by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
The Red Cloud Crusaders lost to the Lower Brule Kul Wicasa 48-36 last Friday in the semi-finals of the inaugural All Nations Football Conference. Red Cloud’s star quarterback Riyen Carlow had five touchdown passes of 28, 18, 80, 16 and 21 yards.
Riyen Carlow is one of the top regional football players and by excelling on the gridiron during the season he was making himself better as a combo guard for the basketball team.
Riyen is Oglala Lakota from the Pine Ridge Reservation. His mother is Amanda Carlow from Pine Ridge, SD and father is Kory Provost from Stephan, SD. Both parents are Oglala Lakota.
Although he’s talking basketball he is also talking how his versatility comes into play on the field, court, classroom and community. “My work ethic is a strength,” said Riyen. “I consistently put in hours to enhance my game all around. I’m always in the gym and it’s been another home for me.”
“My strength is also my leadership,” said Riyen. “I’m very vocal on the court and I’ve had a lot of experience on the varsity level that helps me handle the pressure and be able to guide my team through any adversity we face.”
“Every time I step on the floor it’s kill or be killed so I don’t let anybody get comfortable on the floor so I’m in your face the whole time and it’s going to be a long day for you. I can score at all three levels whether that’s at the three, midrange or at the rim… I’m going to get buckets regardless.”
“My tribal core values define me by teaching me how to become a man as well as a warrior like my ancestors,” said Riyen. “They’ve taught me how to never back down from adversity and to always work hard in everything I do whether that’s on the court or in the classroom.”
“After high school I would like to play basketball at the collegiate level and earn a degree in psychology and later become a school counselor,” said Riyen. “Athletics taught me how to be consistent as well as a hard worker and it helps translate to the classroom to stay on top of all my work. After I complete college, I want to come back to my reservation and do everything and anything I can to give the youth more opportunities and create a better community overall.”
Coach Matthew Rama has impacted me a lot,” said Riyen. He’s been a mentor/coach for me since middle school. He’s helped a lot with my development on the field and court. Matt has taught me what it’s like to be a leader on and off the court and most importantly taught me how to become a respectful young man. Also, he’s been a main influence of keeping me connected with my cultural values and living them.
“Riyen was really wanting to focus on basketball this year as he is hoping to play college basketball,” said Coach Matthew. “We talked about how playing football would help his leadership as it is an opportunity for him to work on the leadership skills he has been working this summer as part of the Thunder Valley youth mentorship program. He decided to play and did a wonderful this past season and I am very excited for his upcoming basketball season.”
“Ale Rama and I have grown up together and played alongside each other,” said Riyen. “Throughout high school he’s treated me as his younger brother and always guided me on the right path. We both have been through similar experiences and I think that’s how we’ve been able to bond really well. He’s really set a positive role model for the youth to follow and he’s a good example of what hard work and dedication can do for you as a student athlete.”
“Advice I would give to other student athletes is to not let others out work you whether it’s in the gym or in the classroom. Always strive to be the best at everything you do. Strive to be the best player on the court and the best student in the classroom. Once you get into the mindset of not letting others outwork you, the results will come,” added Riyen.
“I’ve been overlooked throughout high school and this year is the year everyone will see what I’m made of,” said Riyen.
Photo Credits: Silos Aranda and Shaniah Richard Photography
