19th Street Magazine April 2023

UNEXPECTED FEATURES

First United Bank celebrates the opening of new Moore location

First United Bank’s newest location in Moore features a banking model focused on life’s journey and the Moore community.

The state-of-the-art, 50,000-square-foot, environmentally friendly building is located at 420 SW 6th St, just north of the Warren Theater. The innovative facility includes some unexpected features including an outdoor space for food trucks, a café space, financial library and an area for pop-up shops where local entrepreneurs can test their new products and services.

“We pride ourselves in having a holistic approach to helping individuals, families and businesses in our communities,” Matt Woodland said, financial center manager at First United Bank. “We educate, empower and inspire others to reach their highest purpose, to realize their fullest potential, and reach their greatest success.”

As a private banking institution founded on a “‘spend life wisely” philosophy, First United’s goal is to redefine banking and serve their communities in vital ways. This vision aligns with First United’s four corporate pillars: faith, financial well-being, personal growth and health & wellness.

“When a customer visits our bank, they will see our Spend Life Wisely Lounge with our journey wall and a financial guide showing where you are on your financial walk as well as our community rooms and different resource spaces,” Woodland said. “It’s incredible.”

In addition to traditional banking services including mortgage loans, insurance, investment banking and more, the Spend Life Wisely Lounge offers a place for people to relax and catch up on their day and browse resources, based on a three-pillar philosophy. Resources include books, coffee, healthy snacks,

mugs, pens and other free items. Donated funds from the lounge are given back to non-profits in the community. The First United website is also full of free resources including budgeting tools, financial calculators and a library of over 200 articles and blog entries.

The new location was designed to help facilitate the company’s goal to change 10 million lives by 2030. To reach this goal, each branch is responsible for organizing programming and outreach within their community, in which their staff is already well-versed.

“This year, we teamed up with a couple of elementary schools and a daycare to make cards for nursing home residents,” Woodland shared. “(We also) hosted a Scholastic Book Fair at Plaza Towers Elementary School where each student was able to take home two books.”

First United has nearly 100 locations throughout Oklahoma and Texas, including an existing location in Moore south of 19th Street on the I-35 access road. The original Moore location will close upon the opening of the new location.

First United will officially celebrate the grand opening of the new location on April 25, with a variety of special events coming soon including a shred day, pastoral appreciation luncheon and more. Learn more about the new location and its events by following First United on Facebook, @fub.moore. – 19SM

Grand Opening Community Events:

OBI Blood Drive

Monday, April 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the new banking center

For each person who signs up through the link on the bank’s Facebook page, a donation will be made to the Moore Faith Medical Clinic

Shred Day

Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m.-noon at the new banking center

Open to the public, no registration necessary

Personal Management Badge for Scouts

Monday, April 10 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Preregistration required. Space is limited.

Pastor Appreciation Breakfast

Tuesday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Randall University

Invitations sent to local churches.

BY: VICTORIA STEPHENS

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Lana Nelson, DO Azure Adkins, MD

JOHN IRELAND

Moore Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year

The Moore Chamber’s 2023 Citizen of the Year award was presented to John Ireland of John M. Ireland & Son Funeral Home & Chapel because of his committee to the Moore community. This honor is bestowed upon a citizen of the Moore area that is involved in growing the community through leadership, voluntary service and personal integrity.

“John Ireland is an enthusiastic proponent of Moore. He believes that Moore is the place to be and it is evident by the way he contributes his time, energy and money,” said Kim Brown, President/CEO of the Moore Chamber of Commerce.

His business has been around for nearly 30 years and in that time, Ireland has made an impact not only on his industry but also to Old Town Moore and beyond.

Old Town Moore is a sense of pride for Ireland. He wants every business in the area to be successful and he has vested his energy and efforts to build up the Old Town Moore Association with downtown events.

Ireland, along with others in the district, has built Haunt Old Town into the largest downtown event. He also coordinated the Moore Christmas parade.

National Night Out, Crimestoppers, the Moore Chamber and Moore Public Schools have all benefited from his generosity as well. – 19SM

“Dad’s commitment to his craft is inspiring. He made up his mind at an early age about what he wanted to pursue in life while working alongside his father in the funeral business. He has achieved his goals one hundred times over. His career success is evident, but his roles as a father, grandfather and community leader are unmatched. He has never met someone he did not know, and he would give away the shirt off his back without thinking twice. We love him so much and are excited to see what comes next!” –

The Ireland Family

“I have lived my entire life within the community of Moore and have always been grateful to our business community. We have leaned on John Ireland for support during some of the district’s darkest hours. His unwavering support for the families that have lost their students due to tragedy does not go unnoticed. One of my favorite quotes sums up what he has done for the community of Moore – ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’” –

Dr. Robert Romines, Moore Public Schools

“I could say a whole lot about John Ireland. He is one of the most giving and kindhearted men. John has given so much to the community because he really cares and because he is a smart businessman who understands the importance of giving back. You can also see that in his businesses. He has so much compassion for the families he serves through his funeral home, and I say that with experience. He makes you feel so comforted.”

