Public School Fundraiser
Cornhole for a Cause
Alo’s Historic Swing
New Queen in Town
Sooner Football Red/White Game
Spring Renewal
April 2022 • Issue 4 • Volume 5
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Features
APRIL CONTENTS 2022
ISSUE 4– VOLUME 5 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher
Cornhole for a Cause
10 by Callie Collins
MANAGING EDITOR Lindsay Cuomo
Annual fundraiser benefits public school students across the Moore district.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mark Doescher Greg Conder
CONTRIBUTORS
Riverwind Casino
14Beats & Bites
by Roxanne Avery Mark your calenders for the 2022 festivals.
10
Roxanne Avery | Sharla Bardin Callie Collins| Lindsay Cuomo Chris Plank
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES
Trevor Laffoon - trevor@sportstalk1400.com Perry Spencer - perry@sportstalk1400.com
PUBLISHER
Casey Vinyard
A Desire to Help
18 by Sharla Bardin
Moore Norman Technology Center features a variety of health care programs for students.
A Run At History
24 by Greg Conder
The Moore Lions basketball team made a historic run in the state tournament.
New Queen in Town
28 by Chris Plank
14
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.
Jocelyn Alo hits number 96.
Spring Renewal
36 by Chris Plank
Sooner football prepares for a new era as the spring game approaches.
Modern Medicine
45 by Lindsay Cuomo
Local surgeon uses surgical robot to reduce pain, patient recovery time.
28
7 Things: Rose Rock Festival
50 by Lindsay Cuomo
7 things you won’t want to miss at the 40th Annual Rose Rock Music Festival.
sportstalk1400.com
36
Cover photo by: Greg Conder
COM M U N I T Y
Cornhole for a Cause C ornhole fun for a cause is coming again to Moore. The Moore Public Schools Foundation will host its second annual Cornhole Classic, a tournament fundraiser, on April 30. Inspired by last year’s success, the event is set to take place in a larger space: The Venue at Freedom Farms, 4701 N. Porter Ave. in Norman. “Although last year was our first time to host the Cornhole Classic as a brand-new event, we have already outgrown the previous site, Hollywood Corners. We will have access to acres of space to welcome even more attendees,” said Clayton Ramick, executive director of the Moore Public Schools Foundation. The event is expected to be even more of a draw than last year. The 2021 Cornhole Classic brought more than 250 people out for an open-air activity during the pandemic, with more than 100 teams. Registration fees and donations brought its total funds raised to more than $53,000, all of which directly benefited local students and teacher-led efforts in the district. All funds directly benefit students in the Moore Public Schools District. “The money goes back to our principal grants,” said Ramick. “Principals at every Moore Public School are allowed to apply for grant funding. The grants are set up to benefit the entire school through specific efforts, like 10 April 2022
providing classroom sets of iPads, providing software or meeting a specific need, such PE, music or STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] equipment. “We calculated last year’s Cornhole Classic had a positive effect on about 9,000 students. We fund those principal grants and then hold onto a little for emergency needs that come up in the district.” When spring storms complicated 2021 graduation ceremony plans, some of those funds covered the cost of ponchos. Emergency funds also made a mental health week possible at Moore High School. Ramick said the Cornhole Classic is growing in other ways too in addition to the new, larger location. “Our Kids Corner will be bigger and better. We’re planning on more food and drinks and just building on the success of last year’s event overall,” he said. The event’s appeal as something different continues to add to its success. “Last year, people committed that night to sponsoring this year’s event. It was clear, they absolutely wanted to be part of it as something different from normal fundraisers,” said Ramick. “Our attendees have reacted with resounding positivity. It’s different and interactive. We look forward to hosting the Cornhole Classic as an an-
BY: CALLIE COLLINS
Annual fundraiser benefits public school students across the Moore district nual tradition open to families and kids.” Classen Urgent Care is the event’s title sponsor. “We can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for us,” said Ramick. “Their involvement allows us to offset the cost of the event. One of their office managers became a board member of the Foundation as well. We know their heart is really in it as they see the ways our students excel.” Sponsorships will continue to be accepted through April 15. Sponsors at the $1,500 level or higher are considered lane sponsors, with custom branded cornhole boards for use during the tournament that the business can keep after the event. Team registration is available until April 27. Find more information at mooreschoolsfoundation.org/cornhole-classic/. “Put your party pants on and come have fun while we raise money for local students,” Ramick invited.–19SM
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19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 11
COM M U N I T Y
R ive r wi n d Casi n o B e a ts & B i tes
Mark your calendars for the 2022 festivals
14 April 2022
BY: ROXANNE AVERY
G
rab your lawn chairs, friends and family and make plans to head to Riverwind Casino for the return of their annual outdoor concert series, Beats & Bites, one of Oklahoma’s best live music and food truck festivals! What began in 2016 as an initiative by the leadership of Chickasaw Nation to bring the community together and offer something different in the form of entertainment has grown each year. “We offer a little bit of everything including food trucks, retail vendors, wineries, a beer garden and activities for kids like inflatables, face painting and lighted toys,” said Heather Rudd, project manager of the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce. “It’s incredible to see so many people come out.” Concerts kick off May 28 with a full lineup of regional and national talent including two headliner bands. Gates open that night earlier than usual at 4 p.m. and music begins at 5 p.m.
