Nehemiah “Nemo” Meashintubby, a dedicated athlete excelling in both football and cheer at McAlester High School, proudly represents his Choctaw heritage. Reflecting on his journey, he admits, “I didn’t relate a lot to the Choctaw heritage until we moved back to Oklahoma. Living outside of the state, it was hard to identify with the culture, but since being back, it has been amazing. There is a huge togetherness feel, and it helps both on and off the field to know I have a ‘family’ outside my own family.”
Nemo’s connection to the Choctaw Nation deepened through his school’s Native program. “I always knew I was Choctaw, but once we got connected to the Native program at school, it helped a lot. I didn’t know much growing up about what it meant to be Choctaw nor the history, but my high school has taught me so much about it, and I love it a lot,” he shares.
The values of teamwork and community have greatly influenced Nemo’s approach to sports and life. “I know that some things are bigger than just me. I know there is purpose and that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to with the help of the Choctaw tribe and team,” he says. “Putting others before self on the field is what makes a team work. My coach always asks us to fight for the guy next to you, and I believe in that.”
Balancing academics and athletics are a challenge Nemo navigates with support from his family and community. “My parents moved here my freshman year, but they have always been there. McAlester has become our family. Joining cheer and the football team has taught me so much about teamwork and community, all being very important in Choctaw culture.”
Looking ahead, Nemo is eager to embrace his future while staying connected to his heritage. “I will be attending ECU in the fall, majoring in Business. I plan to walk on for either football or cheer,” he says. “I went on a tour at ECU, and they have Native-based clubs, so I plan to join them to bring Choctaw to Ada.”
Nemo is proud to inspire younger students, noting, “I know that younger kids look up to me on the field, so I like to set the example and show them that being a family on the field will take you far.”
