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MILE HIGH MURDER MYSTERY
How Sooner Theatre’s Annual Event Supports the Arts
The Sooner Theatre’s upcoming adults-only annual Murder Mystery Production, The Mile DIE Club (Est. 1979), promises an evening of hilarious entertainment along with a delectable dinner provided by Benvenuti’s Ristorante and a cash bar.
The community-based fundraiser’s script is always written by a community member and is performed by community members as well.
“The entire thing is always about the community giving back to Sooner Theatre, and it’s incredible,” shared Nancy Coggins, Sooner Theatre’s PR & development director.
The upcoming musical murder mystery dinner event is written by local resident James Briggs. Briggs works for the City of Norman in the Parks & Recreation Department and is an incredible advocate for the Sooner Theatre and in their partnership with the city. Briggs has written and directed many murder mystery productions for the theatre over the past 15 years.
This year’s production features his idea of the “golden age of both travel and music” aboard an airline in
the quintessential 1970s. When a member of the flight crew is murdered, attendees will find themselves hilariously entertained and searching for clues.
The dinner and show will have mini-intermissions where audience members can “bribe,” or donate money to, cast members to get clues to solve the mystery. The higher the donations, the better the clues that are provided.
“It’s a really fun event and it’s hilarious in the best way. We had to add a night this year because we sold out so quickly last year,” shared Coggins.
The Mile Die Club will take place over four nights, Feb. 12-15. Tickets are $125 per person or tables for 10 can be purchased for $1250. Sponsorships are still available as well.
“We love our community theatre productions because they involve members of our community, so it’s fun to see an attorney or a local doctor or a teacher or somebody from the community up on the stage showing some of their talent that you would never have expected,” Coggins said. “We are a place
BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON
“Everyone deserves access to the arts.” - Nancy Coggins
where they can explore their creative side, and we love that we can entertain audiences in Norman. It’s an honor for us.”
The mission of the Sooner Theatre is to change lives, offer diverse perspectives, and create a cultural connection to the community through performing arts and arts education.
As a non-profit organization, the Sooner Theatre holds the murder mystery event yearly to raise funds for a variety of needs, including operation costs and upgrades. The majority of the proceeds focus on aiding their education programs and productions.
Performing arts classes, camps and productions all benefit from community members’ donations. The theatre produces about nine productions a year. Two of those are regular community theatre productions where anyone can audition. Seven are youth productions and are cast with students from the Studio of the Sooner Theatre.
The theatre’s education program has grown to become a year-round program with more than 55 different performing arts classes and camps and about 1300 enrolled students.
“We do not ever turn away a child because their family has an inability to afford tuition. Last year we gave about $61,000 in scholarships to 231 kiddos.” said Coggins.
The Studio of the Sooner Theatre offers classes for ages 3 to 18 in acting, musical theatre, magic, production and dance including ballet, jazz, hip hop and tap. Classes for students with special needs are available as well.
“Theatre is one of those team sports. It takes a team attitude, and it gives our kids some vital skills that they can use in whatever career or passion they pursue,” Coggins said. “Some of the best athletes have some theatre background and it gives you great interview skills.
“It allows our kids to understand creative and critical thinking skills, because very often, your stage partner will forget their lines and you have to figure out how to navigate that with a lot of people looking at you. These are skills that the theatre provides that will stay with students whatever path their life takes.”
The Sooner Theatre works with the City of Norman to update their historic 1929 building where productions come to life. Steps have been taken over the years to make the audience’s viewing experiences ADA accessible, without disturbing the historic character of the building. Upcoming goals include making the en-
tire theatre accessible. They are currently working on finding solutions that allow Studio students who are wheelchair-bound access to the stage and dressing rooms.
“We will be looking for our next batch of community theatre auditioners in August so get ready and warm up!” Coggins invited. “I’m always shocked at the level of talent that comes in. We try to bring in a professional actor to work alongside community volunteers at times and they get just as much out of it. It brings back some of the why and joy.”
Tickets for the murder mystery dinner and show can be purchased online at https://cur8.com/17260/project/127413.
To learn more about the upcoming shows and classes at the Sooner Theatre, visit soonertheatre.org.
Monthy story presented by: Norman Stamp & Seal
Double
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BSCIENTIST, EDUCATOR & VISIONARY LEADER
Honoring Berrien Moore III
errien Moore III loved tending to the orchids in his office on the University of Oklahoma campus and rooting for the home team nearly as much as he loved helping students and colleagues reach their full potential.
“He would come full of joy, like a child on Christmas Day, after a Sooner sports victory with a big smile,” recalled colleague Petra Klein. “It’s these little things that will be dearly missed just as much as his bright scientific mind.”
Moore, an internationally recognized Earth scientist who served as associate dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences as well as director of the National Weather Center, passed away Dec. 17. He was 83.
About 300 people gathered inside the National Weather Center on Jan. 4 to honor and celebrate Moore, who joined the University of Oklahoma faculty in 2010.
Bob Palmer, a School of Meteorology professor and the executive director of the Advanced Radar Research Center, was on the search committee that brought Moore to the University of Oklahoma.
“He had this charisma and sophistication, which were attractive,” Palmer said. “And I might even say he had this swagger about him that when he went into a room, he demanded respect. Not in any arrogant way at all, but you knew you were just going to respect this person.
“Even with this sophistication and swagger he made you feel very comfortable, and I think something important for the people he worked with was that he made you feel confident in yourself. He gave you that
confidence to try things, take risks that you wouldn’t normally do.”
Moore was a university researcher and NASA adviser who used data analysis to “show how the planet’s different systems are interrelated,” according to The New York Times, which published his obituary on Dec. 27.
