Groundskeeper’s Dedicated Service
For the Kids
Sooners and Longhorns Head Southeast
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Spending Life Wisely
September 2021 • Issue 9 • Volume 4
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Features
SEPTEMBER CONTENTS 2021
ISSUE 9– VOLUME 4 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher
For the Kids
10 by Callie Collins
Lindsay Cuomo
Local school groundsman works day and night maintaining district athletic facilities.
Mystery at the Disco
14provided
Moore Chamber announces plans for annual benefit auction.
Daring Leadership
18 by Sharla Bardin
MANAGING EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Mark Doescher
CONTRIBUTORS
10
PUBLISHER
Casey Vinyard
RANDY LAFFOON
Spending Life Wisely New banking location in Moore will merge banking with comfort through innovative design.
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30 by Chris Plank
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In Memory of
MNTC offers program focused on skill development.
24 by Rae Lynn Payton
Sharla Bardin | Mike Brooks Callie Collins | Lindsay Cuomo JessicaRose Johnson | Rae Lynn Payton Chris Plank
Sooner and Longhorns are headed Southeast.
24
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.
Sooner/Husker Trivia
44 by Mike Brooks
Challenging trivia questions to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Game of the Century.
High School Sports Photos
50 by Mark Doescher
Images from the beginning of the softball and volleyball seasons.
A Nontraditional Path
55 by Lindsay Cuomo
30
Moore native joins Ortho Central as a sports medicine physician.
The BIG ‘S’
58 by JessicaRose Johnson, MA
Army veteran and mental health advocate shares prevention strategies in honor of National Suicide Prevention Month.
sportstalk1400.com
50
Cover photo by: Mark Doescher
Visual and Performing Arts Center Oklahoma City Community College 7777 S May Ave, OKC
bit.ly/2021ANNUALAUCTION Presented by
COMM U N I T Y
For the
Kids
Local school groundsman works day and night maintaining district athletic facilities
T
ony Nizza, better known as “Boot,” is a familiar face at Moore Public Schools, best known for his presence before, during and after athletic events. He works for the district’s maintenance department during the day but essentially pulls double duty by helping out with the needs of its high school sports teams, too. Whether it’s helping out at practice or locking up the Moore Schools Stadium after a big game, Nizza can be found supporting student-athletes through his efforts on the sidelines.
“It is a labor of love and we are so thankful for his servant’s heart,” said Fitzgerald. “He’s on call during the day and also with our mowing crews but we know we call him if something is needed for the athletics teams and as long as his supervisor lets him, he’ll come fix whatever it is. He does things that are very hard on the body. In the evening time, Tony is the one who takes care of the team and the visitors, the managers and the trainers, from putting out equipment, water and ice jugs to doing whatever we need him to do.”
Now in his 34th year with the district, the veteran employee’s reputation for reliability precedes him. Praise and recognition, however, are the last thing on Nizza’s mind.
Whether it’s fixing lighting, preparing the bleachers, emptying trash cans or waiting to lock up at night, Nizza is the go-to person for helping out, with unwavering dedication. He is no stranger to 14-hour workdays.
“I’m just not one to be tooting my own horn,” he explained. “Working for the kids is something I like to do, behind-thescenes. I’m glad to do anything they ask me to. The coaches know they can count on me to get done whatever needs doing.” Brian Fitzgerald, district athletic director, recognizes Nizza’s willingness to go above and beyond to make sure students are well taken care of, with facilities to match. He contributes to the optimal atmosphere spectators observe on game days, the man tasked with mowing the grass, preparing the field and making sure everything is good to go before the teams, and their fans, arrive. 10 September 2021
“Even after a full day’s work on the ground maintenance crew, for all three of our high schools, he shows up every single time. He does work at the stadium a lot but he’s also around basketball games and I think it just caps the week for him,” said Fitzgerald. “Nothing stops Nizza. That’s a really good example for our students to see as well.” How long Nizza has been involved with sporting events is a bit unclear. Phrases like “since before my time,” “the better part of his career” and “at least 20 years” tend to come up when the people who know him best for his support of student-athletes try to recall related history.
