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COMING IN SEPTEMBER
EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY
The United Way of Norman positively impacts the community each year through partnerships with local nonprofit agencies. Recently, the organization had an extra opportunity to help the nonprofits and those they serve.
Needing to distribute remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Cleveland County Commissioners enlisted the United Way to help. Through its annual campaign, United Way raises funds to benefit its partner agencies, making the organization familiar with the process of allocating funds.
A total of $1.12 million in grants were awarded to 18 of United Way’s partner agencies that had not already received county funding. Last year, United Way also assisted the City of Norman with distributing ARPA funds.
“We’re thankful for the trust that the Cleveland County Commissioners had in United Way to distribute the funding,” said Diane Murphree, director of community impact for United Way of Norman. “It’s a great
opportunity for us to collaborate with the county and the city, and we were happy to do that. It helps a lot of people in our community who are underserved.
“It was extra money we could put in the hands of our local nonprofits that we know need it so desperately,” Murphree continued. “Most of them are still trying to claw their way out of that pandemic time and getting back to fundraising and helping their clients. It’s been difficult for them, and we were glad we could put money back into what they’re doing for our community.”
United Way contracts with CommunityForce, a grant application website, for its usual operations. The organization was able to create a specific ARPA grant application on that website, which opened on April 16 for partner agencies.
A volunteer committee composed of Impact Council and community members reviewed the applications and scored them based on a rubric. The Department of Treasure has specific rules regarding the ARPA
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Cleveland County and United Way Award ARPA Grants to 18 Nonprofits
funds, so the committee had to review applications with those in mind, Muphree explained. In the application, the agencies had to demonstrate how they were impacted by COVID-19. The committee sent its recommendations to the United Way board for approval, which then shared the information with the county. The nonprofits received their funding at the end of June.
“On behalf of the County Commissioners and the ARPA committee, we would like to commend the United Way for allocating the ARPA dollars based on the needs of the nonprofit agencies throughout Cleveland County,” said County Commissioners Rod Cleveland (District 1), Jacob McHuges (District 2) and Rusty Grissom (District 3) in a press release. “These funds will empower these nonprofit organizations to continue vital work within Cleveland County.”
Murphee said that with this additional funding, some agencies are going to be able to make upgrades to their facilities they were not able to do during the pandemic because they “had to save every dollar for their clients.” For example, Bridges of Norman is going to complete updates to their apartments.
Many of the nonprofits provide counseling and other support services for children, and these funds will allow them to assist more people. Two such organizations are Bethesda, which counsels children who have been sexually abused, and Fostering Futures, which provides items like clothes, shoes, beds, Christmas gifts and more to children in foster care.
The 18 nonprofits that received ARPA funding were: Aging Services; Bethesda, Inc.; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma (Norman); Bridges of Norman, Inc.; Center for Children & Families, Inc.; Crossroads Youth & Family Services; Fostering Futures, Inc.; Full Circle Adult Day Center; Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma; Kaleidoscope Grief Support; Legal Aid Services; Mary Abbott Children’s House; Meals on Wheels of Norman; South Central CASA; Thunderbird Clubhouse; Transition House; Variety Care and Women’s Resource Center.
“We are really proud of the fact that our process was so respected,” Murphree expressed. “It meant a lot to us that both the city and county trusted us with the money.”– BSM
Variety Care, a non-profit health center, provides medical and dental care.
NORMAN REGIONAL HEALTH FOUNDATION THANKS OUR DONORS
The Norman Regional Health Foundation thanks all Equipped for Tomorrow donors who prioritized health and wellness in our communities by investing in state-of-the-art medical technology at Norman Regional Hospital and renovating the Education Center on Porter Avenue.
A heartfelt thank you to Equipped for Tomorrow Campaign Chair, Sherri Coale and to the following lead donors: Trae Young Family Foundation
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Anonymous Donors
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NPS Fine Arts Department Debuts New Creative Opportunities
Norman Public Schools’ Fine Arts Department is rolling out several new courses for high school students. Based on a student survey, department leaders organized efforts to create new creative opportunities “for students that haven’t found their niche in fine arts yet,” said Dr. Evelyn Kwanza, the district’s director of fine arts.
“For many students, their fine arts classes are why they get up and come to school,” Kwanza shared. “While we already have incredible opportunities, not every student wants to be in band or choir and we wanted to find more ways to reach students.
“We did a survey a couple of years ago about what kinds of activities they would want to pick as an elective. We asked students what they would want to learn to do.”
Based on survey results, NPS students can enroll in new electives including digital art, digital photography, costume design, music production, stage craft and more, in addition to tenured programs such as theatrical arts, speech and debate, vocal music, instrumental music, visual arts and dance.
Nearly 13,000 of the 15,000 students attending Norman Public Schools participate in a fine arts program.
“Fine arts are an integral part of developing the whole child and their journey to adulthood,” Kwanza
explained. “Participation in fine arts builds valuable skills such as collaboration and communication, how to be on-point when it is your time to shine.”
Kwanza said part of her department’s mission is “to cultivate a culture of achievement.” In addition to expanded opportunities, NPS added seven fine arts educators.
“With the teacher shortage, we have to hustle to get educators into those spots,” she said. “At NPS, we get to choose the best and the brightest in the area. I am really proud of the fact that NPS is a destination employer, especially in fine arts.”
Elementary and middle students also have some exciting news in the area of fine arts. The district recently purchased a facility that will house a performance space, the Center for Arts & Learning. The center was originally planned as a new construction project, but with the purchase of an existing structure, the district sped up the facility opening timeline by 12 to 18 months.
“We have been busting at the seams and we are so excited to have a new space for students to perform,” Kwanza said. “Since we aren’t having to build from the ground up, we got more space than we originally thought. The auditorium will seat 1,600 people.”
The center is expected to open this fall. – BSM
It is a whole new world for Oklahoma Sooner football - new offensive and defensive coordinators, a new starting quarterback, a new offensive line and a new conference. As the Sooners begin their maiden voyage in the Southeastern Conference, the anticipation is high, and enthusiasm is unquestioned.
But is Oklahoma ready for this monumental leap into college football’s best conference? Are the Sooners SEC ready?
After missing the Big 12 Championship game each of the last three seasons and suffering its first losing season since 1997 during that same stretch, is Oklahoma ready for one of the most difficult schedules in college football?
THE FOUNDATION
At the press conference announcing the new head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners in 2021, Brent Venables reassured fans that he was ready for the challenge of the SEC.
“Taking Oklahoma from the Big 12 to the SEC, you’ve got your guy to take you on this journey,” Venables proclaimed. “OU has been and always will be the measuring stick in college football.”
As OU embarks on its maiden voyage in the SEC, the Sooners’ improvement from year one to year two under Venables has gone far beyond the field. The development of the SOUL Mission increased its overall commitment to every aspect of the program.
“When I was hired, we were in the 70s (nationally) in support staff salary pool, and we’ve made a real commitment there. As a program, we’ve been really forward-thinking, progressive about how to get better and more efficient,” Venables said. “Strength and conditioning, sports performance, nutrition, life skills - growth is (critical).
“We have to develop and nurture our culture. That’s really the root of the program. For us, that’s where it all starts.”
Oklahoma has also restructured the front office of its football operations with the addition of Curtis Lofton as the program’s general manager and started collaborating with former Eagles Vice President Jake Rosenberg and his company “The Athlete Group” to better manage and understand athlete compensation.
“I recognize the challenge is real,” Venables said. “Winning, being successful, having longevity, consistency, stability, continuity, those are all hard things to hold on to. This is a league that’s very unforgiving. It’s a dog fight week in and week out. We have to be efficient. We have to be willing to adapt.”
