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Normanite in the Spotlight

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Uniquely Norman

Inaugural Basketball Tournament

Joe Lawson Invitational

December 2019 • Issue 12 • Volume 18

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Spotlights

Features Parade of Colors -

16 Norman Celebrates Christmas

by Chip Minty

by Lindsay Cuomo

24 by Chelsey Kraft

Normanite in the Spotlight:

by Chelsey Kraft

Problem Solver -

48 Award Winning Math Teacher

by Callie Collins

Chip Minty

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher

34 by Lindsay Cuomo

Boyd Street Teacher Features

44 Master Sgt. Vernon Coleman Service Spotlight:

by Joy Hampton

79 by Shannon Hudzinski

Eight Ways to Beat Holiday Stress

Joe Lawson Memorial

by Josh Helmer

Sooner Magic

91 by Lindsay Cuomo

60 by Chris Plank

Lindsay Cuomo

SENIOR EDITOR

Service Spotlight: Greg Berchtold

54 Invitational

Mark Doescher

Visit Norman

87 by Kathy Hallren

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Any articles, artwork or graphics created by Boyd Street Magazine or its contributors are sole property of Boyd Street Magazine and cannot be reproduced for any reason without permission. Any opinions expressed in Boyd Street are not necessarily that of Boyd Street management.

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CONTRIBUTORS

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Uniquely Norman -

ISSUE 12– VOLUME 18

MANAGING EDITOR

by Bill Moakley

14 by Stefanie Brickman

39 Bruce Morain

2019

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Service Spotlight: Det. Blaine Davison

The Sooner Standard -

30 Stadium Volunteers

DECEMBER CONTENTS

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Cover photo provided by: The Oklahoman

COMM U N I T Y

BY: BILL MOAKLEY

Service Spotlight:

Det. Blaine Davison

orman Police Det. Blaine Davison never intended on a career behind the camera. Instead, he began his professional life in front of one. Davison, who was born in Edmond, raised in Colorado and earned a degree in speech communications and technical journalism from Colorado State University, serves as the Norman Police Department’s forensic video analyst and digital evidence manager. He began his professional career as a television reporter in South Dakota. After moving to Norman in 1994, in search of a job and thinking he wouldn’t find a slot in Oklahoma City’s television market, Davison took a dispatcher’s position with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, where he would also work as a detention officer. In 1997, he was hired by the Norman Police Department and served as a patrol officer for eight years. Davison next applied for a detective’s position with the department. While the interview process for that job was ongoing, the department’s video analyst took a job in the private sector. Because of his experience in television, Davison was hired as a replacement in 2005. “My career path had always leaned toward being in investigations, and when I got to that point they said, ‘wait

10 | December 2019

a minute, you used to do video stuff, right? You used to be a TV reporter, so you’re going to be our new video guy’,” Davison recalled. In his role, Davison screens videos to determine what has evidentiary value and what doesn’t. With the inclusion of video cameras on everything from phones to doorbells, he has no problem staying busy. “There’s a saying that video is the most prolific form of evidence available in criminal investigations today,” Davison said. “I absolutely believe that. Several years ago, the national average was any given person was captured on video surveillance cameras six to nine times a day.” The greatest challenge Davison faces is accessing video that is captured many ways. “A lot of the challenge for law enforcement agencies is how to get that data out of the device that recorded it,” Davison said. “Getting the data, being able to recover it, play it back and do an analysis on it. There are a million kinds of systems that generate a million different types of proprietary video files.

We have to constantly keep up with the evolution of the technology.” Much like fingerprint and DNA evidence, today’s potential video evidence is highly scrutinized under the same types of scientific principles that provide other types of sound, credible evidence. “Video analysis is a scientific methodology that is based on comparative analysis,” Davison said. “You’re comparing an unknown something, like a print or a tire impression, to a known person. In our case, it’s a frame or piece of video.” When video can be used as good evidence and cases are solved, Davison naturally finds his work rewarding. “Absolutely it is,” Davison agreed. “It’s very satisfying to do your part to help solve a crime. It’s one of the main reasons why anyone who does what I do. That’s the goal.”– BSM

MERRY CHRISTMAS. HAPPY NEW YEAR.

COMM U N I T Y

BY: CHIP MINTY

Parade of Color Trees, Trains, Bells and Santa Highlight Norman’s Christmas Tradition

Christmas parade, model trains, bell choirs, Santa Claus and a massive tree lighting ceremony are planned this December to brighten the season for Norman residents looking for some festive reprieve from the usual holiday dash and crash. When it’s time to take a break from the to-do lists and get back to the basics of Christmas, rekindle the spirit with family fun and yuletide splendor. Norman’s Christmas season officially kicks off on Dec. 6, when hundreds gather at Andrews Park, 201 W Daws St., for the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. as darkness falls over Norman, setting the stage for wonder and celebration for the entire family. But that’s not all. The Norman Parks and Recreation Department and the Pioneer Library System have collaborated to make the community Christ16 | December 2019

mas Tree Lighting Ceremony unique and entertaining. Once the lights come on, the caroling begins with the Wilson Elementary Honor Choir, which will lead the crowd across the street to Norman Public Library Central.

tinues into the heart of downtown Norman. This year’s grand marshal will be Patty Gasso, head coach of the University of Oklahoma softball team since 1995. The coach has led the Sooners to four national titles.

The McFarlin Methodist Bell Choir and the Norman Singers will be at the library, along with a special appearance from Santa Claus, who will make himself available for photographs.

This will be the third year Norman’s Christmas Parade will be held at night, but the event will be full of light as parade participants do their best to outshine the rest.

“There will be fun for the whole family throughout the library,” organizers say.

“Even parade spectators are being asked to wear lights,” said Norman Christmas Parade Chair Janelle Borden. “The night format has been very successful because more people are free to come out to see it in the evening.”

