A Message from the Superintendent Welcome Chobee Fans, As the fall season begins and we look forward to victorious competitions and spirited play, I want to thank you for supporting all of our events on and off the field. The experiences gained by our students will last a lifetime. Some students may play for a while and others may make it a career. No matter how many years are devoted to a sport, band, color guard or any other supplemental activity, there is no denying its impact. Through participation in extra-curricular events, our students build their confidence, develop skills to handle competitive situations, and walk away knowing how to handle both winning and losing. These skills will suit them well when coupled with a strong academic foundation. This combination will provide all students with a well-rounded background to excel in further play, school, college and careers. A healthy, sound athletic program has been proven to improve attendance, increase grade point averages, keep kids in school and provide avenues to pay for college through scholarships. These attributes fit perfectly with our mission to prepare all students to be college and career ready and productive members of society. Our programs would not be possible if it weren’t for committed coaches, volunteers and parents. We value your contributions and appreciate the fundraising, sponsorships and countless hours donated for kids’ sake. School spirit and community pride are evident by your generosity. The success of our students is a result of all of us working together. Just by being here, you help us get one step closer to our goal. Help us keep the Brahman PRIDE alive! Sincerely, Ken Kenworthy, Superintendent
A Message from the Principal Welcome Brahman Fans, Thank you for supporting our OHS Brahmans. I was a product of this athletic program and know the local support is unlike any other program in the state. We are proud of the attitude and effort our student-athletes give to the programs here at OHS. We continually hear from other districts how well-behaved our groups are when away on trips. This is a direct reflection of this community and the families in it. I would also like to acknowledge the parents for supporting their student-athletes during their time here on campus. Your support is vital to the logistics of running any program. From the concession volunteers to the assistance with fundraising, the behind the scenes work is never-ending. I wanted to personally say “thank you” for your dedication and allowing your children to be a part of Brahman history. As Principal, I am looking forward to continuing the pursuit of “Excellence through PRIDE.” My expectations of all OHS programs are for student-athletes, coaches, and sponsors to exhibit the Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, and Ethics on and off the field. Enjoy the games! Educationally yours, Dylan Tedders, Principal
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A Message from the Athletic Director Welcome to Brahman Athletics! I would like to personally thank you for supporting our student-athletes. As we know, Brahman Athletics could not be successful without your support. Studentathletes will remember and appreciate all that you do. I believe in our athletic programs, including coaches, student-athletes, parents, community supporters, volunteers, our staff and our fans. I look forward to working with you to continue to build Brahman Athletics. I would like to thank Mr. Ken Kenworthy (Superintendent) and the OCSB administration, OCSB Maintenance Department, Mr. Dylan Tedders (Principal) and the OHS administration, faculty and staff, and finally our coaches for their support and continued high expectations of our student-athletes. Also, a special thanks to our Booster Club members, who un-selfishly donate their time and energy to promote and assist our athletic teams and coaches. Yours in Sports, Kenny Buckner, Athletic Director
The Brahman Athletic Association Booster Club would like to thank our business community, Okeechobee High School sports fans and parents for purchasing an advertisement to be displayed in our “All Sports Program� this year. Through your support and generous donations, we were able to contribute over $100,000 to all of the sports at Okeechobee High School. Be a part of our team and join us each month.
GO BRAHMANS!
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Varsity Football
Oke e
ol ho
obee High Sc h c
Head Coach Chris Branham
Okeechobee High School
BRAHMANS
2015-16 Varsity Football Schedule
Date Opponent Location Time ____________________________________________________________________________ Fri., Aug. 21 LaBelle Away 7:00 pm Fri., Aug. 28 Glades Day Away 7:00 pm Fri., Sept. 4 Amherst, Virginia Disney 7:30 pm Fri., Sept. 11 Martin County Away 7:00 pm Fri., Sept. 18 SEBASTIAN RIVER* HOME 7:00 pm Fri., Sept. 25 OPEN Fri., Oct. 2 Heritage Away Fri., Oct. 9 WESTWOOD HOME 7:00 pm Fri., Oct. 16 BAYSIDE* HOME 7:00 pm Fri., Oct. 23 Eau Gallie Away 7:00 pm Fri., Oct. 30 JENSEN BEACH* (Homecoming) HOME 7:00 pm Fri., Nov. 6 CLEWISTON (Senior/Parent Night) HOME 7:00 pm Fri., Nov. 13 Regional Quarter Finals TBA 7:30 pm Fri., Nov. 20 Regional Semi-Finals TBA 7:30 pm Fri., Nov. 27 Regional Finals TBA 7:30 pm Fri., Dec. 4 State Semi-Finals TBA 7:30 pm Fri., Dec. 11 State Finals Orlando TBA * Denotes District Games
