VYPE Three Rivers January 2012 by Austin Chadwick

Pregame

A letter from Bill Huddleston

4 | Picture This VYPE photographers capture the shining moments of high school sports action in Three Rivers.

20 | Road To Redemption The Wagoner Bulldogs complete their mission by winning the Class 4A State Championship.

24 | ALL-VYPE A talented group of athletes earn this year’s All-VYPE selections for football, volleyball, fast-pitch softball, cross country and cheerleading.

Happy New Year! As the calendar turns the page to begin another year, everyone has their list of New Year’s resolutions.

Among the best are the expectations of local basketball teams to claim gold. January rings in the New Year with teams in Three Rivers proving to be among the state’s best in competition at the Bedouin Shrine, Sequoyah County and the prestigious Tournament of Champions. The long and winding “Road to Redemption” reached a golden finish as the Wagoner Bulldogs captured the Class 4A State Championship in football. After a solid gold fall sports campaign, VYPE Three Rivers announces the annual ALL-VYPE teams for fast-pitch softball, cross-country, volleyball, cheerleading and football. It’s all inside this month’s issue of VYPE. Got VYPE? If you’re an iPhone user, then you’ll want to download the easy to use VYPE application to keep up to date with the latest in high school sports including schedules, scores and more.

Check out VYPEOK.com…Our new website features day to day sports highlights along with live-stream broadcasts of sports action including basketball, football, fast pitch softball and much more. It’s just one more example of our efforts to bring the VYPE nation the most comprehensive coverage of high school sports in the Oklahoma. Visit us at www.vypeok.com.

We’re in the Game

Bill Huddleston

28 | Its More Than Just A Game A total of 32 high school basketball teams play for the championship of the 32nd annual Bedouin Shrine Tournament with more than just a win at heart.

| Tourney Time As the New Year begins, basketball teams chase the championships of the Sequoyah County Tournament.

Next Issue... Next Month: Wrestling and basketball teams in Three Rivers are among the state’s best. Discover why there’s an expectation of gold in 2012.

Graphic Design Leah Weigle Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Bill Huddleston, Ben Johnson, Austin Chadwick Contributing Photographers John Hasler, Ruby Dean-Captured Memories Photography, Mecie Gauntt Photography, Von Castor, Vicki Reece-Westville Schools, Rip Stell, Brett Rojo, Ron Goad Photography.com, Bill Huddleston, Ben Johnson-Tahlequah Daily Press, Michael Mayberry, Jason Proctor, Blunck’s Photography, Josh Clough. Contact Information Website: www.VYPEOK.com Phone: 918.495.1771 Fax: 918.495.1778 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.

F-C-A Athlete

of the Month ASHLEY RHODES Westville High School

“For Christ…Through Christ”…words that have a daily application for Ashley Rhodes, a senior at Westville High School. “Those words are how I approach everything everyday,” said Rhodes. A member of the Yellowjackets softball, soccer and track teams, Ashley encounters plenty of choices each day and knows where to find the answer. “Whatever you do, you always have a choice,” replied Rhodes. “With everything that’s out there, making the right decision isn’t always an easy thing to do. Peer pressure and temptations are in your path everyday. That’s why I rely upon Jesus Christ as my foundation for all those things.” “Being a Christ-like example is who I am,” claimed Rhodes. “God expects me to be different because of my relationship with Him. I just want others to see that because of Jesus Christ, I’m able to deal with whatever happens. Some people think it’s hard to walk the walk of a Christian, but I believe its fun. I hope others will discover that through faith in Christ, you can find the right motivation to make the right decision.” Ashley recently accepted a scholarship from Ecclesia College where she will continue to play softball and soccer.

Psalms 3:16 (NIV): For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish by have eternal life.

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

DEMITRI MARTIN #4 - CHECOTAH TROY TAYLOR #15 - HASKELL

Photo By John Hasler

VYPE photographers capture the shining moments during Three Rivers action

Photo By John Hasler

CHASE SOPER- MUSKOGEE

Photo By A.J. Huvall

Photo By John Hasler

JULIA HILL - FORT GIBSON

BRODY CLAY - STILWELL Wilson Klutts #10 & JOHN Scott Sanders #3 - Poteau VYPEOK.COM

