19th Street Magazine December 2023 by SportsTalkMedia

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

STREET December 2023 • Issue 12 • Volume 6

K I C KI NG I T TO N O RMA N Business Spotlight

The Evans Agency

Nic & Rodney Anderson

Rebranding 19th Street

Family Tradition South Metro Standard

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what’s inside

DECEMBER CONTENTS 2023

10 Introducing South Metro Standard

ISSUE 12– VOLUME 22

19th Street Magazine rebrands to better represent the pulse of the community.

14 The Evans Agency

A multi-generational family business.

16 OUFCU

Building financial resilience: strategies for overcoming financial stress.

24 Family Tradition

Nic Anderson is follwing in his brother Rodney’s footsteps.

32 New Heart, New Hustle, Same Hardwood

A retooled roster for OU basketball looks to return to the tournament.

38 National First Responders Day Moore 911 Dispatcher Keara Duncomb honored in New York City ceremony.

42 Matters of the Heart

Cardiothoracic surgeon and Norman native joins Norman Regional heart team.

on the cover YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

MANAGING EDITOR

19 TH STREET December 2023 • Issue 12 • Volume 6

Lindsay Cuomo

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher

CONTRIBUTORS

Roxanne Avery | Lindsay Cuomo Chris Plank | T. J. Turner

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Trevor Laffoon - trevor@kref.com Perry Spencer - perry@kref.com Tanner Wright - tanner@kref.com

PUBLISHER

Casey Vinyard

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.

KICKING I T TO NORMAN Business Spotlight

The Evans Agency

Nic & Rodney Anderson

Rebranding 19th Street

Family Tradition South Metro Standard

18 Kicking it to Norman

Moore Lions’ five-star kicker chooses to stay close to home.

19thstreetmagazine.com

Cover photo by: Mark Doescher

C OM MU NI T Y

INTRODUCING SOUTH METRO

S TA N DA R D

E MUNITY MAGAZIN YOUR LOCAL COM

January 2024 • Issue 1 • Volume 1

Unique Culinary Creations

Chef Dee’s

Softball State Champions

Sabercats

Business Spotlight

Jennifer Campbell

SOUTH METRO STANDARD 10 | December 2023

BY:LINDSAY CUOMO

19th Street Magazine Rebrands to Better Represent the Pulse of the Community

eginning in January of 2024, 19th Street Magazine will become the South Metro Standard to better represent the dynamic communities within the Moore Public Schools district.

the strength and uniqueness of the south Metro area and its residents. The new name signifies a bold step forward, encapsulating the essence of what the magazine stands for and our aspirations for the future.

“We are excited to have a name that represents areas of the community that we have already been serving for years,” said Casey Vinyard, publisher and owner of KREF Sports Radio Network. “We look forward to continue sharing the great stories of this vibrant area.”

We want to set the standard for our readers and for the community.

19th Street Magazine began in 2018 as a local publication focused on reporting the news and happenings in the Moore and south Oklahoma City area. With an emphasis on high school sports and community-focused content, the South Metro Standard will continue to share the good news happening within area schools, organizations and businesses, shining a spotlight on residents making a difference every day. The decision to rebrand is a strategic move to better align with our evolving vision and mission to reflect

Behind the scenes, the editorial team has been hard at work, curating content that mirrors the diverse interests and preferences of our readers. The name change is not just a superficial alteration; it also symbolizes a deeper commitment to staying in tune with the pulse of our community. Readers can expect the same high-quality journalism, engaging features and insightful perspectives that have been the hallmark of 19th Street Magazine. As the South Metro Standard unveils its new identity, readers are invited to join us on this exciting journey. Follow along at kref.com.– 19SM

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

19 TH STREET December 2023 • Issue 12 • Volume 6

34th St. Bridge Update

Fabric of Empathy

Unites Houston & Moore

Issue 1 - November 2017 kref.com

KICKING I T TO NOR M A N Business Spotlight

The Evans Agency

Nic & Rodney Anderson

Rebranding 19th Street

Family Tradition South Metro Standard

Issue 74 - December 2023 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 11

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C OM MU NI T Y

THE EVA NS AGE NC Y

A Multi-Generational Family Business

14 | December 2023

BY: CHELSEY KRAFT

“We’ve been there and have experienced what our customers experienced.” - Jordan Evans

eorge Evans was the first State Farm agent in the Moore community, establishing the agency in 1960. In 1997, the reins were handed over to his son, Jim, and in 2015, Jim’s son, Jordan, joined the family business, inspired by the profound impact the agency had on its customers during the May 20, 2013 tornado.

