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What’s Happening Norman’s community calendar for May Around Town Images from events around Norman Rose Rock Habitat for Nonprofit kicks off capital campaign to A Little More Country Riverwind’s Beats & Bites Festival returns Cleveland County’s Economic Renaissance

For Norman. By Norman.

Valliance Bank isn’t just another bank in Norman. We’re deeply rooted in this community and in creating meaningful relationships with our neighbors. Our commitment extends beyond banking – it’s about fostering genuine connections that make you stronger and help you grow. When you bank with us, you’re not banking with a bank in Norman. You’re banking with a Norman bank. Scan the code below; let us show you what Relationship Banking is all about.

SEE OUR STORY ON PAGE 18!

A NIGHT OF M A SKED REVELRY

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JUNE 1, 2024

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1 & 2 - Norman High School Tigerpalooza

3 through 6 - NPS Celebration of Excellence

7 & 8 - Red/White Game

9 & 10 - Startup 405 Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence

11 - NPS Foundation Hall of Honor

12

- Justin Yahola of Riverwind speaks at the NPS Foundation Hall of Honor

Our Women Stronger

Norman Regional has been named a 2024 Women’s Choice Award Best Hospital in five categories.

This is an evidence-based distinction that evaluates patient satisfaction, patient recommendations and the ability to align with women’s healthcare needs and preferences. We are proud to provide care tailored to the women in our community and we pledge to continue to earn this award recognition each day – and for years to come.

BY: CHELSEY KOPPARI

“Getting our clients into the home is only one stage,” Gardner explained. “Keeping them at home is part two, and part three is allowing them to maintain that home.” - President and CEO Randy Gardner

After almost 10 years, Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity and their ReStore will soon move to a different location, and the nonprofit is kicking off a capital campaign to raise funds to build its new home.

With the lease running out on the current Main Street location and the organization having outgrown the space, President and CEO Randy Gardner said it was the perfect opportunity to consider options for the future. Next year, the ReStore will relocate to 901 Sonoma Park Dr in Norman.

The ReStore supports Rose Rock’s mission of building homes, community and hope by selling new and used items including building materials, appliances, furniture and other household items, by putting the money generated from sales back into the organization’s programs. In addition to accepting donations from the community, Rose Rock also partners with companies like Lowe’s, Ashley and other local businesses, who provide overstock items or ones with dents or dings for the ReStore.

“The new ReStore is going to certainly enhance the shopping experience for our customers because we’ll have a much better facility suited to our customers’ needs,” Gardner said.

Along with the ReStore, the facility will host a Client Solution Center. This center will focus on meeting the needs of Rose Rock’s clients by serving as a space to talk to potential homebuyers and people who need repairs to their homes, providing financial literacy counseling, and hosting homeownership classes.

“Getting our clients into the home is only one stage,” Gardner explained. “Keeping them at home is part two, and part three is allowing them to maintain that home. We’ll teach them how to do basic maintenance and take care of routine stuff that allows them to do it more economically.”

More information about the capital campaign can be found at roserockhabitat.org/newrestore or by emailing questions to development@rrhabitat.org. The website includes links where people can donate, let

Rose Rock know if they would like to be an ambassador for the project, and sign up for updates.

“We’ve already purchased the land for the new building, and we also have to apply for grants,” shared Elle Shroyer, vice president of donor and community engagement. “For the larger grants we’ve looked at, we have to have a certain amount raised before we can apply, so we’re looking for those people who can help at the ground level.

“That can be as small as funding a square foot of the ReStore, which is $200, to funding a larger area for naming rights of different parts of the ReStore and the Client Solution Center.”

In addition to monetary donations, people can support the mission of Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity in a variety of ways, including volunteering at the ReStore, at events or with the construction team, helping to plan fundraisers, or by making material donations to the ReStore.

Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity, previously named Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity, serves all of Cleveland and Pottawatomie Counties. The move to Pottawattamie County was recent, with the opening of a ReStore in Shawnee in February.

According to Shroyer, a common misconception about Rose Rock is that by being part of Habitat for Humanity International, the local nonprofit receives funding from them. However, that is not the case as the international organization is there to provide resources to find grants and connect them with companies, not provide funding.

“All of our funding is local,” Shroyer explained. “We have grants, and we partner with local and national businesses. We are the local Habitat for our community, so it’s really important we have local support.” BSM

Riverwind’s Beats & Bites Festival Returns for 8th Season

Norman area residents looking for entertainment on a budget need to look no further than Riverwind Casino’s 2024 Beats & Bites presented by Michelob Ultra. The festivities include four concerts throughout the summer with a selection of local food trucks and retail vendors, inflatables and face painting for kids, all kicking off May 25.

In the festival’s eighth year, organizers are making some exciting changes. Instead of having an opener and a headliner, they will have two headliners for each festival performance. Musicians include Chris Janson, Easton Corbin and more.

“It’s something different. I don’t think anyone is doing anything quite like this,”, Heather Rudd said, the casino’s project manager. “It’s fun for the entire family - getting to support local businesses and see artists that you may never get the opportunity to see otherwise.”

Every year in February and March, local vendors apply to be a part of the Beats & Bites vendor lineup, and about 25 vendors are selected to participate in each festival performance.

“We have quite a few vendors who we call our OGs because they have been with us from the beginning,” Rudd said. “They get to grow their business as well as see the crowd and enjoy the show.”

Rudd says a lot goes into planning and setting up for each event, including about two weeks of preparations for each vendor, but the hard work also brings with it unique experiences, like riding electric scooters around the casino campus with the 90s American rock band Everclear.

“It’s been a lot of fun to get to know these artists on that level and see that they are enjoying the event too,” Rudd said.

The most popular event in the festival’s 8-year history has been Scotty McCreery, selling over 10,000 tickets. The next most popular was Gary Allan with close to 9,000 tickets sold.

The festival is not just for adults, each event includes inflatables and face painting for kids, as well as snow cones, Dippin’ Dots and appearances from the OKC Thunder Girls and Rumble.

