VYPE Three Rivers March 2011 by Austin Chadwick

'PMMPX VT PO ! VYPE OKLAHOMA

Three Rivers

March 2011 • Vol. 2 No. 11

www.vypeok.com Tre Locust Landon Decker

Cale Mays

Bret Vastine

Warren Zachary

Rowdy Simon Billy Monholland

Wes Baker Syngent Childress

Alvie Killingsworth

STATE VIAN-MUSKOGEE-SALLISAW-TAHLEQUAH WRESTLE FOR A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Pregame

8 | Vype Fab Five Baseball & Softball. Which teams top the Three Rivers rankings?

14 | Spirit of Success Discover the secret of success for coach Jerry Walker as the girls’ basketball coach at Fort Gibson.

18 | Gold Rush Three Rivers send four teams to battle for the Dual State wrestling championships.

A letter from bill huddleston

“Out With The Cold ... And In With Gold!”

Anyone else other than me had enough winter weather? Thank goodness the temperatures of competition from the athletes and teams in Three Rivers melted away the record snowfall and leaving behind a gold rush of results.

Three Rivers produced four teams to compete in the Dual State wrestling tournaments and three squads made the championship match as the Vian Wolverines, Sallisaw Black Diamonds and Muskogee Roughers battled for the state title. Check out the photos and the results inside this month’s magazine.

Swimmers from Fort Gibson ignored the cold temperatures and made school history as the girls swim squad made a gold medal splash while their boys team would finish among the best in Class 5A at the state meet in Oklahoma City. Looking for signs of spring? Check out the pre-season lineup of baseball talents and which teams might find gold at season’s end in the baseball preview. If you haven’t looked at our new website then you’re missing out. VYPE is live streaming basketball games from the state tournament and archiving them for you to watch at a later date. This is something we are extremely excited to be doing. Our goal is to bring the VYPE nation the most comprehensive coverage of high school sports in the state. Visit us at www.vypeok.com. If you would like to be a VYPE reporter, you’re invited to join our team. I’m ready for sunshine and warm temperatures!

We’re in the Game

24 | “Take Me Out To The

Bill Huddleston

Ball Game”

Signs of spring include the crack of the bat as baseball teams throw out the first pitch with plenty of talent.

Trinity Media Group, LLC 6737 S. 85th E. Ave • Tulsa, OK 74133 All rights reserved. Publisher / EIC Austin Chadwick Editorial Director Brad Heath Market Director Bill Huddleston Creative Director Chance Calvert

28 | Splashing Success Fort Gibson Tigers capture the gold medal by winning the Class 5A girls state championship while the boys claim the bronze.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

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Production Manager Megan Foster

Next Month... Tee it up! Kaleigh Campbell seeks to lead the Oktaha Tigers to a third straight golf state championship.

Graphic Design Leah Weigle, Josh Hollander Contributing Writers Wayne Bunch, Craig Hall, Brad Heath, Bill Huddleston Contributing Photographers John Hasler, Ruby Dean-Captured Memories Photography, Michael Mayberry, Grant Williams-G-galleries.com, Craig Hall-Leflore County Journal, Kirk Wells, Rip Stell, Bill Huddleston, Ben Johnson and Derek Brown-Tahlequah Daily Press, Sara Rose Photography, Vicki Reece-Westville Schools, Allison Aday-Eufaula Schools, JT King, Ruth Kelly Studios Contact Information Website: www.VYPE.com Phone: 918.495.1771 Fax: 918.495.1787 Advertising: bill.huddleston@vype.com Phone: 918.869.8212 Subscriptions: 918.495.1771 VYPE is published monthly by Trinity Media Group, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondences will become property of VYPE.

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Submit your nomination for the TTCU Academic Athlete of the Month to: nominations@vype.com

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

VYPE.COM

PICTURE THIS

Photo By Kirk Wells

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Craig Hall - LeFlore County Journal

Held Ball-Skylar Cooper of Heavener (center) secures possession of the loose ball during Class 3A playoff action against Morris.

2 College Bound-Muskogee continues to send athletes to the college level. Matt Rust and Kyler Harris will attend Northeastern State University and Jeremiah Firth is headed to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Power Lift-Deron Evans of Stilwell wins the 198 lb. weight division with a squat lift of 495 pounds during action at the Pullman360.com Powerlift competition.

Photo By Bill Huddleston - VYPE Sports

1 Media Day-Athletes from eastern Oklahoma gathered at Midwest Sporting Goods for the VYPE Spring Sports Media Day.

Photo By Bill Huddleston - VYPE Sports

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

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Drive The Paint - Caleb Daniel (11) of Roland attacks the defense of the Poteau Pirates to score during Class 4A

playoff action.

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Craig Hall - LeFlore County Journal

Photo By Ruby Dean Captured Memories Photography

PICTURE THIS

Upset Bid- Devon Perry of Spiro attacks the rim to Focus - Savannah Gray of Fort Gibson steps to score against Seth Maxwell (#42) and D.J.Gaines the free throw line with confidence during Class (25) of Okemah in Class 3A playoff action.

4A playoff action.

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By VYPE Sports

We Are The Champions - Members of the 7th and 8th grade team from Woodall celebrate winning the Oklahoma Rural Elementary School State Championship.

Up Up and Away - Erik Broadnax of Porter soars to the basket

against Kolton Remy of Central Sallisaw in Class A playoff action. HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

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BRANDY KENNICUTT FORT GIBSON HIGH SCHOOL Brandy Kennicutt, a senior at Fort Gibson High School, helped to lead the Lady

Tigers swim team to the school’s �irst ever Class 5A State Championship title.

