Haskell Indian Nations University Athletics

Haskell competes in the NAIA, which offers a middle ground between major college athletics and purely recreational sports programs. The university fields 11 varsity teams with 104 total athletes, meaning about 12% of the 878 students participate in intercollegiate athletics. The Fighting Indians compete in cross country, track and field, football, basketball, softball, and other sports. Haskell has a particularly strong tradition in distance running, reflecting the cultural significance of running in many Native American communities. The school produced Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills, who won the 10,000-meter run in 1964. Despite offering no athletic scholarships, Haskell's teams compete with pride and represent the broader Native American community. The university's athletic programs serve as a source of cultural identity and school spirit on this unique campus.