– Kathy Gillette, former Chamber president

“In my over 25 years of knowing and working with John Ireland, I can honestly say his enthusiasm and love for the Moore community has never waned. John has been a long-standing Moore business owner but his community involvement and service to not-for-profits is what sets him apart. He is passionate about seeing specifically Old Town Moore flourish and continues to give of his time and resources faithfully in all areas of our city. I feel lucky and blessed to have him as a friend as well as a part of our business community.” –

Deidre Ebrey, City of Moore

LIVE FROM THE SHOWPLACE THEATRE

Entertainment Returns to Riverwind Casino

For the first time since 2020, live performances will grace Riverwind Casino’s Showplace Theatre, with numerous popular acts ready to take the stage this summer and fall.

Legendary performers Earth, Wind and Fire will usher in the return of entertainment on June 23, followed by artists Collective Soul, Josh Turner, Dwight Yoakam, Counting Crows, REO Speedwagon, Chicago and Foreigner. Additionally, comedian Gabriel Iglesias makes his return on July 29 for two shows.

While Riverwind has continued its popular COOP Ale Works Beats & Bites Festival featuring live music during the summer months, the Showplace Theatre hasn’t hosted a performance since a Candlebox concert on Feb. 21, 2020. A major construction project at Riverwind Casino resulted in the theatre being used as an extension of the gaming floor.

“The Showplace Theatre is one of Central Oklahoma’s best live-performance venues and it’s gratifying to bring both long-established and up-and-coming entertainers to Riverwind,” said Justin Yahola, River-

wind Casino’s general manager. “We’ve already lined up multiple well-known acts for the coming months and will continue to build on our venue’s reputation for entertainment and fun.”

EARTH, WIND AND FIRE – 8 P.M., FRIDAY, JUNE 23

In 1969, music legend Maurice White birthed the music force named after the elements from his astrological charts. Earth, Wind & Fire have charted a musical history that’s scored eight No. 1 hits and sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.

Tickets: General Admission $85-$125

COLLECTIVE SOUL – 8 P.M., FRIDAY, JULY 21

Born during the rise of grunge and alternative rock, Collective Soul broke into mainstream popularity when they rose to international fame in 1993 with the rock anthem “Shine.” The multi-platinum quintet has been making music for two decades and has a catalog of No. 1 hits under their belts.

Tickets: General Admission $50-$60

Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, REO Speedwagon, Josh Turner, Dwight Yoakam among performers

JOSH TURNER – 8 P.M., FRIDAY, JULY 28

With his deep bass voice, Turner has sold more than 6.5 million records, reached 4.8 billion global streams and has become a favorite and unforgettable hitmaker on country radio. Tickets: General Admission $60$70.

GABRIEL IGLESIAS – 7 P.M., SATURDAY, JULY 29 (2 SHOWS)

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is one of America’s most successful stand-up comedians performing to sold-out concerts around the world. He is also one of the most watched comedians on YouTube with almost a billion views and has more than 25 million fans across social media.

Tickets: General Admission $65-$75.

DWIGHT YOAKAM – 7 P.M., SATURDAY, AUG. 19

Dwight Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and is a 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY Award winner. He has 12 gold albums and nine platinum or multi-platinum albums, with five of those albums topping Billboard’s Country Albums chart and another 14 landing in the top 10.

Tickets: General Admission $70-$80.

COUNTING CROWS – 8 P.M., FRIDAY, AUG. 25

For more than two decades, the GRAMMY- and Academy Award-nominated rock band Counting Crows have enchanted listeners worldwide with their intensely soulful and intricate take on timeless rock and roll. Exploding onto the music scene in 1993 with their multi-platinum breakout album, August and Everything After, the band has gone on to release seven studio albums.

Tickets: General Admission $85-$100

REO SPEEDWAGON – 8 P.M., FRIDAY, SEPT. 8

Formed in 1967 and fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, REO Speedwagon’s unrelenting drive, as well as non-stop touring and recording, jump-started the burgeoning rock movement in the Midwest. Platinum albums and radio staples soon followed, setting the stage for the release of the band’s explosive Hi Infidelity in 1980.

Tickets: General Admission $80-$90

CHICAGO – 8 P.M., FRIDAY, SEPT. 15

The legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s Top 125 Artists of All Time. Chicago is the first American rock band to chart top40 albums in six consecutive decades. Chicago was inducted into the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Tickets: General Admission $85-$125.

FOREIGNER – 8 P.M., FRIDAY, OCT. 6

With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 top-30 hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 75 million. Foreigner continues to rock the charts more than 40 years into the game.