JANAURY 2012

Photo By John Hasler

PICTURE THIS

Chetan Munsell-Muskogee

Sarah Paden #3-Stilwell

Brooklyn Swift-Wagoner Photo By John Hasler

Danielle Riddle Hilldale

Photo By John Hasler

JORDAN HILL #23 - FT. GIBSON

#10-Jamie Marshall Marvin Thouvenel-Stilwell

Photo By A.J. Huvall

JACI BLACKWOOD #24 - WESTVILLE

Photo By Vicki Reece Westville

Photo By John Hasler

JAYCIE COX - HILLDALE

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

JANAURY 2012

CassidySCGHOofOLf

SALLISAW HIGH

Cassidy Go

SALLISAW H

IGH SCHOO

HEER A three y ear mem be Cassidy Goff is a r of the varsity c he junior at addition Sallisaw erleading squad, to High Sc for the B cheer competitio hoo na lac Honor So k Diamonds, Goff nd creating scho l. In ol spirit ciety, Sp is a memb an presiden er of the t of the 2 ish Club and curr 011-201 ently serv National 2 junior es as c lass. Academic s are a p riority fo a 4.3 GP r Go A, her class and holds the #1 ff, who currently . Her fav maintain orite clas academic rankin s trigonom g in ses inclu etry. de chem istry and Cassidy credits h er mom, to succe Sh ed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I ha ve 2 siste annon, for her in always th spiration rs and 1 ere for u brother a s.â&#x20AC;? nd mom is After gra du either OU ation, Goff will p ursue a or OSU a Pre-Med nd plans degree a to enter t pediatric medicine . Submit your nomination for the TTCU Academic Athlete of the Month to: nominations@vype.com

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

Presented by

High school basketball season rolls into the New Year to the cheer of local fans screaming…“We’re Number 1”… As part of the excitement of the three point shot, slam dunk and full court pressure defense, VYPE Three Rivers presents VYPE FAB FIVE as we rank the top five boys and girls teams in the race to the “Big House” in March.

1. Roland—With a Sequoyah County Tournament title in hand, the Running Rangers have the right stuff to battle for a gold ball in Class 4A for 2012 with Seth Youngblood, Brooks Robertson, Austin Cantrell, Michael Byrd and Corey Meadors are a multi-talented squad. 2. Stilwell—The Indians have experience, size and skill plus bench strength that keeps producing wins. Matt Lea, Cameron Powell and Sam Inman present a “big” challenge to Stilwell’s opponents.

The VYPE Fab Five basketball poll 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.” You can be a part of the VYPE Fab Five rankings by submitting your vote by email: editor@vype.com

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

3. Oktaha—The Tigers proved their talents by winning the Shrine Tournament title behind the talented trio of Dustin Leach, Blake Pittman and Daniel Hayes . 4. Haskell—Dalton Cefalone, Alex Wheeland and Jeffery Hull are three reasons why the Haymakers have Class 3A opponents taking notice. 5. Sequoyah Tahlequah—The Indians already have two tournament titles this season with a talent laden lineup capable of returning to the “Big House” in March. Outside Looking In Spiro–Muldrow–Tahlequah

1. Oktaha—Tradition at the “O” continues as Lady Tigers with another Shrine Tournament title, their 7th in the last 8 years, as a warm-up for their Class 2A chase for gold in 2012. 2. Fort Gibson—The Lady Tigers showed they’re still a strong contender for the Class 4A title with a strong showing in the Tournament of Champions. Improved play on the blocks will solidify the chance to repeat in 2012. 3. Muldrow—Another Sequoyah County Tournament title energizes the Lady Bulldogs as the 2012 season continues as Halee Sharp, Natalie Frederick and Emily Martin lead the way for Coach Jana Armer’s squad. 4. Muskogee—The Lady Roughers made it a 3-peat by winning the large school girls Shrine Tournament title. Quickness and defense continue to support the “team effort” that continues to produce wins for coach Doyle Rowland’s team. 5. Eufaula—The Lady Ironheads are off to fast start with great expectations to finish strong in March. Outside Looking In Tahlequah–Roland–Sequoyah Tahlequah

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

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

Ironheads Battle on the Hardwood

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

As 2012 begins, local fans can follow the action of the Eufaula high school basketball teams. The season of success continues for coach Jared Smith and the Lady Ironheads. Despite a series of injuries, Coach Bradley Campbell and the boys team continue to improve as the season rolls on and playoffs approach.

The 2012 baseball season is just around the corner for the Ironheads. After back-to-back seasons reaching the Class 3A State Finals, coach Preston James squad promises to once again be an exciting team to watch compete.

2012 Eufaula Basketball schedule

2012 Eufaula Baseball Schedule

Date Jan. 16-21 Jan. 24 Jan. 26 Jan. 27 Jan. 31 Feb. 3 Feb. 7 Feb. 10 Feb. 14 Feb. 17-18 Feb. 23-25 Mar. 1-3 Mar. 8-10

Date Opponent

Opponent Old Fort Classic Tournament Haskell Stigler Henryetta Okmulgee Morris Checotah Beggs Henryetta District Tournament Regional Tournament Area Tournament State Tournament

Location Ft. Gibson Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home TBA TBA TBA TBA