Historically, Beats & Bites was held the 2nd Saturday of the month between May and August. Now, because of booking well-known national acts, the festivals are now booked around the schedule of big-name bands. While limited seating has been provided in the past, people are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. Coolers are not allowed but sealed water bottles can be brought in. General admission tickets are $5 each and children 12 and under get in free. –19SM
Beats & Bites 2022 schedule: Date
Gates Open Show Times Opening Act
Headliners
May 28 4pm 5-10pm Time Machine Night Ranger Starship June 18 5pm 6-10pm Everclear with Sister Hazel Deep Blue Something July 9 5pm 6-10pm Jason Young Band Randy Rogers Band This show will be capped off with a beautiful fireworks display July 30 sportstalk1400.com
5pm
6-10pm
Kyle Rainer
Scotty McCreery 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 15
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COMM U N I T Y
BY: SHARLA BARDIN
A Desire to Help
Moore Norman Technology Center features a variety of health care programs for students
W
endi Dedmon knew she wanted a career in health care at a young age. She developed a nurturing spirit as the oldest of three kids and that compassion and ease at helping others is something that grew with age. Since then, Dedmon’s experience in the health care field has included medical assisting, working in chiropractic care, occupational medicine, dentistry and in family medicine. Soon, she’ll add licensed practical nurse to her resume. Dedmon is enrolled in the practical nursing program at Moore Norman Technology Center. The Moore resident said she feels equipped, educated and encouraged by instructors in the program and is excited about entering the nursing field. “They genuinely want to see you succeed and become a great nurse,” Dedmon said. Practical nursing is one of the many health careers of-
18 April 2022
fered at the technology center, and the programs are in high demand. “We always have waiting lists for nearly all of the programs,” said Wendy Perry, director of health careers. Perry said she believes that interest in health care stems from the variety of job opportunities available in the field and people who see “there’s a need and they have a desire to help.” Along with practical nursing, other long-term programs include biomedical science, dental assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, medical assisting, pre-nursing, physical therapy services, surgical technology and veterinary assisting. The technology center also offers short-term health classes, such as CPR and First Aid, and home health and long-term care nurse aide classes. Perry said the technology center offers affordable programs at a faster pace toward employment, with completion of many
Based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown, Dare to Lead™ is a powerful program leading to improved people and performance outcomes. May 4-6 | The Well, Norman, OK For more info and to register visit: mntc.edu/leadership Linda Clark, MHRM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CDTLF is a performance strategist with a finger on the pulse of the challenging conversations teams and individuals face around the language of leadership. Learn more about Linda at mntc.edu/leadership
Moore Norman Technology Center’s Dare to Lead: Courageous Leadership Workshop has been submitted for: An HRCI Approved Activity Credit Type: HR General MNTC is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDC’s) for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP.