“His contributions to science spanned the theoretical and the practical, giving birth to new fields of study in earth sciences,” the Times wrote. “He strove to explain them to the general public through a nonprofit news organization and by testifying numerous times before Congress.”
In 1992, Moore was awarded the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the agency’s highest civilian honor. Moore also led the team that shared the 2007 Nobel Prize with Al Gore.
“He had this ability to unite disciplines and unite people,” said University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. “He felt comfortable in a room and made everyone comfortable in that room, regardless of their rank.
“He united scholars and policy makers and global leaders and the private sector and the public sector. And he was a passionate educator, understanding that for all that he could do the real legacy will be those students that go on to lead in these disciplines as well.”
Longtime friend Edward Garland grew up with Moore in Atlanta, Georgia.
“He was a bit devilish. He was adventurous. He was a risk taker. He was a free person, and he loved to explore,” Garland told attendees. “Our interests weren’t academic; they were girls and cars. Or cars and girls and competitive sports and competition about the girls.
“But Berrien somehow became known as the person who could take an automobile engine apart, repair it, put it back together and he had never had any training at all.”
Moore was a backup quarterback whose mother was an actress and the voice you heard when you dialed a rotary phone to find out the time of day, according to Garland.
Mostly, the two friends engaged in “hilarious laughter.”
“Silly, foolish laughter that could come out of any conversation,” he said. “It was a magical thing that continued in my life with him. He was unique.”
Palmer said he admired how comfortable Moore was in any setting.
“He was in different settings, from arguing science with some of the smartest faculty that we have in the world. He could hang with all of them,” Palmer said.
“From walking the halls of Congress ... what he did with policy and our congressional delegation was amazing, to sitting down and talking with some high school kid with his parents. He could make everybody feel comfortable in that way, and I was always very impressed by that.”
Klein, associate dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, worked closely with Moore during “a time of many not always easy transitions.”
“In many ways we came from very different worlds, but our paths crossed,” she said. “We found common
BY: TIM WILLERT
language and he made me feel at home in the world of academia.”
Klein, who grew up in a small village in Germany, recalled a high school assignment that introduced her to “greenhouse gas concentrations and the impact on the earth’s climate” and her future OU colleague.
“At that time, I was likely, unknowingly reviewing papers that Berrien had contributed to,” she said. “So, I had no idea about the famous climate scientist, but it interested me to start my journey in science.”
Klein’s first introduction to Norman was the movie “Twister” in 1996.
“I was working on my Ph.D. in Germany,” she said. “I had no idea I would ever move to Norman, or that I would be listed with Berrien as advisers in the (sequel) ‘Twisters’ last year.
“Berrien, in his typical self, was very enthusiastic about the movie. He focused on the opportunities it provided for growing the interest in our meteorology programs.”
Klein called her and Moore a “good team” that was “always focused on the common-end goals of doing what is best for OU and the National Weather Center family.”
“Berrien cared deeply about the people, just as much as he cared about the science,” she said. “He valued our staff; he gave them opportunities to grow and to shine. And if a student was in need, Berrien found ways to support them.”- BSM
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FRESH SPINACH SALAD
Fresh Spinach, Sliced Apples, Sliced Strawberries, Candied Pecans, Queso Fresco, Tossed in a Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing
BREADED CHICKEN SANDWICH
Breaded Chicken, Pickle, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Honey Gold BBQ, Toasted Bun
RIBEYE STEAK WRAP
Ribeye Steak, Fresh Spinach, Tomato, Red Onion, Queso Fresco, Horseradish Mayo. Served Hot
POPPIN’ FRIED CHEESE ANDOUILLE is Back All-Star Dog
Andouille Sausage, Tomato, Onion, Pickle, Spicy Mustard, Toasted Hoagie
Lightly Breaded Cheese Curds. Served with Marinara
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
Norman Public Schools is constructing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) labs in each of the district’s 17 elementary schools, funded by the 2023 bond.
The Norman Public Schools Foundation recently announced a $500,000 gift to provide curriculum and supplies for the labs, marking the foundation’s largest single investment to date.
“A couple of years ago, when conversations began about building the STEAM labs, the foundation sat down with the administration team to discuss how we could help make these spaces all they could be,” said Executive Director Alesha Leemaster. “We are delighted to be able to help fulfill that vision.”
Construction of the aptly named Foundation Labs will be completed over several years as part of the district’s overall bond construction plan. However, thanks to the foundation’s donation, NPS elementary students are already participating in cross-curricular learning activities.
For example, in a unit combining art, engineering and computer coding, kindergarten students crafted gingerbread houses with Christmas light shows.
“They were so excited, it really made learning fun,” Leemaster shared. “No matter where your student goes to school, they will have a very similar experience.”
Leemaster anticipates the labs will have a lasting impact that extends beyond elementary classrooms.
“Norman elementary students are going to be ahead of the curve as they go into middle school and high
school, so it is going to change those programs as well,” she explained. “The labs will level the playing field for the whole district.”
In addition to funding for the STEAM labs, the foundation awarded $164,000 in classroom grants last fall to teachers across the district, purchased flight simulators for the Oklahoma Aviation Academy, provided financial assistance for students in the district’s new associate degree program, and offered summer enrichment scholarships for students in need.
“We work year-round to be able to offer these experiences for Norman students,” Leemaster said. “We have really hardworking board members, and the Norman community is so generous. We are filled with gratitude for our donors that believe in us, in our teachers and students.”
Last year, the foundation also introduced STEM Tank, a Shark Tank-style competition where elementary and middle school students collaborate to solve real-world problems.