Mar 2 Mar 5 Mar 9-10 Mar 12 Mar 13 Mar 15 Mar 16 Mar 23-24 Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 29-31 Apr 3 Apr 5 Apr 9 Apr 12-14 Apr 16 Apr 17 Apr 19-21 Apr 23 Apr 26-28 May 3-5 May 9-11

Head Coach – Preston James

Christian McIntosh

10 10

VV YY PP EE OO KK .. CC OO M M

JSAENP UT AE R MYB E2R0 1220 1 1

Location

Hartshorne Away Preston Away Henryetta Festival Away Wilburton Home Gore/Keys Gore Vanoss Home Stigler Home Poteau Wood Bat Festival Away Kellyville Away Haskell Home Crowder Tournament Away Checotah Away Red Oak Away Beggs Away Coal Mining Classic Away Morris Home Henryetta Home Bethel Tournament Away Keys Home District Tournament TBA Regional Tournament TBA State Tournament TBA

Time 4:00 4:30 TBA 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:00 TBA 5:00 4:30 TBA 4:00 4:30 4:30 TBA 4:00 4:30 TBA 5:00 TBA TBA TBA

Asst Coach – Ryan Green

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

VYPE caught up with Kelsey McClure of Muskogee High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting her answers, we posed the questions to Lady Roughers head basketball coach Doyle Rowland before asking Kelsey’s mom, Vanessa McClure, for her answers. Who has the best game plan? Muskogee High School junior Kelsey McClure is a member of the Lady Roughers basketball team. A three year starter, McClure is averaging 17.2 points per game while maintaining a 4.2 GPA in the classroom. The soft-hearted McClure loves hot wings but admits she’s afraid of Buffaloes, even those hanging on the wall. McClure plans to pursue a law degree in college while continuing to play basketball at the next level.

Kelsey McClure Muskogee Basketball

Vanessa McClure Kelsey's Mom

What is Kelsey's favorite subject in school?

Math

English

Math

What is Kelsey's favorite pre-or-post game Meal

Subway

Chicken

Chinese Food

Is Kelsey the class clown or class president?

President

What is one thing Kelsey would have to have with her on a deserted island?

My Phone

Cell Phone

Is Kelsey's bedroom a work of art, construction zone, or Area 51?

Work of Art

Area 51

Work of Art

If Kelsey couldn't play basketball what would she do?

Play Softball

What reality TV show would Kelsey win?

"X Factor"

"Making the Band"

What actress would play Kelsey in a movie?

Paige Hurd

Halle Berry

Keke Palmer

Does Kelsey do her homwork every night, last minute or always late?

Every Night

Last Minute

Every Night

When I'm with my friends, it's Superbad, Southpark or Big Bang Theory?

Big Bang Theory

Superbad

Big Bang Theory

4 Correct Out of 10 Coach R - Give me 6 gassers!

7 Correct Out of 10 Mom's Got Game Too!

TOTAL POINTS: 10

Doyle Rowland

Lady Roughers' Head Coach

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

600 W PEAK BLVD

MUSKOGEE, OK • 918.682.5288 Toll Free 1-800-YAMAHA-2 TUES-FRI 9:00-5:30

SATURDAY 8:00-NOON JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

Photo By Rhonda Hansen

F E AT U R E

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.” Initiative—Enthusiasm—Compassion--Responsibility…are more than just words when spoken about Taryn Dunn. A senior at Fort Gibson High School and a member of the Lady Tigers’ basketball team, Dunn’s beliefs and efforts demonstrate her true character.

Fort Gibson High School

“Character is the person you really are,” said Dunn. “It’s your personality, your attitude, and how you act under the circumstances and how you treat others.”

Photo By John Hasler

Initiative is the driving force behind Taryn’s success. “It’s why I do what I do,” admits Dunn. “I try to approach everything…basketball, academics, or home and church…with the thought of I’m lucky to get to do this rather than I have to do something. Then, I just try to make it fun.” “Taryn never waits to be asked to do something,” confirmed Jerry Walker, girls’ basketball coach at Fort Gibson. “She’s always where’s she’s supposed to be.” Enthusiasm fuels the efforts of Taryn on a daily basis. “I realize that if I don’t bring my best game everyday, I’m letting others down,” Dunn confirmed. “If you always do your best, you’ll rarely be disappointed.” “Taryn’s approach is help somebody else and you help yourself,” said Walker. “Taryn’s smile and attitude are special. She definitely represents her faith. Taryn is true to her beliefs 24/7.” Compassion describes why Dunn looks for opportunities to help others. “A lot of people today need help for a lot of reasons,” said Dunn. “Whether that’s my teammates, classmates and teachers, or just people in our town, I enjoy helping others get through their challenges. A lot of people just need a friend.” “Taryn is willing to help anybody, any age,” confirmed Walker. “She’s eager to listen and works hard to make others feel important. I call that being a true friend.” Responsibility is defined as knowing and doing what’s expected. “My parents taught me the importance of keeping your word,” said Dunn. My mom and dad (Carla and Sam Dunn) showed me the importance of doing more than just what’s asked but look for ways to always give a little more.” “Coach London (Chuck) and I know we can leave it Taryn’s hands and be assured the task will be done,” admits Walker. “She knows the rules and why they’re important. And, she knows the other players positions too. Taryn epitomizes the true team player that’s willing to put in the extra time to do things right without being asked. And, because of that, she can help out in any situation.” “It’s all about attitude,” smiled Dunn, who plans to use a 4.0 GPA to benefit her goals to pursue a career in physical therapy. “If you can encourage someone else through your actions as well as your words, you make yourself a better person at the same time.” Through her simple and dedicated approach to everyday with a smile and determined game plan, Taryn Dunn is a proven example that Character Counts.