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of the long-term programs taking place in one to two years. There also are a variety of resources available to students, such as tuition assistance, academic tutoring and a resume writing service. Additionally, there are high success rates of students passing certification exams among all the health programs, Perry said. Dedmon said she appreciates the education, hands-on experience and support she’s received since starting the practical nursing program in August of last year. She’ll finish in June and will head to Oklahoma City Community College to study to become a registered nurse. Dedmon said she’s looking forward to working with patients and the conversations and care that she can provide. One of her goals is to help patients feel at ease and to know “that I’m going to take care of you in the best possible way I can.” Dedmon said she believes the center’s practical nursing program helps “prepare you for everything you’ll need to know” from the knowledge she’s gained from lectures to clinical experience. She encourages others to check out the programs available at the center, whether in health care or another field, given the instruction, experiences, support and resources available to students. “If you choose Moore Norman Technology Center, you’re going to have the best of the best in everything,” Dedmon said. “It’s going to set you up for success.” Individuals interested in applying for the long-term health programs at Moore Norman Technology Center must submit online applications at mntc.edu.-19SM
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24 April 2022
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19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 25
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S P O RT S
J
ocelyn Alo is the all-time home run leader in college softball history. The Sooner Super Senior set the record in her home state of Hawaii on a deep shot late into the Hawaiian night. The record-setting blast occurred following an 8-game stretch after tying the record where teams constantly found ways to pitch around the Sooner slugger. When all was said and done, that magical moment on the field where Alo played her final high school game created an incredible moment for the Sooners, the sport of softball, female athletics and the entire state of Hawaii. This is the story of home run 96 and the moments leading up to the record and beyond.
A LEGEND IS BORN Jocelyn Alo burst onto the scene as a freshman at the University of Oklahoma. The buzz had started to build before even playing her first game. “As a pitcher, she probably hits the ball harder than anyone I’ve ever faced,” said Sooner ace Paige Parker of Alo during the preseason media day in 2018 prior to Alo’s first season with the Sooners. “It’s scary how strong that girl is,” Shay Knighten added. “I don’t want to throw to her, you guys can,” commented Sooner pitcher Paige Lowery. Alo followed up the preseason hype hitting her first home run on a blast against Weber State in the fifth inning of her first collegiate game. When the freshman season wrapped, Alo had tied the single-season freshman record for home runs. “I really did surprise myself,” Alo said this week. “I wasn’t expecting to have the season that I had. It’s a lot to take in sometimes, but you’ve just got to live in the moment.” But there was a moment early in the 2018 season that caught the eye of Sooner legendary slugger Lauren Chamberlain, the previous holder of the record for most career homeruns at 95. During the Mary Nutter Classic in 2018, Chamberlain met for the first time an admittedly star struck Alo. The comparisons had already started between Chamberlain and Alo, but Jocelyn made it clear she was out to be the best version of herself. “We talked about how badly she wanted to be the one and only Jocelyn,” Chamberlain recalled. “Not the next Lauren and how important it was for her to write her own story and create her own narrative around this entire thing. “I knew from the jump that it was going to be her.”
Photos by: Mark Doescher
THE EXPERIENCE OF CHASING THE RECORD
28 April 2022
Alo followed up her breakthrough freshman season with a frustrating sophomore campaign where she hit just 13 homeruns. After hitting eight in the first 24 games of 2020, the season was shut down due to COVID-19. But after winning her first World Series ring to cap an incredible run in 2021 where Alo hit a career-high 34 home runs, she quickly made the decision to return to school for her COVID year as a super senior. Entering the 2022 season with 88 career home runs, it was not a question of if she would break the record, but when. It was a much different experience for Sooner head coach Patty Gasso than the one she went through when Lauren Chamberlain was chasing the record eight seasons earlier.