“Selling insurance isn’t the most exciting thing, but whenever you get to fulfill that promise that you’ve been telling people all along, it is worth it.”

The Evans Agency was directly impacted that day. Five people were in the office and found themselves buried under a table.

Additionally, The Evans Agency puts a high priority on being connected within the Moore community, so a major focus for Evans is finding ways to give back.

“We had more total losses out of our office as far as homeowners during that time than anyone else,” explained Jordan Evans. “For two years, we didn’t do much other than trying to get everyone back on their feet, including ourselves. “We’ve been there and have experienced what our customers experienced, so it has given us a new empathy having gone through it ourselves and an ability to say we really do understand.” Before joining the family business, Evans served as a football coach in Missouri. During the summer break, he returned home to assist the agency with helping policyholders and the cleanup process. This experience fueled his decision to move back to Moore when the opportunity arose a couple of years later. “2013 was really the first time I was interested in stepping back into the family business because of the ability to help people in our community,” he shared. kref.com

In his role within the small business, Evans is involved in various aspects, including managing people, solving significant problems, leading marketing efforts, and casting a vision for the agency.

Evans is a member of Kiwanis, so the agency does a lot of work through that organization. It has also sponsored Central Elementary School for several years, purchasing supplies like copy paper and chairs for teachers and sponsoring a Teacher of the Month award at the school. Additionally, the agency has sponsored football games in the district and participates in the annual Red Ribbon Parade and Old Town Moore’s Christmas Parade. “The schools have been a really fun place to be involved,” Evans said. “Anytime you can get plugged in, it’s a win-win. It gets our name and face out there, but it’s mostly about being able to help our community, help our schools and help our kids in the community to be able to have opportunities to do what they want to do and be what they want to be.” To learn more about The Evans Agency, visit theevansagency.com or follow them on Facebook. 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 15

OU F C U

BY: SHANNON HUDZINSKI PRESIDENT/CEO OU FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

BU IL D I N G F I NA NC IA L RESIL IENC E:

S TR ATE GIE S FOR OVER COMIN G FINANCIAL ST RESS

In today’s fast-paced world, we face many financial challenges as we juggle a lot of responsibilities. The constant pressure to earn enough for covering day-to-day expenses while remembering to put away money for your financial goals never lets up. To make it even more difficult, life only gets more expensive as time goes on. However, despite the inherent hurdles, overcoming financial stress and living a financially fit life is very doable. Let’s take a look at key strategies for building financial resilience.

MANAGE DEBT Debt can be a big source of financial stress. To effectively manage debt and gain control of your finances, take a proactive approach: •

Assess your debts and choose which to prioritize.

•

Create a repayment plan, like the snowball or avalanche method.

•

Maximize debt payment until you’ve paid them all off.

BUILD AN EMERGENCY FUND Building an emergency fund is important for creating financial resilience. Here’s how to do it: •

Start small. Gradually increase the amount you regularly save over time.

•

Automate your savings. Make saving automatic by setting up regular transfers from your checking account to a separate savings account.

•

Aim for three to six months’ worth of expenses. While this can take time, make this amount your ultimate goal so you can weather any surprise and keep your finances intact.

16 | December 2023

SET FINANCIAL GOALS Setting clear financial goals will empower you to take control of your financial well-being and build your financial resilience. Follow these steps to successfully set financial goals: •

Identify your short-term and long-term goals.

•

Make your goals specific and measurable.

•

Break goals into actionable steps.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE Taking care of yourself is a vital part of reducing financial stress. Find time to pursue your interests and to take frequent breaks from the daily grind. And it doesn’t have to put you into debt, either. You can go for a walk alongside a beautiful lakefront, learn a new language, visit free galleries showcasing your favorite art or develop a hobby by watching free DIY videos.