OFFENSE
The time is now for quarterback Jackson Arnold. After backing up and learning from Dillon Gabriel last season, Arnold heads into 2024 as the unquestioned starter and leader of the Oklahoma Sooner offense.
“All good football teams, at a really high level, are going to be quarterback-driven,” Venables said. “The quarterback can’t play ok and then the team be really good. That’s a given. That’s the arena that Jackson knows he’s stepped into.
“Jackson’s going to focus on Jackson… on improving, being the best version of himself. He’s a guy who knows that the tough moments are part of that position—as in any position—to get better. That’s one of the ingredients.”
To help Arnold in his first season as a starting quarterback, the Sooners have a loaded list of pass catchers led by returning veteran Jalil Farooq, freshman All-American Nic Anderson and Purdue transfer Deion Burks.
Anderson caught 38 balls for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading the nation in yards per reception among qualified wide receivers. Mix in the return of Jayden Gibson, who had a break-out season, and the development of young receivers like Jaquaize Pettaway and Zion Kearney, the Sooners have the potential to be one of the top receiver groups in the SEC.
“That room is stacked,” Arnold said of his receivers. “We’ve got two or three guys at each position (that) can compete at a high level. I would feel confident throwing them a go ball for a touchdown.”
Gavin Sawchuk emerged down the stretch last season as the Sooners’ top running back. After battling injuries early in the season, he took off, running for more than 100 yards in each of the final five games of the year. He totaled 744 yards and 9 touchdowns over the course of the season. Over the final five games, Sawchuk carried the ball 86 times for 617 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 7.2 yards per carry.
The biggest question mark for the Sooners offensively will be the offensive line. The Sooners replace every regular starter along the line. In total, Oklahoma lost 4,188 snaps worth of experience from last year’s O-line unit. Jacob Sexton returns after starting the final two games of last season at right tackle and the Sooners hit the transfer portal hard adding Michigan State’s Spencer Brown, Geirean Hatchett from Washington, North Texas’ Febechi Nwaiwu and USC’s Michael Tarquin. The Sooners even added some experience and depth at center with the post-spring addition of SMU center Branson Hickman.
“We got great leadership there,” Venables said of his offensive line group. “I believe in the players and Coach Bedenbaugh and the rest of the offensive staff to develop the chemistry and continuity.”
Potentially the biggest change for the Sooners is new offensive coordinators. The offense has been the strength for Oklahoma the last two seasons. After Jeff Lebby left to take the head coach’s job at Mississippi State, Venables elevated Seth Litterell to be the play caller. Litterell
BY: CHRIS PLANK
Photo by: Mark Doescher
will mesh his air-raid philosophy with the offense the Sooners have run over the last two seasons. Jo Jon Finley will work as the co-offensive coordinator.
“I love where we’re at (offensively),” Venables said. “We’ve got tremendous experience coming back at the skill positions. Certainly Jackson (Arnold), this’ll be his first full season — Jackson is as talented a player as there is in college football. Smart guy, great instincts, he’s got tremendous skill, he’s got great toughness to him.”
DEFENSE
The identity and focus of Oklahoma football had shifted away from the dominant defenses of the early Bob Stoops era. But that changed the moment Venables took over and, heading into 2024, he has experience and depth that OU has not seen on the defensive side of the football in years past.
Eleven of the top 13 tacklers return, led by two preseason All-Americans in linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman Jr. Stutsman led the unit with 104 tackles, while Bowman’s six interceptions tied him for third nationally.
“We have a lot more cohesion now,” Stutsman said. “We’re not really trying to explain so much. Just trying to tweak everything out.”
return of Bowman, Stutsman, senior defensive end Ethan Downs and veteran cornerback Woodi Washington gave the Sooners an experienced core to help the defense prepare for the SEC.
“I love the leadership on our defense, the returning players,” Venables said. “They’ve got several guys that have a mindset like ‘Coach me like a freshman, Coach.’ And I love that. Sign me up for that. Having the humility, first of all, as opposed to ‘this is my third or my fourth year, and you guys are lucky to have me back.’”
Bowman has embraced the challenge of increased competition.
“We indeed are ready. I’ll go out there with my guys right now and play against anybody, but it is a process in the making,” Bowman said in an interview on KREF. “Yes, the SEC might be a different style, but at the end of the day, football is football. It’s hard to win in any conference. We’re just taking steps to be ready to hit the ground for whatever is in front of us.”
The Sooners in year two under Venables improved in just about every statistical defensive category. The OU defense was better year-over-year in rushing defense, passing defense, pass efficiency defense, total defense, scoring defense, third-down efficiency and red-zone scoring efficiency. That included finishing
The
top-50 nationally against the run (42nd), in pass efficiency defense (17th), scoring defense (46th), thirddown defense (14th) and red-zone scoring (43rd) a year removed from finishing as one of the worst defensive teams in the country in 2022.
The Sooners are led by a dynamic group of talented linebackers and potential cheetahs. Along with Stutsman, Jaren Kanak, Kip Lewis and Kobie McKinzie return while Dasan McCullough will likely fill the cheetah linebacker role after an injury-plagued first season.
“Love our group of linebackers,” Venables said. “We are as far away from where we were two years ago as you could be at linebacker. The development, the depth, what it looks like… That’s been the heart and soul, one of the great leadership groups.”
In the secondary, Venables believes the Sooners are “better at corner right now than any point in time a year ago.” The safety room is in good hands with the returning trio of Bowman, Robert Spears-Jennings and Peyton Bowen.
“The competitive depth that we have this year, it’s unbelievable, and I don’t think we’ve had that since I’ve been here,” Woodi Washington said. “It hasn’t been even close to that.”
As solid as the defensive line group appears to be,
it still looms as one of the biggest question marks for Oklahoma. But, with the amount of talent at both defensive end and defensive tackle, the line has the potential to be a major difference maker.
The Sooners feature returning starters Ethan Downs and R. Mason Thomas on the edge. Downs recorded 29 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss in 2023 while Thomas is fully healed after battling injuries through most of 2023. The Sooners return Adepoju Adebawore and Trace Ford while adding newcomer Caiden Woullard out of the transfer portal.
The biggest makeover from 2023 on the defensive line is on the interior. David Stone and Jayden Jackson were elite recruits who had solid springs. The Sooners added All Big 12 performer Damonic Williams from TCU. Throw in the returning production of Da’Jon Terry and the emergence of Gracen Halton and it is the most depth OU has had on the interior of its defense line in years.
“We’ve made steady improvement,” Venables said. “It’s been incremental. It can’t ever happen fast enough. You’re never satisfied. But this will be year three, the first time that we’ve had third-year players in our system, so we have some experience within our schemes. We’ve developed in the weight room — all those areas that are incredibly important.
“But I love our buy-in, the investment that our players have in that locker room. This is a very highly invested team. Several guys chose to come back. They wanted to help lead us. There’s multi-layered reasons guys want to come back, but one of the reasons is to leave your mark. (They) have an opportunity to do that going into the SEC.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
DL DAMONIC WILLIAMS – The TCU transfer was considered the best defensive tackle in the transfer portal. The Sooners won a competitive recruiting battle to earn the right to have the talented Williams anchor the Sooners defensive line.
Williams was a rising star with the Horned Frogs having started all 27 games to start his collegiate career as a true freshman and sophomore. A 2022 true freshman All-American and a 2023 All-Big 12 honorable mention, the California native was very productive in two seasons in Fort Worth racking up 60 total tackles with 9.5 tackles for loss including 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
With the potential of both Jackson and Stone, Williams adds proven production that the Sooners desperately needed at defensive tackle.
