12 minute read
LOVING THE GAME
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by JOSH HARRINGTON
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Lacey Moody / PHOTO by CINDY WAYLAND
22 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / JUNE 2020
America’s favorite pastime is baseball, and Oklahoma’s love for baseball is nearly as intense as its love for football. People gather from all walks of life to watch two teams battling through nine innings that combine strategy and raw athleticism to determine who comes out on top. The sport has many incarnations, ranging from tee ball for the crumb snatchers learning the game to the grueling, professionalgrade baseball that has solidified the positions of legends like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson and rising stars like Mike Trout and Aaron Judge in the annals of American History. Let’s not forget the girls, though; speaking to most scholastic and, sometimes, professional capacities, softball is the medium in which girls can participate in a baseballesque sport. Obviously, there are a few steps in between learning the fundamentals of baseball through tee ball and coach pitch and playing on the grand stage. For those with a more intense dedication to the game, there are leagues that play year-round to better accommodate these baseball-fanatics; more often than not, these student athletes devote their three-month summer hiatus from school to better themselves on the diamond. Enter the summer-league baseball and softball travelling teams.
For parents, there is a subtle beauty in summer-league travelling baseball and softball: in addition to taking vacations across the United States and enjoying the wonderful landmarks this nation has to offer, you get to pawn your kiddos off on a pair of volunteers who sacrifice their time simply for the love of the game. However, one set of these kiddos and a pair of volunteers from Bristow, in particular, have accomplished more than your average travelling team could ever dream to achieve.
Coach Jason Williams and Coach Gary Gramm have prepared the 04 Texas Glory for duels on the diamond since the team formed as the 8U squad, appropriately dubbed the Bristow Lady Pirates. The squad now heads into their first year of 16U-level of competition, which would be daunting for most teams, even for those who have excelled in their divisions. However, with nearly 75 to 100 games a year in the Class A division and the team winning a great deal of those, Coach Williams and Coach Gramm think that the girls are more than capable and more than ready to compete at the next level.
“These girls have an unbelievable chemistry on and off the field,” Gramm said. Williams added, “The sky really is seriously the limit; several of them already have offers from Division-1, Division-2, and JUCO schools, and they just played as freshmen and sophomores this past season. High school ball won’t be the end of the line for most of them who want to go out and compete at the collegiate level.”
D-1 and D-2 offers to underclassmen playing softball for Bristow High School? Keep in mind that Bristow is renowned on the gridiron around the state for our gritty flexbone offense and our impenetrable defensive line. Keep in mind that the Bristow Wrestling Squad is the historical benchmark for success on the mat for 2A through 6A schools. Keep in mind that our track team was en route to a three-peat of State Championships before the cancellation of spring sports, and our baseball team has found much success as well, sending a plethora of players off
to junior college juggernauts like Northwestern Oklahoma State in Alva and D-1 programs like Oral Roberts. I think I smell an all-sports dynasty, and the coaches do too, with Gramm adding, “Even with some of our girls coming in from neighboring towns to play, our Bristow girls are more than eager to compete for the varsity team. With the COVID-19 stuff going on, they’re itching to get back on the field to do what they love most.”
In the fall of 2020, the 04 Texas Glory will supply Head Softball Coach and University of Arkansas Razorback Softball Alumnus Brittany Robison and her Bristow Lady Purple Pirates squad with five difference makers. Coach Gramm and Coach Williams are sending sophomore McKenna Ingram on the mound, junior Dustie Barnes who has swapped duties at first base and playing the hot corner at third base, junior Graycie Gramm who has experience playing shortstop and second base, sophomore Kinzie Williams who has posted up at all corners of the outfield, and sophomore Lacey Moody who catches for McKenna but is also a terrific utility player in the infield. Playing all through the season after spending the summer may sound exhausting, but keeping them away from the game is a cardinal sin according to their grievances with the coaches.
“We literally have to force them to not come out and practice. We usually give them a week or two before school starts, depending on when our invitationals’ play ends. Gramm chuckled. “It never fails though. I have a batting cage and mound at my house, and those girls are begging to come out and put some work in on day one of their break. We’ve really become a family, so Jason and I will never stop them from bettering themselves.”
This dedication seems to have paid off. Some of their most notable accomplishments were winning the Oklahoma State 12U Tournament and going on to place third at the National Tournament, winning the Lauren Chamberlain Invitational Tournament, winning the Hawaiian FSST Championship twice, and the 16U Southern Oklahoma College Invitational, the latter of which they played as a 14U squad. The chance to play at such an elite level has garnered the players themselves some impressive accolades, like their invitations to play on the all-star squad, Colorado Sparklers, and a few of the girls were even invited to go play in Spain, before its cancellation. Dustie and Graycie have collected All-District honors twice, McKenna was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year award, and their teammate Kinzie was awarded the distinguished honor of being the Offensive Player of the Year.
