Nuggets Host Red Cloud Basketball Team, Receive "Star Quilt"

On October 3, 2009, the Denver Nuggets hosted the Red Cloud Crusaders High School Basketball Team from Pine Ridge South Dakota. The boys’ basketball team held a pre-game practice on the Nuggets practice court, followed by a workout with Nuggets Strength and Conditioning Coach, Steve Hess. The Crusaders then put on a lively recreational scrimmage at halftime of the Nuggets’ first pre-season game.

These young men were accompanied by Red Cloud Schools’ President Fr. Peter Klink, Principal, Nick Dressel, Major Gifts Development Officer, Colleen McCarthy and VP of Advancement, Matt Ehlman.

The students were not only skilled athletes but scholars and outstanding citizens in their community. The trip was used as an incentive to continue working hard and to show that a strong work ethic can be rewarded in many ways. Several of the students at Red Cloud are Gates Scholarship recipients.

The visit was the idea of Nuggets Director of Basketball Administration, Lisa Johnson, a long time supporter of the Red Cloud Indian School and in collaboration with Senior Director of Fan Development, Doug Fulton. This day proved to a win/win situation for both parties. It was instrumental in promoting success among the students at Red Cloud and as a result the Denver Nuggets have broadened their fan base with a huge cheering section in that corner of South Dakota.

On April 20, 2010, the Nuggets were the recipient of one of the highest and most cherished honors among Lakota people, a “Star Quilt”. This beautiful quilt was hand stitched in Nuggets colors of pale blue, yellow and white by Wanda Cross Dog a Lakota woman from Pine Ridge.

Star quilts have replaced the buffalo robe in honoring ceremonies, marking significant achievement, joy sorrow, perseverance and service to the community. It is a gift of honor, from family and friends. Fr. Peter Klink stated, “We hope you will take from it the strength of generations of Lakota who live with fortitude-despite hardship-to succeed for the advancement of all people."

For generations the star quilt journeyed with Oyate. A star’s brilliance reflects the warmth of love and sun, the sun is the source of life and love. A star quilt brought forth expresses love and love is the warmth and life of the souls.

The Denver Nuggets are honored and privileged and extend their thanks to the wonderful people of Red Cloud.