QB JACKSON ARNOLD –The development and maturation of Jackson Arnold and his ability to manage the biggest moment will go a long way in determining the Sooners’ level of success in 2024.
“Jackson is as talented of a player as there is in college football,” Venables said of his starting quarterback. “He’s a winner. He’s won his whole life. He can run it. He can throw it. Wherever he ended the season last year in his first collegiate start, he’ll be on another planet.”
Arnold has embraced his role as the starting quarterback, especially when it comes to the leadership role.
“I think for me, it was more of me being vocal and speaking out to these guys and kind of showing that I am gonna be their quarterback, I am gonna be their guy, they’ve gotta trust me and lean on me this spring,” Arnold said.
“Just showing ‘em how I play on the field to get those guys to trust me and connect with me.”
Despite the struggles in the Alamo Bowl, the experience and the development gained have put Arnold in a better position to be successful in 2024.
“This is a game of development,” Venables said. “My expectation of where we start at the beginning of the year, he’ll develop and get better. He’s tough, he’s got great self-awareness to him. He’s got all the traits that allow you to have to kind of go through it, both the good and the bad, and he responds to adversity. Just a tremendous leader and players play hard for him.”
TE BAUER SHARP – The unquestioned hit of spring camp was Southeastern Louisiana transfer Bauer Sharp. Sharp was a standout high school quarterback, but had just one scholarship offer.
At 6-foot-5 and 250-pounds, the possibility of being more successful at another position led to Sharp making a move after his first season in college. The measurables made him a natural fit for a tight end.
“I was kind of raw mentally in the QB room,” Sharp
said. “It was easy, knowing coverages, just knowing where to sit in a zone, break off high or low in man. Concepts started to click for me once I started playing tight end.”
As a redshirt sophomore at Southeastern Louisiana, Sharp tallied 288 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the air while adding 133 yards and five scores on the ground. Sharp recorded 25 rushing attempts in his final year at Southeastern Louisiana, operating as a running quarterback out of the wildcat formation.
The tight end position was ravaged by injuries and a lack of depth in 2023, but with the addition of Sharp, the Sooners have an instant upgrade over last season.
“I think that I’m very versatile as a tight end. I don’t think I’m the regular tight end that’s going to put his hand down and block the whole game,” Sharp said. “I feel like you can use me in different ways. I played wildcat QB at my old school and I feel like that’s a huge part of my game. I’m just happy to help this offense any way I can. Whatever they need me to do, special teams, anything on offense, blocking, I’m doing that. I just want to win.”
2024 TAKE
Since the 2000 season, Oklahoma has recorded nine seasons with at least 12 wins, 16 with 11 wins or more and 19 seasons with at least 10 wins. Many experts believe those days, at least in the near term, are going to be more difficult to come by in the SEC.
“This is not a program that’s Johnny Come Lately,” Venables said. “This is a program that’s been established for a very, very long time. We don’t look at other programs to try to compare ourselves. We focus inside out. That’s what we need to do to be an SEC championship-caliber football program. So that’s where our focus is.”
The Sooners bring back just 44% of their offensive production (114th nationally), thanks to some key departures on that side of the ball, including quarterback Dillon Gabriel, leading receiver Drake Stoops and wholesale changes to the offensive line. Oklahoma’s expected strength will be its defense, which returns 86% of its production from a year ago. That number is third among FBS teams, behind only Rice and Iowa.
“We’ve got the most depth of leaders that we’ve had,” Venables said. “That’s a big part of building a stable, strong, consistent environment and building a team.”
The schedule is as challenging as it has ever been for Oklahoma football, but Venables has built a difference-making defense and with the potential offensively there is no doubt the Sooners could find themselves fighting for a playoff spot in the newly expanded 12-team playoff. – BSM
NORMAN
TIGERS
Despite dropping the first three games of the 2023 season, Norman was able to win three of their final five games, one being a win at home in the 6A-1 playoffs. Now, the Tigers are looking to carry that momentum into this season. Entering his 8th season as head coach, Rocky Martin enjoyed what he saw from his team at the end of the year.
“We saw improvement as the year went on and that’s what you want to see,” Martin said. “Defensively, we were improving each week and that just comes with guys getting more experience. On offense, we started four sophomores up front, which you don’t see very often. The offense got better each week.”
OFFENSE
The Tigers bring back elite playmakers on offense and plenty of weapons in the passing game. Senior quarterback Phoenix Murphy (6’1”, 170) was a big reason why the offense improved in the back half of last season.
Murphy threw for 1,926 yards and 17 touchdowns, rushing for 584 yards and three touchdowns, a vast improvement from a year ago. Murphy will look to put up even bigger numbers and it helps to have his younger brother, Ryder Murphy, an elite wide receiver to throw to.
It’s critical to have a successful offensive line at the 6A level, and the Tigers bring back four of their starters up front, led by junior Julius Stephens (6’7”, 305) at left tackle. He will be surrounded by juniors Colin Patterson (6’, 250), Brody Hailey (6’, 240) and Jed Johnson (6’, 240).
The running back room will look different after their starting running back Devin Alexander graduated. Senior Kam Donald (5’9”, 170) will get plenty of carries this season as he steps into a much bigger role offensively.
“Kam Donald is very similar to Devin Alexander with his speed and explosiveness. He qualified for state in the 100-meter and in some relays,” Martin said.
Junior Anthony Johnson (6’1”, 200) is a move-in for the Tigers and will see immediate playing time. Johnson is a bruiser back for short-yardage situations. Junior Crew Noles (5’11”, 165) will also see time in the backfield and play multiple positions.
Senior BJ Randle (6’3”, 180) and junior Ryder Murphy (6’, 165) will be the main targets at wide receiver. Randle is a lengthy receiver that can stretch the defense. Murphy had 800 yards receiving as a sophomore. Junior Haynes Hartsock (5’11”, 170) will be another target on the outside.
DEFENSE
Despite losing guys up front on defense, Martin feels confident about the front seven and secondary. The Tigers will have to replace their do-it-all safety Dax
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - OFFENSE
Phoenix Murphy, the Tigers’ starting quarterback for two consecutive seasons, can thread the needle into tight spots and excel with the long ball. After a nearly 2,000yard season in 2023, Martin is impressed with his quarterback’s performance.
“He’s always been one that can extend plays,” Martin said. “He has matured, and he can make every throw in the book.”
Phoenix Murphy
BY CONNOR PASBY
Noles, who played a pivotal role on defense.
The defensive line will feature some young faces including sophomore Oakley Caruthers (6’2”, 275). Caruthers was a nice piece for the defensive line last year, making an impact as a freshman.
“He can move really well for his size,” Martin said. “We loved what we saw out of him. He will be expecting double teams.”
Junior Royce King (6’3”, 240) saw limited time last season as a sophomore, breaking his collarbone early in the year. King will be active in a defensive tackle role. Junior Jaydon Spencer (6’1”, 210) will provide depth up front.
Senior Behr Boyd (5’11”, 205) will anchor the middle for the Tigers. Boyd has been solid for the Tigers defense the last two seasons. Previously playing safety, senior Jaxon Ford (6’, 185) will see time at outside linebacker. Junior Ethan Young (6’, 185) will return to linebacker, after playing defensive end last year. Junior Noah Hoelzer (6’, 210) will be an inside linebacker and has gotten stronger in the offseason.
