by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
“I’m trying to show the kids that they can make it big if they work for it and put their mind to it,” said Justin Littlewolf, Jr.
Justin Littlewolf, Jr., 16, is a member of the White Earth Nation and he’s Bear clan. His parent’s are Amy Littlewolf and Justin Littlewolf, Sr. The family lives in Naytahwaush, MN.
“I’m a sophomore at Mahnomen HS and I play baseball and basketball but my main sport is football,” said Justin. “I started playing varsity football in seventh grade and started my eighth grade year at left guard. I was a nose guard once, switched to defensive end and plan on moving to right guard this upcoming season. I also started playing varsity basketball during 10th grade.”
“My team achievements in football include three section titles and one state title in Minnesota Class A,” said Justin. “I’ve been the Star of the Game three games in my career. I’ve been recognized by the Minnesota State High School League twice and been named All State honorable mention in 2017 and 2018. In 2019 I was All-Northwest District and last year I was invited to the play in the Blue-Grey Football Camp. I also qualified for the semis and went to Las Vegas the summer of 2019 and was selected to play in an All American game in December.”
“I want to show kids that there is more than the ‘rez’,” said Justin. “They have to get out and fulfill their dreams. I’m doing it not only for me but my family and my loved ones too.”
“My main influence was my family and my community,” said Justin. “I want to make everyone proud, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without an amazing coaching staff and amazing head coach John Clark, Jr.”
“Justin’s athletic prowess is very impressive,” said John Clark, Jr., head boy’s football and basketball coach and Dean of Students at Mahnomen HS. “First, football is a sport where he has Division 1 college level ability. He has been a member of the varsity football team since his seventh grade year and started as an eighth grader. He was a starter on a state championship winning team as a freshman. He was blessed with great physical tools but has worked hard to improve in practice and in the weight room. He will be a junior this coming fall and is one of the top players in the state in our class.”
“In basketball, he has really shown great improvement. He has worked hard to improve his shooting form and touch. His footwork and overall basketball sense has improved greatly and he is working hard to improve as a basketball player as well. Even with his size, he is showing people that he is an all-around athlete,” added John.
“Even though Justin lives thirty minutes from the school, Justin is in the gym or weight room before school starts working out,” said John.” In his younger years, he had to beg and hound people for rides. He did this persistently so that he could improve and I don’t think you can show much more leadership or dedication than that. I like to use Justin as an example for all of our athletes in that he was born with all the natural size and ability. He works hard to improve and make himself better for the team. He does not ‘settle’ for being good, he wants to be great! Even though he is still young, he is developing into a strong leader already. We are lucky to have him, as he is a great role model for all of our student-athletes.”
“More importantly, Justin excels in school,” said John. “He is on top of his academics, as demonstrated by being on the honor roll every quarter. He is attentive in class and actively participates in class discussions. He understands the importance of a well-rounded education. He respects students and staff, and they in turn respect him. He is an absolute joy to be around. I’m probably most proud in the fact that Justin mentors elementary students who have behavior issues. He takes time out of his school day to talk with these students, play catch, shoot baskets, and other things with them. These students have shown great progress in their academics and behavior as a result of having a strong native role model like Justin working with them.”
“Justin is a strong, native youth with a lot of potential athletically, academically, and as leader of our school and community,” said John. “He is a true role-model in our school and community in every sense of the word. Hopefully, he will inspire more of our youth to follow his lead. Our school and community will surely be a better place.”
“My physical skill training is lifting and running every morning,” said Justin. “My mental knowledge I need to work on is just school comes first before anything. My spiritual connection with my sport is just doing it for the elders around us and my mental toughness strategies are to think what my coaches have told me and just forget about the play and move on to the next one. Keep trying to make every play better.”
“During the pandemic I’m staying well,” said Justin. “I’m running in the morning trying to eat healthy, not gain too much weight and try to stay in the best shape I can.”
Photo Credit: Hallie Clark
Awesome article! Justin is truly a role model. His dedication and hard work really makes him an excellent athlete.
He is a joy to watch and a great team player.
Good luck to Justin in the coming years! He is a true leader.