BY: CALLIE COLLINS Nizza graduated from Moore High School in 1983. He did not actually play high school sports but did serve as basketball manager. After graduating, he tried a variety of jobs, including working as a truck driver and a gas station attendant. When a job came open at the school, he decided to apply. Now, when asked about his profession, he describes himself as “jack of all trades, master of none.” His official title is groundsman in the maintenance department, which includes working as an electrician, carpenter, landscaper and custodial lead. A father of three grown children, his youngest son accompanies him on Friday night to see what he’s doing and lend a hand when possible. “That father-and-son tradition is something we recognize and encourage,” said Fitzgerald, in the light of the shared bond work and life experience can bring. “We absolutely want him to have that time with his son to share what he does for a living and what he loves.” Nizza is humble about the merits of his work and a man of few words. “They ask me to do whatever needs done and I do it quietly,” he said. “If they need me to set up the field, tear down the field or stick around to lock up after the press leaves, I do it because it’s for the kids. I don’t teach kids and I don’t coach kids, but if what I do helps them out, that means it’s less on the teachers and the coaches, so I just do what I can, in my own way.” His way is noticed. Nizza hopes people see all 32 schools with the district as clean and maintained. “I want to make sure the schools look clean and mowed because that’s the first impression of what people see when they drive up to a school,” he explained. “It speaks for the people in that school. And I hope visitors say ‘Wow, I wish our school looked like this.’” Nizza stressed the importance of teaching children to clean up after themselves and throw away their own trash in shared spaces. That’s really all he asks of the students of Moore Public Schools. When those Friday night lights come on and the crowd cheers, think of Tony Nizza. He’s probably there, in the shadows of the Moore Schools Stadium, out of sight but with his work in plain view. It takes all kinds of professionals to make a community, and some hold the keys in more ways than one. -19SM sportstalk1400.com
19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 11
COMM U N I T Y
Mystery at the Disco T
Moore Chamber announces plans for annual benefit auction
he Moore Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 2021 Annual Auction Friday, Oct. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Oklahoma City Community College, located at 7777 S. May Avenue in Oklahoma City. This year’s theme is “Mystery at the Disco,” and the Chamber is planning a night of intrigue, mystery and fun. Orga-
14 September 2021
nizers encourage all participants to embrace the theme and come dressed in their best 70s disco attire. Otherwise, dress is business casual. Gene McKown will be the auctioneer for the live auction. Additionally, there will be approximately 50 to 75 items to bid on in a silent auction.
PROVIDED
Several new sponsorship levels have been added to this fundraising event to give Chamber members more options to best highlight their business, including a wine sponsor and auction sponsor. Plus, corporate table sponsorships are also available. In addition to sponsorship opportunities, the Chamber is also collecting packages for both the live and silent auctions. Tickets and sponsorships may be purchased at
bit.ly/2021ANNUALAUCTION. Seating is limited so it is important to reserve a table or seat early. If you would like to highlight your business by contributing goods, services or money towards an auction package, contact Kelly Arnold, director of development and engagement at the Moore Chamber, at 405-794-3400 or karnold@moorechamber.com. The deadline to submit an item for consideration is Friday, Sept. 10.
TM
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BY: SHARLA BARDIN
Da ring Le ade rs h ip MNTC offers program focused on skill development Facilitator Linda Clark will lead a program on daring leadership Sept. 22-24 at Moore Norman Technology Center.
E
mployees have faced some unique challenges in the workplace since COVID-19. Some switched to working from home, while others saw the office environment change to accommodate pandemic precautions. What hasn’t changed is the need for strong leadership skills, effective communication, a willingness to make adjustments and embracing new possibilities or processes. Moore Norman Technology Center offers training programs that can help leaders build their bravery, skills and knowledge as they work through changing times and goals for the future. One of those programs set for this month focuses on daring leadership and is based on the research of bestselling author Dr. Brené Brown. Dare to Lead™ is about the research-proven future of leadership, which is bravery and courage and that bravery and courage are teachable, measurable and observable. The program will be offered Sept. 22-24 at the Franklin Road campus at 4701 12th Ave. NW in Norman. Facilitator Linda Clark will lead the program and is one of the global trained facilitators selected, vetted and trained directly by Brown to deliver the program. Interest from professionals, business owners and educators in the community has grown for the program, said Ida Fryhover, program consultant in workforce and economic development. In 2019, the technology center offered a luncheon that focused on daring leadership that was well attended. The goal was to expand the program but the pandemic delayed those plans. Fryhover said the upcoming program is open to anyone who wants to invest in building their skill set leading to desirable performance and people outcomes whether in a personal or professional setting. Due to high demand, an additional program will be offered in January 2022, she said.
