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EDITOR’S WELCOME
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or the first time ever, we present to you, the Sports’ issue. To narrow down our focus on outstanding Natives in sports such as boxers Kali “KO” Reis and Derek Hinkey, and the ladies of Haskell University, we decided to leave out all of the typical sections; style, art, etc. (With an exception to “Spring Breeze”, a spring fashion editorial by our talented photographer Ryan Young, because we need some sort of fashion!) This is a first in Native Max history, but these talented athletes deserve the spotlight! Reis traveled to Bermuda and brought back a championship along with the spirit of her people once held captive. Hinkey is a true warrior who’s making a statement in the world of boxing. And last but not least – the unstoppable Lady Indians. Exceeding expectations and limits, Jenine Coriz and the rest of the team are dominating the courts and proving that strong hearts and spirits should never be underestimated. As always, enjoy!
KELLY HOLMES FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KELLY HOLMES MANAGING EDITOR JOHNNIE SISNEROS MARKETING DIRECTORS MARCUS TSOSIE BECCA KIRK BEAUTY / FASHION CO-EDITORS CHELSEA CHEE KRYSTINA BIA HELEN ORO STAFF WRITERS GIA BOLTON, DARYL BEGAYE, NOEL ALTAHA, RYAN YOUNG, JOLONZO GOLDTOOTH, TYRELL BEGAY, ANTHONY BURRIS, EVERETT BAXTER PHOTOGRAPHERS RYAN YOUNG, TARA WESTON
CONTRIBUTORS RHONDA TREE-MANGAN, DEREK HINKEY, SKYE MANIKATERI, KALI REIS, LEONARDO TILLETT, RYAN YOUNG, SHANE FLANAGAN, ECHO KEO, LOIS STEVENS, JENINE CORIZ, KORTNEY MEAT, KELI WARRIOR, JENNAH WILLIAMS, TAHNEE STANDS, TINAYA MURPHY, HASKELL ATHLETICS,
NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE is published (starting June 1, 2014) six times per year by Native Max & Other Media Ventures, LLC. To obtain additional copies, please email info@nativemax.com. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. COPYRIGHT 2014, Native Max & Other Media Ventures, LLC. Published in Denver, Colorado, by Native Max & Other Media Ventures. NATIVE MAX & OTHER MEDIA VENTURES LLC CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONS, MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS. WHILE EVERY CARE IS TAKEN, PRICES AND DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND NATIVE MAX & OTHER MEDIA VENTURES LLC TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR OMISSIONS OR ERRORS. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO PUBLISH AND EDIT ANY CONTENT SUBMITTED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
CONTENTS
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24 8 FEATURES
8 LEADING LADIES OF LAWRENCE: THE HASKELL UNIVERSITY’S WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM 16 WHAT A KNOCKOUT: Q & A WITH KALI “KO” REIS 20 DEREK HINKEY: A TRUE WARRIOR
WOMENS STYLE 24 SPRING BREEZE
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SPORTS FEATURE
LEADING LADIES OF HASKELL From left to right: Sophomore Keli Warrior, Senior Jenine Coriz and Senior Tahnee Stands
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BY KELLY HOLMES INTERVIEW BY RHONDA TREE-MANGAN PHOTOS BY HASKELL ATHLETICS
THE LEADING LADIES OF LAWRENCE The day starts out early in Lawrence, Kansas; long before the sun comes out. Assistant coaches and Haskell alumni Lois Stevens and Echo Keo set up equipment so when the team arrives, they’re ready to stretch. At 6:00 on the dot, the assistant coaches lead the girls into weightlifting and conditioning. The rest of the day is a blur of classes, homework, meals and breaks; some naps for others. Besides schoolwork, the girls are required to attend 2-a-days; where two practices take place in one day. Evidently, the team sacrifices any free time they can find. Haskell’s head coach Shane Flanagan was a student-athlete himself; he knew all too well the intricate balance of school and basketball. Therefore, Flanagan constantly checked in on the girls’ academic standings and grades. “He’s a former college basketball player himself, so he has been through what I am going through,” explains senior star FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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16 SISTERS The whole Haskell Women’s basketball team of season 2014-2015, with team leader and captain Jenine Coriz in the middle.
