Though many Americans might be aware of Olympian and football Hall of Famer Jim Thorpe or of Navajo golfer Notah Begay, few know of the fundamental role that Native athletes have played in modern sports--contributing popular games and contests, excelling as players, distinguishing themselves as coaches. The full breadth and richness of this tradition unfolds in

C. Richard King is an associate professor of comparative ethnic studies at Washington State University. He is the coeditor of Team Spirits: The Native American Mascot Controversy (Nebraska 2001).