Tickets: General Admission $85-$95Tickets can be purchased online at Riverwind.com, the Showplace Theatre Box Office or on the day of the event (if available). Box office hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

19SM

WESTMOORE’S WILL EVANS

CLASS 6A WRESTLING COACH OF THE YEAR

For those who reside near the two Creek County towns of Bristow and Depew, Oklahoma, school buses for each school use the same roads. Years ago, if a student and his or her family desire to switch schools, an activity must have been available that the other did not offer.

When Will Evans, the now Westmoore Jaguars head wrestling, was in the fifth grade, a family decision was made that the Evans brothers would attend Bristow schools.

The one activity offered by Bristow schools that Depew did not have was wrestling. So, Evans’ mother announced, “You’re going to wrestle!”

While not a conventional way of starting an activity, it started an appreciation and respect for the sport of wrestling that Will Evans son still maintains today.

In his sixth year leading the Westmoore wrestling program, Evans reflects on that decision as a launching point for him, both personally and professionally. While a Purple Pirate, Evans was a four-time state qualifier placing three times at either 101 or 123, winning the state championship in his senior year at the higher weight. He went on to wrestle for what is now the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. After two years and his ninth knee surgery, Evans transferred to and completed his college degree at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

After graduation, Evans returned to Bristow to teach in the elementary school where he also began to volunteer and assist the high school wrestling team. Eventually, Evans became the head coach for his high school alma mater. In his storied career, Evans has had stops at Sapulpa, Union, Broken Arrow and Ada before landing at Westmoore six years ago.

The Westmoore wrestlers have always had a reputation for being competitive and when the opening became available, Evans’ plans to take the program to the next level required enhanced development at the lower grades. “We focused on our junior high schools that feed into Westmoore and try to get as many kids involved that we could,” he said.

Evans tapped into one of his fellow coaches, Dustin Finn, who had been around Westmoore wrestling for many years, as well as Brad Dick, a Westmoore alum, to give the necessary attention to the younger students and prepare them for continuing in the sport once moving to high school.

That investment alone has paid dividends as over 70 junior high wrestlers from both Moore West and Brink Junior High Schools have gone to the state junior high wrestling tournament.

The Jaguars wrestling team had a successful season this year. When the season started, the Jaguar grapplers were aiming to finish in the Top 5 in Class 6A. After the Regional Tournament, fifteen wrestlers – ten boys and five girls – advanced to the State Wrestling Tournament. They finished fourth achieving their goal.

BY: DANNY HENDERSON

In the State Wrestling Tournament, Aubrianna Smith became Westmoore’s first girl wrestler to be a state champion at 130. Four from the boys’ team finished as state placers including Ethan Day (157) and Holden Martin (175). Evans holds up wrestlers like Day and Martin as examples of how the emphasis at the junior high level is being realized.

“Both Ethan and Holden are four-year starters and state qualifiers that came into our program early,” Evans emphasized. “They have both been successful and have helped our program so much.”

It should be no surprise that both Day (157) and Martin (175) have been selected to wrestle at the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State Wrestling match for Class 6A Large West team on July 26 in Tulsa. Additionally, Westmoore’s first female wrestling champion, Smith, will represent the Jaguars at the same event by being named to the Large West Team at 130.

Evans is a firm believer in his wrestlers being diversified. “I strongly encourage our team to participate in a sport in addition to wrestling,” he said.

He also strongly believes in community service.

“Looking at this senior group alone, they have all put in around 8,000 hours of giving back to others,” he shared.

Westmoore wrestling partners with a local organization that distributes food to those who otherwise might not have any. The team helps to unload semi-truck loads of food items, places them in a bag according to plan, and then distributes it to those who come by for assistance.

“By doing this, our kids have a chance to see how fortunate they are and what it means to help others,” Evans said.

As a matter of fact, on the Sunday afternoon prior to school resuming after Spring Break, Evans and his fellow coaches (he chooses not to call them assistants) met their wrestlers at the school to pick up any trash on the school grounds before students, teachers and staff returned on Monday morning.

With an emphasis on the development of wrestling at Westmoore, along with proven success on the mat, Evans was recognized before the beginning of the State Wrestling Tournament as the Class 6A Coach-of-the-Year by the Central Oklahoma Wrestling Officials Association.

“All of my coaches, along with all those kids who have put so much into our program, they are the ones who made the award possible,” Evans said.

Evans is quick to admit the culture embedded within Jaguars’ wrestling is working and is being noticed by others.

“I’m very proud of our program. We strive to put the athlete first by empowering them to not only be the best wrestlers but to learn how to talk to people and be productive in society,” he said.– 19SM

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Michael Crawford, PA-C Jordan Hobbs, MHS, PA-C

There has been one theme as the Sooners prepare for Spring football - improvement.

“We need to make improvement,” Brent Venables, Sooner head football coach, said. “In every single area of the program.”

As Team 129 approaches the Spring Game, the Sooners look to improve after a disappointing 6-7 first season under Venables. OU is looking to find playmakers at every position. They secured one of the top recruiting classes in the country, adding several newcomers. All totaled, the Sooners have 11 newcomers from the transfer portal, one junior college transfer and 14 who arrived in January from high school. OU will add 12 more freshmen to the roster after high school graduation.