At the 5A State Championship competition, Kennicutt was rock solid in the pool

earning 3rd place in the 100yd butter�ly and 4th place in the 100yd backstroke while

also swimming on two of the Lady Tigers relay teams that had the fastest times in the competition. Kennicutt was named Class 5A Swimmer of the Year.

During the 2010-2011 competition, Kennicutt �inished in the top three in every

event all season including winning �irst place at the Conference championships in the

100m butter�ly and 100m backstroke as well as swimming on the championship

200m freestyle and 200m medley relay teams.

Kennicutt, a standout student with a combined 3.923 GPA, will attend Oklahoma

Baptist University on an academic scholarship. The Lady Tigers swim team also won

the Class 5A Academic State Championship.

#3"%-&: '".*-: 'łĻĲĿĮĹ ŗ $ĿĲĺĮŁĶļĻ 4ĲĿŃĶİĲ 1020 W. Okmulgee St. • Muskogee, OK • (918) 682-3361 1224 E. Poplar St. • Fort Gibson, OK • (918) 478-5000 www.bradleyfuneralservice.com

Email nominations for VYPE Three Rivers Athlete of the Month to nominations@vype.com

IRONHEADS FOOTBALL TRADITION CONTINUES

Eufaula football tradition is well documented including an ongoing heritage of football players competing at the collegiate and professional levels. Eufaula senior Andrew Martin, a two year starter on the offensive and defensive line, will take his talents to the next level with a football scholarship to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami. “Andrew’s size (6-5, 290) makes him a prime candidate to compete on the collegiate level,” said Ironheads coach Johnny Bohannon.

Coalgate Coal Mining Classic at Wilburton at Morris at Hartshorne Keys Class 3A District Tournament Class 3A Regional Tournament Class 3A State Tournament

March 21 March 22 March 28 March 29-30 March 31 April4 April 5 April 7-9 April 11 April 12 April 14 April 21-22 April 28-29 May 2-3

at Wilburton at Haskell 3-Way with Kellyville Checotah Haskell Tournament Crowder & Stigler at Crowder Wilburton Canadian Tournament Henryetta Preston Morris Class 3A District Tournament Class 3A Regional Tournament Class 3A State Tournament

EUFAULA SOFTBALL READY FOR ACTION

Coach Michael Campbell and the Lady Ironheads softball team is set to open its 2011 action on March 21 at Wilburton. First slow pitch action at home will be on March 28 against Checotah.

TEE IT UP

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

After a Cinderella season including the Class 3A State Runner-up campaign, the Ironheads baseball team is poised to return for another successful season. Pitching will be a part of the success as the Ironheads rotation includes experience and talent. Coach Preston James will give the ball to a five man rotation including Daniel Salters, Brady Colbert, Saylor McLish, Hayden Walch and Garrett Gilley.

2011 IRONHEADS BASEBALL SCHEDULE March 3-5 March 7 March 8 Mar 11-12 Mar 17-18 March 21 March 22 March 24 March 25 March 28 March 29 March 31 April 1 April 4 April5 April 6-8

April 12 April 14-16 April 18 April 19 April 21 April 25 April 29-30 May 5-7 May 12-14

Durant Festival at Spiro at Haskell Henryetta Festival Poteau Wood Bat Festival Red Oak Checotah at Stuart Preston at Beggs Kellyville at Stigler Durant at Henryetta at Oktaha Sallisaw Tournament

Eufaula golf teams will have plenty of action on the links as the Ironheads girls and boys schedule is set to tee off the 2011 campaign.

EUFAULA BOYS GOLF March 21 March 31 April 5 April 6 April 7 April 12 April 21 April 25 May 2 May 9-10

Checotah Tournament Henryetta Tournament at Fort Gibson (JV) at Canadian (JV) Star 8 Conference Tournament @ Arrowhead Okmulgee Tournament Hilldale Tournament Class 3A Qualifier Tournament Class 3A Regional Tournament Class 3A State Tournament

Eufaula Boys Golf March 23 March 30 April 7 April 13 April 14 April 19 April 26 May 4-5

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Savanna Tournament Oktaha Tournament Star 8 Conference Tournament @ Arrowhead Canadian Tournament Henryetta Tournament Class 3A Qualifier Tournament Class 3A Regional Tournament Class 3A State Tournament

MARCH 2011

VYPE.COM

Presented by

The crack of the bat…the ball popping in the leather glove…the umpire’s call…”Safe”…the sights and sounds of spring sports around the baseball and softball fields. It’s time to throw out the first pitch…VYPE Three Rivers presents this month’s VYPE FAB FIVE as we rank the top five baseball and softball teams in search of a state championship.

1. Hilldale—Jerrard Poteete, Dylan Cunningham and Dylan Farley bring power and pitching to make the Hornets deserving of the number one spot. 2. Fort Gibson—Bryan McClellan and Andrew Arnold bring experienced pitching strength giving the Tigers another shot at the state tournament at year’s end.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

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The VYPE Fab Five ranking may well see some changes as the season continues and local teams settle the question of which teams are the best choice for a solid gold “championship season.”

3. Eufaula—Daniel Salters, Brady Colbert and Hayden Walch return giving the Ironheads a solid chance to repeat last year’s 3A state finals showing. 4. Wister—Experience gained from last spring’s state tournament gives the Wildcats plenty of promise with pitching and hitting a proven talent in the lineup. 5. Vian—The trio of Landon Decker, Hunter Spencer, and Billy Monholland lead the Wolverines lineup in 2011.

