Sam Godwin
Local Shop
MPD Collected Coats and Jackets for Kids in Need Fill the Trailer
Throughout the holiday season, the Moore Police Department is focused on ways to support those in the community who are in need. One example is through its annual “Fill the Trailer” event, which gathers coat and jacket donations for local children in need.
The department held two Fill the Trailer sessions at Burlington Coat Factory, one on Nov. 6 and another on Nov. 9, to accept donations of new coats and jackets from community members.
This is the fourth year for Fill the Trailer and Sergeant Rebecca Miller, community service officer, said the event was established as another way MPD can give back to the community.
Distribution of the coats varies from year to year, Miller explained. One year, the MPD gave the donations to the Moore Fire Department for its Christmas program. Another year, the donations were given to Sharing Tree, a local nonprofit organization. Last year, community members were invited to come to the police department and pick out a coat or jacket during a special event called “Cops and Coats.” This year, the donations will be distributed at a local apartment complex.
“The kids, they got to try on a jacket, and they were so happy they wouldn’t take it off,” Miller
shared. “The kids love it, and usually they get to pick which jacket they want if we have their size.”
Through the events at Burlington and individual donations, the MPD received 270 coats and jackets this year. Miller said the average is typically about 200 jackets each year.
“Every time we have jackets, we go through them fast,” she said. “People really need them.”
Miller has been with the Moore PD for 17 years and is currently in the Community Service Unit, helping coordinate a variety of events and programs, including Citizens Police Academy, Coffee with a Cop, a Back to School Safety Event, the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program and more.
Miller added that officers love participating in these community events, especially its 14th annual “Shop With a Cop” that will take place on Dec. 14. Miller said there are officers who participate in the event every year because of how much they enjoy it.
Shop with a Cop has served nearly 400 kids over the years. Police officers pair up with children to help them shop for Christmas presents for themselves and their families.– SMS
Happy Holidays
Oklahoma City Mayor DavidHolt discuss preparations for 2028 Olympic Games with South OKC Chamber members and guests.
OLYMPIC MOMENTUM
OKLAHOMA CITY
PREPARES TO HOST
2028 OLYMPIC GAMES EVENTS
BY: CHRIS PLANK BY: TIM WILLERT
For six years, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and a “very small circle of people” kept their lofty ambitions a secret.
Holt and the others, including then-Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and organizers of the 2028 Summer Olympics, frequently discussed efforts to bring softball and canoe slalom to Oklahoma City.
“We hoped locally we could be part of the run-up to the Los Angeles Summer Olympics when they were awarded those games in 2017,” Holt told members of the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce in early November.
“You certainly would never imagine, really, a moment where somebody would be putting an actual gold medal around the neck of an athlete in Oklahoma City.”
Holt and Garcetti became good friends after Holt took office in the spring of 2018. Six months later, the city leaders were having dinner at Red PrimeSteak in OKC when Garcetti dropped a bombshell.
“I’ll always remember the booth and the moment because he said, ‘what would you think about Oklahoma City hosting whitewater events here in 2028,” Holt said.
“Obviously, as an Oklahoma City kid, a sports fan and somebody who understands the magnitude of the Olympics I was, you know, beside myself with the excitement at this opportunity.”
In June, LA28 announced plans to bring the events to Oklahoma City.
The IOC executive committee approved the venue assignments, pending approval from the City of Los Angeles, which Holt believes to be a formality.
“Obviously, we’re anxious to go and celebrate and to start getting into the real work of it,” he said. “We still think we have time for that. We’re anxious but were patient as well.”
Years of investment in softball and watersports by the Oklahoma City community would pay off when Garcetti came calling.
Holt pointed to the construction of a softball stadium near Remmington Park that is “two and half times larger than any softball stadium on the planet,” followed by a “stairstep commitment to paddle sports.”
Both projects, he said, were made possible by the passage of MAPS in 1993.
The original Metropolitan Area Projects Plan, or MAPS, was a $350 million public works and redevelopment project in Oklahoma City, during the middle to late 1990s, funded by a temporary, five-year, voter-approved sales tax increase.
“We put a dam on the river, just because we wanted to look at water and we thought that it would be nice to have a river instead of a ditch we had to mow twice a year,” he said.
Softball eventually became part of the LA28 conversation, Holt told chamber members inside Earlywine Golf Club.
“It really hadn’t been a part of the conversation initially because softball has not been in the Olympics with regularity, and it was not in the initial program for Los Angeles in 2028,” he said.
Again, Oklahoma City was holding the right card in a high-stakes poker game.
Not only is USA Softball based in Oklahoma City, but 13,000-seat Devon Park hosts the annual Women’s College World Series for nine days starting in late May.
“As it turns out in both cases, these facilities don’t exist in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area,” Holt said. “They really don’t exist in the Western United States.
