VYPE Three Rivers October 2012 by Austin Chadwick

Warner * Muskogee

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Warner Main Campus Rt. 1 Box 1000 Warner, OK 74469 (918) 463-2931

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Agriculture Athletics three campuses Nursing Online &Evening Undergraduate research Two-year college Classes Over 25 degree options

Pregame

A letter from Bill Huddleston

6 | Picture This

The Colors of Fall

VYPE photographers captured the shining moments of high school football, cheerleading, volleyball, and fast pitch softball.

13 | Character Counts Okay senior Lindsey Allen proves that having a good attitude will make a difference in every situation, especially when helping others.

16 | “We’re No. 1” High school football is king in Oklahoma… where the heroes of Friday night action bring excitement and passion to everyone – from school to the bank, to fans of all ages!

As the leaves of green give way to the colorful tones of fall, the passion of high school sports continues, reaching a feverish pitch in search of a state championship.

High football heroes bring school and community spirit to young and old alike underneath the Friday Night Lights trying to earn the right to claim “We’re #1.” Other fall sports, including cheerleading, volleyball, fast-pitch softball and baseball, resolve the same question with championship events. And, just to keep things real, youth football opens the window that playing the game can be fun.

VYPE and State Farm present the Mr. Football Oklahoma award to honor the state’s best performance on the gridiron. You can help us choose the winner by going online at www.vypeok.com to cast your vote for the 25 semifinalists. Lights…Camera…ACTION! It’s time to play ball. Put me in coach, I’m ready to play!

We’re in the Game Bill Huddleston

23 | Fall Ball Champions were crowned for the fall sports in the state as volleyball, fall baseball and fast pitch softball teams battled it out to determine who is #1!

29 | We’ve Got Spirit A total of 118 high school cheerleader squads gathered in Stillwater to compete for the OSSAA State Championships including 10 squads from Three Rivers.

Graphic Design: Austin Chadwick Contributing Writers: Craig Hall, Brad Heath, Lynn Jacobsen, Bill Huddleston Contributing Photographers: John Hasler, Brett Rojo, Rip Stell, Bill Huddleston, Von Castor, Craig Hall-Leflore County Journal, Isaac Barnoskie, Ben Johnson-Tahlequah Daily Press, Vickie Reece-Westville Schools, Ron Goad, David Seeley-Poteau Daily News, Darren Stephens, Shane Keeter, Ruby Dean-Captured Memories Photography, Allison Aday-Eufaula Schools, Brad Heath, Linda Bighorse, Vickie Tincher, Justin Kennedy, Josh Klough, Lisa Eaton, Blunck’s Studios, Michael Mayberry, Designing Moments Photography, Wes McMurtrey, Caitlin Hasler Hine. 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

Next Issue... “Oklahoma Basketball Preview” - A preseason look at the upcoming basketball season for every high school team, girls and boys in the state plus the scouting report on the college basketball scenario.

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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Avery Rigney, James Kolb Fort Gibson

Allison Watts, Erin Edwards - Muldow

J AC NT O O UB AR ER Y 2012

Hannah Alexander J.B. Clark - Muskogee

Photo By Ron Goad

Chandler Puckett - Hilldale Photo By John Hasler

Photo By John Hasler

Emilee Rigsby - Fort Gibson K. Merrell - Wagoner VYPEOK.COM

Brooks Robertson Roland

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Ruby Dean Captured Memories Photography

Buck McAlvain - Stigler

Photo By Ruby Dean Captured Memories Photography

Photo By Brett Rojo

Photo By Ruby Dean Captured Memories Photography

VYPE photographers capture the shining moments of fall sports action

Jake Coleman - Checotah

Photo By BigHorsePhotography.com

Photo by John Hasler

Photo By Von Castor

Photo By Darren Stephens

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Shane Keeter

P I C T UFRE EA TTUHRI S E

Photo By Isaac Barnoskie

Jaycee Chandler - Checotah

Kate Atchison - Westville

Jefferson Moore Muskogee

Robert Clark Gore

Photo By Darren Stephens

Photo By Josh Clough

Photo By Von Castor

Photo By Bill Huddleston

Photo By Ruby Dean Captured Memories Photography

Photo By Craig Hall LeFlore County Journal

Jermaine Jimmerson - Spiro

Jordan Presley Haskell

Photo By BigHorsePhotography.com

Kyle Taylor - Warner Todd Cross - Panama

Kaylee Kingrey - Poteau

Tyler Sheridan Porter

Seth Sandlin - Stigler

O J AC NT O UB A ER RY 2 0 1 2

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Photo By Vicki Reece Westville Schools

