"Lady Warriors" is the compelling story of the Tuba City High School girl's cross country team during the 2000 season on its quest for a fourth consecutive state championship in Arizona. The film chronicles the events from the summer trip to the Wolf Creek Running Camp in Utah to the final race at the Arizona State Meet. Throughout the film we watch the Lady Warriors grow; we share their experiences; witness their lives; see where and how traditional and modern life intersect while learning about their hopes and dreams. John C.P. Goheen produced, directed, photographed, and edited this exceptional documentary. Music is blended well and performed by native artists, including Keith Secola. "Lady Warriors" has appeared at nearly 20 film festivals and has brought back many awards such as Best Documentary. The video was released by Corbis Production in 2002 with distribution rights currently from Filmmakers Library, and be sure to ask for the 90 minute version (they also offer a 56 minute version) as you will not want to miss a moment of this movie. HBO Family has distribution rights so for show times check your local listings. The coach is Milfred Tewawina who acts as the narrator and brings his experience as a Division I top ten finisher back to his home town in the role of coach as he leads his team. The town of Tuba City, and reservation life, is revealed through his eyes and his vision is rich and insightful. Team selection, meetings, travel, motivational talks, recruitment letters, race plans, and advocacy for the team members is all handled in the finest fashion. You will have to watch this film to see team rituals that will leave a lasting impression. In the coaches own words: "Customs and traditions are pretty darn strong around here. In order to become successful you need to believe in something and you need to know where you come from because knowing where you come from and knowing what you believe in your going to be successful. One thing that I've always preached among these girls is that running serves a purpose in their lives. There are no boundaries for anyone. For some of these girls this will be their greatest achievement in their whole life and for the others it's only the beginning. Today they honored themselves, and their tribe, and in the native way they have all contributed to life". The runners include: Ciji Honahnie, Hopi (as a junior she won the individual 3A title after placing second the previous two years); Marietta "Bitsie" Riggs, Navajo (will the team captain meet her goal of finishing in the top ten in state this year?); Christina Begay, Navajo (running since fifth grade, will she maintain her academics to have eligibility to travel and compete for her team?); Jayme Lomakema, Hopi and Navajo (she has a tough attitude, yet without a goal will she end the season on a good note?); Crystal Dugi, Navajo (she ran all Summer and enters the season in great shape); Khrysten Seweingyawma, Hopi, Navajo and Black (she broke through last year onto varsity: how will her efforts during practice sit with her memories of this season?); Brandi Atene, Navajo (initially, she wanted to have fun and stay in shape for basketball yet this freshman surprised the team by making varsity during the time trial). The three senior girls (Bitsy, Ciji, and Christina) are all currently in college. Each of them have continued to find success in their running and their teams have all finished in the top 10 in their divisions. Christina finished in the top 20 as her team won their first National Junior College Championship for their division. Milfred went on to coach for another school, Grey Hills Academy, for the 2001 season. He coached both the boys and girls cross country teams, taking the boys to state for the first time in any sport, finishing fifth. Milfred chose not to coach during the 2002 season.
