Fort Lewis College was selected as one of 10 schools to participate in the Nike N7 series to promote Native American and Aboriginal youth participation in sports.
Thursday night was the first in what the Skyhawks plan to make an annual event. Players from both the men’s and women’s teams wore the Nike N7 Equality warm-up shirts, and tickets were reduced to $1 in an effort to gain more donations for the Nike N7 Fund that helps create athletic activities and programs for Native American communities.
“I really appreciate that we were recognized as one of those schools (for N7),” FLC freshman Tanisha Begay said. “The tribe we come from is who we represent. It plays a key factor in our communities, and overall it lets kids know they can play at a higher level.”
At halftime of Thursday’s games against Northern New Mexico, members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Red Sky Dancers performed, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe’s color guard performed a flag ceremony before each game.
First-year FLC athletic director Barney Hinkle was responsible for getting the Nike N7 program to Fort Lewis. The Skyhawks joined nine other schools participating in the program in Florida State, Haskell Indian Nations University, Marquette, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma State, Oral Roberts, San Diego State and Stanford.
“Not only are we are very excited about our men’s and women’s basketball programs, we are also thrilled to be part the Nike N7 Native American Heritage Month,” Hinkle said. “We have only known for one week that we are participating this year. We are really looking forward to all that we can tie in with for next year’s games.”
FLC has a longstanding partnership with Native American communities to provide a tuition waiver for native students. Four FLC women’s players Tanisha Begay, Briana Clah, Jordyn Lewis and Kayla Herrera have Native American heritage.
“We are extremely excited to be apart of the Nike N7 brand,” FLC men’s head coach Bob Pietrack said. “For over 100 years, Fort Lewis College has had a deep heritage of Native American tradition. We are truly honored to be part of a game that celebrates the Native American community.”
According to Nike, the N7 program has generated more than $4.6 million to support Native American and Aboriginal youth programs.
Herald sports writer Karl Schneider contributed to this report.
heraldsports@durangoherald.com