Here are five storylines to watch for as Oklahoma prepares for the Spring Game on April 22.

GAINING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE VENABLES’ DEFENSE

Venables is one of the best defensive minds in college football, but simply said last season was a disappointment. After starting the season 3-0, OU allowed nine opponents to rack up at least 400 total yards and seven to score 35 or more points. Oklahoma finished the season ranked 122nd out of 131 FBS teams in total defense, better than just five Power 5 teams.

But history would tell you that the Sooners are going to get significantly better in 2023. Change is coming and improvement is imminent.

When Venables took over as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, he inherited a defense that was 81st in the country in opponents’ points per game. After one season, Clemson improved to the 48th-best scoring defense in the country, allowing 24.8 points per game. His defense also forced 1.8 turnovers per contest and allowed 396.2 yards a game on average.

The following season, the Clemson Tigers had a better understanding of what his defensive scheme was all about and showed marked improvement. Clemson allowed just 22.2 points per game defensively, good for the 24th-ranked scoring defense in the country and allowed nearly 40 fewer yards per game with an average of 2.3 takeaways per contest. History is on the side of the OU defense being significantly better in 2023, just based on the knowledge gained in season one.

“We have a lot of familiarity with what we’re doing, so that leads to better execution,” Venables said. “We’re a lot further along. We have a veteran group that can teach the 26 newcomers. A year ago, everybody was a newcomer.”

One of the key pieces to embracing the necessary commitment to detail is the development and the continued progression of standout linebacker Danny Stutsman.

Photos

by: Mark Doescher

BY: CHRIS PLANK

IM-PROVE IT

SOONER FOOTBALL LOOKS TO USE SPRING TO PREPARE FOR 2023 SEASON

Stutsman led the Big 12 in total tackles with 126 last season. His individual production skyrocketed from his freshman season, but there are still improvements that needed to be made.

“Danny was outstanding in our bowl game,” Venables said of the Sooner linebacker. “It was quite obvious he’s the best player in our defense. He’s a guy that’s been putting in the work. He’s fanatical about putting in work and improving.”

Stutsman will be counted on, along with key returning contributors Woodi Washington, Ethan Downs, Key Lawrence and Billy Bowman.

THE 5-STAR FRESHMAN QUARTERBACK

Dillon Gabriel is back as the Oklahoma Sooner starting quarterback. There is plenty to improve for Gabriel in his second season as the Sooner starter, but in his first season at the Power 5 level, Gabriel proved his value, throwing for over 3,000 yards, 25 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions.

It is hard to overlook the talented freshman and 5-star prospect, Jackson Arnold. Arnold enrolled early and has been one of the most talked about additions to the Sooner roster this offseason.

“He’s in the back of the line right now, but probably not for long,” Venables said of Arnold. “I say that not having to do with anybody else, it’s just how he competes and how he works.”

The Denton Guyer product was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year and is a true dual-threat quarterback. He threw for 3,400 yards in back-toback seasons and ran for 921 yards during his senior season. Rated as the 8th overall recruit nationally by 247 Sports, Arnold is taking it slowly when it comes to learning the ins and outs of Jeff Lebby’s offense.

For now, there really isn’t a quarterback competition and Arnold is accepting that. But that does not mean he is not competing day in and day out.

“Dillon’s going to be the guy, and I understand that,” Arnold said. “But I still want to compete and get myself better every day so I can prepare for the future.”

Arnold and Gabriel developed a relationship when the Sooners were recruiting Arnold to Oklahoma, beginning almost the moment that Gabriel first arrived on campus. During Arnold’s senior season, he made many trips to campus and has engrained himself in the Oklahoma culture very early. It helped not only to lure other recruits to Oklahoma but also helped foster relationships for the upcoming season.

“I first got to know Dillon back in spring ball last year when he first got to campus,” Arnold said of the Sooner starting quarterback. “We kept our relationship going strong and he was my host for my official visit. Coming up for all those gamedays and getting to talk with him and the whole quarterback room, things have clicked well so far. I’m very grateful for being accepted in that quarterback room.”

Venables has described Arnold as a foundational piece for the Sooners and Arnold is focused on being Oklahoma’s next quarterback following Gabriel’s departure.

“He’s a doer, very ambitious, he’s not waiting on anybody,” Venables. “Jackson is not waiting to be great. He’s a confident guy, but he’s a great teammate. He’s trying to learn and grow, and I think that’s just a very refreshing thing to be around.”

WHO TAKES OVER AS RUNNING BACK 1?

Eric Gray had one of the best single season rushing performances in the history of Oklahoma Sooner football.

Gray was responsible for over half of the total Sooner rushing yards in 2022 and gained 66% of the rushing

yards gained by running backs. His breakout season led to him opting out of the bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft. In deciding not to play in the Cheez-It Bowl against Florida State, Gray’s absence opened the door for a pair of freshmen running backs to shine.

