Press Release: Wings Relaxes Assistance Standards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             Contact: Daan Haven, Wings of America

October 18, 2022                                                               Phone: (928) 349-7221

                                                                                                 Email: daan@wingsofamerica.org

Wings Relaxes Assistance Standards

Organization wants to help more Native runners attend regional meets.

Wings of America is changing the times high school Native runners need to run during the regular cross-country season to qualify for assistance to attend regional championship meets. In addition to being enrolled in a federally or state-recognized Indian Tribe, competitors hoping to make the 2023 Wings National Team must run a seedtime at a Nike Cross or Champs Sports (Formerly “Eastbay” and “Footlocker”) regional race to be considered for the all-star squad. Those with the fastest times at the regional meets will be invited to run with Wings at the 2023 USA Cross Country Championships in Richmond, VA on January 21, 2023.

“One of our major goals in recruiting for the National Team is to encourage young runners to step out of their comfort zone and compete in bigger races”, says Executive Director, Dustin Martin. “Now that we’re more than half-way through the regular season, we took a broad look at recent results from around Indian Country and saw only a handful of runners that have run times fast enough to receive race registration and travel assistance from Wings. So we are pro-actively altering the standards with hope that we can help more families get their athletes to the regional meets.”

The amended qualifying times are:

Men’s qualifying time (3-mile and longer courses): 17:40

Women’s qualifying time (3-mile and longer courses): 21:30

The updated qualifying times are each 15-seconds slower than before. Those wishing to apply for assistance to attend a regional qualifying race must complete the free Wings National Team Application available at: www.wingsofamerica.org/2023wingsteam/              

Completing the application will prompt Wings staff to verify the applicant’s 2022 season personal bests and make contact with them to collect information related to registration and travel assistance. Apart from paying for qualified runners’ race registration fees, Wings can provide one night of hotel for runners and their family members prior to the regional meet they wish to run.  The organization will also be providing transportation between Albuquerque and Phoenix for runners looking for a ride to and from the Nike Cross Southwest Regional meet on November 19th.

Runners that travelled with Wings to NXN SW in 2021 after their shakeout run at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, AZ

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For more information about Wings of America and the National Team, please contact the organization’s Program Director, Daan Haven, by phone at (928) 349-7221 or email at daan@wingsofamerica.org

A .pdf of the Press Release can be found below.

Tagged with: ,
Posted in Announcements / Miscellaneous Postings, USATF

Press Release: Wings Elite Program Aims to Foster World-Class Runners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    Contact: Dustin Martin, Wings of America

October 7, 2022                                        Phone: (505) 977 5057

                                                                        Email: dustin@wingsofamerica.org

Wings Elite Program Aims to Foster World-Class Runners

Native youth organization establishes high performance training center.

Former Wings National Team Member, Santiago Hardy (Diné) has been recruited as the first professional runner under the Wings Elite Program, establishing a first-of-its kind program for Native American sporting development. Three time Boston Marathon runner up and multiple American and world record-holder Patti Dillon (Mi’kmaq) has been tapped as the Head Coach.

Santiago Hardy takes flight while participating in the 2018 “Sacred Strides For Healing” prayer relay for Bears Ears on a section of the “Navajo Route” between Chinle and Rock Point, AZ

“Decades ago, the dream was sown in my heart of seeing our Native heritage represented once again on Olympic teams,” comments Patti. “It is now beginning to take root in the Wings Elite Program.  I am excited, and honored, to work with these young athletes and foster their ability to become world-class competitors and the standard bearers of our cultures for the future.”

In May of 2021, Wings of America purchased a unique building near the mouth of Tijeras Canyon. Apart from serving as an office for program staff, the lodge-like structure held potential to become a comfortable home for elite-level runners in a city known for honing endurance athletes. After nearly 35-years of sponsoring the fastest “prep” students from Tribal communities across the United States, the organization is now ready to nurture the dreams of promising Native runners ready to turn pro.

