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Career readiness is an essential part of every high school student’s academic journey; now it is a formalized effort with legislative backing adopted in school districts statewide. A law passed in 2019 established that all students must complete an Individual Career Academic Plan, or ICAP.
The plan is modified throughout high school to identify students’ abilities and help them work toward post-graduation goals.
According to the Moore Public School’s website, “The spirit of the Individual Career & Academic Planning process is not just a list of tasks, it is that of a school and district-wide culture designed to help students prepare for life beyond high school.”
Moore’s ICAP program consists of five main components, all of which are revisited yearly:
• College & career interest assessments
• Post-secondary-related goals
• A plan for coursework to reach those goals
• A record of grades, courses and assessments taken
• Service learning and work experience activities
Moore Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Jimmy Martin recognizes how ICAP has evolved and its positive impact.
“We have made gradual adjustments over the past five years and found ways to implement ICAP better using our student information system,” he said. “It’s a great idea overall and has been very beneficial for our students, whether they are considering college, a career tech center or the military. ICAP has helped students and families focus on making the most of achievement opportunities that prepare students for what’s next.”
While ICAP is not required until freshman year, Moore students begin in eighth grade, a move Martin said sets them up for success through early pathways to post-secondary options.
All students use OK Career Guide, a website supported by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, to take assessments and identify potential areas of interest. At the high school level, the site’s interest and skills inventories help determine which abilities align with career paths as students select their classes.
Pre-enrollment begins in January, as students speak with their career specialists, counselors and parents to decide on classes for the next academic year.
“What we’ve been able to do is move some key components so students can work through the process by sitting down with their parents. Together, they can set the student’s goals and choose their pathway as well as select foundational classes relevant to what they ultimately want to do after high school,” Martin explained. Martin recommends using okcareerguide.kuder. com as a resource for students to explore career interests, with in-depth college and career tech center information available for review at home.
“We want parents to be involved in the conversation with their students each year,” said Martin. “Things are changing constantly regarding new careers because of new technology and changes in our world. What is really important when choosing a career is to start with what training is involved and does it require licensure.”
Martin sees the work-based learning experience component of ICAP as one of its standout features.
“We can explain to students that their career choice is something they could do in the real world, but nothing makes that more relevant than hands-on experience,” he explained. “Bringing in industry standards through clubs and internships is part of the process we know makes all the difference.”
The district’s plans expand internship and work-relevant opportunities in future academic years.
For more information about ICAP and other graduation requirements, visit mooreschools.com.– SMS
OU men’s golf head coach Ryan Hybl enters his 16th season at the helm, facing a new challenge in the SEC as the fourth-winningest active coach in Division I golf. His 44 career victories rank 13th in NCAA Division I history.
What Hybl has accomplished with the OU golf program is a story of hard work and perseverance. The Sooners won the 2017 NCAA Championship and returned to the match-play finals in 2021. OU is the only program to make each of the last five NCAA quarterfinals, when match play begins.
“Coach Hybl has created the model collegiate men’s golf program here,” OU Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione said. “And he’s done it the right way, always putting his players in the best position for success on the golf course and in life.”
Hybl’s journey as head coach of Oklahoma men’s golf is a testament to his dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. Under his guidance, the Sooners have not only achieved remarkable success on the course but have also fostered a culture of growth and resilience.
His impact on the program is evident in the team’s consistent performance, including the 2017 NCAA championship victory and multiple NCAA quarterfinal appearances. Hybl’s ability to develop talent and maintain a competitive edge has solidified Oklahoma as a powerhouse in collegiate golf.
This past offseason, Hybl was named to the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
“You go into the Hall of Fame, and I’ve been coaching 20 years now but I’m still only 43,” Hybl joked of his selection. “It’s a little awkward, do these guys know something about my health I don’t know?
“Seriously, it was really special for me in a lot of ways. When you go into a Hall of Fame, and you think about all the people and what they have done to achieve this honor… for us it’s about our golf program. For them to recognize what the OU men’s golf team has done and how consistent it has been… that’s been a really proud moment.”
In 2024, Hybl led Oklahoma to three victories, including a regional championship at the NCAA Rancho Santa Fe Regional. The Sooners won by six strokes to earn a spot in their 13th straight national championship, finishing ninth and securing their seventh top 10 national finish in eight seasons.
The team enters its 2025 spring schedule with momentum after a successful fall campaign featuring two team victories.
