19th Street Magazine March 2022

The REF & March Madness

68-Team Giveaway

Moore Public Schools

Mental Health Access

Veteran of the Month

Aaron Sloan

March 2022 • Issue 3 • Volume 5

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Features

MARCH CONTENTS 2022

ISSUE 3– VOLUME 5 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

Mental Health Access

10 by Callie Collins

MANAGING EDITOR Lindsay Cuomo

Moore Public Schools increases access to professional resources for students and staff.

Walk the Parks

14 by Roxanne Avery

Parks staff invite the community to participate in a free fitness program at local parks.

Preparing Professionals

18 by Sharla Bardin

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher

CONTRIBUTORS

14

Roxanne Avery | Sharla Bardin Callie Collins| Lindsay Cuomo Josh Helmer | Bill Moakley Chris Plank

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Haley Gauley - haley@sportstalk1400.com Trevor Laffoon - trevor@sportstalk1400.com Perry Spencer - perry@sportstalk1400.com

PUBLISHER

Casey Vinyard

Student organizations help build leadership skills, offer new experiences.

68-Team Giveaway

22 by Josh Helmer

The REF is once again hosting their giant March Madness team giveaway.

Cheerleading National 24 Champions

provided All 3 Moore high schools brought home a trophy this season.

18

19th Street Magazine 2020 E. Alameda Norman, Oklahoma 73071 Phone: (405) 321-1400 E-mail: 19thstreetmagazine@gmail.com Copyright © 19th Street Magazine Any articles, artwork or graphics created by 19th Street Magazine or its contributors are sole property of 19th Street Magazine and cannot be reproduced for any reason without permission.

Any opinions expressed in 19th Street are not necessarily that of 19th Street management.

Just a Kid From Norman 2.0

28 by Chris Plank

Former Norman Tiger Kelbie Washington shines in her freshman season for the resurgent Sooners.

Spring Sports Previews

38 by Perry Spencer

Lions, Jaguars and Sabercats prepare to start the spring athletics season.

Earning High Marks

47 by Lindsay Cuomo

Norman Regional receives honors for emergency, heart and stroke care.

28

Veteran of the Month:

50 Aaron Sloan

by Bill Moakley Army veteran shares about his life’s work in and out of the Armed Forces.

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COM M U N I T Y

Me n t al Hea lth Access

Moore Public Schools Director of Student Services Dr. Kristy Hernandez

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Moore Public Schools increases access to professional resources for students and staff

he COVID-19 pandemic has brought mental health concerns to the forefront throughout our community, including for students of all ages. Although mental health is an issue for every individual, just like physical health, the need for related services and interventions has increased.

Economic instability, feelings of isolation during quarantine, the threat of illness and looming uncertainty take a toll.

“For a lot of our families, everyone’s been living in this perpetual world of the unknown,” said Moore Public Schools Director of Student Services Dr. Kristy Hernandez. “There have been so many questions. Is the next variant stronger? How will it affect us? We’ve been surrounded by death and there has been division that’s come out of that. Our society is in a constant argument state.”

10 March 2022

The role of the internet and social media is also a contributing factor.

“Our kids have so much access to information now, including adult information,” Hernandez said.

The legalization of marijuana also took place just before the pandemic began, a factor Hernandez mentioned as contributing to children’s increased access to the substance at home.

“We are absolutely seeing drug use at younger ages. Everything has culminated at this point,” she explained.

“There is an uptick in the need for services across the board. School therapists are serving as many students as possible and our faculty and staff now has access to services, too.”

Moore Public Schools has worked to address students’ mental health needs, which were pressing even before

BY: CALLIE COLLINS the pandemic and have only become more acute in light of current events.

“There’s a lot people are dealing with,” said Hernandez. “Our goal within schools is to stay as consistent as possible by trying to stay open and continue to offer all that schools do. Students rely on their school for food, warmth, support and more.”

Currently, the district employs 14 mental health professionals, including eight recently added. A grant opportunity through the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s School Counselor Corps at the beginning of the pandemic helped make their positions possible by providing half of the related funding, while the district covered the other half from Title IV monies.

“We will reassess at the end of the three years the grant provides but the need will likely continue. I can see growth in this program instead of decline,” Hernandez said.

Additional counselors were placed at five of the district’s 25 elementary schools based on size and student needs, along with an additional career counselor and a recreational therapist. Mental health has been a priority for the district for several years, which was a forerunner in adding mental health services outreach in 2018, starting with three licensed therapists. Additional counselors for Moore’s three high schools were added before the pandemic, a valuable asset to already have in place in February 2020 when three Moore High School runners were killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Creating an Employee Assistance Program was also key for Moore Public Schools so teachers can address their own needs, including work and home situations. “For teachers and staff going through a rough patch, an Employee Assistance Program is ideal,” said Hernandez.

A building no longer in use was retrofitted so employees can leave their school sites and receive confidential services through six to eight sessions with referrals for next steps if needed.

Future plans include summer camps that are grant funded and starting more group sessions throughout the school year. The district also trains staff members on how to work with kids in hard places, including the Trust-Based Relational Intervention methods by Dr. Karyn Purvis, who is best known for the Karyn Purvis Child Development Institute at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.

