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THE GOLD STANDARD
A R I A R E A L E S T A T E G R O U
FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER
Moore Public Schools offers community-based internship program
Moore Public Schools’ Internship Program focuses on bridging the gap for high school students as they prepare for the world of work. District staff coordinate with more than 100 local businesses in the community to provide hands-on professional experience.
Currently open to seniors, the program focuses on mentorship, real world experience and a path forward for students interested in a career pursuit of their choice.
“Our goal is to try to get them connected to a career, but the experience also helps eliminate options that may not be a good fit,” said Career Education Coordinator Rocky Dickinson. “There are shadowing opportunities and the ability to make connections early, along with hearing from experts who have advice to share about specific postsecondary opportunities.
“Reverse engineering their career can happen through that process. We want them to try it out, then decide.”
Career specialists at each high school’s Career & Technical Education program help coordinate opportunities. Although internship participation is not a graduation requirement, all seniors have the option to participate voluntarily, with the internship considered a class that will appear on their high school transcript.
Most internships are unpaid unless participating businesses choose to offer a wage or stipend. Currently, the district employs students in its Technology Department, for example, to help solve issues for staff and students, as well as work in the computer repair program, at the hourly rate of $13.
Alumni and community partnerships are the foundation of the MPS internship program.
“If a business is partnering with us and wants to impact the next generation with a career opportunity in their field, the MPS Internship Program is the perfect fit,” said Dickinson.
While internship options may already be in place in industries ranging from art and aerospace to medicine and the military, internships are also fully customizable to students’ unique needs and interests. Participation consists of a required minimum of four hours per week, with options available during the workday, nights and evenings.
“The bulk of our internships come from students cold calling to find out for themselves how they can get into what they’re curious about or think they might be interested in, with the support of our staff to vet opportunities,” Dickinson explained. “We are hoping to expand and get more businesses involved. We have seen an uptick
in students thinking about internships and where they could see themselves fitting in the community. We want to see the number of participating businesses double in the next year or so.”
Making those connections through employers like students’ parents, friends and others has also been a ready source for students to better understand that day-in-the-life approach.
“We had a mom who helped make it happen for her daughter who was interested in nursing, for example. A partnership came together because a parent took that initiative to go to their employer and help us get in the door with Oklahoma Heart Hospital South,” said Dickinson. “Students were able to sit through more than 100 surgeries and it was just incredible for them to have that opportunity.”
Dickinson is also aware of a student involved with their school’s yearbook who connected with an author to provide all the graphic illustration for an upcoming book.
“That student will have a better resume coming out of high school than many professionals do when they leave college,” he said. “I have had the privilege of going to observe at internship sites and the impact of what our participants are learning firsthand has been tremendous. That’s been really rewarding to see, and we are hopeful for more opportunities from here on out.
“We absolutely could not do this without the community’s support and the students, the parents, the faculty and staff are so grateful.”
Employers who wish to discuss related possibilities and how to start an internship at their workplace can find more information and submit an interest form at mooreschools.com/departments/federal-programs/mps-career-tech.– SMS
EASTER AT THE PARKS
The City of Moore’s Easter festivities are expanding this year to include more fun-filled egg hunts. This year’s Easter at the Parks celebration will be held on April 12 at not just one, but ten Moore community parks.
The shift will give the community an opportunity to become familiar with the various surrounding parks. Families will also have the ability to walk to their local park to join in the festivities without having to necessarily drive, making access easier.
Last year’s Easter egg hunt was similar because of rainy weather.
“The backup plan was to surprise the community with parks being filled with eggs as if the Easter Bunny had come overnight. Many enjoyed it, so we are tailoring it a little bit. We here at the Parks and Recreation Department are very excited about this,” shares Kasey Dean, the City of Moore’s special event coordinator.
Each park’s egg hunt will feature an Easter Bunny, candy, scattered eggs, as well as a golden prize egg. The hunt will begin at 10 a.m. at the sound of a horn at each park. Festivities will last as long as there are eggs to find, but past experiences have lasted anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
Children must bring their own basket or sack for collecting eggs and treats. Families are welcome to take pictures with the Easter Bunny but must bring their own cameras. No professional photos will be available.
Easter at the Parks will be taking place at the following parks:
• Central Park (700 S Broadway Ave)
• Apple Valley Park (4401 Melrose Dr)
• Westmoore Trails Park (2206 Lonnie Ln)
• Arbor Gardens Park (1695 SW 34th St)
• Fairmoore Park (630 NW 5th St)
• Parmele Park (1308 N. Janeway Ave)
• Little River Park North (700 SW 4th St)
• Kiwanis Park (501 E. Main S.)