1. Tahlequah—Erica Sampson, Jessie Patrick and the Lady Tigers have plenty of power in the lineup to deserve the number on ranking. 2. Poteau—Last year’s state tournament qualifier returns the full lineup with solid defense to back up a potent offensive attack. 3. Muskogee—High powered offense with Coco Epps, Tori Venable and LaTara Moton at the plate make the Roughers hard to beat. 4. Sequoyah Tahlequah—Saharra Henson and the Lady Indians are poised to return to the State Tournament. 5. Fort Gibson—Ashley Nevitt and the Lady Tigers will be a tough out this season.

ON DECK

Sallisaw, Warner, Vian, Westville

ON DECK

Muskogee, Poteau, Stilwell, Checotah, Haskell

Baseball and Softball teams in Three Rivers Territory…are built TOUGH… Just like the Ford F-150 truck from Stuteville Ford in Tahlequah

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

:: M A R C H

2011

VYPE.COM

Character is a combination of qualities that distinguishes one person or group from another. Muskogee Federal Credit Union celebrates achievements of local high school athletes by presenting the monthly “Character Counts Award.” Muskogee Federal Credit Union, with locations in Muskogee and Tahlequah, congratulates Chloe Nichols of Oktaha High School as this month’s winner of the Character Counts award. MFCU and its members invite you to submit nominations for “Character Counts”. Drop by any of the three convenient MFCU locations and submit your nomination or email your entry to nominations@vype.com. Initiative—Sensitivity—Endurance…three simple words with a daily implementation for Chloe Nichols. A senior at Oktaha High School, Nichols understands the results of her actions impact the results of others. A member of the Lady Tigers basketball and golf teams, Nichols looks forward to her opportunities to serve.

Chloe Nichols Oktaha High School

“I enjoy helping other people. I guess that’s my initiative in everything I do,” said Nichols. “Whether that’s in sports, at school or at home, I try to do what needs to be done before I’m asked to do it.” “That’s one of the great things about Chloe,” said Chester Pittman, girls’ basketball and golf coach at Oktaha. “She’s always involved and consistently steps up to be a leader. You want a whole bunch of kids like Chloe.” “It’s easy to do, I mean, be a leader when things are going good,” said Nichols. “But it’s not always like that. When things are tough, I try to lift others up rather than point a finger of blame. I guess you could call me an encourager.” Nichols’ sensitivity for others is noticed and appreciated by teammates and teachers. “I see that by how our students respond to Chloe,” said Pittman. “She can get the job done without being a boss or trying to run the show. With Chloe, it’s more don’t do as I say but do as I do.” Nichols credits the influence of her parents for teaching her how to get things done. “Mom and dad have always been there for me,” said Nichols. “Whenever I’m making a decision I can always hear them say, Chloe have fun, work hard and always do what’s right.” Nichols has a proven record of success. In addition to the basketball team’s victories, Nichols has been part of back to back State Championship golf teams at Oktaha while maintaining a 3.8 GPA in the classroom. Whether it’s at school, in sports or volunteering to help in her community by picking weeds and putting down mulch to clean up things, Nichols understands the importance of endurance. “Athletes know the importance of endurance in order to finish the race,” said Nichols. “I don’t mind getting my hands dirty to help other people.”

If You Live. Work, Worship or go to School in Muskogee or Cherokee Counties You Can Become a Member At Muskogee Federal Credit Union

Main Office 1910 W. Shawnee Muskogee, OK 918-683-3460

“Chloe is never too high or never too low,” said Pittman. “She takes the good with the bad and goes right on. But if you ever need somebody to take the last shot, Chloe will want the ball in her hands.” “For me, I just try to have faith in others as well as myself,” said Nichols. “Together we can accomplish anything.”

Chandler Branch 3502 Chandler Rd. Muskogee, OK 918-683-3460

Tahlequah Branch 4595 S. Muskogee Ave. Tahlequah, OK 918-456-9105 10

L O C K E R TA L K

VYPE caught up with Billy Monholland of Vian High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting his answers, we posed the questions to Wolverines wrestling coach, Jason Adams before asking Billy’s dad, Matt Monholland, for his answers. Who wins the match?

Vian High School senior Billy Monholland is a member of the varsity wrestling team for the Wolverines. He has also been a two-way starter in football at fullback and linebacker. After high school, Billy plans to attend college on a wrestling scholarship and pursue a career in physical education.

Billy Monholland

Billy’s Dad

Sushi

Liver

Mountain Oysters

What is Billy’s favorite subject in school?

English

Science

Who is Billy’s dream date?

Drew Barrymore

Meghan Fox

Brittany Spears

Fishing, hunting or driving race cars?

Hunting

Who is Billy’s favorite Athlete?

Derek Jeter

Cael Sanderson

Albert Pujols

Talk on the phone, Facebook or Text messages?

Talk on the phone

Text Message

Homework–Last minute, every night or always late?

Last Minute

Billy’s bedroom is controlled chaos, clean as a whistle or a disaster zone?

Controlled Chaos (Everything is in its place)

Controlled Chaos

Controlled Chaos (Only he can find it!)

If Billy wasn’t wrestling, what else is he doing?