“Native runners have to look too far in the past for examples of world champions like Patti and Billy Mills. Despite having strong cultural ties to running, our communities haven’t been able to produce many other globally relevant runners because of limited resources,” says Wings Executive Director Dustin Martin. “We have taken a big first step toward rectifying that lack of investment with hope that it will elevate the sport in our communities and celebrate role models that pass their light to others.”

Although Patti was more eager than anyone to get the project started, runners under her direction can expect long, controlled “build ups” as they prepare their body, mind and spirit to go stride for stride with the best in the world.

“Running under the care of Wings after college was an opportunity that seemed too good to be true- but now it’s here and I’m committed to the process”, states Santiago. “It is refreshing to have a female coach, and I appreciate the way Patti is challenging me to gradually adjust the way I approach life every day to become the best I can be.”

Santiago undergoes VO2 Max testing at the University of New Mexico’s exercise physiology lab.

Wings of America is working to sponsor more promising runners soon. But Elite Team hopefuls will also need to meet or better standards informed by the impressive performances of Native American harriers at colleges and world-qualifying events over the last four decades. “Although the organization created this opportunity to increase representation of Native competitors at the highest levels of running, we recognize and appreciate those that had to tow that line without our support,” says Dustin Martin. “We want to call them in to support the next generation and share their experiences to help others navigate the sometimes-treacherous waters of elite running.”

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Posted in Wings Elite Program News

2019 Wings Team

Wings is proud to announce the 16 athletes that will travel to Tallahassee, FL in February to race in the “Junior” race at the 2019 USATF Cross Country Championships. 7 men, 7 women, and and alternate for each team:

The 2019 Wings National Team (ordered alphabetically)

(Name, High School, Grade, Hometown, Tribal Affiliation(s), Qualifying Mark(s), Qualifying Race(s))

*Denotes runner that has made a previous Wings National Team

Men Women
Triston Charles, Piedra Vista HS, 11th, Farmington, NM, Diné, 15:59, NXR SW (Large School Open) *Chamique DuBoise, University of New Mexico, Freshman, Vanderwagen, NM, Diné, 18:42, NXR SW (Citizen’s Race)
Galvin Curley, Navajo Pine HS, 11th, Navajo, NM, Diné, 15:56, NXR SW (Small School Open) Rosalie Fish, Muckleshoot Tribal School, 12th, Bonney Lake, WA, Cowlitz, 18:53, NXR SW (Small School Open Race)
DeShawn Goodwin, Zuni HS, 11th, Zuni Pueblo, NM, Zuni, 15:52, NXR SW (Medium School Open II) *Alisia Honyumptewa, Chinle HS, 11th, Chinle, AZ, Diné, 19:17, NXR SW (Small School Race)
Jonathan Fragua, V. Sue Cleveland HS, 10th, Confederated Tribe of Warm Springs/Jemez, 16:04, NXR SW (Championship Race) ALTERNATE Reilly Deirdre McClanahan, Eldorado HS, 12th, Albuquerque, NM, Diné, 18:22, NXR SW (Championship Race)
*Bowen Martin, Page HS, 11th, Page, AZ, Diné, 16:09, NXR SW (Championship Race) Tiajhae Nez, Kirtland Central HS, 12th,  Kirtland, NM, Diné, 19:10, NXR SW (Large School Open) ALTERNATE
Michael Marshall, Navajo Pine HS, 11th, Navajo, NM, Diné, 14:48, NXR SW (Small School Open) *Precious Robinson, Pinon HS, 12th, Pinon, AZ, Diné, 17:57, NXR SW (Championship Race)
Ty McCray, Miyamura HS, 12th, Thoreau, NM, Diné, 15:52, NXR SW (Championship Race) *Jasmine Turtle-Morales, Eldorado HS, 10th, Albuquerque, NM, Cochiti/Mescalero Apache/Hopi, 17:56, NXR SW (Championship Race)
 *Steven “Lee” Nasewytewa, Desert Vista HS, Ahwatukee, AZ, 11th, Laveen, AZ, Gila River Pima, 16:00, NXR SW (Championship Race) *Ali Upshaw, St. Michael Indian School, 10th, Ft. Defiance, AZ, Diné, 19:24/19:27, FL West (Seeded Race)/NXR SW (Championship Race)

