Team Florida hoops solid effort at NAIG Sports by Kevin Johnson - July 31, 2017 TORONTO — Even before they stepped onto the basketball courts in Toronto for the North American Indigenous Games, Team Florida faced an uphill battle. The U19 boys, which deserve plenty of credit for being Florida’s only basketball entry in the Games, never had a full squad for practices leading up to
Young swimmers gain valuable experience Sports by Kevin Johnson - July 31, 2017July 31, 2017 TORONTO — The first competitive swimming event for Kimora Alex and Talena Holata won’t be one the pair of 11-year-old girls forget anytime soon. Big city, foreign country, international competition and a world class facility were on the agenda. Their debut swimming with opponents in the pool for the first time came
Thomas, Billie lead Team Florida archery at NAIG Sports by Kevin Johnson - July 31, 2017 ANCASTER, Ontario — Conner Thomas isn’t the type of teenage athlete who seeks the spotlight – he’s too humble for that – but the Moore Haven High School junior from Brighton couldn’t help but be the center of attention thanks to the way he dominated archery at the North American Indigenous
Sharp-shooting Eecho Billie wins two gold medals Sports by Kevin Johnson - July 31, 2017 COOKSTOWN, Ontario — As he waited for his son to receive two gold medals during a ceremony on a sprawling open lawn at Toronto’s York University, James E. Billie reflected on the path that helped make Santiago “Eecho” Billie a North American Indigenous Games champion in rifle shooting. “When he was
Sammy Micco Sanchez brings home more NAIG gold Sports by Kevin Johnson - July 31, 2017August 31, 2017 TORONTO — About 10 minutes after he won a grueling championship match in wrestling, Team Florida’s Sammy Micco Sanchez was still breathing heavily as fellow Seminoles congratulated the two-time gold medal champion. After breezing through two victories on the first day of competition, Sammy needed every ounce of his 192-pound frame
Jenna Billie right at home with Mensa gathering Education by Kevin Johnson - July 31, 2017 HOLLYWOOD — What is the capital of Wisconsin? Stumped? Jenna Billie wasn’t. Even though she is only 5 years old, Jenna can name all 50 state capitals without much hesitation. The daughter of Jennifer and Jonah Billie from Hollywood knows a lot more than just the capitals, too. Jenna’s high intelligence
Seminoles strike NAIG gold in Canada Sports by Kevin Johnson - July 30, 2017August 31, 2017 TORONTO — As thousands of athletes filled up most of Aviva Centre, Team Florida’s Seminole colors appeared to be only a speck among the colorful, flag-waving masses that surrounded them. Compared to squads such as Team Ontario, Team British Columbia and Team Wisconsin – which brought hundreds of competitors
Howard Tiger legacy continues with annual basketball tournament Sports by Kevin Johnson - June 30, 2017 HOLLYWOOD — Mike Tiger sat at the scorer’s table watching the basketball tournament that is annually played in his father’s memory and for the past few years has been held in the building that bears his dad’s name. “Hollywood versus Lady Seminoles. Cheer for your team,” Tiger said to the crowd
Okeechobee teams advance to softball state tournament Sports by Kevin Johnson - June 30, 2017 Two Okeechobee Citizens Recreation Association youth softball teams with Seminole players will be vying for state championships in July. Okeechobee’s Darlings 8 and under team, which features Seminoles Serenity Billie, Waniya Fortner, Alyssa Madrigal, Joleyne Nunez and coach Daniel Nunez Sr., won their age division in June at the district tournament
Sammy Micco Sanchez uses FSU, OSU camps to prepare for season Sports by Kevin Johnson - June 30, 2017July 5, 2017 HOLLYWOOD — Sammy Micco Sanchez has been doing what needs to be done to increase his football profile. The Fort Gibson (Okla.) High School standout, who is entering his senior year, attended football camps hosted by two colleges he would like to suit up for on autumn Saturdays. The first stop