NEW YORK CITY — The 2017-2018 Arlee Warriors continue to make waves across the country.
The two-time defending Class C state basketball champions were praised across the nation for a Facebook video addressing suicide and convincing those struggling to seek help. The video went viral, boasting more than one million views.
On Wednesday, the Warriors were again being praised across the United States. The New York Times Magazine featured the Arlee Warriors on this week’s cover, with contributing writer Abe Streep outlining the team’s state tournament dedication to those who had lost loved ones to suicide. Thes story, titled “What the Arlee Warriors were playing for” has been heavily shared on social media.
“Only about half the Warriors could legally drive, and many struggled academically. But as state champions, they were kings on the Flathead reservation,” Streep wrote. “They came into the season hoping to defend their trophy; Phil and Will also wanted a chance to play in college. But by the evening of the Manhattan Christian game, the season had transformed into something else entirely.”
Streep spent months around the program, attending practices and games, as well as community events like powwows and dinners. He documents the struggles of individual student-athletes, at home, in the classroom and on the basketball court. It also covers the team’s victories, accolades and successes.
To view the entire New York Times piece, please click here.