In last year’s event, students designed airports of the future. This year, on Feb. 26, students will present designs intended to improve the lives of people with illnesses or disabilities.
“This is where ideas of the future are born,” Leemaster said. “Students also get to practice important skills like research, public speaking and teamwork.”
Sponsorship opportunities for the STEM Tank event are still available. Learn more about other ways to support the foundation at npsfok.org. – BSM
BY: SHARLA
A COMMON BOND
Local Family Pursues Same Career Field, Credits Moore Norman for Preparation
The Yadon family shares a passion for the trades and a deep appreciation for the place that trained them.
Norman residents Steve Yadon and his sons, Josh and Seth, pursued careers in heating, ventilation and air conditioning after graduating from Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC).
Josh and Seth now work on the HVAC team at the University of Oklahoma, while Steve serves as the director of construction trades at MNTC. All three credit the technology center for providing opportunities and preparing them for success in the field.
Steve said students, like his sons, who are interested in trade careers — such as HVAC, electrical work, carpentry and cosmetology — can explore the variety of jobs available in these fields while gaining the knowledge and training needed to be job-ready.
MNTC offers programs for adults and high school juniors and seniors. Steve noted the trade fields are growing rapidly and in need of skilled professionals to fill open positions.
“There’s a lot of opportunities when (students) leave here,” he said.
Steve said he’s honored that his sons chose a similar career, and he’s thrilled to see them find rewarding jobs.
“It’s pretty cool to have people that speak your language,” Josh added.
The brothers said the HVAC field offers competitive
wages and opportunities for continued education, advancement and job fulfillment.
Seth works on heating, cooling and refrigeration systems at OU. He enjoys the variety of projects and “the satisfaction of helping people,” he said. Watching his father, grandfather and uncles pursue careers in the trades inspired him to follow a similar path.
For Seth, MNTC was “a great environment to learn” because it continually focuses on the future and equips students with essential skills.
Josh works in building automation at OU, which includes programming building functions and monitoring and controlling heating, cooling, ventilation and related equipment. The job offers him the chance to do hands-on work and engage his mind.
“Every day, I’m learning something new,” Josh said. “I leave work every day feeling accomplished.”
Josh’s interest in HVAC also grew from observing his family. He said MNTC’s curriculum, instruction and training “helps make you job-ready.”
Steve believes MNTC has positively impacted his family and other graduates who have found fulfilling careers thanks to the training and experiences provided by the center.
“We’re in the business of better tomorrows and changing lives,” he said.
For more information about MNTC’s trade programs, visit mntc.edu. – BSM
Seth, Steve and Josh Yadon
The concept of playing the game of baseball one pitch at a time is both simple and profound. Spend time with head coach Skip Johnson, and you’ll often hear this philosophy emphasized.
Year after year, Skip Johnson challenges the Oklahoma baseball team to focus on each pitch, staying present in the moment. This message has become a cornerstone of the program, contributing to the team’s ongoing success as a consistent postseason contender.
As the Sooners prepare for the 2025 season and the challenge of the toughest conference in college baseball, a talented pitching staff and a solid core of returning offensive talent has Oklahoma poised to compete at the highest level.
“The game doesn’t care how you feel,” Skip Johnson said. “You can go 0 for 5 or 5 for 5… you just gotta keep playing the game one pitch at a time.”
Last year, during the Sooners’ final season in the Big 12, Oklahoma won the regular season crown, an incredible parting gift as they prepared to move to the SEC.
The Sooners finished one win shy of capturing the Big 12 Tournament title, earning the No. 9-overall seed in the NCAA Tournament and returning postseason baseball to L. Dale Mitchell Park for the first time in over a decade.
The Sooners ultimately fell to Connecticut in the Norman Regional after forcing an “if-necessary” game but came up short of the Super Regionals. OU finished its final season in the Big 12 with a 40-21 record.
“Our watermark, what we plan for is to go to Omaha every year, and that’s what we practice every day for, to win the last game of the year,” Skip Johnson said. “We get after it and play hard and that’s what we’re about.”
The Sooners have made the postseason in each of the last three seasons, including a trip to Omaha in 2022 that ended in the Championship Series of the College World Series. As other programs pursued the Sooner skipper, this offseason Skip Johnson renewed his commitment to Oklahoma, thanks to a commitment from the administration and the Kimrey family.
The Sooners received a $20 million donation to the baseball and football programs, the largest in the history of the baseball program. The donation, from Bartlesville residents Brian and Kim Kimrey, came just weeks after the Sooners joined the SEC and days after Skip Johnson signed a new deal with the Sooners.
“It’s a partnership… with the Kimrey family,” Johnson said. “What they’ve done is incredible and we’ve got to
continue to get our facility a lot better. That’s going to be the biggest deal going forward, we’re going to be playing in these nice facilities and if we want to be like those guys, we need to recruit to those facilities as well.
“We’ve got to continue trying to raise money to build our facilities because we are the University of Oklahoma. We’ve got to act like that, we’ve got to practice like that, we’ve got to have facilities like that, if we’re going to go all-in, let’s go all-in.”
The Sooners have gone all in as they prepare to compete in the most challenging conference in college baseball.
“We couldn’t be more excited as a group,” Sooner standout Scott Mudler said of the move to the SEC. “This is what you play for. You want to be on the biggest stage, you want to play against the best talent in the world. The SEC, there is no doubt it’s the best conference in the country for baseball. The home series are going to be great for the fans.”
The SEC is loaded with tradition and talent. Georgia was the first SEC team to dogpile in Omaha in 1990 against Oklahoma State. Then one year later LSU won its first of five national championship titles under then-coach Skip Bertman.
