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Basketball Navajo NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile NDN All-Stars Firsts

“FIRSTS” – NDN All-Star #46 Ryneldi Becenti, Basketball Pioneer

NDN All-Stars "FIRSTS" Header - Ryneldi Becenti

It’s time for another installment of NDN All-Stars “Firsts”.

In today’s blog post, we are featuring women’s basketball pioneer NDN All-Star #46 Ryneldi Becenti (Navajo). As a member of the Navajo Nation, she became the first Native American woman to play in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Becenti’s basketball career started at Window Rock High School, where she quickly stood out. Her skills earned her a scholarship to Scottsdale Community College, and later to Arizona State University (ASU). At ASU, she became a team leader and earned All-Pac-10 honors. Her performance in college showed that she could compete at the highest levels of women’s basketball and set the stage for her professional career.

In 1997, Becenti made history by signing with the Phoenix Mercury, becoming the first Native American woman to play in the WNBA. Even though her time in the WNBA was short, it was groundbreaking. She inspired many young Native American athletes who saw her as a role model and a path to their dreams in professional sports.

After her time in the WNBA, Becenti played professionally in France, Sweden, and Greece. (Imagine – a kid from the Navajo reservation travelling around the world playing the game she loves!) Her international career showed her versatility and skill as a player and her ability to adapt to different styles of play. She was known for her excellent ball-handling, court vision, and leadership. These qualities made her a valuable player and a trailblazer in women’s basketball.

Beyond her basketball achievements, Ryneldi Becenti has contributed significantly off the court. She works to promote sports and education among Native American youth – speaking and coaching at clinics and camps. Her efforts to give back to her community and inspire the next generation of athletes reflect her commitment to using her platform as a basketball pioneer for positive change. NDN All-Star #46 Ryneldi Becenti’s legacy is not just her basketball career but also her role as a pioneer and advocate for diversity in sports. Her story shows the impact one person can have in breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.

 


 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.


#NDNAllstars #RyneldiBecenti #Navajo #WNBA #basketball #PhoenixMercury


If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

 

 

Categories
Baseball NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile Sac & Fox

NDN All-Star #16 – Jim Thorpe on the Baseball Diamond

NDN All-Star #16 Jim Thorpe (Sac & Fox)

Today, let’s talk about the greatest athlete of the 20th century – NDN All-Star #16 Jim Thorpe (Sac & Fox), a legendary athlete who wasn’t just good at one sport but excelled in many! You might know him for his incredible achievements in football and the Olympics, and he even played on a barnstorming basketball team in the days before the NBA. But did you know he also made a mark in Major League Baseball?

First things first, let’s talk about who Jim Thorpe was. Born in 1887, he was a Native American from the Sac and Fox Nation in Oklahoma. Thorpe’s journey to fame began with his outstanding skills in track and field during his college years. But it wasn’t just running and jumping that he was good at; he had a natural talent for baseball too.

In 1913, Jim Thorpe joined the New York Giants Major League Baseball team. Thorpe played as an outfielder, showing off his incredible speed and agility. Even though baseball wasn’t his first love, he quickly adapted and became a solid player for the Giants. Fans were amazed at his powerful hits and lightning-fast sprints on the field.

One of Thorpe’s most memorable moments in baseball happened during the 1917 season. Playing for the Cincinnati Reds, Ol’ Jim hit home runs in three consecutive games. And this was back in the days before home runs were a common occurrence!

Talking about Ol’ Jim’s power at the plate, one story from his time playing baseball goes like this:

“Thorpe once hit home runs into three states during one game! First, he homered over the left field fence into Oklahoma. Then he homered over the right field fence into Arkansas.  And finally, he hit an inside-the-park home run that never left Texas!”

While that tale MAY be a little exaggerated (we are not entirely sure…) it does show how revered and well thought of that Jim Thorpe, the baseball player, was during his time on the diamond.

Despite his baseball success, Thorpe’s heart truly belonged to other sports, and he eventually left the MLB to pursue his passion for football. But let’s not forget the impact he made on the diamond. Jim Thorpe’s baseball career might have been short, but it left an enduring legacy, showcasing his incredible versatility as an athlete.