H I GH S C H OOL S PORT S

18 | December 2023

BY: T.J. TURNER

KICK IN G I T TO NORMAN Moore Lions’ Five-Star Kicker Chooses to Stay Close to Home

f one read the headline ‘Moore kicker commits to OU’ it would not seem like a surprise due to how close in proximity the two are. Truthfully, the process was much more difficult. Before committing to the University of Oklahoma, Liam Evans considered Baylor, Kansas State and Texas Tech, among others, as his future collegiate home. “The one school I was probably closest to at one point before committing to Oklahoma was Kansas State,” said Liam. However, a coaching shakeup in the special teams department at Kansas State altered the course of his

kref.com

decision-making process. This coaching carousel created an opportunity for the Sooners, a team Liam had grown up cheering for. “Liam had a good relationship with Will Burnham over at K-State during the recruiting process,” said Liam’s dad, Sean Evans. “Burnham leaving took us back a bit, but the University of Oklahoma was persistent, and it was clear that they really wanted him.” Plus, the University of Oklahoma has something the entire family could love - a short 10-minute drive that was the cherry on top.

19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 19

“I really like that I am still very close to home where friends and family are,” said Liam. As the Evans visited several schools, they began to pick up on whose words were truly genuine. “At Oklahoma, the culture was different and it was about developing our son into a better man,” Sean said. “We feel great knowing that Liam is going somewhere where he can grow on and off the field for four years.”

RANKING PROCESS Liam’s outstanding performance at Kohl’s National Scholarship Camp this summer catapulted him onto the national stage. His exceptional display included making 35 of 36 field goals and earning a 111.27 rating on kickoffs, prompting a fifth star beside his name and a No. 7 ranking among kickers nationally. “There’s probably just under a thousand athletes there, truly the best against the best,” Sean said. “So, anyone who is going to play at a D-1 level is coming through this thing at some point.” Liam’s ability to handle pressure with grace and focus on the task at hand was evident, particularly on the third day of Kohl’s National Scholarship Camp. “I really focused on competing against myself and not competing against others,” Liam explained. “I think I’ve learned a lot on the mental part from attending these camps. It’s a lot of trial and error, but it comes down to relaxing and letting the muscle memory kick in.”

KICKING IN THE FAMILY Moore holds a special place in Liam’s heart, and he is proud to represent his hometown. “I grew up here listening to the Lions on the radio and watching their games, so it means a lot to be able to represent the city of Moore,” said Liam. Liam’s youngest brother, Gray, a freshman at Moore, aims to continue the family legacy in football. Both brothers began with soccer, transitioning to football in junior high. “Gray saw how much Liam was enjoying the process and decided to follow in his footsteps,” Sean said. “I think Gray is going to give Liam a run for his money on a couple of records.”– 19SM

20 | December 2023

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19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 21

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

OU S P O RT S

Photos by: Mark Doescher

FA M I LY TRADITION

24 | December 2023

BY: CHRIS PLANK

n a season littered with big moments, Team 129 provided one of the biggest and most memorable wins over Texas in the Red River Rivalry.

As Team 129 prepares for its final act, the script has been dotted with memorable moments, fantastic finishes and breakout performances. Nic Anderson has found himself in the middle of many of those key moments . As the wide receiver continues to make his mark, his biggest fan is enjoying every moment.

A FAMILY TRADITION Nic Anderson has quickly become a household name for Oklahoma Sooner fans. But long before Nic even took a snap as a Sooner, his brother Rodney had already established the Anderson family name as a star running back for the Crimson and Cream. kref.com

19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 25

As the youngest of three boys, Nic had a high level of expectation, just based on his DNA. His oldest brother Rodney etched his name into Sooner lore with an incredible 2017 season, while middle brother Ryder was playing defensive end for Ole Miss and eventually Indiana. There was always competition growing up, despite a seven-year gap between Rodney and Nic, but that did not slow down the fire and desire in the little brother. “We’ve always been a really close family. Even during the things that he (Nic) couldn’t necessarily participate in, he was still there and liked being involved,” Rodney said of his youngest brother. “If we were at games, he was always on the sidelines or running around in the stands. “I’d have friends over after a game or something, and you know he’d be at the house, obviously, but he would kind of just be like creeping on us how little brothers do. They want to be involved.” As Rodney was excelling at Katy High School, he was also making sure to be a good role model for his younger brothers. “Nic started out as a running back, and I was very involved in giving him pointers,” Rodney said. “But at some point, right around his junior high years, he switched over to receiver, so I remained kind of in his back pocket whenever he needed me. We weren’t necessarily super tight friends yet. But then, as I moved out of the house, that’s when I really got close to both of my brothers.” After Rodney and Ryder moved off to college, Nic took his turn to excel on the field at Katy High School. Despite the distance, Rodney was making sure everything was good with his younger brothers. The phrase absence makes the heart grow fonder absolutely applied in the case of the Anderson brothers. “We are very close, but you wouldn’t have been able to tell that by our interactions. I think that football had a part to play in that as growing up we were very, very, very competitive,” Rodney said. “When you put competitive boys around each other, they tend to butt heads. When you’re living at home and that’s your every day, you kind of take the access for granted.”