Jenine Coriz. “He has a great understanding for the game.” The endless cycle of long, tiresome days soon pays off. This season, starters Coriz, Kortney Meat, Jennah Williams, Tahnee Stands, Tinaya Murphy and Keli Warrior, along with a great supportive cast, steamrolled through the start of the season knocking down familiar foes Southwestern College and Baker University. In addition, Haskell weathered the storm with a respectable 5 – 2 record in an exhausting 7 game road trip. Approaching the half season mark, the girls held Haskell’s school record, with 9 wins and 1 loss. The girls also won over attention by being mentioned in the NAIA Division II poll, a first in the university’s history. With Natives being underrepresented in almost every facet of mainstream society and media, it’s easy to overlook the accomplishments of Native women athletes. However, at this moment we have a Native women’s basketball team that is dominating the courts coming out of Lawrence, who are getting one step closer to the championship with each battle won. THE COACHES When Shane Flanagan, Taos Pueblo, stepped up to lead Haskell University’s women’s basketball team, he had quite the shoes to fill. His predecessor was Phil Homer10
atha. For those who don’t know, Homeratha was a highly revered and respected influential figure of both the university and surrounding community. Returning to his alma mater, Homeratha was an athletic director, teacher, and coach of almost every sport, and led the women’s team from 1995 to 2011. After forty years, Homeratha retired. However, the women’s basketball program was left in shambles. Assistant coach Lois Stevens, Oneida, played for Homeratha during her years at Haskell, and returned to make him proud. “We lost Coach Homeratha my senior year to cancer. Losing him shook my whole world; he was like a grandfather to me,” explains Stevens. “And I know he is smiling down on me now.” Flanagan is the son of coaching legend Don Flanagan, who was known for his extraordinary coaching at El Dorado High School and University of New Mexico. Don Flanagan led El Dorado’s girls’ basketball team to a ridiculous 401-13 record and 11 state titles in his sixteen years at the high school. Originally from Albuquerque, NM, Flanagan was a two-time all-state and three-time all-district and all-city at El Dorado. He continued a successful collegiate basketball career at Cuesta College from 1994 to 1995 and Boise State University from 1995 to 1998.
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Flanagan was determined to coach again after leaving University of New Mexico, where he was an assistant coach for five years. After discovering an open head coach position at Haskell, he was determined to help teach Native American women how to succeed in basketball. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to teach Native American women the game of basketball and to show them how to be successful through hard work and having a high self concept.” The girls right away took to Flanagan’s style of coaching, as he highly encouraged success in the classrooms alongside the court. This is Flanagan’s fourth season as head coach of the women’s team. At his sides are Assistant Coaches Stevens and Echo Keo, Sac and Fox, who both played for Haskell. Stevens’ parents and four siblings all attended Haskell, and even played on the basketball team. Stevens played all four years, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies. Upon graduating from Haskell, Stevens found it difficult to fully leave the university and the basketball team. “It becomes your home. The younger players become your family, and I wasn’t ready to leave them.” Stevens decided to stay and help with the team, while attending University of Kansas down the road. Keo played
alongside Stevens. At the time, the women’s team was lacking key players. Keo stepped up and played all positions, from a center to a point guard. During her stint at Haskell, Keo was considered a threat by a lot of schools. “Teams knew who I was and what I was capable of. It felt good knowing that other teams knew me.” Keo earned an Associate’s degree in Physical Education and a Bachelors degree in American Indian Studies. Like Stevens, Keo stuck around and assisted with the women’s basketball program. She wanted to make a positive impact in their lives and give them experience. “I wanted to show them what hard work does and how it pays off.” Keo constantly shares her
stories and goals she’s accomplished with the girls. THE STARTERS Kortney Meat, Cheyenne-Arapaho, was a young freshman playing varsity at Kingfisher High School in her hometown Kingfisher, OK. Meat was always looked upon as the leader of the team, and ended her high school career with appearances in the Little All-City team, OCA All-State and Indian All-State. After graduation, Meat was contacted by Coach Flanagan and met with an opportunity to continue playing ball at the next level. “To continue playing is what inspired me to attend Haskell.” Only two years into Haskell as a sophomore, and Meat is already known for lighting
up the game off the bench. Coach Flanagan often cites Meat’s role in the team’s win. Meat is currently studying Elementary Education and hopes to return to her hometown with her degree. Jenine Coriz, senior guard from Santa Fe, New Mexico, is Haskell’s secret weapon. Racking up almost twenty points a game, paired with her hard-to-control hustle, Coriz’s defense is as deadly as her offense. Coriz is Cochiti Pueblo and Santo Domingo Pueblo, who graduated from Santa Fe Indian School. Her basketball career started at a very young age. The only girl on a boys’ basketball team, Coriz played in youth leagues throughout her childhood. In just eighth grade,
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INFLUENTIAL COACHES Head coach Flanagan and assistant coaches Keo and Stevens encourage both on the court and in school.