All of them plan to attend college to play the sport, and with exposure in tournaments as far as Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas (just to name a few states,) they should have a harder time sifting through the scholarship opportunities in the mail than putting their high school highlights out for scouting coaches to see.
They recently played in the Firelake Tournament in Shawnee, and the rest of their tournaments will follow a tentative schedule as the COVID-19 situation will dictate. A few of the girls were invited to play on an Australian All-Star team scheduled for next summer, and they will surely be offered many more opportunities as they progress more as softball players and young women. Rest assured that these players will bring the same bombastic enthusiasm and fervor for the game that they have shown for their entire careers, regardless of the circumstances the world may present. n
ROSTER:
MCKENNA INGRAM, #1, Bristow / GRACE HAAS, #4, Edmond / BROOKLYN DUFF, #5, Bethel / DUSTIE BARNES, #7, Bristow JENTRIE GIBSON, #11, Chandler / ELIZABETH TABER, #13, Bethany / TESSA COOPER, #14, Prague / GRAYCIE GRAMM, #15, Bristow KINZIE WILLIAMS, #18, Bristow / LACEY MOODY, #25, Bristow / KHLOE HAILE, #33, Pittsburgh / DEMI MANNING, #35, Prague
OSU MUSEUM OF ART-STILLWATER 720 S Husband Street / (405) 744-2780 Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Our collection offers a survey of global trends in the modern world, from the early nineteenth century to the late twentieth. Admission: Free Available street parking is also free. http://museum.okstate.edu PRAGUE HISTORICAL MUSEUM – PRAGUE 815 N Jim Thorpe Blvd / (405) 567-4750 Features: Czech Pioneer History, Jim Thorpe Memorabilia, Rotating Temporary Exhibits Every 3 Months, Antique Fire Truck and Buggy, Antique Loom Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. or by appointment Admission: Free
RICE/KIRBY CABIN – YALE 706 E. Boston / (918) 387-2815 Features: 1876 Log Cabin Call about Hours Admission: Free ROUND BARN – ARCADIA 107 E. Hwy 66 / (405) 396-0824 Features: Built in 1898, Only Wooden Round Barn in Oklahoma, Local History Exhibits, Gift Shop, Displays of Primitive Farm Implements. Hours: Seven Days a Week 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. arcadiaroundbarn.com Admission: Free
ROUTE 66 INTERPRETIVE CENTER – CHANDLER 400 E Hwy 66 / (405) 258-1300 Features: Housed in a former National Guard Armory, built in 1937, Audio and Video Museum about Rt. 66, Viewing Stations are replicas of vintage cars and motel beds, 7,000 square foot Special Event Center available. Call for hours. www.route66interpretivecenter.org
SEABA STATION MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM – WARWICK 405-258-9141 Features: History about the original Seaba Station which began as a DX station in 1921. Showcases all brands and years of motorcycles. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Closed Wednesdays Admission: Free (Donations Accepted) www.seabastation.com THE SHEERAR MUSEUM OF STILLWATER HISTORY 702 S. Duncan Street (7th & Duncan) (405) 377-0359 Dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of Stillwater, Oklahoma, the Sheerar Museum seeks to increase public interest in and knowledge of Stillwater history. Tuesday - Friday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hours: Saturdays and Sundays 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Closed Mondays and Holidays.
WASHINGTON IRVING TRAIL MUSEUM – RIPLEY 3918 S. Mehan Road / (405) 624-9130 Features: Walking Paths, Rustic Scenery, Picnic Grounds, Payne County and Central Oklahoma History Exhibits, Gerald Johnson Artifacts, Confederate Flag with Bullet Holes, Unique Artifacts Call about hours. Admission: Free
RESORTS AND GETAWAYS
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BELL COW RANCH CABINS – CHANDLER 341070 E. 890 Rd. / (405) 258-8934 www.bellcowranchcabins.com Lodging Offering: 2-Bedroom/2.5 Bath Cabins, a Studio Cabin and a 1700 sq. ft. Lake House – each fully equipped with Central Heat/Air, Washers and Dryers, kitchen, covered porch with view of Bell Cow Lake. Bunkhouse (expected to be completed by summer) sleeps 8-10 people. Event Facilities including The Lodge (accommodates up to 300 people) and The Lake Barn (accommodates up to 50 people), Carriage, Wagon and Horseback Riding TATANKA RANCH – STROUD 820343 S 3480 RD / (918) 368-2251 www.thetatankaranch.com Bed and Breakfast offering: Cabins, 2-Beduoom and 4-Bedroom Houses, Salt Water Swimming Pool, Lodge (accommodates up to 45 people), The Pavilion (accommodates up to 35), The Barn 4,000 sq. ft. (accommodates up to 200 people) Recreation Room with billiards, air hockey, foosball, ping pong and jukebox, Lake Views, Paddle Boats, Canoes, Kayaks, Stocked Ponds, Horse Back Riding, Hiking Trails, Recreational Games, Playground, Gazebo, General Store, Onsite Restaurant and Catering, Wedding and Special Events Accommodations.