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 14

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

918-683-3460 Chandler Branch 3502 Chandler Rd.

Muskogee, OK 918-683-3460 Tahlequah Branch 14

F E AT U R E

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

HEAD COACH Dale Condict

ASSISTANTS

Jeff Williams Nick Humphries James Henson Benny Nail Justin James Leland Alexander Micco Charboneau Ray Bell Dustin Fleming Allen Sevier Chad Soma

MANAGERS

Austin Condict Collin Condict Kaden Charboneau Booch McCullum

TRAINERS

WAGONER BULLDOGS FOOTBALL 2012

Sept. 2 Coweta 21-17 Sept. 9 Hilldale 28-19 Sept. 16 Grove 40-7 Sept. 23 Vinita 49-0 Sept. 30 Miam 29-0 Oct. 7 Jay 49-0 Oct. 14 Oologah 55-14 Oct. 20 Catoosa 27-45 Oct. 28 Tulsa McLain 48-0 Nov. 4 Mannford 52-7 Nov. 11 Fort Gibson 57-14 Nov. 18 Woodward 49-0 Nov. 25 Bishop McGuiness 43-20 Dec. 2 Clinton 23-0

Ashlee Hutchens Kori Thomas Hannah Christy Hannah Stanley Sydney Stafford

Free Checking/Overdraft Protection | Competitive CD Rates IRAʼs | Business Loans | Mortgage Loans | Consumer Loans

First Bank & Trust

of Wagoner Since 1895 We’ve Stood The Test of Time

111 South Casaver Avenue 918.485.2173 www.fbtwagoner.com

NO PLAYER 1 Lawerence Evitt 2 Adam Martin 3 Decarius Clark 4 JUSTUS BEETS 5 KERWIN THOMAS 6 JIMMY CARTER 7 KEVIN PETERSON 8 JACKSON FLINN 12 TAYLOR BOSCO 13 COREY TIPTON 15 DILLON ROBERTSON 16 AUSTIN PECK 17 CHASE BARNETT 18 DEVAUGHN CLARK 20 THAYVEIN FAISON 21 DENTON BOSCO 22 HADYN FORD 24 DESHAWN CLARK 25 DEVIN HAWKINS 27 JEREMY APPLEGATE 30 JON ORSBURN 31 TYLER CURRY 32 BRAD BOSWELL 33 BEAU BARTON 34 TRENTON RICE 35 DUSTIN RICE 36 CHRISTIAN LIVINGSTON 38 TANNER ROLEN 40 TJ PONDS 42 DYLAN CANTRELL 43 MARQUIS BORENS 44 CHRIS CRAVATT 45 WYATT PROBST 50 DANIEL BROWN 51 DUSTY SWANSON 52 DEVIN CANTRELL 53 SHELDON HARLIN 55 TAZ HENDERSON 56 TANNER EPPERSON 57 MALEEK CLAYTON 61 AUSTIN THAYER 62 DYLAN CURTIS

GRD OFF DEF HT 10 TB C 5'6 10 QB C 5'8 11 QB C 5'7 10 WR FS 5'9 11 HB C 5'11 12 ZB FS 6'0 12 ZB C 6'0 11 K K 5'8 12 QB SS 5'11 10 QB SS 5'9 12 ZB FS 5'11 10 QB SS 5'9 10 WR C 5'10 11 HB C 5'9 10 TB DE 6'1 11 WR SS 5'9 10 WR LB 6'2 10 TB C 5'10 10 TB LB 5'7 12 FB LB 6'1 12 ZB FS 5'5 10 WR LB 5'9 10 TB SS 5'7 12 TE DE 6'0 10 TE LB 5'11 10 WR C 5'8 10 WR LB 5'10 9 K K 5'6 11 FB LB 6'0 11 TE LB 6'4 11 FB DE 6'0 9 TB FS 5'10 10 FB LB 6'0 12 C T 5'11 10 T T 6'0 10 G DE 6'1 11 T T 6'0 10 T DE 5'11 10 G LB 5'11 10 C NG 5'11 10 G NG 5'7 12 G DE 5'10