Coriz earned a spot on the high school varsity team, where she continued to play up until she graduated. Coriz transferred from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM to Haskell. Coriz is currently studying for a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. However, Coriz admits her game has improved this year. “I have become a more explosive player and an accurate shooter.” Coriz also honed her leadership skills and stepped up as a captain of the squad. One of the things Coriz prides herself on is being a positive and drug-free role model to her teammates and the rest of the community. Tahnee Stands is another senior with an important role to Haskell’s success. Stands’ expertise starts at the three-point stripe. From the Crow tribe, Stands played at Gracemont High School in Gracemont, OK. Stands was recruited to play at Haskell by Phil Homeratha. “Not only did he inspire basketball at a collegiate level, but also made sure I understood that I’m a student-athlete.” This spring, Stands plans to graduate with a Bachelors in Business Administration. Stands isn’t worried about leaving the team, but still feels the sting of moving on. After this year, Haskell will lose three seniors, including Stands. One of Haskell’s centers, Keli Warrior, Ponca and Omaha, makes her presence known in every game. Warrior is a huge part of Haskell’s defensive force, with her power to pull down rebound after rebound. Originally from White Eagle, OK, 12
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Warrior played varsity from freshman through senior year at Winnebago Public School, and even lettered. She currently holds the high school’s record for most blocks and rebounds in a game; seventeen rebounds, twenty blocks and thirteen points. Warrior chose Haskell as her college for four different reasons. Not only does Haskell have great history, but her grandfather, father, stepfather and stepmother all attended the university. “It is extremely inexpensive and the best part was that I would be able to get an education and continue to play basketball.” Warrior is studying for a degree in American Indian Studies and after graduating from Haskell plans to finish at grad school and Officer Candidate School to commission as a Second Lieutenant and hopefully carry on her military career. Tinaya Murphy, Navajo from Los Lunas, NM, is another player who played five years on the varsity squad in high school. As a Los Lunas Lady Tiger, she played for four different coaches and in her senior year, helped her team win the State Championship, which was a first for Los Lunas High School. Murphy recalls a childhood memory of her first basketball game. “The officials told me I could not play until I had taken my hair out of the traditional bun and used a hair tie to put my hair up.” In every game, Murphy is always in the double digits when it comes to scoring. Coming off the bench, Murphy usually knocks down three pointers. Only her second year at the collegiate level
and Murphy is already thinking ahead. “For the next year, we all want to work hard and be ready to win conference,” explains Murphy. “We have so many goals to reach as a team, that we set at the beginning of the year and we plan on reaching each one.” Murphy’s other goal is to become a registered nurse and travel with Indian Health Services before returning to school for a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. “I’m ultimately going to school to become a nurse and give back to my people by working to assist and nurse people back to health.” With her lethal versatility to both be strong in the paint and ability to spread the floor with long and short range shots, junior power forward Jennah Williams possesses the total package that many girls strive for. Of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes of Oklahoma, Williams had a hand in winning a State Championship for Anadarko High School her senior year. Williams’ talents improved in the two years playing for Haskell. “I feel that I have improved my strength over the years. I also feel my shooting ability is better than ever.” Williams is well known for her three pointers and successful post playing along with her strong defense. Williams is the first member of her family to go to college and to become a student-athlete. The atmosphere, traditions, as well as its history are what drew her to Haskell. “I wanted to be a part of something historical.” Williams is currently majoring in Environmental Science and hopes to further her career to