Christmas revelry heats up again on Dec. 14, when Norman’s Christmas parade takes to Main Street at 6 p.m. with holiday floats, high school bands, boy scouts, girl scouts and other organizations from throughout the community. The parade route begins west of Main Street and Flood Avenue, and con-

Beyond the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, there are plenty of other holiday attractions to enhance the season. Back for its second year will be the “All Aboard!” event at the Fred Jones Art Museum, 555 Elm Ave.,

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on the north end of the University of Oklahoma campus. Members of the Oklahoma Model Railroad Association will be back at the museum to open this year’s Christmas exhibit on Dec. 12, said Fred Jones Communications Director Kaylee Kain. In addition to the railroad association’s model trains, there’ll be hot cocoa, a cookie bar and Santa will be there too. The event is for the entire family, with crafts for the kids, and there will be a giant gingerbread house big enough for children to walk through, she said. Last year’s opening event was a big hit, with a large crowd that showed up to see trains running alongside historic U.S Highway 66 and many of the Mother Road’s famous landmarks.

most people recognize,” Kain said. “They included the Blue Whale, the Frankoma Pottery Factory and the Round Barn.”

“They did a really great job of recreating iconic spots in Oklahoma that

She said this year’s train exhibit will include landmarks that are a little clos-

er to home, such as the Norman Depot and the University of Oklahoma. Following the “All Aboard!” event, the train exhibit will remain open to the public through the first of the year in the museum’s Sandy Bell Gallery.– BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: CHELSEY KRAF T

fter about 15 years working at a pharmaceutical company, Greg Berchtold was ready for a change. A friend who works for the Oklahoma City Fire Department encouraged Berchtold to consider following a new career path, but he was initially hesitant because he didn’t know anything about being part of a fire department. His friend told him to think about getting his emergency medical technician certification since that is a base requirement at many departments and then go from there. Berchtold quickly realized he loved it. Then, once he learned more about all the aspects of working for a fire department, he was sold. “I got to know more about the community involvement, the public image, the public safety and just helping people, it really brought something out in me that I didn’t really know was there,” Berchtold said. “I really enjoy doing that, and dealing with the public is a big thing for me. Having the kids come and do tours at the station, any kind of public event where we can interact with them, that’s the small things that we get to enjoy here at the fire department.” 24 | December 2019

Similarly, Berchtold said he thinks his outgoing personality and desire to talk to people, to get to know them and make them feel comfortable, has made this job a good fit for him. “People usually see us at their worst situations,” Berchtold said. “Whether it’s on a call or whether you’re just out doing a public event, it’s always good to have the same personality and portray a positive attitude toward people.” Berchtold, who grew up in Blanchard and now lives on the southwest side of Oklahoma City, joined the Norman Fire Department in 2012. For Berchtold, his family is really important to him. He and his wife, Ambra, have three children, Duke, Charlee and Ty, who are ages 10, 8 and 5, respectively. Spending time with his family is a priority. When not at work, Berchtold is often watching their football, basketball and baseball games. Berchtold also enjoys hunting and fishing, and he says it has been fun getting to take his children on those outings too. “We’re here for 24 hours, we sacrifice so much, so when we go home, our main goal is to be around our kids

and our family because we do miss out on a lot of stuff,” Berchtold said. “We’re here a third of the time, but it seems like we miss half their stuff. Someone explained that to me when I first started, and I understand it now.” Berchtold’s experience at the Norman Fire Department has been a positive one, and he said the organization is filled with goal-oriented, smart people who genuinely care about the community. “From our chiefs to our captains, even to some of the new recruits that we have, everybody is really skilled, and I think everybody does a really good job,” Berchtold said. To people interested in becoming a firefighter, Berchtold encouraged them to not be disappointed or discouraged when it gets hard and to keep pushing toward the goal. “It took me awhile to get to this point,” Berchtold said. “If you decide on one career, it’s never too late to decide on another one. If this is something that you’re really passionate about, don’t quit. Just keep going, keep fighting, eventually it will pay off.” – BSM

Photo by: Mark Doescher

Service Spotlight: Greg Berchtold

26 | December 2019

COMM U N I T Y

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

The Sooner Standard

Stadium Volunteers Help Make Gameday Possible

orman is the third largest city in Oklahoma, and on game days, the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium becomes the fourth largest, Michael Beirne likes to say. Sooner football games require an enormous team of people, said Beirne, University of Oklahoma assistant athletic director of event management and camps. Many of them are volunteers, and the work they do is just their way of giving back. “The number of folks who work at the stadium on game days is incredible. It takes about 5,000 people and about half of those are volunteers,” Beirne said. Volunteers have an impact on just about every aspect of game day, including ticketing, ushering and concessions. Some even serve in various roles on the field, he said. The volunteers are what helps to make the Sooner experience possible. “They are at the gates greeting guests, passing out stickers, helping get you

30 | December 2019

to where you need to go. They’re that smiling face that can give people even more excitement, working Fanfest, ushering, keeping the peace, enhancing the experience, doing jobs that can be thankless at times, but they signed up to be there. “They want to be there, working and helping. These are people who know Oklahoma and have a vested interested in giving back to the university.” People from all walks of life dedicate their time on Sooner game days to help make the fan experience a safe and positive one. Doctors, nurses, scouts, youth athletes, students from campus organizations and more come together to support OU, the team and the fans. “The volunteer program speaks volumes to the Oklahoma Standard you often hear about,” Beirne said. “They’re committed to help because they want to, not because they have to. You can really see it. It has always struck me. It’s a cool process.”

Many times, there’re not enough posts for all of the people who volunteer, and people are turned away, Beirne said. “We try to make it a point to incorporate these groups into the experience, and they are dedicated and have done it for many years. But we do have to turn a lot of people away that we don’t have posts for.” For Beirne, last year’s military appreciation game was a standout event, and much of the credit goes to the loyal Sooner volunteers. “Last year’s military appreciation event was our largest volunteer event. We were able to pull out all the stops,” Beirne said. “That whole game we had so many contributing. It was a special day for fans, for OU ROTC and all involved.” “Sports offer a way for people to come together, and we do everything we can to make sure our fans have a good time. Our volunteers make that happen.” – BSM

COMM U N I T Y

Jamie Johnson

iteracy is a main focus of the early years, and reading is an important building block of a successful educational foundation.

Dr. Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Jamie Johnson, the teacher librarian at McKinley Elementary for the past 18 years, is invested in helping her students become lifelong readers.

