by By Dan Ninham
Chucky Braverock is 17 years old and a senior at Browning HS in Montana. He is an enrolled member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa, who recently gained federal recognition, and lives on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation. Chucky was raised by his grandparents Rick Braverock and Vivian Gray.
“I first started playing sports when I was little,” said Chucky. “This included just the regular back yard football with all my cousins. I knew I wanted to go to the next level and play college football someday. I wasn’t the biggest or strongest on the field so I knew I had to work hard to be good at what I did.”
“I’m a strong believer in why every athlete should be in the weight room. That place has changed me into the person I am because you need heart and dedication to go to a workout every day and it just ended up making everyday life easier because I had a tough mindset,” added Chucky.
“I am also a heavyweight wrestler here at Browning HS,” said Chucky. “During my first year as a junior I won the divisional and a few other big tournaments, but state didn’t turn out too well.”
“Chuck Braverock was a undefeated wrestler as an eighth grader,” said Casey McDonald, head wrestling coach at Browning HS. “Our program was very excited he was getting to high school because our heavyweight was graduating.”
“Although Chuck decided to play basketball his first two years of high school, he found his way back to the sport of wrestling. As a junior, Chucky stepped back on the mat. He was 6’ and 240 pounds after shaving a few pounds in the early part of his season. He was immediately a power house,” added Coach Casey.
“In his very first tourney he won it all, beating Idaho’s previous year state champ!” said Coach Casey. “He went on to be ranked the 1 or 2 wrestler in ‘Class A’ all year. He has a great work ethic and after the first year of wrestling has grown to have characteristics of a leader. Chuck is always thinking outside the box to better his skills, and help the team. He pushes kids hard to help make them better and always has a smile on his face. Keeps the moral up on the team and is always positive.”
“We as a coaching staff hope he comes out again for our sport,” said Coach Casey. “He will be a major asset to our team again as a senior!”
“My main athletic accomplishment is being able to play at the next level,” said Chucky.
“When putting on a Browning Indians jersey, whether it is a football, basketball, or wrestling uniform you are representing something more than yourself,” said Chucky. “You’re representing that name across your chest the ‘Browning Indians’. That means to play with pride! That’s how my tribal core values define me as an athlete.”
“Someone who positively influenced me is my dad Rick,” said Chucky. “He always wanted the best for me and pushes me to do better everyday.” Chucky considers his Rick to have the dual familial role of dad and grandpa.
“Since childhood Chucky has always been an outgoing and well liked kid in our community,” said Rick Braverock. “His sense of humor can brighten anyone’s day. Chucky has the drive and ability to do anything he wants, and he pushes himself and others around him to full potential.”
“Chucky balances his school studies and is currently the top student in his grade with straight A’s all throughout high school and holding a 4.00 GPA. Chucky prioritizes his education as well as his sports, and he never ceases to amaze us in everything he does on and off the field. He is a very resilient kid, everyone faces obstacles, and he faced many challenges but overcame them and still has a great attitude and perspective of the life he wants,” added Rick.
“During his first couple weeks of football season this year he injured his knee, and this left him distraught for a day,” said Rick. “The days afterward he was outside on the porch doing upper body workouts. We were amazed as he was not willing to let this injury set him back, not even a little. He was out there for hours working out, pushing through this obstacle and not letting anything interfere with his future in football that year or the years to come. The games he had to watch from the sidelines, he cheered on and pushed his teammates harder, he encouraged them to put their all into the game, and was very proud of them regardless of the outcomes.”
“Chucky has traveled to many different frontier football camps, put long hours in the weight room and classroom to get him to where he is now, we are all very proud of the leadership he shows on and off the field,” added Rick.
Browning HS head varsity football coach Jerry Racine said: “Chucky is a special kid. Since the seventh grade he worked his butt off in the weight room and practice field. He bought in from a young age. He wanted to be a college football player more than anything.”
“Never taking a day off. He wasn’t the talented guy at first but no one worked harder than him and he made sure he out worked everyone and it transitioned into everything he does. That includes the classroom and he is on pace to be the valedictorian for his class. He sacrificed the party scene and focused on things that would benefit him. He would work full time construction in the summer, show up in his work clothes, change and get a two-hour weight session in. His passion to make others better is another gift of his and he brings the best out in his peers. Pretty sure he made friends with every football player and wrestler throughout the state and other states as well. People are drawn to him,” added Coach Jerry.
“At 6’3 and 270 lbs. he was a hot recruit getting attention from all over,” said Coach Jerry. “With his work ethic, dedication and passion I am sure he is going to have a successful college career and whatever profession he chooses.”
“We talked about changing the culture in Browning where football was an afterthought with a tradition of having losing seasons,” said Coach Jerry. “We have made strides but with kids like Chucky we’re changing lifestyles. Chucky and his peers are our leaders for tomorrow. That is going to be huge for Indian Country. They are leading the way. Kids are starting to live that lifestyle and understand the dedication and sacrifice it takes to get to the next level and Chucky is a big reason for that.”
“My mentor was my cousin Emmit Augare,” said Chucky. “He was that guy that was there to push you to workout or go for a run. He always knew I can be a great athlete and he believed in me. I’ve looked up to him because he is a college athlete and very successful.”
“During this pandemic I am preparing myself physically by working out,” said Chucky. “Mentally I just pray that this virus goes away and prayers to the families that are suffering From Covid-19 on the Blackfeet Reservation.”
Photo Credit: Jahly Braverock