NDN All-Star #16 Jim Thorpe wasn’t just a one-sport wonder – he was a multi-talented athlete who could conquer any field or sport, including the baseball diamond. His time in Major League Baseball might have been relatively brief  (he played in 7 major league seasons), but the memories of his lightning-fast sprints, powerful hits, three-game home run streak, and other impressive feats on the baseball field continue to inspire young baseball players to this day. So, the next time you watch a baseball game, remember the extraordinary NDN All-Star #16 Jim Thorpe and the mark he left on America’s favorite pastime!


 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.


#NDNAllstars #JimThorpe #Sac&Fox #baseball #NYGiants #MLB #CincinnatiReds #BostonBraves


If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

Categories
Basketball Golf Hockey NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile Track & Field

NDN All-Stars In The Olympics

NDN All-Stars Olympics Post Logo

As the world comes together for the 2024 Olympics opening ceremonies, I would like to remind you of some of the amazing Native American athletes who have participated in past Olympic Games. These athletes showed incredible skill and talent and are great examples to Native athletes everywhere.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate their journeys and be inspired by their amazing accomplishments. These athletes remind us that with dreams and determination, anything is possible.

Here are some of the great NDN All-Stars who have participated in the Summer Olympics:


Basketball

Jesse “Cab” Renick (Chickasaw/Choctaw) – Won gold with the U.S. basketball team at the 1948 London Olympics.

Kyrie Irving (Standing Rock Sioux) – Competed in the 2016 Olympics, winning a gold medal with the U.S. basketball team..

Canoe/Kayak

Alwyn Morris (Mohawk) – Competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, winning gold in the K-2 1000m and bronze in the K-2 500m; also competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics..

Golf

Rickie Fowler (Navajo) – Competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Hockey

Clarence “Taffy” Abel (Ojibwe) – Won Silver in the 1924 Winter Olympics. Was the U.S. Flag bearer.

Judo

Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne) – Competed in judo at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and served as the captain of the U.S. judo team.

Track and Field

Frank Pierce (Seneca) – Competed in the marathon at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics.

Tom Longboat (Onondaga) – Competed in the marathon at the 1908 London Olympics.

Jim Thorpe (Sac & Fox) – Won gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Andrew Sockalexis (Penobscot) – Competed in the marathon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Louis Tewanima (Hopi) – Won a silver medal in the 10,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Alex Decoteau (Cree) – Competed in the 5,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Benjamin “Joe” Keeper (Cree) – Competed in the 10,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, finishing fourth.

Ellison “Tarzan” Brown (Narragansett) – Competed in the marathon at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Wilson “Buster” Charles” (Oneida) – Competed in the decathlon in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, finishing 4th.

Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) – Won gold in the 10,000 meters at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Sharon Day-Monroe (Mohawk) – Competed in track and field events at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

Lolo Jones (Choctaw) – Competed in hurdles at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics..

Volleyball

Jordan Larson (Ho-Chunk) – Accomplished volleyball player with multiple Olympic medals in 2012, 2016, and 2020.

Wrestling

Dan Henderson (Walla Walla) – Competed in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics.

Jacob Deitchler (Ojibwe) – Competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling.


I am sure that there are more, and I am digging around to see who else I can add to this impressive list.  If you know of someone I have omitted, please leave me a comment below so I can add them!

Now, let’s cheer on the current participants as we enjoy the spirit of unity and excellence that the Olympic Games bring.


#NDNAllstars #Olympics #track&field #wrestling #judo #running #pentathlon #decathlon

 


If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

Categories
Baseball Cahuilla NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile

NDN All-Star #18 John Tortes Meyers – Just a Cahuilla Catcher from California

NDN All-Star #18 John Tortes Meyers (Cahuilla)

Hey NDN All-Stars fans! Today, let’s dive into the stories history of baseball and explore the remarkable career of NDN All-Star #18 John Tortes Meyers (Cahuilla). You might not have heard his name as often as, say Babe Ruth or Jackie Robinson, but Meyers left an indelible mark on the game, and there’s more to his story than meets the eye.

