Sports heroes recognized

Page 4

Too often when we think of heroes or historical figures, we look outside our own communities and families. In Saskatchewan, however the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is encouraging First Nations citizens to remember, honor, and pay respect to some of our own sports heroes. On Thursday, July 4, five First Nations athletes were inducted into the Saskatchewan First Nations Sports Hall of Fame.

Paul Acoose, Man Standing Above Ground, (Of the Sakimay Reserve) grew out of a family that was honored and respected for their prowess as runners. Paul turned professional in 1909 and in a 15-mile race against English champion Fred Appleby he finished in world record time: 1:22:22. Paul is best remembered out west as the man who beat the Onondaga champion Tom Longboat on March 30, 1910.

Elex Wuttunee Decoteau of the Red Pheasant Reserve made his reputation in numerous races throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan. In 1909, Alex set a Western Canadian record in a five-mile race and in 1910 emerged victorious in the Alberta Provincial Championships in Lethbridge, in the five, two, one, and half-mile races. Later in Montreal, as the champion in the 5,000 metre race, Alex became the only Saskatchewan or Alberta athlete to qualify for the 1912 Olympic games in Stockholm.

Art Obey grew up on the Piapot Reserve. Among his many outstanding athletic accomplishments, Obey was a distinguished baseball pitcher who played for Notre Dame Hounds, Balcarres Braves and the Fort Qu'Appelle Sioux. He received the Tom Longboat Medal for the best Indian Athlete in Saskatchewan in 1951 and in 1960 for the best Indian Athlete in Canada.

Freddie Sasakamoose of Whitelake Reserve is perhaps best known for his years as a hockey player. From 1949 to 19543 Sasakamoose played with the Moose Jaw Canucks of the Western Canadian Junior Hockey League. He also played 11 games for the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1952-53 season and from 1954-1956.

David Greyeyes Steele of the Muskeg Lake Reserve competed in both hockey and softball and was also distinguished as an outstanding soccer player who was selected to the Saskatchewan All-Star team. In 1942, during the Second World War, he played soccer and was the Overseas Army Champion. After the war, he also played for the Canadian team in the Inter-Allied games and he represented Saskatchewan against the Newcastle United in 1949.