Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Department of Athletic Regulation

06/03/2026

Thank you to the Ojibwe Inaajimowin for highlighting our small but dedicated team which has built one of the most respected tribal athletic commissions in North America, regulating professional combat sports, protecting athlete safety, developing Indigenous officials, and creating opportunities throughout Indian Country.

May 29, 2026 Behind the bright lights and televised boxing events, the Mille Lacs Band DAR is building opportunity, leadership, and a lasting legacy for future generations. By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor Long before televised boxing matches and nationally recognized fight cards help

04/18/2026

04/10/2026

Couple decades ago!

03/27/2026

Rest in Peace to Philip “The Hunter” Adyaka who lost his battle with cancer today. Philip is remembered as a tough boxer who fought on several cards at Grand Casino Hinckley.

Originally from Uganda, Philip called Minnesota home and fought out of St. Paul. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe sends our heartfelt condolences to Philip’s family and friends! He will be missed!

02/25/2026

Today we’re proud to recognize Lead Inspector Jeremy Sutton 👏

Jeremy is approaching his 10-year anniversary with the DAR — wow! A decade of dedication, professionalism, and commitment to combative sports.

Jeremy is known for always lending a helping hand and for guiding new inspectors through the rigors of athletic regulation with patience and a kind, steady approach. His willingness to mentor others has made a lasting impact on our team.

Throughout his time with the DAR, Jeremy has worked as an Inspector for Boxing, MMA, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai. He has also served as a Boxing and MMA Timekeeper and Scorekeeper, bringing versatility and experience to every event.

We’re grateful for Jeremy’s leadership and nearly ten years of service. Thank you for everything you do!

Here is a little bit about Jeremy!

Coffee or energy drink? COFFEE!!!

Early bird or night owl? Depends on what I’m doing. If it’s fight night, I’m a night owl! If it’s hunting season, I’m an early bird.

Introvert or extrovert? Most times I’m an introvert because I like my peace but when I get around a good group of friends or people (like fight nights/weekends) I tend to get pumped up and expressive.

Go-to hype song? Touch of Grey by The Grateful Dead

Favorite comfort food? Goulash and Fry Bread

The one thing people are surprised to learn about me is…” I’m exploring my faith in Jesus and was Baptized again on February 15th this year.

“My guilty pleasure is…” Freeze-dried candy, my mom’s mint brownies. Oh, and her hand-decorated spritz cookies.

“My favorite part about working for the Department of Athletic Regulation is…” I get to represent my tribe when we go to these other casinos/reservations. The fighters, corners, and people you meet are amazing. You learn to have this deep respect for the sport, the fighters, and what they do out there each fight night. They put it all on the line in the ring, and we are there to keep the fights safe and regulated so we can all go home at the end of the night.

02/24/2026

Today we’re proud to recognize DAR Lead Inspector Ashley Schmidt 👏

Ashley has worked across Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai, bringing more than 8 years of experience with the DAR to every event. Her consistency, strong work ethic, and motivation set the standard for professionalism.

She can always be counted on to step up and support her coworkers in any way needed. And while she takes her role seriously, Ashley’s great sense of humor keeps the team grounded and the atmosphere positive.

We’re grateful for her dedication and leadership — thank you, Ashley, for everything you do!

Here is a little bit about Ashley!

Energy Drink or Coffee? Mainly sweet HOT coffee!

Night Owl or Early Bird? At home, I am late night owl! Everywhere else but home I become an early bird in the sheets!

Are you Introverted or Extroverted? It depends... At first, I might be an extrovert to some, but an extrovert to others. I say Chameleon at most!

What is your go to Pump Up song? I listen to a variety of music from Classical to Oldies... Right now, it is Hard Rock or Classic Rock. Nothing specific ATM.

Favorite Comfort Food? Ham, smothered in butter, on an Everything Bagel with provolone!

What is something people would be surprised to know about you? What y'all dont know about me is that I am working on becoming a certified P.R.S. aka Resource Broker by the Minnesota Certification Board for my community and certain like minded peers who want to live a better life in certain situations.

