Contact: Melvin Foster 925-5700 Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920

November 13, 2002 FOOTBALL AND MEDICINE BRING FOSTER TO UNM Melvin Foster, a 2000 graduate of Window Rock High School, now takes his place on the University of New Mexico football team as offensive quick guard and center. Playing football requires strength, grit and determination. Foster applies those same attributes in academic pursuits. "I am majoring in biology and plan to go to medical school," said Foster. A knee injury that sidelined him in high school was the impetus for his career goals. "I had to go to the hospital in Gallup for surgery. There were a number of patients waiting and it inspired me to want to help others," he said. He is interested specifically in orthopedics. His father, Melvin F. Foster Sr., and mother Eleanor, have been his strongest supporters, whether on the field or in the classroom. Now 6'4" and weighing in at 300 pounds, Foster started his gridiron career as a fourth grade YAFL player. He recognizes the difficulty in taking football to the professional level, but, he said, "Whatever chance there might be, I would love to play pro ball. Given a choice, I would like to play for the Miami Dolphins. I like both the city and the logo." He's had some good coaching along the way. Jimmy Law, the Window Rock High School football team's offensive lineman coach, stands out. "He really cared about us. He taught us the foundation of how to block," said Foster. He said UNM's Rocky Long is a players' coach who expects a lot. "He wants 110 percent out of you. He's a major competitor," he said. "And he is inspirational in his speeches," he added. Long encouraged Foster to join the team as a walk-on player. "It was very hard as a walk-on - four guys trying out for one position. The first season it almost got to me, I almost gave up. But, my parents encouraged me," he said. Foster is pleased to be playing for the Lobos. "Being Native American and proving that I am able to play Division I football lets me know I made it," he said. Despite the demands that football requires, "I spend 20 to 25 hours per week in football," school is still a priority. "I have a 3.08 GPA and I'm carrying 17 hours, including a course in genetics, this semester," he said. Foster said that family helped him stay the course. "If anything goes wrong, my parents are there for me," he said. He's had other relatives bolstering him along the way. His cousin Karletta Hannah came to all his games. "She told me I could go to college. She earned a master's degree in accounting at Northern Arizona University," he said. "Without my family, I wouldn't be here," he said. # # #

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981