• Buck Thomas Park (1903 NE 12th St)
• Veterans Memorial Park (1900 SE 4th St)
The community can best get involved by coming out with their families and participating in one of the egg hunts or helping out as sponsors. For example, The American Legion always volunteers their time to help out on the fields.
The parks department welcomes prize egg sponsors and donations of filled Easter eggs. Sponsors will have the option to set up a booth and display goodies and information for the kids and families that are participating.
“We hope everyone comes out and enjoys our Easter at the Parks,” invited Kasey.
For more information, call 405-793-5090 or visit cityofmoore.com.– SMS
LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Jennifer Austin Steps in as District Attorney for Cleveland County
After nearly three decades as a prosecutor, including 10 years as assistant district attorney in Oklahoma County and 18 years as district attorney for District 21, which includes Cleveland County, Greg Mashburn was named director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Initially planning to enter private practice, Mashburn said he chose to accept what he described as “an amazing opportunity to do something that I love.” He defined his passion as “helping make our communities a better, safer place one case at a time.”
Reflecting on his new role with the OSBI, Mashburn noted his familiarity with the agency.
“I know what a good investigation looks like, and I have been working with the agency for many years,” he said.
Mashburn said the transition came at the right time.
“The last two years, we made great process, which made it a good time for me to step away,” Mashburn said. “We have a great team in place, amazing people and attorneys.”
Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Jennifer Pointer Austin as Mashburn’s successor. An experienced attorney, Austin has worked alongside Mashburn since 1997 in both Oklahoma County and District 21. During her tenure, she was part of the special victims’ team,
prosecuting cases of child sexual abuse and domestic violence.
“It is great to have a partner like that with institutional knowledge. Things that could take me hours to figure out, I can just pick up the phone,” Austin said. “A lot of times when people take over (the DA) position, it can be contentious, but that’s not the case this time.
“The transition has been pretty seamless, which is great for our community and for law enforcement because there hasn’t been a disruption.”
Austin intends to focus on protecting the most vulnerable members of the community by pursuing proactive solutions.
“The nature of our role at the DA office is very reactive,” she explained. “Our work happens after a crime is committed.”
She plans to create community awareness programs to educate citizens about financial scams targeting senior citizens and internet safety for parents of elementary and middle school children.
“There are a lot of resources out there, and we want to get that to our communities,” she said. “With these programs, we can potentially prevent crimes from happening.”
She is also working to recruit new attorneys to the field of prosecution. She teaches at the University of Oklahoma School of Law “to get the word out about what government lawyers do and what opportunities are available.”
“Prosecutors can a bad rap, so we spend time educating law students about what we do,” she explained. “It is hard to keep hold of attorneys because they can always make more in the private sector.
“This is a hard job; we see the worst of the worst every day, but this is what I was meant to do.”
Austin, along with fellow assistant district attorney Kristy Miller, prosecuted the high-profile homicide case related to the tragedy that resulted in the death of three members of the Moore High School cross country team in 2020.
“I have had some difficult cases over the years. The one that always comes to mind first is the Moore cross country case,” she said. “These serious crimes change you, but it also reinforces that we are doing the right thing.”
Austin will serve the remainder of Mashburn’s term through the end of 2026.- SMS
Technology Center Organizations Offer Students the Chance to Build Leadership Skills
Lilia Valerio-Weekley’s involvement in SkillsUSA, a student organization at Moore Norman Technology Center, gives her the chance to grow as a leader, collaborate and connect with others, and advocate for programs that are important to her.
“I think it just opens up so many doors for not only opportunities but getting to meet other people,” such as students, instructors and business professionals from the local and national levels, Valerio-Weekley said.
Membership in student organizations offer personal and professional benefits, such as serving in elected positions, competing in competitions that relate to their career field and serving the community, said Traci Hopper, student organization coordinator at the center.
“It really is a life-changing experience for our students,” Hopper said.
The organizations focus on a variety of trades and career paths, such as the business industry to healthcare fields. Hopper said every student at the technology center is automatically enrolled in at least one of the organizations based on what they’re studying. It’s then up to students to determine how involved they want to be in the organization.
Hopper said one of the aspects she loves most about her job is watching the gains that students can make through their involvement. She’s seen them build confidence, take on challenges, network with others and travel to new places through events and competitions. Valerio-Weekley said one of the reasons she wanted to participate in SkillsUSA is the opportunity to enhance her leadership skills. The organization is open to students in
areas of construction, cosmetology, digital cinema and TV production, graphic design and transportation.
