by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Treagan Azure was a 6-4 senior basketball player at Dunseith HS in North Dakota this past season. He is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. His parents are Eve and George Azure, and they live in Dunseith, North Dakota.
“I compete for my family, they always encourage me to do better, to do my best in everything I do,” said Treagan. “The reason why I got the senior athlete award was because of them, they always pushed me to do my best, they told me to never give up.
My dad influenced me as a competitive athlete. He told me to always out-do your opponent.”
Student-athletes practice what they teach others. Treagan is no exception. By following his own advice he has achieved on and off the court. “My advice to young athletes is to stay in school and push yourself until you can’t anymore,” said Treagan. “Never give up, and never hang your head.”
Dunseith HS Head Basketball Coach Eric Morin said: “Treagan has been one of the hardest working kids I have ever coached. He spends a ton of hours in the gym working on his game. He has had an excellent career here and has had a chance to play on some very good teams that he was a big part of.”
“When you talk about a player leading by example Treagan was a prime example with his work ethic and leadership. He will go down as one of the best players to put on a Dragon uniform,” added Coach Eric.
The seven grandfathers teachings provide direction in how people lead a quality life. “The teachings are taught in our culture class,” said Coach Eric.
“Courage, respect, honesty all applied to me in basketball, and not only did basketball help me excel, but it helped me grow into a respectful young man,” said Treagan. “Without basketball, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. Over the past years I’ve learned so much, and did so much to help others. Basketball inspired me to be a good person, and showed me right from wrong. To me those are the three teachings that applied to me as a high school basketball player.”
“I’m honored to have my son say that I’m a positive influence in his life,” said dad George Azure. “I’ve always wanted my son’s to accomplish everything they have on the court or in everything that they do.”
“Treagan has always been a good role model to the younger kids,” said George. “Number one is his younger brother he looks up to him so much. Tayden has always wanted to do everything that his brother did. They are five years apart but Treagan never complained when his brother would tag along to all the tournaments that he played in. He helped out with summer baseball with the little kids. They just loved when he was there to help and teach them the little things. Treagan has done volunteering in the community and worked a part time summer job at the school. He goes to school, then practice and goes back to the gym later to work on his game.”
“Treagan’s been a great role model on and off the court with his positive attitude. If he sees a younger teammate having a bad day or attitude he goes over to them and encourages and gives them a little pep talk. When we go out of town it’s cute to see the little kids say ‘hey that’s Treagan Azure.’ I think that he’s a great influence on the younger generation,” added George.
Photo Credit: Candice Davis
So very proud of you Treagan. You’re an awesome young man who is setting an example for your younger brother as well as upcoming athletes. Reach for the stars and continue to do your best. Love you. Auntie Josephine.