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Varsity Football Seniors
Wyatt Bessenbacher
Terrance Boswell
Fred Bradley
Patrick Covington
Jacob Emmick
Alex Garcia
Juan Martinez
Zeke Mathews
Cameran Morris
Edrick Neil
Colton Smith
Mercedes Washington
Drew Wine
Arthur Woodruff
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Varsity Football Coaches
Varsity football coaches (L-R): Jimmy Mills, Ty Smith, Chris Branham, Josh McCall, Jeff Whitlock, Ruben Guerrero. Back, left to right: Rex Erwin Jr., Joe Smith, Rafe Erwin, Not pictured: Glen Attaway, Kenny Buckner
Photo: Sandra Pearce
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Junior Varsity Football & Coaches
Oke e
ol ho
obee High Sc h c
BRAHMANS Okeechobee High School
2015-16 Junior Varsity Football Schedule
Junior Varsity Coaches Rafe Irwin, Josh McCall, Jeff Whitlock, Ruben Guerrero
Date Opponent Location Time _______________________________________________________________________________ Thursday, August 27 Clewiston HOME 6:00 pm Thursday, September 3 South Fork HOME 6:00 pm Thursday, September 10 Sebastian River Away 6:00 pm Thursday, September 17 Vero Beach Away 6:00 pm Thursday, September 24 Martin County HOME 6:00 pm Thursday, October 1 Jensen Beach Away 6:00 pm Thursday, October 8 Sebastian River HOME 6:00 pm Thursday, October 22 Clewiston Away 6:00 pm
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Cheerleading
Varsity Cheerleaders
Junior Varsity Cheerleaders 10 | OHS 2015-2016
Cheerleading Seniors
Krystie Harris
Marrisa Fennell
Olivia Hartwell
Whitney Najera
Chandler Varnadore
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Basketball
Varsity Basketball Team – Boys
Junior Varsity Basketball Team – Boys 12 | OHS 2015-2016
Basketball
Varsity Basketball Team – Girls
Junior Varsity Basketball Team – Girls OHS 2015-2016 | 13
Band
OHS Marching Band
Band Seniors 14 | OHS 2015-2016
Swimming
Swim Team
Swim Team Seniors
Swim Team Captains OHS 2015-2016 | 15
Baseball
Varsity Baseball Team
Junior Varsity Baseball Team
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Softball
Varsity Softball Team
Junior Varsity Softball Team OHS 2015-2016 | 17
Flag Football
Varsity Team
Junior Varsity Team 18 | OHS 2015-2016
Volleyball
Varsity Volleyball Team
Junior Varsity Volleyball Team OHS 2015-2016 | 19
Soccer
Varsity Team – Boys
Junior Varsity Team – Boys 20 | OHS 2015-2016
Soccer
Soccer Team – Girls
Rodeo
Rodeo Team OHS 2015-2016 | 21
Track
Track Team
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Cross Country
Cross Country Team – Boys
Cross Country Team – Girls
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Golf
Golf Team – Boys
Golf Team – Girls
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Tennis
Tennis Team – Boys
Tennis Team – Girls
OHS 2015-2016 | 25
Bowling
Bowling Team – Boys
Bowling Team – Girls 26 | OHS 2015-2016
Wrestling
Wrestling Team
Weightlifting
Weightlifting Team OHS 2015-2016 | 27
Historical Highlights of OHS Sports In honor of celebrating the City of Okeechobee’s 100th birthday, the Centennial Committee presents a flashback of OHS Sports in its early years… Sports have long been a prominent part of the heritage at Okeechobee High School with the first squads forming in the 1920s featuring baseball, basketball and track. It’s not exactly known why the first mascot was the “Purple Tigers,” however under this designation the squads set high marks for their respective sports. The baseball team of 1926 was considered the best team Okeechobee would have for many years to come, almost winning a state championship if not for their starting pitcher being ineligible. The 1929 football team is considered the best in OHS history, scoring 164 unanswered points throughout the season. The girls’ basketball team went undefeated in 1934 and the boys’ team finished with only one loss.
Sometime in the late 1930s the mascot changed to the “Fighting Catfish.” One of the biggest moments for the Fighting Catfish came in 1942 against fierce rival, the Fort Pierce Fighting Eagles, was handed their only defeat amongst the numerous times the two teams had met. Although the band had been around in some capacity, the Marching Band became official in 1945. Majorettes and cheerleaders kept the crowd fired up during games. OHS would remain the “Fighting Catfish” until 1951, when the mascot became the “Fighting Brahmans.”
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Help Celebrate the City of Okeechobee’s 100th Birthday!
Donors can have their own messages engraved on pavers that will be used to create a decorative commemorative walkway at City Hall, 55 SE 3rd Ave.
Engrave a 4” by 8” rectangular paver for $50 or an 8” by 8” square paver for $100.
