Folks there are big kids and there are big kids. And boy have we seen some Monsters coming out of the Northwest lately. But this one right here might just take the cake.

White Swan is a small school in the Simcoe / Cascade Mountains on the Yakama Indian Reservation (Yakama Nation) in the State of Washington. The Cougars are a 2B team. A Small town and small school football for sure. But that does not mean they are not up to really big things.

The Cougars are having quite a season and are playing well as a team owning an 8-1 record . They may be able to make another good play off run this year from the looks of it.

One of the reasons for that success is a really big one. His name is Tony Picard and he is a running back for White Swan.

Tony is a mammoth 6’4″-400 lbs and is the biggest running back in the United States at any level. He is part Umatilla-Nez Perce Indian and says he has some Sioux Indian blood too. He plays nose guard as well as Running back.

Such a big kid has to have a nick-name right?

“They call me Big Tone,” he offered.

The pictures tell the tale. He is heavy, sure, but the kid is also athletic and it is taking several players to bring him down. Tony has rushed for over 700 yards and has a boatload of Touchdowns; 15 to be exact.

“Yes … I do have a lot of fun! Football is a way a life for me it’s in my blood and it takes quite a few to bring me down,” said Tony.

The Cougars use a number of offensive weapons and he is biggest one. In fact he would be the biggest weapon in the NFL or NCAA too. He and the Cougars are wrapping up the season tonight and have the State Title in mind.

“We have been to the playoffs since my Sophomore year and we are looking forward to that again this season.”

What about College Football? Is that something he wants to pursue?

You Bet!

“Yeah I want to play college football it is my dream…I hope I can go the next level,” Tony replied.

Ok so let’s be honest. He is so big it might be viewed as a blessing and/or a curse. Has that been a factor for him?

“People say that (too big) but I try not to let it get to me.”

Great attitude. Tony is one of the few true big men who has had a shot to take that rock over the goal line and celebrate and bask in the glory of a Touchdown. Does the big man have a TD Celebration Dance?

“No I just score and take care of business; no celebration until I have that state trophy in my hands.”

He plays beside his younger brother who he credits for being a big part of the success of this team. Albert is 5’8″ and 155 lbs. Quite a tandem those kids make!

Despite all the “naming” controversy going on Nationally for teams that use Indian and other ethnic names Tony is unphased. He has no issues with the use of such names at all and understands the naming is meant as a source of strength and power. I get that and agree with him as my own heritage is being used, the Viking, and we love it. Smart minded politically savvy young guy here!

Tony says he is an easy going big man and that he enjoys getting along with everyone! What a terrific kid to get to know; we love a good story and a good big man. And Tony is sure a great example of of both!

We wish the White Swan Cougars safe travels and much success in the weeks ahead and hope they and Tony have many games left to play!

UPDATE: Catch Part 2 Of Our Stories On Big Tone and See His Amazing Film Here

BIG TONE PART 2 – Even Better Film Of the Big Man Doing His Thing