“My professional goals are to grow and nurture lifelong readers, writers and learners. When a student finds their ‘home run book’ and shares it with me, I know I have built a relationship with that student,” Johnson said. “They want to share the joy of reading with me and their friends and classmates.”

She spends most of her school days helping students find their next book to read, a task she really enjoys. But she

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

also works with other teachers to design library lessons to support what is going on inside their classrooms.

“School librarians have or are earning a graduate degree,” Johnson said. “We are teachers. We wear many hats. We are reading advisors, information literacy specialists, grade level curriculum experts, technology integration specialists and book selectors. “I collaborate with our staff to design library lessons that support their classroom curriculum while integrating a variety of literacy and research skills.”

Sometimes, though, it’s the simplest of activities that have the most impact.

“Reading aloud to students is my favorite. The children and teachers enjoy when I have a new picture book to share. I love to read and use funny voices,” Johnson said. “This is how I connect with students. It helps me illustrate how enjoyable reading a book can be.”

Johnson was named McKinley’s Teacher of the Year.

“Being honored as Teacher of the Year has been very rewarding. This journey required me to articulate my philosophy of teaching and reflect on my daily practice, which helped me grow (professionally).” – BSM

Teaching Norman Melissa Hall

anaging a classroom of more than 20 students with varied personalities and learning styles forces teachers to be excellent multitaskers, and for Melissa Hall, multitasking is a way of life. She is on the faculty of the Norman Public Schools’ Residential Facilities, which serves students outside of conventional school settings. “I teach 6th thru 12th grade in a male juvenile facility. My students have various levels of understanding and are behind academically,” Hall explained. “When someone asks about my classroom, I describe it as ‘a Little House on the Prairie’ classroom.” Her students have individual curriculums based on each student’s needs. “I can be helping a student with basic English one moment and the next explaining an Algebra 2 concept,” Hall said. While many might see this as an obstacle, Hall enjoys the challenge, saying

34 | December 2019

the challenges are what make the successes so much sweeter. “It is such a joy when they understand a concept they have been struggling with,” Hall said. Hall knew at a young age that teaching would be her career path. She spent plenty of playtime pretending to teach her siblings and friends. “Math is my favorite subject, and so many people struggle in math because they had a bad experience. The challenge for me is to find different ways to explain math concepts that are interesting, fun and enjoyable.” One of Hall’s students was an 18-yearold boy on the autism spectrum. He struggled to understand multiplication and division. “I was able to work with him one-onone and show him the lattice method of multiplication. I will always remember how proud he was of himself… when he was able to complete a multiplica-

tion problem on his own.” Hall was selected as the Teacher of the Year for Norman Public School’s Residential Facilities, an honor she was surprised to receive. “I don’t think of myself as an outstanding teacher, but as someone who helps others with their educational struggles. I want to find a way to make learning fun and easier for those who struggle in school.” – BSM

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COM M UNI T Y

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NORMANITE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Bruce Morain

Pictured above: Bruce, Kristi, Caleb, Hailey, Jake, Allie, Taylor, Alex and their three grandsons

or the Morains, entrepreneurship seems to be a family trait. For more than seven decades, various businesses and enterprises around Norman have been passed down from father to son along with the values, integrity and work ethics that make for successful lives. The tradition all started with Gordon Morain, the grandfather, who worked as a repairman for Griffin Theatres. His job was to maintain the projectors at various locations around Norman, including the ones operating on Norman’s two U.S. Navy bases. When he wasn’t on that job, Gordon Morain was sowing the seeds of entrepreneurship that has carried on through four generations. He used his free time to walk up and down Main Street with his toolbox, repairing toasters, lights and whatever else businesses and residents needed him to fix. By 1945, Gordon Morain had started his own heating and air conditioning business called “Gordon’s Specialty.” He later merged the company with anboydstreet.com

other family business and changed the name to “Gordon’s Service Experts.” Years went by, and Morain’s son, Allen, began working with his Dad, and he eventually took over day-to-day operations when he was 28 years old. Over time, Allen Morain raised his son, Bruce, in much the same way, involving him in the family business at a young age and eventually passing the air conditioning business along. Bruce Morain remembers spending every summer working with his dad from the time he was 10 years old, so following in his dad’s footsteps was a natural progression he had always planned on while growing up. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for my dad. He’s my best friend,” Morain said. “I got to work around him and in the field, and I got to see how he managed people and dealt with people. There was just never a doubt that that’s what I wanted to do.” Eventually, Bruce Morain decided to transition out of air conditioning to a new type enterprise that allowed more room to grow, so he partnered

with Jerry Brand, who was a past business associate. He and Brand complemented each other in their roles, and they connected because of their shared values. Since 1997, Morain and Brand have been operating INOK Investments, a commercial real estate firm with operations in Oklahoma and Indiana. Morain went from 160 employees in his past business to a staff of seven located in both states. The Morain tradition of family business is continuing through his oldest son, Caleb, who works for INOK and takes care of property management responsibilities. Brand’s two sons also work for the company. “I loved every moment of every day, working with my father, and I hope my son feels the same,” Morain said. “I sure enjoy having him in the company and it really is a blessing.” Morain and his wife of 31 years, Kristi, have four children – Caleb, Hailey, Jake and Allie – and three grandsons. Bruce and Kristi met at Whittier Middle School after Kristi moved to NorBOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 39

man as a seventh grader, and both attended the University of Oklahoma together. Morain has three sisters and Kristi has three brothers, and they enjoy large family gatherings together in Norman. “Our kids have 32 first cousins,” he said. “We have family night at our house every week,” Morain said. “Fortunately, my mother and dad are still alive, so they get to join us on family nights and see their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.” In addition to spending time with his family, Morain enjoys the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. His family also raises cattle. Being involved in the community has been another priority for Morain. He has been on the Norman Chamber of Commerce board multiple times and is also involved with organizations such as the American Red Cross, United Way and Juvenile Services. Attending church is also important for the Morain family, which is part of Summit Church.The Church held services in the Morain’s barn for five weeks before moving to its location in Newcastle. Now, the church has two locations, one in Norman and one in Oklahoma City. Morain said he loves Norman, and he’ll be here for the rest of his life, following the footsteps of his grandfather, who planted deep roots along Main Street more than seven decades ago. – BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: JOY HAMPTON