18 September 2021
Fryhover said attendees also will benefit from the experience and Clark’s expertise, who is “an incredible facilitator.” Clark has extensive experience in human resources and focuses on values-driven performance, active feedback and outcomes. She’s also an adjunct leadership professor at the University of Central Oklahoma and a recognized human resources industry leader. The program is one of many training opportunities provided through the center such as the “Sherpa Leadership Program” that focuses on enhancing careers, teams and culture in an organization. In addition, the center has customized training available that feature the FranklinCovey All Access Pass™ Leadership Programs, offering insight into enhancing leadership and effective habits of leaders. Fryhover said some of the reasons that organizations turn to the technology center for training needs is because of the affordability, the convenient locations and professional trainers. “They’re vetted, they’re certified, they’re experienced, and they deliver quality training for people in our community,” she said. Additionally, she said the center’s workforce team continually connects with companies to determine what training could benefit those businesses. “We sit down and we listen to what companies need and we build our programs to help them achieve their goals,” she explained. Helping employees and companies excel is one of the highlights of Fryhover’s work. “I love seeing the potential of where we can take our resources and apply them to meet the needs of businesses,” she said. “To me, that’s one of the best rewards.” To register for the daring leadership program or for information about other training programs, visit mntc.edu/leadership. -19SM
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New banking location in Moore will merge banking with comfort through innovative design
N
o detail is too small when it comes to opening a state-of-theart facility. First United Bank hopes to set a new standard with their new Moore location set to open in late 2022. The 50,000-square-foot building is being designed with community needs and comfort in mind. “We consider it a statement for the community in Moore,” shared Andy Sherrer, community market president of First United Bank. Groundbreaking was warmly welcomed and took place just north of the Warren Theater on Aug. 10. The facility will feature an open cafe space where visitors can stop by on their lunch break, as well as a balcony overlooking the surrounding Moore area, perfect for morning coffee before heading off into the day. Customers can expect to see pop-up shops where businesses can come in to sell and serve. Top-tier technology will allow for group presentations and a large community center space will be constructed to host up to 250 people. Expect to see covered pergolas, outdoor seating, food truck hook-ups and open outdoor space for games such as cornhole. “It’s all based on our ‘spend life wisely’ philosophy and is a part of our purpose and values,” said Sherrer. “It’s a general desire to create a positive impact for customers, bankers and the community.” Their goal is to redefine banking and serve the people of the community in vital ways that support their overall health. This vision aligns with their four pillars: faith, financial well-being, personal growth and health & wellness. “Our hope is that people feel very comfortable walking in and that everyone is served and has the chance to be a part of our facility,” he explained.
24 September 2021
If customers need banking services, they’re available for them. However, their ultimate goal is to positively empower and impact 10 million lives as an organization by 2030. They hope to touch the lives of 1 in 3 people in the states of Oklahoma and Texas by that time, by being a place where they can offer custom services and experiences unexpected at a bank. First United envisions providing opportunities and resources that allow community members to continue developing their personal growth focus, whether it be a floral arrangement class or how to put together a charcuterie board, for example, in their community center. “As a bank, it’s our responsibility in the financial world, and we want each and every one of our clients to have financial well-being, whatever that means to them, whether it’s sustainability, taking care of kids, providing succession services for someone, or another service,” Sherrer said. With a holistic approach, they plan to make a one-stop shop for everything financial, providing wealth management and insurance services through their community insurance group, as well as mortgage services at one united location. First United purchased Universal Insurance a few years back, renaming it Unity Insurance. Their mortgage originators and insurance providers will soon all be in the same building. First United’s current ownership group acquired the financial institution in the 1960s. It is privately owned by both primary owners and by many of their own bankers, who have participated in an employee stock program. “I think that is why so many bankers have such a care and a passion for the success of their customers,” Sherrer said.
BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON
The bank has grown from a community bank to a large banking network that now serves communities in both Oklahoma and Texas. “It gives us the ability to have the best of being a small family-owned organization but has the scale to support larger businesses as well,” he explained.
sportstalk1400.com
Businesses interested in setting up and partnering with First United can contact Amy Kennedy at amyk@firstunitedbank.com or by calling 405-515-7835. The new location will be at 420 SW 6th St in Moore, just north of the Warren Theater. Their facility south of 19th Street on the I-35 access road is open and available until then. –19SM
19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 25
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S-E-C, S-E-C
Sooners and Longhorns are headed Southeast
30 September 2021
T
BY: CHRIS PLANK
he Oklahoma Sooners are leaving the Big 12 for the SEC, a move that came as a surprise to many but is loaded with opportunities for Sooner athletics.
While the timing of the move shocked many, the Sooners have secured and solidified its conference future for years to come. It is still unknown when Oklahoma will begin competing in the Southeastern Conference, but the move has generated excited and energized the Sooner fan base. This story looks at the timeline of events that led the Sooners to make a move to the SEC and how it ballooned into one of the biggest moments in the history of college football.