THE SUITES AT TRES SUENOS – LUTHER 19691 E. Charter Oak Road / (405) 277-7089 Email: finewines@tressuenos.com Bed and Breakfast offering: 3 suites with luxury baths including custom stone showers and Jacuzzi tubs, King Beds, 80 ft. Porch Overlooking Vineyards, Hiking, Wine and Cheese Parties, Wedding and Special Events Accommodations
SERENITY RETREAT AT LAKE EVELYN – DEPEW 20720 S. 488 W. Ave. / (918) 519-0829 www.serenityretreat-ok.com Established in 2010. Retreat offering: 80 acres, 4-Bedroom House (sleeps 4 to 8 privately), extra sleeping available for up to 8 additional people, Common Area including Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room and Family Room, 70x12 ft. Deck Overlooks Stocked 2.5 ac. lake, Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Carport, Exercise Facility, Shower/Steam Room, ½ Court Basket Ball, Horseshoes, Volleyball, Putting Green, Paddle Boats, Gas-Wood-Charcoal Grills, 24x12 ft Covered Deck, 15 ft. Gazebo with 15 ft. Deck, Catering Available, Wedding and Special Events Facility, Very Private.
FINANCING AVAILABLE!
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YOUTH RODEO – SHAWNEE INTERNATIONAL FINALS –SHAWNEE
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77TH ANNUAL OPEN RODEO AND BABY BALE SPRINT– CHANDLER Chandler Rodeo held at Tilghman Park Email: MikeBendele@sbcglobal.net Features: Full Rodeo
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DRUMRIGHT THROWBACK RODEO (918) 402-5208 Features: Bull Riding, Steer Roping, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Bronc Riding and Barrel Races August 22 . THEATERS
CUSHING COMMUNITY THEATER – CUSHING 105 E. Broadway / (918) 225-4141 www.cushingcommunitytheatre.org Features: Live Performances since 1991
FREELAND CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS – BRISTOW Hwy 16 and N. Ash Street / (918) 637-3540 www.freelandcenter.org Features: Approximately 800 seats with Handicap seating available, Meeting and Assemblies Venue, Concert and Performance Hall
SAPULPA COMMUNITY THEATRE - SAPULPA 124 S. Water / (918) 227-2169 www.sapulpatheatre.org
TOWN & GOWN THEATRE – STILLWATER 3524 S. Perkins Road / (405) 372-9122 www.townandgown.org Features: Live Performances since 1951
WINERIES
PLEASE CALL BEFORE GOING TO CONFIRM OPEN DATES/TIMES
NUYAKA CREEK WINERY – BRISTOW 35230 S. 177th W. Ave. / (918) 756-7568 www.nuyakacreek.com Offering: Tasting Room, Gift Shop, Picnic Area Hours: Thursday – Monday Noon – 5:00 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
REDSTONE VINEYARDS & WINERY (THE VENUE AT REDSTONE) – LUTHER 20401 E. Waterloo Road / (405) 277-3408 www.thevenueatredstone.com Offering: Tuscan-style Pergola, Elegant Dining Room, Pavilion overlooking the Vineyards, Hours: Please Call
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SPARKS VINEYARD & WINERY – SPARKS 351310 East 970 Road www.sparksvineyard.com (918) 866-2529 or (877) 669-8893 Offering: Tasting Room Hours: Please Call / Curbside Pickup
STABLERIDGE VINEYARDS – STROUD 1916 West Highway 66 www.stableridgevineyards.com (918) 968-2568 or (800) 359-3990 Offering: Conference Cottage Event Facility, Custom Personalized Labels, Tasting Room and Gift Shop are located in a restored 1902 Catholic Church. Hours: Monday and Tuesday CLOSED, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday Noon – 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday Noon – 6:00 p.m.
TIDEWATER WINERY AND VINEYARDS – DRUMRIGHT 54560 W. Hwy. 16 / (918) 352-4900 www.tidewaterwinery.com Offering: Gift Shop, Patio Overlooking Vineyards, Live Music Events, Wedding and Special Event Facility, Banquet Room, Located in a renovated School House. Hours- Friday and Saturday Noon – 5:00 p.m.
TRES SUENOS VINEYARDS AND WINERY – LUTHER 19691 East Charter Oak Road / (405) 277-7089 www.tressuenos.com Offering: Tasting Room, Wedding and Special Event Facility, Bed & Breakfast Facility, Outdoor Picnic Area Hours: Thursday – Sunday by appointment WOODLAND PARK VINEYARDS AND WINERY – STILLWATER 3023 North Jardot / 405-743-2442 www.woodlandparkvineyards.com Offering: Tasting Room, Art Gallery, Outdoor Picnic Areas, Walking Trails, Rose and Herb Gardens, Wedding and Special Events. n
ENJOY SUMMER FUN WITH THE FAMILY Along The Corridor!
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