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19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 29
In 2015, Chamberlain was in a two-way race with teammate Shelby Pendley to reach the record of 90 set by UCLA’s Stacey Nuveman in 2002. “It was awful,” Sooners coach Patty Gasso said looking back. “Because they’re trying to outdo each other a little bit. Parents are involved. It was almost like you had to take sides of who you were rooting for to get it. “It was a tough road for Lauren. It took a longer time than I anticipated for her to reach that space.” There would be no internal competition in Alo’s chase of 95, only the question of when the record would fall. Alo did not waste any time in her pursuit of history. She homered in 2 of her first three games then after a 4-game stretch where she went homerless, she truly exploded. In the second series of the season, Alo hit a career-high four home runs in one day in Houston and tied Chamberlain’s record of 95 career home runs in her first atbat against Texas State on Feb. 20. The game instantly changed at that point for Alo. On the cusp of history, teams stopped pitching to her. Prior to the March 11 game against Hawaii, Alo had been walked in 16 of her 30 plate appearances, including a baffling intentional walk against Cal during an 8-0 game. Chamberlain could understand the frustration, she lived it. “When you get to that point, you’re slumping if you don’t hit a bomb,” Chamberlain said. “When you start to get that outside pressure and you start to see the media follow it, I know back when it happened to me and ESPN crews with their cameras were on the field fol30 February April 2022 2022
lowing me to the plate, ticket prices are going up, you’re starting to see more and more people standing. Everybody knows that something is about to happen when she’s at the plate. It’s a crazy transition when you start to watch it as a fan, but you’re watching almost what you went through but from a different perspective.” “At times it’s frustrating because I want to go out there and compete and I feel like I was stripped of my competitiveness,” Alo said of teams pitching around her. “At the end of the day, I stuck to my process and stuck to what I do best and that’s not trying to get caught up in things and just try to hit the ball out.”
A TRIP HOME When the 2022 schedule was released many circled the trip to Hawaii as a potential spot on the schedule where Alo could have a shot at breaking the record. But when teams stopped pitching to the Sooner slugger, everything was up in the air. A trip back home became more than just an opportunity to set a record, it developed into a chance to learn about her roots and what Jocelyn is all about. After the team arrived in Honolulu on Tuesday night, a Wednesday promotional event was set up at Alo’s elementary school, Hauula Elementary. The field was 100 yards from her childhood home and the place where her father Levi would practice with Jocelyn every day after elementary school. Hundreds of young Hawaiian girls waited outside the gates of the field for a chance to see the hometown hero.
Signs adorned the fencing around the field, “Home Sweet Home” one said with the words “We Love You” across the bottom. One read “Mahalo for Inspiring Our Girls,” while another proclaimed, “Kukuna Rd Finest.” It was a show of support that left Alo emotional and appreciative.
freshman Jocelyn could have taken on a role model type thing vs me now. I’m such a different player and person now. It’s huge to inspire the girls and I feel like this is going to continue to have the Hawaii girls to continue to elevate their game.”
“It’s surreal being back here… really a full-circle moment,” Alo paused and teared up as her voice cracked with the emotion of the moment. “I grew up 4 years old just hitting balls with my dad on this field and now I get to give back to you guys. I’m so grateful to be here and to inspire Hawaii kids too. I want you to dream this big too and I want you to go farther than I have.”
After hitting her 95th homerun, Alo went nine games and three calendar weeks without a homerun, one of the longest droughts in her career. It was frustrating but she was still hitting the ball hard. Despite the 16 walks in 30 plate appearances since tying the mark, Alo was hitting .428 during that stretch and had several balls that looked like the record breaker off the bat.
It was truly a full-circle moment, one that Alo had been preparing for her whole college career. “It’s been a role that I have kind of learned to take on as I’ve grown up,” Alo said of being a leader and a role model. “As a freshman until now, there is no way
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THE MOMENT
But then, late in the game against Hawaii the moment came. In the 6th inning with Grace Lyons standing on 3rd, one out and the Sooners on top 7-0, Jocelyn Alo hit number 96.