Service Spotlight:

Master Sgt. Vernon Coleman

aster Sgt. Vernon Coleman has frequently been commended for his acts of kindness to children and the disadvantaged. Quick to pay for a meal or clothing for someone in need, Coleman served his nation in the U.S. Army Reserves before joining the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office in January 2013. “Master Sgt. Coleman embodies our mission of courageously protecting while also compassionately serving,” said Sheriff Todd Gibson. “This type of leadership in action is something we value highly at the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.” Coleman grew up in Moore, knowing he wanted to go into law enforcement at an early age. “I either wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy or a cop,” Coleman said, laughing. He started his career at the Oklahoma County jail in 2011 before taking a job with CCSO two years later. At National Night Out events, Coleman is a favorite with kids, often letting them

44 | December 2019

turn on the lights and sirens. He always has a ready smile and a pocketful of patience for children, helping them get through even the toughest of times. In one instance, Coleman and another deputy had to remove children from a home where the adults were later charged with neglect. The deputies bought clean clothes for the children. They also took them to Sonic, bought them a meal out of his own pocket and let them play on the playground. The children were so delighted, they called Coleman “my deputy.” “Nobody is more of a victim or more in need of help than a child,” Coleman said. Those who have known him the longest say Coleman’s character was in evidence even at a young age. “This young deputy, Vernon Coleman, has always been such a good guy, exhibiting leadership and integrity even as a high school student,” said a Moore teacher on social media after hearing that Coleman had been recognized along with fellow deputies for saving

the life of a suicidal veteran. That incident occurred on May 2019 when Coleman responded to a report of a suicidal man who had barricaded himself inside his home with several firearms. Coleman learned that the man had served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as well as depression. After an hour of negotiations, the man surrendered, agreeing to go into protective custody and be transported to the VA Hospital for evaluation. “Coleman has a can-do, positive attitude and has exhibited compassionate service,” said Chief Deputy Jose Chavez. “I wish we had more like him.” While the job has its challenges, it’s also rewarding, Coleman said. “When we interact with people, typically it’s a bad situation and we have an opportunity to help people,” Coleman said. “Being a county deputy, we have a diverse group of people we’re interacting with. We service a vast community.” This is a continuation of our series on public servants in Norman.

COMM U N I T Y

BY: CALLIE COLLINS

P rob lem Solver

Norman High Math Teacher Wins National Recognition

orman High School math teacher Julie Klingensmith approaches her job with an open mind. Contrary to conventional beliefs, there is more than one way to solve equations and understand complex operations, said Klingensmith, who was recently honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The award is considered the highest national recognition a teacher can receive. Klingensmith was selected for the recognition in 2017, and she went to Washington in October for the award ceremony. Now in her 18th year in the classroom, Klingensmith has spent 16 of those years teaching advanced math, including calculus and a two-year honors math course. “When I first started teaching, I didn’t know how to make it creative but through summer workshops, professional developments and getting to know other ways beyond a textbook, you connect with other people and see how to make it different,” said Klingensmith. “I mean, we might study in a textbook and figure out how to complete 20 problems, but then there should be

48 | December 2019

a matching game and two days of activities. Instead of another worksheet, how can we make it into a game?” she said. “In about 8th grade, I was in an advanced math class, but then I got mono and missed a month of school. It was so difficult to jump back in and understand what was happening after all that time away. My Dad helped me at the kitchen table, and I cried every night. I made a B, but I didn’t understand the concepts, really. My parents were super supportive, and they suggested I just take it again in ninth grade. Hearing the same concepts but from a different voice made all the difference. Suddenly, I could help the kids next to me,” she said. Klingensmith started as an architecture major at OU but changed to math education. She graduated with her bachelor’s in 2002 and completed her master’s in 2010. “Working with students makes every day interesting. The kids bring something different every day,” she said. Klingensmith credits supportive mentors, administrators and peers with fostering a positive environment. “As teachers, we grow and learn and get better and so do our students. It’s

really nice that that’s the energy at our school,” she said. One of the issues that Klingensmith identified as problematic is the myth that you’re either good at math or you’re not. “The worst is when a parent says, ‘I’m not good at math, so it’s okay my kid isn’t,’ which gives that student permission not to try.” During her trip to Washington, Klingensmith toured the White House, had dinner at the Kennedy Center, attended an awards ceremony at the Department of the Interior, met former winners, including those who now work for the Department of Education. She also attended professional development sessions. The award included a $10,000 cash prize. “The reason I got to go there and do all these amazing things is because of all the people who mentored and supported me and collaborated with me and made me feel comfortable. The award would not have been possible without the people who have helped me along the way. That’s why I know it’s not just mine. It belongs to my mentors and my peers and my students,” Klingensmith said. – BSM

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S P O RT S

BY: JOSH HELMER

Joe Lawson Memorial Invitational

Norman High Schools to Host Inaugural Basketball Tournament

The tournament, presented by Agility Medical Group, on Dec. 5 – 7, features a competitive mix of talent on the boys and girls sides. In addition to the two Norman schools, the boys’ tournament bracket includes Lawton Christian, Lawton MacArthur, the OKC Storm, Putnam City North, Putnam City West and Tulsa Memorial. The girls’ bracket will showcase Casady, Lawton MacArthur, the OKC Storm, Northside (Ark.), Putnam City North and Putnam City West. “We’re really excited,” said T.D. O’Hara, athletic director for Norman Public Schools. “One of the things I envisioned when I stepped into this position was to have a tournament format that we host on a consistent basis. “Ideally, what we were looking for was some way to involve both schools as co-hosts. The icing on the cake has been 54 | December 2019

the opportunity to recognize Joe Lawson… and the impact he had at both of these schools.”

nual tournament will make an impact on the Norman sports community and help Norman athletics.”

Joe Lawson died in 2017 at age 27. He was a member of Norman High’s basketball program as a player from 2004 to 2008 and served as a varsity assistant and head coach of the Norman North freshmen boys’ team from 2012 to 2016.

