VYPE Three Rivers May 2010 by Austin Chadwick

Pregame

Locker Talk: Fab Five

Which baseball and softball teams top the Three Rivers rankings?

Fort Gibson Tigers Baseball…Dealing K’s…Scoring Runs.

VYPE Three Rivers continues to grow in popularity among students, coaches, and fans as magazines disappear from local outlets upon arrival. And, due to popular demand, VYPE is proud to announce our recent expansion into LeFlore County to provide coverage to schools including Poteau, Panama, Pocola, Spiro, Heavener, Talihina, Red Oak, Bokoshe and more.

Game Plan: Baseball

This month’s feature story highlights Fort Gibson Tigers baseball team. Wayne Bunch pens the 2010 season of success as the Tigers of Coach Randy Smith seek a state title. VYPE cameras are always there to capture the exciting moments the spring sports season. Check out the collection of photos including softball, baseball, golf, soccer and tennis.

A letter from bill huddleston

Cover Story: The Naturals

Three Rivers’ teams among Oklahoma’s best!

Game Plan: Softball

Will there be a State Champion from Three Rivers again in 2010?

If you’ve got a story idea, photos, or a question about high school sports, send me an email to bill.huddleston@ vype.com. Tell someone about the latest issue of VYPE High School Sports Magazine—Three Rivers Issue. If you like VYPE…you’re going to enjoy VYPE—Three Rivers… ”We’re in the Game”

We’re in the Game

Bill Huddleston

Game Plan: Golf

Girls and boys teams go under par in tournament action.

Trinity Media Group, LLC 8282 S. Memorial Dr. Ste. 300 • Tulsa, OK 74133 All rights reserved. Editor-in-Chief Austin Chadwick Editorial Director Brad Heath Market Director Bill Huddleston Graphic Design Kristen Larsen, Chance Calvert, Robert Perkins, Leah Weigle, Jared Porter

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Contributing Writers Wayne Bunch, Brad Heath, Bill Huddleston

Strength, speed and endurance are required.

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Game Plan: Soccer

Contact Information Website: www.VYPE.com Phone: 918-495.1771 Fax: 918-495.1778

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Contributing Photographers John Hasler Jr, Ruby Dean-Captured Memories Photography, Kirk Wells, Ron Goad-goadphotography.com, Ben Johnson-Tahlequah Daily Press, Vicki Reece-Westville High School, Bill Huddleston, Stacy Friend-Muskogee High School, Alan Hood- Muskogee High School, Tony Downing-Eufaula Indian Journal, Richard Stroud-Tahlequah Daily Press,

Advertising: bill.huddleston@vype.com Phone: 918.869.8212 Franchising: 800.614.8061

Next Month... “Spring Sports—State Titles”—VYPE Three Rivers brings you Oklahoma’s best teams and players...Golf, Tennis, Soccer, Baseball, Softball and Track.

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.

Athlete of the Month Billy Waltrip Fort Gibson High School The 2010 baseball season has been a productive campaign for Billy Waltrip. The Fort Gibson senior lefthander has been dominating opposing batters. As the playoffs begin, Waltrip has completed three no-hitters including a perfect game in the finals of the Mickey Mantle Classic as the Tigers defeated McDonald County, Missouri 11-0. In the championship game, Waltrip struck out all but one of the batters he faced, who grounded out to shortstop. Waltrip has recorded an ERA of 0.38 while striking out 69 batters and giving up just 11 hits in 37.3 innings of work. Following high school, Waltrip will continue his baseball career on the collegiate level having signed a letter of intent to play at New Mexico State University.

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

Presented By

Looking To Score Bailey Brown (#5) of Fort Gibson tries to get the goal against Westville’s Felicia Manning (#32) and Katelyn Miller. Photo by Vicki Reece, Westville High School

Keep Your Eye On The Ball Home plate umpire calls the balls and strikes while keeping his eye on the ball—up close.

Tigers Win Gold—Tahlequah’s girls tennis team dominated play in all four divisions to capture first place in the Metro Christian LaFortune High School tournament. Team members include Laura Fillmore, Lauren Mitchell, Danielle Whitehorn, Madison Carey, Emily Linebarger and Sarah Martin (not pictured). Photo courtesy Tahlequah Daily Press

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Photo courtesy Ron Goad Photography.com

Acrobatic catches, high-flying cheerleaders, screaming coaches, and rambunctious fans. Picture This gives us the opportunity to catch it all for you. If you recognize someone, be sure to tell them that they have earned their spot in VYPE High School Sports.

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2010

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PICTURE THIS

All State Swimmers Fort Gibson seniors Brandon Geisler and Cassie Freeling capped their record setting careers in the pool by earning All-State Swimming awards. After high school, Freeling plans to attend SMU while Geisler will join the U.S. Navy Seals program. Photo by Bill Huddleston, VYPE Sports

Big O Signs Muskogeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oren Faulk signs his letter of intent to play college hoops at Hartford University in Connecticut as his parents, LaTanya and Marcellus Faulk and Roughers head coach Terry Scott witness the event. Faulk was named to the OCA All-State basketball team as well as selected to play in the Faith 7 basketball games.