19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 31
“I knew what I wanted for the most part,” Alo said of her 5th at-bat of the game. “It was 2-0. I was looking for something hard and got it over the plate. I knew the adjustments I had to make from my previous at-bats, so I went in and made the adjustments and the ball happened to go over the wall.” It was a prodigious blast that bounced midway up the netting in right center field. The stadium exploded in cheers and flat-out pandemonium. The hometown girl did it. Jocelyn Alo was the new home run queen in college softball. Fans who had waited in line all day for a chance to see this moment were rewarded. “I didn’t hear anyone in the moment... but I listened back to it on video, and it was an explosion,” Alo said of the trip around the bases after 96. “Rounding the bases, I saw a whole bunch of family that had been there since day one. I couldn’t even find my dad because he was rounding everyone up to come to the field. We got to hug, and he was telling me how proud he was of me. That’s my best friend, there is not much more to say. He’s been there since day one. He believed in me before I believe in myself.” Alo had only one hope or even desire in the countdown to the record-breaking moment… she wanted her dad to be at the game. On March 11, 2022, at close to midnight central time, not only was her dad there but her entire family was as well to celebrate history. Hawaii coach
Bob Coolen presented a lei to Jocelyn and the crowd gave a standing ovation to the pitcher Ashley Murphy as she exited the game. “I will remember and cherish this forever. God had his hands on how this all played out,” Head coach Patty Gasso said. “The fact that it all played out on this field and that she had won state championships here. Friends and her family can be here. Everything about it was storybook and it was very special.” “It’s home run U baby. That’s it,” Lauren Chamberlain said of the mark. “Thinking about Tiare (Jennings) coming up right behind Jocelyn and just the potential of it. When you rewrite the record books and it looks like all OU at the top, that’s something to say. Shout out to Coach Gasso.” After a frustrating three weeks, it all paid off in the most storybook way possible. Jocelyn Aloha Pumehana Alo is the new home run queen in college softball, and she did it in her home state in front of all her family, friends and fans. “What hit me was that it’s another bookmark in history for women sports in general. This is a win for all of us,” Alo said after breaking the record. “People are going to have to pay attention because look at the things we can do. That has definitely hit me... It’s a win for softball and for women’s sports.”–19SM
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s Sooner football counts down to the April 23 Spring Game, many on-the-field questions surround the squad. How different will the offense look? What will running back depth look like? Who will step up at wide receiver? What’s next on the defensive line and, of course, who will step up at linebacker? But what is not a concern is how quickly first-year head coach Brent Venables has stabilized the program. From the creation of the S.O.U.L Mission to the implementation of a balanced and talented coaching staff, Venables has made a commitment to a holistic approach to a college football program. The S.O.U.L. Mission, standing for serving our uncommon legacy, is a four-man team consisting of former Sooners Josh Norman, Curtis Lofton and Caleb Kelly, as well as former Kansas State standout Ryan Young. It’s a player development program, and the goal of the program is to help fill in the gaps left between the on-the-field coaching and the wholistic approach Venables brings to the table, trying to help the maturation process of the players within the program into successful adults beyond football. “I’ve been a lot of places, been with a lot of head coaches,” OU tight ends/H-backs coach Joe Jon Finley said during a spring press conference. “But the SOUL mission is the player development part of it, I’ve never been around anything like it. It’s something, if I ever get to be a head coach, that’s 100 percent going to be part of my program.” In addition to the implementation of the S.O.U.L mission, Venables has hired an incredibly talented coaching staff. It’s a staff that Venables has been thinking about for years. From the top down, it’s a carefully and brilliantly selected group that buys into the plan. “I’ve always been focused on being a great teammate, being loyal, being great right where my feet are,” said Venables earlier this month about compiling a staff. “I’m not a big network kind of guy. I got a strong opinion on stuff, but I’m not a self-promoter. I want to do a great job for the players that I coach. I ask them to give me everything they got, and so I’ve always felt very indebted and very loyal to my players. “I want to do everything I can to help my players and I never want to let them down.” The culture pieces are in place, the coaching staff is set. With the program in good hands and on a solid foundation, the focus clearly turns to the laundry list of on-the-field questions surrounding a 2022 that has some potentially exciting answers. All the fun starts with Spring Football… so let’s hit the field with some of the biggest storylines.