Putting a tournament like this together was important to Kellen McCoy, Norman North head boys’ basketball coach.

To honor his legacy, the Lawson family established the Joe B. Lawson Foundation in 2017, to provide scholarships and other benefits to the NPS athletic department and the Norman community. The foundation has been instrumental in putting this event together. TJ Lawson, one of Joe’s two older brothers, said the event means a great deal to the Lawson family. “Joe truly cared about his players as a coach. He wanted them to succeed on the court, but just as much off the court,” TJ Lawson said. “We feel that this tournament really honors Joe’s legacy as a passionate, selfless and fun-loving player and coach. The an-

When he found out that Norman High girls basketball coach, Michael Neal, was also looking to bring tournament basketball back to Norman, the two went to work to recruit an impressive field of teams. “It’s super, super awesome to be able to do this and for it all to come together,” McCoy said. “So many people love Joe and a lot of those people are wanting to be involved in some way, whether it’s donations or volunteering their time. It’s just a testament to how amazing of a guy he was and how many people’s lives he touched in the time that he was here. “I just encourage everybody to come out and watch. Come support the tournament. It’s going to be a great basketball tournament with great teams, great talent. I couldn’t be more excited.”

Photo by: Mark Doescher

ournament basketball is returning to Norman as Norman High and Norman North host the inaugural Joe B. Lawson Memorial Invitational.

The cost of putting on a tournament includes paying officials, game personnel and trainers. There is also a cost for security as well as making trophies and feeding the players and coaches. The Joe B. Lawson Memorial Invitational wouldn’t be possible without the support of the title sponsor Agility Medical Group and fellow sponsor Embassy Suites. “It’s very important to have their support,” O’Hara said. “There are a lot of different pieces that have to go in place to put on a high-level product. Having these types of sponsors who are willing to do that, I want to say thank you and appreciate everything that they have done to enable us to put a product together that they will be able to be proud of as well as the entire community.” Joe B. Lawson Memorial Invitational committee member Bryan Vinyard echoes those same sentiments and hopes the tournament can continue to grow.

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“To have a lasting tournament that’s going to stand the test of time and continue to grow and be something that Norman is proud of, you’ve got to have that community support and buyin to be successful,” Vinyard said. “Having that community support makes it a real positive experience for the teams and their players so those teams want to come back.”

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“Our goal is to start here on ground zero and build every year going forward to make it a bigger, better and more special tournament.” Donations to the Joe B. Lawson Memorial Foundation can be made through the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma at cfok.org.– BSM

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S P O RT S

BY: CHRIS PLANK

SOONER MAGIC

But, just as the party was reaching its crescendo at McClane Stadium, the Sooners whipped up an improbable batch of Sooner Magic that left the Baylor Bears looking for answers. It was a come-from-behind ending the Sooner Nation had never seen before.

This is the story of one of the wildest days in Sooner football history with twists and turns, dizzying highs, preceded by soul crushing lows. Somehow, in the end, it all came together to give the Sooners a memorable triumph.

PREGAME MYSTERY The Sooners are familiar with the media circus surrounding ESPN’s College Gameday broadcasts, and OU was making its 37th appearance in the featured game. With Baylor sitting at 9-0, this was the biggest match-up of the 2019 Big 12 season.

Lee Corso donned the Bear mascot head with guest pickers Chip and Joanna Gaines projecting a Baylor win. As soon as Gameday signed off, the rumors started.

Talented Sooner wide receiver and Biletnikoff Award semi-finalist, CeeDee Lamb might not play. As kickoff drew closer, the rumors intensified. A report from The Oklahoma Daily student newspaper listed Lamb as questionable and any flame of concern was fanned into a full-fledged, five-alarm fire.

But in one of the day’s first odd twists, Lamb participated in pre-game warmups. He was dancing, catching passes, going through drills. He looked ready, but unfortunately, he was not. “Ceedee Lamb will not play tonight,” 60 | December 2019

Sooner Radio Network sideline analyst Gabe Ikard said, moments before kickoff. “The decision has been made to hold him out.”

It sent shockwaves through the Sooner Nation and even surprised the ABC/ ESPN broadcast team. “You don’t often have a player who is ruled out medically sit down and do a feature for GameDay, do a phone call with Maria Taylor, go through warmups with pads on,” Chris Fowler said on the broadcast. Analyst Kirk Herbstreit responded, “I’ve never seen that.”

Lamb has become the Sooner offense this season, and now, a young receiving group would have to step up against the physical Baylor defense. As the pre-game invocation wrapped up, it became glaringly obvious the Sooners were in for an interesting night.

COULD NOT HAVE GONE ANY WORSE The circus that surrounded the build up to kick-off was quickly old news, thanks to a traditional fast start for Oklahoma. Defensively, the Sooners forced a first drive punt for the 10th straight game and jumped on top thanks to a Gabe Brkic field goal 3-0. Then the bottom fell out.

Baylor proceeded to score touchdowns on its next four possessions, grabbing a 28-3 lead. During that stretch, the Sooners ran just 16 offensive plays for 56 yards and turned the ball over twice. Jalen Hurts fumbled and then threw an interception to fuel the Baylor run. McClane Stadium was electric. The crowd was roaring as the stadium big screen trolled the Sooners with messages like “OK, Boomer” and 50,000-plus fans sang in unison to the popular song “Truth Hurts.” Add in a shot mocking the crashing of the Sooner Schooner, and the only thing lacking from the first half celebration would have been storming the field and tearing down the goalposts. But the Sooners did not panic. On the sidelines, there was no finger pointing

and no doubt, at least not outwardly. Lincoln Riley, with his team down 28-3, brought the entire team to a huddle to get everyone’s mind right.

“I said at that time we had 41 minutes left in the game. I didn’t want us to panic,” Riley said. “I knew we were going to fight our tails off. You just knew that. Our team knew that. They felt that.” Riley also had a message for his quarterback, and it resonated. “I told him that I think we’re moving it well at this point,” Riley said. “Hold on to the damn ball. Score every drive.”