CHOOSING OKLAHOMA Despite playing in a run-heavy scheme, Nic was drawing the attention of scouts as a wide receiver based on his speed, size and football IQ. Oklahoma was interested, but Rodney stayed out of the recruiting process. “As involved as I am with my little brothers, I stayed completely out of both of their recruiting journeys,” Rodney said. “It was solely up to them, and I didn’t want to weigh in because I knew that they both looked up to me. I wanted the decision to be authentically theirs.”

26 | December 2023

Nic was rated as a four-star prospect, according to On3 and ESPN, and had 29 receptions for 529 yards and five touchdowns in his senior season. He helped Katy to a Texas 6A D-II state championship as a junior. Originally, Nic was on his way to Oregon to be a Duck, but something changed. “He decided to open his recruiting back up and he was being recruited by the same coaches that recruited me at Oklahoma,” Rodney said. “Once Nick opened it back up, it was very easy for him to build with Coach Cale Gundy.”

BATTLING ADVERSITY Before Nic started his path toward becoming a breakout star for the Sooners, he had to battle adversity like what his brother experienced at Oklahoma. Rodney is among the most talented and physically gifted running backs to play for the University of Oklahoma. His 2017 season is one for the ages, racking up 1,161 yards on the ground averaging 6.2 yards per carry and scoring 18 total touchdowns. The Sooners won the Big 12 Championship in 2017 and made the college football playoffs. But two games into the 2018 season, while averaging 10 yards per carry through his first 11 touches, Rodney’s season ended with a knee injury. It was the third season-ending injury that Anderson had suffered during his career. Little did he know at the time, but Rodney’s positive approach to the injury challenges laid the groundwork for his youngest brother. Nic battled through injuries that kept him off the field and out of the lineup for most of his freshman season. But the positive example that Rodney showed helped set the tone for the way Nic would approach his own personal injury battle. “I always heard from my parents that when those injuries happened, he was down and the first couple days were the hardest,” Nic said. “Every time I saw him as a kid, he had his head up high. He was laughing, joking. He used comedy as one of the buffers. I never saw him in a bad mood, so I think that helped me. When I went through it myself, just asking him for advice, he always said the same thing: just find other ways to get better and just keep your head high.” Nic appeared in only three games in 2022 and played just 23 snaps. His one catch came in the bowl game against Florida State. “I broke my leg my first year. I wasn’t super distraught because I still had a lot of time,” Rodney said. “God has a plan, and I must take my hat off to Nic honestly. He’s always been very mature for his age. I was obviously in his corner, but I think he handled himself well. I think that makes it even more worthwhile watching him this year.”

kref.com

19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 27

“Of course, it was difficult to deal with,” Nic added. “But just having that trust in God, He knows what’s best for me and He has His plans. I just have to have faith in Him, and everything is going to work out for the better.”

BREAKOUT It did not take long for a healthy Nic Anderson to make an impact in his second season. Nic doubled his catch total in game one and, after going without a catch against SMU, had his breakout game against the University of Tulsa. The redshirt freshman didn’t just score the first touchdowns of his collegiate career against Tulsa — he finished the game with three receptions for 120 yards and three touchdowns, breaking the OU program freshman record for most receiving scores in a single game. “I feel like his big brother,” OU receiver Jalill Farooq said of the 3-catch, 3-touchdown performance. “Just him being out there going crazy made me smile. I see him day-to-day grinding. He had a lot of injury problems last year, so him being able to shine… He’s one of the guys that has put in that work.” Nic followed up his breakout performance against Tulsa by catching a touchdown in each of the next four games including the game-winning catch in the 28 | December 2023

dramatic win against Texas. He has the nation’s highest TD reception rate this season (47%, minimum five TD catches). He caught a touchdown pass in five straight games between Sept. 16 and Oct. 21. “He’s a guy who’s super special,” OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel said. “His young energy… It’s good having him and it’s great for the room too.” The breakout season has placed the redshirt freshman in the mix for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award which is presented to the most outstanding freshman in College Football. “He’s got confidence, humility,” OU coach Brent Venables said. “It’s a very competitive family. He’s a football junkie and a great teammate, a hardworking guy who last year was just snake-bit. “It’s great to see him have some success after everything he’s been through. He’s got a great future.”