WT 140 140 135 160 160 165 175 145 175 155 170 155 150 150 195 145 170 145 165 210 140 165 140 195 165 135 165 135 220 185 185 175 210 225 235 185 235 205 215 215 165 165

NO PLAYER 64 DAYTON ALLEN 65 MATT SCROGGINS 66 MARC SCROGGINS 67 LATEEZ CLAYTON 70 HEATH WILSON 72 LOGAN HARRISON 74 MATT COUGHRAN 75 HUNTER CAPERS 76 TAYLOR GIPSON 77 JAMES OWENS 78 MARCUS JONES 79 CODY ROLLINS 81 RAYFORD ADAMS

GRD OFF DEF HT 10 G DE 5'8 10 G DE 5'10 12 T T 6'0 11 C DE 6'0 12 G DE 6'3 11 G DE 6'0 11 G NG 5'8 12 T DE 5'11 10 C DE 6'0 10 T T 6'2 11 T T 6'0 11 T T 6'3 11 WR C 6'0

WT 180 165 245 215 245 225 215 190 190 220 255 265 165

T.DWATER . CARPET &TILE CLEANING REMOVAL & FLOOD RESTORATION Wes Coblentz - Owner 26118 State Highway 51 Wagoner, OK 74467

Kevin Bosco-Owner

Lets Go BULLDOGS! TULSA-WAGONER-COWETA 918.485.8000

MUSKOGEE-TAHLEQUAH-OKAY 918.636.2594

COBLENTZ COLLISION REPAIR "Complete Collision Repair - Lifetime Warranty"

(918) 485-8282

coblentzcollision@suddenlinkmail.com

KEVIN GROVER

“Where customers send their friends.” • Over 10,000 Vehicles Sold To Thousands of Completely Satisﬁed Customers Over The Last 22 Years! • Buy With Conﬁdence “In Wagoner” • Professionalism • Integrity • Courtesy • Respect • Full Disclosure

Kingston says “Come see my Papa!”

• Great selection of New & Used vehicles in stock • Free service loaners & low cost life time oil change with purchase

1440 S Dewey • Highway 69 South in Wagoner • 918.485.2188 • 1.800.375.9464

www.grovergm.com

John B. Engelbrecht - Agent

66 East Peak Boulevard |Muskogee, OK 74403

918.687.0467 | john.engelbrecht@horacemann.com

AUTO INSURANCE

Protection for your car and truck –For Family Members and passengers–and You.

PROPERTY INSURANCE

Home Owners–Renters– Identity Theft.

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

LIFE INSURANCE

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Lifelong Protection for Your Loved Ones.

Annuities–Mutual Funds College Savings Plans

DISABILITY INSURANCE

Get More With the Educator Advantage.

Protect your ability to earn an income as you would your car, home or life

www.dreamcatchersports.net

CUSTOM SCREEN PRINTING AND EMBROIDERY

Sports Apparel & Equipment Source For Your High School Ask Dreamcatcher Sports About Booster Club Fundraising

TEXT “DREAMCATCHER” TO 41411 TO DISCOVER THE LATEST IN-STORE SPECIAL OFFERS & EVENTS

918.207.0588

711 S. MUSKOGEE AVE TAHLEQUAH,OK FOLLOW US ON

@DCSPORTS1 douglas

The

long and winding road to a football state championship was filled with plenty of traffic as teams from the Three Rivers area earned playoff journeys. When all was said and done, only one team, the Wagoner Bulldogs, not only reached the finish line but achieved its season long goal to complete their “Road to Redemption.”

A total of 15 teams from Three Rivers battled through district competition to reach the post-season party in search of the “Big Gold Ball”. Three teams with new head coaches made another step in the championship direction as in Class 4A Fort Gibson (James Singleton), Class A Gore (Lee Blankenship) and Hulbert (Mitchell Crittenden) advanced to the post season. The Tigers rode the talents of Jake Gandara running the football. Garrett Lehnick and Joe Lane made the perfect combination for the Pirates passing attack while Chris Vance energized the new look of the single-wing for the Riders. In Class 4A, Hilldale used the talents of Jarrard Poteete and Matt Brown to join Sallisaw, which featured Tyler Clifton, Skylar Williams and Ben Oberste, earning victories in round one to advance to the quarterfinals while in Class 3A Checotah, featuring running back Brandon Mann, Stigler with its running quarterback Cade Shearwood and fearless defensive play from Ryan Echelle along with the Keys Cougars, led by Jake Phillips, Joey Paden and Jacky Walker, advanced in the dance to second round play. In Class B, Gans earned its first post-season win in round one. Sequoyah Tahlequah (3A), Heavener (2A) and Webbers Falls (C) were also among the post season teams from Three Rivers. The “Purple Passion” was evident all season long as the Vian Wolverines rolled through the regular season undefeated. Playing without its starting quarterback Landon Decker in round one, Vian overpowered Meeker 42-7 and then continued its high octane offense with a 48-13 win over Commerce. The junior laden Wolverines, featuring All-VYPE performances from Rob Boyd, Rowdy Simon and Warren Zachary, hunt for gold would end in the Class 2A quarterfinal setback to eventual state champion Hennessey. After completing the season with a 12-1 campaign, Vian has already started to work in order to finish the task in 2012.