Valerio-Weekley, a student in the digital cinema program at Moore Norman Technology Center, said she enjoys participating, especially when serving as an officer, traveling to Washington, D.C. to advocate for CareerTech education, working on community service projects and connecting with others.
Valerio-Weekley said she also is grateful for the camaraderie that has developed with her fellow members. That connection proved especially powerful when she was in high school and was diagnosed with cancer. She said she was touched by how her fellow officers worked to keep her involved and how they reached out to her with encouraging calls, messages and gifts.
Now in remission, Valerio-Weekley said she is thankful for the deep friendships she has formed.
Valerio-Weekley said she also is learning skills that help make her career ready. She aspires to become a screenwriter and author and said her involvement in SkillsUSA has helped her learn adaptability, flexibility and resiliency.
“Sometimes, things don’t go as planned and that is true for a film crew, as well. You have to be able to not back down when trouble arrives,” she said. “Through SkillsUSA, I know that you can learn from every experience and that because something doesn’t work out the first time, doesn’t mean you have to give up.”
For more information about the organizations, visit www. mntc.edu.– BSM
Oklahoma has become a hotbed for talented musicians, and this month’s Norman Music Festival will be a homecoming for several artists with ties to the Sooner state.
Sierra Spirit, JW Francis and Jabee are among the singer-songwriters scheduled to perform at the free 3-day festival downtown, which begins Thursday, April 24, and is expected to draw as many as 70,000 visitors.
“We brought back several artists with strong Oklahoma ties this year and I think that’s really fun,” said Shari Jackson, who oversees the festival.
With more than 250 performances scheduled on four outdoor stages and 12 indoor venues, there’s something for everybody.
“It’s all genres,” Jackson said. “You’re going to find something you love, no matter what kind of music you love.”
Jackson has overseen the festival from the beginning in 2008.
“Right now, we’re getting better at what we do,” she said. “NMF has always been a place that really spotlights Oklahoma music. And right now, Oklahoma music is all over the country and around the world.
“There are Oklahoma musicians everywhere and I don’t know that people really know just how spectacular Oklahoma music is.”
Sierra Spirit, a Connecticut-based Indie pop singer who hails from Claremore, will take the Friday night main stage.
JW Francis, a Sapulpa native, is a highly successful singer and songwriter who travels the world performing his brand of Indie music. He will take the West Stage at 11:10 p.m. Friday.
“I love it that we can bring some of those folks home,” Jackson said. “And not only that, we’re putting them on stage alongside amazing super powerhouses from here in Oklahoma like stepmom and Cliff Diver and Rainbows are Free and hip-hop artist Jabee.”
Jabee is an Oklahoma City rapper signed to Mello Music Group, an internationally renowned record label based in Tucson, Arizona. He is bringing hip-hop “super producer” Apollo Brown to perform with him, Jackson said.
The festival runs on the work of volunteers. Every dollar of the $280,000 budget is raised through donations and sponsorships. Jackson is the only paid employee. She views the festival as a gift to the music community “and to our community.”
BY: TIM WILLERT
VENUES ABOUND
The festival spans four city blocks, from Webster Avenue to the west and Porter Street to the east, Main Street to the south and Gray Street to the north.
Jackson said music will fill the air on each of the four stages from 6 p.m. to midnight on Thursday and Friday, while partner venues will stay until 2 a.m.
The main stage is located on Main at Porter. The west stage is on Main near Webster. The Gray Street stage is near Peters. The alley stage is just south of Gray between Crawford and Porter.
Kids Fest, which offers a variety of music-related activities and entertainment for children, takes place on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the Gray Street stage. Main stage per formances begin at 2 p.m. and will continue late into the night.
“We love a free festival here in Norman,” Jackson said. “We love to get together as a community, and we’re good at it.”
CARNIVAL NEWS
The Lions Club carnival predates the music festival, but it is a tradition, nonetheless.
“When NMF started, that became a really great partnership,” Jackson said. “It’s a very fun addition to the festival, and it makes the carnival, which is their main fundraiser, very suc cessful. We absolutely love having a Ferris Wheel in the mid dle of a music festival. How cool is that?”
PREP WORK
The Norman Music Festival has long been a starting point for headliners that went on to become the big names playing at Lollapalooza and Coachella.
“This year’s no different,” Jackson said. “You’re going to get to know your next favorite band.”
One way to do that is to download the MNF app and then click through and learn about every band at the festival.
“You can star your favorite performances; it will populate your schedule. When you’re ready to go, tap on it and it will give you walking directions straight to the stage you want to be at,” she said.
The festival’s new website also has listings for every band.