Photo By John Hasler

F EFAETAUTRUER E

Photo By Ruby Dean Captured Memories Photography

Justin Self - Westville

Justin Wright - Warner Chris Vance - Hulbert

Nicole English - Roland

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JANUARY 2012

Jade Hopkins, Bali Baker Karleigh McMahan - Okay

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Bill Huddleston

Photo By John Hasler

Anthony King - Muskogee 8

Ryan Shirey & Andy Burris - Panama

Sierra Elam - Oktaha

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F E AT U R E

VYPE caught up with Kelsey Cantwell of Oktaha High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting her answers, we posed the questions to Kelsey’s mom, Mennie Cantwell, for her answers and then presented the challenge to Kelly Easterling, Oktaha’s centerfielder and Kelsey’s teammate on the softball team. Who has the best game plan?

Oktaha High School sophomore Kelsey Cantwell is a member of the fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball teams where she plays first base and pitcher. Known to her close friends as “Gator” or “Rexy”, Cantwell is a big fan of major league baseball and likes the New York Yankees the most. Kelsey continues a family tradition of playing sports at Oktaha High School where her mom, Mennie, also played softball and basketball for the Tigers. Kelsey’s favorite subject in school? Favorite place to eat?

Oktaha Softball

Mennie Cantwell Kelsey’s Mom

Kelly Easterling Kelsey’s Teammate

English

Zio’s Italian Restaurant

Olive Garden

Zio’s Italian Restaurant

Kelsey’s bedroom is work of art, disaster zone or Area 51?

Disaster Zone

Kelsey is—Class Clown, Class President or could be the teacher?

Class Clown

What is Kelsey’s superstition?

Got to have my headband

Stinky Headband

Not Shaving Her Legs

If trapped in high school forever who would she bring with her?

Derek Jeter

Mom

Sierra Elam

What reality TV show would Kelsey win?

Love In the Wild

Survivor

Love In the Wild

Homework—last minute, every night, always late?

Last Minute

What sports movie or TV show should Kelsey be in?

A League Of Their Own

Sandlot

League Of Their Own

Big Bang Theory

6 out of 10 (Good Game Mom!)

7 out of 10 (That’s A Winner!)

When I’m with my friends, its Superbad, South Park or Big Bang Theory?

TOTAL POINTS: 10

Kelsey Cantwell

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OCTOBER 2012

Disaster Zone (Enter At Your Own Risk)

Area 51

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JANUARY 2012

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F E AT U R E

“IRONHEAD ROYALTY” Eufaula celebrated its 2012 Homecoming with the coronation of Hannah Rippy and Michael Sinohui as Homecoming King and Queen. Joining the festivities were Taber Grider as crown bearer and Sydney Harjo as flower girl. Queen Hannah’s court included senior attendants Jessica Davis and Garrett Marshall, junior attendants Hannah Wiedel and Ronnie Hallum, sophomore attendants Taylor O’Brien and Hunter Reynolds and freshman attendants Amanda Metcalf and Hunter Powell.

THE PRIDE OF EUFAULA Members of the Eufaula High School band continue to capture performance honors including achieving a “Superior” rating at the OSSAA regional marching competition in McAlester. The band’s winning performance is the first leg of the OSSAA Sweepstakes competition which Eufaula has won the past six years in a row. The band won 1st place among Class 3A schools at Konawa Band Days along with Outstanding Drum Line and High Music Honors. The Eufaula band also won the Class 3A division at East Central University in Ada where Emily Davis was named Outstanding Drum Major. Eufaula bands are under the direction of Glenn Sizemore and assistants Michael Palmer and Cryse Burns.

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OK K .. C VV YY PP EE O CO OM M

JJ AA N N UU AA RR YY 22 00 11 22

IRONHEAD TRADITION Ironheads football tradition is well documented with many former great players including Eufaula’s “First Family” of football – Lucious, Lee Roy and Dewey Selmon. The Eufaula Alumni Association and Eufaula High School honored the legacy of the “Selmon Brothers” by officially retiring the numbers “85 – 75 – 32” as part of the 2012 homecoming festivities. Lucious, #32 graduated in 1970 while younger brothers Lee Roy, #75 and Dewey #85 graduated in 1971 before the trio earned All American status at the University of Oklahoma. Dewey served as Grand Marshall of the Homecoming parade.

TWO TO STATE – CROSS COUNTRY Cole Montgomery and Madison Newton were among the top finishers in Class 3A cross country competition earning a spot among the field of runners competing at the Class 3A State Cross Country Championships at Shawnee.

