Coach remains with team at Haskell Indian Nations University following federal firings

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - March is a wild time for local basketball teams but it’s even more turbulent at Haskell Indian Nations University.

Adam Strom, the women’s basketball coach at Haskell Indian Nations University, arrived at the school’s gym at 5:45 Friday morning. Strom was the head coach until two weeks ago, when the federal government fired all probationary employees.

“To be terminated, that’s a first in my life,” Strom told KCTV.

The firing happened just as Haskell was preparing for postseason tournament play. The announcement was made Feb. 14, when University President Frank Arpan shared a message with the school community.

A Board of Regents letter said the University had approximately 160 faculty and staff and that 35 of them -- or roughly 23% -- were laid off.

“We’ve just been leaning on each other during this difficult time,” said Tea Murray, a sophomore forward from Chinle, Arizona.

“What would you do in a conference tournament without a coach?” asked Janae Kalama, a senior guard from Lacey, Washington.

ALSO READ: Haskell University work to reverse Trump-mandated layoffs, staff cut 25%

But Strom shocked the team by choosing to continue coaching without a paycheck.

“I couldn’t live life knowing that I just walked out on a team,” he said.

So paycheck or not, Strom led his team through an hour-long workout Friday morning as they prepare knowing they are two wins away from making the national tournament. And March basketball is what these players live for.

“There’s all the emotions,” Murray said. “You just want to win.”

And while there’s no moral victories according to Strom, his presence still with the team is a win in and of itself.

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