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
There are three options for VIP passes for festival attendees who “really want to get up close and personal.”
A $100 donation gets you a front-row pass for the main stage, while $200 gets you inside Uncanny Art House on Main, the festival’s VIP room. Food and beverages are served along with VIP-only events.
For $300, you’ll get a reserved parking space for the festival along with a VIP pass and VIP room privileges.
“Those donations help keep NMF free,” Jackson said. – BSM
CRIMSON COMBINE 2025 Spring Football
Xavier Robinson
Photos by: Mark Doescher
The 2025 Spring football season will have a much different look than in years past. In fact, the word different might be an understatement.
Oklahoma will debut a new offensive coordinator, a new quarterback, a whole new set of wide receivers and an old/new defensive coordinator, along with a new group of leaders on the defensive side of the football.
But the changes are not relegated to the sidelines. In a surprising turn of events, the Sooners announced there will be no spring game this year. This decision marks a significant departure from tradition. The absence of the spring game will undoubtedly add an element of mystery and anticipation as the Sooners prepare for the upcoming season under these unprecedented changes.
The Sooners are not alone in making the decision not to play a spring game; it is a trend across college football. Oklahoma joins Texas, Ohio State, USC and Nebraska, among others.
The Sooners will still have a fan event called the Crimson Combine to help feed that football hunger, but the Spring Game is likely never coming back.
“I’m a hundred percent sympathetic,” Joe Castiglione, Sooner athletic director, said during an appearance on The Ref. “This is not a great thing. I’m not at all trying to excuse it, justify it or try to put any lipstick on it.
“It’s a rotten spot to be in. And I feel for the fans… There are a lot of schools that have cancelled spring games and [are] not doing anything at all. We’ve just said, forget that — we’re going to try to create an entirely different way for our fans to engage with our team.”
The Sooners still have 15 practices to get ready for the 2025 season. Even without the spring game, questions and storylines remain.
FIXING THE SOONER OFFENSE
When Venables hired Ben Arbuckle as the new Sooner offensive coordinator, he labeled him as “one of the best offensive minds in the last several decades in college football.”
Based on the early track record, it is a fitting label for the man charged with returning the Sooner offense to the top.
The task is no small feat. Known for his innovative offensive strategies, Arbuckle brings a fresh and energetic perspective to the team. His philosophy centers on a dynamic passing game, quick decision-making and creating mismatches on the field.
At Washington State, his air-raid-influenced system featured rapid passing concepts and vertical threats, allowing quarterbacks to distribute the ball efficiently. While his background suggests a pass-heavy scheme, he has also adapted to incorporate the running game when necessary.
The Sooners were 121st in total offense, averaging 322.5 yards per game, and they managed just 4.78 yards per play (126th nationally). Oklahoma was also 133rd out of 134 FBS teams in plays of 20-plus yards, with 32 of them.
Arbuckle is set to change that. The Cougars were 12th in scoring (36.8 points per game), 22nd in total offense (440.4 yards per game), 14th in yards per play (6.65) and tied for 10th in plays of 20-plus yards (70th).
“This is a conference of the line of scrimmage,” Arbuckle said. “The first thing I always want to do is make sure we establish the line of scrimmage, in all forms. Who better than Coach (Bill) Bedenbaugh and (Joe Jon) Finley to set that vision in motion? The best in the country, they’re here, and I can’t wait to work side by side with them to do that.”
The Sooners were 94th nationally and second to last in the SEC in scoring at 24.3 points per game. The offense managed just 11 touchdowns in eight SEC games, scoring no more than two touchdowns in any of those conference matchups.
“Everybody likes points, right? I like points; everyone here should like points,” Arbuckle said. “Full-team football, I think, is pivotal in the success not only of an offense but a program as a whole. Explosive plays win. That’s what you’re going to see, and we’re going to get rolling on that as soon as possible.”
IS THE NEW SOONER QB READY FOR THE SEC?
With confidence and a swagger that has drawn early Baker Mayfield comparisons, Mateer has made an instant impact on the Sooner fanbase and his teammates.
“First day of strength and conditioning workouts, my teammates put me in the front of the line,” Mateer said. “I really appreciated that. That gave me some confidence.”
As Mateer arrives from Washington State, he joins a team that finished the 2024 season with an offense ranked outside the top 100, averaging only 4.8 yards per play. Despite the offensive struggles, expectations are high that the transfer quarterback will energize the offense, much like a previous transfer quarterback did.
“I talked to Dillon Gabriel, he just told me to embrace the guys and really build relationships because that’s the most important thing,” Mateer said in his first media appearance at OU.