The Tigers will count on new players to fill the safety position. Senior Kai Hennigan (5’11”, 165) played well in both man-toman and zone during the offseason. Juniors Harris Vollentine (5’8”, 165) and Crew Noles (5’11”, 165) will see time as they both present speed and the ability to cover.
At corner, senior Kenneth Rosario (5’9”, 165) is a returning, two-year starter. Juniors Addox Sanders (6’1”, 165) and Drew Hildebrand (5’11”, 160) will battle for the other corner spot, both showing promise on the field.
KEY MATCHUPS
The 2024 football schedule will feature more road games for the Tigers and some new matchups. Norman will see Deer Creek on the schedule, a team they haven’t seen in a few years. Jenks and Bixby are the two big tests for Norman, both on the road.
“To be the best, you have to beat the best,” Martin said.
Norman opens with rival Norman North in the Crosstown Clash on Sept. 6.– BSM
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - DEFENSE
Behr Boyd
Behr Boyd racked up 121 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and one interception returned for a touchdown. The veteran linebacker was the Conference Player of the Year at linebacker. Opposing teams will have to watch out when he’s in the middle of the field.
“He’s a two-year starter for us now, Conference Linebacker of the Year and a track kid. It’s big for us to have him back on the defensive side of the ball,” Martin said.
Behr Boyd
NORMAN NORTH
TIMBERWOLVES
orman North enters the 2024 football season after its winningest season under head coach Justin Jones with a 9-3 record in 2023. On his seventh season at the helm, Jones has guided the Timberwolves to four straight winning seasons and state quarterfinal appearances in the rugged 6A-I.
Those consistent results have established Norman North as one of the state’s premiere programs on the west side of the state.
Now, the Timberwolves are looking to take that next step and emerge as one of final
Norman North returns senior quarterback Owen Eshelman (6’3”, 195) as the signal-caller to its multiple spread attack. A South Dakota State commit, Eshelman passed for 2,279 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first season starting, rushing for an additional 568 yards and seven scores.
“Owen’s very cerebral. Coming into this year, it’s pretty unique for us. We’ve had kind of a one-and-done guy the last couple of years. It was Owen’s job last year that he won, and he’s become a polished quarterback,” Jones said of Eshelman.
North also returns one of the most electric playmakers in the state in junior wide receiver Mason James. The 6-foot, 175-pound receiver tallied 17 touchdowns and 1,135 receiving yards a season ago. A blue-chip prospect, James has offers from Oklahoma, Alabama, Michigan, Nebraska and Oregon.
James is joined in the receiving corps by seniors Carter Hammer (5’8”, 140) and Jayden Carmen (5’11”, 150).
At running back, the Timberwolves return senior starter Will Lundquist (5’10”, 170). A Seminole State baseball commit, Lundquist finished his 2023 campaign with 732 rushing yards on 146 carries and 17 catches for 202 yards. Lundquist will be joined in the backfield by sophomore Byron Mason (5’10”, 170).
North will feature a mix of sophomore Ben Kolar (6’3”, 190) and senior Branden Singleton (6’, 188) at tight end.
The T-Wolves bring back starting senior center Eric McMullan (6’2”, 295), joined by senior Noah Mitchell (6’, 225), junior Pierson Brammer (6’, 260), sophomore Jacob Tidwell and junior Daniel McMorris (6’6”, 250) on the offensive line.
DEFENSE
To anchor its 3-4 defense, North returns senior defensive end Garrison Utley (6’3”, 275). He racked up 72 tackles, 23 quarterback hurries, 14.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and a pair of pass breakups and blocked kicks last season.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - OFFENSE
Senior Owen Eshelman is back to direct Norman North’s offense. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound signal caller is a South Dakota State commit, throwing for 2,279 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushing for 568 yards and seven scores last season.
“His decision making, his throws, putting the ball on time, Owen’s a complete quarterback,” Jones said.
Owen Eshelman
Daniel McMorris could be a two-way starter and fill in opposite Utley at the other defensive end position. At linebacker, the Timberwolves bring back seniors Logan Richard (6’1”, 245) and Kane Meyer (5’11”, 180). Richard finished 2023 with 111 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. Senior Tate Johnson (6’, 205) adds a veteran presence at outside linebacker.
The T-Wolves bolstered their linebacker depth with the addition of Southmoore move-in Max Beaty (6’2”, 205). After moving in for the spring semester, Beaty was able to go through spring and summer ball with North and is working at outside linebacker. Senior Austyn Broach (5’10”, 190) is working at linebacker as well.
The secondary is a complete overhaul. Starting cornerbacks Camden Pratcher and Curtis Miller and starting safeties Elias Battle, Levi Chaffin and Owen Flowers all graduated.
North has been repping six players at cornerback, including senior Moses Gatewood (6’, 160), junior Noah Frasco (5’10”, 160) and senior Ryan Humphrey (6’3”, 170), among others.
At safety, seniors Reece Crandall (5’10”, 170) and Rhett Zimmerman (5’11”, 170) project to be the respective start ers at Stinger and Wasp.
“When you look at us on paper, we’re extremely fast and athletic across the board, so we’ve got the skill we need. We’ve just got to focus on those big both sides,” Jones said.
KEY MATCHUPS
Norman North opens its season with its annual rivalry versus Norman in the Crosstown Clash on Friday, Sept. 6 at Harve Collins Field.
North’s Week 6 home date on Friday, Oct. 11 versus Union and its Week 10 Senior Night date versus Edmond Santa Fe on Fri day, Nov. 8 each figure to be important games in the 6A-I-II race.
Tate Johnson
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - DEFENSE
Senior linebacker Tate Johnson is an experienced playmaker on defense for Norman North and a voice his teammates will turn to.
“Tate Johnson has been a multi-year starter for us on defense. He is a student-athlete that not only works hard, but is a great leader and student of the game,” Jones said.
BY JOSH HELMER
NOBLE
BEARS
he Noble Bears finished the 2023 season with a 3-7 record in a tough 5A slate, grabbing those three wins against district foes. Head coach Greg George is entering his 11th season at the helm and was pleased by the progress and confidence
“We had some young players in different spots and had a bunch of underclassmen who were playing for the first time. It was great for those guys to have that experience heading
Noble will have to deal with a difficult schedule again, but they feel ready for the challenge, backed by game-earned experience.
The quarterback position has been a competition through the offseason. Senior Dawson Davis (5’9”, 170) saw limited time last year, playing in two games at quarterback. Junior Jackson Steely (5’10”, 170), also fighting for the QB spot, saw action in five games, passing for over 200 yards and a touchdown. Both players will continue to battle it out, leading up to the season opener.
The offensive line will provide help for the new quarterback under center. The Bears return some pivotal players in the trenches, starting with senior Jordan Hensley (5’10”, 245). Hensley provides experience and leadership up front. Senior Josh Hart (5’11”, 250) and junior Logan Clark (6’3”, 270) provide size at the tackle position.
Noble returns their starting running back. Senior Jordan Peterman (5’8”, 160) rushed for nearly 500 yards and a touchdown last year. Peterman will also be involved in the passing game, serving as a major piece in the Bears’ offense.
Noble has confidence in their wide receivers, providing plenty of targets, which is good news for a team that likes to air it out. They return two wide receivers who led them in receiving yards last year - senior Conner Lane (6’1”, 185) and senior Bryson Carey (5’9”, 160). Lane had 856 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Carey racked up 812 yards and seven touchdowns.
“We are expecting big things from Lane and Carey this season,” George said. “There’s about five or six guys we feel really good about at wide receiver. It helps to have key starters back at that position for us.”