Wagoner’s “Road to Redemption” began in last year’s Class 4A championship contest where the Bulldogs lost to OC Douglass in

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

overtime. With its roster filled with talented athletes, including Three Rivers’ Player of the Year Kevin Peterson, Heath Wilson, Daniel Brown, Jeremy Applegate, Taylor Bosco and T.J. Ponds, coach Dale Condict’s squad was on a mission in 2011. While the offense was putting up big scores, the “Dawgs” defense posted three shutouts during the first seven weeks of play. After a loss to Catoosa in week eight, Wagoner’s roadmap to a state title would now include three teams that had kept the Bulldogs from championships in previous years. Wagoner defeated Fort Gibson 57-14 in round one only to earn a 200-mile plus road trip to face Woodward, a team that was awarded the 1945 Class B state championship by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association when due to a flu

F E AT U R E outbreak, Wagoner (11-0) cancelled the game. Now 66 years later, the Bulldogs would get its revenge with a 49-0 shutout win over the Boomers.

Next stop on the “Road to Redemption” would be Bishop McGuiness. The Irish had ended Wagoner’s playoff hopes in 2006 and 2007 in the Class 4A semi-finals. This season’s semi-final matchup would bring sweet revenge as the Bulldogs claimed the 43-20 victory. With a ticket to the state championship for the 3rd time in Condict’s seven year tenure at Wagoner, the opponent would be the Clinton Red Tornadoes, the same team that beat Wagoner in the 2005 state title game, Condict’s first year as head coach of the Bulldogs. Add to the excitement, Wagoner was returning to Boone Pickens Stadium where the gold ball was dropped in overtime a year ago. The Bulldogs proved the “3rd time’s a charm” with a dominating performance in a 23-0 victory. Kevin Peterson would be the offense with 23 carries for 246 yards including 2 touchdowns. Just

as impressive was the Wagoner defense that totally stymied Clinton’s offense which was shutout for the first time since 2002. With the victory, the Bulldogs’ seniors complete their careers with a combined record including 34 wins plus a state championship ring in 2011. “We played our hearts out,” said Peterson, while clutching the championship trophy. “We left it all on the field. It’s definitely a dream come true for our entire team.”

“After last year, we made a pledge to comeback,” acknowledged defensive tackle Heath Wilson. “We were committed to finishing the job this time. We were flying around smashing people; we knew the most physical team would win.” “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Condict. “You chase this so hard, and to comeback where it ended last year and leave with the gold ball is really special.

“This is a community win…from our little league to our fans and school,” smiled Condict. “This win belongs to everyone in Wagoner.”

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

ALL-VYPE

F E AT U R E

We carefully poured over tons of stats and argued into the night to come up with the 1st Team Offense

1st Team Defense

1st Team Special Teams

Cade Shearwood – Stigler Garrett Lehnick – Gore

Jeremy Applegate – Wagoner Rowdy Simon – Vian Lane Dortch – Fort Gibson Wes Starr – Muskogee Josh Giem – Hilldale

Sinue Rodriquez– Sallisaw

RB Kevin Peterson – Wagoner Jake Gandara – Fort Gibson Tyler Stephens – Webbers Falls Brandon Mann – Checotah

WR Joe Lane – Gore Victor Williams – Muskogee Jarrard Poteete – Hilldale Deondre Owens– Checotah

DB/S Ryan Echelle– Stigler Kent Booze – Spiro Sonny O’Field – Sequoyah Tahlequah Tony Cabrera – Hilldale Skylar Williams – Sallisaw

P Jacky Walker – Keys

Three Rivers Coach of the Year Dale Condict - Wagoner Bulldogs

Three Rivers Player of the Year Kevin Peterson – Wagoner

Heath Wilson – Wagoner Tyler Clifton – Sallisaw Dillon Rice – Muskogee Matt Brown – Hilldale

Austin Cantrell – Roland

OL Rob Boyd – Vian Daniel Brown – Wagoner Dale Ford – Muskogee Tyler Glover – Checotah Tanner Sheets – Sequoyah Tahlequah