A PROUD BROTHER Through all the success and adversity, Nic has had his big brother Rodney rooting him on. As Nic was having his breakout game in Tulsa against the Golden Hurricanes, one cheer seemed louder and prouder and maybe even more passionate than the others. From his seat in the endzone at Chapman Stadium, Rodney was fist pumping and high fiving with anyone

within his vicinity as he watched his younger brother. The video of Rodney celebrating went viral. “He was hyped,” Nic said. “They were right in front of the same corner of the endzone I scored all three times. The crowd had figured out who he was and that he was my brother. The aggressive high fives were great. The comments on the video were saying that he was going to put the fans in the training room. It was great.” You could see the pride in his eyes and the passion for his brother’s success in everything Rodney did. “I guess it’s similar to probably how my dad feels watching all three of us,” Rodney said. “My dad was an athlete, and now watching us get to come through and do all our athletic things. I had success here at OU and it was such a special time for me. I felt very blessed to be at a university like this and to see him get to do the same things and score in some of the same endzones is very special.”

THE FUTURE Nic has become a playmaker for the Oklahoma offense. “I’m just ready for the opportunities when they arise,” Nic said. “Those catches were just there for the taking and I took them.”

Nic is a unique mix of size, speed and athleticism. He has shown a willingness to make aggressive catches in traffic. “He’s got some stuff that you can’t coach, and on top of that, he’s very coachable,” Gabriel said of Nic’s ability. “He’s very talented and very smart, so he’s just been able to take advantage of every opportunity. In the OU-Texas game, one catch and one touchdown in the most crucial moment, that just shows how much we trust him and his ability.” With his family watching on, Nic is looking like one of the breakout stars of 2023 and a foundational piece for the future of Oklahoma football.– 19SM

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OU S P O RT S

n a season that will be filled with finality, the Oklahoma Sooner men’s basketball team will try to accomplish a first. While the Sooners bid adieu to the Big 12 in preparation for a move to the SEC next season, OU will be looking for its first NCAA Tournament appearance of the Porter Moser era. They will do so with a roster filled with a lot of new faces but loaded with athleticism and talent. As has been the case in Moser’s first two seasons in Norman, the Sooners turned to the transfer portal to replenish the losses and rebuild the Sooner roster for the coming season. Only five players remain from the 15-member, 202223 Oklahoma basketball roster. After losing in the first round of the Big 12 tournament to Oklahoma State, seven players moved on, including the top two scorers from last year’s squad. Grant Sherfield declared for the NBA Draft after leading the Sooners in scoring, and Tanner Groves exhausted his eligibility. Five entered the transfer portal. All totaled more than 75% of the Sooners’ scoring and rebounding from last season is no longer in Norman. In its season-opening win over Central Michigan, only three Sooners were on the active roster last season.

New Heart New Hustle Same Hardwood

“I think the biggest takeaway from our offseason workouts is that we’re definitely longer and more athletic, which enables us to play faster,” Moser said. “We have simply not been very athletic. I think that’s the first thing you’re going to see different about our team is our athleticism. I’m excited about some of the length we’ve brought in. We’ve brought in some speed from the guard spots.” Despite the fresh look, the expectations nationally are not high for

32 | December 2023

Photos by: Mark Doescher

Moser is committed to recruiting athleticism and rebuilding the roster.

BY: CHRIS PLANK

the Sooners. OU was picked to finish 12th in the 14team Big 12, but that has not dampened the spirits of the third-year head coach. “I think this team is a likable, high-energy team,” Moser said. “I think we’re gonna be able to create some offense with our defense. Anytime you’re longer and faster, you can create a more havoc defense, you can create a more fast-paced offense. And I think that’s what’s trending right now with our team.” With so many fresh faces for the Sooners this season, a familiar returning starter may be the key to the Sooners’ success. Milos Uzan emerged as a foundational piece for the Sooners as a true freshman last season. The former four-star prospect found his way into the starting lineup and averaged nearly eight points per game and almost three assists per contest. kref.com

“Milos was steadfast the whole time when the portal window was open. He wanted to come back,” Moser said. “Right out of the gate as a sophomore, he is going to be our captain, and he’s taken that leadership, and he’s run with it.” For Uzan, it is definitely a new look, a new feel and a new group, but the challenge to mesh a new look locker room has been a fun one. “We’ve got nine new faces this year,” said Uzan. “In college basketball, it is basically who can come together the quickest with the transfer portal right now. Something I’ve noticed with everyone that we have in this team is they’re all hungry, and I feel like I have something to prove as well. It’s something that we all can combine and do something special.”