Since 2010, the SEC has won eight of the last 13 CWS championship series. 14 SEC teams have appeared in the CWS championship series —finishing either as the national champion or runner-up — in the last 15 years. Since 1990, eight different SEC teams have won a National Championship.
It’s deep, it’s talented, it’s challenging. But the Sooners know the approach - one pitch at a time.
“It’s still business as usual. It’s still 60 feet 6 inches and the bases are 90 feet,” Skip Johnson said. “The difference is going to be in the environment. You’re going to be in a football type environment in a baseball setting.”
The Sooners enter 2025 with plenty of momentum. As has been the case in recent years, the team’s strength should come on the mound, led by twin right-handed prospects Kyson and Malachi Witherspoon. The development of LSU transfer lefty Cameron Johnson under the tutelage of Skip Johnson will be a key factor as part of the OU rotation.
The Sooners have plenty of other arms, including the likes of JUCO transfers LHP Cade Crossland, RHP Dylan Tate and LHP Beau Sampson. Also returning for the Sooners are senior right-handed pitchers Dylan Crooks and Reid Hensley and sophomore RHP Jacob Gholston.
BY: CHRIS PLANK
ARMED & RELOADED
2025 Sooner Baseball
Kyson Witherspoon
The bottom line is the ability of Johnson and his staff to develop talent during an era where the roster is constantly changing with the transfer portal. Newcomers like Cameron Johnson have a chance to make an impact in 2025. Out of high school, he was ranked by Perfect Game as the No. 2 left-handed pitcher and the No. 11 overall player in the nation. He was ranked as the No. 42 overall prospect in the nation entering the June 2023 Draft by MLB Pipeline.
“We have a ton of new guys in the locker room. There are so many that can come in and make a big impact,” Scott Mudler said. “Cam Johnson is a big-time lefty that can really help us out. He’s had experience in the SEC.”
The strength of the pitching staff is in the returning foundation, including the Witherspoon twins. The breakout star of 2024 might have been Kyson Witherspoon. The transfer from Northwest Florida State College excelled in his first season in a Sooner uniform. He was selected as a USA Baseball Collegiate National Team member and named a Midseason All-American by Perfect Game.
Kyson Witherspoon led OU with a 3.71 ERA in 80.0 IP and registered an 8-3 record. Notching 90 strikeouts to 40 walks, he combined one shutout and earned one save finishing with a 6-1 record in conference play with 57 strikeouts to 21 walks.
“He’s done a great job. His competitive spirit and his poise are what make him so good,” Skip Johnson said.
His twin brother Malachi Witherspoon also played for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team and stepped up as the Sooner closer. Overall, he made 21 appearances on the mound primarily in the closer role, leading the team with five saves.
Offensively in 2025, the Sooners will have a much different look with several new faces. The OU lineup that was an absolute machine last season will be replacing some big names such as right fielder Bryce Madron, first baseman Michael Snyder, third baseman Anthony Mackenzie and left fielder Kendall Pettis. Add to the mix John Spikerman and Jackson Nicklaus and the Sooners will be replacing six of the nine starters.
OU does return 2024 NCBWA All-American junior catcher Easton Carmichael, sophomore all-conference infielder Jaxon Willits, sophomore outfielder Jason Walk and senior catcher Scott Mudler.
During the fall, the offense was sparked by Carmichael, Walk and Dasan Harris, an impressive surprise as Harris saw limited action in 2024 behind a veteran outfield. JUCO transfers Dawson Willis (INF) and Brandon Cain (OF) showed they should be in the starting mix with their speed and defensive abilities.
With all the new faces, the fall was a learning process to prepare the team.
“We lost a lot and brought a lot of guys in,” Skip Johnson said. “Whether it’s when we show up at the ballpark to how hard we practice, all those little details, we have great leadership to help us along and let them know how we’re going to handle our business.”
One pitch at a time, one practice at a time, one day at a time. That mentality sounds so easy, but as Oklahoma prepares for a ton of “new” in 2025, the consistency of its coaching staff and their approach breeds confidence among its players.
“All the coaches on our staff have a little different way of coaching, but when it’s not time for baseball, we can talk to any of the coaches about anything,” Mudler said of the coaching staff. “They love having a good time and they love cracking jokes.
“But when it’s time to play baseball, they know exactly how to get that fire into us. They turn it up a notch. Motivating the players is the biggest thing they do.” – BSM
Jaxon Willits
BRIDGES PROM 2.0
Local Nonprofit Empowers Students with Education and Support
For many years, Bridges has been empowering high school students in family crises to pursue their education without obstacles. Bridges Executive Director Stacy Bruce said their students are facing homelessness due to no fault of their own.
“These students have experienced a family crisis and don’t have a safe place to live but are still interested in graduating from high school,” Bruce said.
Education is a cornerstone of Bridges’ mission. All students supported by the program must be enrolled or eligible to enroll in high school.
Although Bridges partners with Norman Public Schools, the Norman Housing Authority, the United Way of Norman, and local businesses and individuals, additional support is needed to meet the growing needs of students.
To aid in these efforts, the 12th annual Bridges Prom 2.0 will take place on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Embassy Suites in Norman. This year’s theme is “Legacy of Love.”
Inspired by a high school prom, the event was created by a Norman Chamber of Commerce leadership class in partnership with Bridges as a fun and unique fundraiser.
“The reason for the Bridges Prom is to raise money,” Bruce explained. “The leadership class came up with the idea to have king and queen candidates, just like at a regular high school prom but with a twist.
“Adult community leaders run for prom royalty and the candidate couple who raises the most money is crowned the night of the prom,” Bruce said.