Notes on the qualifying process and times:

The Wings selection process relies on the dedication of student-athletes, coaches and parents beyond the regular cross country season. We would like to send a sincere thanks to all the families that rallied together to support their athletes into the winter. Because USA Cross Country Championship are not until February, our organization must know that prospective National Team members have what it takes to continue training and competing after the excitement of their state meet has worn off and their teammates have stopped training. We are immensely grateful for all the miles, time and money National Team hopefuls have devoted in recent weeks. Please be proud of your commitment.

Since its inception, the Wings National Team has existed to encourage young Native runners to test their talents on a larger stage. We are happy to see that this goal is now being achieved perhaps more through the selection process than through the National Team itself. With nearly 50 runners posting qualifying times at Nike Cross and Footlocker Regionals, we are confident that the future of Native distance running is bright. Each year the “cut-off” time to make the National Team seems to get a little bit faster. If you are eligible in years to come, we sincerely hope you will try again. It is no easy feat to make the team and all that try out deserve praise for testing their limits.

Transparency throughout the selection process is very important to Wings. By considering only qualifying race times as criteria for making the team, we believe we are setting the most fair and measurable standard for all National Team hopefuls. However, sometimes this can get a bit tricky when qualifiers run very similar times on different courses. In these cases, we rely on the input of experienced coaches, race directors, and the weather reports from race day to determine if one course is “faster” or “slower” than another. If you have any questions or concerns about why a time did not qualify you or your athlete for the National Team, please do not hesitate to contact Executive Director, Dustin Martin, with your inquiry (505) 977 5057.

Qualifying marks for all runners that registered to be considered for the team can be viewed below:

2019 Wings National Team Seedings (Public)

Qualifying Race Assistance:

Wings was honored to provide dozens of Native youth race registration and travel assistance so they could attend their regional qualifying race to run for a spot on the team. Each year, student-athletes take advantage of this opportunity based on their regular-season cross country times (sub-17:05 for boys and sub-21:00 for girls) and their academic success (no D’s).

Without a doubt, Wings provides the most support for runners in the southwest. From the Rio Grande Valley to Flagstaff, our staff picked up aspiring “rez runners” on their way to “the valley”. Please stay tuned to the Wings website to learn how you can take advantage of this assistance in the future.

Runners pose for a picture on their travel break and pre-meet shakeout run at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, AZ. Each of these young runners took advantage of Wings travel and race registration assistance to try-out for the Wings Team.

Special Congratulations:

Wings would like to extend special congratulations to Kashon Harrison for winning his second “seeded” race at the Footlocker West regional. Although Kashon has decided to forgo the opportunity to run on his 4th consecutive Wings Team, we wish him the best as he continues his training on the way to college. Coached by former Wings facilitator, Lenny Esson, Kashon joins a growing list of exceptional Wings runners that will have represented Indian Country at the Footlocker National XC Championships:

Becki Wells (1991,1992 Kinney)

Tim & Theo Martin (1992)

Brandon Leslie (1993, 1994)

Felicia Guliford (2001)

Julia Foster (2010)

Posted in USATF

A History of Native Runners Competing for the World Stage in Los Angeles…

For weeks now we in the running world have watched the excitement for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials grow across social media. But as a who’s who of American long-distance running finally convenes in Los Angles for tomorrow’s big race,  we’re happy to see support for the two Native runners toeing the line erupting from every corner of the “interREZ” . Craig Curley (Diné) and Linnabah Snyder (Diné) have been working hard for YEARS with a vision of tomorrow in the back of their minds. They deserve all the well-wishes and support they can get. Especially for Craig, a former Wings National Team member, we share Indian Country’s high hopes.