Born in 1880, John Tortes Meyers, also known as “Chief” Meyers (most Native American ball players in those days were called that), was a standout catcher during the “Deadball Era” of baseball. His journey to the big leagues was nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in California, Meyers discovered his love for baseball at a young age, playing in sandlots with his friends. He played for a number of years in various minor league and semi-pro baseball leagues before he got a break. Little did he know that this passion would lead him to become one of the most respected players of his time.

Meyers’ skill as a catcher quickly caught the attention of baseball scouts, and he made his Major League debut in 1909 with the New York Giants, at the age of 28. His impressive abilities behind the plate and with a bat in hand made him an essential part of the team. Meyers played a crucial role in the Giants’ success during the early 20th century, contributing to their World Series victories in 1911, 1912, and 1913.

(See our earlier blog post about the great book written about the 1911 World Series by our friends Traci Sorell and Arigon Starr.)

As a member of the Cahuilla tribe, Meyers proudly embraced his roots. In an era when diversity in baseball was scarce, Meyers broke barriers and proved that talent knows no cultural or ethnic bounds. He became a source of inspiration for many aspiring players who dreamed of making it to the big leagues.

Off the field, Meyers continued to make a difference. Upon retiring from baseball after his 8 year Major League career, he remained active in his community, working to promote youth sports and education.

As we celebrate the rich tapestry of baseball history, let’s tip our hats to NDN All-Star #18 John Meyers and appreciate the enduring legacy he left for future generations of players and fans alike.


#NDNAllstars #JohnTortesMeyers #Cahuilla #baseball #catcher #NYGiants #MLB


If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.
Thank you for your support!

 

Categories
Baseball NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile NDN All-Stars Firsts Penobscot

NDN All-Stars “FIRSTS” – Baseball’s First Indian

NDN All-Stars "FIRSTS"

Leading off our NDN All-Stars “FIRSTS” mini-series, I want to talk a little about NDN All-Star #4 Louis Sockalexis (Penobscot).  “Sock” broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball a full 50 years before the more celebrated Jackie Robinson, when he played his first Major League game on April 22, 1897.

Sockalexis was a true baseball phenom – hitting, running, fielding – he could do it all better than anyone at that time! After a stellar career in college at Holy Cross and Notre Dame, Sockalexis signed with the Cleveland Spiders.

Sockalexis played brilliantly during his first season and was quickly became a media darling as he traveled around the country, attracting sportswriters and fans wherever he went. However, he also had to endure racist barbs from the opposing teams and the fans in the stands. Despite non-stop heckling and taunts and harassment, “Sock” seemed to take it all with grace and good humor; so much so that after a while, even many of the opposing team’s fans were won over. Through it all, Sockalexis continued to astound baseball fans with his on field accomplishments.

The story of Louis Sockalexis’ baseball career doesn’t end in glory, however. Unfortunately, Sockalexis fell prey to alcoholism, and ended up only playing parts of three major league seasons.  After he was released from his major league contract, he played a few more seasons in minor and independent leagues. His last game in organized baseball was for the Lowell Tigers in 1907.

Our first “FIRST” – NDN All-Star #4 Louis Sockalexis was a baseball player like no other, and a true baseball pioneer!

Thanks, “Sock” for making it possible for the rest of the Native Baseball Players to play the game they love at the highest level! Here are some of the NDN All-Stars who have followed NDN All-Star #4 Louis Sockalexis and played baseball in the Majors:

Charles Bender, Ojjibwe

Johnny Bench, Choctaw

Jim Thorpe, Sac & Fox

John Tortes Meyers, Cahuilla

Early Wynn, Cherokee

Zach Wheat, Cherokee

Pepper Martin, Osage

Allie Reynolds, Creek

Jacoby Ellsbury, Navajo

Joba Chamberlin, Winnebago

Kyle Lohse, Nomlaki

“””Indian”” Bob Johnson”, Cherokee

Bobby Madritsch, Lakota

Roy Johnson, Cherokee

Lane Adams, Choctaw

Koda Glover, Cherokee

Moses Yellow Horse, Pawnee

Rudy York, Cherokee

Ed Summers, Kickapoo

“Elon “”Chief”” Hogsett”, Cherokee

Dwight Lowry, Lumbee

Adrian Houser, Cherokee

Ryan Helsley, Cherokee

Dylan Bundy, Cherokee

Jon Gray, Cherokee

Vallie Eaves, Cherokee

Brandon Bailey, Chickasaw

Robbie Ray, Cherokee

Bucky Dent, Cherokee

Gene Locklear, Lumbee

Jayhawk Owens, Cherokee

Euel Moore, Chickasaw

Louis Bruce, Mohawk

Louis Leroy, Mohican

Anthony Seigler, Navajo

Darrell Evans, Yavapai

Jim Bluejacket, Cherokee

 


#ndnallstars #louissockalexis #baseball #MLB #cleveland #Penobscot #FIRSTS


If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.
Thank you for your support!

Categories
Basketball Cherokee NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile

NDN All-Star #15 Angel Goodrich (Cherokee) –  A Trailblazer on the Basketball Court

 

Hey there, sports fans! Today, let’s talk about the incredible NDN All-Star #15 Angel Goodrich (Cherokee) – a powerhouse in the world of women’s basketball. Angel has not only left her mark on the court with her amazing skills but has also made history as a proud representative of her Cherokee heritage.

Angel’s journey in basketball began at a young age, fueled by her passion for the game. Growing up, she honed her skills at Sequoyah High School in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she was the first Division I athletic scholarship recipient in the school’s history. During her 4 years at the Cherokee-operated school, she lettered in basketball, softball and track and field, and earned All-State honors as a sprinter. She also led the school’s basketball team, the Sequoyah Lady Indians, to three consecutive Class AAA state titles.

Her dedication paid off when she played college basketball at the University of Kansas. There, she showcased her exceptional talent as a point guard, leading her team to numerous victories and earning accolades for her outstanding performance. She was recognized nationally for her abilities and accomplishments by being voted as a finalist for the Naismith Award, Wade Trophy, Wooden Award, Nancy Lieberman Award, and the USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale Award.

After making a name for herself in college, Angel took her skills to the professional level in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Her time in the league was nothing short of remarkable. As a point guard for the Tulsa Shock (now Dallas Wings) and the Seattle Storm, Angel dazzled fans with her lightning-fast moves, precise passes, and clutch plays. Her tenacity on the court made her a fan favorite and solidified her place as one of the standout players in the WNBA.

What makes Angel Goodrich even more special is her strong connection to her Cherokee heritage. As a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, Angel has embraced and celebrated her roots, becoming a role model for young athletes with indigenous backgrounds. She has not only excelled in her sport but has also used her platform to promote awareness and appreciation for Native American cultures.

In a world where diversity is celebrated, NDN All-Star #15 Angel Goodrich stands out as a trailblazer, breaking barriers and inspiring others with her remarkable journey. From her early days shooting hoops in her hometown to making waves in the WNBA, Angel’s story is one of resilience, passion, and cultural pride. As we cheer for athletes on the court, let’s also celebrate the unique stories and backgrounds that make them the extraordinary individuals they are. Angel – thank you for being a true inspiration both on and off the basketball court!

 

#NDNAllstars #AngelGoodrich #Cherokee #basketball #WNBA #TulsaShock #SeattleStorm

 


If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.
Thank you for your support!

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Golf Navajo NDN All-Star Profile

NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler (Navajo) – A Golfer With A Flair For The Dramatic

NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler (Navajo)

Let’s dive into the world of golf and talk about NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler (Navajo)!