“We have the only whitewater facility west of the Mississippi and we have the best softball stadium on the planet. The facilities for softball in California are relatively small — 1,000 to 2,000 seats.”
Being the softball capital of the world put Oklahoma City in a “unique” position, according to Holt.
“Ultimately, why we are uniquely talking about having two whole sports in Oklahoma City in 2028 is because we have the facilities, and happened to have invested over the course of decades in two sports that there are not facilities for in Los Angeles,” he said.
“I think it’s kind of serendipity for us and for L.A. that opportunity allows for two sports in the same place because there’s obviously some efficiencies in that.”
Cheryl Bond, the chief financial officer for USA Softball, helped Holt share the story behind Oklahoma City landing two Olympic events.
“I never thought as a lifelong Oklahoman who grew up over in Del City that I would be talking about the Olympics here,” she said. “We’re going to get the premiere event for our sport.”
The other venue to be used in 2028 is Oklahoma City’s RIVERSPORT OKC, which hosted the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in canoe slalom.
Canoe slalom is a collection of events staged on white water where athletes navigate through a series of upstream and downstream gates.
Holt also was joined at the chamber luncheon by Mike Knopp, executive director at RIVERSPORT Foundation and UCO’s first rowing coach.
“I’m just glad we can even speak somewhat publicly about this,” Knopp said. “It’s been a long journey, as the mayor alluded to, several years that this had been in the works.
“This wasn’t part of some grand plan from 20 years ago, like we’re going to go for the Olympics. That’s a tough thing to take on unless you’re L.A. or Paris or London. But that being said, like a good Boy Scout, we were prepared. We were ready when the moment emerged.”
Seven gold medals will be awarded in Oklahoma City — six for canoe slalom and one for softball, according to Holt, who traveled to Paris for the Summer Games in July.
“In Paris, that was nine or 10 days of participants so it’s not like some quick thing. It is a major event,” he said. “In softball, it may only be one medal, but it is a tournament of half a dozen teams, so we know what that’s like (because) we stage the women’s college world series here every year, so we know that’s a multi-day event as well.”
Knopp has played a pivotal role in the growth of Oklahoma City’s rowing scene. His goal is to build interest in the sport leading up to the 2028 Summer Olympics.
“We want to educate the public,” he said. “We’re working on youth programs; we want kids to be involved along with our rowing and our other sports. It’s about legacy, it’s again how we leverage this to truly transform Oklahoma City.”
The two events would likely be staggered throughout the 2028 games and draw thousands to Oklahoma’s capital city, Holt said.
“I think the count we’ve shared as far as spectators involved in this would be 200,000 tickets,” he said. “And that’s not to speak of the people who may come here just to sort of soak up the atmosphere.”
Holt said he and other city leaders have made a commitment to the city of Los Angeles to “pro-
Mike Knopp, executive director at RIVERSPORT Foundation, shared how OKC’s rowing scene helped bring the city into the Olympic conversation.
vide an atmosphere that rivals what they’re doing in L.A.”
“We want the athletes and the fans to feel the same energy and passion that they would in Los Angeles,” he said. “And so, we want to as a community not just stage the events but provide kind of a festival-like atmosphere across the city at a level that maybe we’ve never seen before. And so, it’s a gigantic undertaking, but as I said initially, an amazing opportunity.”– SMS
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New… Fresh... Different... The changes for Oklahoma’s men’s basketball team goes well beyond the move to a new conference.
Despite all the new, the Sooner basketball team returned a familiar face and a driven coach looking to erase the pain of Selection Sunday in 2024. Porter Moser returns for his fourth season and with a star player like Jalon Moore and starter Sam Godwin back, the Sooners look to make their first trip to the NCAA Tournament under Moser’s watch after missing the postseason in each of the last three seasons.
The OU’s proud tradition includes 33 NCAA Tournaments, five Final Fours and 14 conference titles. However, only one of those titles came in the last 35 seasons, and the Sooners have struggled to regain their footing after Buddy Hield led them to a Final Four in 2016.
Since, the Sooners only made the field of 68 three times and have not advanced past the second round. Oklahoma started last season 13-1 but finished last season with a 20-12 record, the program’s first 20-win regular season since 2016, when OU made a run to the Final Four.
In its final year in the Big 12, the most challenging college basketball league in the country, OU finished 8-10, good for ninth in the conference. Struggles down the stretch doomed the Sooners’ postseason changes.
OU lost six of its last eight games including a firstround exit in the Big 12 Tournament. That combined with a string of injuries to key players left them squarely on the bubble entering Selection Sunday.
Ultimately, the poor finish was enough to keep Oklahoma out of the 68-team field, as the program missed the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season.
