Lisa Pang ’03 had never shot an arrow before signing up for the College’s new archery class. “I just wanted to try it because it was different,”says Pang, an adventurist who last semester plunged into scuba diving. Classmate Mandi Bohn ’06, meanwhile, had taken archery classes in middle school and in summer camp, and knew the sport improved coordination---so she signed up. “Plus,” she said, “I just thought it was pretty unusual that a college would have such a nice archery range.”

Pang and Bohn are among the first CMC students to help break in the new archery range. Opening on target in time for fall classes, the range at Claremont Boulevard and Arrow Route has become an attraction for inquisitive spectators and campus visitors. “I always wondered what this was going to be,” said a female motorist, who parked briefly to watch as a few students sunk arrows into targets across yards of chocolate-colored chip mulch. “How about that! I think it’s terrific!”

The Easton Archery Range is made by possible by a gift from the late Mary S. Easton. The gift also provides a needs-based scholarship for one archery student per academic year. Although already in use, a formal dedication of the facility is planned for Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m., and is open to the general College community. Former CMC trustee James Easton, son of Mary Easton, and his wife, Phyllis, are expected to attend, as well as Vikram Rangraj, this year’s Easton scholarship recipient and CMC’s star archer.

The Easton family's roots run deep in the field of archery. In 1922, Doug Easton went from crafting wood bows and cedar arrows to producing the first aluminum arrow a decade and a half later in 1939. Today, the family’s company operates as Jas. D. Easton, Inc., in Van Nuys, Calif., and is a privately owned manufacturer, marketer and distributor of sports equipment.

With its greenery and shooter’s view of Mt. Baldy to the north, CMC’s newest addition is something to be proud of, says Janet Dykman, a two-time member of the U.S. Olympic Archery Team, and a contender for the 2004 Games. Eyeing the range, Dykman says that, “Normally when people say they have a place where we archers can practice, they point us to the weeds and the rock and gravel quarries. But here, just look around. There is landscaping, a shaded park area with seating and tables, and a view of the mountains. What a great way to start a program!”

Dykman commutes to campus from her home in El Monte to help archery instructor and CMS baseball coach Randy Town situate the first wave of archery students. In addition to fielding questions and offering advice, Dykman stands watch at the firing line, correcting students’ slouchy posture and positioning their fingers properly on bow handles. “Whenever you have new students and new equipment, it’s a little awkward,” she says.

Although her visits are coordinated through the Easton Foundation, Dykman gives the impression that she’d gladly volunteer to help initiate CMC’s new program. Dykman says that many college archery programs have fallen victim to budget cuts in recent years, with Texas A&M University standing as one of the lone survivors. “It would be great,” she says hopefully, “If CMC could be the next college between here and there to produce some great shooters.”

The Easton Archery Range will be dedicated on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.

The firing line at high-noon: CMC's first wave of archery students break-in the College's new Easton Archery Range.