First induction ceremony held for Montana Indian Hall of Fame

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) The first ever Montana Indian Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held this past week in Billings. And seven exceptional American Indian athletes were honored as the first inductees.

They are Pete Conway, Larry Pretty Weasel, Sam Horn, Malia Kipp-Camel, Marvin Camel, Louis Longee and Philip Red Eagle.

The inductees are NAIA All-Americans, college and high school hall of famers, All-State high school team members, and even a world championship-winning boxer.

Don Wetzel Sr. is an NHSA hall of famer and a member of the Blackfeet tribe. He spent eight years researching Montana's Indian athletes, and feels a Montana Indian Hall of Fame is overdue.

A look at the inductees: Conway, Blackfeet, played for Browning High School and was an NAIA All-American for Eastern Montana College. He is also in the Montana State-Billings Hall Of Fame.

Pretty Weasel, Crow, played for Hardin High School and Rocky Mountain College. He holds the record for most points scored in four games at a state tournament, with 143.

Horn, Crow, played for St. Labre, which won the state title in 1977.

Kipp-Camel, Salish-Kootenai, was an All-State selection for four years in Basketball, Volleyball and track at Browning High School. She also was a starter on the University of Montana women's basketball team.

Camel, Salish-Kootenai, was World Cruiser Weight Champion in 1980 and 1983.

Longee, Assiniboine Sioux, played for Poplar High School from 1934-1937 and was an All-State athlete. Poplar won back-to-back state titles during his playing years.

Red Eagle, Assiniboine Sioux, played for Brockton High School 1934-1937. Brockton lost only three games in those years.

Information from: KAJ-TV (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-09-07 1657CST | save this article / add to your favorites list