Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - A team of Cherokee softball players from Oklahoma recently won the National Indian Sports Association World Series. The championship game, played in Salt Lake City, Utah, was the seventeenth game in a row that the team had played and won.

"This team is kind of like a family," said Damon Ford, softball player. "We all have fun."

The team, Native Legendz, consists of a roster of 18 men from all over Oklahoma who get together to play in slow-pitch softball tournaments when their schedules allow.

"They just make it whenever they can," said Evelyn Soldier, the coach's wife.

The Native Legendz are currently raising money to compete in the fall World Series tournament in Las Vegas in November.

"These guys have to pay for their entry fees, hotel, airfare, and car rentals," Soldier said. "We've gotten some sponsors and the Cherokee Nation is helping us too."

The team has held fundraiser breakfasts, raffles, and is planning to hold a softball tournament in Pryor to assist with trip expenses. For more information or to make a donation to the team, contact Evelyn Soldier, phone: 918-479-6857.

Related contact information: National Indian Sports Association NISA Headquarters 6025 W. Nickel Way Salt Lake City, Utah 84118 Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org