Tickets are available for pre-purchase on the Riverwind Casino website for $10 per person. Children 12 years and under are free. Visit riverwind.com/entertain/beats-and-bites/ for more information.– BSM

BY: VICTORIA STEPHENS

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Pre-purchase your tickets.

• Bring your own chairs, seating is limited.

• Any items brought in are subject to bag check. New this year, a nobag line is available to streamline entry.

• Sealed water bottles and baby bottles are the only food and beverage items allowed.

• Photo and video is allowed.

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CULTI VATING INTER EST

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

Bountiful Partnership Encourages Students to Garden

Anew garden in Norman is expected to offer a bounty of benefits to local students. The city of Norman and the Cleveland County Cooperative Extension Office have partnered to establish a garden for students at the 12th Avenue Recreation Center. The project, which kicked off in March, is a way to expand kids’ knowledge about gardening and, hopefully, inspire them to develop a lifelong green thumb.

The garden also can serve as an interactive teaching space and help kids learn more about “where their food comes from,” said Colin Zink, city forester.

Students will be able to work with members of the Cleveland County Master Gardener Association during the summer to learn more about gardening. Representatives with the extension office will be providing technical assistance as students get hands-on experience helping to maintain the garden, said Courtney DeKalb-Myers, county extension director and horticulture educator at the Cleveland County office.

“We’ll be there to guide them along the way,” said DeKalb-Myers. “We also will provide educational programming to encourage their expansion of knowledge on gardening topics and the environment around them.”

Zink developed the idea after working with the extension office in other programs and wanted to explore ways that students could work on a garden year-round. The recreation center offers after-school and summer programs for children. He then discussed the idea with DeKalb-Myers and representatives with the city’s parks and recreation departments.

“Everybody I talked to said, ‘Yes, let’s do it,” he said.

The garden features three raised beds that are 4 feet by 8 feet and the garden is located next to a sidewalk to offer accessibility. The first plant-

ing day was in March, and some of the items planted included broccoli, peas, potatoes and onions, Zink said. Flowers and pollinators also will be featured in the beds.

Zink also anticipates that students will get to eat the veggies that are planted. DeKalb-Myers said she is excited that the extension office and the city are working together on the project and hopes the experience inspires a new generation of gardeners.

“I hope to see some of our young participants develop their green thumbs so that they can use them later in life,” she said. “Growing your own food and providing a habitat for pollinators is a worthwhile venture, and we hope to help them learn the skills they may need in the future.” –

BSM

The Cleveland County Cooperative Extension Office offers a variety of resources and programs for students, families and individuals — from gardening and agriculture resources to finance, fitness and food-safety education.

Check out the programs offered at extension.okstate.edu or call 405-321-4774.

LIGHTING THE WAY

New Initiative Encourages Residents, Business Owners to Harness Solar Energy

The Sooner State has bountiful sunlight. So much so that Oklahoma is one of the top 10 sunniest states in the United States. A new Norman initiative aims to encourage residents and business owners to harness the benefits of that ample solar energy by installing solar panels.

Norman Mayor Larry Heikkila said the city-led initiative, along with federal tax credits currently available, helps make the decision of going solar more affordable and obtainable. The Norman Solar Initiative is an effort to reduce initial cost barriers of solar installation, simplify the evaluation process and tap into monthly energy cost savings.

Residents, business owners and community representatives learned more about the program in April during a kickoff meeting with city officials and representatives with partner agency EightTwenty, a commercial and residential solar installer based in Oklahoma City.

The initiative was approved by the Norman City Council to establish a citywide solar photovoltaic group purchasing program that is open to residents, business owners and nonprofits in Norman. Photovoltaic materials and devices convert sunlight into electrical energy.

Officials said residents and businesses who get involved in the initiative can benefit from federal investment tax credits, grants and discounts to go toward installing and transitioning to solar energy. Any Norman business or homeowner qualifies for the initiative. Those interested have until Aug. 31 to utilize the program.

Some of the residents who attended the April kickoff meeting said they had been considering using solar energy in their homes but wanted to get an idea of the costs involved.

“Price is an issue,” said resident Marilyn Wolfe, who attended the meeting with husband, Brian. “We just need to make sure it’s something we can afford.”

Resident Mitchell Nauman said he’s also interested in solar energy and the potential of financial savings in electricity bills.

“I always want to reduce our out-of-pocket expenses,” Nauman said. “Solar will do that.”

Resident Curtis Ray spoke during the meeting about his decision to install solar panels at his home last fall.

“I’ve been interested in solar as a way to save money,” Ray said.

Ray said he’s seeing a big cost savings on his electricity bill and believes the transition to solar energy reduces emissions and benefits the environment.

“I’m a very happy customer,” he said. “I really believe in it.”

While he won’t benefit from the initiative, Ray still encourages other homeowners and business owners to learn more about the program and consider the potential savings and benefits.

“It was just a no-brainer for me,” he said about going solar. “I should have done it a long time ago.”

The Norman Solar Initiative also includes a free solar evaluation including preliminary site design, energy usage profile and financial analysis to determine if the program will be applicable to that residence or business.

In addition, free workshops and education events will be offered throughout the program to discuss solar energy and the pros and cons of transitioning into solar energy.

To learn more about the Norman Solar Initiative, visit normansolarinitiative.com.– BSM

SOURCE: Information from energy.gov contributed to this article.

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

CLEVELAND COUNTY’S ECONOMIC RENAISSANCE

Public-Private Partnerships Unveils the Startup 405 Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence

In a collaborative effort aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth, business leaders and public officials, including Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, unveiled a series of innovative economic development initiatives for Cleveland County.

These initiatives are the culmination of a new strategic alliance between the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) and Boyd Street Ventures (BSV), facilitated by investments from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided by the Cleveland County Commissioners and the Norman City Council, alongside contributions from private-sector entities such as the Sooner Centurions Economic Development Council.

