Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame

10/30/2026

Today we highlight one of the Blackfeet Nation's top Cowboy, Spike Guardipee, one of Indian rodeo's most accomplished champions, with seven Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) World Championship titles and a legacy of excellence across multiple timed events.🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

He was born on January 13, 1962, and grew up at Sam and Wizzy Bird’s Ranch. Rodeo was a way of life in his family, that’s for sure! He went to Jim Gladstone and Leo Camillo Roping School, and the rest is history! He is very fortunate to come out of this with what he got.
As a young cowboy back in 1962, Spike learned that his future would be shaped by hard work, family, good horses, and the determination to become the best he could be. He attended school in Cut Bank and Browning. He was a helluva athlete and succeeded in everything he put his mind to. 🐎🔥🏀

Spike credits his family for shaping the cowboy he became, from roping on Seville Flats and at Denny Loring's ranch to spending time with his Uncle Beaver Bird (MIAHOF 2012), and Sam Bird III (MIAHOF 2008), who shared their knowledge and experience along with many others in his family.

Spike's first INFR World Championship came in 1981, when, at just 19 years old, he captured the Team Roping title alongside partner Ted Hoyt. He went on to claim three INFR All-Around World Championships in 1990, 1991, and 1998, a testament to his versatility and ability to compete at the highest level in multiple rodeo events. He also captured the 1991 Steer Wrestling World Championship and earned Calf Roping World Championships in 1990 and 1996. That gave Spike seven INFR world titles across team roping, steer wrestling, calf roping, and all-around competition!💯

He won numerous titles through Montana amateur rodeo, the Northern Rodeo Association, and the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit. Spike was a true timed-event specialist, a cowboy who could compete against the best in several disciplines. One of his most memorable professional rodeo accomplishments came at the Ponoka Stampede, where he won the first round in all three of his events.

He remembered one particular rodeo on the Blackfeet Reservation when he needed to work both ends of the arena. He rode a bull that day and won the all-around, even though the bull tore part of his ear as he dismounted.

Spike credits his partners, competitors, mentors, and the many people who allowed him to ride their horses, including Bill Parker, Leo Camarillo, Gary Hepper, and Danny Cross. Spike also credits fellow INFR Hall of Famer Bud Connelly (MIAHOF 2009) and his Uncle Ron Bird (MIAHOF 2018) with helping him develop his steer wrestling skills. And you got to give to the Horses; Spike remembered riding outstanding horses throughout his career, including Dennis Dahle's Miss Piggy. He has many more people he could thank, and he said it would take a very long time. "They know who they are and I've already thanked them."

He has won 7 horse trailers, over 200 saddles, a pickup truck in South Dakota, a 4-wheeler in Rocky Boy. S**t, he won many, many buckles, spurs, and breastcollars too! For Spike, one of the proudest moments in his rodeo life came not from his own accomplishments, but from watching his son, James Cole (JC) Guardipee, follow in his footsteps. Watching JC develop into a three-event timed-event cowboy gave Spike a different kind of pride, one reflecting the family tradition. All his children are a great inspiration and pride to him. Jose Dale, Kirbee Jae, Jake Delane, and the late Jessi James.❤️

In 2017, Spike Guardipee was inducted into the Indian National Finals Rodeo Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding achievements and contributions to Indian rodeo. Spike remains deeply appreciative of the people who helped him reach those heights. His story is one of exceptional athletic achievement, but also of humility and gratitude.

Spike Guardipee carries the strength of his family and the traditions of the Blackfeet Nation. He is a legend in the rodeo circuit, and he demonstrates the excellence of our Indian rodeo athletes. In his own words, “Well, that’s about it. I’m so proud to be a Cowboy.” Welcome to the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Spike Guardipee! We’ll be celebrating his induction Nov. 14th at MSU! 👣💪🏽

10/27/2026

Hardin senior Ben Bird absolutely torched the state cross country course at Amend Park this past weekend, as Bird set a new Class A state record with a winning time of 15 minutes, 19.8 seconds. "I just remember my training and remember what I've done throughout my season," Bird said. "I remember what God has done for me throughout my season and the purpose that He has given me. I just rely on Him and trust in Him with everything that I do."

Hardin senior Ben Bird absolutely torched the state cross country course at Amend Park this past weekend, as Bird set a new Class A state record with a winning time of 15 minutes, 19.8 seconds.

