Two Riverside Indian School Seniors Run for Their Futures at Haskell University

Riverside Indian School student-athletes Tyce and Kateri are headed from Anadarko, Oklahoma, to Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, after signing letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at another Bureau of Indian Education institution. 

The signing ceremony on campus marked a moment of pride for Riverside and its long-standing tradition of athletic excellence.  

“Both Tyce and Kateri are coachable leaders,” said head coach James Nells, now in his 19th year leading Riverside’s track and cross-country programs. “They’re dependable, self-motivated, and have done a lot of work to get here. I’m proud of them.” 

Tyce, originally from Cherokee, North Carolina, came to Riverside with a soccer background and quickly made his mark on the track team. Kateri transferred to Riverside as a sophomore from a homeschooling background and quickly grew into a team leader. 

Both student athletes excelled in distance running, regularly competing in the 800m, 1600m, and 3,200m events, as well as on the 4x800m relay teams and cross-country teams.  

Their talent and versatility were key to strengthening Riverside’s track and cross-country programs — both of which have had consistent success under Nells’ leadership.  

Tyce and Kateri embraced the Diné principles of “No excuses” and “Nothing negative” to help them become standouts on the track team. Coach Nells praised their commitment to their team and their academics. 

“They always asked about workouts in addition to their schoolwork,” he said. 

A proud Navajo, Nells has always instilled a sense of pride and purpose in his athletes. 

“Run for your past and future,” Coach Nells reminds them. “Don’t dwell on the negative — do something great instead.”