By Dan Ninham
Kingston Hamblin is a senior at Minnetonka High School. He identifies as a part of the Northwestern Band of Shoshoni Nation.
“When I’m not doing football I wrestle in the winter and throw discus in the spring,” said Kingston Hamblin.
“The thing I’ve always noticed about Kingston and his family is they are always ready to help out,” said Mark Esch, Minnetonka HS head football coach. “Kingston is a servant leader and a consummate team player. That’s what makes him special.”
Hamblin’s cultural background influenced his approach to his sports by being resilient that started with his ancestors. “There wasn’t a physical native role model that I could look up to for this sport,” said Hamblin. “I used my culture and focus on the resilience of my ancestors that were here and how they overcame multiple things and one day I hope I can be the role model of the young generation.”
Many athletes overcome significant obstacles in their athletic careers and oftentimes their indigenous core value/s helped them deal with it in a positive way.
“My biggest obstacle in my athletic career would be the concussions I’ve had over these past few years and how much they set me back,” said Hamblin. “I’ve looked to the 7 grandfather teachings to help me get through it and deal with my concussions in a positive way.”
Athletes have daily in season routines, training plans, and nutrition strategies to perform at a high level.
“My training plan consisted of weight training two times a week, speed training once a week and practice four times a week,” said Hamblin. “Before every game or meet I sage to help clear my mind and for nutrition strategies I would meal prep food every Sunday night with protein and some carbs. I would drink water and some electrolyte here and there throughout the day as well as some snacks.”
Hamblin had a major highlight and achievement in athletics. “My biggest highlight and achievement in my athletic career would be competing in state last year or placing seventh in a wrestling tournament that’s considered harder than state.”
Representing as an Indigenous athlete meant Hamblin had to spread himself out to his community. “It means I get to represent my tribe and my ancestors and I get to spread who I am as a native but also my culture and where come from,” said Hamblin. “It also means to me that I have made my mark as an indigenous athlete in this world.”
Hamblin shared advice to young Indigenous athletes that follow him. He said, “Don’t hide your culture, be proud of who you are and be proud to represent your ancestors.”
Hamblin shared what the future is going to be like for him after his athletic career is over. “I plan to be a teacher and teach the younger generations about the teachings our ancestors taught and to help connect our past,” said Hamblin.
