ASU says farewell to the Indian Family
Chief Big Track shares final days of the Indian Family
Sarah Morris
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: News
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The Indian Chief, complete with a light brown leather outfit with delicate, colorful beading and a dazzling white feather headdress decorated in red and white, has been a traditional sight at every Arkansas State University home football and basketball games along with the rest of the ASU Indian Family: the Indian Princess and Brave. "Growing up in Jonesboro, I always loved going to the game and seeing the Indian family," Shurley said.
"Being a little kid, I always thought (the Indian family was) really neat. It was like seeing Mickey Mouse at Disney World."
With only school and his fraternity keeping Shurley busy, he applied for the Indian Chief position at the end of the 2007 summer.
"When I first applied, I was actually nervous that we wouldn't have the Indian family, but I applied anyway," Shurley said.
Applicants were required to have a 2.5 grade point average, be in good standing with the university and be a full-time student.
Applicants were also required to turn in a picture of themselves and short essays on topics such as, "Why do you want to be the Indian Chief?" For Shurley, he said it was watching the Indian Chief at football games while growing up that made him want to apply and try out for the Indian Chief.
Shurley was accepted at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year. "I was really excited and called all my friends," he said. "Well, first thing I did was call the Indian Princess, and then I called all my friends," Shurley said.
It was the start of what Shurley described as a great experience.
"It's kinda fun. It's exciting to be the last (Chief), but it's sad to know they (Indian family) won't be around next fall," Shurley said. "My performance is heightened because I know we'll be watched more, and I want us to be honored."
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