ATH Chris Vance – Hulbert Warren Zachary – Vian

For more log onto VYPEOK.COM

Victor Williams - Muskogee

VYPEOK.COM

Cade Shearwood - Stigler

JANUARY 2012

Jeremy Applegate - Wagoner

Kevin Peterson - Wagoner

Brandon Mann- Checotah

Joe Lane - Gore

F E AT U R E

list of first team and second team members of this year’s edition of the All-VYPE Team. 2nd Team Offense

2nd Team Defense

2nd Team Special Teams

Baylor Butler – Checotah Brayden Scott – Sequoyah Tahlequah

T.J. Ponds – Wagoner Devin Harriman – Sallisaw Hayden Kolmer – Muskogee Jake Phillips – Keys Xavier Hunter – Muskogee

Preston Soper -- Muskogee

RB Dakota Petree – Sallisaw Logan Ohl – Gore Cody Johnson – Gans Christian Worthington – Keys

WR Zac Robinson – Sequoyah Tahlequah Colten Douillard – Keys Evan Fincher – Roland Jace Pitchford – Poteau

TE Ned Adair – Fort Gibson

OL Luke Moses – Warner Cody Heaton -- Muskogee Mason White – Muldrow Joey Paden – Keys Jake Upton – Stigler

Rowdy Simon - Vian

Jake Gandara - Ft. Gibson

P Wilson Klutts -- Poteau

DB/S Zade Thomason – Checotah Jesse Woodson – Poteau Taylor Bosco – Wagoner Tanner Weston – Tahlequah Dylan Fry – Eufaula

DL Travis Sandlin – Vian A.J. Smith – Stilwell Colten Noeldner – Vian White Robinson – Sequoyah Tahlequah

ATH Dalton Cunningham – Hilldale Ben Oberste -- Sallisaw

Rob Boyd - Vian

Tyler Stephens - Webbers Falls

Jarrard Poteete - Hilldale

JANUARY 2012

Dale Ford - Muskogee

VYPEOK.COM

ALL-VYPE SOFTBALL Photo By Josh Clough

Photo By John Hasler

Pitcher

Taylor Eaves – Panama Caitlyn Craig – Fort Gibson Brittney Johnson – Tahlequah Danielle Riddle – Hilldale Madyson Fox – Oktaha

Infield Photo By John Hasler

Randee O’Donnell – Tahlequah Whitney Whittmore – Tahlequah Kali Romine – Hilldale Lauryne Dester – Oktaha Saharra Henson – Sequoyah Tahlequah Kelsey Leach – Sequoyah Tahlequah Paige Gann – Muskogee Daryl Coco Epps – Muskogee Chelsie Drew – Vian Kelsi Emmons – Wagoner

Stephanie Barcheers – Panama Jenna Reed – Tahlequah C. J. Alsenay – Keys Kirby Parnell – Fort Gibson Shaylee Rowland – Muskogee Briley Benson – Poteau

Coach of the Year

Photo By Bill Huddleston

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Kathleen Elam Photography

Outfield

Grant Ralls – Panama

Team of the Year Okay Mustangs

Player of the Year Bristen Graves – Okay Mustangs

Coach of the Year Belinda Clark – Okay Mustangs

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

Photo By Ben Johnson

Bristen Graves – Okay Brooke Long – Okay Tori Cole – Wagoner Taylor Hennesy – Muskogee Alexus Wilson – Muskogee Casey Beaston – Tahlequah Kalie Champlain – Tahlequah Paige Budder – Sequoyah Tahlequah Carmen Wylie – Sequoyah Tahlequah

Photo By Von Castor

Photo By Bill Huddleston

ALL-VYPE VOLLEYBALL

Brooke Burkhart – Keys Kyle Nolan – Keys Clarissa McJunkins – Muskogee Ashlyn Reheard – Hilldale Allison Swepston – Tahlequah Laura Burleigh – Poteau Mercedee Carlton – Westville Sadie Scott – Eufaula Tracey Doublehead – Stilwell Darian Flanagan -- Sallisaw Jamie Fernan – Fort Gibson Jenna Harrington – Checotah Michaela Vail – Warner

Photo By Bill Huddleston

All-VYPE CHEER

Team of the Year Keys Cougars

Coach of the Year Denise Snyder - Keys Cougars

All-VYPE CROSS COUNTRY Girls

Boys

Andi Gourd – Central Sallisaw Jessica Hembree – Tahlequah Amy Hembree – Tahlequah Ali Andrews – Keys Sydney Lawrence – Stilwell Deven Bond – Poteau Lanice Rozell – Warner

Ben Grant – Tahlequah Reno Blum – Tahlequah Kendall Toyne – Keys Cole Montgomery – Eufaula Terrance Nofire – Sequoyah Tahlequah Garrett Tinsley – Gans Nico Hall – Poteau

Coach of the Year Photo By Michael Mayberry

Photo By Bill Huddleston

Photo By Michael Mayberry

Photo By Bill Huddleston

Jason Proctor – Tahlequah

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

Every player and coach will tell you that while winning games is important, the true champions are the children helped by the