JUNE 2012

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3001 S. Muskogee Tahlequah OK

918-456-2541

800-456-2555

Character is a combination of qualities that distinguishes one person or group from another. Yates Auto Mall celebrates achievements of local high school athletes by presenting the monthly “Character Counts Award.”

coach at Okay. She gives you 100% in everything she does. If I could draft my team of players, I’d take 12 just like Lindsey.” “I’m a person that will talk you up,” smiled Allen. “I was brought up to show people by your actions, you’re true to who you are. If we’re in it together, know that I’ll have your back no matter what. And, I’ve learned it’s your attitude that determines your outcome.” “Lindsey does a lot of work with special needs kids,” said Clark. “Her patience and love for these kids proves her true spirit of love and commitment to helping others.”

“If it is to be…it’s up to me.” Simple but true and for Lindsey Allen, a senior at Okay High School, these nine words are a way of life everyday demonstrated through her actions that speak much louder than words. A member of the Lady Mustangs volleyball team, Allen strives every day to make things better for everyone she meets whether at school, on the court and in every walk of life. “A person’s real character is all about how you act in each situation,” said Allen. “And for me, it’s qualities based on my beliefs that basically there’s good inside everyone. I just try to help them find it.” “Lindsey brightens your day with her ever present smile,” said Belinda Clark, head volleyball

“Five years ago, my aunt (Vicki Garrison) opened a summer camp for kids ages 5-to-18 with special needs. She invited me to camp and it was love at first sight. I knew from that time on that I’d discovered my career path as an occupational therapist and work with special needs children.” “There was one of the kids, I call him “man-man”, that captured my heart from the first time we met,” recalled Allen. “When he was injured in a car wreck last summer, and broke his leg, I knew he needed my help. I immediately called all of my teammates and we rushed to the hospital with gifts for just for him. Because for man-man, its little things that makes a big difference.” “Lindsey is the perfect example of what life is all about,” said Jody Miller, a biology teacher at Okay. “She’s eager to learn, and is always willing to give her all to every situation.”

“Lindsey understands what matters most,” said Charles McMahan, principal at Okay. “I’ve watched her choose the needs of others over herself so many times. She recognizes obstacles that hold back others and commits herself to eliminating them so you will end up a winner.” “Success is a choice,” said Allen. “I just choose to discover my happiness and success by helping others to succeed.”

JANUARY 2012

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F E AT U R E Presented by

The chase for the “the big gold ball” continues with teams in Three Rivers among the state’s best giving fans of high school football in the Three Rivers Territory plenty to cheer about. Here’s how we rank the VYPE Top 10 high school football teams… 1. Vian – Averaging 62 points per game, the Wolverines are burning out the lights on the scoreboard with Warren Zachary, Landon Decker, Rowdy Simon and Eric Casey crossing the goal line while the defense has given up only 15 points the first seven weeks of the season. 2. Wagoner – Opponents of the Bulldogs are chanting “Who Let the Dawgs Out” as Lawrence Evitt continues to provide the electricity for the offense while T.J. Ponds anchors the defense leading Wagoner to another victory. 3. Fort Gibson – The Tigers continue to climb the rankings as Jake Gandara, J.R. Singleton and Seth Taylor continue to produce highlight reel plays and Zach Peterson bolsters the defensive unit. 4. Sequoyah Tahlequah – “Air Scott” continues to ride fast with quarterback Brayden Scott connecting with Nikko Hammer while Greydon Elrod anchors the Indians defensive efforts. 5. Hilldale – Jamaul Cullom and Josh Giem drive the running game while Chandler Puckett provides timely passing to multiple receivers and the Hornets’ defensive unit delivers a sting to their opponents.

Other teams just missing the votes to make the VYPE Top 10 include : Gore, Haskell, Poteau, Talihina and Heavener. You can be a part of the VYPE Top 10 rankings by submitting your vote by email: Oklahoma@VYPE.com 14

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JANUARY 2012

6. Warner – The Eagles are soaring above their opponents as Kyle Taylor, Anthony Carney, Clint Kite, Dakota Tassey , Justin Wright and Jake Leybas bring high energy and winning results. 7. Checotah – Team effort continues to deliver victories for the Wildcats with Tyler Addy, Jerry Casey, Denver Berry, Deondre Owens, Jake Coleman and Malik Slaton make big plays. 8. Sallisaw – The Black Diamonds continue to put the pieces together as district play continues with Ben Oberste, Devin Harriman and Sinue Rodriguez leading the charge. 9. Stigler— Colton and Cade Shearwood along with Ryan Echelle and Seth Sandlin are playing with emotion and dedication seeking to return to the Class 3A playoffs. 10. Webbers Falls—The no-huddle offense led by Jamie Carey and C.J. Lehnick has opponents searching for ways to slow down the Warriors’ high powered 8-man offense.