“Consistency - that’s what we pride ourselves in,” Hybl said. “The way we played at Colonial…that showed me where we can be. When we’re playing well, we can beat anyone.”
The Sooner roster is deep with experience and talent, led by senior Drew Goodman. Named to the Ben Hogan Award Watch List, Goodman has a career scoring average of 70.89 at Oklahoma. During his sophomore season, he maintained an average of 70.05, ranking sixth all-time in program history.
Despite 38 career rounds in the 60s and nine career top five finishes, Goodman worked to improve his game this offseason.
“I don’t think it’s any secret that the last couple of years if you’ve watched me… putting has been a huge hole in my game and it’s bled into other parts of my game because I feel like I have to compensate,” Goodman said of his offseason focus. “I’ve done a ton of work being able to trust my putter, my mental game and being patient on the golf course.”
Growing up in Norman, many might assume Goodman always dreamed of playing for the Sooners, but Hybl recalls a different story.
“If I go back to the first time I was around Drew, it would be when he was going to my golf camp at 9 and 10 with nothing but orange puma gear… all Rickie Fowlered out,” Hybl joked. “OSU was always No. 1 on his list, but we did our job and got him convinced this is where he needed to be.”
Oklahoma State might have been his dream school as a kid, but Oklahoma and Hybl won his heart.
“I always thought I would go to OSU if they offered me,” Goodman said. “When I went on visits to both, I just felt Oklahoma was the right place for me. The culture here at OU is something special. The grittiness and the fight, that appealed to me.”
As a leader, Goodman has set the tone for the 2025 season.
“He’s arguably the hardest worker that I’ve ever had or that I will ever have at OU,” Hybl said of Goodman. “You can’t work any harder than this guy. He values handling himself like a pro and every day he’s trying to get better. Our leadership is strong, and it all starts with Drew.”
Along with Goodman, players like Jaxon Dowell, Stephen Campbell Jr., Ryder Cowan, Jake Summy, Matthew Troutman and PJ Maybank are expected to be key contributors this season.
The depth of talent makes qualifying for events almost as challenging as the tournaments themselves.
“The challenge is you have to bring your best every day,” Goodman said. “That’s what we talk about as a team. You look around at other really good teams and they have seven or eight guys and that can be comforting when you are on the road every week. But, for me as a senior who you might expect to play every tourney, my spot is never guaranteed. I must continue to earn it.
“If you ask anyone, qualifying is more difficult than a tournament. When we pull up to a tournament and we’re in a spot where something isn’t going right, or we have pressure coming down the stretch, we know we’re prepared for it.”
While Goodman sets the tone, fifth-year senior Stephen Campbell Jr. provides energy. The redshirt senior, a PING All-Region honoree, posted four top 10 finishes last season.
“He’s a great locker room guy. We still call him the fifth-year freshman because people give him so much grief. He is so funny. He’s got great energy,” Hybl said of Campbell. “We’re going to miss them when they graduate. They both work their tails off to get the most out of every day and that’s what I love about them.”
Hybl’s passion for his team has helped them find another level, the extra boost they need to be their best. That’s why he’s a Hall of Famer at 43.
“We played at Colonial in Ft Worth this fall and the last few times I played there I got my face kicked in. I played horrible,” Goodman said. “Coach pulled me aside before we went down there this fall and said,
‘you have the tools, you’re ready to go. There is nothing for you to be afraid of. Go take on this place. Go get some revenge.’”
At the Ben Hogan Collegiate this fall, held at the same golf course where Goodman had struggled, the words from his coach helped lead Goodman to a third place overall individual finish. The team dominated wire to wire to win the event.
The Sooners’ success under Hybl reflects his meticulous approach to coaching. His commitment to excellence is evident in the team’s rigorous preparation and high standards. In 2025, the Sooners may have one of their deepest and most talented rosters yet.
“We’ve grown a lot. If we can continue on this track and grow as a team, we don’t think there is anyone out there that can beat us,” Goodman said. “We’ve seen our potential.”
As the team transitions into the SEC, Hybl’s legacy and strategic vision position the Sooners not just as a conference championship contender but as a national championship contender. It is only a matter of time before the Sooners raise another national championship trophy.– SMS
Moore begins the 2025 baseball season with a fresh outlook as they welcome in a new head coach - one of Moore’s very own, Joe Haddox.
It did not take Haddox very long to get to know his group and understand what needed to be done.
