UARK hosts Stickball Tournament

The Native American Student Association (NASA) of the University of Arkansas held its 2nd annual UARK Choctaw Stickball Tournament and Shootout on April 27 on the UA campus. It has grown quickly and was the 3rd Stickball tournament of the year! The 15 v 15 tournament was well attended, having six teams from Oklahoma and two teams from Mississippi.

The referee crew was a mix of Mississippi and Oklahoma refs (Glen Billie, Sam John, Rodney Ana, BJ Frogg and Tim Comby).

The MBCI announcers, Jon Denson and Jeremy Bell were even present to call the games! Mark D Williams of Digital Feather Media videoed the game and events.

The weather was almost perfect, and there were many spectators throughout the day. It was truly an outstanding day for all involved!

The winning team, Chahta Warriors, was made up of players from mostly the Durant,Broken Bow and Ada area (with a few players from Mississippi).

The Shootout winner was Alonso Henry from Bok Chito, Mississippi. The two MVPs of the tournament were Brias Bell from Bok Chito, Mississippi and Jay Pajaro from McAlester, Oklahoma.

NASA members who played in the tournament included Misty Goings, Brayden Bird, Carly Keats, tournament organizer, and director Hayes Murphy. Carly Keats is a member of the MBCI and is also one of the star players for the University of Arkansas’s Women’s Basketball team.

Carly also presented the awards on behalf of NASA and the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.
Many people from the CNO and the MBCI helped make the tournament possible, and a special shoutout out to Dewayne Hornbuckle for helping organize this year’s (and last year’s) tournament!

Plans and preparations are already being made for next year’s UARK Choctaw Stickball Tournament and Shootout! If you or your team are interested in being a part of our fun and growing tournament next year, contact Hayes Murphy, Carly Keats or any University of Arkansas NASA member,” said J. Mark Drummonds.