F E AT U R E

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JANUARY 2012

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Landon Decker, Lawrence Evitt, Daniel Mielnik

Football Fever Runs Wild

By Bill Huddleston

Football is King in Oklahoma…and for most communities across the state, high school football tops the list. From the conversations at the local barber shop, restaurant, church or local women’s bridge club, the excitement of the success of high school football creates the most chatter anywhere you live. In Wagoner, Vian and Fort Gibson, all the rave is all about being number one. The past two seasons, the Wagoner Bulldogs have found their way to the Class 4A state championship and claimed the gold ball in

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OCTOBER 2012

2011. The success of the team has players, coaches, students and fans “game planning” for a repeat performance this season.

“We want another ring,” said junior running back Lawrence Evitt. “It was special to put the gold ring on my finger as state champ last year. And, we all want to do it again.”

“It’s what everyone talks about, not just the players, nodded Evitt. “At school, you walk down the hall and everyone pats you on the back and says ‘let’s win again this week’. Not just the kids but the teachers too. It makes all of the players more determined to win.” Evitt admits his jersey number is a constant reminder of the goal for this season. “I was on the team as a freshman when Prince McJunkins wore #1,” smiled Evitt. “He told me that he wanted me to wear number one and go get the job done. So, you just have to step up and do it.”

Garrett Jacobson, a senior at Wagoner, is a member of “The Elite”, a front row group of student that never miss a chance to cheer for the Bulldogs and cast doubt to the opponent.

Lawrence Evitt

game day at 5:45 a.m. cooking sausage, biscuits and gravy. It’s how we get our game face on.”

“And, we don’t dare change the menu,” laughed Lindsay. “Just like the coaches, we’re all superstitious. It’s a standard, our Bulldog Breakfast.”

“We have lots of fun with it,” Jacobson chuckled. “We’ll go to the stadium on Thursday and get a scouting report from the coaches ‘cause we have to know the names of the other team’s players so we can make shirts that are special for the next game. We dress up in our Elite gear and then get loud and crazy at every game, home and away.”

“Football is a real positive for Wagoner,” confirms head coach Dale Condict. “It’s something that everyone takes pride in. Our entire school is involved from the high school all the way down to first grade.” Our fans are so excited on game days; they come out to the stadium between 8 and 9 in the morning to put their blankets on the bleachers just to save a seat.”

“People in town are always asking me how they can help,” Condict said in appreciation of the support. “We had a group volunteer to paint the scoreboard. We’ve got a group of men that get up early just to cook breakfast for the kids on game days.” “There’s no better way to develop a real relationship with the kids and coaches,” said John Lindsay, an optometrist in Wagoner. “There are five or six of us that start every

On game nights as well at practice during the week, future Bulldogs are always there. “The little guys run up to me for a high five,” smiled Evitt. “Then we go to their games and cheer for them too.”

At age sixty-nine, Leon Moore wouldn’t consider missing a game using the excitement of the game to keep him young.

“I don’t miss a game, home or away,” said Moore, who has also been an integral part of the Wagoner Youth Football Association. “Watching these kids that grew up here playing in our youth leagues energizes me. Heck, it keeps me getting younger everyday.”

For certain, Condict and his players enjoy the prime time and welcome the challenge of success. “It’s why the kids play the game. And for coaches, players and fans, it’s a reward for our total program and our town. They all expect us to play at that level now; and we like it that way.”

If you’re a resident of Vian, you bleed Purple and Gold as young and old alike not only cheer for their Wolverines but also know the X and O’s of the game.

“It’s what it’s all about in Vian,” said head coach Brandon Tyler, whose team currently ranks #1 in Class 2A football with visions of a state title in 2012. “These kids hear the stories from their parents and grandparents,” grinned Tyler. “Everyone one of them understand the tradition of Vian football.”

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“When I first got to Vian, coach asked me what number I wanted,” recalled Landon Decker, starting quarterback for the past two seasons. “He said how about number 1, and I thought, man that’s Vfastv Locust’s number… that’s pretty big number…sure!” “Football and the #1 are synonymous at Vian, it’s all that’s talked about,” said Decker, who also displays his talents for the baseball team. “At school, I get questions how good is the next team on our schedule, who are their good players. The girls and the guys want to know how we’re going to win.” “There’s always plenty of purple and gold whenever we play,” said Tyler. “On game day virtually everyone is wearing the school pride. All the teachers, the little kids at the grade school and throughout the town,

everyone is getting ready for the game.