What is your guilty pleasure? My guilty pleasure is my lifestyle. (pajamas all day, sleeping in, being lazy, cooking, manicures and pedicures)

My favorite thing about working with the DAR was at first stepping out of my normal comfort zone and trying something I have not thought about ever doing in my life. Working alongside everyone I met in this line of work has been such a grateful moment for me, traveling to new and exciting places that I would have never gone to before, and yes, obviously, the opportunity and growth within the DAR.

Fun fact about Ashley: After completing her training, the first event she worked on completely on her own was Showtime Boxing live from Grand Casino MN. This was a memorable event because it was the last nationally televised sporting event before the COVID-19 shut down. There was no audience present, only the DAR Staff and Officials, Athletes and Coaches and Showtime Production Crew!

What a great story to tell!

02/20/2026

Today we’re proud to recognize Sean Racelo 👏

Sean is one of our most knowledgeable and dependable Inspectors. Since 2018, he has been involved in combative sports, getting his start assembling MMA cages and production equipment for Throne MMA. From the ground up, Sean has built his experience in the sport — literally.

In addition to serving as an Inspector, Sean has also worked as a scorekeeper for boxing and MMA, as well as a timekeeper for both sports. His versatility, attention to detail, and commitment to doing things the right way make him an invaluable part of our team.

Here’s a little more about Sean! 👇

Coffee or Energy Drink? Coffee or Water

Early Bird or Night Owl? Night Owl

Introvert or Extrovert? Extrovert- and a little bit of an introvert.

Go-to Hype Song? Find the Real by Alter Bridge or Four Elements by Soul Fly

Favorite Comfort Food? Anything from my smoker! 💨

The one thing people are surpised to learn about me is.... I play the Bass, I am not only in cribbage league but also a co****le league!

My guilty pleasure is....listening to good music and watching TV shows with my wife!

My favorite part about working with the Department of Athletic Regulation is...Meeting new people and regulating fights. Enjoing the show that we put on, after all the hard work the crew and commission does!

Thank you Sean!

02/19/2026

In an effort to recognize the hard work and dedication of our incredible team, we’ll be highlighting each member of our staff in the coming weeks.

We’re kicking things off with one of our Lead Inspectors, Rusty Thomas Jr. (Mostly because he was the first to respond… 😂)

Rusty consistently goes above and beyond his duties. He’s always willing to lend a hand, step up when needed, and keep morale high — usually with a short (okay… maybe long and sometimes questionable) story that keeps us all entertained.

Rusty is one of our longest tenured staff, having joined the commission way back in 2009. We’re grateful for his commitment, professionalism, and the positive energy he brings to the team every day.

Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight the people who make it all happen!

Here is a little about Rusty:

Coffee or Energy Drink? COFFEE

Early Bird or Night Owl? Sleeping till noon would be awesome!

Introvert or Extrovert? Depends on the mood

Go to hype song? Hellraiser by Ozzy!

Favorite comfort food? Turtle Cheesecake

The one thing people are surpised to learn about me is .... IDC

My favorite part about working for The Department of Athletic Regulation is...

All of it!!!!
The Fighters.
Learning by observing.
The people I am able to work with. The Professionalism.
Being a witness to the up and coming amateurs.
Lastly, being able to travel to different venues, and the food and conversations that we have!

02/18/2026

Today, we honor Ed St. John who was awarded the D.A.R.'s Distinguished Service Award last Friday at Grand Casino's Friday Night Fights.

Ed is an enrolled member of the Non-Removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, with over 20 years dedicated to combative sports. He has served as an amateur boxing coach and Athletic Inspector for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Athletic Commission in boxing, mixed martial arts, Muay Thai, and kickboxing.

Ed, We wish you a happy retirement!

02/17/2026

Congratulations to D.A.R. Official, Tim Taggart Sr, on being presented the department's Distinguished Service Award. Tim is seen being congratulated by Commissioners Ezra Sam and Maurice W. Benjamin.

Tim is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe and a proud U.S. Army veteran. With more than 35 years in the sport, he is a former member of the U.S. Army National Boxing Team, has served as a coach and amateur official with USA Boxing, and has been a respected professional boxing judge since 2007.

Join us in wishing Tim a happy retirement from Boxing!