“After doing this for a little bit, I learned that guys having physicality about them is a separator,” said Haddox. “I’m not saying they were in a bad spot, but it’s an area that can always use improving.”
Being a first-year coach can be difficult at times when it comes to winning over a team, but that has not been an issue for Haddox, and he thanks the upperclassman for the smooth transition.
“This group is really veteran heavy,” said Haddox. “They really just craved someone who was going to
push them, hold them accountable, and have really high standards.”
Haddox wants the boys to have a 3.0 GPA, be early, and stay committed to the standard.
“For these seniors, I’m the third head coach in four years,” said Haddox. “It’s hard to acclimate to a new guy every year, but they have really taken to it. They’re eager to get at it and want to win.”
Senior twins Carder and Crue Riley have taken the standard to heart.
“They are two of the most disciplined kids that I’ve ever been around,” said Haddox. “Both boys are the type who will go do what you said and do it to the fullest.”
Another senior Haddox can count on is outfielder AJ Brennan. Lions’ faithful should also follow senior Ty Talkington this season. Talkington led the team in batting average last year, and the Lions will be leaning on him again.
“He’s probably our fiercest and smartest competitor,” Haddox said.
Moore has two big district series against Edmond Santa Fe and Choctaw in April.
The Lady Lions enter the 2025 slow-pitch softball season with eyes on the state tournament. Last season was productive, but head coach Steven Peeler knows that it’s a new year and nothing will be handed to them.
“We’re a name whether we like it or not and people are going to give us their all,” said Peeler. “It prepares us for our end goal which is a title.”
If the Lady Lions are going to return to glory this season, they must play the game with a short memory.
“We can’t dwell on things that happened a pitch, inning or an at-bat ago,” said Peeler. “We just have to focus on what’s in front of us and react to it.”
Good teams have to reload from time to time, and this is the year for Moore to do so. The Lions graduated most of their key contributors from last season. While their experience will be missed, the Lions do have two returning seniors to lean on - Makiah Brumbelow-Neal and Casey Williams.
Another senior who the Lady Lions are looking up to is Riley Rumbaugh.
“This is her first full season of slow pitch,” said Peeler. “We feel like her leadership is going to be the key aspect to our success.”
Lions’ faithful can also count on juniors Karlie Curtis and Hadley Southerland to provide an important boost.
Moore has a difficult slate on the schedule this season, starting with Yukon, Southmoore and Westmoore.
These games might set “the tone for the entire season and probably determines if we get to host a Regional,” said Peeler.
The Lions have high hopes for the 2025 soccer season after missing the playoffs by one game last year. Moore has steadily improved each season under head coach Trevor Hunt, now in his third year.
“Last season ended in a heartbreak fashion, but it was a drastic improvement from my first year,” said Hunt. “Our major goal this season is to make the playoffs.”
The inability to score plagued the Lions a year ago, and Hunt will surely be looking to end that trend.
“Something we could’ve done better is finish,” said Hunt. “There was a game against Deer Creek where we had opportunities to score but hit the crossbar multiple times. We have to finish the chances we create.”
Hunt is looking at a couple of seniors to get the team to where they want to be this year - midfielder Aiden Cooney and winger Ahmed Altamimi.
“Aiden has been a three-year starter for us and I’m expecting him to keep going strong,” said Hunt. “Ahmed is another fantastic player who is coming into his own.”
Hunt is also counting on junior midfielder Kayden Hoffman.
“Kayden is a brilliant kid both on and off the field,” said Hunt. “He’s extremely quick and can be very dangerous.”
Lions’ faithful can count on junior goalkeeper Isaac Perez to prevent opponents from scoring this season.
“He’s a stud back there,” said Hunt. “Great communicator and has a great ability to control the play.”
Hunt is proud of all the boys and likes the fact that they all understand how far they could have made it last season.
“They are determined to not let last year repeat itself,” said Hunt. “They were all a part of that group and are staying after practice to get extra touches and have just been really dedicated.”
The Lions season ended last year at Putnam City’s senior night, and the script is set for revenge. Moore hosts Putnam City on senior night on April 22.
Moore is eager to get the 2025 soccer season going after a 2024 campaign filled with bumps and bruises. Head coach Aubrey Highfill is in her second year and has enjoyed the journey so far.
“We were kind of learning each other in waves,” said Highfill. “We lost some games that we were up in but got better each time.”
A lot of time was spent during the offseason becoming a better defensive team. Highfill believes an improved defensive attack will create more opportunities on the offensive side and give the Lions more wins this season.