Eating Dinner

Playing Football

Playing Baseball

Favorite Type of Music

Country

Rock

5 Correct Out of 10 Late Take Down to Win!

3 Correct Out of 10 Nice Try, Dad!

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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What is something Billy will never eat?

MARCH 2011

Jason Adams

Matt Monholland

Wolverines’ Head Coach

Vian Wrestling

TOTAL POINTS: 10

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LOCKER TALK

B a n k in g L o a n s I n v e s t me n ts T r us t s

of SUCCESS

Muskogee

FIRST NATIONAL BANK

Roland

Sallisaw Tulsa

“As a kid, I was always riding the bus to games when my dad (Jerry Sr.) coached here at Fort Gibson. I got to hang out with the players. I saw how Dad had something special with his players.”

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

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“My grandpa (L.E. Cargill) coached at Porter and is in the Hall of Fame. My uncle (Randall Cargill) coached both of my parents. Coaching has been a family affair, I guess.”

Photos By John Hasler

Walker credits the coaches from his playing days for shaping his approach to the game. “Coach (Delbert) Merrill, my last two years in high school, made me a better player,” said Walker. “When I played for Mick Weiburg at Connors, I learned about the importance of mental toughness and how to really play defense. That’s a part of the game that I stress the most with my players.”

“It’s who I am as a coach and a person,” said Walker, now in his 16th year as head coach. “My dad, my grandpa, and my uncle were all coaches. And the one thing that’s been constant has been how every one of them emphasized relationships.”

And for Walker, it’s those relationships, on and off the floor, that are most important. “Coach Hays knew all his players beyond basketball,” said J-Dog, a nickname given Walker by Coach Hays. “We all had nicknames. And, so do my players now. This year we’ve got names including Jewels, Baby Tay, V, B-P, Jo-Jo and the Beast,” grinned Walker.

JERRY WALKER FORT GIBSON HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH

erry Walker understands the importance of building relationships for life, one day at a time. And for the girls’ basketball coach at Fort Gibson High School, it’s relationships that far exceed the rewards of just winning another game. A lifelong influence of family and relationships has shaped the path to success for Walker, whose record of wins approaches 400 since first taking the reins as coach of the Lady Tigers.

“At OCC, I played for Dan Hays, and I still use a lot of his offensive sets,” said Walker. “Coach Hays showed me how to break down the barrier between a player and coach. He taught us about the importance of letting players see the human side of him as well as a coach.”

“My teams do a lot of things together away from basketball just so that we can get to know each other better. My goal with every girl is that she knows she’s a player for me for four years and hopefully we’re friends for life.”

at Fort Gibson. “I see why my dad didn’t want to coach me,” Walker nodded. “Brooke understands she is the girl that gets hollered at the most. Still yet, we have a great relationship. If I have something to say, we talk about it before we leave to go home. She’s a player for four years and she’s my daughter for life.”

A winning success for Walker at Fort Gibson includes seven trips to the State Tournament with three runner-up finishes. “The key to our success is that we do the same thing from the 6th grade through the 12th,” admitted Walker. “Terminology, drills, offense and defensive sets. We build on it every year. I’m fortunate to have Coach (Chuck) London as my assistant. He won a state title when he was the head coach at Bristow. I’m still learning a lot from him.”

“I’ve been fortunate to have so many people that have influenced my career,” said Walker. “My success is the result of my players. I’ve had a lot of quality kids and many of them were better kids than players but each one left their mark on our program. Not all the best kids were the best players. Some are excellent role models and leaders that allowed the better athletes to be what they could be.”

“My coaching style is more about teaching than correcting,” said Walker. “I don’t know a player that’s ever messed up on purpose. The reason mistakes happen are simple, you either don’t know what to do or you can’t get it done. In either case, that’s my responsibility. As a coach, you don’t put the player in that position or she needs to be taught. I tell them if you’re going to play, you’re going to make mistakes; just hopefully not a lot of them or the same one twice.”

“If it’s meant to be to win a state championship in basketball, that’s great,” admitted Walker. “I don’t want that to be a measure of my success. I’ll still consider myself fortunate because of my family and the opportunities to help build good strong relationships with a positive influence—not a perfect one. I want my players to know that I’m here for you.” No doubt that’s evident in Walker’s players always knowing one simple fact according to the coach. “Once you’re a Lady Tiger, you’re always a Lady Tiger for life. Not just when you’re in uniform but also when you’re playing days are done.”

Walker has his own coaching tree including former players and family members. His two oldest sons have followed dad’s footsteps into coaching girls’ basketball. “David is at Harding University and Jeff is coaching at Heavener,” said Walker. “We talk all the time and I’ll answer their questions. I just try to remain their dad not their coach.” Walker’s other son, Levi, is in youth ministry at McAlester.

First National Bank of Muskogee congratulates Fort Gibson coach Jerry Walker for his accomplishments and encourages his continued spirit of success in sports and shaping the minds of today’s youth.