Juniors Seth Wilson (5’9”, 140) and Nate Sandridge (6’, 160) will see time on the outside. At tight end, the Bears will look to senior Connor Franks (6’, 190) and junior Andrew Holmes (6’2”, 195).
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - OFFENSE
Senior wide receiver Conner Lane led the Bears in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns a year ago. The 6-1, 185-pound frame causes problems for opposing corners and safeties. Lane can get behind the defense and make catches in tight windows. He will once again be the number-one option in the passing game.
Nate Standridge
BY CONNOR PASBY
DEFENSE
Noble will run a 4-3 base defense, as they typically do. During the 2023 season, the Bears gave up an average of 46.8 points per game. They are hoping to lower that number drastically.
The defensive line will feature familiar faces from the offensive line. Hensley will anchor the middle, along with Clark. Hart will be another body to cause havoc up front. The defense end position will feature seniors Robert Rushing and Jay Turley.
At linebacker, the Bears will utilize Franks, who was a force in the middle of the last season, taking pride in stopping the run game. Holmes is a bigger linebacker that progressed in the offseason. The Bears will also work in Lane and junior Tyler Koonce (5’10”, 180) at linebacker. The defensive backroom is loaded with returning starters. At safety, the Bears return both starters in Wilson and Sandridge. They grew up last year, playing a bunch of snaps as sophomores.
The Bears return also both starting cornerbacks, Carey and Davis. Carey consistently made impactful plays against top receivers and has been relied upon heavily on both sides of the ball. Davis brings veteran experience to the defense.
“We will be solid up front defensively, two guys returning at linebacker, a couple of guys returning in the secondary... As a whole, we like where we are at,” George said.
KEY MATCHUPS
The Bears will open up their season against Bethany, which is always a big matchup early in the season.
“About every game through the first five or six weeks is big, then we roll into Carl Albert, Guthrie and Lawton,” George said. “We’ve been down south since 2018, now they moved us back north. It’ll make for some fun matchups.” – BSM
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - DEFENSE
Bryson Carey is a returning starter at corner for the Bears and has made a huge jump since his freshman season. The talented two-way star was the second-leading receiver. Carey uses his speed and hands to cover each wideout he’s lined up against. The 5-10, 160-pound corner will be a key piece in slowing down opposing teams’ passing game.
Seth Wilson
ROYALS
ommunity Christian School heads into the 2024 football season with the goal of getting back to the playoffs. The Royals’ season did not go as planned last year, snapping its five-year streak of making the playoffs. Head coach Mat McIntosh is proud of the way the team has worked throughout the offseason.
“We’ve really been impressed with our guys,” said McIntosh. “We feel like the team camp showed a lot of improvement and that has carried over into the lifting portion of
The Royals look to shake things up as they head into a new Class 2A district 2.
CCS is bringing back the air raid offense which will feature a no-huddle, up-tempo four-
“With what we think is the strength of our team, we’ll no doubt lean a little more heavily on the run game than we have in the past,” said McIntosh.
Royals’ faithful can expect the offensive line to be the driving force behind a successful season. The O-line unit has all multi-year starters. Leading the way for the veteran group is senior AJ Shadid, along with senior guards Justin Montgomery and Justin Skero, junior tackle James Peterson and junior center Grant Haney.
The only position on offense that has yet to work itself out is at quarterback. McIntosh believes there are a few guys who could make the jump.
“We have a few guys who have been battling,” said McIntosh of the QB room. “We’ll let the battle continue possibly through (non-district play).”
Community Christian gets back a returning starter at running back in senior Grayson McGuire. Another running back to keep your eye on is sophomore Chris Razook.
“We think Chris has a lot of promise and has had a good spring,” said McIntosh. “We anticipate both of these guys having a 50/50 split with reps and carries.”
The Royals do not normally run a traditional tight end, but McIntosh has a couple of seniors who he believes will make a difference this year. Walker Hebblethwaite had a knee injury last summer that kept him away from football. The other senior is Logan Box, a transfer from Southmoore who was unable to play for the Royals last season due to the transfer rule in place at the time. Both will be utilized in various ways.
“Both of these guys being healthy and ready to go are two big additions,” said McIntosh.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - OFFENSE
It’s no secret that success on offense starts with the offensive line. AJ Shadid has garnered multiple D-1 offers with The University of Tulsa being the most recent. Shadid stands at 6-foot-3, weighing 275 pounds, making for an ideal offensive lineman at the next level. He’s been a starter for the Royals every year and fans can expect to see Shadid dominating the man in front of him.
AJ Shadid
There are a couple playmakers who Royals’ fans should keep an eye on at receiver. Senior Kendall Davis proved to be dangerous in the return game and also had a couple of interceptions that he took back for decent yardage. Other playmakers McIntosh is eager to see are juniors Lucas Turner and junior Jaden Bowers.
DEFENSE
Community Christian will look a bit different on defense as they make the change to a four-man front. The Royals will operate out of a 4-2-5 base, giving them multiple ways to match up with their opponents.
Fans can expect to see three-year returner senior Dax Crawford back at defensive end to anchor the line. On the other end, the Royals will employ a rotation of seniors Hebblethwaite and Box. McIntosh said interior tackle positions will be a rotation of guys.
“We have several guys who will rotate inside at our defensive tackle positions,” said McIntosh. “These guys have a lot of playing time on defense and we have so many who can rotate that will keep us fresh.”
At linebacker, the Royals have two returning backers who McIntosh believes can have a great season - McGuire and senior Layton Teichroeb. Two sophomores, Quinn Housley and Chris Razook, are expected to fill the hybrid positions.
“With both of them being sophomores, we know there’s going to be a learn ing curve, but we’re excited for them and think they’re going to be really good,” said McIntosh.
Seniors Sam Boyles and Kendall Davis and junior Lucas Turn er are expected to make an impact at corner. At safe ty, the Royals have thirdyear starter senior Tyndale McIntosh.
KEY MATCHUPS
The Royals kick off their season against Washing ton, the back-to-back Class 2A state champions.
“We’re excited for the op portunity and challenge in front of us and we’ll be ex cited to see where we stand against an elite team,” said McIntosh. – BSM
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - DEFENSE
On the defensive side, the Royals are going to need a big season out of their senior linebacker Grayson McGuire. McGuire has proven that he has what it takes to put together a great senior campaign.
BY T.J. TURNER
Grayson McGuire
LITTLE AXE
INDIANS
ittle Axe heads into the 2024 football season with much anticipation after battling their way to a single win last year. That one win may not seem like much to those on the outside, but it meant the world to those inside the locker room. Last year’s senior class earned the first win of their high-school careers when they defeated Crooked Oak. Head coach Billy Sexton is now in his second year at the helm and feels that his guys are ready to do what is necessary to win more ball games.
“I’m really impressed with the overall commitment to one another,” said Sexton. “The camaraderie is a lot different this year and they’ve bought into the family-first philosophy.”
Little Axe must tighten their chin straps as they belong to a talented Class 2A-1.
Little Axe will operate out of a tight end wing scheme which features a heavy dose of the pin-and-pull. Due to the running back position not being solidified, fans can expect the Indians to spread out and get the ball to their playmakers.
The Indians have a new QB this year in junior Esteban Calderon (6’, 185). Last season, Calderon played running back, but Sexton believes his talents would better serve the team as their QB1.
“We’re pretty excited about his transition to quarterback,” said Sexton. “His athleticism is going to make a big difference for us this year.”
Another offensive weapon Sexton is excited about is a speedy junior by the name of Landon Roberts (5’7”, 160).
