Nixyáawii returns three key players for the 2026 season

MISSION — The Golden Eagles have a small squad this season, but Nixyáawii coach Nina Watchman is moving forward with the players she has.

That group includes seniors Annalise Watchman and Devon Hall Spencer, and sophomore Cryssa Kirkie, who made a splash as a freshman.

“We have two seniors this year,” Watchman said. “We just need that all-around gal. Having Annalise and Devon back really helps.”

Watchman will set and hit from the outside for the Golden Eagles, while Hall Spencer will also set and hit from the outside. They will play opposite each other to ensure veteran hands control the ball.

Kirkie is a 5-foot-10 middle and has the skills to play in the back row as well.

Also on the roster are junior outside hitter Brooklyn Jones, freshman outside hitter Aniah Watchman, and sophomores Felicia Watkins and Madison Marsh.

“We are still working with Felicia and Madison to see where they can best help us,” Watchman said.

Nixyáawii went 2-11 last season, including a 1-9 record in the Old Oregon League. With Cove, Elgin, Imbler and Union moving up to 2A, the OOL has a new look, but the Golden Eagles will still have two matches with league foes Griswold, Echo and Pilot Rock.

“We are very excited to not have to play Imbler this year,” Watchman said. “They are pretty amazing.”

The Golden Eagles have a gap in their schedule during the Pendleton Round-Up, but Watchman is trying to find a couple of matches.

“We will be practicing during Round-Up if not,” she said. “We have been conditioning and getting them back to work and communicating better.”

Nixyáawii Volleyball

Star-Nez, Bevis return to lead Nixyáawii runners

MISSION — Nixyáawii cross-country runners don’t have far to look for a little inspiration.

Golden Eagles coach Weyekin Wildbill just competed in the Hood to Coast Relay on Aug. 28-29, running three legs of more than 5 miles each.

“It was a fun weekend,” Wildbill said. “It was my first one. I’m sore, but it was super cool.”

Nixyáawii has five girls out for cross-country for the first time in recent memory, led by senior Emma Star-Nez.

“We are pretty excited about having a complete girls team and being able to compete in the team standings,” Wildbill said. “Emma will be leading the team, for sure. We are very excited for her senior year of cross-country. She has been leading by example since we started the season. She leads the team through warmups, which is pretty cool to see. She is a great example of a leader.”

Star-Nez finished 40th at the Special District 3 Championships last fall with a season best 24:39.80.

Joining Star-Nez out on the course will be seniors Rosaella Salt and Shylee Bronchau, junior Ayana Star and freshman Abi Kordatzky.

On the boys’ team, senior Cashis Bevis is out for his fourth season of cross-country. He finished 45th at the Special District 3 Championships last year with a personal best time of 20:28.30.

“He had a really good season last year,” Wildbill said. “He does love to compete, which is something we love to see.”

Junior Demetri Brockie, who ran as a freshman, is back on the road after taking a year off.

“He has been working hard,” Wildbill said. “We are still trying to build our base before we start racing in a couple of weeks.”

Junior Dresden Farrow is out for the second year in a row, while fellow juniors Irvin Stewart and Delbert Bruno are tackling the sport for the first time.

“I know Irvin can be good at this sport,” Wildbill said.

The Golden Eagles have two freshmen on the roster in Harley Schofield and Joseph Higheagle.

“Harley has been pushing the upperclassmen since we started a couple of weeks ago,” Wildbill said. “Joseph did cross-country in middle school. He is going to be a kid who I don’t have to worry about working and training hard. He is going to be a workhorse for us, for sure.”

The Special District 3 Championships will be held Oct. 30 in Pendleton. The 3A girls have been separated from the 2A/1A teams this fall, opening the door for smaller schools to grab state berths.

“You make it out of district as a team, you will podium at state,” Wildbill said. “There are some pretty good runners in Eastern Oregon.”

Nixyáawii Cross Country