“That Sunday was probably—of my professional career, was one of the worst days… the whole year you’re in, and that’s why you can’t look at that crap,” Porter Moser said looking back on the tournament snub. “You can’t wake up and look at that app on your phone, the bracketology, whatever it is, because every day from like Dec. 1, we were in…. and we ended up not getting in on that day.”
The gut punch continued when the Sooners lost key contributors Milos Uzan, Otega Oweh and Javian McCollum to the transfer portal. In all, Oklahoma lost eight players from the 20-win team due to either the portal or expired eligibility. The departures combine for 73.4% of the team’s points and 63% of its rebounds as well as 88% of its assists.
“It truly is rough. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about that Selection Sunday and the fallout,” Moser said. “I could get up here and talk about a lot of different things about how that went down and
what was right and what went wrong, but that’s not going to help me.
“What’s going to help me is putting together this team and moving forward so that day doesn’t happen again.”
So, Moser started to rebuild the Sooner roster, preparing for a new life in the SEC.
“My faith tells you a lot about perseverance. What doesn’t kill you, doesn’t break you, makes you stronger,” Moser said of the missed opportunity last season.
As the process of putting a new roster together started, Moser patiently waited as Jalon Moore entered his name into the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-7 wing transferred prior to last season from Georgia Tech and became a big impact player for Oklahoma. He started 31 of the team’s 32 games last season and led the team in rebounds and blocks while finishing second on the team in scoring.
By the end of the season, Moore was the team’s most impactful and most consistent player.
“I was 100% behind him going into the process, communicated with him the whole way — actually went down and watched him through the process,” Moser said. “He just got a great, clear picture. He was true to his word.
“(I) told him: ‘If this process leads to you staying in it and getting drafted, I’m going to be the biggest guy to give you a hug. But if not, obviously, we want and need you back.’ He said, ‘That’s my plan; I’m coming back if I don’t get the nod that I’m going to get drafted.’ I think he’s going to do great things, not only at Oklahoma but beyond that because of his foundation and character.”
Moore stayed true to his word and decided the best plan for him was to return to a place that felt more like home… Oklahoma.
“Coach Porter always talks about retention and the importance of having somewhere that is home. This is a place I can call home,” Jalon Moore said. “The love I got from here when I first came, and the coaches are like family. Being around the facility and meeting my new teammates and building that chemistry. It was great. It played a big part in my decision.”
Moore’s return is a key piece in maintaining a foundation with a solid player who improved every step of the way last season.
“His confidence grew, but also his skill level,” Moser said. “Sometimes people try to make things harder than they (are). Last year, he’s a guy we didn’t run a lot of plays for, but he was naturally involved in a lot because of his activity. And that’s what I want. I don’t want him to think there’s extra pressure because he’s the leader. He just needs to be great at what he’s good at, and that’s really my big message for him.”
BY: CHRIS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The pre-draft process was also helpful for Moore, and it showed him where he could improve. One skill he can continue to hone is his outside shooting, which was a surprising development last season. He led the team in 3-point percentage, shooting 41% for the season and 40.5% in conference play. The return to Oklahoma has also allowed Moore to embrace his role as a leader.
“I’m truly embracing the leadership role... leading by example and vocally,” Moore said. “Last year, we had our hearts broken on Selection Sunday. Coming in and showing what it takes and showing that grit and toughness. It’s also special that we have guys on our team that have been to the tournament and ones who haven’t. That mix will help us get to the tournament this year.”
The return of Moore was not the only big commitment that Moser and the Sooners received from a member of last year’s squad. Fifth-year senior Sam Godwin decided to return after playing in 63 games over the last two seasons in Norman and starting all 31 games last season. The Ada, Oklahoma product was among the best offensive rebounders in the country last season and is a tireless worker.
“Sam’s my brother,” Moore said. “What you do every day is going to show in the game, so it’s kind of just been, like, keeping that approach of attacking each other every day, go at each other every day, push each other every day. If I see you down or you see me down, hold me accountable because we need that for this team to succeed.”
“To me, Jalon’s the heartbeat of the team,” Godwin said. “He comes in every day and brings in an elite level of energy. I know he has aspirations to play in the NBA, and with the work I’ve seen him put in, he’s going to get there.”
With two key returning pieces, Moser was able to bring in a roster led by team leaders who understand what Oklahoma basketball is all about.
“Retention is so big, not just in basketball, but in a lot of the sports in college,” Moser said. “That’s been a challenge in the NIL and transfer portal era. Having Jalon Moore and Sam Godwin come back — The loyalty, the vision that they have.
“They’re telling the new guys, ‘This is how we do things, how hard we go. This is our standard… The retention of those two was key for us, because they’re our toughest guys… [We’re] going to need that in the SEC.”