“Roberts is a 4.4 guy and we kind of move him all around,” said Sexton. “He’s just dynamic and when he gets the ball, there’s no telling what he can do.”
Little Axe did not run a tight end on the field last year, but Sexton likes what he has in 6-foot-3 junior Edwin Amador.
“He’s a basketball guy and new to the position, but he’s great at using leverage and has the blocking ability we need,” said Sexton. “We’re trying to bulk him up a bit, but he can really stretch the field.”
The offensive line brings back a couple starters who Sexton believes can pave the way to a successful season. Michael Kihega is a 6-foot-three tackle who weighs 310 and Sexton is impressed by his improvements over the summer. Fans can expect junior Jakub Davis ( 6’3”, 250) to play center, giving the Indians the stability they lacked a season ago.
On the defensive side, Little Axe will come out of a 4-3 base. Fans can expect the Indians to win in the trenches then read and react as they fly to the
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - OFFENSE
If the Indians are going to have a successful season, it is going to come from Esteban Calderon at quarterback. While transitions from running back to quarterback can be tricky, Calderon has already proved he can throw the ball well. The true test will be if he can learn the game from the quarterback position, read the defense in front of him and make smart decisions.
Esteban Calderon
football. The Indians have a little bit of iron-man football happening on the defensive line. Fans can expect to see both Kihega and Davis to showcase their talents on the D-line. A new face to keep tabs on is sophomore Prince Mahoney (6’1”, 260).
“I think Mahoney is going to be our best defensive lineman this year,” said Sexton. “He really gets off the ball well and works hard.”
At linebacker, the Indians bring back junior TJ Upshaw (6’, 180) to man the middle.
“He took some lumps last year as a sophomore, but it’s only going to pay off this year,” said Sexton. “He makes quick reads, runs downhill and is not afraid to hit.”
Will-backer responsibilities are going to be handled by junior Sean Stephens (5’8”, 150) who is a transfer from Arizona. Stephens has a great deal of speed, giving him the ability to run sideline-to-sideline. Roberts will be on the de fensive side as well at the safety position.
“As good as Landon was on the offensive side, he’s prob ably a better safety,” said Sexton. “He’s going to lock down everything and we’re really excited about what he brings on the back end.”
On the other side of Roberts, fans can expect to see sophomore Rebel Doiron. The Indians strug gled with the run last year, but Sexton has confidence in the two to be able to make a difference.
Little Axe lost both starting corner backs from last season to gradu ation and will have new faces in those spots. One corner Sexton is confident in is junior Rocky Lyons.
“He doesn’t have a lot of varsity expe rience, but proved he can get the ball and had the most interceptions on the JV squad last year,” said Sexton.
KEY MATCHUPS
Little Axe has a couple of match ups circled on the calendar this season. Week three is a rivalry against Bethel, an away game on Sept. 20. The following week is homecoming when the Indians host their rival Lexing ton on Sept. 26.– BSM
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - DEFENSE
The defensive leader for the Indians is going to be Landon Roberts at the safety position. Roberts’ athleticism coupled with a high football IQ makes him the perfect leader. Sexton raves about Roberts’ ability to be honest with his teammates and is like having another coach on the field.
BY T.J. TURNER
Landon Roberts
WASHINGTON
WARRIORS
ashington rolls into the 2024 season riding one of the most dominant streaks in the state. The Warriors won back-to-back Class 2A state championships and 30
The Warriors also advanced to the 2A state championship game in 2020 and 2021, marking a stretch of four straight title game appearances.
“What has made everything as special is the way that the team plays,” Washington head football coach Brad Beller said. “On any snap, we never have to coach effort, we never
Washington employs a spread option attack.
“In the day and age of run, pass, option, we are a lot of that. We just do it out of a lot of different formations and personnel groups,” Beller said.
Three Warriors are vying for starting quarterbacking duties - junior Kale Brakefield, junior Kinser Scott (5’5”, 125) and freshman Creed Barrett. Brakefield provides a true option look at quarterback, Scott was described as a “steady” option that understands what he has around him and Barrett is a dual-threat quarterback that is accurate on the move. Offensively, it starts with senior running back Hudson Howard. The 5-foot-8, 185-pound running back returns after rushing for more than 1,700 yards last season.
Ohio State commit Nate Roberts is back for Washington at tight end. At 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, Roberts is a next-level talent, reeling in 38 receptions for 816 yards with eight touchdowns
“The nuances of blocking schemes, routes against different coverages, all of those things that he’s learned along the way is the reason why he is so special and why he’s going to have a great senior year,” Beller said.
Washington also gets back star wide receiver Mason Singletary. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound senior receiver was one of the heroes of the 2023 state championship game. Singletary had a 23-yard touchdown reception and a 72yard kickoff return score to create the separation from Millwood.
Up front, starting center Kingston Stringer is back in the fold after starting all 15 games last season. Jaxon Byrd, Sam Cantrell (6’, 185), sophomore Wyatt Phillips, sophomore Hunter Sanders, Carson Elliott are all in the mix along the
Hudson Howard
Beller mentioned sophomore Kade Babcock, junior Dawson Thomas and sophomore Case Alexander as other skill players to watch for.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - OFFENSE
Offensively, be on the lookout for 5-foot-8, 185-pound senior running back Hudson Howard. Washington’s offensive success starts with its work on the ground and Howard is the engine for the Warriors there.
Beller described Howard as one of the most mature players on his team in terms of his preparation. Howard understands the why of his assignment on every single play, something else coach Beller raved about.
BY JOSH HELMER
DEFENSE
Defensively, Washington operates out of a base 3-4. The Warriors will morph that 3-4 look into a four-man front, too.
Junior nose guard Lane Taylor (6’, 275) was a standout defensive performer during Washington’s playoff march last season. Carson Elliott and Chance Phillips will also work at the nose guard positions.
At defensive end, senior Kane Lampkin (6’2”, 230) is a returning starter and will be joined by senior Jordan Kilmer at the other defensive end slot.
Kilmer was a special teams star for Washington in 2023, finishing eighth on the team in tackles despite never starting a game defensively. Hunter Sanders and Jaxon Byrd will also play on Washington’s defensive line.
Sophomore standout Case Alexander (6’2”, 190) is back at outside linebacker after leading the team in tackles as a freshman. Sophomore Riley Gay and junior Blake Heiliger are other names to watch at linebacker.
The staff feels junior inside linebacker Kale Brakefield is in for a breakout campaign. The 6-foot, 220-pound linebacker is a physical specimen that can run. Jordan Kilmer will factor in some at linebacker as well.
On the back end of the defense, Washington has two returning starters in its secondary. Senior cornerback Tanner Olsen will draw the opponent’s top receiving threat on a weekly basis and is a cornerstone in Washington’s defensive backfield.
At the opposite corner position, Washington is looking at Singletary, Kade Babcock, junior Cash Sides (6’1”, 175) and senior Tatum Wilk as potential options.
Junior safety Dawson Thomas is back after leading the Warriors with seven interceptions a season ago.
Senior safety Kash Guthmueller (6’1”, 190) is a move-in from Purcell that will also help the Warriors’ secondary.
KEY MATCHUPS
The date that everyone will have circled is Thursday, Oct. 17 versus Marlow. Marlow was a Class 3A state semifinalist last season. The Outlaws also just so happen to be the last team to defeat Washington at home, a 14-3 triumph back in September 2018.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - DEFENSE
Kane Lampkin is a returning starter for Washington at defensive end. Lampkin has received Division II attention and is hard working, big, strong and can run per coach Beller. Lampkin is one of the key defensive cogs for the Warriors.