To order a paver, go online to www.brickmarkers.com/donors/coc.html or contact City Clerk Lane Gamiotea at City Hall, 863- 763-3372
Mark your calendars for upcoming City of Okeechobee Centennial Events! • Saturday, Oct. 10, Heritage Festival at Okeechobee Freshman Campus • Friday, Dec. 11, Centennial Frolic Street Dance in front of the Historic Okeechobee County Courthouse
Photo: Sandra Pearce
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863-763-3154
863-763-2121
3550 U.S. Hwy 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974
3175 U.S. Hwy 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974
Brahman Pride... #GilbertHasIt
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$10 OFF Oil Change
Renee Juarez 1997 OHS Band
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APPOINTMENT REQUIRED
CALL 863-824-3670 today to schedule your Oil Change! Use Coupon Code: BRAHMAN PRIDE
*Applicable at Gilbert Chevrolet or Gilbert Ford. May not be combined with any other offer. Must make an appointment and present coupon at time of write- up. See dealer for details.
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• 500 NW 6th ST, Okeechobee, FL 34972
• (863) 357-1099
We Are Your Full Service Accounting Firm √ Tax planning & return preparation √ Business consulting & support √ IRS account resolution √ Accounting, bookkeeping, & payroll √ Se Habla Español
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Photo: Sandra Pearce
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Countless combinations of profiles, colors and textures.
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Photo: Sandra Pearce
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BRUCE HOMER
INSURANCE AGENCY Serving Okeechobee Since 1985
We’re in your neighborhood... there when you need us. Home - Life Auto - Boat - RV's Motorcycles Commercial Insurance We also provide financial services such as IRA's and Retirement Planning.
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900 S. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL
ACREAGE • GROVES • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL Mobile: 863-634-4497 Email: fuzzyrc1@gmail.com
Gil Culbreth Real Estate
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P.O Box 848 • 401 S. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34974 Office Phone: 863-763-1155 Office Fax: 863-763-3641
Ad Index
Acknowledgments The Brahman Athletic Association Officers President: Larry Davis Vice President: Joe Levy Secretary: Cheryl Hollin Treasurer: Randy McCall
Program Graphic Designer Lorraine Vogel
Cover Designer Sandra Pearce
Program Photographers Jim Davis Sandra Pearce Carey Pung
Program Volunteers Rick Barnes Andy Bowers Kenny Buckner Kristy Crawford Candy Davis Larry Davis
Cheryl Hollin Dawn Hoover Bruce Jahner Melisa Jahner Randy McCall
Published by Okeechobee The Magazine
Photo: Sandra Pearce
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1 Stop Party Shop...............................................................56 Action Home Care..............................................................64 BAA Scoreboards...............................................................30 Beef O’Brady’s...................................................................52 Berger Real Estate...............................................................52 Big Lake Eye Care...............................................................55 Bills Mini Mart....................................................................45 Brad Goodbread Trucking....................................................32 Brahman Athletic Association.................................................4 Brennan Eye Care...............................................................44 Bruce Homer Insurance Agency........................................... 62 Burgess Paint Supply...........................................................40 Cam’s Mobile Marine Service..............................................64 Center State Bank...............................................................57 Cheyenne Nunez................................................................41 Cheyenne Nunez/Baylee.....................................................60 City of Okeechobee 100th Birthday......................................29 Classic Asphalt Sealing & Striping........................................62 Colton Smith.......................................................................59 CPA Tax Solutions...............................................................40 Domer’s.............................................................................50 Eli’s Western Wear, Inc........................................................43 Emory Walker......................................................................2 Entegra..............................................................................58 Everglades Farm Equipment.................................................61 Farm Credit........................................................................46 Fast Break..........................................................................65 Gerald Lefebvre .................................................................62 Gilbert Chevrolet/Gilbert Ford.............................................37 Glades Electric Cooperative.................................................54 G.M. Worley, Inc................................................................51 ICS Computers....................................................................64 JimDavisPhoto.com..............................................................49 Jim Fowler..........................................................................64 JM Larson, Inc.......................................................................4 Joe Arnold.........................................................................66 Katie Edwards....................................................................34 Lehman Auto Body Service Center.........................................64 Lubetech Mobile, Inc...........................................................38 Madison Hancock...............................................................35 Marcum & Associates..........................................................67 Mims Veterinary Hospital.....................................................48 Morgan’s Furniture, Gifts & Accessories.................................64 Northlake Veterinary Hospital...............................................54 Okeechobee Livestock Market..............................................32 Okeechobee School Board...................................................22 Physical Therapy of Okeechobee and Total Fitness..................33 Platt Chiropractic................................................................63 Quality Tee’s & Sporting Goods............................................31 Rocking J&S Cattle..............................................................36 Sandra Pearce Photography.................................................60 State Farm..........................................................................39 St. Lucie Battery & Tire.........................................................42 Thackerville Retrievers.........................................................53 Toni’s Chic Boutique............................................................56 Walpole Inc.......................................................................68 Waste Management............................................................48 WGI..................................................................................36