The roster rebuild continued with several additions from the transfer portal including graduate point guard Kobe Elvis who played at both Dayton and DePaul. Sixth-year sharpshooter Brycen Goodine (Syracuse/ Providence/Fairfield), graduate Mohamed
Wague (Harcum College/West Virginia/Alabama), redshirt senior Duke Miles (Troy/High Point) senior Glenn Taylor Jr. (Oregon State/St. John’s), along with true freshman Jeremiah Fears and freshman Dayton Forsythe rounded out the new addition to the Sooner roster.
Fears reclassified from the class of 2025 to start his collegiate career early and is already turning heads.
“I tell him every day he’s one of the most skilled players on this team,” Moore said of Fears. “He came in and instantly started grinding. I’m in the gym but he’s constantly in the gym. Before practice, after practice. He comes in with a business-like mindset. I really respect him and want to see him succeed.”
Rebuilt rosters are nothing new for Porter Moser or any college basketball coach across the country. In fact, 33% of college basketball players transfer making it the second-highest transfer rate in college sports. But Moser has embraced it and is always trying to find the right fit. For this season, he likes the way his roster has come together.
“I think it’s going to be a gritty team,” Moser said. “A lot of guys were crushed on Selection Sunday - the portal guys were crushed too…. We got a combination of guys who have been there and a combination of guys that (were) hurt… that are playing with that fire in their belly.”
Now the Sooners embark with a new roster with a slight chip on their shoulders in an entirely new conference.
“I’m so excited to have a home,” Moser said. “The last three years I’ve done different things with everyone (knowing) Oklahoma was going to compete in the SEC. We’ve got a home and an elite home at that.
“It’s a physical brand of basketball they play here in this conference. We have been preparing our guys all summer to get stronger and gain a tougher edge in preparation for our first season here.”
There is a whole lot of new for Oklahoma basketball this season and for head coach Porter Moser that is just fine, as long as the fire of just how painful Selection Sunday was last season is never forgotten to make sure that feeling is something this program never has to go through again.
“There’s definitely unfinished business,” Moore said. “Going into that Selection Sunday and not hearing your name called, those days you remember. You don’t want to have that feeling again. It just shows how important each possession is and how much work it actually takes to win. That was in my mind the whole summer.
“That feeling, we won’t feel it again. We will be in the tournament this year.”– SMS
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Photo by: Mark Doescher SOONER
ELLA PARKER
BY: CHRIS PLANK
As the fall softball season concluded, Patty Gasso found herself feeling a way she didn’t quite expect.
“Usually I’m like, fall is done, let’s be done,” Gasso said. “But this is different… I don’t want to be done. I feel like we still want to keep going. And I think they feel that way too. The hunger is still there.”
Despite winning four straight National Titles and claiming six in the last eight seasons, the hunger is still very much there for Patty Gasso and the Oklahoma Sooner softball team. The team is now fully moved into a new home, playing in a new conference, and doing so with an entirely new team.
As the confetti fell and the Sooners hoisted the National Championship trophy for an unparalleled fourth straight season, the end of a truly historic era was cemented. The 2024 senior class made history as the winningest in NCAA softball history, boasting a record of 235-15 and claiming the national title each season.
The names are different now all over the field, and a renewed fire is burning for the legendary head coach as she gets back to teaching what the Championship Mindset is all about.
“I am much more vocal than I have been in a long time,” Gasso said. “Just because I didn’t need to be. They knew what they were doing, and I was just there to almost facilitate. Now we’re into really coaching and a lot of learning going on.”
The Sooners return eight players from last season but the total number of key contributors from last season is half that number. Ella Parker, Kasidi Pickering and Cydney Sanders were regulars in the Sooner lineup while Kierston Deal threw the third most innings last year. Hannah Coor and Nelly McEnroe-Marinas return after missing last season due to injury, Paytn Monticelli only pitched 20 innings last season and Maya Bland was mainly a pinch runner for the Sooners.
The “new” is magnified when you realize that only four true contributors return from 2024.
“They’re athletic and they’re fast. I haven’t had this kind of a fast team like this in quite a while,” Gasso said. “Stolen bases are going to move up. Home runs might move down a little bit, but I don’t think it matters. They are hungry.
“We are searching for leadership and it’s starting to arise. Everyone is so worried about their own performances they forget what we need to look like as a team. I saw that change as fall ball progressed.”
Returning starter Ella Parker is being challenged to become more of a leader. After an All-American freshman season, Parker led the Sooners in batting average during the 8-game fall season and was second on the team in home runs and runs batted in. But it was her overall development as a leader that
made the biggest impact and presented the biggest challenge for Parker.
“It’s definitely been a different role, trying to be really welcoming to all the freshmen and the transfers,” Parker said. “It’s a new year, new team, same goal. We’re really excited.”
As the search and development of leadership continues throughout the off season, the Sooners had a major void to fill in the circle and one name stood out during the fall season - Louisiana transfer Sam Landry. Landry adjusted quickly to her new surroundings and was the most consistent arm in the circle.