10/27/2026

Shout out to these two Native Coaches! Coach Kelvin Sampson (Lumbee) of U of Houston & Coach Justin Wetzel (Blackfeet) of Grand Rapids Gold - NBA G League!🏀🔥 Representing at high levels!💯

10/26/2026

Today we share the story of 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee, Levi Horn! A proud member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation who broke through as an American Indian to play professionally in the NFL! Making it pro in football is very difficult, but Levi had a strong career in the NFL, playing for the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, then heading to Canada to play for the BC Lions in 2013. 🏈🔥

The saying goes, you can’t teach BIG, and Levi Horn was always big. A 12 lb baby boy who hit 6 ft by 6th grade would eventually grow to 6’7” and around 315 to 325 playing weight! He worked hard to use that gift to take him far. His coordination and strength were top-notch and led him to become a First Team All-Stater as a tight end in Washington. He chose to go back to the state of his tribal roots, Montana, and signed to play for the University of Montana Grizzlies. In Missoula, he developed into one of the nation's most recognized collegiate offensive linemen and earned Honorable Mention All-Big Sky Conference recognition in 2008. The next season, his performance at left tackle elevated him to First Team All-Big Sky Conference as he played against some of the region's strongest collegiate competition. Levi gained national recognition by making Third Team All-American honors from the Associated Press and The Sports Network, along with First Team All-American recognition from the American Football Coaches Association! As a Grizzly, he received the prestigious Paul Weskamp Award! He pushed hard to get where he got, and these types of honors reflected all those years of preparation, discipline, sacrifice, and his commitment to excellence.🐻💪🏽

Playing professional football was a big-time dream for Levi, and after his college career, he reached that dream, signing to play with the Chicago Bears! His first year, he made the practice squad and the Bears went to the NFC Championship Game. His second year, Horn made the 53-man roster under offensive line coach Mike Tice. After a few successful seasons, he went to the Minnesota Vikings in 2012 and the BC Lions in 2013, eventually retiring after various injuries. Levi Horn became a strong example to our youth in our communities. Just as Shiyahz Pete brought the nation's eyes to our native grit and energy this summer during his tryout for the Dallas Cowboys, Levi showed our native youth watching at home that Native athletes belong on every stage where athletic excellence is celebrated!✊

After football, Levi began his next chapter, and for over a decade, he has traveled across the United States sharing his experiences as a motivational speaker. His message hits home with youth from all backgrounds, but he’s become a strong voice for Indian Country. Giving back to the people is a top-notch quality that resides in this Northern Cheyenne warrior. The ups and downs of life, and understanding that you can use all you learned on those hard days on the field during those hard days off, Levi’s story demonstrates the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and continuing to move forward.👊

After experiencing post-concussion syndrome, Levi began speaking publicly about brain health and the treatment needs of former professional football players. He has devoted his time to advocating for his NFL brothers and encouraging conversations about the long-term effects of head injuries. This helped him get through some frustrating years, and he began to heal mentally and physically. He has now expanded his work by creating his own Mental Performance Coaching business, sharing the life lessons he learned as an athlete and leader by helping others develop the mindset and confidence to pursue their own goals.

Welcome to the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Levi Horn. We’ll be celebrating his Hall of Fame induction on November 14, 2026, at his rival college, Montana State University. Adding another coup to his belt. It’s going to be a blast!💯

10/25/2026

Congratulations to the Bozeman Hawks on winning State Boys AA XC again with Senior Branlin Foote getting third with a time of 15.22.8!🔥👊 He will be running for MSU next year & has been an awesome role model to watch during his high school XC career! 💯

10/24/2026

Congratulations to the Hardin Boys Cross Country Team on winning their Third Straight Class A Title today!!🔥🏆🏆🏆 Coach Farmer with another one!👊 🥇

10/24/2026

Today we highlight the legendary Blackfeet Coach Ray Augare as a 2026 Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee. 🏀👣

In Browning, Montana, basketball has never been just a game. It's a gathering of families, a source of community and Blackfeet pride, and a warrior tradition that has brought generations together beneath the lights of a packed gym. For decades, Ray Augare has been part of that tradition as a three-time state championship basketball coach who took the Browning Indians through some of the most memorable moments in the school's athletic history! Ray grew up understanding that Browning Indian basketball excellence was a big part of the school's identity, having played point guard for the Indians under Hall of Fame Coach Don Wetzel, Sr. He ran point as one of the best players in the state in the early 1970s, scoring, passing, and pushing the game to higher levels!