The same is true for coaching his daughter, Brooke, a senior

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

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DUAL RECORD 13 Wins 1 Loss

Photo by Grant Williams

Photo by John Hasler

Class 3A Dual State Runner-Up Class 3A Dual District Champions

WEIGHT

NAME

103 103 103 112 119 125 130 130 135 145 145 152 152 160 171 189 215 215

Syngent Childress** Bobby Stovall Caleb Mitchell Robert Opuda Alvie Killingsworth** Jon Parks Joseph Wells Bret Vastine** Warren Zachary** Rowdy Simon** Tyler White Landon Decker** Carl Morgan Wesley Baker** Billy Monholland** Cale Mays** Cody Monholland Tre Locust**

GRADE 11 9 9 9 12 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 9 11 12 10 10 10

**--Class 3A State Tournament Individual Qualifier

PINE COVE Located on Beautiful Lake Tenkiller State Park

www.armstrongbank.com

918-489-5735

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

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HEAD COACH JASON ADAMS

ASSISTANT COACH BEAU BURLISON

2010-2011 DUAL RESULTS Vian 57, Bishop Kelley 20 Vian 59, Coweta 12 Vian 47, Pawhuska 18 Vian 46, Skiatook 24 Vian 58, Ponca City JV 21 Vian 68, Hulbert 6 Vian 65, Poteau 15 Vian 72, Stilwell 3 Vian 76, Sequoyah Tahlequah 3 Vian 42, Berryhill 28 Vian 38, Cascia Hall 27

CLASS 3A DUAL STATE Vian 60, Geary 15 Vian 38, Newkirk 28 Vian 26, Perry 30 Â

CLASS 3A DUAL STATE FINALS / VIAN VS. PERRY 135 140 145 152 160 171 189

215 285 103 112 119 125 130

Groom P dec. Zachary V 4-3 Cox P fall Wells V 1:18 Simon V dec Williams P 5-0 Decker V maj. dec Thomas P 14-6 Adams P fall Baker V 3:16 B. Monholland V dec Dodson P 5-3 Mays V dec Varley P 6-0

Lopez P maj dec C. Monholland V 14-5 Inselman P dec Locust V 3-2 Childress V fall Skluzacek P :24 Manley P inj. def Opuda V Killingsworth V dec Swann P 3-1 Leach P dec Parks V 3-2 Vastine V maj. dec Allen P 14-4 Â

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720 South Thorton, Vian OK 74962 | 918.773 .6200 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

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GAME PLAN

Presented By

LUKAS ETCHISON / 119 lbs

Four Teams Qualify Three Advance To Finals

ual State Wrestling was loaded with teams from Three Rivers as four local squads advanced to the championships as Muskogee (6A), Tahlequah (5A), Sallisaw (4A) and Vian (3A) battled their opponents in the winner take all team formats. And, before the competition was completed, three of the four teams would wrestle for the championships.

Photos by Von Caster

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

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The Muskogee Roughers, coached by Bobby Jefferson were the defending 6A Dual State Champions and the “Ice Fighters” battled to the end advancing to the finals for a third straight year. After opening wins over Moore (59-10) and Edmond North (40-18), the Roughers finished as State Runner-up dropping a 30-22 decision to Broken Arrow for the 6A crown.

AUSTIN WHITAKER / 189 lbs

MATT VIERA / 142 lbs

MILES ANDREWS / 130 lbs

CALVIN STEPHENS / 171 lbs

GAME PLAN

Photos by Kirk Wells

The Tahlequah Tigers captured their district title and advanced to the Class 5A Dual State competition. Coach Brandon Benson’s squad drew the tournament’s top seed, Altus Bulldogs, and dropped a first round decision.

Photos by JT King

In Class 4A, the eight team field would again include the Sallisaw Black Diamonds of coach Darrell Hume. With an experienced squad on the mat, Sallisaw battled through two opening round matches including a 40-30 win over Weatherford and 30-27 against Blackwell to reach the championship before losing to the Tuttle Tigers 46-22. GUS SHELL / 103 lbs

B.J. HERRLEIN / 215lbs

AUSTIN McTRUSTY / 285 lbs

JEROMY DAVENPORT / 160 lbs

LOGAN BYRD / 215 lbs

JEFF BYRD / 285 lbs

VYPE. C O M

:: MARCH 2011

DAKOTA PETREE / 145 lbs

:: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

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GAME PLAN

Photos by Grant Williams G-galleries.com

After finishing the dual season with a perfect 11-0 record and the District title, the Vian Wolverines entered the eight team field as the number one ranked team. In just its fourth year of competition, Vian dominated in the first round with a 60-15 win against Geary. Despite an injury in the semifinals, coach Jason Adamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; squad overcame the adversity to defeat Newkirk 3628. The title match was a battle against the tradition rich Perry Maroons where the Wolverines drop a 30-26 decision to claim the 3A State Runner-up trophy. SYNGENT CHILDRESS / 103 lbs

BILLY MONHOLLAND / 171 lbs

ALVIE KILLINGSWORTH / 119 lbs

ROWDY SIMON / 145 lbs

LANDON DECKER / 152 lbs

WARREN ZACHARY / 135 lbs VYPE.COM

:: MARCH 2011

:: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

F-C-A Athlete

of the Month Heather Sinclair Gans High School Heather Sinclair is a senior at Gans High School, who like many teenagers keeps a busy schedule. As a cheerleader and a member of the softball team at Gans, Heather is always on the go and presented with many challenges everyday to demonstrate her witness for Christ. “A lot of people have this idea that being a Christian is boring…but I find it exciting,” said Sinclair. “It’s really fun when you surround yourself with others that enjoy the relationship with Christ too.”

“When things get rushed, I try to always stop and listen,” Sinclair said with a smile. “I’m listening first for what God tells me to do. And then, you can do what’s right. I wouldn’t want to try and do this by myself. Just knowing God is always there is a real comfort.” Heather’s favorite verse is...

