Sixth Annual NAU Native Golf Tourney raises major scholarship funds

FLAGSTAFF - On the breezy, chilly morning of Sept. 30, 140 players from New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California gathered at the Flagstaff Continental Country Club to participate in the 6th Annual Northern Arizona University Native American Programs golf tournament.

"This is our sixth year of the tournament to raise funds for NAU Native students and from every indication the turnout and results are excellent," said Laurence Gishey, director, Institute for Native Americans. Mr. Gishey announced there were more sponsors, more participation from local businesses, more alumni involvement, and that the Sixth Annual reception featuring a silent auction and sale of arts and crafts by local artists was a success.

At the reception the evening before the tournament, Harry W. Sloan Jr., former board member of the NAU Alumni Association, spoke of the urgency of helping Native American students and the supportive response from the business community who "have contributed over $100,000 and provided emergency financial assistance to 27 students and created four scholarships."

This year's major sponsors, Native Resource Development and Peabody Coal Company, were recognized for their dedication and support. Penny Emerson, NAU alumna and owner of Native Resource Development located in Gallup, N.M. told the participants at the luncheon, "I know how difficult it is when students need financial help and there isn't any. I believe in the success of Native students and I want to do whatever I can to help them succeed."

Kristie Bluehouse, the reigning Miss Indian NAU addressed the tournament players and sponsors at the reception, morning and luncheon program. 

"It is really a blessing to me that you support the tournament. Without the money you raise it would be difficult for me to carry out my duty as Miss Indian NAU representing the Native American students and the university at many events," she said.

The Miss Indian NAU Scholarship is one of the four scholarships that have been created with proceeds from past tournaments. The others are the Miss Indian NAU Runner-up Scholarship, Virgil Masayesva Memorial Scholarship and Audrey Tsosie Memorial Scholarship. These scholarships, Mr. Gishey said, "... will have funds available as long as the tournament is held each year."

The winners of the Sixth Annual NAU Native American golf tournament were: 1st place with net score 50.5 - Owen Doka, Art Smith, Shreve Tso, Stan Overturf; 2nd place with net score 51.2 - Ray Upshaw, Nick White, Henry Wagner, Kyle Ashley; 3rd place with net score 51.3 - Arkie Huskey, Thomas Charlie, Elmer Roanhorse, Paul Wanueka; 4th place with net score 51.3 - Kevin Quannie, Lloyd Keevama, Phil Harrison, Jimmy Harrison; and 5th place with net score 52.1 - Marcus Tulley, Peggy Nakai, Al Lewis, and Jeremy Huskey.

Navajo silversmith Gary Reeves from Gallup, N.M., donated the first place winning prizes- awarding each team member with a beautifully hand-crafted one-of-a-kind bolo tie.

Each second place team member received an original painting donated by Hopi artist Kevin Quannie. Third and fifth place winners received gift certificates from the Continental Country Club and the fourth place winners received NAU jackets.

For more information, contact the NAU Institute for Native Americans 928/523-9557.

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