Sports
Idaho Falls Chukars conduct clinic for Summer Recreation youth
A Chukars player shows pitching technique to Summer Recreation youth.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Idaho Falls Chukars hosted a clinic for Fort Hall Recreation participants on Friday, July 12. The Chukars are a minor league baseball affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and are based in Idaho Falls.
Chukars pitchers Derrick Adams and Brady Cox, along with the Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations Greg Mroz visited for Fort Hall to teach the kids the basics of the game in hopes they’ll find a love for the game, as well.
The event started with stretches and followed with baseball exercises showing the kids how to run bases and pitching techniques. The players also took time to explain the many rules of the game to Recreation participants.
Mroz said the team is not far from the reservation and they wanted to come and give a little bit back to the community and show them what wonderful things baseball has to offer.
The Chukars started off 13-1, with three walk off wins at home. They hit a little bit of a skid and are now sitting 14-9 overall. They have 14 games left to go and a chance to make the playoffs.
Mroz sais Derrick Adams is in his first pro year and he’s been pitching lights out and Brady Cox is a former catcher who converted to a pitcher and has been pretty effective during games.
“It’s going to be a race to the finish in the first half,” he said. He explained in minor league baseball they do split decision first half, and if you win that you’re feeling pretty good the rest of the year.
Mroz said it’s cool to know the reservations have their own teams and they’re competing against the kids in Pocatello, Blackfoot and Chubbuck and all the different towns around here.
“The fact that the reservation has their own teams I think is pretty awesome.”
The Chukars invited Recreation to come to their July 16 game against the Orem Owls.
“It’s going to be really cool to have them all come out and experience Chukars baseball for themselves,” he said. “A pro baseball game is something I think everyone should experience.”
Battle of Blackfoot second place
Bannock Brawlers All Star team took second place in the Battle of Blackfoot. Local boys playing on the team, from left: Coach Akuna, Wrendon Osborne, Tanner Tohtsoni, Dontay Jay, Trayson Bagley and Dominque Buckskin.
Award sponsors sought for NIAA Nationals basketball tournament
NIAA Nationals logo.
FORT HALL — The Fort Hall NIAA Basketball Tournament has been very busy working on this year’s tournament.
The tournament is not for money but for respect.
Since the conception of the National Indian Basketball Tournament the purpose has always been to recognize the best Indian teams throughout Indian Country. There is only one National Indian Basketball Tournament hosted each year.
Traditionally the tournament has been moved each year throughout Indian Country. Unfortunately it has resulted in the tournament being hosted in cities such as Sacramento and Reno. The teams that play in the Nationals are often mostly from the local areas in these tournaments. They have not been a true representation of Indian Country basketball. It is the fourth year Fort Hall is hosting the Nationals tournament. The competition level is outstanding and competitive. The tournament is for the people to enjoy seeing the best Indian ball players in Indian Country.
Last year there were over 48 players who were playing college basketball or had played college basketball from Division One Jr. College, Tribal College and Indian colleges like Haskell. The competition in this year’s tournament is outstanding. Two of the four placing teams in the men’s bracket back: Yellow Horse — they have been in the finals of two of the past three years and Yakima Outlaws.
In the women’s bracket the top three placing teams with the fourth place spot Haskell being replaced by the NW Elite.
The Schimmel sisters Shoni and Jude, along with Milan Schimmel, and DI all-time 3-point shooter Abby Scott from Warm Springs are coming back.
This year’s tournament has teams from 12 states including Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, Washington, Kansas, Wyoming and New York.
There are over 70 players playing college basketball now or have in the past. There are five players who have played in the WNBA or overseas. The committee has gone all out to present a program that will include some half time entertainment recognition awards, and 3-point shootout for both men and women.
The committee greatly appreciates all the people who have called and volunteered to help with the doors, clocks, score table and registration. More help is still needed and can be contacted through April Smith at 208-317-8796, Merle Smith at 208-380-3321 or Morning Rose Tobey at 775-223-9783.
If you or your family would like to sponsor an award in honor of a family or friend please contact one of the above names.
The tournament welcomes all community help and participation. It’s the community that truly makes the tournament.
Awards for 2019
Men’s & Women’s Champions: 10 fully embroidered hooded jackets, $100 each.
2nd place: custom zip-up jackets by Red Feather Legacy, 10 men, 10 women, $45 each.
3rd place: custom hoodies by Red Feather Legacy, 10 men, 10 women, $35 each.
4th place: 1/4 zip-up pullover, 10 men, 10 women, $15.50 each.
All Star: shorts and pullover, 10 men, 10 women, $60 each.
MVP Men & Women: star quilts, $200 each.
Mr. Hustle & Ms. Hustle: embroidered jackets, $65 each.
3-point Men & Women: champion bags, $100 each plus $150 cash.
Championship trophy: 2, $150 each.
Recreation News
Little League football sign ups
Fort Hall Warrior sign ups for the fourth and fifth grade team, along with the sixth and seventh grade team are in the Recreation Office.
Summer Recreation
Friday activities: On July 19 is the Talent Show and the Rez Dog contest. July 26 is the Tautphaus Park Zoo in Idaho Falls. August 2 is swimming on the Bottoms, along with football and basketball camps.
Summer basketball league
Summer basketball league games are on Monday and Tuesday at 6 p.m. Four player teams and must have one female.
Timbee Hall hours
Timbee Hall is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The gym closes at 3 p.m. For more information please call 208-478-3770, 3775 or 3776.