“People in Vian love the Wolverines,” said John Brockman, athletic director and head baseball coach. “When our football team is winning, it makes the entire school year go better. It seems to carry over into everything.” Brockman, a 1990 graduate of Vian, is also involved with youth football and understands what it means to be a Wolverine.

“You grow up expecting to win,” admits Brockman. “Our little guys want to play just like the high school players. By the time they get to junior high, they know the game offense and defense. And, they expect to win and there’s never to big of a challenge to overcome.” “I guess you can say that everyone who lives in Vian is a member of this football team,” said an appreciative coach Tyler. “We get so much support from the Touchdown Club. Game days start with breakfast at the church, and there are a lot of people in town on Friday morning there already dressed in purple. And when we get to the stadium for an out of town game and our fans are there to meet the bus, our kids feed off that. And, so do I.”

One of the fans who normally meet the bus is Jerry Simon, a 1967 Vian graduate and played for Benny Kiger’s playoff team in 1965.

Landon Decker

“Vian football, it’s what it’s all about, said Simon. “Around here, people live for Friday night. A lot of people can remember the championship in 1971, the runner-up team in 1970, in ’81 and 2006. There are a lot of people that are at every game that never played football and they enjoy living through

the kids today. You can see it gives them a sense of pride.”

“We’re serious about the game too,” warned Simon. “Some of the fans paint their faces to show their pride in the Wolverines. My wife Sally will tell me don’t talk to me during the game, I’m only here to watch football not about anything else. And she’ll watch game film with you too.”

“When you come out on the field and look up in the stands and see the whole town there, it’s a huge encouragement,” said Decker. “And they get really loud. It gets us pumped up.”

It’s been more than a decade since the roar of high school football for the Fort Gibson Tigers has been so loud and proud…community wide. “When I took the job two years ago, we set high expectations,” said James Singleton, head coach for the Tigers. “And everyone has bought into the program including the players, coaches, our administration, teachers, students and people in town.”

The game plan for success is no doubt working. For the first time in more than a decade, Fort Gibson opened the season 7-0 while climbing into the top ranked teams in Class 4A with visions of what might be ahead in the playoffs.

One of the prize converts is the Tigers #1, Daniel Mielnik. The talented junior, who handles the kicking duties moved from Knurow Poland to Fort Gibson in 2004 and had never played football until he entered the sixth grade. “It was really different at first,” said Mielnik. “There were 40,000 people in Knurow and I get here and there were 3,000 people. But you go to a football game here and they make more noise than anywhere.” “When I was in the fifth grade, I saw people playing football trying to kick the ball, and I OCTOBER 2012

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member of the Fort Gibson cheer squad. “The Rowdy Crowd is truly awesome. Our coaches gave us some old wrestling mats that we put together and painted the slogan “Fly With Us Or Get Flown Over” and then the Rowdy Crowd beats the paddles against the mats to make even more noise.”

thought I can do that. And, now, on the high school team its lots of fun and excitement. Last year I was nervous but now I’ve caught the fever and know that everyone is on my side supporting me.” According to Mielnik, the school spirit bolsters the confidence of the players.

“At school and in town, I have people coming up to me I don’t even know,” Mielnik said. “They’re all saying “great job”. So when Zach (Drain) and I go out there, you can feel their support,” said Mielnik. “Zach takes the snap from James (Kolb) and puts the ball on the tee and I just kick it. And then you hear the roar of the crowd. It feels really awesome.” A big part of the sideline spirit comes from the Tigers cheerleaders and the “Rowdy Crowd.”

“Cheerleaders have a big part of building the sideline spirit,” said Lane Murphy, a senior

“Tiger Fever is growing,” said coach Singleton. “Our players feel it every time they see the signs all over town. Our teachers and students are wearing jerseys and spirit shirts everyday, not just game days. We’re getting support from everywhere.” “There’s no doubt that passion for Tiger football lives,” said David Kolb, a member of the team’s booster club. “And our community is backing the kids. They always have but now it’s a whole new level. “You got to love it for the kids. I just have to be sure that my red shirt is ready to go on game day.” “I look on the sidelines before a game and halftime and there are little kids wearing Fort Gibson uniforms,” Singleton smiled. “Then you go to little league games and the high school kids are there cheering for the future Tigers. I’ll see some people downtown on Fridays and they’re getting ready for the game dressed in red and white.”