Kane Lampkin
MEET THE PLAYERS
Local student athletes share what makes their community, school, team and coaches unique.
WHAT POSITION DO YOU PLAY?
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SEASON?
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOL?
BESIDES YOUR CURRENT POSITION, WHAT POSITION WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY AND WHY?
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN YOUR ATHLETIC CAREER?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO LISTEN TO BEFORE YOU PLAY?
WHAT IS YOUR “X” HANDLE?
QB
The great community, and the friendships I have made along the way.
Quarterback
Luke Kuechly
Making State in the 100m dash in track.
“Fruit Salad” by The Wiggles @behr_boyd
@OwenEsh LB / TE To win State
Host a quarterfinal game and make a playoff run. I fully expect to play in the State Championship.
The players and coaches who make North football what it is. Our team comradery is better than any team I have ever been a part of.
Receiver and/or safety because those were the positions I played at the start of my football career.
Brock Purdy
Getting the game-winning interception against Jenks my sophomore year to hand them their first homecoming loss in decades and claim a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
“Tremble” by Mosaic MSC
Nate Standridge
JR • 6’1” • 160
Strong Safety
Make the playoffs.
The support from your town and school.
Wide receiver because it would be fun to catch touchdowns.
Sean Taylor
Having a couple big hits against El Reno .
“Baby” by Lil Baby
N/A
The friendships beyond the game.
Running back so I can score. CJ Stroud
Winning
The guys on our team are fun and I love spending time with them.
Kicker so I could stand around all practice and do next to nothing. Julian Edelman
Getting to hit a kid on the sideline with my older brother my freshman year.
“The Plagues” - The Prince of Egypt soundtrack by Amick Byram, Ralph Fiennes
BUDGETING APPS TO REPLACE MINT
If you’re a previously happy Mint user, you’re probably seeking a new platform for managing your money after Mint’s closure. Well, we’re here to help, because we’ve already researched the top budgeting apps on the market. Here’s the info you need on each of them so you can find the Mint alternative that best meets your needs.
CREDIT KARMA
Wanna stick to Intuit, the company that owns Mint? You can easily transfer your data to Credit Karma, an efficient Mint alternative. View your transactions in the app just like you’ve done with Mint, track your spending and aggregate your financial accounts.
Pros:
• Uses your data to make personalized recommendations
• Provides basic budgeting tips
• Monitors credit
• Intuit Assist, an AI-powered personal financial assistant, further helps users with their money management
Cons:
• Lacks the budget tracking tool that Mint excelled at
• Excessive emphasis on credit scores can be distracting
YNAB
The Dave Ramsey-inspired budgeting app is famously built on four basic principles:
1. Every dollar needs a job.
2. Embrace your true expenses.
3. Roll with life’s punches.
4. Age your money.
Pros:
• 34-day free trial
• Unique budgeting method
• Robust educational tools
Cons:
• High price relative to competitors
• Complicated system
POCKETGUARD
Pocketguard really shines at tracking daily expenses. The app will allow you to build a budget and monitor your bills. It will also alert you when bills need to be paid.
Pros:
• Cash flow is easy to see
• User-friendly platform
• Can help you negotiate for lower bills
• Syncs financial accounts
Cons:
• Pro version isn’t free
• Some users complain about technical issues
WALLY
The world’s first AI budgeting app brings the magic of artificial intelligence to the world of budgeting.
Pros:
• Free trial and free basic version
• Budgeting features are easy to use
• Graphics to showcase your finances
• Syncs financial accounts
Cons:
• Gold version is costly
• Limited personal finance tools beyond budgeting
GOODBUDGET
This budgeting app, formerly called Easy Envelope Budget Aid (EEBA), can be a great choice for couples wanting to sync up their budgeting. It utilizes the money envelope system and allows you to add your transactions and divide expenses into multiple envelopes.
Pros:
• 10 free digital envelopes; unlimited with paid version
• Sync across multiple devices
• Track progress toward paying off debt
Cons:
• Free version has limitations
• Doesn’t sync to financial accounts
Say goodbye to Mint and hello to your new favorite budgeting app!
IT’S HOW SOONERS BANK !
Full menu of products and services, including FREE checking accounts, new and used auto, boat, motorcycle, and RV loans.
Home equity loans and lines of credit.
Proudly Serving Our Community for 60 Years!
Mobile App with FREE Mobile Deposit.
Direct deposit and payroll deduction discounts.
It’s a Fine Time for Wine & More
Tailgating season is back, and it is time to party in Norman! Get tailgate ready with some new wine and wine cocktails.
Beat the heat by getting yourself some wine glasses that go in the freezer. They keep your wine chilled without watering it down. Stem and stemless options are available.
Think outside the box and go beyond Sangria when serving chilling red wine. All the red Moscato is best with a good chill. Qu.Ale Italian Red is extraordinary when chilled to 46°-50°F.
But, nothing says it’s a party like bubbly, served well chilled. Make it easy by buying 187ml bottles. Many of your favorite brands are available in this format, including Chandon, Ruffino Prosecco, Korbel and Cooks.
Sparkling wine is made in many countries with different styles. Champagne comes only from Rheims France, except for a few wines made in the U.S.A. prior to trademark enforcement. Cremente is a sparkling wine made anywhere else in France using the traditional method. It is generally semi-dry to dry and is fermented in the bottle.
Asti Spumante is a sweet sparkling wine from the Asti area in Italy. Made from the Glera grape, Prosecco is drier, and most are fermented in tanks making it a more economical choice. Cava is made in Spain in the traditional method, primarily from three Spanish grapes. It also is semi-dry to dry and is generally a very economical choice for entertaining.
American sparkling wine may be anything from carbonated wine to being produced in the traditional method. Price is generally the indicator of the production method. Chandon, Mumm’s, Piper and Gruet are a few produced using the traditional method. An easy way to make a champagne cocktail is to drop two or three pearls of Cocktail Cavier (no fish eggs involved!) in your glass. These pearls are infused with vodka and are available in raspberry, strawberry, blueberry and lychee. They add a fun, tasty element to sparkling wine.
Happy Tailgating!
EMERGENCY READY
Norman Regional Relocates Acute Care Services to New Location
Amove years in the making came to fruition on July 28. At 6 a.m. that Sunday, Norman Regional Health System’s Porter campus ceased operations of their acute care services, ushering in a new era.
Norman Regional’s flagship hospital including the emergency department, intensive care unit, surgery services and inpatient care relocated to the Healthplex, which is now known as Norman Regional Hospital. The Tecumseh campus will also serve as the corporate headquarters for the health system.
“The Porter emergency department closed Sunday morning, July 28,” confirmed Brittni McGill, chief nursing officer for the health system. “We moved all acute care services and emergency services from the Porter campus over to the newly expanded hospital.
“In healthcare, as the technology becomes more advanced, you have to have the infrastructure to support that. The Porter campus is over 75 years old. This new space is truly state-of-art, it is all top of the line.”
McGill said the proximity to I-35 increases patient accessibility.
“We did about 5,000 inter-campus transfers a year between the two hospitals. Sometimes care is complicated, and patients need more than one sub-specialty,” she explained. “Now all of those sub-specialties are under one roof…right off of I-35. From an EMS
perspective, to have your destination point be easily accessible is important and the same thing can be said for our Highway 9 and Moore facilities.”
In the days leading up to the move, hospital staff conducted specialized training, role playing real-life emergency scenarios during a multi-day event. Nurses, physicians, technicians and other medical professionals spent time acclimating to the new spaces and procedures.