A SECOND HALF FOR THE AGES Hurts was still struggling. He was playing the worst game of his short OU career, and the Sooners’ defense had allowed points on five consecutive Baylor possessions. Even though the Sooners exited to the halftime locker room trailing 31-10, team confidence was surprisingly high. “It’s gonna be one hell of a story one day to tell our kids,” Sooner Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch told Hurts as they took the field for the second half.

“Just add another one to the list,” Hurts responded. “One of many.” In fact, Grinch had prepared the Sooners in a round-about way for what it would take to dig out of a hole. Cornerback Parnell Motley mentioned that the team was shown a clip of the New England Patriots overcoming a 28-3 deficit during Super Bowl 51 last week. It is the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. But, why were they shown that?

“Because our last game (against Iowa State), things didn’t really go our way. We were up 35-14, but it’s the way we went about things. It showed us how to face adversity,” Motley said. “We just found a way. Seeing how a Super Bowl team responded in that situation, we looked at the scoreboard the same way.” The Sooners scored on their opening drive of the second half to cut the score to 31-17.

Photo provided by: The Oklahoman

t was a party in Waco, Texas, and for good reason. The Baylor Bears were making a statement early with a dominating performance on national television against the Oklahoma Sooners. The Bears were trying to place themselves into the Big 12 Championship conversation, but also into the National Championship conversation.

But then, it happened.

The Sooners had played five straight games without forcing a turnover and, if you include the two first-half turnovers, the Sooners had a negative nine turnover ratio in that same stretch.

But on Baylor’s first offensive play of the second half, the Sooners finally forced a takeaway. Parnell Motley punched the ball out of the hands of JaMycal Hasty and the fumble was recovered by Pat Fields.

“It was a big relief for me,” Grinch said. “We say takeaways, because you’re not just hoping the ball bounces your way. Hope isn’t a strategy. We’ll take those, too, believe me. What takeaways are as much as anything, they obviously create possessions. We’ve got a pretty good offense here. If we got one more possession, two more possessions, imagine if we got three more possessions with that offense every week, what we could be as a football program.”

For Ronnie Perkins, it changed the entire energy of the sideline.

“It created a whole bunch of energy. We’re in a place like this all alone. It’s just us for each other,” Perkins said. “It definitely changed the whole energy. It got us excited to go play again and get out on the field. Coaches kept us focused. We kept swinging and kept playing. As players, we never lost hope.” The Sooners failed to cash in on that first takeaway, but the tone had been set. The Sooner defense was on the attack. Perkins tackled Baylor quarterback Charlie Brewer for a loss to start the next Baylor offensive series.

“The biggest thing we talked about as a team was belief and keeping the faith,” Sooner linebacker Kenneth Murray said. “That’s what we told guys. ‘Keep your head up. Continue to keep the faith. As long as you keep faith, everything’s going to be OK.’ We knew it. We all continued to buy in, then everything would work out in our favor.”

“We had 30 minutes to do what we gotta do, 30 minutes of hell,” Motley added. “It felt really great to come out and score, get a turnover and man, that’s how you feed off the momentum. If you think about it, we started the opposite way in the first half. In the second half, boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 61

we turned things around and fed off that momentum.” After the initial fumble recovery by Fields, Hurts would fumble again turning it over for the third time. This time he was a step away from walking into the end zone. Despite these challenges and playing without his biggest weapon, Hurts and his young crew of receivers responded. Oklahoma proceeded to score on its final three possessions and turned what was once a 28-3 deficit into a 34-31 lead with 1:45 to go. The party in McLane stadium for those donning the green and gold suddenly crashed. “I learned a lot about our team this week,” Riley said. “When we got down, I really believed we had the comeback in us. Now, it’s still hard to do. There’s no doubt about that, especially against a good team.” With the comeback complete, the victory was far from secure, and to add to the wild nature of the day, the final

defensive stand had to have at least one nail-biting moment. On first-and-10 at OU’s 40, Oklahoma linebacker Nik Bonitto dropped a potentially game-clinching interception. Then, on second down, he secured the interception and the win for the Sooners. “After I dropped the first one, the first person I thought of was coach Ruf (Ruffin McNeill) because we do ball drills every day before practice. I knew he was going to talk to me about it,” Bonnito said. “But I knew when the second one came around, I had to make a play for my team. I knew I had to come down with it. My brothers needed me.” Final score: Oklahoma 34, Baylor 31. It was the biggest comeback in Oklahoma football history. The Sooners trailed by 25 points with five minutes left in the second quarter, by 21 points at halftime. “I made this clear to my brothers, everyone in that locker room. I’m virtually the new guy around here,” Hurts said after the game. “These are the same guys that

accepted me the way that they did, voted me as captain, basically said we’re going to follow Jalen. And, that means more than you know. Tonight, we’re out there battling, and their leader made some mistakes and we all found ways to overcome it together. Shows the character we have, the perseverance we have.” “Our best ball,” Riley said, “is coming soon. We kind of found ourselves a little bit.” The wild day and memorable night were perhaps best summed up by Sooner play-by-play announcer Toby Rowland after Bonnito’s interception. “In Waco Texas, Lincoln Riley took a house in disrepair and refurbished it into their own palace on the Banks of the Brazos. Unbelievable.” It was a game that defined what Sooner Magic is all about, and it showed once again that Oklahoma football never gives up, regardless of how tall the odds are. – BSM

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Uniquely Norman Your Gift Guide to Shopping Local this Holiday Season

Occasions

Find an array of gift ideas at Occasions, including dinnerware, stationery, candles, sweet treats and more. Handcrafted premium birdseed gifts from Mr. Bird are perfect for the bird watcher in your life. Add to your MacKenzie-Childs collection with the newest patterns of Highbanks and Royal check. The classic Courtly Check collection works well with all pieces.

ike most Oklahoma communities, Norman relies heavily on sales tax to fund operational expenses, said Anthony Francisco, the City of Norman’s finance director. Those expenses include core services such as police, fire, street maintenance and traffic control. In addition to those services, Norman depends on sales taxes to pay for capital improvements, special public safety initiatives and the Norman Forward quality of life initiative, Francisco added. However, shopping locally has additional benefits, says Sara Kaplan, Norman’s retail marketing coordinator.