LARGE SCHOOL DIVISION GIRLS: Muskogee Lady Roughers Boys: Jenks Trojans

Bedouin Shrine. Since 1980, the annual tournament continues to benefit the Temple’s transportation fund providing support to children and their families to Shriner’s Hospitals to insure free medical treatment for burned or crippled children. During the history of the event, the Bedouin Shrine Classic has generated more than 1.2 million dollars in order that the kids can live a healthier and happier life including this year’s dynamic duo, Brandy Sweptston and Gorden Edwards. Photo By John Hasler

ince 1969, during the first week of January, high school basketball teams have competed in the Bedouin Shrine Basketball Tournament in Muskogee. This year, a total of 32 teams competed in the 32nd annual event with four divisions of play crowning four champions in the finals.

Photo By Bill Huddleston

Photo by Bill Huddleston

Photo By John Hasler

SMALL SCHOOL DIVISION GIRLS: Oktaha Lady Tigers Boys: Oktaha Tigers

Shriner's Kids Gordon Edwards and Brandy Swepston with Potentate Ed Palmer.

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

Muskogee Lady Roughers, Large School Champions

Photo By John Hasler

F E AT U R E

Photo By Ben Johnson Tahlequah, Daily Press

LARGE SCHOOL DIVISION GIRLS: Kelsey McClure & Alexus Wilson - Muskogee, Jordan Evans - Tulsa Webster, Lashonda Green - McAlester, Lindsey Nowlin - Coweta Boys: Cody Crase & Denton Hayes - Jenks, Calvin Boyle & Ashton Sims- McAlester, David Beasley - Muskogee SMALL SCHOOL DIVISION GIRLS: Hali Logan - Oktaha, Courtney Jones - Sequoyah Tahlequah, Allison Arnall - Hulbert, Sherrel McHenry - Haskell, Philicea Mack - Spiro. Boys: Dustin Leach & Blake Pittman - Oktaha, Devon Perry- Spiro, Jacob Richardson - Haskell, Dwight McElroy - Chouteau

Photo By John Hasler

Jefrey Hull #12-Haskell Knifeis Carter #11 and Ty Hawkins #23 -Spiro

Photo By John Hasler

Ty Whitebird #25 - Hilldale

Tramal Ivy - Muskogee

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

Photo By Ben Johnson Tahlequah, Daily Press

VYPEOK.COM Photo By Ben Johnson Tahlequah, Daily Press

Photo By John Hasler

F E AT U R E

JANUARY 2012

Emily Martin #33 - Muldrow summer teehee #34- Roland

F E AT U R E

Photos by Ruby Dean Captured Memories Photography

estled in a hotbed for high school basketball, the week-long Sequoyah County basketball tournament, sponsored by Armstrong Bank, was another championship classic.

The championship tradition was evident during the Saturday night finals where more than just a tournament title was on the line. Longtime rivals Roland and Muldrow squared off for the first place trophy and the bragging rights for another year.

In the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; final, the Muldrow Lady Bulldogs outdueled the Lady Rangers 43-39. In the boys championship, Class 4A #1 ranked Roland had to use overtime to hold off Muldrow 59-51 (OT) to win its 3rd straight tournament title and 8th in the past decade.

GIRLS BRACKET 1st Muldrow 43 Roland 39 3rd Vian 51 Stigler 49 5th Central 41 Sallisaw 30 BOYS BRACKETT 1st Roland 59 Muldrow 51 (OT) 3rd Gore 47 Sallisaw 45 5th Stigler 62 Central 56

Nate hamilton - muldrow michael byrd - roland

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

GIRLS Natalee Frederick, Emily Martin & Halee Sharp-Muldrow; Summer Teehee & Marissa Enochs-Roland; Jordan Spencer-Sallisaw; Chelsie Drew-Vian; Ayanna Holtz-Gans; Cydney Dillard-Central Sallisaw; Danielle Bowers-Stigler BOYS Corey Meadors, Kaleb Parman & Seth Youngblood-Roland; Nate Hamilton, Gherrold Kimbrew & Caleb Shaver-Muldrow; Trey Slate-Gore; Matt Callahan-Central Sallisaw; Seth Sandlin-Stigler; Tyler Clifton-Sallisaw

Whitley Vann - Roland haley Sharp - Muldrow

Bailey Wilson - Stigler Nese Walters - vian

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

F E AT U R E

Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year.®

BEST IN

OKLAHOMA

THE 2012 F-150 OKLAHOMAFOrd.cOM

*3.5L EcoBoost®4x2. EPA-estimated J A N U16 A R Ycity/22 2 0 1 2 |hwy/18 V Y P E O Kcombined .COM 3 mpg.

F E AT U R E

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012