In order to make these moves happen, the health system established a transformative plan, Inspire Health, to modernize and consolidate patient care.
“We are excited to consolidate our resources and our care,” shared McGill. “The care teams are very excited to all be together. There is a lot of opportunity in terms of efficiency and culture, so we are excited to be able to do that as one huge team.”
As part of Inspire Health, Norman Regional Nine and a behavior health hospital were constructed and the Healthplex underwent an extensive expansion, constructing a new critical care tower and emergency department. The final phase will relocate cancer care and transition the Porter Campus into a health village. The health system celebrated the opening of the expansion with a ribbon cutting and a family fun fest and open house in July.– BSM
WHAT WILL REMAIN AT THE PORTER CAMPUS?
On July 29, an urgent care clinic opened in the vacated space that is now known as the Porter Health Village.
“We opened an urgent care in that space for lower acuity things like coughs, colds, ear infections, sprains or strains, things that can be safely cared for in urgent care,” explained McGill.
Cancer care services will remain at the Porter Health Village until the construction of a new cancer center is complete at the Tecumseh campus in 2025.
What’s Eating Norman
Photo by: Mark Doescher
Sayed Hamideh didn’t know what he was missing as a kid growing up in Spring, Texas. That’s because his fried chicken options were limited.
“I grew up in a KFC family,” he said. “If we wanted fried chicken, we would have KFC, so I never really got to try Popeyes.”
Not until he was old enough to spend his own money.
“Once I had Popeyes, there was no comparison,” he said. “I liked the crispiness of the chicken and the quality of it.”
Today, Hamideh, 30, and his family own and operate seven Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen locations in Oklahoma and Kansas, including the only one in Norman at 3263 Classen Blvd that opened May 5.
“I really love the product,” he said. “I feel like Popeyes is a really strong product.”
Hamideh said the community response has been “bigger than anything I could have imagined.”
“The opening month was madness in the best way,” he said. “Norman has an awesome community.”
Popeyes serves the Norman and Noble communities, including University of Oklahoma students, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.
“We want to be that after-hours place to go,” Hamideh said.
The menu includes fried chicken and shrimp along with chicken sandwiches and tenders and Southern sides that include red beans and rice, biscuits and mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy.
In June, the chain introduced boneless chicken wings as a permanent menu item for the first time. Bone-in wings were added to the menu in November.
All wings are marinated in ghost pepper seasoning and topped with Popeyes’ Signature Hot, Sweet ‘N Spicy, Ghost Pepper, Honey BBQ or Roasted Garlic Parmesan flavored sauces.
Hamideh is partial to the Ghost Pepper flavoring, which he called “spicy but not unbearably spicy.”
“They have a good kick to them,” he said.
Hamideh grew up working in the restaurant business. His father, a franchisee since the 1980s, owns and operates IHOP restaurants in Houston and Kansas City. His experience has taught him that customer service is key to success. It is the focus of Popeyes restaurants he oversees.
“Popeyes aren’t always known for their guest service,” he said. “We’re trying to set a good standard. When people walk into our Popeyes, I want them to feel like their business is welcome and they feel valued.”
To reach that goal, Hamideh hired his general manager, Parker Pipkin, away from a nearby chicken restaurant. Pipkin, who also hails from Spring, Texas, a Houston suburb, is a personable store leader who smoothly directs traffic and visits with customers.
“The most important lesson I have learned while working in fast food, which is very customer oriented, is that one truly never knows what another is going through and to always be kind and understanding, even when that same energy is not given back to you,” he said. “Be the person you want to see in the world.”
Hamideh is also getting a helping hand from former Sooner Legends Inn and Suites owner Doug Kennon, a Norman Chamber of Commerce ambassador with more than two decades of restaurant and catering experience. Kennon took Hamideh under his wing and introduced him to local business and community leaders.
“Doug is my No. 1 customer,” Hamideh said. “He tells me where we’re really good and bad. He’s kind of like a mentor to me.”
Chamber ambassadors are paired with new businesses and attend ribbon cuttings, grand openings and mentor new members for the first year of any new membership.
“He’s very open-minded and willing to learn and listen,” Kennon said of Hamideh. “Not being from Norman, he could have just used his knowledge and his expertise in Popeyes, but he wanted to know about Norman and the community.”
With OU students set to return for the fall semester and football season on the horizon, Popeyes figures to stay busy for the foreseeable future.
“We opened when school was ending, so I’m super excited for classes to start again,” Hamideh said. – BSM
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:
DEPUTY CHRIS SATTERFIELD
Deputy Chris Satterfield with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) says his favorite part of his job is spending time with his partner, a 2 ½ year old Belgium Malinois named Rico.
“It’s nice to have someone to, in a sense, hang out with,” Satterfield said. “Whether it’s driving around during a boring shift or being together when it’s a crazy, chaotic shift, I have someone there with me.”
Satterfield also enjoys seeing their growth together as a team.
“From initially not understanding each other 13 months ago – me not understanding him and him not understanding me, we now work as partners,” he shared.
In June, Satterfield and Rico competed in their first canine contest at the Southwest Police Narcotic K9 competition and placed first in the ‘Hardest Hitting’ category.
“We are certifying this year nationally through the United States Canine Association which is just awesome,” Satterfield said.
Going on his first ride-along as a teenager, Satterfield knew he wanted a career in law enforcement. In 2017, he attended the academy hosted by Cleveland County and in 2019, went to work for CCSO.
“My focus and passion have always been on drug and narcotics investigations, and I’ve always had a desire to be a K9 handler,” Satterfield said.
When Satterfield started with CCSO, there were only two dogs: one in patrol and one in the jail.
“On my own time, I would come in and dedicate my time to K9 training,” Satterfield recalled. “I would show up when I wasn’t working so I could gain more experience and show my passion and willingness to put forth the effort to be a part of the program.”
Dogs are a huge asset in law enforcement as well as in the community, according to Satterfield.
“The biggest advantage they have is their nose,” he explained. “Their number one tool is their detection ability.”
Satterfield said K9 handlers utilize that skill to get dangerous substances off the streets.
“When me and Rico are able to get to a traffic stop that takes even one item out of somebody’s hands that could have caused a death, then we’ve ultimately done our job,” Satterfield said.
Satterfield said Rico is a tool like everything else used in law enforcement.
“K9s are only deployed in the event that I have a reasonable suspicion to believe there is drug activity or if another deputy or agency in the County or surrounding counties calls us,” Satterfield said. “That could be a Norman officer or a Moore officer, for example. If they have developed reasonable suspicion of drugs in a vehicle, they will call me and ask if I can bring Rico over.”
Satterfield reiterated that these encounters are non-invasive. During a suspicious traffic stop, the first job of the K9 is to do a “free air sniff,” sniffing the air around the vehicle. K9s are certified in four drugs: marijuana, heroin, meth and cocaine.
“If he picks up on an odor that he is trained on and starts to sniff one of those odors, there will be behavioral changes his handler is trained to identify,” Satterfield said. “That gives us probable cause to search the vehicle.”
Satterfield said the shock on peoples’ faces when the K9 comes up is priceless.
“They know the game is up,” he laughed. “They can lie to us all day long, but they know the dogs are well-trained and will sniff the drugs out…it’s pretty impressive.”
As the lead K9 handler for the CCSO, Satterfield said canine handling is a very time consuming and dedicated role.
“It has a lot of rewards too, but I want people to know it goes beyond training,” he said. “It’s a relationship that has to be built with another living, breathing animal. It’s definitely not for people who are not committed to the job. It’s not right for the dog and can be very difficult for the handler as well.”– BSM
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