The girls have lofty goals for the season, and Highfill has complete confidence in them.
“Across the board, everyone wants to go to State,” said Highfill. “It’s been a while since our program has done that, but that’s the main goal. They also want to be city champs.”
Senior center back Kylie Clark is one who Lions fans should follow closely as the season progresses.
“She’s kind of our glue that holds everyone together on the back end,” said Highfill.
Other seniors who should be in for a good season are midfielder Jasmine Molina and Addison Worley. Highfill is also eager to see how the season unfolds for sophomore Cadyn Betancourt and junior Rylan McIntyre.
“These girls are gritty, passionate and are fighters,” said Highfill. “They’re good leaders and are fully bought in.”
Highfill and the girls are excited about the upcoming season and invite fans to give their support every chance they get.
The Lions begin their 2025 track and field season with a clean slate as they have new head coaches for both the boys and girls - Michael Clark and Chris Wise respectively.
While both coaches are fresh in their positions, they quickly recognized the strength of their squads.
“We have some really strong mid-distance runners,” said Clark.
The girls are a bit more well-rounded of a team, but Wise could see where the team could hang their hat on.
“When I first came in, I saw we had a pretty good strength in the distance events,” said Wise.
Moore faithful can expect a big season from senior Samuel Russell.
“Sam is a really strong 800 runner,” said Clark. “He’s running around mid 1:50s and that’s really good.”
Clark is also excited about sophomore Marquis Evans and freshman Dominic Matthias.
“When it comes to distance guys, these are our top three,” said Clark.
The Lions also have two talented juniors who have the chance to bring home hardware.
“We have a couple of pole vaulters who are really good,” said Clark. “Ben Cruz made it to State last year, and I think Vance Kenemer is going to be right there with him.”
Youth is a common trend on the girls’ side, but Clark does not view it as a problem.
“We’re a well-rounded group,” said Clark. “There will be some areas where we’re a little young, but I think they’re ready for the challenge.”
The Lions will be led by senior Libby Jaques, and that should not surprise anyone. Jacques has done it all during her time at Moore and will be passing down her experience to the others.
“Libby is back for her senior year to defend her shot put title,” said Wise. “She’s a special athlete and will run the 200 m, sprint relays and then throw shot put for us.”
Another senior who Wise is counting on is Kate Holbrook, who is committed to running track and cross country at the next level.
“Holbrook recently committed to the Arkansas Tech University,” said Wise. “She’s going to be a big piece in the four by eight, one mile and two mile.”
Another senior fans should keep an eye on is Amari Stephens who had a strong offseason.
Both coaches are eager to get going and consider Regionals and State as the most important meets of the season. – SMS
When Brian Hunnicutt was named as Westmoore’s baseball interim head coach in the fall of 2023, his focus was to ensure a competitive lineup was set for each game. After performing that task 42 times, Hunnicutt, along with the 2024 Jaguars, stood alone at the top of the mountain as champions of Class 6A baseball after beating the Sandites of Charles Page High School, from Sand Springs, 7-4.
One of the most challenging seasons for a championship team is the next season in defense of the title. Hunnicutt, with the ‘interim’ label removed, knows that to defend the title, his players must continue improving, individually and as a team.
“Our goal is to get better every day,” Hunnicutt stated. To that end, a picture of a mountain is placed in each player’s locker.
“We want our players to improve by climbing every day. By concentrating on the daily climb, the ascent to the mountain top will take care of itself,” Hunnicutt said.
This year’s baseball team will have five key returners. Josiah Kemp, the junior outfielder who has played both right and center fields, has already committed to play at OU. His speed is a huge asset.
Senior Jacob Wehba, who was 3 for 3 with 2 RBIs and two runs scored in the championship game, will be one of the infield leaders for Westmoore. He has already committed to play at Vernon (TX) College.
Senior Caleb Rey held down the hot corner last year and is expected to continue being a defensive stalwart. Senor Sam Bourland will man first base and is weighing options where he will take his skills to the next level.
Junior hurler Brodie Inhofe, the starting pitcher who got the win versus Sand Springs, will anchor the pitching staff. His sophomore season was enviable with a 6-3 record and an impressive 2.57 ERA. He struck out 51 and walked 37 while surrendering 37 hits.
The Jags’ schedule is not for the faint of heart. They open the season in Norman to play the Tigers on March 4. District play starts on March 10.