Prom candidates are out in the community asking for donations to support Bridges. They get donations or sell tables and sponsorships to the event. This year’s candidates are: Isaac and Samantha Badayos, David and Jenny Goodspeed and Steve and Taylor McDaniel.
“Whether your high school prom was a fairytale dream or an awkward memory you’d rather forget, this is a chance for a “do-over,” but this time with all the wisdom and fun of adulthood,” Bruce said.
Participants can dress in their favorite decade’s prom attire and indulge in dancing, appetizers, a photo booth and cocktails.
Proceeds from the prom directly support student expenses, covering essentials such as food, clothing and vital records like IDs, birth certificates and Social Security cards. Funds also help with work-related needs, over-the-counter medications, school fees and apartment necessities.
To learn more about Bridges and the Prom 2.0 event, visit bridgesnorman.org.– BSM
PLANNING FOR A PROSPEROUS FUTURE FOR ALL NORMANITES
Anew year brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Achieving desired growth often causes us to stretch our physical and mental limits. Consider the daily commitment it takes to break your personal best in a run or lift, or the extra effort you put forth to establish a new sales record at work. Whatever the case, we regularly set growth goals to better ourselves.
Our city government sets yearly and even longer goals for growth. Nowhere is this more evident than in the update to their land use plan, called the Area and Infrastructure Master Plan, AIM Norman.
For well over a year, a citizen’s steering committee has been working to update the land use plan. This planning document is critical for future residential and commercial development. It will inform a myriad of decisions our city council will make in the coming years.
Early in the process a decision was reached concerning Norman’s projected population growth. The committee followed historical trends and projected a modest 1.50% growth rate, which means Norman is expected to reach 185,000 in population by 2045. This growth target is important as we consider how to retain and attract workforce to drive our local economy.
The University of Oklahoma is experiencing and planning for growth, they are defying national college enrollment trends. OU continues to set freshmen enrollment records, experiencing double-digit percentage increases. No doubt some of their student growth is attributable to OU joining the Southeastern Conference.
Last year the Chamber was proud to join other community partners and the University as we flipped the switch and woke up in the SEC on July 1st. Last fall we saw an influx of new fans from across the SEC who enjoyed all Norman has to offer. We saw increased overnight hotel stays during sporting events, and new dollars flowed into the local economy. This spring will provide many more opportunities for us to cast our net wide and welcome visitors to our community for their first impression.
The right public policies will play a decisive role in ensuring we can grow the economy faster and create op-
portunities for all Normanites. At 3% annual economic growth, a child born today could see their living standard double by their early 20s, compared to their mid30s under 2% growth. This small percentage change makes a significant difference in a person’s ability to purchase a home or car, save for a child’s college education, invest in Norman’s social service safety net, or contribute to our thriving arts scene.
Growth will increase job opportunities, housing stock, your business’s bottom line and Norman’s prosperity. Let us grow together and create a vibrant Norman. - BSM
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NORMAN NORTH TIMBERWOLVES
Boys Golf
Norman North boys golf enters the 2025 spring season with new faces across the board. The Timberwolves will be led by first-year head coach J.R. Hurley, who takes over after spending three seasons as an assistant coach.
“It helps a lot already knowing the guys,” Hurley said. “Honestly, our team structure’s not going to change much. I’ve been in the program for four years now, so I know what to do.”
Hurley played at Norman North and graduated in 2004 before heading to Sam Houston to play collegiately.
Hurley inherits the reins of a Norman North program that captured its first boys golf state championship in 2022. As North looks to attain those heights once more, the Timberwolves are turning to a number of new contributors.
“It’s a developmental year,” Hurley said. “We’ve got a big group of juniors that need to gain some experience. Right now, our goal is we’re just trying to get better.”
Junior Hayden Russ was Norman North’s four-bag last year. Now, he steps into the No. 1 bag for the Timberwolves. Hurley said that Russ has had some good success throughout his Norman North career.
Other names to be on the lookout for include juniors Jack Austin and Hayes Gladhill along with sophomore Hayes Venk.
Norman North is excited about hosting its home tournament at Belmar Golf Club during the 2025 season. The Timberwolves also have dates at Cedar Ridge, Forest Ridge, Meadowbrook and Bailey Ranch.
Girls Golf
Norman North girls golf jumps into the 2025 spring season with lofty aspirations. After a fourth-place finish as a team last spring at State, the Timberwolves have their sights set on capturing the program’s first-ever girls golf state championship.
“We don’t want to limit ourselves with anything other than trying to go win the whole thing,” head coach Butch Roberts said. “I think if everybody plays to their potential, we’re a factor this year. The teams that win it, you’ve got to have quality scores from
your three, four and five bag, and I feel more confident in that this year than I ever have.”
Though Norman North graduated Syrah Javed who earned a fifth-place finish at the 6A girls state golf tournament last year, the Timberwolves are bringing in a talented move-in freshman in Harlow Gregory.
“She’s probably the best player her age in the state if not this general area,” Roberts said of Gregory.
Norman North returns last year’s individual state champion in junior Juliana Hong. Hong shot 70-71 at Stillwater Country Club to capture the individual state title by three strokes.
The T-Wolves also return senior Cesily Covey, junior Charlotte Haws and sophomore Brooklyn Broach to make up the rest of their starting five.
Roberts lauded that group for their dedication and said it’s that drive that makes his group special.
“Their level of commitment, their competitiveness, their drive to win, their work ethics are off the chart,” he said. “It’s not by accident that they’re as good of players as they are. It’s due to the hours they put in and the commitment to their craft.”
Norman North’s first varsity event will be on March 24 for the Southmoore Invitational at Westwood Park Golf Course.