DILLON GABRIEL QB1 The quarterback position at Oklahoma is one that carries high expectations. Is Dillon Gabriel ready to be that guy? “This guy knows how to operate,” Sooner offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby said of the prized transfer. “He knows how to walk in the building every single day and have great ownership with how he is going to operate, how he is going to take command of that offense and what it means to be a quarterback. To me, that is huge… it is critical as we set the tone and standard of how we are going to do things.” Gabriel comes to Oklahoma with excellent stats during his time at UCF. He has thrown for 8.037 yards with 70 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions in 26 career games. His season was cut short last year due to injury after only three games. The numbers say “Dime Time” is ready for Prime Time. 36 April 2022
BY: CHRIS PLANK
SPRING R E N E WA L sportstalk1400.com
19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 37
WIDE RECEIVER DEVELOPMENT Simply put… who catches the ball for the Sooners in 22? The Sooners lost three key receivers from the 2021 squad and a pass-catching tight end in Austin Stogner. But, in 2022, they return what many consider to be the best receiver on the roster in Marvin Mimms and the playmaking Drake Stoops. Both have stepped up in a big way off the field for the Sooners. “With Marvin, you’ve seen he’s kind of calm and always has that smile on his face. But he has really taken big steps in being a leader in this offense,” wide receivers coach Cale Gundy said. “And then Drake Stoops is the same way. Those two push each other every single day, and they’re good leaders.” The Sooners need solid leadership to help lead the way in this new offense and to help show the way for some of the new faces. Newcomers like 6’5” Jayden Gibson and 6’4” Nic Anderson will look different size wise than your typical OU receiver over the last six or seven years, but there is a lot of excitement over the returning group. Jalil Farooq returns after a breakout Alamo Bowl, while Theo Wease looks to bounce back after a season that included a nagging injury and a trip to the transfer portal. Who steps up… it’s a big question.
WHO STEPS UP AS A DEFENSIVE PLAYMAKER? There is no question that Brent Venables will bring a passionate focus to the defensive side of the football. In 2022, the question is who will match that passion and intensity and develop into a defensive playmaker for the Sooners. 38 January April 2022 2022
The Sooners have graduated 21.5 of the 33 sacks they had last season. More than half of the team’s total tackle for losses graduated along with the top two tacklers on the roster from a statistical perspective. Who will step up to replace the production of Isiah Thomas, Perrion Winfrey, Nik Bonitto, Brian Asamoah, Delarrin Turner-Yell and Pat Fields? “You’ve got to have quality depth,” defensive coordinator Ted Roof said. “One-deep is not going to get it done. We’ve got some guys returning that we’re really excited about.” Jalen Redmond returns after registering 19 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 8 games. The defense dipped when Redmond missed time in October due to an injury. Tulane transfer Jeffrey Johnson arrives on campus after serving as the anchor of the Green Wave’s defensive line for the past four seasons. Johnson brings 135 career tackles and 10 sacks to campus in Norman as he looks to raise his play to another level working under Bates. Deshaun White was a surprise returner to the Sooner defensive depth chart and has already wrapped up over 160 tackles in his career while David Ugwoegbu could benefit from the coaching change the most with his raw physical gifts. But most eyes will be on the future stars defensively. Billy Bowman looks to bounce back from a frustrating freshman campaign while Danny Stutsman has remained the apple of Sooner fans’ eye during the offseason. Add one-time Clemson commit Jaren Kanak and freshman Kobie McKenzie to the mix and the defense looks loaded for the future.
WHO TOTES THE ROCK? The Sooners graduated Kennedy Brooks to the NFL and with him went one of the most consistent performers over the last four seasons for the Sooners. Brooks averaged 7.2 yards per carry for his career and finished with 3,320 career rushing yards good for 9th all-time in Sooner history. Eric Gray returns after a fantastic Alamo Bowl and so does Marcus Major who always seems to have moments that flash but has yet to gain consistent opportunities throughout a season. Will young names like Jovantae Barnes end up being stars for the Sooners in 2022? “I’m excited. Being led by Eric Gray and Marcus Major, and then adding a young guy like Jovantae Barnes, who brings a different kind of dimension to our room, we’re extremely excited,” running back coach DeMarco Murray said of the Sooner running back room. “I’m excited just to get a full spring, full summer under my belt with these guys. It’s been awesome to see their faces after the Alamo Bowl and then getting back here and having a fresh start on things.”