A pivotal component of these initiatives involves the acquisition of a new incubator facility. Cleveland County and Norman officials unanimously approved $1 million each in 2023 ARPA dollars to purchase an 18,000-square-foot space, locat-

ed at 425 West Main St. The location previously served as the Copelin’s Office Center building for more than 40 years. Sooner Centurions are currently in a capital campaign to raise nearly $5 million for renovations.

“The partnership between the Norman Economic Development Coalition and Boyd Street Ventures will uplift business in Cleveland County,” Stitt said. “Everybody knows Cleveland County is on the rise, and I’m excited to see how Oklahomans will benefit from this bold new approach.”

Coalition President and CEO Lawrence McKinney outlined the multifaceted functionality of the new space, which will accommodate the county’s sole state-certified incubator and feature the Boyd Street Ventures Studio, multiple conference rooms, offices, a community room and an open co-working space.

Lawrence McKinney, Norman Economic Development Coalition

“No other community in Oklahoma has attempted, much less succeeded, in what we’ve announced today - a one-stop shop where emerging businesses can receive typical services, plus potential seed funding, intensive and personalized support, and venture capital funding too,” McKinney said.

The transformation of Startup 405 from a business incubator to a comprehensive resource center signifies a paradigm shift that is designed to empower entrepreneurs with a spectrum of business expertise encompassing accounting, legal counsel, sales, marketing, branding, human resources and more.

“The biggest impediments to job growth are access to capital and talent attraction and we have solutions for both,” McKinney said. “Although NEDC continues to court new companies, the reality is we have very limited industrial property so the likelihood of recruiting another Hitachi or Johnson Controls is quite small.

“Where we can do well is by helping local businesses to expand… helping to grow our own startup companies.”

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Startup 405 programming will be provided by the Startup 405 Advisory Board, Boyd Street Ventures, the Tom Love Innovation Hub at OU, SCORE (Society of Retired Executives), SBDC and others.

“Startup 405 will assist companies with the basics of accounting, business plans, product design, human resources, sales, marketing and so on, while also running workshops and seminars and providing mentorships,” said James Spann, Boyd Street Ventures founder and general partner. “The BSV Venture Studio will provide additional guidance as needed with founder advisory, team assessment and expansion, goto-market strategy, branding, industry connections and additional fundraising.”

“It’s exciting for us not only to help these entrepreneurs achieve their dreams, but to help create jobs and economic growth for Norman, Cleveland County and the state of Oklahoma,” he added. “We’re committed to Norman, to Cleveland County, to OU and to Oklahoma. We want to bring Oklahoma innovation to the world.” – BSM

James Spann presented Gov. Stitt with a favorite childhood treat. Stitt grew up in Norman.

STARTUP 405 FAST FACTS

Norman Economic Development Coalition purchased the Copelin’s building to house the Startup 405 Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the county’s only state-certified incubator. The incubator has been operating out of the Commerce Building; however, more space is needed to accommodate the growing services and resources that will soon be available. The new facility will double the square footage.

“NEDC has a 20-year track record of creating more than 800 jobs at an average salary of $58,000 in Norman, so our goal for this countywide incubator over the next twenty years is double the jobs and a higher average salary,” said NEDC President and CEO Lawrence McKinney.

HERE ARE 6 IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STARTUP 405:

1. The Startup 405 Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, is a joint venture between The Coalition and Boyd Street Ventures.

2. The center will provide a shared workspace, mentorship and business development support, including seed capital and venture capital.

3. Cleveland County and Norman City Council unanimously approved $1 million each in 2023 ARPA dollars to purchase the new incubator facility.

4. The Cleveland County Centurions Growth Fund, which will be funded with $1 million from the private sector and a $1 million match by the state, is managed by Boyd Street Ventures and will provide financial backing to 20 to 30 Cleveland County entrepreneurs.

5. A countywide talent attraction program, Cleveland County Futures, is now entering phase two, positioning Cleveland County at the forefront of talent attraction nationwide. The early version of this program received a $250,000 National Science Center grant.

6. An annual Beyond-the-Norm Innovation Week, commencing in April 2025, will promote Cleveland County’s spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship. Highlights of the 2025 event include the dedication of the Cleveland County Innovators Hall of Fame and the Shark Byte Entrepreneurial Expo where entrepreneurs will compete for cash prizes and six months of free space and services in the incubator.

THE STUDIO OF THE SOONER THEATRE

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CAMPS FOR KIDS ENTERING PRE-K THROUGH 7TH GRADE

INTERNATIONAL HONORS

Le Monde International School Earns Prestigious Accreditation

Le Monde International School recently welcomed dignitaries of the French Consulate to formally celebrate the achievement of the LabelFrancÉducation accreditation. This distinguished recognition positions Le Monde among an exclusive cohort of educational institutions – one of 66 schools nationwide and the only school in Oklahoma to receive the certification for outstanding bilingual education in French.

“We have had a relationship with the French Consulate since we opened the school in 2018. They recommended we apply,” said Lance Seeright, the school’s executive director. “This award validates all of the hard work of our students and teachers.”

Marcus Madlock, Le Monde board of education vice president, said the accreditation places the school in “an elite group of institutions” not only in the country but worldwide.

“There are only 587 schools worldwide with this distinction,” Madlock said. “Beyond language acquisition, our curriculum emphasizes an immersive approach, ensuring students engage with French and Francophone literature, history and arts.”

Le Monde is a French and Spanish immersion public charter school that opened following the

closure of a French Immersion program at Reagan Elementary. Currently, Le Monde is open to students in Pre-K through 8th grade.

Stephanie Caimbella, PTA president at Le Monde, said the accreditation is a transformative milestone that “will have a lifelong impact on our students and our community.”

“Being a bilingual school is all about connections and this award highlights our global connection,” she said. “As our students grow and are out seeking jobs, they now have a concrete international connection.”

Le Monde is currently housed in a shared space in Downtown Norman. Seeright said efforts are underway to find a location for a permanent facility, adding that they hope to soon expand their program to include all grades up to 12th.