MOUNTING FRUSTRATIONS Oklahoma fans have long been frustrated with the Big 12 Conference. Right or wrong, message boards and phone calls to The Ref Sports Radio Network would be filled with disappointment over the national narrative around the conference. The Big 12 was never given the respect that many felt it deserved nationally and that was exasperated by Oklahoma’s struggles in the playoffs. Sooner football has been solid against teams from the SEC, ACC, Pac 12 and the Big 10. In fact, Oklahoma football has a winning record against all the other Power 5 leagues, winning 15 of its 20 non-conference games against Power 5 opponents over the last 20 years. But, in the BCS and now the Playoffs, the Sooners have been unable to take that next step towards a National Championship. Some have blamed the conference affiliation for hurting in recruiting and others blame the lack of true competition or some point to a perceived conference bias towards Texas. The league went as far as penalizing players for the “horns down” hand gesture. Some fans have been frustrated by a lack of expansion within the conference or for adding the wrong teams during the last round of conference expansion. There always seemed to be a reactive mindset as opposed to a proactive approach. Whatever the frustration might be within the Sooner Nation as it pertains to the Big 12 and how it has handled business, at least one annoyance was universally despised: 11 a.m. kick-offs.
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OU has two kickoff times set for 2021 — and both are at 11 a.m. Last year the Sooners had five 11 a.m. kickoffs out of their 11 games. In 2019, OU had six 11 a.m. games, including a grueling stretch of five in a row. And in 2018, Oklahoma had five 11 a.m. kickoffs. That’s 16 morning starts out of 39 total games in the span of three seasons, with more to come. The disappointment with 11 a.m. kick-offs finally reached a boiling point for Sooner athletic director Joe Castiglione when the Oklahoma vs Nebraska game was slated for an 11 a.m. kick-off on Sept. 18. The reboot of the OU-Nebraska rivalry is part of a major celebration which has been years in the making. The hope was that the Sooners and Huskers game would be primetime and would be the final piece of a full weekend of 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 31
celebration of the 50-year anniversary of the 1971 ’Game of the Century.”
Less than a week later, the college football world was turned completely upside down.
“We tried every possible avenue to proactively make our case,” Castiglione said in a statement released by Oklahoma. “The Big 12 Conference also supported our strenuous efforts to secure a more traditional time that would honor this game and our fans. However, in the end, our TV partner chose to exercise its full contractual rights and denied our requests.”
THE STORY BREAKS
When Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby was asked at Big 12 Media Day last week about Castiglione’s comments in May about being “bitterly disappointed” that the Sooners’ home game with Nebraska had been slated yet another 11 a.m. kickoff, Bowlsby seemed largely apathetic about Castiglione’s concerns.
Longtime Texas A&M beat writer Brent Zwreneman tweeted a story that was exclusive to the Houston Chronicle. Oklahoma along with Texas had reached out to the SEC about joining the conference.
“He’s certainly entitled to that position,” Bowlsby said, “He and I talked about it extensively before he made those comments. Having said that, we all signed the TV contract. We can change it the next time if we want to change it. But we’re going to live by the stipulations of our television agreements and that’s what we did on this occasion.” Bowlsby was not asked about conference expansion or realignment during Big 12 Media Days in mid-July. In fact, he joked that he won $5 because no one even broached the topic. The commissioner was confident in his belief that the waters had calmed. The Big 12 was solid, and realignment was not an issue that kept him up at night. 32 September 2021
Wednesday, July 21 was like any other day in the world of Teddy Lehman and Tyler McComas on The Ref Radio Network, but neither could expect the tidal wave of excitement that was coming when a single tweet changed everything.
“Someone sent it to us on our text line, right before a break,” Rush co-host Tyler McComas recalled. “So, I teased that the following segment would be a report about OU joining a major conference. Obviously, I thought it was a totally erroneous report. I was just glad it was going to help deliver some content on a slow summer day. There was zero thought about this story actually being true.” Conference affiliation rumors, questions and perspectives have dominated the conversation during most summers over the last decade in Oklahoma. A rumor about Oklahoma potentially joining the SEC was not necessarily something that immediately would lead to a belief that it was happening.
“There was nothing initially that led me to believe this was legit,” McComas added. “It was just one report and nobody else was confirming it. There was never any smoke. This was just another click-bait article that had no merit to it.” The report dropped just as Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher was about to speak at SEC Media Days in Mobile, Alabama. Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork was traveling with the team and immediately shot back at the prospect of a second Texas team joining the SEC. As rumors continued to swirl Oklahoma and Texas released very similar statements which seemed to fuel the report more than slow it down. “The college athletics landscape is shifting constantly,” OU said in a statement attributed to an unnamed university spokesman. “We don’t address every anonymous rumor.” This was no longer a click-bait headline. This was an all-out game changer rooted in reality.