“I wish people would not stigmatize mental health issues and if your child needs services, know there are resources available for them,” Hernandez encouraged.

All parents, caregivers and guardians of Moore Public Schools students receive “Family Connection,” a monthly newsletter with tips and information. Parents can also find a list of resources at mooreschools.com.–19SM

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Nakita, a therapy dog assigned to Moore High School, and her owner, Christy Ellis 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 11

COM M U N I T Y

Walk the Pa rk s

Parks staff invite the community to participate in a free fitness program at local parks

L

ace-up your walking shoes and get moving with the City of Moore’s Walk the Parks program! Kicking off this month, the goal of the program is to promote health, wellness and community by encouraging physical activity and highlighting free resources for all ages.

Buster Bread, the fitness coordinator for the City of Moore Parks & Recreation Department, said Walk the Parks is now going into the third session.

“We started with the spring of 2021, then did the fall of 2021 and now we’re registering for the Spring of 2022,” he shared.

A lot of research went into the program when Sue Wood, director of Moore Parks & Recreation Department, requested Bread develop a general walking program.

“I wanted to take it a step further and really get the community involved with our parks,” Bread said. “We have 13 parks and I wanted people to know where those parks are and how it is a resource for them to exercise.”

14 March 2022

After researching facilities in and out of the state, Bread developed a program for people to track their activity.

“We have a PDF form people can download to track their progress that can be completed by hand or on a computer,” he said. “It tracks steps or the amount of time people walk.”

Bread said the program began with 30 people and has grown to about 75.

“We recorded some short videos at Little River Park highlighting how to use the equipment and we featured our dog park at Buck Thomas and then sent that information to everyone involved through our GroupMe app,” he explained. “We encourage people to get outside where they can and (hopefully) get some sun and then post photos of walking with their dog, walking with their family and walking with their kids in strollers.”

Bread said he was sent a photo of a participant who didn’t let the weather stop her as she walked in the recent snow.

BY: ROXANNE AVERY Valerie Jones Steele started Walk the Parks in the fall of 2021 when she saw a post on Facebook about the program.

Ten benefits of regular brisk walking:

“One thing I like to do is walk, so this was an opportunity to be challenged and be held accountable,” she said.

1. Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat

Although Parmele Park is Steele’s main park of choice, during the program she walked nine of the ten parks in Moore that have a trail.

2. Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease and stroke

“Buck Thomas was having repairs on their park, so I didn’t get to walk that one,” she said.

3. Improve cardiovascular fitness

Accountability and meeting other walkers are what Steele likes most about the program.

“A fellow walker may say, ‘hey, I’m going to be at Arbor Gardens at this time. Hope to see you there and it’s good motivation to meet up with others,” she said.

Steele said she even won a prize – a water jug with a bowl on the bottom to give her dogs a drink. Her prize package included chewables for her dogs as well as Kindt nutrition bars for her.

“I feel encouraged to walk and learn about all the health and wellness tips Buster posts,” Steele said. “It’s such a great way to get the community out and use our parks, some that I wasn’t even aware of.”

4. Strengthen your bones and muscles 5. Improve muscle endurance 6. Increase energy levels 7. Improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep 8. Improve your balance and coordination 9. Strengthen immune system 10. Reduce stress and tension

Looking to take the program to the next level, Bread said getting more people involved and highlighting other resources at parks is on the radar.

“We want to encourage daily physical activity as many ways as possible utilizing our parks for things like volleyball, tennis, basketball and bicycle riding. We have walking paths at three neighborhood parks and ten of our larger parks have walking trails.

“We offer group walks where we meet at a certain park at a certain time, and we get to know each other as we walk. It’s a positive thing both mentally and physically.”

The next Walk the Park program begins March 14 and ends May 8. To learn more and sign up, visit cityofmoore.com. –19SM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

Preparing Professionals Student organizations help build leadership skills, offer new experiences

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Student organizations at Moore Norman Technology Center give students the opportunity to network and get involved in community service projects such as celebrating veterans with lunch.

ope Davis credits a student organization for helping her become a stronger leader, teammate, employee and individual. She joined Business Professionals of America during her first year at Moore Norman Technology Center and said the experience with the organization has been rewarding and far-reaching.

“I believe programs like these are truly what shape us into better individuals,” Davis said. “All the practical and professional skills I learned have already made me stand out to my employer. I relate all my accomplishments so far to the skills I’ve gained from BPA.” Business Professionals of America is one of the CareerTech Student Organizations offered at the technology center. Membership in the organizations can provide students with a variety of personal and professional benefits, said Traci Hopper, student organization coordinator at the center.

“For a lot of students, these are literally life changing,” Hopper said. “They are just amazing opportunities.”

Other student organizations offered at the technology center are SkillsUSA, Technology Student Association, HOSA-Future Health Professionals and the National Technical Honor Society. The latter is an honors orga-

18 March 2022

nization that is available to students who meet certain requirements.

