Fish plans to use opportunity competing for national champion Iowa Central Community College as another platform in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, just like she did at Washington state track and field finals

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Rosalie Fish, a member of the Cowlitz Tribe who gained national recognition in May for displaying a painted red hand over her mouth and face along with writing MMIW on her right leg in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women at the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association state track and field championships, will represent the same group Saturday when she again plans to run wearing paint at the 31st Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival in Fayetteville, Ark.

Fish, 18, a graduate of Muckleshoot Tribal School in Auburn, Wash., is a freshman at Iowa Central Community College, the nation’s top-ranked two-year college women’s cross country program and winner of not only the past two National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 titles, but seven of the last 12 overall.

“This upcoming meet in Arkansas will be the first meet I’ll run in with paint since (arriving in) Iowa, and I will wear paint for the National Championships as well,” said Fish, who has competed three times so far this season for the Tritons.

“I’m currently working from afar to continue using any opportunity or platform available to raise awareness about MMIW and hopefully empower and amplify the voices of families affected by this.”

In addition to Iowa Central having the opportunity to challenge itself against several NCAA Division 1 programs after placing third last year in Fayetteville, Dee Brown, the Tritons’ director of cross country and track and field, wanted to ensure that Fish again had the ability to run for a cause she remains passionate about, despite her new geographic location.

“Coach Brown has made sure that I am treated fairly and respectfully by the NJCAA and he advocated for my right to run with paint at Nationals,” Fish said. “Thanks to him, a door has been opened that will come to welcome student-athletes embracing their backgrounds and using their athletic platforms to promote positive change.”

Fish won Washington 1B state track titles in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters, along with finishing runner-up in the 400. She also placed third in the 1B state cross country final.

In addition to it being the most competitive race of her young collegiate career, it will also be one of the most significant for Fish, who continues to provide a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how well I’ve adjusted to this program and my new teammates,” Fish said. “I’m truly blessed to be a part of a team with such dedication and talent, and I’m excited to see where my upperclassmen go with their running careers.”