19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 33

The return of Otega Oweh gives the Sooners another foundational piece who has been in Porter Moser’s system for the last two seasons. The sophomore guard started nine games last season and provided an instant spark for the Sooners when he was inserted into the starting lineup. Already this season, he registered a career-high 20 points in the win over Mississippi Valley State and can develop into a shutdown defender. “He’s got the body and makeup to be an elite defender,” Moser said. “He just has to get the experience to do it, like the intricacies of knowing how to switch, knowing how to really take the scouting report on the guy and get it into the game, to not let up.” Sam Godwin was the quintessential glue guy for the Sooners last season and has been in the starting lineup early this season. The development of Luke Northweather during his redshirt season put the 6’11” post player in position to help the Sooners this season. But that is where the familiar for the Sooners ends. The roster rebuild started with a push for more athleticism and some experience in the backcourt. The Sooners added Siena transfer Javian McCollum, a junior guard who averaged career-highs of 15.9 34 | December 2023

points and 3.9 assists last season. Utah Valley transfer Le’Tre Darthard is a senior who earned a spot on both the All-WAC first team and the conference’s all-defensive team last season. Oregon’s Rivaldo Soares and Houston Christian’s Maks Klanjscek add experience and length. Soares is a 6’6” wing player who averaged 7.2 points and 3.6 rebounds last season, while Klanjscek is a four-time transfer who averaged 15 points on 35.2% shooting from deep. It is possible that the biggest addition, both physically and figuratively, is Pittsburgh transfer John Hugley IV. The 6’10” center averaged 14.8 points two seasons ago before missing most of last season to focus on mental health and injury rehabilitation. Hugley IV provides a physical presence inside that the Sooners have desperately needed. “He gives us a huge physical presence inside. Our standard for him is to be the best-conditioned athlete he’s ever been in his life,” Moser said. “We’ve watched him score 15 (points) and eight (rebounds) in the ACC. He’s a really good passer down low. He’s a guy that can carve out space. That’s what we hope for him. He gives us a different inside presence.”

Add 6’7” Georgia Tech transfer Jalon Moore and the Oklahoma roster is dotted with potential difference makers and experienced talent. “I think what feels different with the portal this year is the flat-out talent level,” Moser said. “I think our talent level and the need level, I think we addressed it more in the transfer portal. I think we got a little older.” With the added experience, the Sooners also upgraded its shooting, and every player is dangerous from beyond the 3-point line. “I have confidence in a lot of guys stepping up and shooting 3s,” Moser said. “There’s really not a guy (who can’t) – I mean that, sincerely. You’re not going to see me flinch if Sam Godwin takes one. We had seven different guys hit 3s in our opener and I’m pleased with that.” There is, of course, the eventual exit from the Big 12 as the Sooners play their last season in one of the most challenging conferences, if not the most difficult in college basketball. With the SEC looming next season, the approach is not about looking toward the future or planning for the next step. The plan is to win now. “It really doesn’t change a thing,” Moser said, about the move to the SEC. “The Big 12 has been the best basketball conference unequivocally the last two years. Right now, our focus and our feet are planted in Big 12 basketball.” Oklahoma’s men’s basketball team is coming off its second consecutive missed NCAA Tournament. The Sooners haven’t gone back-to-back seasons missing the NCAA tournament since 2009. In the portal era of college basketball, things can turn in an instant, and Oklahoma has added talented playmakers. But the one thing the Sooners need the most is wins, and Porter Moser feels confident in the talent he has added. “Our goal is not to get into the tournament,” Moser said. “Our goal is to get into the tournament to give us an opportunity to win a championship.”