1 John 5:11-13…God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

KEVIN GROVER

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MARCH 2011

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MARCH 2011

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Three Rivers’ Baseball Throws Out the First Pitch

eys to success in baseball are many…strong arm pitching, timely hitting, error free defense, talented players and a little good luck. As the umpire screams “play ball”, baseball diamonds in Three Rivers will once again have it all. And, by season’s end, many of the local teams will once again compete for state championships.

Leading off the lineup are the Hornets of Hilldale. Coming off a 20-12 season a year ago, coach Darren Riddle’s squad has a combination of pitching and hitting that should provide the potential to reach the Class 4A State Tournament. A trio of seniors anchors the lineup for the Hornets including

BRADY COLBERT EUFAULA returning starters Dylan Farley (P/1B), Dalton Cunningham (P/3B) and Shawn Bass (P/2B). Farley and Cunningham share time on the hill plus return with pop in their bat at the plate. The Hornets also have speed with outfielder Miles Jackson (CF) in the leadoff spot and reliability up the middle defensively with Hunter Harrison at second base. Jarrard Poteete is a huge key to the Hornets success, which coach Riddle will be anxious to get off the D-L with a

DYLAN FARLEY HILLDALE broken humb. Poteete, a junior, looks to return to his spot at catcher as well as a power threat at the plate after last year hitting over .400 for average while leading the Hornets with 10 home runs. Poteete also provides another capable pitcher for Riddle, who enters his 12th season as head coach at Hilldale. “With the bunch of kids we’ve got coming back we should be able to swing the bat one through nine in the lineup,” said Riddle. “But, you have to have good pitching and stay away from injuries. Right now, we’ve got both. We’ve got strong arms with Cunningham and Farley as well as Bass. When we get Jarrard (Poteete) back strong, we’ve got a chance. I’ll take a little luck too.”

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By Bill Huddleston

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JARRARD POTEETE HILLDALE

Photo by John Hasler

ton VYPE sports Photo by Bill Huddles

F E AT U R E

DANIEL SALTERS EUFAULA BRYAN McCLELLAN FORT GIBSON

ANDREW ARNOLD FORT GIBSON “Both of these guys can hit too,” said Smith, referencing McClelland’s .412 average and 8 home runs while Arnold swung the bat for a .307 average on last year’s club that finished 33-5 before bowing out in the Class 4A semi-finals.

Fort Gibson’s lineup also includes Kevin Cook (SS) and Lane Dortch (2B) that were in the starting nine last season.

HAYDEN WALCH EUFAULA

In Sallisaw, Larry Coleman opens his 20th year on the bench and must reload with young talent this season. “We’ve got a good bunch of juniors that can throw the ball pretty good,” said Coleman. “Bailey Nash and John Eldridge do a good job of keeping the ball down in the zone and mix their pitches well. Nick Walker, who has started at catcher since his freshman season, offers a dependable stop behind the plate plus can hit the long ball.”

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“Defensively, we should be solid, “said Coleman. “Colten Spencer is a good glove at second base and hits the ball well. Plus, he’s left handed at the plate making him tough to retire.” The Diamonds will get a boost from Tyler Clifton, Derek Norton and D.J. Turner along with Tyler Martinez. “By the time the grass turns green, I’m

MARCH 2011

“Andrew’s size gives him an advantage to throw hard. Just when you think he’s going to throw the fastball, he’ll surprise you with the change-up.” Arnold, who also was quarterback on the Tigers’ football team, produced a 6-1 record.

The Ironheads return Brady Colbert to the bump with a proven talent. Last season, Colbert, then a sophomore earned an 8-5 record with 107 strikeouts along with a 1.53 ERA. “Brady was on top of his stuff, especially in the state tournament,” said James. Colbert was the force behind Eufaula’s first round win over

In addition to Salters, Colbert and Walch, Eufaula rounds out it’s pitching rotation with Saylor McLish (7-1 last year) and Garrett Gilley, who returns to action this spring. Rounding out the lineup are Dylan Helms (2B) plus the outfield trio of Carter Baldwin, Jessie Gore and Braddock Dobbs, all returning starters with a season of success heading into 2011.

“McClellan is a southpaw with good movement on his pitches and pretty good control,” said Smith. Last year, McClelland, now a senior, was 8-2 with a 1.47ERA and 99 strikeouts.

The Ironheads return virtually their entire roster. Daniel Salters, who last year handled the catching duties and provided a reliable bat hitting for a .330 average, will be part of the pitching rotation this spring. “Daniel was solid behind the plate,” said James. “But he’s is so much stronger now than a year ago, he’s going to give us added strength on the mound.”

“I think we can field a good team again,” James said. “Hayden Walch returns for a third season at shortstop and he’ll throw a lot too. Hayden was our leading hitter last year with a .350 average and was handy at short.”

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Randy Smith returns to the diamond for a 22nd year at Fort Gibson as the Tigers seek another trip back to the top of Class 4A baseball. “Pitching has always been a big part of our success since I started here 22 years ago,” grinned the Tigers’ head coach, as he thought of this year’s returning hurlers. “Andrew Arnold and Bryan McClellan give us a solid 1-2 start to our rotation.”

After last year’s Cinderella season success reaching the Class 3A state finals and a 25-13 record, Eufaula coach Preston James knows a repeat performance will be twice as tough. “I think we surprised some people last year, especially with the fact that we didn’t have a senior on the roster,” said James. “Our kids played very well at just the right time.”

top-ranked Chandler in the state tournament.

