Diné College archery duo excels at championships

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br>
Diné College archers Georgia Sandoval and Duane Hanley competed at the 2010 U.S. Collegiate Archery Association (USCAA) National Championships held recently at College Station, Texas. Sandoval was named Best New Archer in the ladies recurve division while Hanley took All-Academic.

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br> Diné College archers Georgia Sandoval and Duane Hanley competed at the 2010 U.S. Collegiate Archery Association (USCAA) National Championships held recently at College Station, Texas. Sandoval was named Best New Archer in the ladies recurve division while Hanley took All-Academic.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Diné College Archery Team members Georgia Sandoval and Duane Hanley competed at the 2010 US Collegiate Archery Association (USCAA) National Championships held here. Sandoval was named Ladies Recurve Best New Archer and Hanley All Academic at the conclusion of the event.

Sandoval was born in Lawrenceville, Ga. but grew up in Tuba City. She graduated from Tuba City High School in 2009 and will be a sophomore at Diné College this fall. Sandoval plans to transfer to either the University of California- Los Angeles or the University of California- Berkeley for the Fall 2011 semester.

"My interest in archery started in my PE class during the spring. I never thought it could lead to competition and an award. Receiving best new archer at nationals came with a lot of hard work and help from great people. I credit my teammates, parents, former members, and coaches for helping me through my problems such as hand placement and finger-release. Right now I am looking for a new bow to help improve my archery skills. I see a future in archery at UCLA or UC-Berkeley after I graduate from Diné College to further my education and shooting skills," Sandoval said.

Hanley is Kinyaanii, born for Toóheedlini, his maternal grandparents are Ashiihi and his paternal grandparents are Taóchiinii. He is from White Cone and his parents are Ben and Ann Hanley. Hanley is currently a student in the Elementary Education BA program at Diné College. 

"At the finals held in College Station, Texas I was officially given the Academic All-American award for qualifying in the top 25 percent of my division at the indoor nationals held at Rio Rancho, N.M. I am honored to receive this national collegiate award, and strive to put my studies first. I know my bachelors degree will carry me further than any other status I may receive. Sports is a great way to learn discipline and can be used as an incentive for doing well in school," Hanley said.

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read