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Swinging For Sequoyah
by Dale Reeder-Coaches Aid
TAHLEQUAH - Cody Quetone and Nick Fixin aren’t just good friends, they’re partners
on the Sequoyah boy’s golf team. Both play a pretty good round of golf. Cody, also a state qualifier, shot a 69 to win the Claremore Invitational and has pulled
out 17 top ten finishes in career tournaments so far. Cody claims a 5 handicap and driving the long ball, is the
best part of his game. For awhile, Nick Fixin’s personal life was a bit below par. Nick was diagnosed with
leukemia, and his future didn’t look bright. “Nick’s a fighter, and has battled back,” says Coach Mark Vance. “He’s
in remission now, and is out here everyday.” Nick was a “qualifier” in the Make-A-Wish Foundation and playing at Pebble Beach was
always his big dream. And that’s exactly where Nick and his family spent five days. On one of America’s most famous
courses where he and his older brother played a few rounds. Quite a thrill for Nick. Established in 1871 by the Cherokee nation, Sequoyah is an Indian boarding school.
Some 40 different tribes represent the 265 student body. The students don’t have too far to go for a round of golf,
as they have their own nine hole course located right on campus. Nick and Cody are modest and polite young men, and don’t brag very much about themselves.
But give coach Vance a turn and he’ll tell you plenty. “Both guys have excellent practice habits and have been
state qualifiers each year,” he says. “As student leaders they helped earn the team Academic Achievement Award
and are solid role models.” When asked about what motivates them, and who is their inspiration, it comes as no
real surprise. “Notah Begay,” both almost reply in unison! Notah Begay III, Navajo, is the only Native American on the elite PGA tour. Begay finished
in the top 40 money winners this year in the Masters at Augusta. Begay is doing for Indian youth what Tiger Woods
did for African American kids - serving as an inspiration, and positive role model. Nick, who is Cherokee, and Cody, Kiowa-Cherokee, treasure their signed autograph from
Begay, when he played in the Nike Tour at nearby Ft. Smith, Arkansas. On and off the links, success follows on the heels of effort and a lot of hard work.
Both Nick and Cody have been offered scholarships at Bacone College for next year. Coaches Aid joins Sequoyah,
and all of the Indian community in congratulating both young men, for their fine high school career. Find out more about golfing at these sites: Golf 101 The Golf Channel Online Canku Ota is a copyright of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry.
Nick has been a state qualifier for four years, and has had 10 - top ten finishes in his high school
career in tournament play. Recently, he shot a 73, which was good enough to place second in the Sallisaw Invitational.
Nick feels that putting and the short game is his best skill.
Cody was
a Boys State delegate last year as a junior, and was voted “Mr. Sequoyah High School” this year. An honor from
his peers, based on leadership, academics, and citizenship.
http://www.golf101.com/
http://www.thegolfchannel.com
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