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become a Physical Therapist. THE GRIND Stevens and Keo assist Flanagan voluntarily. They’re in charge of the lifting and conditioning aspects of practice. Every morning starts promptly at 6. No excuses. “We believe this teaches them discipline and accountability to their team” says Stevens. Off the court, the girls are expected to thrive as well. “Having conversations with the players on how things are going and not just basketball-wise but for school and personal lives” says Keo. Not only do they help physically train the girls, Stevens and Keo make sure their grades and education are well in line. Flanagan has constant checkups on grades, along with tutoring and study halls according to how the team is doing in the classroom. The coaches always prepare the ladies for the next match by preparing a game plan. Watching and studying film on the opponent helps them adapt to their defensive strategies. In conclusion, the coaches work with each player to set and achieve their goals. A huge element to their success is a believed strategy of constantly rotating players throughout the game in hopes of keeping them fresh, to maximize production. “Main reason is each player has something they can offer as well in rotations at a certain time.” explains Keo. TEAMWORK Teamwork plays a huge role behind Haskell’s triumphs. They may not always be the tallest or strongest, but the team chemistry and mutual hard work ethic is undeniable. The whole team, including the coaching staff, credits their blazing success 14
to their friendship and team effort. “Even with running, we encourage the girls to finish together” says Stevens. Team chemistry often dissipates towards mid-season among young college players, and according to Stevens, there were issues with girls getting along with
A TEAM OF SISTERS The girls of Haskell not only play together, but they practice and study together. one another in the years before. However, that’s not the case this year. “I can truly say that this year has been the best in those terms.” Their honorable sisterhood reflects on the court. They constantly communicate on defense, then trust and encourage one another on offense. “We all want each other to play above potential,” says Murphy. Williams agrees. “We push each other to finish each play and go hard with each drill we do.”Despite young players coming in last year who were very unfamiliar with collegiate level basketball, the team had no trouble sharing their knowl-
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edge or getting to know them. “We really had to learn who each other were on the court and become more familiar with one another,” says Warrior. “Everybody has a unique puzzle piece to them that puts us together now and makes us the successful team we are today.” According to Flanagan, this is the closest team he’s ever had. “They all get along and they are great kids.” He acknowledges Stands and Coriz as the leaders. Another reason why this team is so close is because of their Native heritage. “The girls have more of a common bond and really have more to play for because they are representing the Native American community” explains Flanagan. You can even expect to see the girls together outside the gym. All wake up and attend the early 6 am workouts and practices. After practice, the teammates eat breakfast at Curtis Hall and then onto classes. A lunch together is usually followed by additional classes, an afternoon practice, rehabilitation, dinner and homework. Regardless of the grueling schedule, the girls admit it’s all worth it. “Being a student athlete is a lot of work. It takes a lot of sacrifice,” admits Coriz. “Being held to a higher standard, being role models for our school, community and family, is worth it.”
“We have potential to be one of the best teams that will be playing in the national tournament and representing Haskell and Indian Country with pride!” -Tanaya Murphy FANATICAL SUPPORT The allegiance of the fans is evident in every game, match and battle played by the Indians. The arena roars with cheers and praises, and often times, protests. “It can get intense when the game is close if they don’t think the refs are fair,” admits Stevens. Families of players come from far and wide just to watch a game, even traveling hundreds of miles just to see their daughters, granddaughters and sisters play. The loyalty is just as the same as Keo remembers. “Throughout my tenure here at Haskell, I have seen more fans from when I first became part of Haskell. Their loyalty is great for our ladies.” For Stevens, she wants the girls to be known for their humble personalities and dedication, besides their talents. “The best compliment I get though is how nice and polite our girls are. I want them to be noticed for their personalities and hard work just as much as their talent.” LOOKING AHEAD Currently the team is preparing for a match in Omaha, NB against College of Saint Mary this weekend. Taking on College of Saint Mary will be a challenge, especially since the Flames will have the home court advantage. “It has always been a tough game to play in their house” admits Keo. However, one