“She’s a competitor. She wanted to find a place where she could really grow as a person,” Gasso said.
“Team enjoys her, so it’s a very good fit for both.”
Landry led the Sooner staff in innings pitched and strikeouts during the fall and allowed just two earned runs in 24+ innings. The transition to Oklahoma has been a smooth one for the former Rajin Cajun.
“It’s actually been a lot better than I anticipated, which is really good,” Landry said. “Being away from (my family) was hard, but this is one of the best teams I’ve ever been on. They’re going to invite you to do everything or they’re just going to show up to your house and hang out with you. I love that.
“Working with Coach Rocha is just a blessing in itself. She’s a very confident person which gives me a lot of confidence when I go out there.”
Campbell transfer Bella Smith did not pitch during the fall but will be ready to go in the spring. Freshman Audrey Lowry showed promise and Oklahoma debuted Ella Parker as a potential option in the circle.
“The pitchers have been the highlight of this season to me,” said Gasso. “We’re not striking out 15 a game, but we’re getting outs. We’re going to make this defense the best you’ve seen because they’re going to be very important for the pitcher’s success.”
As the leadership and pitching staff come together, so is the idea of what the opening day starting lineup might look like. The Sooners replace six position starters and the battle for most spots will carry over into the start of the season.
“What’s great about (this team) is they can play all kinds of positions,” Gasso said. “Ella (Parker) can play the outfield, she can play first, she can pitch. They all do a lot of things very well.”
North Carolina transfer Bela Emerling has established herself as the replacement for Kinzie Hansen behind the plate with freshman Corri Hicks providing depth and a big bat. Fellow transfers Abigale Dayton and Ailana Agbayani will factor into the starting lineup, but the freshmen have a chance to make a major impact on the 2025 starting lineup.
Gabbie Garcia started all five games that she was available at shortstop and showed some flash at the position. Tia Milloy wowed with her athleticism and power, while Sydney Barker and Chaney Helton showed incredible promise.
“When freshmen come here, they come in pretty intimidated,” Gasso said. “You’re walking into a program that has just won the last four national championships. What’s really important for our program is culture. They don’t have to be best friends, but they have to respect each other. Our freshmen are going to be a very integral part of this program. We need them, and they’re falling in very well.”
The breakout star this fall might just be a player who had to sit back and watch last season while battling an injury. Nelly McEnroe-Marinas wowed during the fall of 2023 with her big bat and impressive power, but an injury knocked her out for her entire true freshman campaign. McEnroe-Marinas started all eight fall games at 3rd base and was solid both at the plate and in the field.
“That’s something I’m really excited about, because I felt so bad for her, with her injuries. She couldn’t compete as a freshman, so that redshirt kept her hungry,” Gasso said. “This fall, she’s been working really hard to make sure that all of her injuries are done with and rehabbed well, and she looks really good.
“She reminds me so much, in a wonderful way, of Syd Romero, her style, the way she looks, the way she talks, the way she laughs. Every time I see her, I think of Syd, which is a good thing.”
As much as things have changed for Sooner softball on the field, off the field they absolutely stay the same. The unwavering and record shattering support of the Oklahoma Sooner Softball program set new marks during the fall season. After a record setting season in the stands during the 2024 regular season, the Sooners set a new fall attendance record drawing 6,463 fans over six home games.
“It was pretty awesome for our team. Our freshmen and our newcomers have not played in front of a crowd bigger than 500 so when this crowd showed up for the first game, they were just in awe,” Gasso said. “They kept saying, it’s so loud, it’s so loud… this isn’t even half of what you’re gonna feel.
“We all know that such a phenomenal group of athletes left this program, and so they’re wondering are they going to love us the same or what? You can hear them in every pitch, so it was wonderful.”
As the Sooners race towards the start of the 2025 season, a new cast is more than ready to carry the torch and embrace the challenge of being the standard bearer in college softball. – SMS
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Anticipation Builds for OKANA Resort and Waterpark on the Oklahoma River
If you have driven I-40 near downtown Oklahoma City recently, you are likely watching with anticipation as construction continues on OKANA, a large-scale resort and indoor waterpark located on the banks of the Oklahoma River. Positioned next to the First Americans Museum, the $40 million development promises to be a unique addition to the Oklahoma City metro area.
A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE AND DESIGN
The name “OKANA” derives from two Chickasaw words: oká (water) and inkaná (friend). These words reflect the resort’s deep connection to the Chickasaw Nation.
First American art and cultural elements are incorporated throughout the property, with the resort’s four signature colors elegantly showcased in the suites, event spaces and guest areas, creating a vibrant yet sophisticated atmosphere.
“I don’t think there are too many resorts that bring in the history and culture behind the region like we do here at OKANA,” said Brian Szydloski, waterpark general manager. “That is our whole goal here, to create unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experiences.”
