Wednesday, November 26, 2008

A shot of inspiration

Nat Holland El Defensor Chieftain Reporter, nholland@dchieftain.com

Socorro's Warriors are aiming for greatness.

The Socorro High School Warriors have a new emblem to greet and encourage them every time they run on to Eddie Castañeda field — fabricated steel artwork in the form of a giant bow and arrow.

"It was something I had talked with coach (Damien) Ocampo about — to give the kids something to inspire them," said Chuck Zimmerly, an assistant coach and member of the Quarterbacks Club.

The bow and arrow was created about five years ago by Albuquerque artist George Salas, and is made from more than 200 pounds of steel. The bow is about 9 feet, 5 inches tall and the arrow is just short of being 6 feet long.

"It was originally intended to honor the Native American warriors," said Salas. "It's an interpretation of a Warrior's bow."

Zimmerly liked the meaning behind the bow, and he purchased it with assistance from the Quarterbacks Club.

"(Salas) showed it to me and I said that was perfect with what we were trying to do," Zimmerly said. "To give them something to identify with."

Zimmerly went to Salas, because of the reputation of his work from various veterans' parks in New Mexico.

The bow and arrow was installed overnight — but the hope is it will inspire Socorro Warriors for many years.

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