of their biggest games of the season will be played next week against Oklahoma Wesleyan. So far, Haskell has never been able to beat OKWU the past few years. “We have yet to beat them in the past couple of years” explains Keo. The girls played them earlier in the year, but lost 58 to 71. Flanagan admits the team’s success this year will expand recruiting opportunities. “Recruiting is a key to the success and I feel we are getting a good reputation as a good program and that makes it much easier.” Already receiving positive responses from recruits, Flanagan believes future players will inherit the talents from the girls’ who are coming back next year. “They know what it takes to be successful and they are passing it to the freshmen and transfers. That is a great sign for the future.” The girls have the national tournament in sight. “I hope to make it to the national tournament. I know my teammates want to be there as much as I do” admits Warrior. Murphy adds, “We all want to work hard and be ready to win conference. We have potential to be one of the best teams that will be playing in the national tournament and representing Haskell and Indian Country with pride!” To Coriz, every inch of running or pound
lifted will take them further. “We all hold high expectations, whether it’s going hard and competitive every practice, getting that extra five pounds on our bar while lifting, or everyone being loud and proud after hustle plays in a game. We want to make it to the conference championship and win it to get to nationals.” Unfortunately, seniors Coriz and Stands leave at the end of this year, but trust the remaining players – Meat, Warrior, Murphy, and Williams – will be as successful if not more next season. “After this year, our team will lose three seniors, me included,” says Stands. “But they have a lot of talent coming back and I feel they can have a great year and make an even bigger impact.” Meat expects all the girls will come together flawlessly. “For next year, I’m expecting from our team and the new girls that will join us to keep working hard and doing the things we need to do to be a good team and to be better than we were this year.” Williams agrees. “As for next year, I want to keep making history and keep bringing in talented Native American athletes all over the nation to play for the Haskell Fighting Indians. This is where legacies begin!”
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WHAT A KNOCK-OUT
The Native female boxer perseveres a troubled childhood and achieves her dreams of fighting BY GIA BOLTON | PHOTOS BY LEONARDO TILLETT NM: Where are you from? I am from Providence, Rhode Island. I grew up in East Providence and I’m Seaconke Wampanoag; I also descend from the Nipmuk and Cherokee tribes. NM: How close were you to your tribe? My given traditional name is Mequinonoag, which means “Many Feathers=Many Talents”. The powwow trail was a very familiar one since I can remember. I placed in numerous fancy shawl dance competitions throughout my younger and teen years. My mother, Patricia “Gentle Rain” Baptista, has always been an active member of our tribe and was head of the cultural committee for many years. She is now our tribe’s Medicine
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Woman. NM: So how did your childhood influence you to try boxing? I grew up in a single parent household and was raised by my strong mother along with my siblings. Growing up was challenging in a single parent household with a father who was barely around and made empty promises. In my younger years, mistrust, lies, and constant loud arguing seemed to fill the houses which lead me to run to my older brother for comfort. Being the baby of the family, my older siblings moved out and I felt like they left me. I learned to put my trust into myself and held everything in. We lived in apartment buildings and as I got
older I was drawn in by the neighborhood temptations. I started smoking and selling weed at age eleven with my “friends” to pass time. I started drinking alcohol at 12 years old after being taken advantage of by one of the older boys that lived nearby. I started training with a friend of my mother’s; Domingo “Tall Dog” Monroe, a former professional Native American boxer. Eventually I found Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and started taking his classes. I sparred after my third class and instantly fell in love with boxing. I continued training with Peter Manfredo Sr. and then with Dr. Roland Estrada, the father of 2004 Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, whom I