Craig Curley crosses the finish line first in 2:19.01 at the Columbus Marathon on  October, 21 2012 (Photo by Eamon Queeney)

Craig Curley crosses the finish line first in 2:19.01 at the Columbus Marathon on October, 21 2012 (Photo by Eamon Queeney)

But unlike the thousands of friends and family members currently voicing support for “their” competitor in tomorrow’s field of 455 (men & women), those pulling for Craig and Linnabah are rooting for more than just a runner. They’re rooting for a legacy of success and the idea that Native athletes deserve spots in competitions with the best in the world. Encouraged by the memory of Olympic performances by Billy Mills and Lewis Tewanima, Native people who line tomorrow’s course or tune in to a live-stream to catch a glimpse of Craig or Linnabah will be cheering for Native America, in general. Because if any “tradition” pervasive across Indian Country has the ability to show the outside world Native people are alive and well, it’s running.

With this in mind, we not only wanted to take the time to remind Craig and Linnabah how proud of them we are, but also educate those paying special attention to running right now about the storied history of Native marathon runners in Los Angeles. As they stride through the streets of the City of Angels tomorrow morning, runners will follow in the footsteps of Native champions before them:

Though they were contemporaries of Lewis Tewanima, you hear the names of  Hopi runners Philip Zeyouma and Guy Maktima much less-often. But as representative of Sherman Indian School, the pair shocked the field of the Los Angeles Times Modified Marathon (12 miles) in 1912. By winning, Zeyouma selected himself as the “western candidate” to represent the U.S. in the Olympic Marathon in Stockholm later that year. But as Hopi scholar and professor Matt Sakiestewa-Gilbert explains in his 2010 American Quarterly article “Hopi Footraces and American Marathons, 1912-1930”, Zeyouma’s victory may have been more-significant because it, “challenged white American perceptions of modernity and placed him in a context that had national and international dimensions” (pg. 78).

Philip Zeyouma at the 1912 Los Angeles Times Modified Marathon. Zeyouma is wearing a shirt that depicts the flying snake of the Hopi. Photograph courtesy of the Sherman Indian Museum, Riverside, California. Accessed on "BEYOND THE MESAS" 2.12.2016

Philip Zeyouma at the 1912 Los Angeles Times
Modified Marathon. Zeyouma is wearing a
shirt that depicts the flying snake of the Hopi.
Photograph courtesy of the Sherman Indian
Museum, Riverside, California. Accessed on “BEYOND THE MESAS” 2.12.2016

In the end, Tewanima was the only Hopi to compete in the 1912 Olympic Marathon. Zeyouma went back to The Rez for the summer at his father’s request (Sakiestewa-Gilbert, pg. 87). Interestingly enough, we continue to see this tension between “new ways” of competitive running and “old ways” of work “back home”. Many of you probably know by now that Craig Curley was forbidden to go out for the cross country team when he first developed an interest for the sport. Fortunately the conflict didn’t last so long that it discouraged our talented brother from competing altogether…

Once more in June of 1929, a Hopi representative from Sherman Indian School managed to steal the spotlight in the Los Angeles Times pre-Olympic marathon. Though two other Hopi runners, Franklin Suhu and Howard Tsemptewa, helped out in the beginning of the race, nineteen-year-old Harry Chaca of  Polacca eventually wore down the 1927 Boston Marathon winner, Clarence “Melrose Marvel” De Mar, to break the tape (Sakiestewa-Gilbert, pg. 90). A mob of excited spectators waited to congratulate a Native runner who was seen as little more than a member of an inferior race by the same crowd before the gun went off. Later that year, the famed Japanese marathoner Yoshikiyo Sudsuki travelled to Vallejo, CA specifically to race Chaca. Thus, similar to Tewanima and Zeyouma before him, Chaca “became a representative of the United States, and the marathon became a contest between American nationalism and Japanese imperialism” (Sakiestewa-Gilbert, pg. 92).

