by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Running was hate at first sight for Uriah Little Owl. It eventually became a love after the rocky start that led him in being on a university Cross Country team.
“I hated running, even though I was decent at it,” said Uriah. “I started off as a soccer player, at the age of three, and I remained a soccer player until I started cross country running in 8th grade. From then on, it was only cross country for me as I fell in love with the sport.”
“I am an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe of Montana,” said Uriah. “My mother’s name is Kacy Little Owl and my father’s name is Solomon Little Owl. My father is also an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe of Montana. They currently live in Greeley, Colorado.”
Uriah is a graduate of University High School, Greeley, CO. He currently is a 20 year old junior at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas.
Uriah’s biggest high school achievement was being the 13th athlete in University High School history to participate in the State Cross Country Meet for all four years of high school. He was an All Conference runner his junior year and an All Conference Honorable Mention and All Regional’s runner his senior year.
A positive athlete-coach relationship is significant and influential. Sharon Eberhard, head coach for University High School Cross Country was a major influence in leading Uriah to reach his potential. Al Gipp, head coach for Haskell Indian Nations University Cross Country continues to be a major influence. Uriah recently finished in the top 10 at the Haskell Invitational. Last fall of 2018 he received Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) All Conference Academic Honors.
“Both coaches have made me into who I am today. They both pushed me to achieve better grades, grades I didn’t think I was possible of achieving, and they also urged me on when my lungs felt like they were melting. Without them, I would not be the student athlete I am today,” added Uriah.
“Uriah was a leader on our cross country team and also in the classroom,” said Sharon Eberhard, head Cross Country coach at University High School, Greeley, CO. “He showed patience, empathy and led by example with his strong work ethics. He was supportive with his teammates, both male and female, regardless of their class level and their ability. We truly miss his leadership and sense of humor and his support of our family/team culture.”
“Uriah works hard in the classroom and practice,” said Al Gipp, head Cross Country coach at Haskell Indian Nations University. “Since being at Haskell he has maintained a stellar GPA. He is dependable and genuine. Uriah’s performance in the Cross Country program continues to improve as we head towards our conference meet. He was a member of our 2018 team that won conference last year. His contribution is his willingness to express support to the team through offering words of encouragement and positive energy. He is really self-motivated and has an infectious energy. These are qualities that make Uriah a well-rounded individual and integral member of the team.”
“One of the main strengths that I bring to my team is that I lead by example,” said Uriah. “I’m one of the first ones to lace up for speed workouts and races. I do extra when it comes to our long runs and when it comes time for the pace to be pushed, and I’m more than willing to push the pace. Not only does this help me get faster, but it also influences my teammates and they, in turn, also get faster.”
“Growing up off the reservation, I didn’t get as much immersion into my culture as some other students might have. One core value that has always stuck with me though is how important family can be and I carry this value with me onto the cross country course. Family can get you through the toughest of times, and that’s what my team is: a family. My teammates support me and encourage me, even on my days where I feel like my legs are about to snap and I do the same for them. This is the main value that defines me because in order to succeed, we have to be at one with each other. So that family dynamic is important,” added Uriah.
Uriah addressed his future: “As of now, I do not have a set plan for my future. Originally, I had been planning to go into the United States Marine Corps after I graduated with my Bachelors Degree. Due to a certain number of head injuries, that future is no longer an option. I’m not bummed though, as it simply means there are multiple doors open for me. I just have to choose which door to take. Athletics still play a vital role in this, as it’ll help me develop skills and lessons that’ll be essential for future success. Skills such as communication and time management will be honed through athletics. Most importantly, the lessons to keep driving and stay determined are also taught. These lessons will help me find success wherever I go, just as long as I don’t quit and stay focused.”