“Football, Tigers Football, is rising to the situation. Our kids no longer just want to win they expect to win and so does our whole town. You wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The coming weeks will decide which team will win the title as state champions in their respective class of competition. Yet, no matter which team wins the gold ball, in communities such as Wagoner, Vian and Fort Gibson, there’s ONLY ONE…Number One.

OCTOBER 2012

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Photo By Bluncks

We are the champions! Teams from Three Rivers continue to be among Oklahoma’s best. If you’re looking for proof, check out the list of teams qualifying for the state tournaments in volleyball, baseball and fast-pitch softball. The Okay Lady Mustangs volleyball team earned their spot in the Class 4A State Volleyball Tournament in Chickasha after a straight set victory over its competition in the regional tournament. In the first round, the Mustangs battled the Hornets of Copan in a five-game match securing the win 3-2 (25-22, 19-25, 25-8, 20-25, 15-11) to advance to the semi-finals. Coach Belinda Clark’s squad appeared to be headed to the finals winning the first two games (25-22, 25-23) before Cache rallied to take the final three games to end Okay’s 13-match win streak and the 2012 season. Class 4A Volleyball

First Round Okay 3 Copan 2 Elgin 3 Bethany 0 Cache 3 Weatherford 2 Verdigris 3 Oklahoma Union 0

Semifinals Cache 3 Okay 2 Elgin 3 Verdigris 1

Championship Finals Elgin 3 Cache 1

In Class A, Wister entered the championships sending Colby Turnipseed to the mound to battle the defending champion Dale. Jon Watts went 2-for-3 on the afternoon but the Wildcats stranded six baserunners in a 3-0 defeat to the Dale Pirates to end the season with a record of 20-9. Dale would repeat their 2011 state title with a 3-2 win over Silo in the semifinals followed by a 10-0 victory against Latta for the championship. The championship would be the 19th baseball crown for Dale. Class A Fall Baseball

“Fall Ball” proved to once again be strong among the Three Rivers area as the Wister Wildcats and Red Oak Eagles were among the field of eight teams battling to win the baseball titles.

First Round Dale 3 Wister 0 Sterling 4 Byng 1 Silo 6 Colbert 3 Latta 6 Rattan 0

Semi finals Dale 3 Silo 2 Latta 9 Sterling 0

Championship Finals Dale 10 Latta 0 OCTOBER 2012

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Semifinals Red Oak 11 Leedey 7 Asher 5 Sentinel 4

Championship Finals Red Oak 6 Asher 0

In Class B, top ranked Red Oak proved why they were the number one ranked team as the Eagles of head coach Trey Booth soared to the championship. Using a 13-run explosion in the second inning, Wister run-ruled Caney 15-1 with Bryce Deatheridge and Tanner Crockett leading the way. In the semi-finals, Dylan Fazekas went the distance despite a sore shoulder adding a 2-for-3 effort at the plate as Red Oak eliminated Leedey 11-7. In the finals, played at Redhawk Field Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Garrett Noah’s 2 hits and 2 runs scored helped backup a stellar 5-hit shutout by Tyler Parks as Red Oak defeated Asher 6-0 to win the schools 4th of the last 5 fall and spring baseball championships, the 6th title since 2008. Class B Fall Baseball

First Round Red Oak 15 Leedey 1 Sentinel 9 Lookeba-Sickles 4 Leedey 5 Olustee 3 Asher 12 Stuart 0

Fast-pitch championship action was played at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City and once again teams from Three Rivers filled the brackets competing for the state championships in all but one of the seven different classifications.

In Class B, Red Oak’s Lady Eagles were determined to match the championship won by the school’s baseball team. Coach Casey Butcher’s team pounded out 19 runs during the first two days action with a 10-0 victory of Tupelo in round one followed by a 9-3 win over Ft. Cobb-Broxton to move to the finals. Kendra Coleman, battling cold weather conditions, worked from the circle keeping Hammon batters in check while teammates Brittany Ward and Myranda Rowland provided the offense in the 3-2 victory for the state title, the first for Red Oak fast-pitch softball since 2007. Red Oak also earned the Academic State Championship among all Class B fast-pitch teams. Class B Fast-Pitch Softball

First Round Red Oak 10 Tupelo 0 Hammon 10 Maud 3 Ft. Cobb-Broxton 4 Frontier 1 Leedey 8 Sentinel 2

Semifinals Red Oak 9 Ft. Cobb Broxton 3 Hammon 3 Leedey 1 Championship Finals Red Oak 3 Hammon 2 24

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In Class 2A, the Panama Razorbacks, the defending 2A champions, entered the tournament after winning a pair of must-win contests in the regional tournament finals. Ranked number eight in the state, coach Grant Ralls squad would draw a first round matchup against Cyril/Cement in first round action. The Lady ‘Backs quartet of seniors including Kali Crase, Faith Reitzel, Katy Coker and Taylor Eaves season would end short of a repeat title as Panama lost its opening round game 7-2. The 2A would be won by the Wayne Lady Bulldogs, the school’s first softball championship.