BY: JOSH HELMER
Boys Tennis
Norman North boys tennis enters the 2025 season looking to replace a big group of seniors. That has Norman North head boys tennis coach Kirk Hays cu-
rious how some of his younger players will perform as they handle larger roles.
“I’m excited to see how the younger guys will be able to kind of step up into the varsity positions,” Hays said. “It’s a great group of kids.”
Norman North does have several key returners. The Timberwolves get senior Kale Jeffrey back into the fold as their No. 1 singles option. Jeffrey was one half of North’s No. 1 doubles team from last season.
Norman North brings back its No. 2 doubles squad from last season in seniors Chandler and Chase LaBrie. That combination is jumping into their No. 1 doubles.
Hays is also excited about the growth that he’s seen from junior Josh Booze, a JV player for Norman North a season ago. Booze is stepping into the No. 2 singles slot.
“He must have worked really hard over the summer,” Hays said. “He’s just improved a tremendous amount compared to where he was last year.”
In terms of its goals, North hopes it can make that annual trip to the Oklahoma City Tennis Center.
“One of our general goals is always just to make it to State,” Hays said. “A loftier goal than that is to make it to the second day of State. Anything beyond that would just be kind of gravy.”
Norman North’s roster is built with players whose sole athletic focus is on tennis.
“It’s crazy to say, but it’s actually 100 percent of the kids on the tennis team are just tennis-only. We don’t have anyone on the team that is involved with another sport,” Hays said. “I think it’s more and more common. You kind of have to pick what sport you want to put all your attention towards. Otherwise, it’s just tough.”
Norman North’s season officially begins in March. One of the early-season dates that the Timberwolves are looking forward to is the March 11 trek to Ardmore.
Girls Tennis
Norman North girls tennis enters the spring 2025 season with confidence in its No. 1 and No. 2 singles players.
Junior Miranda Huang will work as the Timberwolves’ No. 1 singles player, while senior Lindee Rex returns to handle No. 2 singles for Norman North.
Head girls tennis coach Phil Corbett is confident that Huang will be in the mix for a top-eight finish at State.
“Miranda is a big hitter. She’s a baseline hitter,” Corbett said of Huang. “If the other player is good enough to get it back, she’ll put it in the other corner.”
During her T-Wolf career, Rex has bounced between No. 1 and No. 2 singles. Injuries have derailed her career at times, but she is healthy and motivated entering her final spring with the program.
“My goal for those two singles girls is to get them to finish top eight this year at State,” Corbett said. “I believe they can do it. They both work really hard outside of our practices.”
One doubles combination to watch is senior Madi Smith and sophomore Natalie Pratt. That pairing could very well wind up as North’s No. 1 doubles team, but that is still to be decided. Smith and Pratt were North’s No. 2 doubles team a season ago.
After her North career concludes, Smith is headed to John Brown University in Arkansas.
Other names to watch include senior Ava Marx and juniors Lillian Dai and Gloria Chen. Corbett and Norman North are also excited about freshmen Oriana Smith and Josefina Barbara.
Norman North begins its season with a 16-team tournament at Carl Albert on March 1.
“I like those big tournaments. It really lets the girls know how fit they are, where they stand,” Corbett said.– BSM
NORMAN TIGERS
Boys Golf
The season goals are always high for head coach Gregg Grost and the Norman High boys golf team. The Tigers have had great success because of their talent and depth, and the goal once again is to make it to the 6A Championship at Forest Ridge.
The strength of the Norman Tigers is the number of golfers competing for a starting role. It’s a group that features young talent and experienced golfers.
“With 12 sophomores and freshmen on the team, we are a young team with a hungry group behind the starters,” Grost said. “We have proven experience at the top of the lineup and five or six younger players who eat, sleep and drink playing competitive golf.”
Junior Benson Diehm started on the 2023 State Championship team and won his first event during the summer of 2024. Diehm finished in the top three two other times last season.
“He must take the next step as the top player on the team and challenge in each event,” Grost said. “His
strength is his swing mechanics and work ethic.”
Sophomore Keagan Hager was a starter in every event during his freshman season and can drive the ball. He has great course management, according to Grost.
Junior Grant Maher is a transfer from Tuttle High School. Maher stepped into an immediate starter role, but the key for Maher to contend early in the season is concentrating on his mental game.
The Tigers have a young freshman Maverick Beeson who has great size for a young golfer. He had impressive scores in his junior high career.
The most important event for the Tigers is the 6A Regional Championship. Norman High was a runner up last year, so they are motivated to win it all.
Girls Golf
Norman High’s girls golf team is looking to make huge improvements under first year head coach C.W. Cook. The Tigers return all five golfers from last year’s state tournament team, which is a huge
Tatum Smith & Logan Jakus
bonus to have when making a deep run.
With the new ruling of competing in tournaments during the fall, the Tigers have gotten plenty of reps before the 2025 spring season begins.
Senior Logan Jakus is a strong golfer, who recently committed to play at Bethany College. Jakus is known as a big hitter off the tee box and does an excellent job of posting low scores for her team.
Senior Tatum Smith is expected to help out the team in a big way. Smith will be seeing more playing time in her last season at the high school level.
The glue of the team is junior Elise Bamborough. Bamborough is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team, and she is the best putter, according to Cook. The Tigers will have some sophomores and freshmen that will also contribute throughout the season.
Cook has big goals for his team in his first year.
“We want to win the academic state championship,” he said. “Last year, the girls received an Academic Achievement Award for maintaining a cumulative GPA at or above a 3.25. We also want to qualify for the state tournament again, and finish in the Top 10.”
Important competitions for the Tigers include the Crosstown Clash and the COAC Tournament.