“Our enrollment has increased every year since we opened and we are approaching the 500-student mark,” Seeright explained. “We have added more opportunities for fine arts, athletics and other extracurricular activities.”

To learn more about Le Monde International School or the LabelFrancÉducation accreditation, visit lemondenorman.org. – BSM

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

Norman Public Schools Names District Teacher of the Year

Truman Primary first-grade teacher Kristyn Erickson was named Norman Public Schools’ 2024 District Teacher of the Year. She was selected through a rigorous selection process coordinated by the district’s staff development committee.

“Kristyn Erickson epitomizes the essence of teaching excellence. Her unwavering dedication to her students, coupled with her innovative approach to education, sets her apart as a truly exceptional educator,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino. “She embodies the perfect blend of passion, professionalism and talent, making her an invaluable asset to our school district.”

Erickson started her teaching career at NPS, as a teacher’s assistant while still in college in 2006. Her inspiration to become an educator stems from the positive impact of her second-grade teacher, Mrs. Battle.

“I moved around a lot before second grade,” Erickson said. “Mrs. Battle really believed in me, and I never doubted her.”

In sixth grade, she got another opportunity to learn from Mrs. Battle as a teacher’s assistant.

“I was sold at that point,” she recalled. “Despite changing my degree a few times, I started with education and ended with education.”

Erickson enjoys teaching first grade because of the literacy emphasis.

“They are like sponges at that age. They might come in not knowing how to read or write, and by the end of the year they have learned so much,” she said.

With literacy as a core piece of the first-grade curriculum, Erickson said she found herself feeling frustrated by some concerning statistics.

“One in five people have dyslexia or other language processing differences. Sixty percent of students need structured literacy learning instruction,” Erickson said. “These kids already come in thinking negatively about themselves because they think they aren’t good at reading.

“Changing that narrative is so important.”

With support from her principal, Erickson enrolled in a master’s level literacy certification program and will soon be a Certified Academic Language Therapist, meaning she will be certified to pro-

Kristyn Erickson (left) and three other teachers won custom sneakers from an anonymous donor.

vide services in a therapeutic setting for students with language processing disorders.

“I was doing everything I was supposed to do but it wasn’t working,” she said. “There is a huge literacy crisis and I felt part of it.”

Erickson said her favorite part of her day is small group time with her students.

“I love to see their confidence grow,” she said. “So many think that students walk through the day all together but that is not the case. Some are cruising ahead and need enrichment; others need the lesson again before they are ready to move on.”

In an endeavor to broaden her impact, Erickson is also sharing what she has learned with fellow educators.

“Each year, I affect 20 kids, but when I invite teachers into my classroom, I am impacting exponentially more,” she said. “My principal, Kristie Eselin, has given me a space to learn and grow and share.”

Erickson, alongside other distinguished award winners and nominees, was honored at the annual Celebration of Excellence event. Nick Alvarez, a first-year seventh-grade social studies teacher at Alcott Middle School, received the district’s Rookie Teacher of the Year award, while Abby Clark of Truman Primary was named the district’s Special Education Teacher of the Year. Mike Todd was recognized as the Lois K. Annesley Support Employee of the Year.

Reflecting on the event, Erickson expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate esteemed educators.

“There were so many people on that stage that I idolize, some that my own kids have had as teachers or educators I have worked with,” she said. “I have no words for how much it meant to see those people celebrating me.”

Erickson is especially grateful to her grade teammates at Truman Primary.

“My first-grade teammates and I have 79 years of experience combined, that is unheard of,” she said. “You might think they are set in their ways, but they are as motivated as I am to better serve kids -truly a professional team in search of knowing and doing better.”– BSM

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Photos by: Mark Doescher

BY: MARK DOESCHER

NIL X THE REF

It doesn’t seem that you can talk about college sports without talking about Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) and collectives. It is a different world than we ever could have imagined, but one thing is clear - NIL is not going anywhere.

If you want your program to compete at the highest level, you need to have a strong NIL foundation.

As the home of Sooner fans, KREF has partnered with the Crimson and Cream Collective to help strengthen the NIL foundation for the present and the future of Oklahoma Sooner athletics. Throughout this process, fans have had an opportunity to get to know student athletes on a level almost unheard of in the past.

To understand where we are today with Name, Image, Likeness, it is best to probably look back.

WHAT IS NIL AND WHERE DID IT COME FROM

The start of NIL traces back to the late 2000s when former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon and 19 others sued the NCAA, arguing they violated the United States antitrust laws by not allowing athletes

to earn a share of the revenues generated from the use of their likeness in broadcasts and video games.

The NCAA lost in court and was ordered to pay $44.4 million.

The O’Bannon ruling opened a flood gate of opposition to the NCAA’s rules about student-athlete compensation. The state of California pushed the NCAA to make a move in 2019 when state legislators enacted the Fair Pay to Play Act. Copycat legislation started to pop up in other states across the nation.

In the final blow to the NCAA, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld a district court rule on the NCAA v. Alston, essentially ending amateurism. The ruling stated the NCAA was violating antitrust law by placing limits on the educated-related benefits a school can provide to athletes.

Perhaps the harshest criticism came from Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh who called the ruling “an important and overdue course correct” before stating that the NCAA is not above the law.

In the summer of 2021, the NCAA’s Board of Directors adopted an interim rule opening the opportunity for NIL activity with little to no directives or guidelines. Once NIL became official, the creation of collectives helped to better organize the process. Collectives, which are independent of the university, pool funds from boosters and business to help facilitate NIL deals for the student athlete.

The Crimson and Cream Collective is the official collective of Oklahoma Sooner athletics. In its mission statement, the organization “seeks to help student-athletes maximize their NIL opportunities, without compromising the values of the university and the legacy of all those who have donned the Crimson and Cream in the past.”

The collective hired Sooner legend Lauren Chamberlain Gipson to serve as general manager and face of the Sooners NIL movement.

