by (Lawrence, Kansas) – The Native American Journalist Association (NAJA) recently announced their award winners for 2014 and two of NDNSPORTS.COM contributing writers, Charlie Perry (Potawatomi) and Tyler Jones (Choctaw) received a combined 5 Awards in the National Native Media Awards Student division.
The duo, who both attend Haskell Indian Nations University and are current interns for NDNSPORTS.COM, swept the category “Print Edition – Best Sports Story”. Charlie, a Prairie Band Potawatomi tribal member, won 1st place overall in this category for his coverage of then NAIA National Champion Preston Wynne (Spokane Tribe) at the NAIA National Tournament. He also placed 2nd for his coverage of Shoni Schimmel’s senior game when she played for the Louisville Cardinals. Charlie said, “I am honored to have won two awards for my writing over NAIA tournament MVP Preston Wynne and the Schimmel sisters. These young Native leaders are showing all of Indian Country that if you work hard and stay focused you can accomplish anything. I hope other Natives follow their lead and continue to show the world that being Native is very special.”
Tyler Jones, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, rounded out the sports category for 3rd place for his anniversary story of when then power house football program Haskell Institute took on the University of Oklahoma Sooners in 1914. On his first time receiving the awards, Tyler said “It’s an honored to accept the award from NAJA. I’ve been working professionally in media over the last four years in radio/TV, but this was my first time to try writing on a major platform.”
Print – Best Sports Story
First Place
Charlie Perry
Haskell Indian Leader
NAIA MVP Preston Wynne Inspires Native Americans
Second Place
Charlie Perry
Haskell Indian Leader
Despite a Louisville Loss Senior Night Was a Win for Native Americans
Third Place
Tyler Jones
Haskell Indian Leader
Remembering the 100th anniversary of the 1914 Oklahoma vs. Haskell football game