Large, picturesque windows throughout the resort offer scenic views of the property, Oklahoma River and downtown skyline.
“We’re really capitalizing on modern and upscale here at OKANA,” Szydloski shared. “We’ve got such a wide array of attractions and amenities that really set us apart.”
Within the four-acre complex, resort guests can enjoy spacious suites, a luxurious spa, multiple pools and waterslides, an arcade, as well as several restaurants and retail spaces. Many of the amenities will be accessible to the public, with day passes available for the waterpark based on capacity.
“We haven’t hidden the amenities within the resort because we want locals to come,” explained Szydloski. “Sometimes it’s intimating when you drive up to a resort… but here you can just park and walk right up and shop, eat at our restaurants and enjoy the spa.”
Slated to open in the spring of 2025, OKANA is already accepting bookings for dates beginning in April and continuing into 2026.
THE WATERPARKS: INDOOR AND OUTDOOR FUN
OKANA will feature two waterparks: an indoor, yearround waterpark and an outdoor seasonal waterpark.
The indoor, temperature-controlled, multi-level water park’s 100,000 square-feet houses 15 water slides including Oklahoma’s first water coaster, body slides, tube slides, as well as a large interactive spray and play structure.
“We’ve got a mix of rides from mild thrill level to high thrill level,” Szydloski said. “The coaster will send you downhill and with water propulsion uphill too. Usually on a water slide gravity just takes you down, but this water coaster will take you down, up and all sorts of angles.”
Additional features include a wave pool, lazy river, surf simulator, adults-only warming pool, lily pad crossing, basketball pool and three dining outlets.
Outside, a dreamy beach lagoon awaits. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a pristine sandy beach greets visitors as they prepare to enjoy a variety of attractions and areas of relaxation.
The main lagoon pool, the fourth largest pool in the country, will hold nearly 1.3 million gallons of filtered water and is surrounded on one side by real imported sand creating inviting beach-front property for the lagoon and several shops and restaurants, including the spa. An adults-only pool with a swim-up bar overlooks the lagoon and is flanked by a tanning pool.
Thrill seekers can keep busy with two plunge pool body slides, two over-the-water ziplines, an inflatable on-the-water obstacle course and an elevated jumping platform.
“The waterparks’ hours will fluctuate between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., depending on the season,” Szydloski said.
Guests can also rent cabanas in both waterparks for added comfort.
THE RESORT
The resort offers 404 suites for guests staying overnight with either a river or lagoon view. Some suites include private patios or balconies, and family suites can accommodate up to eight guests.
Room pricing will vary depending on the season and admission to the waterparks is included with a resort stay.
Centered within the resort, several spacious event spaces, including two large ballrooms, four breakout rooms and two boardrooms, can accommodate groups of varying sizes. Each are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, Szydloski said.
Event space packages can include access to the waterparks. Other outdoor areas are also available to rent for events.
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS ABOUND
Beyond the waterparks, OKANA also houses a family entertainment center and several food options and a retail space.
The resort’s 13 dining options will serve a little bit of everything from craft drinks, ice cream and shaved ice to smoky BBQ, pizza, burgers, chicken, Asian American inspired fare and more.
A family friendly game hall, OKANARAMA!, will have augmented reality and virtual reality games, laser tag, an escape room and mirror maze, plus classic arcade favorites including games to win fun prizes.
Many of the amenities will use a wristband pay system for added convenience.
OKANA also plans to collaborate with local attractions, such as the neighboring First Americans Museum, where visitors can explore galleries, exhibits, a café serving Indigenous-inspired cuisine and more.
“We like to think of OKANA as a cruise ship on land,” Szydloski shared. “We hope to build local partnerships and offer guests added excursions off property so they can easily enjoy what Oklahoma City has to offer.”
Future plans also include hosting concerts, festivals, poolside movie nights and more. Two outdoor amphitheaters, one facing the Oklahoma River and another facing the OKANA lagoon, will have open-air stages and seating for up to 2,500 guests.
OKANA IS HIRING
OKANA is poised to contribute significantly to the local economy by creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs.
In preparation for a spring opening, the resort is hosting three in-person job fairs in December at the First Americans Museum, 659 American Indian Blvd, in hopes of filling more than 400 positions, including lifeguards, food and beverage managers, chefs, spa therapists and more. Registration is encouraged.
JOB FAIR DATES:
• Tuesday, December 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To learn more about the job opportunities available or to register, visit okanaresort.com. - SMS
Book by Joseph Robinette Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by warner bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and upon In God We Trust.
SETTING THE SCENE
MNTC Students Gain Real-World Skills in Sports Broadcasting
Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC) students are getting a head start in sports broadcasting through a unique partnership with The Ref Sports Radio Network (KREF), where they gain hands-on experience filming live games and building industry skills.