“People aren’t accustomed to embracing NIL,” Gipson said. “As someone who fans know and trust and has been a part of their experiences as a Sooner fan before, it’s been a good transition so far.”

WHY A PARTNERSHIP

With a legend leading the charge, KREF and the collective are working together to find ways to take the mystery out of the collective’s role, pushing for a better understanding of how powerful NIL dollars have become to the success of college athletics.

“When Crimson and Cream was initially announced, I had a few discussions with Jason Belzer regarding how KREF and our KREF Army could be a vehicle to increase the awareness of the collective with athlete exposure via interviews on our station,” KREF Station owner and General Manager Bryan Vinyard said. “Fast-forward nine months or so, when I was invited to attend a lunch meeting with Noah Allen and Bart Shelley, Bart had been in contact with Jason Belzer regarding our station and how they might access our listener base to increase the number of Crimson and Cream members.

“After the lunch and a few subsequent discussions, we worked with the Crimson and Cream team to create the current partnership. Beyond the on-air interviews of athletes, KREF regularly posts assets on our social media account to assist in the growth.”

The partnership grew from there with a shared desire to make Oklahoma the best it can be for years to come.

“First of all, love KREF, I’ve been a fan since my playing days,” Gipson said. “This partnership is important because KREF is the voice of Sooner fans. You are in the community; your fans are loyal and true. When you get an opportunity to bring on our student-ath-

BY: CHRIS PLANK

letes to talk about their sports, their interest in life, what their stories are and how NIL has positively impacted their life, it’s important.

“Also the KREF Army can get involved with our membership model where the average fan can commit X amount of money, it can be as much as your Apple music or your Netflix membership per month and really play a part in keeping OU athletics successful, especially as we head into SEC territory.”

Part of the partnership has included regular on-air interviews with current Sooners in just about every sport. Having these regular interviews with Sooner athletes has allowed fans to get to know these men and women and has helped to magnify the good in NIL.

“To me, it’s almost like an insurance policy for your fandom. You’re ensuring that we stay on track to win championships,” Gipson added. “More than that, you are helping positively impact a student-athlete’s life while they are in college.”

“While I’m not a fan of the current combination of limitless transfers without penalty and NIL, I do think NIL is here to stay,” Vinyard added. “NIL resources will be critically important for OU to continue to attract and retain top-tier athletes in all sports.

“Given the present landscape, I just don’t see how any Power 5 school can win at the highest level without NIL funding to keep the school competitive with their peer schools.”

HOW DOES IT HELP

Being a part of the Crimson and Cream Collective helps fans have a direct connection to Oklahoma Sooner athletics through its NIL program. While the impact goes beyond the field, it is also impactful to keeping a team together.

“Think about guys like Billy Bowman and Danny Stutsman who were thinking about going to the NFL and instead decided to come back, taking another year to get better,” said Sooner defensive lineman and captain Ethan Downs. “To have some financial comfort coming back is invaluable, to have another year of growth in the system to prepare us outside of football, but also have a little money in our pocket to live comfortably now… it’s also been a great advantage for non-scholarship athletes.”

“It’s been exciting, but it’s also torn a lot of locker rooms apart,” he added. “OU has done a great job to keep order behind it all and not make it about money or comparing dollar figures. We are very focused on the season and what’s coming up with the SEC. Coach V has done a fabulous job in laying out that this isn’t about money but the love of the game. The more we can bond the team, the further we can go in the season.”

When Bowman talked about why he decided to return to the Sooners for another season, NIL did play a role, not the most important role, but a very impactful one.

“It didn’t play too much of a factor, but it was definitely a factor,” Bowman said “NIL helped me come back in a way where I didn’t have to chase the money. I can get it all here while still finishing my schooling and enjoying my full college experience.”

While the focus shines brightest on football, perhaps NIL dollars make the biggest difference in sports like softball. Without a professional league promising millions to its best prospects, the commitment to NIL for diamond sports can help build a foundation for the future and beyond for players like Kelly Maxwell.

“It’s helping tremendously,” Maxwell said. “With NIL, I have been able to set up for my future. I have aspirations to be a veterinarian. To have that money to help pay my way through school and have those foundations so I am able to be successful after softball.”

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

NIL is not going anywhere. The rules may adjust, and certain restrictions or allowances could be added, but the ability for student-athletes to earn money from their Name, Image and Likeness is here to stay.

While the relationship between Crimson and Cream and KREF is in place to help strengthen the Sooners NIL

program and build a solid foundation for years to come, it has also provided some incredible content and stories that have been shared on the air. We learned why Maxwell chose 28 as her number and it shines a spotlight on a deep-rooted love for the Sooners.

“When I was younger, I was always 27, I don’t really know why. I just picked it. I went to a travel ball team and 27 was taken,” Maxwell said.

“From a young age, I was always an OU fan. My dad’s family all came to school here and this was my dream school. I had always admired watching Sooner football and Adrian Peterson. When 27 was taken, my coach at the time, who was an OU fan, said ‘Why not 28, it’s AD’s number.’ It just stuck and I’ve been 28 ever since.”

We were able to learn about Downs’ wife, her athletic endeavors and why he got in trouble for cheering at her first-ever rowing event.

“There was a walk-on tryout for rowing, and she lit up with the idea. When she moved up here after we got married, she gave up track and I encouraged her to give it a shot,” Downs said. “Now she’s on the team and is making phenomenal times for a beginner.

“At her first regatta, I’m used to sporting events being loud, so I bring some blow horns and sit in a lawn chair next to the river. As they’re flying by, I fire off the horn. They went by a few times and the coach was looking at me, telling me to cut it out. I later found out it’s illegal to have horns because they’re the same horns as they have in the race. It’s like bringing a whistle to a football game.”

We also learned about the grand plans that Trace Ford has once he finishes his football career.

“My dream is to own a baseball park,” Ford said. “I would love to run baseball tournaments in Edmond and own something like Hafer Park. It is my dream to own something where I can host tournaments and leagues for little league baseball.”