Rickie’s golf journey began when he was just a kid. Born on December 13, 1988, in Murrieta, California, he started playing golf at the age of three! His passion for the sport grew stronger as he practiced and played in junior tournaments. Rickie’s dedication and hard work paid off when he received a golf scholarship to Oklahoma State University – a big step toward his dream of becoming a professional golfer.

After turning pro in 2009, Rickie Fowler quickly made a name for himself on the professional golf circuit. He’s known for his stylish outfits and his vibrant orange outfits on Sundays, which has become his signature look (a tribute to his OSU days). But it’s not just about the style – Rickie’s game speaks for itself. He has several victories on the PGA Tour, including the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship,  the prestigious Players Championship in 2015, and most recently the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic.

Did you know that Rickie Fowler is Navajo? His maternal grandmother is of Navajo descent, which connects him to a rich and unique culture. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States, known for their history, art, and traditions. Rickie takes pride in his Navajo roots and sometimes incorporates elements of Navajo culture into his golfing gear, like the Thunderbird symbol.

Rickie has an uncanny talent for making great golf shots at big moments!  Here is one example.  And here is another.  And another…  get the idea?

Fowler’s success isn’t just about winning tournaments. He’s also passionate about giving back to the community. Through his charity work, he supports various causes, including children’s hospitals and disaster relief efforts. Rickie’s commitment to making a positive impact shows that being a role model goes beyond the golf course.

A great example of this is – in 2023, Rickie BOUGHT the small golf course where he first began playing golf – a course where his dad worked in exchange for Fowler to be able to hit balls there.  He bought it so that other kids in the future would have that same opportunity to learn the game he loves.  Here is what he had to say about the purchase: “I always wanted the range to be around and it to be open for the next generation. I wanted kids to have the same opportunity as me if they were interested.”

As Rickie Fowler continues to play golf and make a difference, his journey serves as an inspiration to young aspiring golfers. His determination, unique style, and connection to his Navajo heritage make him stand out in the world of sports. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or just starting to learn about the game, NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler’s story is a reminder that with hard work and a strong sense of identity, anyone can achieve their dreams.

#ndnallstars #rickiefowler #navajo #PGA #heavyweight #golf


If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.
Thank you for your support!

Categories
Basketball Chickasaw Choctaw NDN All-Star Profile Tribal Affiliation

NDN All-Star #12 Jesse “Cab” Renick (Chickasaw/Choctaw) – A Player Just A Little Ahead Of His Time

NDN All-Star #12 Jesse "cab" Renick (Chickasaw/Choctaw)

Let me introduce you to a true legend of the game, NDN All-Star #12 Jesse “Cab” Renick (Chickasaw/Choctaw). He was a basketball sensation in the days before the NBA. At the time, AAU Basketball was the pinnacle of the sport, and that is where Cab really shined – so much so that in the 1947-48 season, he was selected for the AAU All-American team!

Back in 1948, Renick earned a spot on the United States Olympic basketball team and even had the honor of being its captain. His leadership skills and athletic prowess played a pivotal role in the team’s success at the Olympics where the US team took the Gold Medla! Picture this: Cab – representing the United States on the world stage! He showcased his exceptional talents and leadership qualities in front of a global audience.

Cab’s Olympic triumph became a wellspring of inspiration for generations to come, earning him a well-deserved place in the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame. PLUS – Renick became just the second Native American in Oklahoma’s history to clinch an Olympic gold medal.

Cab’s achievements on the hardwood have left an indelible mark, motivating future generations of Native American athletes to chase their own dreams and shatter barriers. His story is a real example that with hard work and determination, Native Americans can rise to greatness in sports and every other facet of life. NDN All-Star #12 Jesse “Cab” Renick’s enduring legacy is a compelling reminder of the vital role representation and diversity play in the worlds of sports and society.

#NDNAllstars #JesseCabRenick #Chickasaw #Choctaw #basketball #Olympics


If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.
Thank you for your support!

 

Categories
Football NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile

The Oorang Indians: Breaking Barriers and Changing the Game

Oorang Indians 1922 football team

Hey there, NDN All-Stars fans! Today, let’s take a trip back in time to the fascinating world of football in the 1920s. You might have heard of legendary teams like the Packers and the Bears, but have you ever heard about the Oorang Indians? These guys weren’t just a football team; they were trailblazers who changed the game and broke down cultural barriers along the way.