Boys Tennis
The Norman High boys tennis team is geared up for another season in 2025, as they look to compete at a high level with key returners back from a year ago. Head Coach Marc Laugrand wants to see his team translate the things they’ve done in practice to their matches.
“Our goal for this season is to consistently put into practice the new strategies and techniques we’ve been working on all year,” Lugrand said. “In addition to preparing for a more challenging schedule, our team is excited about hosting a few duals on our home courts this season.”
The Tigers return one of their doubles pairings. Senior Owen Willenborg looks to build off a strong junior season with his powerful groundstrokes and quick hands. His doubles partner will be junior Patrick Hopper. Hopper and Willenborg have shown great chemistry throughout practice.
The No. 1 singles player will be junior Keon Azadi. Azadi switched from basketball to tennis this year and has continued to get better on the court. He provides great work ethic, athleticism and a positive attitude to the boys team. Azadi will be looked at as a leader for the Tigers in the 2025 season.
BY: CONNOR PASBY
Sophomore Milan Szendrei played doubles last season for the team but has emerged as a solid singles player. Szendrei has length and consistent groundstrokes that will make him a weapon for the varsity team.
“I have great appreciation for our team’s competitive spirit, high energy and commitment to improvement. They truly make this job an adventure and keep me enthusiastic about our upcoming season together,” Lugrand said.
Girls Tennis
Information on the Norman High girls tennis team was not available at the time of publication.– BSM
Keagan Hager
HOW TO RECOVER FROM A FINANCIAL SETBACK
Financial setbacks are an unfortunate reality that almost everyone faces at some point in life. The good news is, you can recover and bounce back stronger. Here’s a guide on how to regain control of your finances after a setback, reduce stress and rebuild a solid financial foundation.
1. ASSESS THE SITUATION HONESTLY
The first step in financial recovery is understanding its scope. This requires an honest assessment of your finances. List all your debts, calculate your monthly expenses and then review your assets. Knowing your financial situation can relieve some uncertainty and create a foundation for moving forward.
2. PRIORITIZE YOUR EXPENSES
When you’re in financial recovery mode, prioritizing expenses is crucial. Focus on needs over wants to make the most of your resources:
Essential expenses like housing, food and utilities should always come first.
Debt payments should be prioritized based on interest rates and minimum payments. Paying off high-interest debt can prevent it from growing further.
Non-essential expenses like dining out, subscriptions and entertainment should be minimized or cut out temporarily.
This short-term budget shift may feel restrictive, but it’s a powerful way to free up funds that you can use toward debt reduction or savings.
3. CREATE A DEBT REPAYMENT PLAN
If your setback has left you with debt, devising a repayment plan can help you regain financial stability. Consider strategies like:
• The debt snowball method. Focus on paying off the smallest debt first, then move to the next one. This can provide a sense of progress and motivation.
• The debt avalanche method. Prioritize debts with the highest interest rates first. While it may take longer to see progress, this approach can save more money over time.
4. BUILD AN EMERGENCY FUND
If you’ve been through a financial setback, your emergency fund has likely been depleted and needs to be built up. While it may seem impossible to save
while recovering, even small contributions can add up over time. Aim for an initial goal of at least $500$1,000, then gradually work toward saving three to six months worth of expenses, as recommended by financial experts.
5. CONSIDER EARNING EXTRA INCOME
Supplementing your primary income can accelerate your recovery and reduce financial stress. There are several ways to earn extra income, depending on your skills and schedule. First, you can freelance or do gig work. Online platforms, like Fiverr and Indeed, offer opportunities in fields ranging from writing to graphic design and consulting, while ride-sharing platforms, like Uber and Lyft, allow you to accept gigs on your schedule. You can also work part-time in retail or at other seasonal positions. Finally, you can pad your pockets by selling unused items you no longer need on platforms like eBay.
6. SET NEW FINANCIAL GOALS
A positive mindset is critical during financial recovery. Shifting your focus from the setback to the future can help you stay resilient and motivated. Set achievable, short-term financial goals, such as paying down a specific amount of debt each month or saving a set amount each paycheck.
Use this guide to bounce back better from a financial setback or give OU Federal Credit Union a call at 405-325-2211 to meet with one of the Financial Service Representatives.
IT’S HOW SOONERS BANK !
ORTHO STAT EXPANDS
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
Ortho Stat, a same-day orthopedic care clinic affiliated with Ortho Central, recently opened a new, expanded location in Norman. The clinic also added extended hours, accepting walk-in patients from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.
“We moved into the new clinic Dec. 23,” shared Joe Bourland, a certified physician’s assistant with the clinic. “It’s brand new and totally built for our needs.”
In the new facility, Ortho Stat doubled the number of clinic rooms, adding additional staff to ensure limited wait times.
“Due to patient demand, we felt we could provide more opportunities to our patients,” said Chris Travis, another certified physician’s assistant with the clinic.
Travis and Bourland, who both have more than 25 years of experience in orthopedic care, serve as the clinic’s two primary providers. Travis and Bourland appreciate the specialty’s hands-on nature and the ability to resolve patient issues.
Ortho Stat provides care for patients ages 2 and up, treating closed fractures, cuts and lacerations, dislocations, joint pain, sprains and strains, including sports- and work-related injuries, on a walk-in basis. No appointment or referral necessary.
“Our clinic is popular with patients because of the convenience and how quickly we can treat their injuries,” Travis said. “We can save patients time and perhaps additional visits because we’ve done the x-rays and other screenings.”
Bourland added that patients “benefit from the expeditious care they provide” because of their connection with Ortho Central.