Asa Ballenger aspires to have a career in sports broadcasting and, thanks to a partnership between MNTC’s digital cinema and television production program and KREF, he is getting early on-the-job practice by filming games for KREFSports.tv, a livestreaming platform for area school districts.
Ballenger and other students in the technology center’s program can be hired to film sporting events — such as football, basketball, softball, soccer and wrestling matches — for area high schools that are live streamed online on KREFSports.tv.
Ballenger said the work opportunities give him insight into filming, working with different equipment and networking with others.
“I just started doing it this year,” he said about the job. “It’s been great.”
Perry Spencer, director of KREFSports.tv, said the station began collaborating with MNTC about five years ago to meet the demand for skilled people to film high school games. The station now streams games for the Bixby, Broken Arrow, Deer Creek, Edmond, Moore, Norman, Piedmont and Yukon school districts.
“It’s been an awesome partnership,” Spencer said.
Amy Smith, an instructor in MNTC’s digital cinema program, emphasized how valuable the partnership is for students since it provides students a variety of experiences, including firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to work on live productions and how to follow the action, depending on different sports.
These experiences are building blocks for students’ resumes and portfolios.
“They love that they are able to do something related to their future and their goals,” she explained.
Spencer said he enjoys meeting students in the program who are eager to know more about filming and production.
“I think their willingness to learn has been what I’m most impressed about,” he said.
Smith appreciates that KREF offers paid opportunities, giving students a sense of the professional value of their work.
Owen Nooner, an MNTC graduate now working for KREF, said he gained important skills on the job, not only about sports broadcasting but also about a career in film.
“I like that it gives me a chance to take my craft seriously,” Nooner said. “Whenever it’s my job and
BY:SHARLA BARDIN
something I’m getting paid for, I take myself more seriously.”
Smith said this partnership provides students with a pathway to explore careers in digital media, whether in sports broadcasting, social media or live production. Within the digital cinema and TV production program, students learn the foundations of storytelling, scriptwriting, hands-on equipment training, editing, and graphics, and they gain experience through production crew shoots and short film projects.
Ballenger, who has always had a passion for filmmaking, envisions his future working with the Oklahoma City Thunder or on a feature film. Meanwhile, he values the experience he’s gaining through his work with KREFSports.tv.
“You get some good hands-on experience,” he said. – SMS
5 GIFT IDEAS FROM NORMAN’S CHRISTMAS EXPERTS
All the twinkling eyes of Christmas:
Lighted lanterns and trees delight the young and young at heart and they are perfect for every corner of your home or office.
For the sentimental jewelry lover: Ronaldo From Our Hands to Your Heart
The family-owned jewelry company crafts each piece by hand with an empowering message to inspire storytelling and honor special milestones of love, friendship and faith.
For the book lover:
An extensive collection of designs from Rifle Paper Co and Old World Christmas are perfect for the book lovers in your life! Browse beautiful mugs, notepads, bookmarks, puzzles and a selection of hand painted ornaments to find the perfect gift.
Christmas Expressions Shares Top Gift Ideas
For the spa lover:
Inis Energy of the Sea bath, body and home fragrance
This family-owned boutique perfumery in Ireland captures the feeling of a perfect sunny day by the sea. Sea minerals and seaweed extract harvested from the pristine waters of the North Atlantic create a beautiful scent and the skin restoring ingredients help soothe, hydrate and rejuvenate the skin.
For your ornament exchange: Hand-painted Old World Christmas
ornaments From traditional Christmas styles of the nativity or Santa Claus to whimsical collections of childhood memories, travel and hobbies, you’ll find something for every interest.
About Christmas Expressions
Christmas Expressions started as a seasonal market 45 years ago.
“Christmas Expressions was created by three ladies that came together and sold their hand-crafted gifts for the holiday season,” shared Kathy Cox.
Today, the local boutique has evolved into a year-round shop centered around gift-giving for all seasons.
“We have a rich tradition in Norman. Our customers remember shopping here as a kid and they bring their children and grandchildren in today, to pick out a special ornament or gift for the holidays,” Cox shared.
“We truly appreciate the support that our customers have given us over 45 years.”
Cox became the owner of Christmas Expression 20 years ago when she stepped out of the corporate world and into small business. Now, she stocks the shelves with unique gifts, sourcing made in the US and women-owned companies whenever possible. Along with seasonal décor, Christmas Expressions also carries a carefully curated assortment of bath and body products, apparel and accessories, paperware products, stationery, sorority gifts and more.
“We have gifts to celebrate all the special milestones in your life”, Cox said. “We are known for personalization and offer embroidery, painting and printing on stationery and invitations.”