The organizations focus on a variety of trades and career paths and joining the groups can help students develop leadership skills, get involved in the community through service projects, serve in an elected role, participate in contests and competitions and travel to new places, Hopper said.

Hopper said every student at the technology center is automatically enrolled in at least one of the organizations based on what they’re studying. The goal is to give the students access to the organization but it’s up to them to determine how active they want to be in the group.

“How they choose to seize that opportunity is in their hands,” Hopper said.

Hopper has seen firsthand how these organizations help build their confidence and offer students the chance to meet others in their field and prospective employers.

“The experience that they gain from this, in my opinion, is invaluable,” Hopper said.

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Davis agrees and said serving in the Business Professionals of America helped her learn “so much about leadership, flexibility and teamwork.” The organization helps foster skills development and creates connections for students interested in business careers.

The CareerTech Student Organizations offered at Moore Norman Technology Center focus on a variety of trades and career paths. They are:

“I learned about myself, family and community. I learned about giving what you can, even if it’s time. I saw diversity and inclusion thrive through our officer team, learning so many things about how we work individually, as well as a team,” she shared.

Davis is studying legal office services at the technology center. She’ll graduate in May and is a full-time legal assistant with Polston Tax Resolution in Oklahoma City. She credits her involvement in Business Professionals of America for helping her feel prepared for the interview process.

“I know it’s because of competing and being involved with Business Professionals of America,” she said. “I’m flexible, adaptable and ready for the workplace, all thanks to BPA.”-19SM

•

Business Professionals of America

•

SkillsUSA

•

Technology Student Association

•

HOSA-Future Health Professionals

•

National Technical Honor Society

For more information about the organizations, visit mntc.edu.

Hope Davis, a student at Moore Norman Technology Center, is a member of the Business Professionals of America student organization.

COM M U N I T Y

BY: JOSH HELMER

6 8-Team G i ve away Join The REF for some March Madness fun

T

he REF on 1400 AM and 94.7 FM is excited to welcome back the 20th annual 68-Team Giveaway on Monday, March 14 at Buffalo Wild Wings in South Oklahoma City. This event gives listeners an opportunity to have their name drawn for one of the teams competing in the postseason NCAA men’s basketball tournament affectionately referred to as “March Madness.”

Depending on how an individual’s team performs in the tournament, great prizes from The REF advertisers are awarded.

“The 68-Team Giveaway is an event we look forward to every year,” said The Ref owner Casey Vinyard. “Our radio hosts get together with our callers and listeners to have fun and give away some great prizes.

“If you are envisioning an elaborate community office pool, then you have the right idea!”

Buffalo Wild Wings is the perfect place to host the event thanks to its spacious complex. Show hosts from KREF will be set up in the bar area atop a stage to announce teams beginning during the 1 p.m. hour of program­ ming. Thanks to Buffalo Wild Wings’ setup, families with kids don’t have to be bashful about joining in on the fun and can nab a team, too.

“Buffalo Wild Wings is a great place to host this event,” Vinyard said. “The fun atmosphere provides even more excitement and hype going into the tournament.”

KREF program director TJ Perry has been a part of the event since its in­ception back in 2002.

22 March 2022

“It’s always been a special event,” Perry added.

“Regardless of what the prizes have been over the years, the 68-Team Giveaway has become more about the togetherness, about friends getting together.”

As the station’s biggest event of the year, he noted the event’s importance to KREF listeners, as well.

“It’s the one time of the year that the loyal listeners to the station can all get together. It’s almost like a family re­union,” Perry said. “Many take vaca­ tion days to be there because a lot of it starts in the middle of the day. They don’t want to miss anything. People meet one another and save tables.”

Longtime listener and caller Kurt Keeley echoed those sentiments. He is an event regular, and he was lucky enough to win an iPad one year.

“It’s my favorite event, just the camaraderie of it,” Keeley said. “I enjoy everybody getting together all in the same place for a couple of hours, all of the on-air talent, hall of fame callers, people you may have never met face to face.”

Toby Rowland, host of the “T-Row in the Morning Show” and Voice of the Sooners, said the event has been a beloved tradition and he appreciates the opportunity to engage with listeners and callers.

“This is the one time where a significant percentage of listeners are all under the same roof at the same time,” Rowland said. “It’s just fun. Everybody’s excited about the tournament and the brackets being out, so we all get together to figure out who is going to win this thing.” – 19SM

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S P O RT S

K

elbie Washington is living her childhood dream. The Norman High School legend is a key cog for an OU Women’s Basketball program that is putting up historic numbers. With an incredible list of accomplishments, the Norman native is setting a solid foundation to the start of her Sooner career.

Long before Kelbie was making plays on the court for the Norman Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners, her father was making an impact in the Oklahoma City area as both an athlete and a coach.

Robert Washington has been the Moore High School head wrestling coach since 1994. He was also once a four-sport athlete for the Lions where he played baseball, football, wrestling and ran track. In fact, the Washington family is steeped in Oklahoma sports history.

“Crystal Robinson, one of the best women’s players in Oklahoma high school basketball history, is my cousin,” Robert Washington said of the family genetics. “Kansas City Royal U L Washington is my uncle… the athletes in our family it runs pretty deep. C.J. Washington played basketball at OU and his sister LaRonda ran track there. It’s a pretty impressive family tree.”

