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Canku Ota |
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(Many Paths) |
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An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America |
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April 19, 2003 - Issue 85 |
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Sequoyah Claim Basketball Championship |
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by Gerald Wofford - Native
American Times
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For
the first time in its illustrious history, Sequoyah Indian High School
located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma brought home a State Basketball Championship.
On March fifteenth at the State Fairgrounds Area in Oklahoma City the
Sequoyah Indians defeated Metro Christian of Tulsa, 58 to 47 to claim
this years Oklahoma class 3A Championship. I
thought we had a chance to be very good because of experience and the
players confidence, said Head Coach and Sequoyah Athletic
Director Larry Grigg. They (team) talked about winning the Gold
Ball and believed they could. Recently,
the environment and atmosphere of a State Tournament have been nothing
new to the Indians. It is a place they have grown accustomed to with the
Boys team reaching the semi-finals in 98 and the Girls team doing the
same in 2001. Coach
Grigg knows how important athletics is to the history of Sequoyah High
School, but points to basketball as having a very special place. Basketball
is probably the king of sports at Sequoyah. Most people have played or
know of someone that has. From
the beginning of the season, the Indians set goals for themselves, achievements
they wanted to accomplish. It started with the Vinita Tournament in December,
a contest that Sequoyah just didn't want to show up at, but win it all.
In fact, that was the philosophy of each contest and tournament. The Indians
would lift the first place trophy of the Vinita tournament up high, then
it was on to the Connors Tournament where they would finish runner-up.
As the season progressed, the Indians found themselves Northeast Lakes
Conference Co-Champions. Then a District, Regional, and Area IV Championship
awaited them. Missions were being accomplished with Coach Griggs
team. Sequoyah
would finish with 13 wins and just 1 loss in the conference with an overall
record of 27 wins and only 2 losses. The Indians would finish strong by
winning 14 in a row. Coach
Grigg also points to the astounding fan support the school receives during
each game, one that he has grown accustomed to.Since I have been
at Sequoyah the last 6 years, I know what to expect, said Grigg.
Our crowds are the largest in class 3A that is why we had to play
4 of our games at nearby Northeastern State University. We have the best
fans in the state. For
his performance in the State Tournament, Solomon Horsechief was selected
as the Most Valuable Player (MVP). All State Champions are special,
for this team it was balance, said Grigg. Grigg points to each and
every player on the team as being a significant and contributing factor
to the Championship run. Grigg also points to people behind the scenes
such as James Keys, the team trainer, and manager Kenneth Yargee, also
statistician Chad Stevens and Mac Farris who did their jobs all
year long. Grigg
admits a thank you list would be too long, but acknowledges special gratitude
towards Assistant Coach John Dreyer and his wife Melissa as well as videographer
Don Franklin. But the biggest thank you goes to my wife Tommie who has
been my main source of support and strength. But Coach Grigg knows that it all really boils down to the players and the educational institution itself, for the players it is a dream come true. For the school itself it is just an extension of the success the school is having. It should be a positive experience for us.
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