Javonte Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk took advantage of the opportunity.

Throughout the season, Barnes had flashed when given the opportunity. He finished his freshman campaign with 519 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

His performance against Florida State in the CheezIt Bowl (27 carries for 108 yards, 1 TD) was a sign of things to come. Behind a makeshift offensive line, Barnes was impressive.

“We showed a little preview,” Barnes said of the performance in the bowl game. “I can’t wait until next year.” Running back Gavin Sawchuk was equally impressive against Florida State amassing 100 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown, displaying his incredible speed. Sawchuk had only played in one game all season before the bowl game but had been preparing for that moment all season.

“I’ve prepared like I had opportunity for every game. You never know what happens in the game of football,” Sawchuk said. “The minute that you’re not prepared, that’s when you get called and then you’re not ready. I was ready.”

Sawchuk also has displayed an incredible work ethic and attitude despite not having a carry during the regular season. That focus helped build a solid bond between Sawchuk and Barnes.

“The whole season Gavin has been great and always has a smile on his face,” Barnes said. “He’s been confident, even during the lows, always keeping us up.”

The Sooners return Marcus Major as well to a running back room that will also add two talented freshmen Kalib Hicks and Dylan Smothers. The battle to replace Gray is a crowded one with incredible talent and several hungry, talented backs waiting for an opportunity.

IMPROVING THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE

“The lines of scrimmage on both sides of the ball are incredibly important,” Venables said. “Lines of scrimmages are always incredibly important.”

Oklahoma has upgraded the talent in the trenches both offensively and defensively, but there might not be a bigger question for the Sooners than the battle to replace four starters on the offensive line.

In 2022, Oklahoma’s unit was solid run-blocking, but struggled in pass protection. They allowed 31 sacks, the second-most in the league ahead of Texas Tech.

Much like the battle for the starting running back, OU got a head start on its new-look offensive line when both Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris opted out of the game for the NFL Draft. Andrew Raym missed

the game with an injury and starting right guard Chris Murray was a last-minute scratch.

Despite being down four starters against a talented Florida State defense, the Sooners were able to have incredible success running the ball. OU ran for 253 yards as a team which was nearly 100 yards more than the Seminoles had given up on average all season.

“The guys up front, they played physical, they played with purpose,” Venables said after the game. “I thought the players played with tremendous physicality and toughness. Coach Bedenbaugh did a great job getting these guys ready.”

With a solid performance to help lay the foundation for the future, Oklahoma went to work in the transfer portal to firm up its rotation for 2023.

OU added Caleb Shaeffer from Miami UniversityOhio to compete for a guard spot. Shaeffer started 12 games last season and figures to battle for a spot on the interior of the offensive line.

Tyler Guyton solidified himself at right tackle and Oklahoma snagged Walter Rouse out of the transfer portal after a standout career at Stanford. The 6-3, 318-pound left tackle chose Oklahoma after originally committing to Nebraska.

With Rouse recovering from an off-season shoulder surgery, mid-year enrollee Cayden Green has a chance to make an impact. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive tackle is rated the No. 9 overall tackle in the country by 247Sports’ Composite Ranking.

“Cayden is as highly recruited as there is with the O-line,” Sooner offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby said of the freshman. “He can do a lot of different things - a massive guy who knows how to play tough and mean and physical, incredibly athletic.”

IMPACTFUL NEWCOMERS

Venables knows there is a need for time to develop his high school recruiting class and highly regarded portal group. The recruiting class was ranked in the Top 5 and many of the portal additions are projected to compete for starting jobs immediately.

To show his confidence in the group of youngsters and newcomers, Venables became the first OU coach in recent memory to allow freshmen to speak to the media, players that have yet to play a down of college football.

Letting freshmen and newcomers speak to the media might not seem like a big deal to some, but it showed a massive amount of faith that Venables has in the new group of Sooners.

Spring Sports Preview

“These are guys that we’re going to have to count on,” Venables said. “We’re trying to be great right now.”

OU still has 12 high school signees to arrive in the summer, but of the on-campus additions, 12 are transfers and 14 are first-semester freshmen. Defensive back Peyton Bowen and edge rusher Adepoju Adebawore are five-star athletes who will likely be relied on as future impact players.

Some transfers, like former Indiana linebacker Dasan McCullough, Wake Forest defensive lineman Rondell Bothroyd and Texas Tech safety Reggie Pearson, are expected to have major roles for the Sooners in 2023.

“We got to get them transitioned quickly because we’re going to need a bunch of them to help us day one,” Venables said.

Over his five-year career at Wake Forest, Bothroyd totaled 136 tackles, 16.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Bothroyd brings a ton of production and a fresh perspective after a challenging 6-7 season.

“It’s a blessing in disguise,” Bothroyd said of entering OU’s situation. “Everyone has a sense of urgency because of (last season’s record). It’s going to end up being a good thing, but right now, it’s killing us. It’s getting me better, personally, even though I wasn’t here.”

