Hutchinson — Members of the Kansas Support Group of the American Indian Movement put fliers on cars at the tournament, objecting to the use of American Indian mascots by the Cochise College Apaches, Douglas, Ariz.; Wabash Valley Warriors, Mount Carmel, Ill.; and the Indian Hills Warriors, Ottumwa, Iowa.
An AIM spokeswoman, Joni Tucker-Nisbeth, of Hutchinson, said the group is trying to spread awareness that American Indians are offended by the mascots.
"I still know there are a lot of people across the country who aren't even aware that native people are offended by this," Tucker-Nisbeth said. "There are those who are aware and still continue to use the offensive logos, to be sure, but a lot of people aren't aware. This is just a small way to bring public awareness to people in Hutchinson from around the country."
AIM will picket on Saturday, when the tournament wraps up, if any of the three teams are among the final eight.
"If there's a team with a Native American mascot logo, we will do a direct action," Tucker-Nisbeth said.
The picket will be "peaceful" in front of the sports arena, Tucker-Nisbeth said.
"We've got a banner we're working on," she said. "It's just going to depend on how this plays out."
Some fans were surprised at the protest.
Dale and Pat Gayer of Mount Carmel, Ill., were at the tournament to support Wabash Valley.
"It's never been an issue back home," Pat Gayer said. "The town 22 miles away from us has an Indian mascot, too."
"These people tend to go where the crowds are," Dale Gayer said.
Indian Hills Coach Mike Marquis said he was surprised but declined comment.
Hutchinson Police Capt. Richard Wycliffe said officers assigned to sports arena traffic would monitor the protesters if there is a picket.
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