Westmoore’s slow-pitch softball team has its sights set on returning to the state tournament. Under the guidance of Hillary Weaver, her third season as the head coach, the Jags are well-stocked for another run in quest of a crown.
In 2024, the Jags finished with a solid 22-14 record and made it to the state tourney’s semi-finals where they were eliminated by their Southwest Showdown rival, Southmoore.
Only four players return from that squad: Jordyn Moody, Cami Roark, Hallie Hightower and Sophie Kuhlman.
Senior Jordyn Moody has already committed to play softball at Seminole State next season. Moody is the consummate utility player who wields a big bat. She plays either position on the left side of the infield flawlessly with an impressive glove.
Roark showed her versatility during the recent fastpitch season when she not only played in the outfield but was pressed into duty at first base and handled the new assignment successfully.
Weaver and the team will work younger players into the lineup to gain real-time experience. Additionally, Westmoore will advocate to host a regional tournament and get back to the Class 6A state finals.
Previous building blocks were placed when the Jags reached the quarterfinals in 2023 and made it to the semifinals in 2024. Their ultimate goal is to play for a state championship and add another piece of hardware to the trophy case this season.
The Jags’ schedule has talented teams in all classes including the recurring rivalry games with Southmoore and Moore.
By any measure, last year’s Westmoore boys soccer team had a successful season with a handful of senior players with opportunities to continue playing at the next level.
The Jags, as usual, had a challenging district schedule which they finished undefeated at 7-0 to earn the District Championship. The non-district matches became a springboard to a successful 2024 campaign giving Westmoore an overall record of 10-4.
Two of the three losses were only by one goal with the first coming at the hands of the Bishop McGuinness Fighting Irish, 3-2. The second loss came in an inter-county matchup with Norman North which the Timberwolves took 4-3.
As a result of the team’s success, they hosted a regional match and faced a tough Bishop McGuinness team for a second time. Along with a raucous crowd supporting the Fighting Irish, McGuinness advanced into the playoffs by beating the Jags, 3-2, in overtime.
One primary goal set by the team, in collaboration with head coach Joe Shepherd, is to beat last year’s team’s grade point average. While success on the field is an assumed ambition, Shepherd emphasizes the need to achieve and maintain solid academic achievement in order to remain eligible for participation.
One player to keep an eye on this season is senior Bryce Marshall. Marshall, who was selected as honorable mention to The Oklahoman’s 2024 All-City boys soccer team, will be leaned on to provide leadership and skill for another successful season. A welcome surprise for this year’s Jags’ team is Ezequiel Santos. Shepherd expects Santos, a freshman, to play a big part in Westmoore’s season.
BY: DANNY HENDERSON
As is the case with any sport, matches with MPS rivals Moore and Southmoore will always be at a premium of excitement and competition.
For the Jaguars’ track and field program, last season was highlighted by impressive performances from their seniors setting a school record in the 4x400 at 3:18.70. Even though three of the four legs graduated, this year’s group comprised of Josiah King, Pryce Mitchell, Alex Zapata and Rex Wood, show promise to be even better.
Second-year head coach Dakota Kappelle, a successful hurdler at Oklahoma Baptist University, says this year’s team includes multiple returning competitors in all 17 events of a meet.
The primary goal for the team is to exhibit their motto of “Always Win!” Kappelle desires to develop athletes who succeed in all aspects of life by making winning decisions. The other goal is to improve their finish last season, two years removed from their Class 6A crown in 2022.
Placing at the State meet in the open 400 m dash with a time of 49.56, King will be an impact athlete in sprint relays and open events. Chason Brassfield, an experienced hurdler, narrowly missed qualifying
for State by a razor thin margin. His off-season workouts will put him in contention. Isaac Chavez, a senior leader with character, set a PR in cross-country at 16:11 in the 5K. He will be an important member of the 4x800 relay and in the 1600 m.
In field events, Tylei Curtis, who competed last year in the high jump in the State meet, returns for his senior year. He improved his best clearance last year by 3 inches for a PR of 6’2” and will be a top jumper in Class 6A this year with a goal of clearing at least 6’4”.
Both Alex Le and Preston Igleheart are back to throw farther in the ring. Le finished 7th last year at State with a throw of 50’8” in shot put and Igleheart ended the year with a throw of over 150’ in discus.
New this year, the inaugural “Battle of the Jungle” triangular track meet will be held on Tuesday, March 4. Strong support of the community will only enhance the new event.