IT IS HAPPENING The evening after the Houston Chronicle bombshell, reports circulated that the Big 12 was having an emergency call involving the teams and Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. When Oklahoma and Texas were not a part of the call, it confirmed what was happening for many. The Sooners and Longhorns were on their way to the SEC.
34 September 2021
“It was the most overwhelming feeling of excitement I’ve had in my 10-plus years of doing sports radio,” McComas said. “That’s not an exaggeration. I immediately realized how great it was for OU, the fans and even our station. I had several people comment on the genuine excitement that was coming from my voice. It’s a huge deal and for it to break the way it did is a surprise that may never happen again in my lifetime.” Historically, reports of conference changes have dragged over months or even years. The move for the Sooners to the SEC worked in virtual hyper speed. Within 10 days of the initial report, Oklahoma had requested and accepted membership to the SEC. The bold move had been carried out with supreme secrecy in a timeline that was accelerated based on the report breaking when it did. The first time that anyone heard publicly from either Castiglione or University President Joseph Harroz was at the Board of Regents meeting to accept the invitation to the SEC. “What’s changed between 2012 and today? The answer is everything,” Harroz said in a speech at the Board of Regents meeting confirming the move. “We believe that joining the Southeastern Conference will sustain our tradition of national-caliber athletics excellence, strengthen our flagship university as a whole and serve the wider interests of the state of Oklahoma. The entire Sooner Nation and Oklahomans throughout the state stand to benefit from this move, and
we’re thrilled for a new platform to tell the OU story across the country.” “We are in an unprecedented era of dramatic change and historic transformation,” Castiglione said in his statement. “It is happening at a pace that none of us have ever experienced. We need to address these remarkable dynamics. So, after thorough consideration and study, it became obvious that standing pat would mean falling behind. It would mean putting our program in a precarious position, both competitively and financially.”
THE FALLOUT The backlash from the eight remaining members of the Big 12 was riddled with anger, disappointment and frustration. Texas administrators were answering to members of the Texas Senate defending the move while also serving as a punching bag for jokes about their inability to consistently beat TCU. Oklahoma was the target of criticism from its in-state rival Oklahoma State. The Sooners were not only moving away from the Big 12 but for the first time since 1956, the Sooners and the Cowboys would not be competing in the same conference. Questions about the future of the Bedlam Rivalry have dominated the conversation between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State fans while frustration is continually plastered across
all platforms of social media towards the Sooners conference move. Bob Stoops was perhaps the biggest critic of the SEC, fighting against the media narrative of the overall conference domination as a coach. But when the time came to put the move in its proper perspective and fight back against the noise, Stoops used his writing skills to make his voice heard. In a guest editorial column for the Oklahoman, Stoops applauded and praised the move. “Let’s set the record straight: OU’s move to the SEC is what’s best for Oklahoma. The reality is that conferences are now
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more important than ever, and, with limited spots, the strongest conferences would not accept OU if we were to require OSU to join as well,” Stoops wrote. “By joining the SEC, we ensure the state’s flagship university will be represented nationally while protecting our rich football history for many years to come. To move forward in any other manner would be to the detriment of OU and the state of Oklahoma.”
ence. “I think it’s going to be a positive thing for this University and for our athletic department, our athletes and coaches, everybody.”
Stoops praised the move overall, citing everything from fan experiences to exposure and financial gains. In short, he said the program was “taking control of its own destiny.” While that might ring true for those bleeding crimson and cream, such changes are not without bitterness and hurt feelings by other schools who fear being left behind in college athletics’ changing landscape.
“I guess for me it’s tempered because of the task at hand… sure it’ll be great when it happens, but it doesn’t matter for right now. Right now, we’re a member of the Big 12,” Riley said. “Honestly any excitement or personal feelings that I have are really overshadowed. We have a job to do right now.”
Harroz said OU contemplated a move that could have included Oklahoma State as well. “We looked at solutions for us to move together,” the OU president said, “but that simply is not what the market we’re pursuing allows. The opportunity for Oklahoma was with one university only, and if we didn’t seize it, the answer would be none.”
THE EXCITEMENT IS REAL Across the SEC welcome messages were plentiful. From Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Athens, Georgia and beyond the conference was a unified front in welcoming Oklahoma and Texas. Even Texas A&M voted to accept the Sooners and Longhorns “It’s going to be exciting,” Sooner football coach Lincoln Riley said during Oklahoma’s annual Media Day press confer-
As the Sooners kick-off the 2021 football season, the excitement about the future in the SEC has taken a back seat as the team rolls through the early part of its schedule.