currently train with today. NM: How would you describe your style of boxing as? I like to fight! [Laughs] I’d like to think of my style as adaptive. I can box from the outside, picking my shots and countering. I brawl when I need to. I like to work my way to the inside and bang away to the body and shots to the head will open right up! I have knockout power I’m still learning how to use. You can never learn enough in this game. NM: Who is your inspiration? I idolize fighters such as Lucia Rjiker, Hector Camacho, Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali. NM: Who would you like to get into the ring with? I want to get into the ring with real, respectful and skillful fighters who will fight. Female boxing is still struggling to get the exposure and respect we deserve. We work just as hard if not harder than the men do and don’t get even half of what men do. NM: How do you stay active and prepare for your fights? I stay in shape all the time with full body conditioning, strength training, running,
swimming and boxing. My workout schedule is six days a week while working out twice a day. It begins very early in the day and the last session usually ends late evening. There are really no days off or holidays in this game. I fight at Welter, Junior Middle and Middleweight divisions; anywhere from 147 to 160 lbs. Staying close to those weights are key in case of last minute fight calls. My team plans out a six to eight week training camp depending on what type of fight is scheduled; world title, international title, and local “keep busy” fights. NM: What is your diet like? I stay hydrated by drinking about one and a half gallons of water daily, in and out of training. Meal planning is very important due to the rigorous training and abuse my body goes through. Protein is the key to muscle recovery as well as a good balance of healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, apples and vegetables. I eat fruits and nuts everyday for natural energy and peanut butter is a must have! NM: What’s on your music playlist for working out? I listen to all kinds of music; new, old, rock, rap, traditional, everything! [Laughs] It pretty much depends on what kind of mood I’m in that day. NM: What was it like flying down to Bermuda and winning the Championship? When I got the call to fight in Bermuda I knew it was going to be much more than a boxing fight. The history connected to who I am as a Wampanoag woman and that island is very deep; being that I was fighting during Native American Heritage Month on the island where my ancestors were taken to as slaves during and after the King Phillip’s War between 1674 and 1676. It was such a spiritual journey that I was ready for. I was
there to win that IBA Middle Weight World Title against the hometown WBA Champion, as well as to bring my ancestors back home to finally be at peace. It was the most amazing experience. The island was beautiful and the people were very welcoming. I most definitely would like to go back and fight there again, and vacation too. [Laughs] NM: What can we expect to see in your future? You can expect to see more titles from me; hard work and constant improvement. This is my time and I plan on taking full advantage of it. I want to get the best out of myself in this sport. I want to display skill, discipline and dedication, showing the world what women boxers can really do. NM: Who are your trainers? My home gym is Big Six Boxing Academy in Providence, Rhode Island. There I am trained by my coach Mike Veloz. I also train with Shawn Graham of FAF Gym in Massachusetts. He got me ready for the championship fight in Bermuda and is an excellent trainer and friend. My good friend and fellow female UBF Bantam Weight Champion Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent and I train together almost always; we go by the name “Misfits” and are practically sisters. We constantly motivate each other through day-to-day training as well as everyday life struggles. We have a lot of fun too! NM: What would you tell someone aspiring to become a boxer? How would one begin to train? Follow your dreams no matter what they may be. You are capable of anything you put your mind to and heart in. Be humble; always ask questions to things you don’t understand and never lose the drive to keep learning. If they want to start boxing, find a local boxing gym and get to work! Road work, such as running and conditioning, is just as important as learning skills. Running the track at school can be a good start and a great way to keep in shape. NM: What do you want to be remembered most for at the end of your boxing career? For being a true warrior and champion. Women’s boxing is in a delicate state. It needs fighters to get exposure and get put on the main stream; I want to be remembered as one of those fighters. People will remember me for the respect I have for all fighters who step in the ring, and that I put my all into my career and how I represent my people in that square circle.