WHAT’S THE REF SAYING? Weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Ref Sports Radio Network (AM1400/99.3 FM in Norman, 94.7FM in OKC & 1430 The Buzz in Tulsa) is talking Sooner sports. Here is what some of the hosts think will be the biggest storylines to follow this spring: JOSH HELMER – Co-Host of the Plank Show weekdays from 9 a.m.-noon “There are so many exciting storylines for the spring. How does transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel look? Who grabs the lead at running back? How far can Oklahoma’s offensive line come along ahead of fall camp? In addition to DaShaun White and David Ugwoegbu, who is that third linebacker to really impress? For me, there’s two storylines that I’ll really be paying attention to though. How does Theo Wease look? Just how healthy is he? In an offense that lost three of its top four wide receivers, Oklahoma needs Wease to be every bit of what he was in 2020 and more. The other big question for me is how does North Carolina transfer Trey Morrison mix in with what’s already on campus? Oklahoma ranked tied 109th nationally in passing yards allowed so the secondary needs to see serious improvement. Morrison could be a pivotal piece in that turnaround in the defensive backfield.” TYLER MCCOMAS – Co-host of Locked In from 2-3 p.m. with Parker Thune and The Rush from 3-6 p.m. with Teddy Lehman Running backs - I think immediately people point to Marcus Major or even the two true freshmen, Jovante Barnes, and Gavin Sawchuk as the main challengers for who gets the most carries at running back. But what about Eric Gray? He has the best resume of anyone returning. I want to see him take over as the No. 1 back. And I think he will. sportstalk1400.com boydstreet.com
PARKER THUNE – Co-host of Steely and Thune at Noon
from noon-2 p.m. on The Ref and OUInsider.com Most of Sooner Nation is enthused about the arrival of new head coach Brent Venables and quarterback Dillon Gabriel, but don’t overlook the return of wideouts Marvin Mims and Theo Wease, both of whom strongly considered transferring but ultimately elected to run it back in Norman with the new regime. Mims and Wease will be go-to weapons for Gabriel. With freshman running back Jovantae Barnes poised to make some noise, the Sooners may not experience the offensive drop-off that most across the country expect in the post-Lincoln Riley era.–19SM 19TH BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 39
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19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 43
Award-winning care close to home! 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:
Emergency
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All three categories are backed by trusted patient recommendations and research about women’s healthcare preferences. Choose a health system that knows women face different health concerns and are qualified to provide the highest level of care to women, men and children. Choose Norman Regional because we were chosen by Women’s Choice!
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BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
H EA LT H
MOD ERN MEDI CINE Local surgeon uses surgical robot to reduce pain, patient recovery time
D
r. William Hinojosa recalls his first experience with robotic surgical technology in medicine during his residency 20 years ago. In fact, robotic surgical systems have been in development since 1997. “As with all new things, I was a little skeptical,” Hinojosa said about some of the early models on the market. “Robotic cases often took twice the amount of time to perform the same surgery than with traditional laparoscopy. Earlier versions had limitations that I felt just didn’t make it feel very useful for general surgery.” However, the latest generation of the da Vinci XI robot has been a game changer, according to Hinojosa, who is a board-certified general surgeon with Norman Regional Health Systems. Surgeons can use a computer-controlled robot to perform minimally invasive surgeries resulting in “less pain, less scarring, less bleeding and a reduced risk of infection,” Hinojosa said. While no surgery is without risk, he feels like the da Vinci XI surgical robot “allows for a more efficient and safer surgery,” two things that significantly impact patient outcomes. Dr. Hinojosa said the surgical robot has allowed him to turn what would typically be a multiple-night hospital stay into outpatient surgery. “Because of the visualization of the camera, the stability of the robotic arms, and the dexterity of the wristed instruments, I was able to complete surgeries with the robot through small incisions and (my patients) were able to go home the same day as their surgery,” he explained. Dr. Hinojosa said the da Vinci XI has a wide range of applications. He most commonly uses the robot for hernia and gallbladder surgeries, but other specialties use it for prostate surgery, hysterectomies and even chest surgeries. Traditional, open hernia surgery would require a large,
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midline incision from the sternum to the pelvis, but, with the robot, he can fix a hernia with three dimesized incisions. Dr. Hinojosa sees even more potential in the future as advancement could allow for more integration with pre-op imaging such as a CT scan or an MRI. “We already have the ability to see through some tissue using a laser technology called Fire Fly,” he shared. “Fire Fly allows us to be able to see blood vessels and ducts using a special dye during an operation. “Just like on newer phones, augmented reality can add a couch to a room or picture on a wall so you can see what it will look like, that same sort of technology can be used in an operation with a patient’s preoperative scans to identify complex structures.” Dr. Hinojosa is excited to see what advancements are in the pipeline but, in the meantime, he is thankful to have this type of robotic technology available to serve his patients. He encourages anyone interested in robotic surgery to visit with their surgeon about what is right for them because “not every patient is a candidate for robotic surgery.” “Patients should have a discussion with their doctor about the risks and benefits of every procedure and decide together what is the right approach for them,” he said. “Patients need to make sure they feel comfortable and agree with the plan.” Dr. Hinojosa joined Norman Regional in June 2021 after leaving the United States Air Force. He has lived in Norman since 2013. His wife, Dr. Jessica Hinojosa, DO, is an OB/GYN with Women’s Healthcare of Norman. To learn more about Hinojosa and see the da Vinci Xi robot in action, visit normanregional.com/doctors/1292-william-hinojosa-do. –19SM 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 45
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WE HAVE A NEW BRAND!