The new season for Westmoore’s girls track and field team shows robust possibilities under the guidance of head coach Missy Smith. With some new participants, along with returners, the Jaguars have a good mix of athletes to compete around the oval and field events.
Returning runners include two impressive seniors –Eva Tice and Gracie Billins. Tice, coming off a successful cross-country season, has already committed to run at the University of Arkansas – Little Rock. She qualified for state in the 3200 m race last year and will pursue new personal records (PR) in both the 1600 (5:18) and 3200 (11:31) m races.
Other returning runners also include sophomore Aspen Porter and Kiayah Roane. Porter will be a key ingredient for all relays as she is aiming to shave off nearly two seconds from her PR (61.8) in the 400 m dash to finish under 60 seconds. Another ambitious goal is to be around 26 seconds in the 200 m dash.
Roane qualified in the 100 m hurdles with a time of 16.07 and will push to be in the low 15s. She will also run in the 300 m hurdles with a goal of under 45 seconds. Roane will also be a member of both the 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 relays.
What appears to be one of the strongest freshmen classes in recent memory, Princessa Pina-Rojas, Samantha Sanchez, Cameron Newton and Elle-Gabriell Seeley will make noticeable impacts early. They will be in both relay and middle-distance events. – SMS
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Southmoore is ready to swing for the fences this 2025 baseball season. Head coach Hunter Aguirre, now in his second year, looks to carry over last season’s momentum.
“We played in a lot of close ball games last year which is all we can ask for,” said Aguirre. “It came down to a pitch here or a pitch there, but by the end of the year, I truly felt like we were playing our best baseball.
We made it to the regional championship against Choctaw who was stacked and just ran out of bullets against them.”
Aguirre’s first season was spent moving pieces around and that effort paid off. This season brings more certainty, which is something the Sabercats have been missing. Aguirre’s team has set a few goals for the season and believes they can achieve it due to their preparation.
“They really want to go above .500, push to 20 plus wins and make a run at State,” said Aguirre. “I just want them to be proud of the product they’re putting on the field - guys with energy and executing what’s being called.”
Some of the boys who will be looking to make these goals a reality are seniors Kasen Rineheart, Evan Primrose and Jake Koweno. As of right now, fans can expect Rineheart and Primrose to lead the way on the mound.
Aguirre is also excited to see what kind of season junior Christian Deloera has. Deloera led the team in home runs and RBIs last season and Southmoore will surely be leaning on his hitting prowess and talents behind the dish.
Sabercats’ fans should also be on the lookout for sophomore Preston Kutej. The speedy sophomore can really tear up the base paths and is far from being a sure out if the ball is hit on the ground.
Aguirre is excited about every opponent his Sabercats face this season but would love for fans to show their support on Senior Night when Southmoore takes on Putnam City on May, 2.
Southmoore is set to power its way through the 2025 slow-pitch softball season after a fantastic 2024 campaign, which saw the Sabercats losing in the state championship game against Mustang. Head coach James Lingo will be looking to have another great season despite losing key contributors to graduation.
“I think we lost six seniors from last year and they all played a little bit for us last year,” said Lingo. “We’ve got some kids that have been in the lineup for a couple of years who are back and a bunch of newcomers that are trying to get a spot in the lineup.”
Reloading is nothing new to Lingo and the Sabercats.
“The expectation for Southmoore is to win championships, and that’s not going to change,” said Lingo. Southmoore only has three seniors on the rosterBree Gomez, Olivia Smith and Gracelyn Weaver, but they collectively bring the experience needed for a strong season.
“Bree has been in the lineup for several years, and so has Olivia,” said Lingo. “Gracelyn Weaver is trying to crack the lineup now, and she has really been practicing well.”
Fans can expect to see a familiar face in junior Kandace Burnett who has been in the mix since her freshman year. Karissa Reddout is another junior to keep tabs on. Doing damage at the plate is crucial in slow pitch, and that is Reddout’s specialty.
Sophomore Ryen Bullock played as a freshman and is an exceptional power hitter. Sophomore Kate Seaton played as a freshman and will get a lot of time in the lineup again this year.
Lingo has a few talented freshmen, but there is one in particular that fans should follow. Lucely Kutz is an uber-talented freshman and was the starting shortstop on the fast-pitch team.
The Sabercats have a stout schedule, but there are a couple of games circled on the calendar. Southmoore faces Choctaw on March 24 and Mustang on April 1, both at home.
