July Football Classic Features Native American Student-Athletes from Across U.S.

By UT Arlington University Communications

Posted on June 13, 2014, June 13, 2014

The Native All-Star Football Classic (NASFC) returns to the University of Texas at Arlington's (UTA) Maverick Stadium at 7 p.m., July 5^th. Admission is $10 per person and includes free parking. Food and beverage concessions will be open, along with official NASFC souvenir booths offering hats, jerseys, t-shirts, sweatshirts and posters.

Student-athlete applications are still being accepted for the NASFC and camp, which is traditionally held the first week of July. The weeklong camp includes a football combine, draft, practice, mentoring and entertainment, culminating with the 13^th annual All-Star game. The event is in its fourth year under the direction of Native Re-vision, a 501©3 non-profit organization based out of Dallas, Texas. Native Re-vision rebranded the event to the NASFC to elevate the game and gain the attention of mainstream media by revealing the incredible display of Native American athleticism to sports fans and tribes across North America.

"We're gaining more mainstream media traction every year by working hard and remaining focused," said Steve Cardwell, Native Re-vision's Founder & Chairman and Cheyenne tribal member. "Producing the NASFC is an honor and privilege as we seek to inspire our players to be warriors in both, the classroom and on the field, and provide a positive vision for their future."

With the overall goal of elevating the quality of life for young Native Americans, the NASFC has many objectives. Key among those are providing a clear understanding that a world of opportunity awaits them beyond their playing days and how imperative it is that they provide a positive footprint for upcoming youth to follow.

To inspire NASFC players, the annual Alex Battiest Award recognizes outstanding character, integrity and leadership qualities on and off the field. The award was created in 2012 and honors the memory of fallen NASFC warrior, Alex Battiest, who played in the 2011 All-Star game. Just a few weeks after the game, Alex was diagnosed with germ cell cancer and passed away January 2012. "He was such an inspiring young man, who was both athletically and intellectually gifted," stated Cardwell. "Alex remains an exceptional example of what our tribes so desperately need - and inspiring the next generation of Native youth to become."

"Fortunately, a handful of passionate supporters have elevated and kept the game going, but we're always looking for sponsors and donations to help grow the event and help these kids," said Cherokee Hicks, Native Re-vision Co-Chair.

For NASFC player applications or to make a donation, contact [email protected] or visit www.nativerevision.org and www.facebook.com/NativeRevision for more information.