The conversation about conference expansion typically centers on football and football only. But the SEC is a significant step up in every sport except maybe men’s basketball. The Big 12 features National Champion Baylor, 2019 runner-up Texas Tech and one of the benchmark programs in college basketball in Kansas. But what you lose in Kansas, you more than make up for by adding Kentucky to the regular rotation of basketball opponents. Plus, solid programs like Tennessee, Auburn and Arkansas will bring a different feel to the hardwood. From a diamond sports perspective, you could not ask for anything more challenging or exciting. The SEC placed 12 of its 13 softball playing schools in the NCAA Tournament this year after putting all 13 in the field of 64 in 2019. And in baseball, the SEC had six teams advance to the Super Regionals and has claimed three of the last four national titles.
“This decision allows us to ensure we’re doing all we can to further OU’s long-standing record of athletics excellence;” Castiglione said. “Attracting top student-athletes from across the country and giving this institution the exposure it deserves. The special history, energy and character OU will bring to the SEC will only make us, and our new conference, stronger.” For now, the focus must be on the field. The SEC is the future, but it is not the present. In fact, it might not happen until 2025 if Oklahoma and Texas decide they don’t want to pay the exorbitant buyout. Last year, the Big 12’s revenue distribution was around $34.5 million per school and there were signs that it was headed toward $40 million prior to the pandemic. So that means a total of somewhere between $75-80 million each for OU and Texas to leave. “It’s still out in the distance a little bit for us,” Riley said. “I think it’ll be a very positive thing when the time comes. I think for our players, it’s news. It’s certainly something they’re aware of. You can’t avoid it, but at the same time, it’s not reality for us right now. That’s not going to change things for a lot of those guys in the locker room right now. I think our leadership has done a good job of setting the tone for that, making sure all of our players, our young players, understand that if any talk about conferences and what’s going to happen in the future takes away even the smallest bit from this season, then that’s a shame.”
40 September 2021
For fans, the excitement will continue to build. The anticipation of an Alabama or Georgia home game in football coupled with John Calipari and Kentucky coming to town. In softball, Patty Gasso and the Sooners battling the SEC week in and week out with Skip Johnson trying to counter the challenges of knocking off the likes of perennial baseball powers Vanderbilt and Florida. And as the countdown continues and the excitement builds, the focus will remain on the present. But weekdays from 2-6 p.m. on The Ref Sports Radio Network, there may be a moment or two when the focus turns to the future and the possibilities that lie in wait for Oklahoma athletics. “I genuinely believe it’s going to be an incredible experience, especially the first five years. Going to Georgia, Florida, LSU and so many new places is going to bring an excitement level the fan base is going to love,” McComas concluded. “But one of the things I’m most excited about is the possibilities for the local merchants in Norman. The amount of visiting fans coming to town will be incredible and going to help out so many local business owners. I love that. “Will the road in the SEC be tougher? Sure, but since when has Oklahoma football ever been afraid of a challenge?” – BSM
S P O RT S
Sooner/Husker Trivia
With the 50th anniversary of the 1971 “Game of the Century” being commemorated by Nebraska visiting Norman this September, 19th Street Magazine reached out to Mike Brooks, an Oklahoma football scholar and historian who has been working with the OU media relations department since 1996, and asked him for some trivia questions about the series
that could stump even the most dedicated fan. The following are a few of the questions Brooks came up with for 19th Street. Some different questions appear in our sister publication, Boyd Street Magazine. Pickup both and see if you know the answers, minus Google and Alexa. Answers on following page.