F E AT U R E

The football fortunes of the Poteau Pirates revolve around the talents of junior playmaker Jace Pitchford. The 5-11, 170 pound quarterback has totaled more than 1,000 yards total offense by gaining 629 yards on 106 attempts with 7 touchdowns running the football and connecting on 41-87 passes for 561 yards and 4 scores. In addition to his play at quarterback, Pitchford plays in the defensive secondary and handles the punting chores averaging 36.7 yards per attempt including a season best 57-yard boot. “Jace is a pure athlete and he definitely makes us go offensively,” said Poteau head coach Greg Werner. “His talents give us a true run-pass option. Pitchford is also a standout member of the Pirates baseball team where he plays shortstop and pitcher. Photos Courtesy: Craig Hall, LeFlore County Journal

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Class 2A Fast-Pitch Softball First Round Wayne 5 Dale 4 Drumright 3 Stroud 2 Cyril-Cement 7 Panama 2 Savanna 8 Tushka 4

in the circle to limit Valliant to only three hits as Sequoyah earned its first trip to the fast-pitch finals with a 13-2 win. The championship would be a defensive battle and pitching duel between Bluebird and Little Axe ace Andee Frazier, who struck out 15 batters in the finals. A scoreless battle until the bottom of the seventh inning, Little Axe scored the winning run on the heels of an infield error by Sequoyah to claim the victory 1-0. For Little Axe it was the school’s third consecutive year to win the fast-pitch state championship. Class 3A Fast-Pitch Softball

Semifinals Wayne 1 Cyril-Cement 0 Savanna 8 Drumright 1 Championship Finals Wayne 6 Savanna 0

The Class 3A tournament field included the Lady Indians of Sequoyah Tahlequah. In making their sixth consecutive trip to the tournament, coach Jeff Turtle’s squad approached the competition with a mission of aggressiveness. In the opener, Jessica Bluebird dominated from the pitching circle allowing just one hit to give Sequoyah the 5-1 victory over Kellyville. In round two, the Lady Indians would brave cold dreary weather conditions behind the redhot bat of Meagan Towie’s 4-for-4 performance at the plate while Bluebird teamed with Katie Phillips

First Round Sequoyah Tahlequah 5 Kellyville 1 Little Axe 2 Chelsea 1 Valliant 1 Perry 0 Washington 8 Sulphur 6 Semifinals Sequoyah Tahlequah 13 Valliant 2 Little Axe 1 Washington 0 Championship Finals Little Axe 1 Sequoyah Tahlequah 0

The Hilldale Lady Hornets were among the eight team field in Class 4A where opening day action produced 51 runs in four games. With a roster consisting of just one senior, coach Darren Riddle entered the first round as the #8 seed against top seeded Cache. Casady Mills, Destiny Riddle, McKensie Plant, Toni McMillan, Hillary Calvert and Kallie Casey got it started at Hilldale pounded out 11 hits in the first inning and the Lady Hornets put six runs on the scoreboard and two more in the second to take an early 8-0 advantage. Proving their top ranking, the Owls completed the comeback before game’s end as Cache eliminated Hilldale 11-10 recording the final out following Katie Keifer’s 2-run home run. Oologah would allow just 1 run in 3 games as the Lady Mustangs captured the 4A state title. Class 4A Fast-Pitch Softball First Round Cache 11 Hilldale 10 Tuttle 3 Purcell 1 Piedmont 17 Newcastle 12 Oologah 7 Bethel 0 Semifinals Oologah 2 Tuttle 1 Piedmont 12 Cache 0

Championship Finals Oologah 10 Piedmont 0

After spending much of the season at the top of Class 5A, the Tahlequah Lady Tigers were back in the fastpitch state tournament for a third consecutive season and paired against Chickasha in game one. Both teams tallied single runs in the first but a pair of errors allowed the Chicks to plate two more runs in the third frame for a 3-1 advantage. Tahlequah would commit another set of errors in the top of the sixth inning to build a 6-1 advantage. The Tigers loaded the bases producing a single tally but couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t produce anything more. Brittany Johnson was in the circle and allowed just two earned runs and four hits as Chickasha won the contest 6-1 and Matt Cloudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s squad finished the season at 29-8 on the year. The championship would be earned by Grove Lady