During the 2024 season, Mateer backed up the hype at Washington State. He threw for more than 3,000 yards last season—completing 65% of his passes— while running for just under 1,000. Mateer led the Cougars to eight wins, their most since 2018.
Mateer decided to join the University of Oklahoma in part because of the opportunity to energize the offen
sive attack and to play at the highest level of college football. Under the guidance of Arbuckle, who was his offensive coordinator at Washington State, expectations are high that the Oklahoma offense can be as potent and explosive as it has been in years past.
“Pressure is a privilege. It’s a little cliche, but it’s true,” Mateer said. “Seeing my teammates willing to come throw with me and work out ... gives me a lot of confidence in what we can do this year.”
In Arbuckle’s two years at Washington State, he achieved a combined ranking of 10th in the nation for passing yards and passing touchdowns per game. His offensive system has proven to be effective, but now it has to be implemented into a new program. Mateer is willing and ready to be a part of that process.
“His offense is very dynamic,” Mateer said. “We only have a couple installs in right now, but you can see that people are getting it. They’re feeling more comfortable in it every day, and it’s exciting to see.”
A REBUILT WIDE RECEIVER ROOM
In every preview for the 2024 season surrounding Oklahoma Sooner Football, wide receiver depth was a huge strength, but injuries decimated the receiver room.
For almost the entirety of the season, OU’s top four pass catchers from the year before — Nic Anderson, Jayden Gibson, Andrel Anthony and Jalil Farooq — were injured. That group played in a combined four games for a mere four receptions for 62 yards, including Farooq’s 47-yard grab on the second play of the season, during which he was injured.
All four decided to transfer and were joined by J.J. Hester, Brenen Thompson and Jaquaize Pettaway in the portal. Add in Bauer Sharp’s exit to LSU and Jake Roberts’s graduation, and just about every receiver who caught a pass in 2024 has moved on to play elsewhere—except one… Deion Burks.
The explosive Purdue transfer looked to be as impressive as advertised in the early part of the season, but he battled injuries as well and finished with 31 receptions for just 245 yards and three touchdowns — all of his scores coming in the season opener.
Despite the frustration of his first season at Oklahoma, Burks decided to return and help rebuild the Sooners’ offensive attack.
“It definitely has been tough mentally, dealing with a lot of off-the-field things, injuries of course,” Burks said. “I feel like a lot of things made me stronger.”
With Burks back, the Sooners began to rebuild the group through the portal, adding Isaiah Sategna (Arkansas), Keontez Lewis (Southern Illinois), Josiah Martin (California) and Javonnie Gibson (Arkansas PineBluff). All are projected to be important contributors. They also added four-star prospect Elijah Thomas and three-star Emmanuel Choice via the freshman class.
“Last year was last year, but we have a lot of new players,” redshirt sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Sategna said. “The first thing is gelling with the team and bonding with the guys because that’s the biggest thing when you’re going to war and the going gets tough.”
To help build chemistry, Mateer organized twice-weekly throwing sessions with the Sooners’ skill players during the winter months, eager to lay the foundation for a strong rapport with his new teammates.
“We’ve only been here for two months, the new guys,” Sategna said. “But I feel like I’ve been here a lot longer. I love all the people here.”
The wild card for the Sooners is Jayden Gibson. The 6-5 playmaker missed the entire season with an injury, and despite suffering a minor setback heading into spring ball, his emergence could help strengthen the receiver group as a whole.
“Jayden Gibson and Deion Burks, they’ve been here for longer than most guys in the receiver room, they’re older guys too. They’ve been helping us out a lot,” Sategna said. “If we ever need anything, those are two guys we can lean on.”
REPLACING DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Danny Stutsman, Billy Bowman and Ethan Downs starred at the NFL Combine. The trio put up some of the best numbers for their positions and will hear their names called during the NFL Draft weekend starting April 24.
But as the trio moves on to the next level, the Sooners are left trying to find ways to replace the production and leadership. At linebacker, Kobie McKinzie has been preparing for this moment.
“He left us in great shape,” McKinzie said of Stutsman. “It’s like getting a car with one owner. Obviously, there have been some speed bumps, but it’s been great.”
Along with Kip Lewis and Sammy Omosigho, the inside linebacker spot is loaded with talent and experience, but Stutsman’s leadership will be a challenge to replace.
For Sooner legend and KREF afternoon host Teddy Lehman, replacing Billy Bowman Jr. is his biggest storyline of the 2025 Spring season.
“The playmaking ability, the experience, the attitude … all of the things that Billy Bowman brought to that secondary. They are incredibly costly,” Lehman said. “His experience that he brought to the secondary is going to be very difficult to replace.”
