Begay appreciated the tournament environment and the opportunity to grow as an athlete.
The sport provides athletes with significant personal value beyond their final scores. Team members like Yazzie value the camaraderie built during these events and practices.
The entire team will now prepare for the upcoming 2026 Vegas shoot. They plan to attend another large preparation shoot at the Hit or Miss Archery Center before the major event.
Team Member Profiles
Kylee Manuelito:
I am Ta’neeszahnii nishłí, Tábąąhí Báshíshchíín, Maii’Deeshgiizhnii dashicheii, Tó’aheedlíinii dashinálí. I am from Lukachukai, Arizona, but grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve been interested in Archery for a while. I don’t like participating in athletic sports unless it is archery or ultimate frisbee. I really like BBQ, smoked brisket, and burnt ends. My walk-up song would probably be the Power Rangers Wild Force opening. My special talent is animating… so I guess Patience.
Andrius Begay:
My clans are Kin łichíin’nii, Bit’ahnii, Tábąąhí, and Naakaii Dine’é. I am from Sheep Springs, New Mexico. I love archery for the skill set it brings and the friendly competition as well. There is always room for improvement, and it’s always fun to shoot, even de-stressing. My favorite food is Navajo Tacos and, in general, home-cooked food, especially if it’s from scratch. A walk-up song I would recommend is “War Pigs by Black Sabbath. A special talent of mine is playing the guitar and anything to do with art (Painting, Drawing, 3-D Design, Sculpture, Etc).
Wilmena Joe:
I am Big Water, born for Towering House. My maternal parent is the One Who Walks Around, my paternal grandfather is Near The Water Edge. I like archery because it helps me connect with different people and gives me a sense of kinship. It also helps me keep up with my studies and push past my limits. My favorite food is steaks and Subway sandwiches. If there were a song that I would walk up to, it would be Monster by Skillet. My special talent is crafting things by hand, like beading, decorations, and crocheting.
Anfernee Tsosie:
My clans are Naaneesht’ezhi Tachiinii, Totsohnii, Dibe Lizhini, and Todikozhi. I am from Chinle, Arizona. Archery is a great pastime and a great hobby to get into. I want to improve my archery skills so that when I eventually go hunting, I can get good shots. My favorite food is steak. My current special talent or hobby is training with my horse.
Kaitlyn Yazzie:
Clans: Tse’deeshgiizhnii, Tsi’naajinii, Todik’ozhi, and Tl’izi Lani. I am from Pinon, AZ, and live in Phoenix, AZ. My favorite food is cheesecake. Song: Holiday by Green Day. What I like about archery is the connections it creates among team members, because without it, I would probably never have talked to some of them.
Alexandra Attakai:
My clans are kinyaa’aanii, todikozhi, todichiinii, and naaneestezhi tachiinii. I’m from Smoke Signal, which is close to Low Mountain. I really like how archery keeps me sane and from bouncing off the walls. My favorite food is steak, but I really like Vietnamese 2000 egg rolls with fish oil. My walk-up song is Enter Sandman. My special talent is drawing and target shooting.
Seidel Joe:
Joe Seidel is on the team. He shoots barebow and recurve (Olympic style).
About the DC Warriors Archery Team
The DC Warriors Archery team is a dedicated group of archers who compete in barebow and recurve divisions. The roster includes Andrius Begay, Anfernee Tsosie, Kylee Manuelito, Kaitlyn Yazzie, Wilmena Joe, Alexandra Attakai, and Seidel Joe. The team focuses on personal skill development, community connection, and friendly competition across regional and national USA Archery events.
Chris Burnside
Marketing & Communications Manager
928.724.6695
