by By Dan Ninham, Contributing Writer
Jamison Quiver is a member of the Oneida Nation as well as the Shoshone and Arapaho Nation. He attends Green Bay South West High School and will graduate in 2026.
“I’ve had the opportunity to play with the Haudenosaunee Nationals four separate times over the past two years,” said Jamison Quiver. “In one of the tournaments, we won the Heritage Cup in May, 2023. An accomplishment I’ve felt I’ve made is being called back multiple times to play for the Haudenosaunee Nationals, I’ve recently made a roster to play in Florida. I also recently played in the Brogden Cup which featured Team USA and Team Ontario.”
Haudenosaunee Nationals Development Coach Mark Burnam was a guest clinician at the Oneida community a year or two before the Covid pandemic hit our world. Burnam discussed with the Oneida Community Youth Lacrosse leadership the opportunities that may happen with getting their boys to be looked at and to join them in the future. The future came quick and it’s now.
According to Curt Summers, one of the Oneida Lacrosse Coaches, Burnam came to Oneida at a crucial time just when Covid was starting. Summers said, “He came out to assess our players and pick a few out that he thought that would make an impact on the Haudenosaunee team. And this was the year before the corona pandemic hit. So, there was a year where we were able to work with our youth to get them ready for the first of many tryouts for the Nationals.”
“We had probably about eight high school kids from our area that were able to make it to the tryouts. Out of that eight we had two or three that made it to the end where they picked the final roster, then the pandemic hit,” added Summers.
“Forward to 2020/2021, and the Haudenosaunee Nationals changed their focus to start Haudenosaunee Nationals development teams,” said Summers. “From this, we had two of our own players that made the U16 team to play in the Brogden Cup when the Nationals played against Team USA and Team Canada. And then again we had the same two players in the same tournament in 2022 with the U18 team. This past fall we had one of our players who also made the U6 team.”
Summers continued to talk about the opportunity for Oneida talent to play with the Haudenosaunee Nationals development program. He said, “For our young men to at least tryout for this team is very important! If you make the team, opportunities open up to the college level. The opportunity is there for anyone to take. It does take a lot of work from the player himself, and his parents making all the arrangements for travel. Is it worth it? Yes, it is! In hopes of these opportunities, there is a chance for our athletes to compete in the next summer 2028 Olympics with the Haudenosaunee Nationals.”
Elite indigenous athletes understand who they are and that they need their indigenous core values to guide them to where they’re going.
“My indigenous core values affect what I do on and off the field,” said Quiver. “Such as how I look at the game from a personal and spiritual way. I always treat my stick with respect as lacrosse is a gift from Shukwayaˀtísu (Creator in Oneida language) and we must respect the game. I always try to keep a level head when I play and not trash talk whoever I’m playing. Off the field I will attend ceremonies at the longhouse, participate in community events, and spend time with my family.”
All athletes face challenges to overcome to meet their goals and are careful not to make them obstacles that stop them.
“One of the major obstacles I’ve had to consistently deal with is injuries,” said Quiver. “I know many other athletes have had to deal with them but it’s a part of sports. It’s been really tough, I’ve had to come back from a concussion and major and minor injuries throughout my time playing sports.”
“Besides the sports aspect, it’s personally been am academic challenge adjusting from a tribal school to public school. The amount of work and difference in the amount of kids can be overwhelming at some times. Going from having about 80 kids in my middle school to about 1,200 students at Southwest has been difficult throughout my past two years,” added Quiver.
Quiver continued to talk about dealing with his challenges. He said, “My mom Keta Quiver, who is a teacher has helped me with school throughout my entire life and has assisted me in keeping my grades good and has taught me how to juggle academics and athletics.”
Elite athletes need mentorship opportunities to guide them to do the right things right. Quiver has the opportunity to have a big brother look out for him.
“I’ve had a ton of great coaching throughout my life that shaped me into who I am,” said Quiver. “The greatest mentor I’ve had in my life is my brother Byran Halona. He has taught me everything I know. He’s a massive part of my life and is a huge part of the community. He’s a mentor to many youth and other players. So every single day I learn something new from him and his experience.”
“My brother had the opportunity to play Division 2 lacrosse so he coaches me daily on how to become a well-rounded force on the field,” added Quiver.
“Jamison has always been hard and very passionate about lacrosse,” said Byran Halona. “He now has grown into a leadership position where he works hard with his teammates in the off-season and gives back to the younger generation whenever he can with practices and clinics. He is kind and funny which makes practices fun because he always has a smile on his face. His younger cousin’s look up to him and he always takes time out of his day to share his story with the youth.”
“Another huge mentor in my life has been Brad Thomas, and he also had the chance to play high level lacrosse but at the Division 1 level,” said Quiver. “Coach Brad always teaches me moves and ways I could improve my game. He is always trying to get players on the Oneida team to go out and practice or get extra reps in.”
“Brad is always at my local box lacrosse games and coaching me on what I can do better and massively expanding my offensive game,” added Quiver.
Brad Thomas, Tuscarora, was one of Jamison’s coaches at Oneida Nation High School. He said, “In the short time that I have known Jamison, it is obvious that he has tremendous passion and love for the game of lacrosse. He leads by demonstration and his energy is essential for any team environment.”
“Every time I see him play he is a better player and it’s not surprising anymore because of his commitment to this medicine game. He’s had the opportunity to play at high levels across the turtle island and his uncommon humility allows him to bring his experience back to our team respectfully,” added Coach Thomas.
“Another coach who improved my game largely is Mike Ruggiero, he is my Jr. Muskies coach and has improved my play,” said Quiver. “Coach Mike showed me ways to increase my box lacrosse performance and overall play style as a whole.”
“Jamison isn’t the most vocal guy on the floor, he’s more of a leader by example,” said Mike Ruggiero. “He’s the type of kid that doesn’t take reps off, doesn’t mess around in line or during down times at practice and always give 110% when he steps on the floor. Over the past few years I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow into a very solid athlete, which is a testament to his commitment to his craft.”
“I also know that his older brother, Byran, has quite a bit to do with his development. I see Byran dedicate a lot of his free time to, not only Jamison, but anyone on the reservation who has a passion and love for the game of lacrosse,” added Coach Ruggiero.
“One of my coaches who has been great for my development is Chris Green,” said Quiver. “Coach Green has taught me a lot and has coached me for multiple years of my life during my time with Team Sconnie. He has taught me a lot about the offensive and defensive side of the ball.”
Quiver continued to talk about his positive influence coaches. He said, “Coach Butch Summers has coached me for the last three years, he helped me develop as a player in my youth days and now in my high school time. He’s always been there to encourage and support my growth in every facet of the game. Such as putting me in as a d-pole or a short stick, he always helped me grow.”
“Al Jones is one my Haudenosaunee National coaches,” said Quiver. “He has coached me at multiple tournaments and has showed a ton high level coaching, he has greatly improved my defensive skills and knowledge of the game overall.”
“I’ve coached Jamison and watched him develop into a very good player,” said Al Jones. “His size and strength stands out on the field. He covers a lot ground which is very valuable as a defender. Jamison is a pleasure to coach and responds very well to instructions. He is a gentleman on and off the field. He shows great sportsmanship and is a great teammate. Always willing to help the team in any way.”
Jamison Quiver continues to develop as the next generation to join the Haudenosaunee Nationals and bringing others with him from Oneida, Wisconsin.