Coach Augare’s teams played the way he played, with speed, determination, discipline, and a relentless work ethic. They pushed the basketball, frustrated their opponents, and gave the people of Browning many reasons to celebrate. These championships brought the smiles, the excitement, and the joy on the faces of the young athletes who had worked so hard to earn them.

Ray's coaching journey began in 1994 when he was hired to coach the junior varsity girls basketball team at Browning High School. He became a key piece of the 1996 Browning varsity girls team that captured the Class A state championship! This was the historic first for the program and the only girls' basketball state title in Browning history. They will be highlighted soon.

In 1997, he moved to coaching the boys' junior varsity team, spending three years developing young players and preparing for the next chapter of his career. Ray became the head varsity boys' basketball coach in 2000, and he entered as a Coach with a purpose rooted in his own drive as a player and a person. He wanted his athletes to reach the state tournament and experience the excitement, pride, and opportunity that he had known through basketball.

Ray brought back the game of basketball he had played during the 1970s. It was fast. It was aggressive. And it was exciting! While many teams emphasized slowing the game down and running structured half-court offenses, Ray believed in pushing the ball up the floor, creating opportunities, and turning hard work into easy baskets. He coached his athletes to play with energy and confidence, and he wanted the fans to enjoy every minute of it. They worked hard in the off-season and during the season with tremendous conditioning, discipline, teamwork, and commitment. His players had to be willing to work harder than the competition, and in his very first season as varsity boys head coach, that philosophy delivered the second Boys State Basketball title to Browning! One championship was remarkable, but Coach Augure and his team wanted more. In 2001, Browning returned to the top, capturing another state championship and establishing the Indians as back-to-back champions! The fire was back, and the victories were a testament to the pure talent on the Blackfeet reservation. Those championships showed the dedication and willingness to push hard and stay disciplined, and they gave the young men of Browning an opportunity to experience something they would remember for the rest of their lives.

From there, the Indians were always in the hunt for another title. In 2007, Ray guided the them to a state runner-up finish in a hard-fought battle. In 2008, the Browning Boys captured another state championship, giving Ray his third boys basketball state title as head coach!🏆🏆🏆

Ray's influence wasn't limited to boys' basketball as he returned to the girls program as the varsity head coach in 2013, taking the Lady Indians to a third place finish at the state tournament. In 2016, the girls earned another third-place state finish and captured the Central/Eastern A Divisional Championship.

As a Coach, Ray's ability to teach, motivate, and develop athletes across different teams and generations was undeniable. He received numerous coaching honors, including three Central A Coach of the Year recognitions when he won those state championships. He also won additional conference coaching honors in boys and girls basketball. Coach Augure always felt that those awards were a reflection of the players and teams whose hard work made them possible. He understood that athletic talent is important, but talent alone doesn't create excellence. It’s the late nights in the gym, the hours upon hours of hard work and preparation as a player and as a person. The discipline of the youth and coaches to work harder than the other schools you competed against. Ray encouraged his athletes to understand that success in one sport can translate into success in others and that the habits they develop through basketball, commitment, conditioning, teamwork, and perseverance can help them throughout their lives.🔥

He believes hard work is what separates a good athlete from an excellent one. He has spent his coaching career challenging young people to discover just how good they can become. There is a great Pride within Browning Basketball that is shown throughout the reservation. Them gyms get packed with cheering fans, with an excitement that spreads through town when the Browning Indians are making another championship run. That could be Coach Augare’s favorite part of his journey, with friends and relatives filling the gym and creating an atmosphere that made every game special. And when they won a divisional or state championship, he loved watching his players and community celebrate!✊👣

Coach Augare played a huge role in preserving and strengthening Browning's basketball tradition and demonstrated what can happen when talent is met with discipline, opportunity, and a coach who believes in his players. Welcome to the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Coach Ray Augare! We’ll be celebrating your accomplishments on November 14th @ MSU!👊💯

10/24/2026

Congratulations to Hardin's Ben Bird on taking home the Class A State Title with a time of 15.19!🔥 Representing the Crow Nation with pride and strength! Helping his team take home another TEAM Title for Coach Farmer!🥇🏆💪