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N AT I O N A L FIRST RESPONDERS D AY 38 | December 2023

BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON

Moore 911 Dispatcher Keara Duncomb Honored in New York City Ceremony

eara Duncomb, a dispatcher at the Moore Police Department, recently received a special invitation to New York City from the First Responders Children’s Foundation. She was recognized during their National First Responders Day ceremony, honored with an award for her handling of a crucial call that occurred in July of this year. The call involved a 10-year-old boy whose grandmother, that has multiple sclerosis, had suffered a fall resulting in a head injury and bleeding. Displaying professionalism and compassion, Duncomb guided the young caller through essential steps to assist his grandmother until first responders arrived. “We get calls on falls a lot, but when it’s a child caller, it’s a little bit different,” she shared. “It is part of our job to remain calm and let them know that I am there to help them.” The family had only lived at the residence for a couple of weeks, but the child knew his address and was able to give her everything she needed to help him. “It’s a very surreal feeling to be able to take those steps in assisting someone on their worst day,” Duncomb shared. “It may be our 10th or 12th call, but for them, it’s their first call. It’s a rewarding feeling and I leave every day very thankful.” Originally from New York State, Duncomb now resides in Norman and has been a dispatcher for the MPD for just a little over a year. While she grew up in upstate New York, she hadn’t ever had the opportunity to visit New York City. “I was excited and nervous to go to New York City,” she shared.

kref.com

Duncomb as well as other first responders from fire, police, medical and dispatch were honored at the event in Times Square. Notably, responders from the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, Tennessee were also recognized. She was one of two 911 dispatchers that represented dispatchers from across the country. “I never imagined myself being on a stage in Times Square receiving an award on behalf of all 911 dispatchers across America,” she said. “I’m a year in and so it’s not an opportunity that I ever thought I would get.” Reflecting on her unexpected journey, Duncomb shared her inspiration that led her to become a dispatcher, citing the events following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Duncomb said she “knew from that day that (she) wanted to do something in the first responders’ world.” “A friend suggested 911 so I jumped in and gave it a shot,” she explained. Duncomb and the 10-year-old boy got to meet faceto-face when he received a letter of recognition and a coin from Todd Gibson, Moore’s Chief of Police. Both were a little overwhelmed at the event, but she said the opportunity allowed him to see the impact he had in saving his grandmother’s life. “He was super brave,” Duncomb shared. “He was put in a situation that a 10-year-old doesn’t necessarily always see himself in. He stepped up and did an adult’s job. Meeting him was a moment I won’t forget.”– 19SM

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H EA LT H

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

M AT T E R S O F T H E H E A R T Bruce Cannon, MD

Tracey Walker, APRN, CNS

Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Norman Native Joins Norman Regional Heart Team

ith over 30 years of cardiothoracic surgery experience, Bruce Cannon, MD, joins the heart care team at Norman Regional Heart & Vascular Associates. Board-certified in thoracic and cardiac surgery, Dr. Cannon earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and completed a dual residency in general and cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. His background encompasses a fellowship in Myocardial Protection Research at Massachusetts General Hospital, and he is an American College of Surgeons Fellow. Dr. Cannon specializes in cardiac surgical procedures including coronary artery bypass surgery, mitral valve replacement and TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement). Dr. Cannon strives to ensure patients have the best possible outcomes because he understands the impact heart disease has on his patients and their families. “I am a very hands-on physician,” he explained. “We help people with broken physiology and extend their life, giving them more time with their families.” Personalized care is of utmost importance to Dr. Cannon and his team. “I don’t like to just perform the operation and then disappear,” he said. “Aftercare is very important, and

42 | December 2023

I think that is why my outcomes are top level.” A native of the Moore-Norman area and current Norman resident, Dr. Cannon is eager to provide top-level care in his hometown. “When the opportunity opened here at (Norman Regional), I wanted to be able to give back to the local community,” he shared. “A chance to work locally and be able to offer my experience to this community is very valuable; to provide exceptional care to the community and get top-level outcomes.” Tracey Walker, APRN, CNS, joins Dr. Cannon at Norman Regional Heart & Vascular Associates, specializing in assisting patients as they transition from their hospital stay to their follow-up visits. She also provides support for the patient’s family. Walker is also from the Moore area and the pair have worked together caring for Oklahomans for seven years. Outside the operating room, Dr. Cannon indulges in his passion for travel, hunting and fishing, having recently visited South Africa. Meanwhile, Walker enjoys family time, reading, quilting, gardening and trail riding in her Jeep. Learn more about Dr. Cannon, Tracey Walker and the Chest Pain Center at normanregional.com/services/ heart-care.– 19SM

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