Flagstaff’s rising stars: Two notable Navajos chosen for AYF National Championships in Florida

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK – Two youth football players from Flagstaff, Logan Begay and Reese Tsosie, are headed to Naples, Florida, to compete in the American Youth Football National Championships.

Representing their communities for the Arizona All-Stars, the two linemen will showcase their skills on a national stage this December, playing against top teams from across the country.

For Begay, who is of the Red Running into the Water People Clan, born for Mexican Clan, this journey began when his family moved to Flagstaff, where he initially struggled to adjust to his new school. He quickly met Tsosie –of the Salt Clan, born for Towering House- who became his best friend, and introduced him to the Flagstaff Eagles, a tackle football team, marking Begay’s first foray into organized football. Tsosie has more experience, with this being his third season on the team. The boys quickly excelled on the field, and their strong performances earned them each a spot on the state team, which selects top players from Arizona to compete at the national level.

Their head coach, Jack Tongen of the 10U Flagstaff Eagles, expressed pride in the boys’ accomplishments and the opportunity for them to represent their team on a national stage. “Sending my top players out to Florida to represent our team gives me a lot of pride in my state and community, and especially Native players who really deserve it,” Tongen said.

Tongen described Tsosie as a long-time leader on the team. “Reese hasn’t missed a single minute of practice. He’s a wonderful kid, the heart of the team. He’s a ‘yes, Coach’ kind of kid—respectful and always does as he should,” Tongen said.

Reese’s dad, Jo Tsosie, says that his son is “immensely proud of who he is, and even wears a Yoó after each game because he wants his opponents to ‘know that they were hit by a Navajo’”.

Begay, in his first season playing football, has also made a strong impression. “Logan came alive this season. He’s not afraid to play hard or make contact. He makes good tackles, blocks, and even had a strip sack this season. He’s a great kid—highly coachable,” Tongen said.

In addition to football, academics remain a focus for the boys, who attend Cromer Elementary School. Participation in the AYF National Championships involves study hall sessions during their week-long trip to Florida, ensuring they stay on track with their schoolwork. Begay’s mother noted how the program emphasizes balancing athletics with education, which has inspired the boys to dream about their futures both on and off the field.

“We were impressed with how the program values both education and sports,” said Logan’s mother, Leandra Greyeyes. “During the tryout the boys got to tour the ASU campus and athletic facilities. They were really excited about the opportunity they were shown- that football can take you places and provide for a good education,” she shared.

The upcoming championship marks several milestones for the best friends: their first trip on an airplane, their first visit to the East Coast, and first appearance in a national tournament. While travel expenses are not cheap, the families have been working hard to raise funds, and they are grateful to the community who has supported them on GoFundMe.

Begay and Tsosie’s games will take place next week, with the championship game scheduled for the final day. Both boys are looking forward to showcasing their talent and making their families and community proud.