In case it is not obvious, Kelbie comes from an incredibly athletic family. Her grandfather even played basketball for Oklahoma City’s Harlem Thrillers.

“At first I was a basketball player, too,” Robert said. “I could jump, I could shoot, but I hated having the ball taken away from me. I fouled a lot and fouled out really early. So, I began wrestling at Highland East Junior High and I’ve been picking up people ever since!”

With her dad a coaching legend in the sport of wrestling and the growth of girls’ wrestling in high schools across the country, could wrestling have been a possibility for Kelbie?

“I had a friend that I was wrestling with, just playing around, and he immediately made me get up and stop,” Kelbie said of her wrestling experience. “(My dad) said you just can’t... you’re not wrestling. I always went to the matches, but for me, I couldn’t do it... couldn’t do it all.”

“They were playing around being goofy… they weren’t taking it seriously,” Robert recalled of the incident. “I think Kelbie would have been a good wrestler. At one time they asked if she would do it and I just didn’t think she had the time.”

So, with wrestling out of the mix, Kelbie became dedicated to basketball. It was more than just her DNA that helped her embrace the sport.

Photos by: Mark Doescher

“Since I was a little girl, sports were all I knew,” she said. “I was traveling everywhere at 7 years old, traveling to Florida and West Virginia to play hoops. I kind of knew and they knew this was what I wanted to do.

“Of course, I played other sports... track, soccer, volleyball... that was for me to do other things and have other opportunities, but basketball was all over my heart. My Dad has been around sports. He played sports at the collegiate level, he knew what it took, and he pushed me every day.”

SOONER REVIEW

In high school, Kelbie became an instant difference-maker for the Tigers. She got immediate playing time as a freshman and become a key contributor as the starting point guard for the Tigers’ state championship teams during her sophomore and senior seasons.

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19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 29

Starring at Norman High School opened the opportunity for Kelbie to commit and sign with the University of Oklahoma. The hometown kid was staying home.

“It’s such a blessing. Something I always kind of knew I wanted to do as a little girl,” Kelbie said of being a Sooner. “But I am just happy to play and be in this position and work hard. I’m just happy I’m here with a good support system and my family gets to go to all the games and it is just awesome.”

Of her many goals, Kelbie has already checked off a couple of boxes. She won multiple state championships at Norman and has been blessed with the opportunity to play for the University of Oklahoma.

“Since I was a little girl, I always wanted to play for my hometown. Now I’m in a position where it almost doesn’t even seem real,” she said. “Am I actually doing this... is this actually happening? I’m just blessed to be in this position with this coaching staff and these amazing girls.

“With our record and the things we’re doing this year, it’s amazing. College has been a learning experience with the tempo of basketball and what it means to be a point guard at the collegiate level. It’s a dream come true.”

During her career at Norman, she finished with an 8218 record and won two 6A State Championships including an undefeated 2021 senior season.

But the commitment to Oklahoma did not come without a massive bump in the road. During the summer before Kelbie enrolled at Oklahoma, legendary Oklahoma Coach Sherri Coale retired. After 25 years, Sherri Coale stepped away from the game.

“She’s a legend,” Then Norman head coach Michael Neal said. Neal coached Kelbie all four years while she was a star for the Norman Tigers.

“She told me and everything happens for a reason, but in my mind, I was never going to leave,” Kelbie said of Coale’s sudden retirement. “I always thought Sherri Coale would be my coach, but I always wanted to play for my hometown. “

“There’s only been like a handful of people who’ve had the opportunity to do what Kelbie Washington has done,” he said. “Not only with just winning but with the production and then the leadership behind all these teams that have won and had this success, she’s the foundation of it all.”

“I wanted it to be her decision… it’s (her) four years, not mine,” Robert said. “I want her to enjoy the process.

You only do it once. She thought I wanted her to go to OU because I love OU. I just wanted to take care of her if she needed anything.”

During her final season at Norman, Washington averaged 14 points, 4.7 assists and 4.3 steals.

Enter Jenni Baranczyk, the very successful head coach at Drake. As expected, it did not take much to solidify the belief that Kelbie Washington wanted to be a Sooner. Baranczyk immediately connected with Washington and any concern that losing a legend would lead to losing Kelbie was quickly diminished.

“She’s hands down the best intangible player that’s played in Oklahoma on the girls’ side,” Neal said. “It’s not just about scoring 20 or 30 points, because we got about five girls that can do that. It’s about making sure everybody’s doing what they need to do and shouldering the burden of everybody and making sure that we’re ready to go in those tough adverse moments. That’s what she’s about.”

“It was exciting. I was really happy for her,” Robert said reminiscing on his daughter’s high school success.

“With me coaching at Moore, she was close to going to Moore, but I appreciate that she was able to be on such a good team and coached by a good coach.”

30 February March 2022 2022

“She’s a very motivating person,” Kelbie said of Baranczyk. “At the end of the day, she’s going to push us, but she wants us to have fun and I think that really helps us to be a more confident person.

