Sapulpa's Keland Bearpaw Selected For Annual Indigenous Bowl

A Sapulpa football veteran thought his playing days were over last year, but ended up with a chance to suit up one more time all the way in California.

Sapulpa High School grad Keland Bearpaw, seen third from the left, was selected to play in the annual Indigenous Bowl in San Diego, California.  It is a week long camp for Native American athletes that culminates in game.  Despite having not played in eight months, Bearpaw was one of six MVPs.

Bearpaw is a member of the Euchee tribe and said his experience--and success--at the camp has inspired him to do more.

"It was kind of a shock. I didn't know I'd be named one of those, but I kinda just worked at it, just did me. I know my language some, but I really need to learn it more. That way I can help a lot more, I can be a bigger influential person. It's up to my generation to keep it going, to keep teaching the youth, to make sure the kids understand because it all falls on them," said Keland Bearpaw.

Another Oklahoma athlete also participated, just to Bearpaw's left is Blayne Allen of Muskogee.