So rather than be bombarded by click-bait for discounted running shoes while reading about Craig of Linnabah on another site, we once again encourage any readers that made it this far to read Sakiestewa-Gilbert’s “Hopi Footraces and American Marathons, 1912-1930” in full (click title). You may also want to check out his blog, Beyond The Mesas, for even more well-researched information about Native running luminaries. Not only will you gain further insight into what drives that burning pride we Natives feel for talented runners from our communities, but you might also understand more about how important it is that Native competitors are still representing Indian Country on such an elite level as the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. As more and more professional runners turn to specially-formulated recovery drinks and access to underwater treadmills to keep up with their peers, these blue-collar athletes from “back home” help remind us why we’re proud to be Native. Perhaps it will also get at least a few of you thinking about how we can better support Native distance runners in Olympic qualifying years to come. Somebody’s gotta step up to protect Billy Mill’s legacy in Tokyo come 2020…

 

Posted in WINGS SUMMER 2012

Another Big T Win: Reflections After 4 years as Wings Program Director

Last Saturday I won my fourth race up and down the Aspen Vista trail above Santa Fe. Though I am certainly proud of my reign as “Big Tesuque” champ, the first weekend in October will always be special to me for reasons other than the prospect of free shoes (The Big T Prize) and bragging rights. In my mind, October will always mark the start of a New Year for Wings.

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Photo: Max Mujynya

My first day as Wings’ program director was October 3, 2011. To make that start-date, I drove three days straight from New York City. I was somewhere in West Virginia the morning of Big T (10/1/11).  My dear friend (and then-colleague), Delight Talawepi, filled me in on what I missed first thing Monday morning. I was sad to have missed such a perfect opportunity to bask in my favorite things: running, mountains and Fall. I silently set my sights on winning the race in 2012.

For the next year I mostly forgot about my goal as I immersed my self in all things Wings. The learning curve for leading the organization was steeper than any hill I’d ever run and I immediately had to begin researching and recruiting the best Native high-school-aged runners in the U.S.. Soon after ushering the Wings National Team to St. Louis to compete at USA Cross Country championships, I became “the boss” of nearly 20 facilitators as they travelled around Indian Country coordinating running camps for other Native youth. All the while, I juggled other new responsibilities like fund raising, grant writing and program development. Though many Wings collaborators were surprised by the new bright-eyed and bushy-tailed 23-year-old  program director that first year, I never let my inexperience or age discourage me. I used running to help guide me through the challenge.

By early fall of 2012 I had my first year of summer programs under my belt and felt assured that I had not betrayed the Board of Directors’ vote of confidence. But was I still fast? Sure I could still train with our National Team Members and run around playing games all day at Running & Fitness Camps- but what would happen in a race against people my age? As I toed the line on October 6th, 2012, I remember feeling unsure. Unsure of the course ahead of me. Unsure of my fitness level. Unsure of how hard I was willing to push my self up a 6-mile hill.

Lucky for me, the previous years’ champ, Bernard Langat, did not return to defend his title and I won the race by two minutes in 1:24:22. I knew it wasn’t the fastest time in the history of the race but I was proud to have represented Wings so well- especially because the race proceeds were to be donated to the organization.

For the next two wins my Big T times got consistently faster. I mostly attribute this improvement to the fact that I had more time to focus on training through busy summers as I became more comfortable as program director. Those extra miles came in handy when I had Logan Ott biting at my heels for the majority of the race in 2014. Anyone can win a race after they drop their competitors within two miles of a 12-mile race. But it takes real will power to stay ahead of someone chasing (and periodically passing) you for 10 miles.

After crossing the finish line last Saturday the first thing I felt was frustration upon learning that I had not improved my time. The prima-donna race version of my self reared its ugly head and I paced around catching my breath and cursing my lazy legs. Rather than milling about to hear what I felt to be undeserved “congratulations”, I decided to run back up the trail to cool down. A few spectators made cheeky comments like, “Already getting ready for next year, huh?” and, “The finish line is back that way”.  I was suddenly too busy enjoying the perfect Fall morning to pay attention to their cajoling. Unlike my first time ascending the road that day I was running- not racing. More importantly, I was having fun.