F E AT U R E

Joining Singler are two other returning starters, Chris “Poke” Sommers, who averaged .342 at the plate and Chandler Heath, who split time at first base and outfield. Austin Cartwright will join Singler and Sommers taking the ball on the mound along with newcomer Tyler McKay getting his share of innings as the Roughers battle Class 6A competition.

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CONNOR GILSTRAP POTEAU

got a good nucleus returning to open the season,” said Gunselman. “John Singler is a threat at the plate. By year’s end, John was tearing the cover off the ball.” Singler, who hit for a .387 average moves across the diamond from first to third base.

thinking we should be ready to go,” said Coleman. Muskogee coach Doug Gunselman opens his second campaign as head coach of the Roughers needing to fill positions vacated by graduation. “Despite the graduation losses, we’ve

Vian combined last year’s youth to once again be successful with a 21-12 mark. Head coach John Brockman anxiously awaits the start of 2011. The Wolverines will have only two seniors, Hunter Spencer and Billy Monholland. Spencer last year compiled a .491 batting average while Monholland handles the catching duties.

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Landon Decker, one of last year’s group of freshman that filled the lineup card, returns. Decker’s numbers were impressive including a 7-3 record on the mound with a 2.82 ERA while hitting .440 at the plate “This is a very athletic team with lots of speed,” said Brockman.

Stilwell coach Tim Barton opens his 27th season as the head coach of the Indians with another lineup that can swing the bat. “We’ve got six kids that can produce plenty of offense,” said Barton. “Tyler Fourkiller tops the card. He hit .420 last year in addition to his efforts on the mound.” Alex Girdner joins Fourkiller on the mound with good arm strength as well as control. “Brody Clay is a 6-foot-5 sophomore and can be overpowering too,” said Barton. Building upon last year’s 30-8 record, Stilwell continues the family tradition

Haskell Haymakers’ coach Matt Ross is anxious to welcome back Jordan Pendergraft from a hand injury suffered in football. The talented left hander is one of seven starters returning from last year’s 16-11 squad. In addition to his talents on the mound, Pendergraft was solid at the plate with 12 home runs while compiling a .541 average. Right hander Dylan Wells returns to the mound to join the rotation. The Haymakers also get a boost form Dace Gregg, a transfer from Hartshorne, at third base.

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Alex Girdner, Tyler Fourkiller, Gabe Coldwell, Austin Catron STILWELL

MARCH 2011

Photo by Troy Allen Littledear

The Wister Wildcats are once again poised to make plenty of noise. Last year’s success resulted in a 26-7 record coupled with the LeFlore County tournament championship leading up to a Class 2A state tournament berth. Head coach John McAlester welcomes back nearly the entire lineup for 2011 and ready to strike again.

Oktaha has been one of the area’s most successful programs the past two seasons. Graduation losses have left coach Chris Burt filling the lineup card. “We’ve got a lot of kids that have been a part of our success, but we’re young,” admitted Burt.

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JORDAN PENDERGRAFT HASKELL

Photo by John Hasler

The Pirates return two pitchers with plenty of experience. Wilson Klutts returns to the mound following last year’s 6-2 record joined by right hander Blake Roley with a 4-1 mark and 3.32 ERA. “Wilson has been our ace the past two seasons,” smiled Sockey. “He keeps the batters guessing because of how well he commands his pitches. Plus, he’s a tough out at the plate with a .423 batting average and 32 rbi’s. Blake will be a hard thrower that gets us plenty of K’s.”

So as the teams take the field, players and coaches can be heard whistling the tune “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and Three Rivers’ fans enjoy the signs of Spring.

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Poteau coach Ronnie Sockey fields a squad that will once again have plenty of speed. “Connor Gilstrap is just a good athlete no matter whether it’s in the outfield with his glove, at the plate or on base,” said Sockey. Gilstrap, a standout in football and wrestling, leads the hitting talents for the Pirates with .463 average. Greg Smith steps into the batter’s box following last spring’s .353 season.

The Tigers experience is still present including right handed ace Cameron Proctor, who has state tournament experience on the mound. “I’m counting on “Hootie” to be our leader,” said Burt. Daniel Hayes, another experienced hurler will open the season on the D-L.

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with Austin Catron. The left handed sophomore, whose uncle Jon Catron played with the Chicago White Sox, is a solid performer at the plate and outfield.

F E AT U R E

SPOTLIGHT

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

SOLID GOLD

Fort Gibson Girls Capture 5A State Championship—Boys Finish Third

“Our guys just swam like champions also,” said Dean. “I know they gave it there all. And with just six guys competing, you have to be thrilled at the results.”

Hunter Jaynes, Zoe DeCamp, Hannah Cantrell, Hali Martin, Libby Schofield, Ashley Nevitt, Kinsey Cook, Sydney Nichols, Shelby Nichols, Kadrian Shelton, Whitney, Stroup, Sarah Salters, Leslie White, Shaye Hatchette, Kelsey Longpine, Ellen Cole, Hunter Hubbard, and Laura Dean.

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fter a runner-up finish last year, the girls swim team from Fort Gibson High School left no doubt who the best team in Class 5A would be in 2011. Following a conference championship title the week prior to state, Fort Gibson entered nine girls in the pool as state meet qualifiers and coach Connie Dean’s swimmers were determined all eyes would be on the Tigers at the Oklahoma City Community College Aquatics Center.

