by By Dan Ninham
Tayjon Joe, 16, is a junior distance runner at Hardin HS in MT.
“I am Crow and Navajo,” said Tayjon. “My clan is Ties of a Bundle and I’m a child of a Greasy Mouth.”
“My athletic journey started at a young age,” said Tayjon. “My parents would go for walks often encouraging me to run or walk with them. When third grade came around I tried out for the cross country team. I ended up growing a passion for running and I loved it. I participated in basketball, football, cross country and track.”
“When I entered high school in Hardin, I put all my time and work into running,” said Tayjon. “The running program was really hard at first, but after a while it became easier. I became faster and stronger.”
“I’ve ran in two state cross country meets with our team placing second two years in a row,” said Tayjon. “I’m hoping we can win it next year. This 2021 track season has been great, often finishing in top places and setting PR’s in the 1600m and 3200m.”
“Coming from a traditional family we are taught to respect our elders,” said Tayjon. “We as Crow have a clan system in which we seek advice, prayers and good wishes from our clan mothers or clan fathers. Whether it be in sports, academics, goals we set or life in general.”
“There’s always room for improvement so I utilize this way in the things I do and I believe it helps me as a student athlete. To set goals, accomplish them, then set more is something that was shared with me,” added Tayjon.
“Someone who influences me as an athlete is my coach Cindy Farmer,” said Tayjon. “Throughout my high school years she’s encouraged me to be a better runner and a better student.”
“Tayjon is a positive influence on his teammates,” said Cindy Farmer, head cross country and track coach at Hardin HS. “He is very coachable and you will not find a more humble athlete than Tayjon. He motivates others by his work ethic in practice and meets. He loves to joke around and have fun with his teammates and coach producing an environment that incorporates ‘family’. He is a talented runner that excels at the 800m, 1600m, and the 3200m. He recently broke into the number nine spot in the state in the 3200m for Class A.”
Richard Walks Over Ice, teacher and coach at Pretty Eagle Catholic Academy, talked about his former student-athlete: “I was able to work with Tayjon from sixth to eighth grade at Pretty Eagle Catholic Academy. Watching his growth over those years made me realize that he has life figured out at such a young age. I constantly have to emphasize pushing yourself but never with him. Tayjon is an extremely hard worker both in the classroom and in whichever sport he was involved in. He brought a self-discipline that is rare for my student athletes that come through. Just like most other school systems, our student athletes have to be pushed along in the classroom and in practice. Tayjon is a different animal, he has a drive and self-discipline I wish more kids had. He is one I never had to worry about in terms of showing up to practice or whether or not he was in good academic standing. He is a really good kid and it’s not surprising to see the success he has had since he left us.”
“Tayjon is a great student and athlete,” said Scott Flatlip, Hardin HS assistant track coach. “His confidence shows when he is out running with his teammates and when he is racing. He is one that motivates and encourages others around him which makes a big difference at training runs or races. He is always challenging himself and others to be better.”
“Tayjon is very disciplined and focused on the tasks that need to be done. Whether that’s in training runs, races, or schooling, he puts forth great effort and it shows in all that he does. It has helped him be the runner he is today,” added Scott.
“He has accomplished a lot already but I am excited and look forward for what’s in store for Tayjon’s future,” said Scott.
Photo Credit: Marlon Joe
I was most impressed that Tayjon follows the encouragement and the advice of his elders. This is utmost respect in my eyes. He’s a natural leader in his academics and sports because he is an achiever and has personal faith in himself that he can deliver what is asked of him! He will succeed as an adult in the world and maybe make some powerful changes. I don’t know this young man but I believe in him and his endeavors. His parents should be very proud. He’s keeping the old ways alive in his heart. He walks under the Creator’s approval. Keep on , Trajan,and be a shining star for your people. A’Ho