1. Who was the only coach to be head coach at both Oklahoma & Nebraska? A. Biff Jones B. Jim Tatum C. Howard Schnellenberger D. Dewey Luster
2. Three times in the OU/Nebraska series, Oklahoma has won the game on a field goal. Which Sooner kicked the longest game-winning field goal against the Cornhuskers? A. Tim Lashar B. Uwe Von Schumman C. Jimmy Stevens D. Mike Vachon
3. Who is the only Sooner defensive player to have four double-digit tackle games against Nebraska? A. Rocky Calmus B. Carl McAdams C. Daryl Hunt D. Brian Bosworth
4. Which Sooner holds the record for the longest rush from scrimmage in a game against Nebraska? A. Keith Jackson B. Clendon Thomas C. Adrian Peterson D. Thomas Lott
5. How many times has OU played Nebraska on Thanksgiving? A. 15 B. 9 C. 12 D. 5
44 September 2021
BY: MIKE BROOKS
6. Who is the last Sooner to make three interceptions in a single game vs. Nebraska? A. Steve Barrett B. Zac Henderson C. Randy Hughes D. Tony Jefferson
7. Who was the first Sooner to rush for 100 yards or more in three consecutive games vs. the Cornhuskers? A. Steve Owens B. Billy Vessels C. Adrian Peterson D. Steve Davis
8. Who was the only Sooner to rush for three touchdowns in a single quarter against Nebraska? A. Tommy McDonald B. Quentin Griffin C. Billy Sims D. De’mond Parker
9. Who was the only Sooner player ever to start five games vs. Nebraska? A. Victor Hicks B. Anthony Phillips C. Jamelle Holieway D. Trent Williams
10. Which OU receiver holds the Sooner single game record for most receptions and yards receiving and tied for touchdown receptions in the OU/Nebraska series? A. Eddie Hinton B. Ryan Broyles C. Kenny Stills D. Malcolm Kelly
Mike Brooks is an Oklahoma football historian with a passion for OU history about players, coaches, rivals and stats. He is one of the foremost scholars regarding OU football and has been working with the University of Oklahoma media relations department since 1996. Brooks serves as a freelance writer for numerous publications and assists local and national commentators from around the country. sportstalk1400.com
A third-generation real estate broker, he established Brooks Realty LLC in February 2021 and has been selling real estate in Oklahoma since 2004. He resides in Blanchard with his wife, Kathy, and is the proud father of three adult children and grateful papa to 10 grandchildren. Brooks Realty LLC, 405-361-0821, brooksrealtyok@gmail.com
19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 45
Trivia Answers
1. A - Biff Jones Hall of Fame coach Lawerence “Biff” Jones was head coach at OU from 1935-36 and at Nebraska from 193741. 2. A - Tim Lashar Tim Lashar kicked the longest game-winning field goal in 1986, 41 yards with :06 remaining in the game. 3. C - Daryl Hunt Daryl Hunt is the only Sooner to have 10 or more tackles in four different games vs. the Cornhuskers. 4. A - Keith Jackson Keith Jackson, on an end around, went 88 yards for the Sooner’s first touchdown on OU’s fifth offensive play. Oklahoma won 27-7 in 1985. 5. D - 5 1965, 1966, 1967, 1971 & 1972. The Sooners & Cornhuskers have played 10 times on the Friday after Thanksgiving and 11 times on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
6. C - Randy Hughes Randy Hughes had three inceptions vs. the Cornhuskers in OU’s 28-14 victory in Lincoln in 1974. 7. D - Steve Davis Quarterback Steve Davis rushed for 114 yards in 1973, 112 yards in 1974 & 130 yards in 1975. 8. D - De’mond Parker De’mond Parker scored three touchdowns in the 4th quarter on runs of 34 yards, 17 yards & 51 yards. 9. A - Victor Hicks Tight End Victor Hicks from Lubbock, Texas play for OU from 1975-78, but OU played Nebraska twice in the 1978 season. 10. D - D. Malcolm Kelly In the 2006 Big 12 Championship game played in Kansas City, Missouri, Malcolm Kelly lead the Sooners in a 21-7 victory with 10 catches, 142 yards receiving and two touchdowns, breaking the OU/NU Sooner series records for receptions and receiving yards and matching the receiving touchdown record.