The Sooners will have a duo of experienced voices helping to fill the void. Robert Spears Jennings and Peyton Bowen return after finishing second and third on the team in defensive snaps played in the secondary last year.
A NEW / OLD VOICE CALLING THE DEFENSE
Don’t try to tell Venables that this year is any bigger than the year before. The fourth-year Sooner coach understands the pressure heading into this season, but every season has been packed with pressure.
“Every year is big for me,” he said. “Every game’s that way. Every day I show up, something’s on the line. My job’s on the line. So, nothing’s changing for me. Do we need to be better? You’re damn right. Does your mindset change? Nope.”
When the Sooners lost defensive coordinator Zac Alley to West Virginia, it was a surprise. The Sooners found themselves in the mix for Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles who eventually decided to take the job at Penn State. In the end, the best option was sitting right here in Norman.
“Why am I going to call the defense? Because I’m good at it,” Venables said. “I know what that looks like… managing gameday and in-season, out of season, the meeting room, practice field, all those things, I know what that looks like.”
In 2000, Venables helped lead the Oklahoma Sooners to a national title, thanks to strong defensive efforts. He then helped the Sooners return to the national title game two more times before leaving to join Dabo Swinney at Clemson. With the Tigers, Venables won two more national titles.
During his run as the Clemson defensive coordinator, the Tigers finished in the top five in scoring defense five times. At Oklahoma, the Sooners finished in the top five in scoring defense four times and also finished No. 6 in 2000.– BSM
PLAYER TO WATCH – JAREN KANAK, TIGHT END
After three seasons of battling to find a spot in the linebacker rotation, Jaren Kanak switched to the offensive side of the football and is playing a position where the Sooners desperately need a playmaker.
The move puts Kanak back on the side of the football where he had his most success in high school. As a senior wildcatting quarterback, he averaged 10.2 yards per carry (23 rushing touchdowns) and threw for 910 yards and 12 TDs, helping Hays High School in Kansas to program records of 5,608 total yards, 3,603 rushing yards, and 428 points in 2021. He finished third all-time in school history in rushing yards (2,072) and scoring (216 points).
NEWCOMER TO WATCH – JAVONNIE GIBSON, WIDE RECEIVER
Honestly, you could probably put about any of the Oklahoma transfer receivers under this category, but there is something about Gibson and his playmaking ability.
Gibson transferred to OU from Arkansas Pine-Bluff but was completely unknown before his breakout at UAPB. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound wide receiver out of Louisiana was not rated by any recruiting platforms out of high school. He spent his first two seasons of college at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, which competes at the NCAA Division II level.
He ended his lone season in Pine Bluff with 70 receptions for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns. Both his reception and yard totals are second all-time in UAPB’s single-season record books.
Kip Lewis
SUPER SOONER SENIORS
Audrey Davis
Photos by: Mark Doescher
BY: CHRIS PLANK
Oklahoma and head coach KJ Kindler have set the standard for women’s gymnastics.
The Sooners have won nineteen conference championships, 15 NCAA regional championships and have appeared in 21 NCAA National Championships while taking home six national titles.
As the four seniors on this year’s squad - Jordan Bowers, Audrey Davis, Danae Fletcher and Danielle Sievers - prepare for a final postseason push, the team’s focus is squarely on being the best they can be. Their collective achievements are nothing short of extraordinary, playing pivotal roles in maintaining Oklahoma’s dominance in the sport.
From accumulating an astounding 138 career wins to maintaining an impeccable 44-0 home record, their journey has been marked by triumphs and unforgettable moments. Their impressive haul includes 18 All-America honors, 10 individual conference titles and two individual national titles, underscoring their prowess and dedication.
The seniors helped secure two NCAA National Championships, three regional titles and three Big 12 Championships, along with an NCAA runner-up and Big 12 runner-up finish. They also claimed their first SEC regular season title with record of 7-1. The Sooners share the title with LSU.
“They’ve been contributing from the moment they got here,” Kindler said of the senior class. “The hit percentage of all four of these seniors is amazing.
“Audrey Davis has missed 1 out of 247 routines. That is unheard of. Jordan has a 96% hit rate, and when you do all-around, you have more of a chance of missing. It’s like going up to bat and never missing.”
The seniors have guided this team through an exemplary season, easily navigating the transition into the SEC. As they prepare to right the wrongs of a frustrating finish in 2024, they remain focused on achieving new heights, driven by a collective desire for success.