The stories are plentiful, and the impact is undeniable. You can make a difference, helping Sooner athletics and student-athletes prepare for the future. Join today at KREF.com and be a part of sustaining and growing the future of Oklahoma Sooner athletics.– BSM

The 2024 season has been another record-shattering season for K.J. Kindler and the University of Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics team. Backed by a solid group of returning stars and future headliners, the Sooners once again set the standard for greatness.

OU advanced to a 20th-straight NCAA Championship with its 14th-straight regional title. In advancing to compete for the ultimate prize, the Sooner made their 23rd overall NCAA Championship appearance and 17th under head coach K.J. Kindler. Despite a disappointing finish in the National semi-finals, the Sooners elevated the bar in 2024, rewriting the record books in a way that will be challenging to match for years to come.

“The consistency has been beyond what I ever expected, for us, that’s a pillar of our program,” said Kindler, head coach of OU’s Women’s Gymnastics team. “As the season progressed, we stayed healthy. With seven seniors, there was a lot of collaboration and unique leadership styles that had to learn how to coexist and work together. It’s been interesting to watch that evolve over the year.”

As the Sooners marched through the regular season undefeated with a series of dominating performances, not many were as impressive as their record-setting night in the Big 12 tournament held inside the Lloyd Noble Center, which was the final Big 12 event inside the LNC before the Sooners leave for the SEC.

Oklahoma set the record for the highest team score in NCAA history, breaking a 20-year-old record of 198.875 set by Stanford and UCLA in 2004. Oklahoma is the only team with multiple scores higher than 198.600, all coming this season. Jordan Bowers tied the OU record in the all-around, earning three 10s and a 9.925 on beam to become only the second gymnast in OU history to reach an all-around score of 39.900-plus.

Amid the record-shattering performances, the Sooners combined for five perfect 10s, earning a team “Gym Slam” with a perfect score on every event. Bowers earned a perfect score on vault, bars and floor, Ragan Smith earned a perfect 10 on beam, and Faith Torrez earned her first perfect score on floor.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and I’ve never seen that. I got a little emotional because those moments aren’t every day, to see something happen like that in that kind of a moment is really special,” Kindler said. “Those people who were there to see it have no idea that some of us have been waiting a lifetime to see it. That’s special… especially in our final Big 12 Championships on podium in our own arena.”

Five members of the team combined to capture a conference-leading 10 All-Big 12 accolades, marking the 15th straight year the Sooners have led the league in All-Big 12 selections and the 15th consecutive season the Sooners have earned at least eight spots on the All-Big 12 team.

After their domination in the Big 12, the Sooners had to battle to attain the level that has become the expectation during the NCAA Regionals. Despite advancing to the Regional Finals, the Sooners were not very “Sooner” like on day one of the Ann Arbor Regional.

“We have a high standard of where we want to be,” Kindler said. “We reconvened the day in between. Championships are won from the neck up… I totally believe that.

“Physically, you are where you’re going to be. It’s hard to make big adjustments in 10 days. Championships are won in your mind. We had to do a

BY: CHRIS PLANK

little mental exercise to get ourselves back on track which we did.”

The Sooners dominated the second day and in doing so won their 14th-straight NCAA Regional title to advance.

“We set an NCAA record for the postseason with the highest beam score in history and we had to start on beam,” Kindler added. “We prepared for it, but they seriously lit it up.”

As the Sooners continued to break records and set new levels of greatness, the seven seniors helped lead the way for the historic run in 2024. Among them, Regan Smith became the only Sooner to reach double-digit perfect scores on a single event with her 10th career on balance beam.

The Lewisville, Texas product wrapped up her career as a five-time WCGA All-American.

“Regan unexpectedly came to us early because we were expecting her to vie for the Olympics in 2020, injury prevented that from happening,” Kindler said of Smith. “Leadership is the number one space where she has grown. You come in as an elite athlete, you’re very individualized and you’ve been doing things for yourself for 18 years and now you have to meld into a team.

“You can see her passion. Sometimes the match doesn’t stay lit for all four years in college athletics, but for Reagan to stay lit for five years with the same

passion she walked in with, maybe even more… she’s grown so much.”

Audrey Davis has been a picture of consistency and perfection. According to SoonerSports.com, Davis has hit 194 routines in a row, dating back to Feb. 7, 2021. The senior holds a hit percentage of .995, hitting 205 of 206 career routines. She has been 100% in each of the last three seasons and has a perfect hit rate on vault, bars and floor in her career.

“She is an incredibly grateful person, a truly kind person, the best team player,” Kindler said of Davis. “She wants the best for the team all the time, and she is always pumping people up.

“She’s very emotional, she lets it out and I think that’s incredibly good for her. It gets rid of all that pent-up anguish or emotion if she’s not having a good day. I also think it’s a good leadership trait when you can show your vulnerability. She’s been an incredible leader for us.”

With the commitment and consistency of Katherine “Kat” LaVasseur, the Sooners had a consummate pro who was always dedicated to the craft. LaVasseur committed to the Sooners as a 14-year-old and has lived out her dream of continuing the Championship tradition for the Sooners.

“As an athlete, she executes gymnastics better than anyone on our team. No form deductions. Her toes are always pointed, her legs are glued together,” Kindler said of LaVasseur. “When she does gymnastics, it’s smooth and beautiful.

“She’s just glowing this year. She’s embracing the expectations. Her belief in herself and her confidence is in a place it’s never been. I love watching her go out this way, I think she will have zero regrets. That’s your hope as a coach, that they walk away saying I did it all, I did everything I could and I’m happy.”

With an elite legacy in place, the Sooners will now start the process of transitioning to the SEC - a conference where the sport holds a much more high-profile spot in the conference’s portfolio than it ever did in the Big 12.