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H EA LT H
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
A N ont ra d i t ional Pa t h Moore native joins Ortho Central as a sports medicine physician
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rowing up in Moore, Aaron Smathers loved playing sports: football, soccer, baseball, track and cycling. But when health concerns about his heart could have sidelined him, it was his doctors that helped him continue to compete. “I was blessed with good surgeons to guide me along the way even with my cardiology issues,” Smathers remembered. “They could have told me to stop playing but they understood how important that was to me.” Smathers would go on to compete professionally as a cyclist entering races across the nation. “I discovered road cycling at the age of 12,” he said. “At the time, it was still considered a fringe sport, but I was drawn to the dynamics of racing.” Smathers competed on and off for several years while also getting his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During graduate school, he had a career ending accident that left him with weeks of difficult recovery. “I experienced a career ending injury suffering a femoral neck fracture and clavicle fracture in a crash that required pins in my hip and being confined to crutches, a walker and wheelchair for 6 weeks,” he said. “I experienced the mental battles associated with a career ending injury. It was at this time that I decided to pursue the medical side of athletics to try and help athletes who may be experiencing many of the challenges I had faced while competing.” His first contribution was a research project on bone density in competitive cyclists, which was published in the Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. The research drew national attention including interest from scientists at NASA studying bone density in astronauts. “With bone density, the focus is usually on the elderly but I found that bone density was low in the spine for cycling athletes even though they are really fit.” sportstalk1400.com
The study also proved insightful since astronauts can experience the same issue. “John Herrington, the first Native American in space, I happened to meet him, and we talked about how he was grounded due to bone density. A back injury in space would be really bad. “I had conversations with NASA about why an astronaut or cyclist might have lower bone density than the average person walking around. The answer is we don’t know why yet but it was neat that an Oklahoma kid was talking about how to care for astronauts.” He spent a few years teaching and researching before applying to the OU College of Medicine. Today, Smathers is treating athletes of all skill levels at Ortho Central. He also sees Moore student-athletes at each of the three high schools. “Monday afternoons each week I visit with the Moore School trainers and student-athletes and student athletes who need to see a physician. Rather than them have to make an appointment themselves, I provide the long-term care at the school.” Ortho Central also provides sideline coverage at several area schools in case an athlete suffers a serious injury during a game. Smathers will be serving in the Newcastle district this season. He also sees patients at Ortho Central’s Midwest City and Norman clinic. “Everyone is an athlete in their own right whether they are playing a sport, training for a 5K or just getting started,” Smathers shared. “I hope to combine my experience as an athlete, knowledge as a physician, and experience in academia in order to be a well-rounded sports medicine physician prepared to take care of any and all active populations to help them achieve their goals whether returning from injury or pushing their own personal limits.” –19SM
19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 55
V ETE R A N
BY: JESSICAROSE JOHNSON, MA PRESENTED BY
CENTURIONCG.NET
The BIG ‘S’ Army veteran and mental health advocate shares prevention strategies in honor of National Suicide Prevention Month
S
uicide is a scary and emotional word. Suicide stems from the everyday life stressors that build to the point where someone is so overwhelmed with pain that they would rather be dead than alive. Worldwide, we lose over 700,000 lives to suicide. That is one life lost every 40 seconds or like losing the entire city of Denver every year! Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15 to 24.
thoughts. Something such as a firearm lock or a medication lockbox could be just enough to pause the thoughts of a person in crisis. If you or anyone you know needs a FREE firearm lock, contact me.
3.
CALL THE CRISIS LINE. Call and see what the process is
4.
BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. If
5.
TAKE A TRAINING OR ATTEND A TALK. Knowledge is pow-
In the United States, we lose almost 48,000 lives to suicide and over 70,000 to overdose. On average, we lose 324 lives every day in America. Where does Oklahoma rank? Oklahoma is ranked 8th per capita in suicide deaths. “I’m not a therapist so what is there that I can do?” I hear this question a lot and there are many things you can do to help save lives.
1.
2.
TALK ABOUT SUICIDE. Say
out loud “Are you thinking about suicide?” Embrace the awkward feeling you have and get it out of your system. Asking directly about suicide to someone who you feel may be thinking about it is the best thing you can do. You saying it first takes the pressure off. It lets the person know they can talk to you. If asking about suicide can take some pressure off a person in crisis, I think we can all find it somewhere inside us to muster up the courage.
KEEP THINGS SAFE TO KEEP THOSE AROUND YOU SAFE. Firearms are involved in almost 50% of suicides.
As a firearm owner myself, I know what it means to have something to keep you safe. Shouldn’t the item keeping us safe also be kept safe? There are many studies that show up to 50% of suicides occur within less than 10 minutes of 58 September 2021
like. That way you know the process for when there is a crisis. Ask the crisis line worker what kind of supports or assistance they offer those who call in crisis. Everything is a little scary the first time we do it so calling when you are in a calm state of mind will help you and those around you when you need to call in the future. you don’t give a crap about other people’s crap, care enough about human life to connect them to someone who does. Listening to people’s hardest day of their life is not everyone’s jam and I get that. Do your best to connect them to someone who is able to listen and talk with them. Make a three-way phone call with the crisis line or, if in person, call the crisis line on speakerphone. Sometimes it’s just being the person to start the conversation for the person in crisis. Remember this is a scary time for them. er and can save lives. You never know who you will be able to help one day. I am certified to teach two international, evidence-based trainings through LivingWorks: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and SAFEtalk.
For more information, to sign up for my newsletter, to schedule a training or talk, please visit Rosebudcllc.com JessicaRose H. Johnson is a mental health advocate, a Marine Corps veteran and Invictus medalist with six years’ experience in the prevention field specializing in Suicide and Overdose prevention.
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