Jordan Bowers
“We lived it, we dealt with it. Then we finished it and moved on,” Sooner standout Audrey Davis said. “We definitely are using it as motivation. Every single person wants a different outcome, but that’s not the first thing we’re thinking about when we go in the gym. We have a goal in mind and we’re reaching for that goal every single day.”
Davis has had an incredible senior season, solidifying her status as one of the most remarkable gymnasts in Oklahoma’s history. Her achievements speak volumes. She was the 2024 NCAA Champion on both the uneven bars and the balance beam, the 2022 NCAA runner-up on bars and the recipient of seven NCAA All-American honors.
Moreover, Davis’s leadership and resilience have been crucial to the team’s morale. Her ability to channel past frustrations into motivation has inspired both seasoned teammates and incoming freshmen.
“It’s been an incredible season so far. We are all such a close team,” Davis said. “Going in week and week out, all those girls are so incredible. Couldn’t be more thankful for all the opportunities myself and our team have been given.”
Jordan Bowers’ incredible season has indeed been one to remember. Her performances on the floor and vault have been nothing short of spectacular, displaying her strength, agility and artistic flair. Bowers,
last year’s Big 12 Gymnast of the Year and a 2024 Honda Sport Award finalist, has consistently shown her exceptional talent and work ethic. Her seven NCAA All-American honors underscore her mastery of the sport.
Davis and Bowers developed a lifelong bond that has extended beyond the sport.
“We’ve just been friends for so long and I wouldn’t change it for the world because I’ve learned so much from her. I’ve learned how to love this sport again,” Davis said of Bowers.
Bowers described Davis as “a breath of fresh air.”
“She shows up every single day and does the job and does such an amazing job, too. When she goes out there, it’s literally art.”
As the pair has grown tighter, so have the Sooners. It’s often said that the joy is in the journey, and the Sooners have enjoyed the ride in 2025 as a team.
“We have different roommates when we travel to every competition, so you get to build a stronger relationship with each person on the team,” Davis said of the team chemistry. “We’re together so much we build so many memories. We really enjoy each other’s presence, and we learn so much about each other.”
Unfortunately for Danae Fletcher and “Danni” Sievers, injuries have made the 2025 season challeng-
Danae Fletcher
ing, but that has not stopped each from being as involved as possible in pushing toward the program’s seventh national championship.
Fletcher was injured in the preseason but is still there at every practice and every meet to do whatever it takes to help the Sooners win.
“It’s nothing that I wanted, but just doing anything you can for the team is all you can do,” Fletcher said. “Knowing that we’re the backbone for the team, it helps the girls so much. They’re so locked in… to feed them energy means everything.”
Sievers has a chance to help the Sooners in the postseason, but injuries have cost her most of her final season.
“Anything I can do for the team to do well is what I’m going to do,” Sievers said. “KJ reminds us on a daily basis that it doesn’t matter your role; everybody has an impact. No one can win this thing alone.”
While championships are important, the bond that has been created through the season and the careers of these four seniors is what being a part of this program is all about for Kindler.
“As a coach, that’s the best thing you can hope for,” Kindler said. “Because that’s lifelong.”
This season, Oklahoma set an attendance record of 43,803 fans, illustrating the sport’s rise in popularity.
“Competing in the SEC has been fun, seeing those sold-out crowds,” Davis said. “We want to create that atmosphere in the LNC. It’s such an incredible sport, and once you live it and learn it, that makes it more enjoyable as a fan and a gymnast.”
As Oklahoma prepares for the final push to bring a national championship back to Norman, Kindler knows this senior class has set a strong standard, always bringing their best even in the toughest of times.– BSM
Danielle Sievers
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Southmoore Pom Earns Two National Titles SABERCAT CHAMPIONS
Pom is an often-overlooked sport, and few truly understand what it takes for these athletes to be successful. Spectators can see Southmoore pom at other sporting events for countless hours all year long. Moore Public Schools spirit coordinator Ladawna Hunter has firsthand experience with the rigorous schedule the girls go through.
“They practice during the summer and immediately start boot camps in August,” said Hunter. “At boot camps, they’re learning sidelines, halftime routines, dance moves for assemblies in addition to preparing their competition dances they are going to do at State and Nationals.”
Aside from learning new routines, there is still schoolwork to stay on top of. Also, being a member of the team does not guarantee a spot next year. Pom has tryouts in March every year, adding even more pressure.
Southmoore finished third in the 6A Large Hip-hop Division and second in the Large Jazz Division. The squad did not stop there as they fine tuned their routines and went to Florida to compete at Nationals. Southmoore dominated their routines and brought back titles in both the Large Varsity Hip-hop and Large Varsity Jazz Divisions.