We are excited to announce the launch of our new brand which includes a more colorful logo and tagline with meaning and structure behind the design. Along with the new logo, we also developed a new tagline, “Promote. Connect. Advocate.” that includes three of our top strategic goals: Promote: To tell our members’ stories, our story, and that of the entire Moore business community. Connect: To provide our members with networking opportunities and business resources to help them grow and succeed within the Moore business community. Advocate: To be the voice of our members and have a seat at the legislative table when it comes to issues that impact the Moore business community. The three diamonds in the new logo represent the three goals, with the blue and green intertwined representing “Promote” and “Advocate,” and the yellow diamond representing “Connect,” which connects them all together. And, expanding on “Connect,” the “M” in MOORE represents businesses and the community coming together with a subtle handshake.
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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
7
COM M U N I T Y
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
T hi ngs
yo u wo n ’ t w a n t to mi ss a t t he 4 0 t h An n u a l Ros e Ro c k Mus i c Fes t i val
K
icking off Friday, May 6 in the heart of the city of Noble, the annual festival has been a springtime tradition for four decades, celebrating Noble’s notoriety as the Rock Rose Capital of the World! “The Rose Rock Festival is very important to our community,” said John Stokes, festival organizer. “We are always trying to make it bigger and better every year.” All of the action happens at Noble City Hall. Just look for the giant Ferris wheel and you’ll know you have arrived! 1. Local talent – This year’s festival is shining a spotlight on local talent. Noble native Kat Lock is Friday’s opening act and Red Dirt Country star, Tyler Byrd, another musician with Noble roots, will headline on Saturday. The musical lineup also includes classic rock, 70s & 80s pop, country, alternative and more to keep festival attendees rocking all weekend. 2. The Rose Rock Parade – Thousands of people gather to watch as marching bands, scout groups, horses, antique cars and community groups trek down Main Street, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday. This year’s theme is Through the Decades, celebrating 40 years of the festival. 3. Pro Wrestling – For a couple of years now, pro wrestlers with World Class Revolution have put on a great show for fans. They’ll be back on Saturday, May 7 at 12:30 & 3 p.m.
50 April 2022
4. The festive ambiance – From a towering Ferris wheel to tot-friendly options, the festival will have a full lineup of carnival rides and games to enjoy. 5. Food – The festival is a foodie feast with 8 different food trucks and specialty fair foods like crepes, kettle corn and more. 6.
Shop Local – Over 120 local crafters and makers will be selling their best creations offering unique finds such as cigar box guitars, furniture and, of course, rose rocks. 7. Classic cars – Following the parade on Saturday, there will be a car show happening all day! –19SM
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE FRIDAY, MAY 6, 4-10PM SATURDAY, MAY 7, 10AM-10:30PM SUNDAY, MAY 8, 10:30AM-4PM
HOW DO YOU REINVENT more than 100
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you don’t.
You may have noticed we’ve updated our look, but the people, values, and spirit behind Armstrong Bank are still rock solid. In fact, we’re more of a family than ever. We’re committed to serving our customers, investing in our communities, and helping each other along the way as only family can. Thanks for being part of the Armstrong family.
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