I often get questions from runners and/or parents looking for tips on how to foster endurance and speed. It’s easy for me to give long-winded advice that includes obnoxiously specialized terms like “base mileage”, “fartleks” and “lactate threshold”.  But more often than ever, I now encourage runners to “keep it fun”. Unfortunately, this was something I forgot how to do in college when running was my “ticket”. With the help of nagging injuries and teammates infatuated with PR’s, I lost sight of the fact that running was supposed to be something to enjoy. A gift from The Creator.

I’m sad to admit that before and during the race on Saturday I mostly forgot my own advice. As I careened down the road from Tesuque Peak I became consumed with the footing in front of me and moving my legs faster. I didn’t have time to let the stunning landscape above and below me interrupt my mad dash to the finish. I was focused only on capturing another title and running faster than the year before.

Fortunately my cool down provided the wake up call I needed to enjoy the day for what it was- quality time with family, friends and nature. The cool air on my chest and the smiles of other runners as they flew by reawakened the hopeful and easy-come-easy-go dimension of my spirit that had been sedated by my desire to win. As I begin my fifth year at the Wings helm, I must do my best to keep “keep it fun”- and not just when I’m helping lead Running & Fitness Camps or workouts for our National Team. Even the slow days in the office and the planning meetings can offer opportunities to get collaborators excited. So if any of you out there catch me in one of my win/time-obsessed moods, remind me that winning (or “expansion”, or “improvement”) is not the be-all and end-all. Perhaps then I’ll still be able to enjoy the day a worthy competitor ends my Big T win streak. Because it’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN. And when that happens, I’d like to at least be able to set an example for other hard-working competitors of what it looks like to have fun.

Thanks,

-Dustin

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Photo: Max Mujynya

 

Posted in 2015

2015 Coaches’ Clinic Schedule is Complete

Curtis Beach Photo

Curtis Beach stride for stride with Olympic gold medalist, Ashton Eaton

Wings just received confirmation from the last of our guest speakers for the 2105 “Indian Running” Coaches Clinic. Ryan Bolton of the Santa Fe-based Harambee Project will be offering attendees insights into how he managed to coach an athlete like Caroline Rotich to a win at the Boston Marathon this year! How cool is that? If we’re lucky, Caroline will also join us to share a bit of her story…

Once again, registration is limited and only $75.00. This “tuition” includes a Wings t-shirt, all clinic presentations and materials and three meals (Thurs- Dinner, Fri & Sat- Lunch). Registration information can be found on the Wings website HERE.

Pat Tyson Image

Pat Tyson (lower left), Steve Prefontaine and the 1971 NCAA Champion Oregon Ducks

Aside from Ryan we have other stellar speakers in the line-up that will increase attendees knowledge about everything from the history of Santa Fe as a part of Tesuque Pueblo to VO2Max. Please click on any of the hyperlinked names of the presenters in the schedule posted below to learn a little bit more about who they are and what they’re about.

Thursday, June 4th

5:30-6:00PM- Opening Comments/Introductions/Prayer

6:00-6:45PM- *Dinner is served (BBQ)

6:45-7:30PM- Gil Vigil– Executive Director, Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council, Inc.

“Tesuque runners and the foundations of Santa Fe”

Friday, June 5th

6:30AM- Meet for group run (IAIA Dance Circle)

8:30-9:30AM- **Breakfast available at IAIA cafeteria

9:45-10:20AM- Dustin Martin– Program Director, Wings of America

“Why are we here? Wings programs and you”

10:30-11:40AM- Roxanne Swentzell– Artist; Wings Board Member;

Founder, The Flowering Tree Institute

Tiffany Calabaza– Office Manger, Wings of America

“Rethinking Diet: Eating clean for health and wellness”

11:45-12:10PM-Group Stretch (IAIA Dance Circle)

12:15-1:00PM-Curtis Beach– Decathlete; New Mexico Track & Field luminary

“Training for the world stage”

1:00-1:45PM- *LUNCH

2:00-3:10PM- John Stokes– Founder, The Tracking Project;