Fort Gibson boys 200 yard medley relay team receives the gold medal following a first place finish. Members include(left to right) Cay Percifield, Nick Lawson, Jon Huggins, and Derek Cookson

The Tigers combination of Nick Lawson, Jon Huggins, Cay Percifield, and Derek Cookson claimed the gold medal in

At the completion of the competition, Fort Gibson totaled 252 points to distance themselves from second place Classen (188) and Altus (157) to claim the school’s first state championship in swimming. Fort Gibson’s boys swim team, with six state qualifiers totaled 197 points in the 11 events and finished in third place behind state champion Harrah (302) and Altus (282.50).

“I’m thrilled beyond belief for the girls,” said Tigers coach Connie Dean. “They’ve all worked so hard for this. Our depth in numbers truly helped us earn the points we needed. They didn’t let anything take away their focus of accomplishing the state championship.”

BRANDY KENNICUTT

HANNAH CANTRELL

the 200 yard medley relay in a time of 1:47.32.

Fort Gibson will return a pool of talent for 2012 with promise of continued success. “Both teams are already looking forward to next year,” said Dean.

BRANDY KENNICUTT

Hannah Cantrell earned the gold medal winning the 100 yard freestyle in a time of 57.69, as the Tigers earned points in nine different events. Brandy Kennicutt, a senior at Fort Gibson, was honored as the Class 5A Swimmer of the Year.

WHITNEY STROUP

CLASS 5A GIRLS Fort Gibson Classen Altus

CLASS 5A BOYS Harrah Altus Fort Gibson

252 188 157

200 YARD FREESTYLE Hali Martin 3rd Hunter Jaynes 5th Zoe DeCamp 7th

2:10.70 2:12.60 2:15.31

200 YARD IM Leslie White

2:28.46

3rd

SPOTLIGHT

302 282.50 197

200 YARD MEDLEY RELAY Nick Lawson, Jon Huggins Cay Percifield, Derek Cookson 1st

1:47.32

50 YARD FREESTYLE Cay Percifield 3rd

23.33

CHRIS HUGGINS

BOYS 100 YARD BUTTERFLY Jon Huggins 6th

1:00.67

100 FREESTYLE Cay Percifield

51.04

50 YARD FREESTYLE Hannah Cantrell 3rd

26:46

GIRLS 100 YARD BUTTERFLY Brandy Kennicutt 3rd

1:08.21

100 YARD FREESTYLE Hannah Cantrell 1st Hunter Jaynes 4th

57.69 1:01.41

500 YARD FREESTYLE Nick Lawson 2nd Brandon Walker 8th Chris Huggins 11th

500 YARD FREESTYLE Hali Martin 4th Zoe DeCamp 5th

6:03.28 6:04.84

200 YARD FREESTYLE RELAY Chris Huggins, Brandon Walker Derek Cookson, Cay Percifield 5th 1:37.46

100 YARD BACKSTROKE Brandy Kennicutt 4th

1:08.98

100 YARD BACKSTROKE Nick Lawson 4th

59.60

400 YARD FREESTYLE RELAY Chris Huggins, Brandon Walker Jon Huggins, Nick Lawson 6th

3:42.57

100 YARD BREASTSTROKE Leslie White 2nd 1:11.25 400 YARD FREESTYLE RELAY Hali Martin, Hunter Jaynes Zoe DeCamp, Hannah Cantrell 2nd 4:01.50

4th

5:09.71 5:30.25 5:40.01

HALI MARTIN

LESLIE WHITE

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BILLY MONHOLLAND VIAN

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HESTIN LAMONS TAHLEQUAH

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SPOTLIGHT

SYNGENT CHILDRESS VIAN

Three Rivers’ Crown 5 State Champions

hree Rivers’ wrestling was among the best in Oklahoma in the Tournament style championship finals. A total of 5 wrestlers walked off the mat with hands held high and the gold medal around their necks.

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Sallisaw’s Jeromy Davenport joined the elite company of Oklahoma wrestlers by winning his fourth consecutive state title in Class 4A at 152 pounds. Two other members of the Black Diamonds squad also won gold including Rhett Leach at 119 pounds and Logan Byrd winning at 189 pounds.

Poteau standout Tyler Tustin was the 4A champion at 130 pounds. Muskogee wrestler Lukas Etchison left the State Fairgrounds Arena floor boasting the gold medal as the winner of the 119 pound classification in Class 6A.

JEROMY DAVENPORT SALLISAW

A total of five more wrestlers picked up silver medals including Hestin Lamons of Tahlequah at 103 pounds in Class 5A. A quartet of wrestlers from Vian captured silver medals in Class 3A including Syngent Childress (103lbs), Rowdy Simon (145lbs), Billy Monholland (171lbs) and Cale Mays (189lbs). Muskogee wrestlers, Matt Viera (Class 6A 135lbs) and Calvin Stephens (Class 6A 171lbs) joined Jett Shell of Sallisaw (Class 4A 112lbs) and Warren Zachary (Class 3A 135lbs) as consolation round medal winners.

LOGAN BYRD SALLISAW

CLASS 6A

CLASS 5A

CLASS 4A

CLASS 3A

Broken Arrow -134 Union -102 Claremore - 80 Muskogee - 69

Collinsville - 86.5 Deer Creek - 82 Altus - 78

Tuttle - 165 Sallisaw - 115 Blackwell - 99

Perry - 112.5 Berryhill - 99 Vian - 91

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CALE MAYS VIAN

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ROWDY SIMON VIAN

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RHETT LEACH SALLISAW

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TYLER TUSTIN POTEAU

SPOTLIGHT

LUKAS ETCHISON MUSKOGEE

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