 |
         |
      |
 |
      |
| Volume XXIII Number 15 | November 7, 2003 |
By Kenny Bayon, C.PT
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL — When Max Osceola, Jr. played sports during his childhood and teenage years on the Hollywood reservation, and later at McArthur High School, he viewed athletics as a way out, a path that could lead to a better life. But ultimately, instead of searching for success elsewhere, Max decided to make the biggest impact – first as an athlete, then as a coach, and finally, as an elected official – right in his backyard among his own people.
Osceola, known as Broward County’s first Native American football all-star, and one of the greatest Seminole athletes of his era, was honored for his local efforts and achievements when he was inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 14. He, along with five other inductees, was honored before a crowd of 800 at the Broward County Convention Center.
“ I’m honored and grateful,” said Max, a Tribal councilman for the past 20 years and a member of the Seminole Sports Hall of Fame. “It was not just me, but everyone that played with me earned this honor and they will always be remembered," said Osceola.
He added, “It's not just what I did on the field, but off the field as well (that led to my induction). They looked at the contributions I made to the tribe, for the community and our youth, by focusing on athletics and education.”
Max, always big for his age, first used his size and strength to dominate in football at Dania Optimist youth league, then went on to become an All-County lineman and defensive captain at McArthur High School. The apex of his athletic career came during his senior season, in 1967, when he, along with five other Seminole players, helped lead the Mustangs to their first-ever playoff berth.
“ When I played back then, it was for the love of the game.” Max said. “I always strived to be the best; to play at the highest level possible. Even with the injuries, I would just suck it up and play because I knew many people depended on me playing, especially when some of my teammates were family as well.”
Max, 53, was introduced at the ceremony by his cousin Moses Jumper Jr. The two played alongside each other from childhood, starting in a palmetto field on the Hollywood reservation, through their glory years at McArthur.
“ I remember Max not only being bigger than everyone else, but that he was very fundamentally strong,” said Jumper, a member of the Seminole Sports Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Tribal Recreation Supervisor.
“ He specialized in his position by having excellent technique, mechanics, footwork and having the heart of a warrior. His aggressiveness on the field was unparalleled. We all knew at times Max was in pain, but we also knew he would be there no matter what. He played the game the way it was supposed to be played.”
Although his football playing days were cut short due to injuries, Max, a University of Miami graduate, continues to excel in other areas of life, such as charity work and community service. While serving as a Tribal councilman, he’s helped make improvements in economics, health care and education, and he’s one of the strongest promoters and supporters of the recreation department.
Max, a father of three, also has been involved in multiple charitable fundraisers, including Ride Across America (to benefit children’s hospitals) and Toys for Tots. He also has coached many boys and girls teams up to the high school level, including this year’s Pine Crest High School softball team for which his daughter Megan plays.
And even though Max no longer partakes in strenuous activities, his competitive spirit remains strong. An avid golfer, he qualified for last summer’s North American Indigenous Games.
“ In our culture, we are taught many things, most of all to hold our head up high,” Max said. "I always give the example of the bird and the panther. When the bird is on the ground, the panther can rule and dominate. But when the bird soars, the panther can just look and wonder. So in sports and in life, we achieve the best we can. That's all you can ask of anyone."
During his induction speech, Max thanked many people:
*His family and relatives, especially his parents Max Osceola Sr. and Laura Mae and his cousins, who usually were also his inseparable teammates. “They say you can chose your friends and not your relatives,” Max said. “I’m happy to say that my relatives are my friends.”
He spoke fondly and proudly of how his mother, who passed away the week before the induction, and his father were his first coaches. His parents didn’t play sports but fully supported his athletic endeavors. As an adolescent in the 1960s, when society often didn’t smile upon Native Americans and white children playing together, his parents would take him to African American and Hispanic communities – and even prisons – just so that he could play and hone his skills.
“ In every athlete, life starts with their parents,” he said. “They’re the ones who support, nurture, and provide. They would rather go without just for your sake.”
*Howard Tiger, his first youth football coach, who taught him about commitment, loyalty and service. Tiger, a great Seminole athlete during his era, volunteered to serve in World War II as a marine, even though Native Americans were not mandated to join the armed forces.
*Buddy Klemkowitz, his junior high and high school coach. Klemkowitz taught him about character and always rebounding from tough times, whether in athletics or life. “Some are defeated and always stay defeated,” Max said, “but someone that comes from defeat and overcomes to achieve has climbed to the mountain top.”
Max was inducted into the Hall of Fame along with David Shula (football), Otis Gray (football), Ann Marshall (swimming), Mike Stanley (baseball) and Captain Skip Smith (fishing).
They will be permanently honored, alongside dozens of previous inductees, with display plaques at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (954) 765-4466, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“ I’m sure there are doctors in the house and lawyers in the house,” Max said. “Now there’s an Indian chief in the house.”
| Home · History · Culture · Tourism & Enterprises · Government · Services · Employment |
Copyright © MMIV Seminole Tribe of Florida
6300 Stirling Road
Hollywood, Florida 33024
Phone: (800) 683-7800
URL:
All questions/comments: tribune@semtribe.com
Webmaster: webadmin@semtribe.com
Web site maintained by Seminole Tribe of Florida