Color Me Mine

In addition to generating much needed sales tax dollars, shopping at locally owned businesses creates a multiplier effect, which supports local jobs Give a gift that is truly one-of-a-kind from Color Me Mine. Personalize a cookie plate and other festive holiday décor and helps the local economy. including ceramic Christmas trees and vintage trucks or According to the American Independent Business gift the experience of creating together with a Color Me Mine gift card. Alliance, the multiplier effect means that money spent locally recirculates within a community, creating more local wealth and jobs. An impact that is particularly important during the holiday season. “Monthly collection patterns of sales and use taxes are concentrated in the winter holiday and backto-school shopping seasons,” Francisco said. So, this holiday season, Boyd Street Magazine encourages Normanites to multiply their holiday cheer by shopping local at their favorite retailers or one of the following Norman-based businesses. – BSM 68 | December 2019

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Search no more for that perfect gift for your special someone. Brockhaus Jewelry has the finest quality in the latest styles, including this 14-karat yellow gold and diamond confetti bangle bracelet and a matching 14-karat yellow gold necklace.

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Deck the halls in Sooner style this Christmas with OU ornaments and tree toppers. At Balfour of Norman, you can find the perfect gift for every OU fan on your shopping list. Hats, shirts, wall art, glassware and much more.

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Need a gift for that person who seems to have everything? Ole Stables Marketplace has a wide selection of handmade gifts from local artisans, including OKC Thunder leather clocks, cigar box guitars and more. boydstreet.com

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Mitchell’s Jewelry From stackable Vahan bracelets to high-tech Shinola Original watches, Mitchell’s Jewelry has the gifts that are sure to wow. Browse their selection of exclusive pieces for a gift that is sure to make a statement.

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Step outside the box with a unique gift from Signature Pool & Patio. They have a host of gift ideas in store, including oneof-a-kind matches from Made Market Co. that add a pop of color with style and functionality and The Real Dill bloody mary mix ready to spice up your holiday festivities.

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Fresh local pecans are a heartfelt gift that is also really good for the heart. Mason’s Pecans and Peanuts carries a variety of nuts, dried fruits and fresh-baked goods, as well as local honeys, salsas, jellies and jerky. Grab a pre-made gift basket or design one of your own. 70 | December 2019

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Everything for your feet and so much more is available at Brown’s. This season’s must have, Ugg Fluff Yeah slides are available in multiple colors. Brown’s also has a great selection of bags and Maui Jim sunglasses in stock.

Jimmie Austin Golf Club

Everyone is welcome to shop at the Jimmie Austin Golf Club at the University of Oklahoma. This award-winning retail shop carries unique gift ideas, including OU apparel, accessories and more. They also offer gift cards, golf packages, golf clubs and certificates for golf lessons.

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Gift sets including items for that Dirty Santa party and unique spirits and wine are the perfect items to finish your Christmas shopping list. Joe’s also has a large selection of wine and cold beer to brighten the holiday spirit and compliment your family’s feast.

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Eight Ways to Beat Holiday Stress

is the season to be merry-except sometimes, it’s not. While the entertainment industry would have us think the holidays are always full of good cheer, lots of laughs and warm feelings, the reality can, unfortunately, be otherwise. Sometimes, all that frenzied consumerism, party-hopping and crazy schedules can bring out the worst in the people we love. Other times, a challenging life situation, such as a recent divorce, death in the family or financial struggles, are painfully magnified when everyone around you seems to be in such wonderfully high spirits.

GIVE BACK The holidays can sometimes leave us feeling down because of all that emphasis on the perfect gifts. Opening up a present is always a thrill, but giving to others creates lasting joy. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, one of the best ways to reduce stress is to give back to your community.

No one wants to be the Grinch on Christmas. So, if you tend to feel stressed or down when the holidays roll around, here are eight tips to help you turn that frown into a genuine smile.

Beat the stress this season by sharing holiday cheer with those who are less fortunate. There are so many ways to spread joy! You can bring some toys to the children’s ward at the local hospital to brighten up a sick child’s holiday. Use your time off from work to volunteer at a soup kitchen. Dress up your family in their ugliest Christmas sweaters and holiday hats before visiting the closest nursing home to put a smile on the residents’ faces.

WATCH THE BUCK

When you give, you always give most to yourself.

Nothing kills the holiday cheer like a mountain of debt. Stick to a budget when doing your holiday shopping and only spend what you can actually afford. Be extra careful not to overspend as the holidays draw near, and you’re experiencing pressure to finish your shopping in time. If you find yourself running low on funds, consider arranging a gift exchange, like a Secret Santa, or giving some homemade presents this year.

STICK TO A SCHEDULE

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Part of the holiday experience is enjoying late nights and/or early mornings. Sometimes, though, all that lazing around and lack of quality sleep can make stress levels soar. There’s no need to be a stickler for your regular routine on the holidays, but it’s a good idea to keep some sort of schedule. Make sure you’re getting enough shuteye, and if a physical workout is part of your daily routine, don’t neglect it over the holidays. You’ll always feel better BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 79

when you’re taking care of your body. And, if you’re mindful about your habits, you may not even have those extra pounds to work off in January!

PARTY SMART Cheers! Can I pour you another glass of … soda? If you like to party, you can end up getting sick over the holidays. All that heavy drinking and loading up on refined carbs can really do your body in. Do yourself a favor this year and watch what you imbibe. Enjoy a glass or two of your favorite alcoholic beverage, but try to keep the drinking to a minimum. Similarly, it’s OK to break your diet over Christmas, but it’s best not to go overboard. You don’t need to feel bloated and sick to enjoy the holidays. Keep the stress out by treating your body well.

DELEGATE Are you hosting a crowd this Christmas? Guests can be great fun, but all

the extra work can bring your stress levels through the roof. Here’s the good news: You don’t have to do it all! There’s nothing wrong and there’s everything right with asking for help. Don’t feel bad about having your guests and family members pitch in with cooking and cleaning. They’ll feel better, too, when they’re sharing the workload. Plus, everything is easier when there are more hands on deck.