As their seven leaders move on, the Sooners are still loaded with talent ready to tackle the next challenge. The sting from coming up short for a third-straight National Championship will also serve as a motivator for those who will help lead the charge into the SEC. The future of the Sooner’s roster means the Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics will likely find themselves in the same spot near the end of next season - competing for a National Championship, which at the University of Oklahoma has become the standard set by its legendary coach. – BSM

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ADVANCING OBESITY TREATMENT

Empowering Patients Through Comprehensive Weight Management

There has been a surge in attention in recent months towards medically assisted weight loss, particularly with the FDA approval of new medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound. Dr. Lana Nelson, a bariatric surgeon at Norman Regional’s Journey Clinic, confirmed that bariatrics is “an ever-evolving field,” pointing to “significant advances in recent years.”

“We now have more effective treatment options to treat obesity and metabolic conditions,” Nelson confirmed.

Nelson has been a bariatric surgeon for more than 20 years and says that she finds building long-term relationships with her patients her motivation. Treating a complex and often misunderstood disease such as obesity allows her to provide “life-changing results” for her patients.

“It is important to recognize that obesity is a disease process,” she said. “Providers are changing the way we see obesity treatment.”

Acknowledging obesity as a multifaceted disease process influenced by genetics, hormones, environment, stress, age and other factors, Nelson advocates for a holistic approach in treatment, veering away from blame and embracing a broader perspective.

“We wouldn’t only treat heart disease with lifestyle changes,” she explained. “If you feel like you are fighting a losing battle, it is important to know there is help out there. If you start to see health problems associated with your weight like prediabetics or high blood pressure, we have several tools available.”

Dr. Lana Nelson, bariatric surgeon at Norman Regional’s Journey Clinic

Nelson said that Journey Clinic employs a “layering approach,” integrating various modalities including nutrition counseling, medications, meal plans, alongside laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical interventions.

Nelson said advances in endoscopic procedures offer patients less invasive options compared to tradition or laparoscopic surgery.

“Endoscopic procedures are out-patient. We go through the mouth and the work is done inside,” Nelson said. “Patients are able to come in and then go home the same day. There is shorter recovery time, and the modifications are adjustable and reversible.”

Journey Clinic offers two endo-bariatric procedures – endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and an intragastric balloon. Both procedures reshape the stomach to help patients feel full with smaller portions of food. Patients also work with a dietitian to make long-term lifestyle changes.

“It is important to understand that patients need to be willing to make changes to get the best results,” Nel-

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

son said. “If you are expecting surgery to force those changes, then you won’t have as good of results.”

Patients with a BMI of 30 or higher can be a candidate for an endoscopic bariatric procedure, additionally patients with a BMI of 27 or higher with a metabolic condition can also be eligible.

If you are considering seeking medical treatment for weight loss, Nelson recommends talking with your primary care physician, visiting the Journey Clinic website, or making an appointment to discuss treatment options.

“We have a lot of great information on our website for patients thinking of coming to see us,” Nelson said. “It can be scary making an appointment with a surgeon, but we can have a conversation to see what fits best, whether that be surgery or not.”

To learn more about the medical and surgical treatment options available at Journey Clinic, visit journeyclinic.com.– SMS

SHANNON HUDZINSKI

AFFORDABLE SUSTAINABILITY ECO SHOPPING 8 TIPS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CONSUMER

As environmental concerns continue to grow, adopting eco-friendly shopping practices has become increasingly popular – and it doesn’t have to cost a boatload of money, either! Here are eight ways you can shop responsibly without breaking your budget.

PLAN AHEAD

One of the best ways to shop sustainably is to plan ahead. Shop with a list, and with a planned weekly menu in mind so you can get it all in one trip. When your local grocery store is your second home, you leave a bigger carbon footprint and are likely to impulse-buy your way to food waste and excess packaging.

CHOOSE ECO-FRIENDLY BRANDS

When possible, choose products from brands prioritizing sustainability. Look for eco-friendly certifications, like Fair Trade, USDA Organic or Energy Star, as they signify a commitment to ethical and environmentally responsible practices.

BUY LOCAL PRODUCE

When buying produce, opt for local fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Locally grown food typically has a smaller carbon footprint because it uses less transportation.

BUY IN BULK

Buying more of often-used items significantly reduces the amount of packaging needed for the product. As a bonus, you’ll usually save time and money when you buy in bulk.

INVEST IN REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS

Eco-friendly tote bags will help reduce plastic waste and you can use them again and again. You’ll also avoid any bag fees your grocery may charge when you BYOB.

PRIORITIZE QUALITY

When shopping for goods you hope to enjoy for a long time, prioritize quality over price. Well-made, long-lasting products may have a higher initial cost, but they can save you money in the long term and reduce the overall consumption of resources.

AVOID FAST FASHION

Fast-fashion brands may offer a vast selection of bargain-priced clothing, but they often rely on cheap labor and unsustainable practices. Instead of shopping for disposable clothing, invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that can last for years.

STAY INFORMED

Finally, educate yourself about environmental issues and sustainable practices. By being informed, you can make conscientious choices that align with your values and reduce your environmental impact.

Yes, you can shop responsibly on a budget! Use the tips outlined here to make sustainable shopping choices that don’t drain the wallet.

BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

Summer Time, Summer Wine

It’s time to sit on the patio, or by the pool, and sip some chilled wine. But keeping your glass the perfectly chilled temperature can be a challenge. My pro tip: refreezable plastic cubes won’t water wine down. There are also some neat refreezable icicles that keep an entire bottle cold, very helpful on a hot day.

So what is the perfect wine to fill that chilled glass?

In summer, even dedicated red wine drinkers will drink white wine. However, if your preference is still red, then you will probably be happiest with a traditional chardonnay, with its heavier structure and full body. Or you can serve your cabernet sauvignon at cellar temperature, 60°F, rather than room temperature to bring a new dimension to your glass on a hot day. Twenty to thirty minutes in the refrigerator should do it.