Ridgerunners in a 3-2 win over Chickasha. Class 5A Fast-Pitch Softball

First Round Carl Albert 10 Collinsville 2 Chickasha 6 Tahlequah 2 Grove 10 Duncan 0 Deer Creek 7 Pryor 6 Semifinals Grove 7 Carl Albert 4 Chickasha 7 Deer Creek 5 Championship Finals Grove 3 Chickasha 2

The Class 6A championships were minus Three Rivers representation in what was a pitcher/defense dominated competition as in the first and second day action the winning teams got shutout performances. In

the final game of the fall season, the Lady Huskies used offense and solid pitching to earn the title with an 11-2 victory over Moore. Class 6A Fast-Pitch Softball

First Round Edmond North 2 Owasso 0 Broken Arrow 5 Mustang 0 Yukon 2 Sand Springs 0 Moore 5 Jenks 0

Semifinals Edmond North 9 Yukon 4 Moore 3 Broken Arrow 0

Championship Finals Edmond North 11 Moore 2

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F-C-A Athlete

of the Month Lane Murphy Fort Gibson High School

For Lane Murphy, everyday is a better day. And for the senior at Fort Gibson High School, life’s joy comes from a one-on-one relationship with Jesus Christ. “You have to make choices everyday,” said Murphy. “And, many of those can be life changing. How you make those choices not only affects you but many times others around you. Is what I do a temporary joy or eternal peace? That’s where knowing Jesus Christ on a one-to-one relationship makes everything right. “Young and old alike, we’re all going to make mistakes everyday,” Murphy replied. “And sometimes, things don’t go the way we want but just knowing that God has His plan for me, there’s a peace of knowing that He can make all things perfect.” “Because of what He does for me, I find confidence in knowing I can do what’s right and be a servant to others in need. And, because of my love for Christ, I look forward to showing others how God can change things in any situation.” Psalms 37:4 (NIV): “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Spirit Muskogee

“We’ve Got SPIRIT” Cheerleaders Compete in Stillwater

Photos By Rip Stell

A total of 118 cheerleading squads filled the GallagherIba Arena in Stillwater to compete for the 2012 OSSAA State Cheerleading Championships in seven different classifications. A total of ten teams from the Three Rivers territory were among those cheerleading squads that qualified in regional

competition for the trip to Stillwater. Tahlequah High School finished fourth among 25 teams competing in Class 5A. KeysParkhill and Hilldale earned 3rd and 4th place respectively among the 21 teams entered in Class 4A.

The other teams from Three Rivers competing included Muskogee (6A), Sallisaw (5A), Stilwell (5A), Stigler (4A), Vian (3A), Warner (2A) and Central Sallisaw (2A).

Spirit Sallisaw

Stigler

Central Sallisaw

Warner

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Stilwell

OCTOBER 2012

Tahlequah

Vian

Hilldale

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OCTOBER 2012

Youth

15 Sawyer Jones. 7 Logan Cole. 44 Collin Condict. 10 Bristo Love. Wagoner 4th grade. Photo By Wes McMurtrey

Future Stars of the Gridiron Friday nights may belong to the high school heroesâ&#x20AC;Śbut on weekends, the cities and towns around Three Rivers are filled with the excitement of youth football developing the future stars of the gridironâ&#x20AC;Ś

3 Trevor Williamson of Gore, 14 Ty Vinson 25 Reed Pickering of Warner. Photo by bighorsephotography.com.

33 Kaden Charboneau. 9 Jacob Freeman. 20 Devin McDaris. 13 Braden Drake. 10 Bristo Love. 22 Kyle McMurtrey. 33 Collin Condict. Photo By Wes McMurtrey

MYFC Roughers 1-Walker Eaton, Fort Gibson 15-Toby West. Photo by Linda Eaton.

27 Nick Philpot and 68 David Briggs of Central Sallisaw. Photo By bighorsephotography.com.

Muskogee 14 Jacob Jones 1st grade. Photo By Lisa Eaton

QB Jaxon Mctyre of Muldrow. 1 Caleb Pence 7 Juan Valdez 3 Garrett Graham 50 Keaton Oaks of Sallisaw. Photo By Chris McTyre

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JANUARY 2012

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Submit your nomination for the TTCU Academic Athlete of the Month to: Oklahoma@VYPE.com

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