Safety Reggie Pearson spent the first three seasons of his college career at Wisconsin before transferring to Lubbock, where he was a two-year starter for the Red Raiders. He recorded 55 tackles, four pass deflections and two interceptions. Pearson made an impact on the Sooners with his play in the season finale as a member of the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Add talented linebacker Dasan McCullough to the mix and the Sooners have instantly upgraded its talent in several key areas on the defensive side of the football. During his freshman season at Indiana, McCullough totaled 49 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks for the Hoosiers last season. With arguably better defensive talent around him and an offseason to take another step in his development, he has been impressed with the attitude around the Sooner program.

“They kind of threw last season out the window,” McCullough said. “These guys, they don’t walk around like a 6-6 team at all. They walk around like a 13-0 team. They walk around like they want a national championship.”

Now the key is getting everyone on the same page and ready for the start of the 2023 season.

“I feel like we got exactly what we need,” Venables said. “I love the group of guys and we’ve made exponential improvement from where we were a year ago at this time.”

19SM

GOTTA HAVE Faith

The University of Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics team is on a mission for back-to-back National Championships. The Sooners have won four of the last six national titles.

In the pursuit of the sixth title in program history, a solid group of veterans has helped keep the Sooners in the top spot the entire season. But within that mix of talented veterans like Olivia Trautman, Ragan Smith and Katherine LeVasseur is a freshman that has made an immediate impact and might just be the future of the program.

Faith Torrez, the standout freshman from Bristol, Wisconsin, has stepped right into the mix as a consistent performer in the Sooner lineup.

“I’ve been so impressed with her,” KJ Kindler said, the Sooners’ head coach. “Her demeanor overall, she’s very joyful when she’s out there, super confident for a freshman.”

Torrez has become a regular part of the Sooner lineup, earning All-Big 12 on the floor. She has also been

recognized as the Big 12 Newcomer of The Week in seven of the 10 weeks the award was given and was also named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. Not bad for a freshman trying to crack an already stacked National Championship lineup.

“I didn’t realize how much of an impact I could make my first season,” Torrez said. “But going out there and seeing that I could contribute in almost any event was an amazing feeling.”

THE PATH TO OU

Torrez arrived in Norman as a decorated prospect. She competed with the Senior National Team and the 2022 USA Development Program National Team and competed at the 2020 Gymnix International in Montreal, Canada. But she had already caught the attention of KJ Kindler at a very young age.

“I saw her when she was 9. She was from a small gym in Wisconsin and was the regional champion on the balance beam at a young age and doing very difficult skills,” Kindler said.

Photos by: Mark Doescher

Her family saw it too. Her mother, Carrie, was a gymnast and could see something special in her daughter. So, they decided to make the jump to elite gymnastics and move gyms which paid off.

“When they moved gyms, that’s when she blossomed on all her other events,” Kindler said. “You could see her power was coming out in her floor tumbling and vault and all those things started getting better and better and better.”

Torrez excelled qualifying for the J.O. National Championship four times and three times as a Nastia Liukin Cup participant. She tied for first in the all-around, finished second on floor and third on vault at the 2022 Development Program National Championships. At her international debut at the 2020 Gymnix International, she won a gold medal on beam and in the team competition, along with a bronze on bars.

But the move to elite did have its challenges. The gym that Torrez trained in was over an hour from her home and she transitioned to a home school education to allow the necessary time to train. It was a challenge, but one her family embraced.

“At first it was a big change, having my mom and dad to drive me was a big help,” Torrez said. “I would do school on the way to practice and school on the way back. It was a huge commitment from everybody. They helped me get here. It was an incredibly special sacrifice.”

BY: CHRIS PLANK

When times get tough, Torrez always had her mom to turn to.

“She really understood my struggles and I was able to talk to her,” Torrez said of her mom. “I hope she understands how much that means to me.”

The hard work and sacrifice paid off as Torrez has starred as a true freshman at the highest level of women’s college gymnastics and is a major piece in the Sooners push for a National Championship. As challenging as college can be, in some ways it has been refreshing.

“She’s not driving an hour and a half to practice and probably has a better schedule overall,” Kindler said. “Working out 36 hours plus the drive and the homeschooling, it can be really challenging for these young gymnasts before they come to college. College can be a breath of fresh air.”

ADJUSTMENT TO THE NCAA LEVEL

As the 2023 season kicked off, Kindler not only had the Sooners competing against a challenging schedule but also had the freshman in the lineup from the start. Torrez played a big role in the Sooners’ victory in the season opener in Las Vegas, as the team posted a score of 197.925. She posted a 9.875 on bars, a 9.9 on beam and a team-high 9.95 on floor.

“Throw them into the fire. They’ve got to learn eventually,” Kindler said of her approach with freshmen. “If you postpone that, they’re learning as sophomores. If you wait, you’re postponing all of that learning.”