“We get you into the right treatment and therapy quickly and you’ll leave with a referral to a specialist to best manage your treatment,” he explained. “We can likely get patients in to see a specialist quicker.”
Ortho Stat is now located at 3400 W. Tecumseh Rd., Suite 100, just north of the Ortho Central office near Norman Regional Hospital. For more information, visit orthocentralok.com.– BSM
BY: LINDSAY
HEART HEALTH IN FOCUS
Tackling Heart Disease with Awareness and Action
February is Heart Month and, according to the American Heart Association, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for more than a century. Despite this tenure at the top, a recent survey conducted on behalf of the association found that more than half of the people surveyed were unaware of this fact.
In fact, heart disease and stroke claim more lives than all forms of cancers and chronic lower respiratory disease combined.
Dr. Robin Singh, a cardiac electrophysiologist with Norman Regional, emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns like Heart Month.
“Periodic reminders offer extra focus on the small yet impactful changes we can make to improve our cardiovascular health,” he explained.
Singh pointed to prioritizing attainable changes.
“I think people sometimes set the bar too high and when they aren’t able to reach those goals that can deter them from continuing,” he cautioned. “Your health journey isn’t always a linear process, don’t let that discourage you.”
To support cardiovascular health, Singh suggested focusing on one or two lifestyle changes at a time.
Key areas to prioritize include:
• Avoiding tobacco
• Getting six to eight hours of sleep each night
• Eating a well-balanced diet
• Moderating caffeine intake
• Incorporating 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise four to five days a week
• Reducing stress
• Increasing social interaction
The American Heart Association offers strategies and inspiration to help create healthy, lasting habits at heart.org.
Dr. Singh joined Norman Regional to help build the cardiac electrophysiology program, a cardiology subspecialty that focuses on the heart’s electrical system. With the expansion of the Healthplex, now Norman Regional’s main hospital campus, the cardiac electrophysiology program will soon have its own dedicated space to treat patients dealing with heart arrhythmia conditions such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia.
“We have the latest technology, some of which we are one of only three hospitals in the world to have – France, Denver and Norman,” Singh said. “But it’s the people that make the facility.
“Cardiologists require an excellent team around us to provide high-quality care and we really have the best staff because they care about their community.”
Singh noted that while heart arrhythmia conditions affect a wide range of patients, most interventions significantly improve quality of life.
“Atrial fibrillation (AFIB) is the most common condition we treat, and the most common factor is age,” he shared. “If you are lucky enough to live long enough, you’ll likely develop AFIB.”
To learn more about the cardiac electrophysiology services at Norman Heart & Vascular Associates, visit normanregional.com/norman-heart-vascular-associates.– BSM
Mark Moses, MD has Joined Ortho Central
Norman has hear t
.
Norman Regional is at the heart of advanced cardiovascular care in southern Oklahoma. We proudly o er $50 heart scans with no referral required, plus a full range of heart services, including ablations, pacemakers and treatment for AFIB. We deliver award-winning care. With a cardiac catheterization lab and life-saving expertise nearby you’ll find compassionate, leading-edge heart care right down the road.
Bruce Cannon, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
More than 30 years of experience
Schedule your $50 heart scan today.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:
ROAD FOREMAN & FIRST DEPUTY PAUL MEYER
Paul Meyer started with Cleveland County on April 3, 1983. He was 18 years old.
“I was excited about having a job and getting paid,” he said. “I had always worked for my dad, and he never paid us so I was excited for the opportunity.”
Meyer’s brother Mark already worked for the county.
“We’re best friends and Mark liked it, so I came to work for Commissioner Gordon Jones,” he said.
Over the years, Meyer worked his way up through the District 2 road crew ranks.
“Commissioner Jacob McHughes is my fifth commissioner,” he said. “George Skinner was the hardest one to prove myself to, but once I did, we got a lot of road projects done. I worked for him for 22 years.”
Skinner fired Meyer when he took office, but after six months hired him back. It was during those years Meyer ascended to the position of road foreman and first deputy. At some point, Meyer’s brother moved to District 1, and they now hold similar positions.
“As first deputy, I hold the same responsibility as the county commissioner when he’s absent,” Meyer said.
That includes sitting in on Board of Commissioner meetings and voting on his commissioner’s behalf. While he has no political interest in the commissioner position, Meyer has strong feelings about his primary duty as a road foreman.
“I’m here to serve the people on behalf of the commissioner,” he said. “I’m very passionate about this job.”
The job often means long hours while he’s working snowstorms clearing roads, removing debris after a tornado, or dealing with the impacts of flooding.
“Ice and snow present the greatest challenge because we have to open so many road miles up and sand them so people can get to work and school buses can run,” he said.
That involves round-the-clock service with crews working 12-hour shifts.
“We don’t stop until every road is clear,” he said. “We clear them and then we cover them up with sand.”
Meyer also deals with the public.
“People’s biggest concern is usually the bar ditches and water running on their property or across driveways,” he said. “They also have issues about mowing.”
People don’t like overgrowth but can also get angry if the road crew has to remove trees at an intersection to clear the sight line. Public safety comes first, and Meyer explains the importance of sight distance in preventing crashes.
“I can usually defuse a person who’s angry and get them to understand,” he said. “Drivers have to be able to see stop signs and approaching traffic. I’m trying to implement a tree trimming program in the winter so we can get them trimmed back before they green out.”
He believes that will help the aesthetics and reduce complaints.
County districts often work together on road projects, and they work with the towns and cities throughout Cleveland County. As road foreman, Meyer manages all of these projects and navigates those relationships.
“I guess the best part is looking at what’s been accomplished in District 2 since I’ve been here,” he said. “I think we have the best roads in the county.”– BSM
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