This holiday season and throughout the year, stop into Christmas Expressions at 2214 W Lindsey St. -SMS
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
COMMUNITY HUB REVITALIZED
Revamped Education Center Reopens at Porter Health Village
Norman Regional Health System celebrated a significant milestone with the grand reopening of the newly renovated Education Center at the Porter Health Village campus. The event, held in November, drew a crowd of employees, volunteers, donors and community members eager to see the upgraded facility.
“This ribbon cutting marks a tremendous milestone for Norman Regional and the community,” said Elaine Purvis, vice president and chief strategy officer with Norman Regional. “We are deeply grateful to our foundation and the auxiliary for their support and contributions.”
The $1.8 million renovation, funded by the Norman Regional Health Foundation and the Norman Regional Volunteer Auxiliary, included updates to six classrooms, a conference room and an auditorium.
“These two organizations collaborated more than 30 years ago to build this original facility,” said Erin Barnhart, foundation director. “It’s this spirit of collaboration and dedication that brings us together once again to create this enhanced space with state-ofthe-art technology for education, community engagement and training.”
Sherri Coale, former University of Oklahoma women’s basketball coach, served as the foundation’s chair for the Equipped for Tomorrow campaign, raising funds for the center’s renovations and critical medical equipment used across the health system.
She christened the space by recognizing the community’s generosity.
“The people here (in Norman) roll their sleeves up and serve, and a great deal of that serving happens here in this hub. In 2023 alone, the hospital received more than 2,100 meeting requests.”
The multi-use space hosts support groups, childbirth classes, blood drives and trainings, as well as numerous community and civic events. Additionally, the OU College of Nursing at Norman Regional has classes in the Education Center.
“This center will serve as a hub for learning and connection, benefiting not only Norman Regional staff but also patients and families,” said Auxiliary Director Wendy Fiebrich. “We are thrilled for our community to have this resource.
“Your patronage of (Auxiliary) businesses (such as the hospital’s gift shop and coffee shop) and services help provide for projects such as this.”– SMS
TODAY, NOT NEXT WEEK
Our urgent care locations and walk-in clinics are strategically located with easy access in mind, making it simple for families to book appointments that work for their schedule. All visits are billed as a primary care visit. Our physicians and advanced practitioners are experienced in urgent care and prepared to help your family feel better, faster.
Secure your visit online today!
HEALTHY HOLIDAYS
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
Strategies to Avoid Getting Sick this Holiday Season
In addition to all the merriment, studies show the holidays also bring an uptick in cardiac incidents, mental health concerns and a prevalent presence of common viruses such as flu, RSV and COVID, all of which can unfortunately derail your holiday plans.
Family medicine physician Dr. Elizabeth Saladin recommends following what she calls “the pillars of health” to reduce your risk of illness. The pillars focus on a holistic approach to prevention.
PILLAR NO. 1 – BEHAVIORAL
The holidays are often filled with abundance whether that be food or fun. Dr. Saladin recommends seeking balance, especially when it comes to your mental and physical health.
“Optimize your health by managing stress, getting enough sleep and continuing to exercise to help your body stay protected,” she advised. “Don’t overcommit yourself this holiday season. Be sure to include times of rest and things you enjoy.”
While managing stress is key to staying healthy, Saladin also recommends getting your annual flu and COVID vaccines to boost your immune system’s ability to fight off a lengthy illness and protect vulnerable friends and family.
“Older people can’t always fight off the germs as well,” Saladin said. “A lot of times, kids get sick from school, and they bring that home. Then, we get together with grandparents and those viruses can be very dangerous for immune compromised older adults.”
If you do get sick, Saladin said rest and recuperation are best.
“Our society is so fast paced; we don’t always do what we need to do to get better, especially during busy times of the year. Our body needs rest, but that takes time. Viruses typically last 7 to 10 days.
“Sleep, hydration and rest are the things your body needs. Stay home until you are fever free without medicine and your symptoms are improving.”
PILLAR NO. 2 – PHYSICAL WELLNESS
Decadent calorie-dense dishes are a hallmark of many holiday festivities and Saladin actually encourages you to indulge in your favorites, which is why she also recommends adding extra physical activity during the holidays.
“While we aren’t ever going to offset what we eat, increasing your exercise time even by a few minutes can help,” Saladin said. “Go for a walk after meals and consider doing something slow like yoga or stretching that can help reduce stress and feels great.”
She also recommends keeping an exercise log to help with accountability during this particularly busy season.
PILLAR NO. 3 – NUTRITION
Millions of Americans struggle with concerns surrounding weight and the holidays often compound those concerns, but Saladin said that with a few simple strategies you can indeed have your cake and eat it too, as they say.
“This is the season to maintain!” Saladin reminded. “It’s a win if your weight isn’t going up during this time of year.”
With that in mind, instead of restriction, she recommends indulging in moderation.
“Seek balance when choosing what to eat. Don’t restrict yourself but consider your portions,” she advised.– SMS
Orangetheory