GIVE UP THE GUILT

TAKE SOME “ME” TIME

A common cause for holiday stress is unrealistic expectations. It’s best not to build huge castles in the air by keeping your expectations to a minimum. There will probably be some minor, or even major, stressors this holiday, and not everything will turn out exactly as planned. All of that is OK. If you don’t expect perfection, you won’t be struggling with mountains of disappointment this holiday.

Whether you’re a closet introvert or you just need some time alone each day, the nonstop partying and a house full of guests can get to you after a while. It’s always a good idea to take care of yourself, and in the chaos of the holidays this need is often neglected. Consider running out to get yourself a manicure, taking a solitary half-hour walk or just locking yourself in your room after a long and loud day to savor the peace and quiet. You’re not being an antisocial snob if you need your “me” time; you’re just being human.

If you tend to overanalyze every interaction you have with family and friends, you can really beat yourself up over the holidays questioning everything you’ve said. Try to relax and to let go this season. So long as you’re reasonably pleasant and agreeable, you can give yourself a break.

LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Beat the blues and put the cheer back into the holidays this year!

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OAAC October 2019.indd 1

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NORMAN HOURS: Mon, Tues, Thurs 7:45am - 5:20pm Injection Hours 8:00am - 5:20pm

Main @ The Oklahoma Health Center 750 N.E. 13th, Oklahoma City

Meridian Medical Tower (Across from Mercy Hospital) 13321 N. Meridian, Suite 100, OKC

Shahan Stutes, M.D.

Appointments 405/235-0040

Friday 7:45am - 11:40am Injection Hours 8:00am - 11:40am Mold & Pollen Counts, Announcements on Social Media

www.oklahomaallergy.com 9/8/2019 3:32:51 PM

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BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

Spanish Wine is Fine

ecently having returned from Spain for the second time this year, I am enthusiastic about Spanish wine. Spain offers diverse vineyard environments and wineries there put effort into sustainable practices, producing consistent quality wine. Alborino and Verdeho are the backbones of the white wines. Granacha, Tempranillo and many other indigenous grapes add to the evolving wine industry. Wine making in Spain predates the Phoenicians, who established a wine industry in Cadiz, on the Southwest Atlantic Coast of Spain. The Romans followed, exporting Spanish wine throughout their Mediterranean empire. Wine making did not disappear during the Islamic period, but it blossomed again when the Aragon rulers started shipping wine to Italy. Spanish wines offer a great opportunity to get aged wine at a reasonable price. Many Spanish wines are aged longer than the legally required time, but these wines are available at prices much more competitive than similarly aged French or American wines. Tempranillo and Granacha are often found as a Tin-

LI F EST Y L E

to or Rioja without aging. Crianza has been aged at least a year in the barrel, Reserva two years and Gran Reserva four years. Albarino is a crowd pleaser and a perfect white wine for appetizers or with a traditional turkey. Ham is a staple of the Spanish diet so slightly-aged Tempranillo or Granacha compliment well with ham, as an appetizer or an entrée. Cava, which is made in the traditional French method, is perfect for a celebration, and a nice value. There are also several types of sherry, all of which are fortified, meaning the alcohol level exceeds 15 percent. Some sherry is very dry and light, while others are very sweet. Fino, Manzailla, Amontillado & Oloroso are dry sherries, good before or during a meal. Pedro Ximénez and Cream Sherry (a blend) are perfect for dessert. Happy Thanksgiving Kathy

H EA LT H

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Modeling Medicine

Norman Regional Debuts New High-Tech Simulation Training Lab

wo of Norman Regional Health Systems’ newest patients are creating quite a stir among hospital staff. Willie Makeit and Anita Healer are the stars of a new simulation lab and these high-tech mannequins can replicate a variety of medical situations, providing a host of training opportunities for hospital staff.

Photo by: Mark Doescher

“Being in medicine, you never know what curve balls you are going to get,” said Jake Cleveland, physician residency and graduate medical education coordinator. “With this new technology, we can model real-life situations to test our staff’s skills and ability to think in the moment.” The mannequins were purchased by Norman Regional’s Auxiliary Volunteer program, which manages businesses within the health system, including gift shops, scrub shops, coffee shops and a thrift shop. Proceeds from these volunteer-run businesses help fund a variety of projects within the Norman Regional Health System. Wendy Fieboydstreet.com

brich, the Auxilary’s executive director, said the lab’s potential impact was the main reason her department is funding the project. “When this project was presented to the Auxiliary executive board, they were amazed at the depth of the teaching capabilities (the mannequins) could provide – everything from starting an IV to a heart attack scenario,” Fiebrich said. “It will touch a lot of areas in the hospital.” The life-like mannequins are not designed to be confined to the simulation lab only. They can be used in multiple scenarios, including those outside of the hospital walls. Their flexibility promises to be a valuable tool in preparing staff for a multitude of scenarios in varying environments. Training simulations can be pre-programmed or controlled in real-time to respond to treatments and procedures just as a real patient would.

“It is important to have our staff ready for anything,” Cleveland said. “We could take the mannequins to the stadium to simulate an emergency and bring them all the way through to the hospital.” The mannequins’ versatile technology allows for a multitude of training scenarios, incorporating the team approach that is common in medicine. Registered nurse and nurse residency coordinator Cassie Chaffin said the lab will help facilitate interdisciplinary training. “The lab gives us a way to put applied knowledge into practice and get immediate feedback that will proactively increase our confidence in how we work as a team,” Chaffin said. The simulation lab team is just getting started, exploring all the options this new program has to offer, but Chaffin said the program’s main goal is to help staff be more proactive in the care of their patients.– BSM BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 91

COMM U N I T Y

NEW CENTRAL LIBRARY OPENS

BY: CHRISTIAN POT TS

The new Norman Public Library Central opened its doors for the first time on Sunday, Nov. 3, with a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening event. Normanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest library is a three-story, 79,000-square foot facility that houses a collection of about 270,000 items. The library is one of 12 operated by the Pioneer Library System and Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties. Learn more about the library system online at www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org or through the Pioneer Library System Connect App, available through the App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android.

96 | December 2019

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Boyd Street Dec Magazine

Articles inside

Bruce Morain NORMANITE IN THE SPOTLIGHT