“She helped us on and off the court as young women in the college landscape. Her personality, her motivation, the way she cares, it is helpful and it shows, and it shows in the things that we are doing.”

The surprises were not finished for Kelbie. After playing four years for Michael Neal at Norman, Neal accepted a job as an assistant coach on Jenny B new staff. The familiarity of playing at home was bolstered even more by adding her high school coach to the coaching staff at the University of Oklahoma.

“I was excited with a familiar face. I knew him when I was a little girl, so it is crazy. I wake up and I’m at practice and it’s still crazy he’s still my coach,” Kelbie said.

“Kelbie has a great relationship with Coach Neal... he played point guard and I trust him,” Robert said of Neal’s hiring. “I knew one person there always had Kelbie’s best interest beyond athletics.”

Once Kelbie hit the court, it was business as usual.

Washington started her first 16 games in a Sooner uniform, scoring in double figures five times. Washington has also garnered Big 12 Player of the Week and USBWA National Freshman of the Week honors following her performance vs. Wichita State where she stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, 14 assists, six rebounds and five steals, becoming the first freshman with those numbers in the last decade.

Jennie gives us freedom and we’re having fun with it and that’s all that matters. It gets us having fun and doing what we can, playing basketball and competing.”

“I love her,” Baranczyk said of Kelbie. “There are some things where she’s going to continue to learn (but) I don’t want to rein it in. I want her to play. I love her emotion. I love her competitiveness. I think we feed off that. She’ll learn to channel some of it. I love her fearlessness. I love her belief that she has in her teammates.

“She just wants to win every single possession. When you have players that do that and you have players that believe in each other, it’s pretty darn special.”

It has been a freshman season, despite all the success, littered with adversity. The Sooners have had to overcome the loss of one of its leading scorers in Anna Llanusa, and Kelbie herself was out of the lineup for two games in mid-January. Despite being away from the team, the freshman was able to stay connected and engaged.

The fast-paced, up-and-down offense, fits Washington’s personality and strengths perfectly.

“It was a challenge. I’m just very happy to be back,” Kelbie said. “Everyone was checking up on me to make sure that I was good when I was out. It is extremely helpful when you have that kind of support. It was upsetting to be away, but I was also just down the street too... with my family.”

“It’s so much fun. Coach trusts us and wants us to make the right read... she gives us freedom and I think that’s why we are so confident,” Kelbie said. “We mesh so well, and we know each other’s personality and traits…

“Kelbie’s a freshman, and sometimes we kind of forget that,” Baranczyk said. “We want to just make sure she’s managing everything and she’s setting people up and she’s supposed to score when she’s supposed to.

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19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 31

“She’s so fast and because she’s a great basketball player she can really read that game. But then there are times you can tell she’s pressing. She has her moments where she’s really good and then she has moments where she can be better. You’ve got to be willing to fall, get back up, make mistakes and keep going forward... She’s one that stays after practice every single day. Her best basketball is coming.”

As the season hits the home stretch, the career of Kelbie Washington is just getting started, but the freshman with an incredible legacy of winning championships knows one thing for certain, this team is special.

“The confidence in us is knowing that we still have to work hard,” Kelbie said. “This is the time when teams separate. We’re grateful for what we’re doing but we are going to keep working hard every day and we’re a close team... We love each other and support each other, and it just makes us what we are on the basketball court.”

And for her family, it’s extra special. They have a frontrow seat for every moment and every big play.

“Any time you see your kid out there doing those things, I don’t even have the words,” Robert said. “We always want better for our kids than ourselves. I love watching her play. It’s a dream come true for her and us.”-BSM

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19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 37

HI GH S CH O O L S P ORTS

Spring Sports Preview s

WESTMOORE JAGUARS WESTMOORE SLOWPITCH

WESTMOORE GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD

Head coach: Steve Schwarz, 20 years as head coach at Westmoore

Head coach: Rodney Burkes, one year as head coach at Westmoore How did your team finish the season: 6th place in the state meet Season expectations: Conference Regionals, State champions and a 400m State record Returning starters: Yasmine Johnson, senior, sprints Renee Christinsen, junior, sprints Emily Labeth, senior, throws Acayla King, junior, throws Players that have verbally committed or signed to play at the next level: Yasmine Johnson: verbal commitment to OSU Emily Labeth is undecided between UCLA, Standford, OU, OSU, Kansas Returning starters to watch: Yasmine Johnson should have a breakout session, hopefully knocking down the 4oom state record.

She has already posted a USA top 40mark in the 4oom dash. With new Throws coach Amy Waters, Burkes is expecting a ton of points in that department. He has also made some changes to the distance crew adding boys’ head coach Tim Grantham to oversee the Mid D group.

New players that might make an impact: Kaitlyn Robinson, jumps Molly Blalock, hurdles

Record last season: 17-12. The Jags lost in first round of State to Broken arrow in the bottom of the 7th.