Imagine a time when football was still finding its footing on the professional stage. The year was 1922, and the Oorang Indians burst onto the scene like a whirlwind. Hailing from LaRue, Ohio, this team was special – made up entirely of Native American players – Cherokee, Mohawk, Chippewa, Blackfeet, Winnebago, Mission, Caddo, Flathead, Sac and Fox, Seneca, and Penobscot to list a few represented tribes. Led by the charismatic NDN All-Star #1 Jim Thorpe (Sac & Fox) – a true sports legend – the Oorang Indians brought their unique skills and culture to the field, catching the attention of football fans across the nation.

Now, let’s talk about impact. The Oorang Indians weren’t just about playing football; they were about making a statement. In an era where racial prejudice was sadly prevalent, these athletes showed the world that talent and determination knew no boundaries. By showcasing their skills on the football field, they shattered stereotypes and challenged the status quo, paving the way for a more diverse future in professional sports.

But it wasn’t just about playing the game. The Oorang Indians did something nobody had seen before. They brought their culture center stage, performing halftime shows that celebrated Native American traditions. From dances to showcasing their impressive hunting skills, these shows captivated audiences and gave people a chance to learn and appreciate a culture they might not have been familiar with.

The legacy of the Oorang Indians lives on in the history of football. They might not have won championships, but they won hearts and minds. Their courage to stand up against discrimination and showcase their heritage left an indelible mark. As the years went by, their influence helped pave the way for more diversity in professional sports, making it clear that the field is a place for everyone, regardless of where they come from.

So, the next time you’re watching a football game, take a moment to appreciate the Oorang Indians’ trailblazing spirit. They didn’t just play football; they tackled prejudice, they intercepted stereotypes, and they scored big for diversity. Their story reminds us that sports are about more than just winning – they’re about breaking down barriers and inspiring change.

Find out more about the Oorang Indians in this great book:

Walter Lingo, Jim Thorpe, and the Oorang Indians: How a Dog Kennel Owner Created the NFL’s Most Famous Traveling Team


If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, check out the NDN All-Stars Podcast for interviews with some of our NDN All-Star team members!  If you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.
Thank you for your support!

 

Categories
Football NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile

The Carlisle Indians – A Football Dynasty

Carlisle Indians Football Team

In this blog post, I want to change up a little bit and – instead of focusing on one individual athlete, I would like to talk about one the most influential football programs in the storied history of the gridiron.

And, while the tragedies that came along with the whole Indian Boarding School concept (and there were countless horrible things that occurred at those institutions) are still being uncovered, this post is about one of the more positive outcomes from that failed social experiment.

A lot has been written about the Carlisle Indians, Jim Thorpe, Pop Warner and more, and deservedly so.  What was created at Carlisle when you view things through a sports program lens, the accomplishments of the teams from Carlisle are astounding!

Instead of me rehashing a lot of facts and statistics, I would like to point you to some books written by a lot smarter people than me who have researched and dug and discovered all the great information we want to know about Carlisle football.

Check these out:

“Gridiron Gypsies” by Dr. Tom Benjey

“The Real All-Americans” by Sally Jenkins

“Carlisle vs Army” by Lars Anderson

There are many more books about some of the athletes who attended and played at Carlisle – Jim Thorpe, Chief Bender, Joe Guyon, Albert Exendine – the list goes on.  I will talk about some of those when I post about the individuals.

If you have a favorite book about the football program at Carlisle Industrial School, leave a comment and tell me which one and why.  I would love to hear about it.

And – in celebration of the Carlisle Industrial School and their dominant football team, here is the Carlisle School March.  (Imagine if the band played this after every touchdown like colleges do with their Fight Songs today… the band would be exhausted!)

#NDNAllstars #CarlisleFootball #JimThorpe #PopWarner


If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.
Thank you for your support!