Building Warriors Camp Attracts Players, Coaches

Four very successful Montana coaches highlighted the Building Warriors On and Off The Court basketball clinic and camp held at the Thundering Buffalo Wellness Center in Poplar for four days last week.

Coaches featured included Josh Stewart, Kevin Morales and Gordon Real Bird who have combined to win 12 state basketball championships during their tenures. Also providing information as a presenter was Lindsay Mahoney, through the Office of Public Instruction, as she offered continuing education units to attending educators. The program was sponsored by Fort Peck Tribal Health.

Tatum Evenson, one of the event’s organizers, said the presenters stressed the “Warrior Mindset.” Students were urged to go back to the old ways and become tougher physically and mentally.

“Like the Warriors of old, ready to go to battle,” Evenson said. “The coaches’ knowledge was great.”

Morning sessions featured coaches speaking to fellow coaches and students. The afternoon sessions was time for players to take the courts for drills and games. The Fort Peck Diabetes Prevention Program provided breakfasts, lunches and snacks.

Evenson said the message of being a good person and community member was stressed. “That’s part of being a good warrior,” Evenson said.

About 90 students attended the camp from throughout the reservation including Frazer, Wolf Point, Poplar and Brockton.

Patricia Payne, one of the event’s volunteers, explained that basketball is important as a positive for families, tribes and communities.

Payne said a national study reports that 86 percent of teens between 14-19 battle mental health issues and that’s a national crisis.

She was pleased that presentations included topics such as traditional warriors and modern day warriors in order to provide positive support.