Season expectations: Same as every year, win State Returning starters: Kalie Amos, senior Annie Swanson, senior KK King, junior Brooklyn Knight, junior Alexxia Alvarez, junior Kyla Daniel, sophomore Jaylyn Jones, sophomore Players that have verbally committed or signed to play at the next level: Kalie Amos-Lamar Annie Swanson McCallister Returning starters to watch: Schwarz expects improvement out of all of them. Kalie Amos will be a leader on and off the field.

New players that might make an impact: Freshmen: Safron Bowie, Railey Core & Emma Daniel.

Sophomores: Grace Ketchum & Kylie Hill Key games on the schedule: Moore Southmoore Choctaw Mustang

38 March 2022

Jayla Dean, sprints Amara Ubake, hurdles Key games on the schedule: Texas Relays Kansas Relays

BY: PERRY SPENCER

WESTMOORE JAGUARS WESTMOORE BOYS’ TENNIS

Sophia Chakrabarty, junior

Head coach: Randy Painton, 5 years as head coach as Westmoore

Krisha Patel, junior

How did your team finish the season: The Jags fell just short of qualifying any players for the state tournament.

Hannah Raney had an injury last year and is finally full strength. She should do well at singles this year.

Season expectations: To get some boys into the state tournament.

Ponca City

Returning starters:

Returning starters to watch:

Key games on the schedule: Regional Tournament

Parker Crawley, junior Jonathan Eichman, sophomore Hans Le, junior Returning starters to watch: Jonathan Eichman and Hans Le have a good chance to make it to State this year, in either doubles or singles.

New players that might make an impact: Senior Randon Kanchanacomtorn is one of the best players in the state. He’s back from homeschooling last season and Painton is expecting big things from him this year. Freshman Evan Boyer also has potential to make an impact.

Key games on the schedule: Regionals at the end of April

WESTMOORE GIRLS TENNIS Head coach: Randy Painton, 6 years as head coach at Westmoore How did your team finish the season: The Jags fell short of qualifying any players for the state tournament.

Season expectations: Painton hopes to improve and get some girls to State this year.

Returning starters: Hannah Raney, junior Madeline Chaney, junior sportstalk1400.com

19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 39

SOUTHMOORE SABERCATS SOUTHMOORE BASEBALL

SOUTHMOORE SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL

Head coach: Dakota Haines, 4 years as head coach at Southmoore Record last season: 17-21 Season expectations: Make a run in the playoffs Returning starters: Hunter Nunn, senior, .311/21 RBI Danny Satterlee, senior, 2.80 ERA/22 IP/36 K Carson Padgett, senior Ryan Gutierrez, senior, .370/31 RBI Brady Gaughan, senior, .321/24 RBI, 2.1 ERA/32 IP/27 K Chase Yarger, senior, 3.10 ERA/29 IP/37 K Players that have verbally committed or signed to play at the next level: Danny Satterlee, Wichita State, Hunter Nunn, UCO, Chase Yarger, UCO Returning starters to watch: Haines expects Satterlee to have a big year for the Sabercats, on the mound and at the plate, and Yarger to be a dominant arm and a leader in the outfield. Nunn is a leader behind the plate and be an offensive spark in the middle of the order. Gaughan should continue to be an impact on offense, defense and on the mound.

Gutierrez was a leading hitter as a junior and will see a lot more time on the mound this year. Padgett is a true utility player that can play all over the field and will see a lot of time on the mound.

New players that might make an impact: Noah Phan Blake Farley Andre Landeros Key games on the schedule:

Head coach: James Lingo, one year as head coach at Southmoore

Jenks on March 21 & 22 Owasso on April 4 & 5 Any improvements to your current facility: Full turf field

40 January March 2022 2022

Record last season: 20-4, Semifinals of state tournament Season expectations: Earning a berth in the state tournament and be in the mix for a State title Returning starters: Tallen Edwards, .683 BA, 21 HR, 59 RBI Maveryck Lightfoot, .667 BA, 15 HR, 38 RBI Kaylee Carter, .696 BA, 10 HR, 33 RBI Brinly Maples, .603 BA, 22 HR, 58 RBI, 25 BB Taitum Bradshaw, .616 BA, 15 HR, 45 RBI Returning starters to watch: The Sabercats are counting on all of them to improve as well as sophomore’s Lainey King and Karleigh Williams to compete for a starting spot.

New players that might make an impact: Breeanna Gomez, freshman Abby Whitmore, sophomore Kayla Stover, sophomore Ayiana Hall, junior Key games on the schedule: Moore Westmoore Dale Washington Choctaw Mustang Deer Creek Any improvements to your current facility: Turf will be installed this summer.

SOUTHMOORE SABERCATS SOUTHMOORE GIRLS’ SOCCER

SOUTHMOORE BOYS’ SOCCER

Head coach: Katy Swartzendruber, 11 years as head coach at Southmoore

Head coach: Kit Stephenson, 9 years as head coach at Southmoore

Record last season: 11-4

How did your team finish the season: The Sabercats lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Returning starters: Aynslee Duffy, senior, 17 goals Hannah Montoya, sophomore, 4 goals & 6 assists Eli Silva, junior Kayln Brandt, senior goalkeeper Olivia Riggs senior goalkeeper

Season expectations: Stephenson expects to see a lot of new faces in the varsity lineup along with some very talented players that he expects to step up.