Torrez has competed in every meet this season and has even worked in the all-around. Her commitment and excellence have caught the attention of her teammates.

“She’s amazing,” Olivia Trautman said. “She grasped the team chemistry right out of the gate. She’s fit in super well. To see her shine the way she has her freshman year is amazing.”

“She came in like a rock,” Teammate Kat LeVasseur said. “She’s just been confident, and that’s something that stands out to me, her confidence and her calmness in her routines. She’s got a lot of amazing stuff coming up for her.”

The future is bright for Torrez. Not only is she already a foundational piece for Oklahoma and its future success in the move to the SEC, but she is an essential part of the Sooners’ quest for National Championship No. 6.– BSM

Brian Ruttman has a growth mindset for Moore Norman Technology Center. The superintendent wants to grow opportunities for students and the region’s workforce.

“I want Moore Norman Technology Center to not only be a great organization today but years from now,” Ruttman said.

Ruttman’s vision and leadership has been celebrated by peers and was singled out on the state level. In February, he was named one of Oklahoma’s “Most Admired CEOs” for 2023.

Ruttman is one of 41 leaders recognized for the honor from a group that includes CEOs in such fields as banking, health care, education and energy. Ruttman was the only representative from a CareerTech, Oklahoma’s system of career and technology education.

GROWTH MINDSET

Superintendent Honored as a Transformational Leader in the State

The award is sponsored by The Journal Record, and the top recipient will be named in April. Ruttman said he was surprised and “so humbled to be recognized.”

In his nomination letter, Ruttman was described as a “transformational leader with a unique ability to unite and motivate teams around a shared vision.” He also was recognized for how he and center employees navigated the pandemic and continue to foster regional partnerships, initiatives and training programs.

Some of those new initiatives include starting a Basic Peace Officer certification academy at the center to offer more law enforcement training. Another program highlighted is the development of aviation maintenance training that will start this fall to provide opportunities for people to attain jobs in the state’s growing aerospace industry.

MNTC

Ruttman said he believes the new programs and partnerships reflect the outstanding reputation that the technology center has in the region and in its commitment to responding to community needs and developing innovative initiatives.

“Moore Norman Technology Center has been in Cleveland County for 50 years. It’s a known entity in the community in the quality of the work we do and in the quality of our people,” Ruttman said.

Ruttman has served as the center’s superintendent since 2019. Prior to the center, he worked at Metro Technology Centers in Oklahoma City as chief officer, executive officer and associate superintendent.

Ruttman said he considers himself fortunate to work at Moore Norman Technology Center and in the state’s CareerTech system. He said he sees numerous success stories among students, such as those who secure gainful employment, employees who expand their knowledge with workforce training and students who find a pathway to higher education.

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

“When you can see that you’re changing someone’s life for the better with the work that you do, that’s all the motivation I need to get out of bed every morning and come to work and excited to come to work,” he shared. “I’m blessed every day to come to work in this great organization and serve this great community.”

Glen Cosper, a member of the center’s Board of Education, said he’s impressed with Ruttman’s leadership, passion for the job, innovative outlook, his knowledge and experience and his ability to create partnerships and collaborations.

“It’s really great to have a spotlight shining on what he’s accomplished in a short period of time,” said Cosper, who also is a longtime friend and mentor of Ruttman.

Cosper said Ruttman has worked hard at creating meaningful connections with the center staff and with regional organizations and agencies.

“He takes the time to create those relationships, whether it be with our staff or people in the community,” Cosper said. – 19SM

REGAINING INDEPENDENCE

Occupational Therapy Month Raises Awareness About Patient Rehabilitation Care

April marks Occupation Therapy Month, an awareness effort focused on shining a light on the rehabilitation services available to patients facing a disability whether as a result of an illness, surgery, injury or other conditions. In recent years, Norman Regional Health System has expanded its occupational therapy (OT) services, integrating care into several departments.

“We have been working on growing our OT outpatient services, hiring new professionals to offer more specialized care,” shared Bruce Rau, lead occupational therapist for the health system. “We have come a long way in the last five years and are now more integrated as a profession with patient care throughout the health system.”

Norman Regional has recently opened a new freestanding emergency department with occupational, physical and speech therapy services. In addition to Norman Regional Nine, OT services are offered at Norman Regional Moore and the Physical Performance Center.

Rau said that occupational therapy is often misunderstood and underutilized.

“We are just not a very well-known profession,” he explained. “Our goal is to help people participate fully in their life.”

That impact is what drew him to the profession.

“During my undergrad education, I was interested in several therapy professions, however, I ending up landing on occupational therapy because of its holistic approach in helping people live their lives,” he explained.

Rau said that patients who are no longer able to do things they were before an illness or injury should reach out to their primary care doctor to get a referral. He wants people to know “there are people who can help you.”

“We help patients regain their independence, regardless of what is impacting them,” he encouraged. “If you want to get back to driving, painting or gardening again, OTs can help. There are all kinds of equipment available that help people use their bodies in new ways.”