“Indigenous tracking techniques and traditional fitness”

3:20-4:30PM- Lorenzo Jim– Practitioner of Diné medicine;

Behavioral Health Professional

“Reconciling differences between ‘culture based’ and ‘evidence based’    concepts of health and wellness”

4:30-5:30PM- RECESS (Afternoon Exercise Break)

5:30-7:00PM- Facilitator workshops (Clinic attendees are welcome to attend)

7:00-8:00PM- **Dinner available at IAIA cafeteria

PLEASE NOTE: *meal included with tuition  **optional meal (additional $)

Saturday, June 6th

6:30AM- Meet for group run (IAIA Dance Circle)

Morning prayer and introduction by Lorenzo Jim

8:30-9:30AM- **Breakfast available at IAIA cafeteria

9:45-10:00AM- Opening Comments by Dustin Martin

10:00-11:15AM- Jason Karp, PhD– Owner/Founder, Run-Fit.com;

Exercise Physiologist & Author;

2013 World Maccabiah Games silver medal winner

“A lifetime of passion for running better”

11:15-12:30PM- Scott Simmons– Coach, The American Distance Project

“Crucial running workouts for elite-level readiness”

12:30-1:15PM- LUNCH

1:30-2:30PM- Pat Tyson– Coach, Gonzaga University

“A lifetime of running and coaching”

2:40-3:20PM- Abdominal & hip strengthening for runners workshop

3:30-4:30PM- Ryan Bolton– Coach, The Harambee Project

“Coaching international athletes for the world stage in New Mexico”

 

 

Posted in WINGS SUMMER 2012

Register for the 2015 Wings Coaches’ Clinic: June 4th-6th

2015_Coaches_Clinic_Flyer w-scheduleIn just one month, student-athletes from all over the U.S. will convene at the Institute for American Indian Arts in Santa Fe to participate in the 17th annual “Indian Running” Coaches’ Clinic. As in years past, this 3-day forum will function as the first part of job training for the young men and women who will serve as facilitators for Wings’ summer Running & Fitness camps from early June until early August. With speakers presenting on everything from Native running history to the benefits of anaerobic workouts for endurance athletes, Wings organizes this conference-style event with hopes of giving student-athletes the inspiration and knowledge they need to become better athletes, mentors, community members and coaches.

A limited number of spots are available each year for interested community members and area coaches. “Tuition” is only $75.00 and includes all clinic presentations and materials, a Wings t-shirt and a meal on each of the three days. Please join us for what is sure to be an enlightening and inspiring few days for anyone interested in the sport of running. Download the official clinic flyer and schedule below and visit the Wings website to register.

2015 Wings Clinic Schedule (Document)

2015 Wings Clinic Flyer (.pdf)

Posted in WINGS SUMMER 2012

Call For Applicants: Summer R&F Facilitators (Pueblo/Navajo Regions)

Once again, Wings is busy planning for a still-growing series of summer Running & Fitness Camps. These two-day workshops are designed to promote healthy lifestyle choices among American Indian youth, ages 6-18 years old. Held at schools and community centers, these fun-filled day camps offer running-specific instruction/activities and Native-tailored field and ball games. Camp facilitators are also trained to deliver information to participants about healthy eating, type-II diabetes, and Native American running history.

Do you have what it takes to be a facilitator/assistant facilitator in either the Pueblo or Navajo region??? Wings is now looking to fill positions for facilitator teams that will be based in the following regions:

1. Albuquerque, NM (Pueblo Region Camps) (10 positions) happysnackers

2. Gallup, NM (Navajo Nation Camps) (6 positions)

3. Chinle, AZ (Navajo Nation Camps) (6 positions)

4. Shiprock, AZ (Navajo Nation Camps) (6 positions)

The best facilitator/assistant facilitator candidates are young, energetic, hard working, athletic, well spoken and passionate about positively impacting the health and wellness of Native youth. If hired, you will be required to attend the Wings Indian Running Coaches’ Clinic and Leadership Training June 4th-9th in Santa Fe, NM. Unless otherwise specified, summer employees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the training session. Camps begin June 11th and end the last week in July. All employees must be age 16 or older.