Southmoore enters the 2025 soccer season laser focused after a 2024 campaign, which left many in the program wanting more. Head coach Kit Stephenson had a talented bunch last year but acknowledges the team underperformed.
“I don’t think it’s any secret, or anyone’s feelings would be hurt, but last season was a disappointment,” said Stephenson.
The Sabercats had the stars aligned perfectly regarding a push to State, but the team was unable to get out of their own way. This season, fans can expect a completely different mindset from their Sabercats.
“This offseason, we’ve spent as much time in the locker room working on our culture as we have on the field,” said Stephenson. “We’ve sacrificed a lot of time in the fall where we could’ve been getting fit focused on being a better team.”
The boys put together lofty goals of winning district, conference, city and state championships.
“This year, they are firmly of the opinion that it’s a no-holds-barred type of season,” said Stephenson.
“It’s not my style, it’s a little cocky, but our training tops this year have the coordinates for the center spot of the field where the State championship will be played.”
It’s safe to say the boys are locked in and willing to do what it takes to achieve their goals. Seniors Kaden Locke and Sean Alabi have made great strides this off-season.
Sabercats’ faithful should follow seniors Grayson Schmidt and Caden Anderson as they have impressed the coaching staff their entire careers. Others to watch are juniors Gavin Miller and Luswin Rivera. Freshmen Zach Schmidt and Xavier Rivera are battling to be the team’s goalkeeper.
BY: T.J. TURNER
Stephenson is eager to face talented competition but has his eyes on one team, an extremely talented Norman North team. That game will be played on April 11 at home.
Southmoore enters the 2025 girls soccer season with the intention of carrying over the momentum from last year, where they earned a spot at State. The Sabercats graduated several of their key players from last season, but head coach Kathryn Swartzendruber is confident in the group coming in.
“We got back in the playoffs last year and had a pretty good team,” said Swartzendruber. “We graduated a lot of good seniors, but we had a really good freshmen class come in and kind of picked up where we left off last year.”
If the Sabercats are going to have a good season, they must improve defensively and increase the control time.
“We’ve put more emphasis on defending and transitioning back to defense and getting numbers behind the ball,” said Swartzendruber. “Also, we want to keep possession of the ball more and maybe not play as direct as we have in the past.”
Swartzendruber always has confidence in her teams, but this year’s bunch has already given her reason to believe. During Southmoore’s “Champions Week”,
which is a week of two-a-days filled with competing against teammates, Swartzendruber knew her girls were ready for the season.
“There would be setbacks and adversity that could come up in a game, and I would call it out,” said Swartzendruber. “They would come back in the afternoon, and it would be fixed. They’re starting to see how everything works and not getting stuck on things we can’t control.”
Leading the way for the Sabercats is senior forward/ midfielder Makenzie Weddle who is committed to playing at the next level. Weddle will continue her career at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. Fans can expect a big season from senior midfielder Makala Johnson who will also be playing college soccer for UCO.
Other Sabercats to keep track of this season are juniors Janelle Fleischer and Lelu Lamb.
Swartzendruber is eager to see how the team performs and urges fans to show their support at any home game.
The Sabercats look to hit the 2025 track and field season full sprint after putting together a solid campaign last year. TJ Lovejoy, now in his second year as the head coach for both the boys and girls, admits the previous season was difficult, yet productive.
“All-in-all, it was a good year,” said Lovejoy. “(We) didn’t have the results we would’ve liked, but we got better.”
Southmoore brings back three State-qualifiers from last season and Lovejoy is hoping to get those three back and more. This could be a difficult task as the Sabercats lost several athletes to graduation.
“I think we graduated 11 seniors last year,” said Lovejoy. “Four of those went to State last year.”
Lovejoy said the team is focused on preparing the upperclassmen to qualify.
Sabercats’ faithful should keep an eye on senior Ty Simms and junior Alex Ngo. Fans can cheer on both Simms and Ngo as they compete in the 100 and 200 m races.
Another Sabercat to watch is senior Madden Merwin, who is competing in the pole vault.
Fans can expect junior Latesha Theirry to have a strong year as she aims to qualify for State again and bring back a medal or two. Other strong contenders are sophomores Makayla Reynolds and Kendall Williams. Reynolds competes primarily in 400 m, and Williams in the 100-200 m and long jump.
Lovejoy is eager to see how the team competes at Regionals. – SMS
Ortho Central recently opened a Bone Health Clinic, a facility aimed at combating and preventing osteoporosis. The clinic, located at 3400 W Tecumseh Rd, Ste 305, will provide care and treatment under the leadership of Amanda Boyd, PA-C.