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A TRUE WARRIOR Native Max’s GIA BOLTON chats up true warrior and fighter DEREK HINKEY about his skills, aspirations and family. PHOTOS: SKYE MANIKATERI Derek Hinkey, Mt. Diablo Paiute and Shoshone, is a true warrior. A direct descendant of Chief Winnemmucca, a great war leader, Hinkey is a hybrid fighter carrying on his family’s tradition of resilience and bravery. What makes up Hinkey’s impressive myriad of talents are his versatile and unpredictable fighting techniques; besides boasting a powerful jab, coaching Cobra Kai Jujitsu makes him an expert at the ground game. Hinkey even caught the attention of Mike Tyson, who watched his fight upon receiving an invitation. NM: What and who brought on your myriad talents of sports and which have you participated in and like the most? First off I’m a professional boxer that was signed to a five year contract. I’m a diverse guy; played football and was all-state on both sides of the field. Being Native, basketball was a major part of my life and of course still is. I rode bulls as a kid; my dad owns a small ranch so growing up, breaking horses with my dad and uncles were important. I’ve been in Las Vegas, NV over five years now and have evolved into a hybrid fighter; doing stand up with some of the best UFC fighters in the game. I am a coach at Cobra Kai Jujitsu so how could I not know the ground game. Las Vegas
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is the fight capital of the world and I’m trading secrets of war with the best in the business. NM: What it’s like learning and training with your brothers Tyler and Ian, and family in general? Our grandfather and uncles are, or were, are all fighters. [Laughs] I say are because them dudes still lace them up and will bang! As coaches, we Hinkey boys believe, “he who sheds blood with me is my brother”. Ian is our cousin but by our Native way is a brother and he boxed as an amateur but not to the extent of Tyler and me. NM: Going way back with this one. What was it like getting in the ring with Vargas and knocking him out in the 2nd round? What coaches helped lead up to your win? Any future fights we can anticipate? [Laughs] Whoa! Not sure where that one came from but I’ve never sparred or knocked out Fernado. Fernado Vargas did lead me to the ring though for my last fight. Coaches wise, big ups to all of them, starting with my father of course. My brother and I started off with US Elite coach Bobby Lee and then signed pro and have worked with the best in pro-boxing. Starting with Thell Torance, Ken Adams and the world beaters boxing team, Kenny Rayford and Jacob Chavez. As of right now most people don’t know this
but my brother is my coach now. We vibe and he lets me do what I do and he knows his boxing. So I got to throw my brother up there with the elites of the sport; a fighter and coach. I will be going to North Dakota this year at 4 Bears Casino to work with Rich Calvera and Virgil Hill. NM: What is it like teaching the youth and others the skills you hone? What skills do you want each of them to grow within themselves taught and passed down from your own experiences training with you in the sport of Cobra Kai Jujitsu or the ring per say? For me, I feel like I’m affecting people in a good way and that can go on forever. What I teach some guy, he may become a champion, or one day he will have children and teach them and it goes on and on. I think sometimes with some people we may even be saving someone’s life. Giving them purpose and passion; a goal to strive for. Building champions inside and outside the ring or cage. At the end of the day that’s all I ask and want. NM: What separates you from any other fighter? Well, I’m a big, long and tall middleweight, with an 87 percent ratio, for starters. Of course being Native, I see no other like me. I’m a sparring partner in Floyd Mayweather’s gym with the Money Team and a bad cat named Badou “Jack the Ripper”. Mad respect and love for the Mayweather squad; not many people meet a Native, let alone one that boxes at the highest level. NM: What do all your experiences in the world of acting, modeling, and the relentless effort you put into your sports, mean to you? Legacy; leading the people by example and reminding the people that through hundreds of years of “Kill the Indian, Save the Man”, that the Indian is still strong. We’re still here. NM: The three most memorable experiences of your career are? 1: As a kid I was riding a calf and didn’t want to get off after the bell rang and then a rodeo clown came through and grabbed me off without me having to take a digger. 2: My pro debut seeing my
mom and dad’s pride knowing there boy made it, then turning around and seeing all the Native people and northern Nevada friends and family all celebrating. 3: As an amateur, I was at weigh-ins early and Mike Tyson was at the gym training for a fight. My dad talked to him, and told him his two boys were boxing that night. Mike said, “Alright I will come by and watch.” We didn’t think he would. Well sure enough he was there. He watched me fight and after I won he motioned me to come to him. Told me, “Great win champ! Work off that jab and kid, you have some awesome power.” NM: What priorities can you share for others in training and for those who look up to you and are following in your very footsteps? Work, work, work. The only things that can come after work are results. Do work. The rest takes care of itself. NM: What motivates you and how do you maintain that even on your worst day? Not sure. Maybe it’s, while growing up, seeing my parents’ work ethic. Maybe my family; I look around and the Hinkey bloodline is working. I have a little cousin who has been a starter in Reno, NV as a freshman. So far her and her team has won two state titles. Maybe it’s ambition in the DNA or maybe this is God’s design, not mine. NM: If you could change anything about any of the industries you are in, what would it be and why? I don’t know about change, but I do know the rules of the game of each industry. Not saying I abide by them. [Laughs] But I play within them, and I’m winning. NM: What do you want to be remembered for the most when you retire? I don’t want to be remembered. I believe in affecting people in a good way. People will forget these words, but people that I cross paths with will always remember how I made them feel, only in a good way. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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