Occupational therapists Addison Hall and Bruce Rau with certified occupational therapy assistant Katie Barfield

BY LINDSAY CUOMO

Rau cautioned that some patients may not get their functionality back but their therapist can utilize technology and modifications “so that patients can perform activities to reach their optimum potential.”

For example, a patient of Rau’s wanted to cook a meal for her family again.

“She had suffered a stroke and was very depressed,” he shared. “As an OT, we brainstormed how we could make that happen.

“We looked for tools to help her. We practiced the skills she would need. And in eight weeks, she was able to feed her family and she was so proud of herself.”

Since OT covers a variety of skill sets, Rau recommended finding a professional that specializes in your circumstance and age. OTs also engage in community education and support resources.– 19SM

DEVELOPING TOMORROW'S LEADERS

VETERAN OF THE MONTH: EDWIN “DUKE” NIX

The Honor Flight Network is dedicated to recognizing veterans for their sacrifices and accomplishments by flying them, at no cost, to Washington D.C. to see their memorial. Over 273,543 veterans have been transported since the program’s first Honor Flight and that number includes Edwin Townsend “Duke” Nix, a veteran of the Korean War.

Born on April 21, 1934 in Oklahoma City, Duke had four sisters and one brother. He was only two years old when his mother passed away. His dad never remarried and, by the time Duke was seven, his dad couldn’t handle all six kids. Duke and two of his sisters lived in an orphanage during the entire second World War. In August 1945, the orphanage began releasing some of the kids back to their parents and that’s when Duke and his sisters went home.

When Duke turned 15, he moved to California. “My brother came home for a visit but was going back to California because that’s where he was living,” he remembered. “So, I hopped in his car and went with him. He was trying to make money and there were plenty of jobs out there.”

Graduating from Venice High School in Los Angeles, California, Duke was drafted by the Army during the Korean War.

“I went to Fort Ord, California for basic training and then they sent me to Fort Belvoir, Virginia for my MOS

(Military Occupational Specialty),” Duke recalled. “Then I was shipped to France for 18 months.

“We were the number one supplier of parts for all of Germany at that time. The United States was concerned about Russia coming to Germany, so they had us there shipping parts to them. We were the ones chosen to get all the Americans out of France in case Russia did come down into Germany. We were always taking people up to Switzerland.”

Duke took his discharge on the East Coast rather than in California because he wanted to take the train and travel across the United States. On his 30-day trip, Duke visited friends from the service plus his family in Oklahoma, eventually ending up back in California.

After taking some classes at the Santa Monica City College, Duke moved to Austin, Texas to continue his education at St. Edwards University. It was there the next adventure of his life began.

“I decided to become a brother of the Holy Cross who ran that University,” Duke said. “When I graduated in 1964, they sent me directly to Brazil where I learned to speak Portuguese. I went to school at the Brazil University in Rio de Janeiro where a group of us went to learn the language. It was very, very intense.”

Duke said some of his Brazilian friends still call him and he still speaks the language.

With a heart for service, Duke wanted to work with the less fortunate.

“We lived pretty poor in Brazil, and I was working at the school in San Paulo on the Amazon for seven years,” Duke said. “Then I went to the northeast region of Brazil to work with the bishop and parishes helping the poorest of the poor.”

Duke said he worked there for four years before receiving a call from home. His brother was in the hospital back in California.

“I went immediately because the doctors said he was dying,” he explained.

But before Duke was able to arrive, his brother passed away. Duke became reacquainted with his brother’s wife and left the Brothers of Holy Cross to take a job in Los Angeles.

“My ex-sister-in-law introduced me to the company she was working for, and I took a job managing their medical building,” he said.

Awhile later, the two married.

“I married my former sister-in-law,” Duke laughed. “Our marriage was really easy for her because she didn’t have to change her last name.”

Because Duke and his wife were older when they married, they didn’t have children together. With three kids from her previous marriage to his brother, Duke went from being their uncle to their stepdad.

“They liked when we got married because I was always good friends with them,” he said. “To this day, even though they’re older, they still tease me and call me ‘Uncle Dad’.”

After his wife passed away, his only surviving sister, living in Oklahoma City, invited him to move back so they could spend more time together. They enjoyed going to movies, shopping and dining out together until she passed away from cancer. Duke then moved to the VA center in Norman where he is very active.

After a life full of adventure, Duke’s advice to enjoy life to the fullest is to be flexible and adjust to change.

“People just need to remember not to be afraid and to keep moving forward,” he encouraged. – 19SM

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To truly respect someone, you need to understand who they are—their hopes, dreams, goals, and challenges. Since 1909, the Armstrong Bank family has had the honor of knowing the people of this community and the privilege of serving up financial guidance and accounts to help you succeed. With every solution you’re searching for, know that we’re here for you, and we have your best interest in mind. Respect helps us do so much more for you.