Returning starters: Camden Hellams, sophomore goalkeeper Ethan Koepke, senior holding midfielder Austin Hurt, sophomore striker

Brandt and Riggs combined for 1.06 goals allowed per game.

Rafael Perez, senior attacking midfielder

Players that have verbally committed or signed to play at the next level:

Clemente Hernandez, senior attacking midfielder

Olivia Riggs, Missouri Southern

Bergen Bailey, senior striker Players that have verbally committed or signed to play at the next level:

Aynslee Duffy, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Ethan Koepke, Rogers State

New players that might make an impact:

Ethan Koepke is a returning captain, Stephenson said.

This year, he expects him to continue his growth as a player and as a captain. Austin Hurt became a starter about midway through last season as only a freshman and settled in well. This year, since teams will know about him, it won’t be as pressure-free as he enjoyed as a freshman, but Stephenson anticipates Hurt will handle that well and be a major threat in 2 or 3 different positions.

Makala Johnson, freshman forward

Returning starters to watch:

New players that might make an impact: Jesus Hernandez is a kid that started to make an impact at the end of last year and Stephenson expects this junior to start and play a very important role this year in terms of goals and creating chances.

Key games on the schedule: Moore and Westmoore in the City Championship games Any improvements to your current facility: Not yet, but the new stadium is on the way! sportstalk1400.com boydstreet.com

19TH BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 41

MOORE LIONS MOORE BOYS & GIRLS GOLF

MOORE SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL

Head coach: Ryan Dukes, 11 years as a head coach at Moore

Head coach: Steven Peeler, 4 years as head coach at Moore

Record last season: The girls’ golf team was Academic State Champions.

Record last season: 29-8, state runner up

Season expectations: Team goals are to make All-Conference and have individual qualifiers for State.

Returning Starters

Season expectations: To be competitive and make a run at the state championship Returning players:

Kaitlyn Lee, junior, Kelsy Baker, junior, Shelby Kerbo, sophomore

With 14 returning starters, Peeler’s expectation is to use the experience they have from last season to bring home the State Championship and to motivate them to get better every day.

Boys:

Taylor Chronic, junior, .600/13/50

Kian Stark, sophomore, Bobby Ebilane, senior, Cody Medina, senior

Brooklyn Dahlke, sophomore, .550/1/17

Girls:

Returning starters to watch: Look for Kaitlyn Lee and Kelsy Baker to show leadership and set a good example on and off the course.

Bobby Ebilane and Cody Medina will do the same for the boys’ team.

New players that might make an impact: Girls- Freshmen Olivia Lee and Ava Fritts have the potential to post some good scores this year.

Ally Gossett, junior, .650/15/52 Brea Lutz, senior, .569/12/33 Nichelle Marshall, sophomore, .664/19/70 Rosamaria Perez, sophomore, .490/5/21 Gracie St. Hilaire, senior, .598/20/57 Kortney Griffith, senior, .499/4/23 Other returning starters:

Boys- Freshmen twins Charlie and Jesse Dowell will compete for varsity spots as well as freshman Casen Bell.

Haley Kruger, junior, Ryann Phillips, sophomore, Karlee Smith, sophomore, Maddy Wiser, junior, Emiaj Self, junior, Bella Sheppard, senior

Key games on the schedule:

New players that might make an impact:

COAC conference tournament at the Greens Country Club April 4, boys and girls Girls’ regionals, April 26 at Earlywine

While the Lions have a strong freshman class, Peeler said it is too early to tell but hopefully some of them will make an impact.

Boys’ regionals, May 2 at Meadowlake in Enid

Key games on the schedule:

Girls’ state tournament, May 4 & 5 at Lincoln

Southmoore on March 10

Boys’ state tournament, May 9 & 10 at Jimmie Austin in Norman

Union Festival on March 31 & April 1

42 March 2022

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Norman Regional Health System was recently named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care and Heart Care, as well as one of America’s Best Stroke Centers by the Women’s Choice Award, America’s trusted referral source for the best in healthcare.

What this means for our patients:

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Choose Norman Regional because we were chosen by Women’s Choice!

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BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

H EA LT H

EARNING HIGH MARKS Norman Regional receives honors for emergency, heart and stroke care

N

orman Regional Health System has been named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency and Heart Care, as well as one of America’s Best Stroke Centers. This honor was given to Norman Regional Health System by the Women’s Choice Award, a trusted referral source for the best in healthcare.

The awards are measured by several methodologies including patient surveys as well as evidence-based research focused on patient care. The examination surveyed areas such as total time spent in the emergency department, readmission rates and degree of care available.

“The Women’s Choice Awards highlight Norman Regional’s commitment to elevating the standard of care we offer all of our patients,” said Brittni McGill, Norman Regional’s chief nursing officer.

Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award, acknowledges that women have unique healthcare needs and McGill agrees.

“We, as a health system, know that women face different health concerns than men and that women also make the majority of healthcare decisions for their families,” McGill confirmed. “These awards help demonstrate that we are qualified to provide the highest level of care to women, men and children.”