Pool friendly single serve wines in cans now abound. Slightly fizzy Barefoot Refresh offers several wine flavors. Flip Flop, white or red, come in four packs

that total a liter of wine. French winemakers have joined the canned wine market with Pampelonne, a Rosè Lime soft wine and Sangria. Stella Rosa offers an aluminum bottle and you can even get Canella Bellini in a pool friendly container. Put a mixture in the cooler and you’re ready to party.

Another intriguing wine, although not new, is Blanc de Bleu. This dry blueberry sparkling wine is both pretty and fun. You can add sparkle to summer mornings or evenings with individual servings of Prosecco, Lamarca or Cupcake. Individual servings mean a fresh glass every time with no waste.

Finally, if wine is not really your thing, Stoli has come out with a wine-based Ginger Mixer, perfect for a Moscow Mule. Other great serving suggestions are on the side of the box containing four cans.

Enjoy the heat!

Kathy

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FROM KICKOFF TO COMEBACK

The Ref High School Streaming Scores Big with OAB Honors

The Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters recently honored The Ref High School Streaming during their annual Outstanding Achievement Awards Banquet. The Ref earned top accolades for Outstanding Play-by-Play and Outstanding Video Streaming Sports in the radio division.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and talent of our team at The Ref,” said Casey Vinyard, owner of The REF Sports Radio Network. “We are so proud to partner with Oklahoma school districts to provide live streaming services for their athletic events.”

The award-winning play-by-play segment narrated Norman High’s electrifying opening kick return for a touchdown during the playoffs, while the video streaming portion captured a thrilling comeback game by the Moore Lions football team against the Norman Tigers.

KREF was also recognized with a Community Service award honoring their outstanding commitment to their audience through their community service campaigns.

KREF Radio began streaming high school sports in 2009 for Norman High and Norman North. Since, The Ref has added 11 schools across five districts, streaming over 1,300 events in 2023.

Over 800,000 viewers have tuned in during the 2023-2024 school year.

Coverage extends to a myriad of sports, including volleyball, fast-pitch softball, football, wrestling, basketball, slow-pitch softball, soccer and baseball. Additionally, a weekly Coaches Show, held at a local Buffalo Wild Wings, showcases student-athletes and coaches from the various sports as well as highlights participants in band, esports, cheer and pom. Perry Spencer, director of high school streaming, said the program is designed to shine a spotlight on the achievements unfolding in local schools.

“We want to give schools every opportunity to promote their programs and their student-athletes,” Spencer said. “The best part is that we are able to do this for no or a very low cost to the schools.”

Viewers can access live streams free of charge, enabling friends, parents, grandparents and out-of-town fans to immerse themselves in the community and cheer on their favorite school’s student-athletes as they compete.

To catch the Tigers and Timberwolves in action, tune into krefsports.tv. If you are interested in supporting local schools by advertising your organization, please email bryan@kref.com. – BSM

ALL OF OUR ACCOUNTS COME WITH Wisdom

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SPOTLIGHT: OFFICER RODNEY BRUEGGERT

Moving to Norman from Louisiana in 2010, Officer Rodney Brueggert is a member of the Norman Police Department. Previously, he worked at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, holding the rank of captain, responsible for the mental health department. He has served as a master level of defense and tactics instructor which included being a baton and OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) spray instructor and handled all in-service training for non-uniform staff.

Brueggert is CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) certified and has extensive experience with mental health issues, not just for citizens but officers as well. He’s also a member of the honor guard and the bike team, working game day and city events such as the Medieval Fair. For his daily assignment, Brueggert is on the patrol division.

“I’m going on four years in same area of town,” he said. “It helps me build relationships with businesses and homeowners because they’ve seen me for so long in same area.”

Brueggert said he receives a variety of calls including animal incidents to welfare checks, medical calls, drug reports and even water leaks. Currently in the process of switching over to becoming a School Resource Officer, Brueggert works at schools on his “off days” to gain experience.

Brueggert said he’s comfortable working with a variety of school-age kids because he has four kids of his own between the ages of 6-14.

“I have every school age group in my house and know I’ll be able to connect no matter what,” he said. When asked about the challenges of working in schools, Brueggert pointed to the time investment required to break down barriers.

“Little kids either like you or they’re scared of you,” he explained. “Add in the armor to my large stature and to a five or six-year-old kid, I look like a huge mountain of a human being.”

He said high school is more about respect and communication.

“At first, students may be a little stand-offish,” he said. “Then they’ll come tell me how their day went, what they ate, who they have crushes on and whose looking at their boyfriend. I’m somebody they can confide in.”

Brueggert has found that the effort to form relationships pays off in the end.

“There was a kid who was rude to the teachers, rude

to the police and who was caught with something. We were directed to a room and told to stay there until his dad came,” Brueggert recalled. “This kid wouldn’t answer my questions or if he did, just give one-word answers. After about 30 minutes, we had a decent conversation. When his dad arrived, I told this kid that although he was making bad decisions now, I thought he’d make good decisions later and that he’d be just fine.

“Two months later, I see that kid walking to school. He flagged me down and said, ‘Hey Officer Brueggert, I don’t know if you remember me, but I wanted to show you some schoolwork I did.’ I didn’t hear from him for another year and a half, but he came to me to let me know he was close to graduating. It was good to know that that kid felt it important to let me know.”

Growing up in an environment that was not the best, Brueggert said he saw the way cops can have a negative impact on people. At the time, he said he thought people were just doing what they could to survive.

“When I make decisions as a police officer, I weigh that. I think, if I take this person to jail, does that make Norman a better place? Does it give this person the potential to reset their life and move forward in a positive direction?” he shared. “I’m just a human being and am trying to do what’s best on the boundaries of the law. One thing that really sticks with me and that I tell people all the time is that it doesn’t matter what your background is or where you came from, you can be successful,” he added. “Don’t let your past define you. Be the change that you want to see. ”

Spending most of his time working, Brueggert enjoys being with his kids. As a single parent, he also enjoys cooking, outdoor activities, sports and working out. He said his kids love that he’s a police officer and enjoy when he comes to their schools.

LET’S GO 2024!

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