by By Dan Ninham
Bryson Rogers, 17, is a junior at Hardin HS in MT. “I am a Crow tribal member,” said Bryson. “I am a sore lip clan and child of greasy mouth. My Indian name is Uutee Xiaseh (weasel that shows).”
“At age 6 I tried out for AAU cross country and qualified for nationals in Florida,” said Bryson. “I finished fifth in the nation.”
During sophomore year of high school Bryson made varsity both cross country and basketball. The cross-country team earned a second place trophy in Class A.
In basketball the team was 23-0 and were co-state champions.
“As a junior I received All-state as the fourth place runner in Class A,” said Bryson. “We came out short once again and placed second.”
During the recent past basketball Class A state tournament, the Hardin HS Bulldogs lost to the number one ranked team in the state Dillon 53-32. Bryson and Hance Three Irons led the Bulldogs with nine points each.
Bryson’s Hudl basketball game highlights are on this link: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14149663/Bryson-Rogers
“My Crow tribal values that define me as an athlete include spiritual belief’s, family, the Crow clan system, respect, and teamwork,” said Bryson.
“My first core value is my spiritual belief,” said Bryson. “I believe in the creator and pray everyday this helps me to stay focused and positive as an athlete.”
“My second value is family and the crow clan system,” said Bryson. “I believe having a family that supports me in everything I do and loves me along with the Crow clan system defines me and balances me as an athlete. This helps me give respect for my elders and myself.”
“I value teamwork because as an Apsaalooke athlete we work together as a tribe and I take this value when I’m running cross country,” said Bryson. “As a team we work together to help each other and encourage each other so we bring home a state championship trophy. “
“These core values guide me in my journey to accomplish my goals and decision making on and off the court and course,” added Bryson.
“My most positive influencer is my grandpa Gordon Realbird Sr. who coached for 20 years and was a five time state champ in basketball and one year in cross country,” said Bryson.
“Famous Left Hand was my teammate mentor and he included me in his daily workouts,” said Bryson. “His hard work ethic and drive motivated me to be better in sports and in the classroom.”
“In this pandemic I prepared myself by continuing to stay on my daily schedule training for basketball and cross country,” said Bryson.
“I get up every morning at 5 am,” said Bryson. “I run six miles, get ready for school and eat breakfast then go to class all day till 3:35 pm. After school I go to practice. After practice I would work out for an hour. I’d go home and after eating I would do my shooting drills. Keeping this schedule helps me to stay in shape physically as a Crow athlete. This helps me emotionally to enjoy working out and to stay focused on my goals mentally.”
“I practice my Crow culture and traditions daily and this helps me to spiritually stay focused in my mind, soul and body,” said Bryson.
“Bryson is a natural born runner,” said Cindy Farmer, head boys’ and girls’ cross country, girls’ basketball and boys’ and girls’ track coach at Hardin HS. “His determination to be the best in cross country and basketball is what sets him apart from other athletes. He is a very talented athlete and super competitive. No one will outwork him is the mindset he has at practice and at meets. He is a leader and the other boys follow his example. He is a joy to coach!”
“Bryson was Hardin’s number one runner finishing fourth at state and leading his team to a second place finish. I just wish I could get him out for track,” added Coach Farmer.
When asked why he isn’t out for track, Bryson responded: “I ain’t doing track because I’ve been traveling around playing basketball, riding horses, and (getting ready for the) chief race.”
Elite-level athletes have limited time to devote to only one area of excellence.
Photo Credit: Mike Clark, Billings Gazette