This year, Southmoore pom was led by senior captain Abi Yaffe, who was the ultimate package.
“She’s definitely dedicated to this team,” said Hunter. “For her to be on the team since her freshman year and put in the same amount of hard work is why she was named as the senior captain.”
Another leader on the team is senior co-captain Peyton Koepke.
“She has outstanding leadership abilities and is a fabulous dancer,” said Hunter. “She’s already signed to dance in college next year and is in the top of her league in outside studio dances. Dance companies and choreographers call her throughout the year for help at clinics and conventions.”
Last, but certainly not least is senior co-captain Maci Kletke.
“Maci has really developed since her freshman year as a dancer and leader,” said Hunter. “You knew she would be in the dance, but by her senior year she’s getting all the attention.”– SMS
JAGUAR CHAMPIONS
Westmoore Pom Earns National Title
Westmoore pom brought back 6A State titles in Small Jazz, Large Hip-hop and Prop divisions. They also brought back hardware from Nationals where the Jags won Medium Jazz division and finished runner-up in the medium Hip-hop division.
Westmoore pom head coach Natalie Zielny credits her team for keeping the tradition of winning going.
“I really think it’s just the kids that come in being committed to working hard,” said Zielny.
Zielny was extremely proud of her team for how well they balanced such a hectic schedule.
“Not only are you working hard at the sport that’s not viewed as a sport by most, while still being responsible for all of the stuff at the school,” said Zielny.
Westmoore pom attends every other sport event, including Special Olympics, assemblies and other events that come up.
“My kids usually train outside at dance studios and are competitive there as well,” said Zielny. “Some of them
are dancing an additional 20 hours a week just to stay consistent and get better.”
While the schedule is quite strenuous, Zielny believes the recognition from those outside of the program gives the team a boost.
“At Westmoore, we’re pretty lucky to have support from the parents and administration,” said Zielny. “We are pretty well respected at our school as a sport, and I know that’s not the case at a lot of other schools.”
Some of the key leaders for the Jaguars this year are seniors Kynlee Patnode (captain), Grace Cerney (co-captain), Kansas Mansker (senior officer), Addison Barrett (senior officer) and junior Piper Zielny (dance captain).
“This is one of the best years we’ve had, especially with the seniors,” said Zielny. “They’ve all loved Westmoore pom since they were little and couldn’t wait to be on the team. They were the best teammates, role models and most importantly, kind.” – SMS
Photos by: Mark Doescher
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FACING THE STORM
BY: LINDSAY
How EMSSTAT Prepares for Severe
Weather
Oklahoma experiences a wide variety of severe weather conditions, which pose significant risks and challenges for emergency responders. Kyle Hurley, the director of EMSSTAT services for Norman Regional Health System, said his team prepares in many of the same ways citizens should, just on a larger scale.
“The number one step to prepare for severe weather is to pay attention,” Hurley shared.
Hurley’s team gets their weather forecasts via a subscription with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the National Weather Service. He said alerts begin as early as 10 days out, with daily briefings as an event gets closer.
“When we see a higher probability of dangerous weather, we put our disaster medical response team on call,” he said. “They are our highly trained disaster experts.”
This procedure ensures that services continue uninterrupted because “regular calls are still going on,” Hurley explained.
“We are still taking care of the needs of the community,” he said. “If you need us, we will be there. Norman and Moore have a great network of emergency response providers.”
Having a plan in place ahead of time is also essential during severe weather. NRH’s EMSSTAT works closely with local first responders, city emergency management teams and hospitals to coordinate response plans.
“Before severe weather is even on its way, we are working through processes and areas for additional support, not just on the medical side, but also on the emergency preparedness side,” Hurley said.
Hurley advised that your severe weather plan should include stocking up on necessary essentials such as vital medicines and medical supplies. He also recommended having a weather radio, flashlights and charged cell phones or portable battery chargers handy.
One often overlooked hazard is flooding. Moving water can be deceptively dangerous.
“Know the areas near you that are prone to flooding and have an alternative route in mind,” he explained. “Fire departments are prepared for water rescues, but the situation can become dire quickly and is very dangerous for everyone.”
Hurley cautioned against these common mistakes:
1. Not paying attention – “If you’ve lived here for any amount of time, most people know to be aware but recently we’ve had some atypical events that can catch people off guard.”
2. Being out and about – “The worst place you can be is driving.”
3. Not having a plan – “Heed advice from weather professionals and stock up beforehand.”
4. Don’t delay calling for help – “If you think you need to call 911, call 911. Call early, rather than later.” – SMS