***Note: Though there is no “maximum” age for a Wings facilitator, preference is given to currently enrolled college and high-school-aged American Indian student-athletes***

If you want to share your passion for running and/or healthy living with young student-athletes this summer, a Wings facilitator job might be right for you. The “New Hire” application is available below. Please read through the application for more details on position descriptions, compensation and application submission. All applications are due Friday, May 8th- NO EXCEPTIONS. However, submitting an application before the deadline may increase your chances of being hired. Please contact program director, Dustin Martin, with any questions you may have about Wings summer camps or the job of a facilitator: dustin@wingsofamerica.org

Click to the right for the: 2015 Summer Facilitator Application

Application Addenda: 2015 W-4 FORM 

2015 I-9 FORM

 

 

Posted in WINGS SUMMER 2012

Announcing the 2015 Wings National Team

After an exciting few weeks of post-season regional competition, Wings has finally selected our elite squad for USA Cross Country Championships. Without a doubt this has been the most-difficult national squad to make in recent memory (both men’s and women’s teams). Though eligible runners posted qualifying times at 6 different regional races around the country, competitors at the NXN southwest regional were definitively faster. These young men and women will train through the holidays and suit up to go toe to toe with other Junior Team USA hopefuls in Boulder, CO:

Junior Women:

(Name, High School, Grade, City; Qualifying Time)

  1. Daangoiina Haven, Ganado HS, 11th, Ganado, AZ; 18:26
  2. Chamique Duboise, Window Rock HS, 10th, Ft. Defiance, AZ: 18:35
  3. Annoesika Laughlin, Navajo Pine HS, 10th, Navajo, NM: 18:58
  4. Esther Beck, Eldorado HS, 9th, Albuquerque, NM: 19:00
  5. Courtney Lewis, Flagstaff HS, 11th, Flagstaff, AZ: 19:04
  6. Nikesha Eagleman, Ganado HS, 11th, Ganado, AZ: 19:10
  7. Sierra Deleware, Rio Rancho HS, 9th, Rio Rancho, NM: 19:19

Junior Men:

(Name, High School, Grade, City; Qualifying Time)

  1. Niles Thomas, Miyamura HS, 11th, Gallup, NM; 15:13
  2. Jordan Lesansee, Albuquerque Academy, 10th, Albuquerque, NM; 15:27
  3. Anthony Masayesva, Central Arizona College, College Frosh, Coolidge, AZ; 15:48
  4. Adriano Joe, Piñon HS, 10th, Piñon, AZ; 15:53
  5. Timberlin Henderson, Western State CU, College Frosh, Gunnison, CO; 16:03
  6. Shawvan Levi, Shiprock HS, 12th, Shiprock, NM; 16:03
  7. Tre’ Riley, Zuni HS, 12th, Zuni Pueblo, NM; 16:07

Qualifying times for all eligible runners can be downloaded HERE

For more information about this years’ regional qualifying races and the selection criteria, please click HERE. Lookout for a special report on our National Team members by Oree Foster in this week’s Navajo Times.

 

Posted in USATF, USATF 2015

Pojoaque Crossroads moved to Saturday, 10/25

Wings has just learned that the Pojoaque Pueblo Crossroads 5K has been moved from 10/31 to THIS SATURDAY 10/25 @ 5:30pm at the Pojoaque Wellness Center. See the attached flyer for more details. Also, see the attached list of those participants with 3 Crossroads events attended HERE. You can still earn a Crossroads t-shirt through the Wings incentive program by attending Saturday’s event. For your reference, the list also includes participants who have already attended enough events to earn an incentive. Please contact Wings program director, Dustin Martin (dustin@wingsofamerica.org) if your attendance record at Crossroads events seems incorrect according to our list.

Pojoaque Crossroads Flyer

 

Posted in OUTREACH PROGRAMS / ORGANIZATIONS