Heart disease is a leading cause of death for women, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five women in the U.S. will have a stroke in her lifetime.

“With such strong prevalence of heart disease (and stroke), we want every woman to know where to find the very best care before she ever has an incident,” Passi explained.

Perhaps most alarming, women account for nearly 60% of stroke deaths and studies show that women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for stroke even with the same symptoms present as men.

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“Timely diagnosis and effective care are critical to preventing disability and improving chances of recovery,” Passi said. “Our award educates women about where they—and their loved ones—have the best chance to return to a full life following a stroke.”

While the Women’s Choice Awards takes into consideration healthcare preferences and concerns of women specifically, organizers note that women make or influence 94% of all healthcare decisions for themselves and their families. Passi said the awards are meant to help identify the community’s leading hospital before a medical emergency arises.

“Knowing the Women’s Choice Award has already placed their seal of excellence on a hospital is immediate validation that they have made the right decision, easing their concern during a very stressful time,” she encouraged.

“My hope is that women know they can feel confident choosing Norman Regional for their and their family’s healthcare needs,” McGill said.

Richie Splitt, president and CEO of Norman Regional, points to these awards as more affirmation of the work being done within the health system.

“Being recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care, Heart Care and Stroke reconfirms that we are continuing to focus on our patients,” Splitt said. “Norman Regional and our team of healers are committed to the measures we have in place to provide the highest level of care.”

Since there are more than 130 million emergency room visits in the U.S. each year, emergency departments continue to be an essential part of the healthcare system. Norman Regional’s honors in this area reflect their ability to provide fast, lifesaving care. Long waits and high crowding can negatively impact patient outcomes, including patients leaving without receiving medical treatment, longer overall length of hospital stay and an increase in mortality rates.– 19SM 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 47

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M O O R E • M U S TA N G • N O R T H E D M O N D • S O U T H E D M O N D • WA R R A C R E S • D E L C I T Y • N O R M A N • C H O C TAW • Y U K O N • N O R T H O K C • S O U T H O K C

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BY: BILL MOAKLEY PRESENTED BY

Veteran of the Month: Aaron Sloan

I

Air Force veteran shares highlights of his military career

f you are in or around Moore regularly and run into Aaron Sloan, he might just look familiar. There’s a good reason, especially if you’ve been to the city’s Veteran’s Memorial Park.

The 18-acre park, located on 4th Street, includes numerous displays honoring veterans and their families, including wooden statues honoring service members from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Afghanistan/Iraq War. Sloan was the model for the Afghan/ Iraq soldier carved by Inola-based artist Clayton Coss.

“In 2009, I got a call from the City of Moore and they said, ‘hey, we want you to model for our statue that’s going to represent the Afghan and Iraqi Armed forces,’” Sloan explained. “I said, ‘okay, that’s pretty cool.’

So, I did it, and we unveiled it May 2010.”

In addition to being honored to serve as the likeness for the statue, Sloan was also thankful his father got to see its unveiling.

“Unfortunately, my dad passed away four months later,” Sloan recalled. “He actually was there at the unveiling, so it was pretty cool.”

Sloan grew up in Moore and graduated from Moore Christian Academy. After spending a year working after high school, he decided to join the Army. He spent three years in the “regular” Army, including a year and a half stint in Germany.

He left the Army and entered the National Guard parttime. While working a full-time civilian job, Sloan also earned his degree in theology from Hillsdale Freewill Baptist College (now Randall University).

After moving to Tennessee for a year, Sloan rejoined the Oklahoma National Guard in 2000 and decided to go Active Guard Reserve. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2003-2004. In 2007, he attended drill sergeant school and served a time in that role. He retired from the military at the end of 2016.

50 March 2022

CENTURIONCG.NET

Prior to deploying to Afghanistan, Sloan mentioned to Toby Keith, a fellow Moore native and friend of Sloan’s, that he was being deployed and asked Keith if he’d play a show for troops.

“He said, ‘I’ll be there in a heartbeat,’” Sloan recalled.

“Sure enough, he came over to the USO and brought Ted Nugent with him, which was a surprise to me.”

Work was not over for Sloan after retirement. He returned to school and earned a master’s degree in sports management and administration. That led Sloan to the coaching profession at Destiny Christian School, where he coached football and baseball. His football team won a state title in 2020.

Sloan retired a second time, for a very good reason.

“My grandson was born, and I gave up teaching and coaching,” Sloan laughed.

Sloan has also been spending time supporting the Folds of Honor and John Daly and Major Ed Heart of a Lion Foundations, both of which work to support veterans.

The JDME Heart of a Lion Foundation is led in part

by Major Ed Pulido. In 2004, Pulido hit an Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D), or roadside bomb, while serving with the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team. Due to the extensive injuries to his left knee, doctors had to amputate his left leg. He’s been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Service Commendation and Achievement Medals.

In addition to the work they do on behalf of veterans, Sloan has another reason for working with the foundation.

“Major Ed was actually my commander from 1996 to 1999 when I was in the Reserves,” Sloan explained.

“He’s phenomenal. I try to support him as much as I can.” –19SM

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