Boyd specializes in a comprehensive bone health care, including monitoring and managing the effects of osteoporosis, post-fracture care that addresses vitamin deficiencies crucial for bone strength and assessing risks for bone disorders.
Osteoporosis, often called the “silent disease,” weakens bones without early symptoms, leading to fractures that can significantly impact a person’s independence and quality of life. In fact, one in two women and up to one in four men will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis, yet only a small percentage of people receive treatment.
“For women, the incidence of osteoporosis is greater than that of cervical, endometrial and breast cancer combined.,” Boyd said.
Recognizing this growing health concern, Ortho Central’s Bone Health Clinic aims to provide early detection, prevention and personalized care.
“We are passionate about early screening because proactive steps - such as nutrition, vitamin and mineral supplements, targeted exercise with a strong emphasis on weight-bearing and pharmacologic treatments - can significantly reduce the risk of fractures,” Boyd explained.
“We are partnering with the orthopedic community and primary care centers to provide a one-stop solution for patients.”
The clinic’s treatment areas include bone density testing (DXA), customized strategies to slow bone loss and fall prevention education.
“So many factors influence the quality of our bones,” Boyd said.
“Low estrogen in women, low testosterone men, a history of certain medications, such as long-term steroid use, seizure medications, protein pump inhibitors or GLP-1 drugs, and certain endocrine disorders can all play a role. Additionally, there is a strong genetic component, making family history a significant factor.”
“A bone density screening (DXA) is a very low dose radiation x-ray that provides valuable insights into a patient’s baseline bone health, allowing us to assess their current bone density. We recommend annual screenings for men and women over 45 with risk factors, or at least every two years, with the primary goal of preventing fractures before they occur.”
Bone health assessments are encouraged for:
• Women that are estrogen deficient
• Men that are testosterone deficient
• Adults with a history of fractures
• Individuals with a family history of osteoporosis
• Those noticing signs of fragility, height loss or bone health concerns
Boyd recommends patients discuss their bone health risks with their primary care physician to identify their risk factors.
To learn more about osteoporosis or the services available at the Bone Health Clinic, visit OrthoCentralOK.com or call 405-5158094.– SMS
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR BONE HEALTH:
• LIMIT ALCOHOL INTAKE
• AVOID SMOKING
• REGULARLY INCORPORATE WEIGHT-BEARING EXERCISE
• INCORPORATE FOODS RICH IN CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. Additionally, the disease claims more than 50,000 lives annually, making it the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
The good news is that those numbers have been decreasing since the mid-1980s due to increased screening and lifestyle changes.
“Colorectal cancer is an aggressive cancer, but it is preventable,” said Dr. Mohamed Azab, a gastroenterologist with Norman Regional Health System. “It is rare to get colon cancer if you are getting appropriate screening.”
Azab explained that without proper screenings, colorectal cancer often goes undetected for two reasons: it does not always present with symptoms, and most people diagnosed have no family history of the disease.
“Colon cancer can advance to stage four with no symptoms,” he warned. “By the time you find out, it can be too late.”
Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if caught early which is why Azab encourages patients to talk with their primary care physician to assess their risk and develop an appropriate screening plan.
The latest recommendation from the American Cancer Society is to begin screenings at age 45, however if you have a family history or other factors that put you at a higher risk, you may need to begin screen-
ings earlier. For example, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis could increase your risk.
There are three primary screening options:
• Colonoscopy: Considered the most effective method, this procedure allows doctors to detect and remove potentially precancerous polyps.
• Stool Blood Test: This non-invasive test checks for microscopic blood in the stool.
• FIT-DNA: This test analyzes stool samples for cancer DNA.
It is important to note that if blood or cancer DNA is detected through a stool blood test or FIT-DNA, a follow-up colonoscopy is usually necessary because the procedure not only diagnoses colorectal cancer but also serves as a therapeutic treatment to remove cancerous and precancerous polyps.
“Colonoscopies are heavily studied, very safe procedures,” Azab shared. “They are always done with sedation; all it takes is a day off work.”
Dr. Azab sees patients at GI of Norman – Moore. He is board certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology.
Norman Regional recently relocated its gastrointestinal care clinic to a centralized location within Norman Regional Moore. To schedule an appointment for a colonoscopy or to discuss your risk, call 405-515-2777. – SMS
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