Willie White led Pine Ridge to their only State Championship in the late ‘80s.
Pine Ridge’s Willie “The Legend” White honored
By David Michaud
Native Sun News Correspondent PINE RIDGE — After being inducted to the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame, Willie White's mother decided she wanted to do something else for him. So she decided to do an honoring back home where his family and friends could attend and a naming ceremony for her son. Turns out, quite a few people wanted to come and celebrate with her as well. Around 75 people showed up to the Pine Ridge High School cafeteria on Wednesday, June 11, to attend the honoring. This was quite an experience for White who was honored with the name Cante Mani Wah (Walking Arrow Heart), who originally didn't believe he was actually being inducted. “I heard it from Jesse Mendoza first and I thought it was a joke. Thought Jesse was playing a game for a few weeks but then a guy from the state called and said his name and that's when I knew it was real,” said White. After the Hall of Fame announcement there was no shortage of people who were excited for Willie. Some of those people were invited to speak at his naming ceremony, including Charlie Zimiga, one of White’s high school coaches. “Willie and his team took me on a journey that every coach wants to go on,” said Zimiga of the undefeated season in 1987 when White was named Honorable Mention McDonald’s All American. “We went undefeated and won districts, state, everything.” During that time Willie’s name and ability was known far and wide. As Zimiga said, “we went in a gym in Pierre and we see little boys with headbands on wearing Willie White’s number even though we were playing their team.” That knowledge of White has been passed on around the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, according to Yvonne “Tiny” DeCory. “Our young people have asked about him, they've seen his videos and seen what he could do, even if they wonder why they played in daisy dukes back then.” The ability that White displayed on the court is not all that he has been known for though. He also is known for his humility. “I know when his mom was setting this up Willie was like ’no don't do that’ because that's how he is. He never wanted the attention. But it is a good thing that his mother wanted to do this so everyone can join in the celebration of him.” That was not far from the story either, according to White. “This honoring was awesome even though I didn't know about it till last night; they kept it a pretty good secret since I ain't into this stuff. But we just had some nice people here and saw them, I enjoyed it but it was mainly for (mom).” While everyone was celebrating and honoring White for the achievements he already has, guest speaker former Oglala Tribal President John Yellow Bird-Steele had more in mind. He challenged White to continue with his achievements for his people to continue honoring him. “They are honoring you for the state championship you and your team won, for being inducted into the Hall of Fame,” said Yellow Bird-Steele. “Now it is up to you to continue doing great things for the rest of your life so your mother and the people can keep honoring you.” With what White has accomplished so far, it would probably be a safe bet to assume that “The Legend” as they call him, will be having more honoring in the coming years. (Contact David Michaud at staffwriter2@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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