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Photo by Nathan Hood, Muskogee High School

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Joel Penner

Wagoner High School A senior at Wagoner High School, Joel Penner continues to demonstrate his athletic skills, academic achievement along with his commitment to helping others through community service. As captain of the Bulldogs’ soccer team, Joel has earned All-District honors. A member of the National Honor Society, Joel serves as Vice President of the 2010 senior class at Wagoner High School. Joel is also a member of Business Professionals of America (BPA), American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Academic excellence is part of Penner’s everyday focus as he completes his final semester in high school with a combined 4.22 GPA. Voted 2010 “Most Outstanding Senior Boy” and “Most Likely To Succeed” at Wagoner High School, Joel Penner is involved with community service through the 2010 Summer Special Olympics committee as well as being a 2010 State and National Unified Partner for Special Olympics Oklahoma. Following graduation, Joel will attend Oklahoma State University pursuing a degree in biological science.

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

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LOCKER TALK Powered by

As the baseball season heats up, VYPE caught up with Ryan Goad of Checotah High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting her answers, we “went in the dugout” with questions for Wildcats’ head baseball coach Brian Young and Ryan’s dad, Ron . Does Coach have the right game plan or does Father really know best?

Ryan Goad

Checotah Baseball

Brian Young Wildcats’ Coach

Ron Goad Ryan’s Dad

Favorite Teacher?

Mr. Jacobs

Which best describes Ryan: Cool and Collected, Comedian or Politician?

Cool and Collected

Politician

Only thing Ryan can’t live without?

Cell Phone

Ryan spends how much time in front of the mirror getting ready for school?

Ten minutes

At least 10 minutes (He’s a pretty boy-lol)

No more than 5 minutes (A quick look & gone)

Favorite place to eat?

At the house

At his house -Tacos?

At the house-no doubt! (That boy loves to EAT)

Favorite spare time activity?

Relax with friends

Hunting

Someone Ryan will always depend on?

My Dad

His Mom

His Papa (Granddad)

Dream Date to the Prom?

Kate Spivey

Mrs. Campbell

What actor plays Ryan in the movie—Play Ball?

Ashton Kutcher

Keanu Reeves

Ryan’s room at home: clean and organized, dirty and smelly, or controlled chaos?

Controlled Chaos

Chaos but Controlled?

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Checotah High School senior Ryan Goad is standout baseball player for the Wildcats. Ryan’s starting spot in the lineup includes catcher, pitcher and outfield. Ryan also played football as a wide receiver and defensive back for the ‘Cats earning AllConference honors at safety. Ryan will participate in the Lake Eufaula All-Star Football Classic later this month.

TOTAL POINTS:

6 out of 10 Way To Go Coach!!

4 out of 10 Time for a tune up?

F-C-A Athlete

of the Month Tori Venable Fort Gibson High School Faith and confidence…two words that go hand in hand in athletics as well as one’s daily life. Tori Venable, a junior at Muskogee High School, credits her faith in God to provide a game plan for her each day. “I’m hard on myself so I definitely need God in my life. I have to find faith in Him just to get me through everyday,” said Tori. As each day’s challenges play out, Tori admits she ask herself, “W-W-J-D. “For some, it may sound like a cliché, but for me it’s how I make my decisions, said Tori. “I understand that how you react when pressured, how you treat others says a lot about your true beliefs in God. He expects me to be an example, and that’s what makes it fun and exciting.” As the starting second baseman on the Muskogee Roughers softball team, Tori takes her relationship with Jesus Christ to the game as well. “Before each game, my teammates and I stop everything we’re doing and say the Lord’s Prayer,”Tori said. “And, those words have meaning for me throughout the game. I know that when God’s with me, I’m unstoppable.” “That’s why I make it my daily commitment to remember God’s words… “I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

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Presented by

The chase for state is almost here and many teams from Three Rivers are poised to claim gold in baseball and softball fields. VYPE Three Rivers presents this month’s VYPE FAB FIVE as we rank the top five baseball and softball teams.

Three Rivers Baseball

Three Rivers Softball

Fort Gibson—The Tigers plans for Class 4A gold at season’s end rest on a solid pitching staff and timely hitting.

Oktaha—The Tigers are ready to repeat the fall title again this spring in Class 2A with a talented lineup of hitting and pitching.

Tahlequah—The Tigers are proving that scoring runs makes a difference in the race for State.

Sequoyah Tahlequah—The Lady Indians are hard to beat combining balanced performance at the plate and in the field.

4. Red Oak—The Lady Eagles are proving their #1 ranking in Class A with solid defense surrounding its run scoring offense.

Red Oak—Loaded with plenty of pitching and hitting, the Eagles are a definite state title contender in Class B.

Hilldale—Consistency on the mound and at the plate plays well into the Hornets success in 2010.

5. Gore—Continued improvement throughout the season has the Pirates peaking as the playoffs begin.”

Baseball and Softball teams in Three Rivers Territory…are built TOUGH…

5. Poteau—The Pirates competitive schedule is paying dividends as the Class 6A playoffs approach.

Just like the Ford F-150 truck from Stuteville Ford in Tahlequah

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Muskogee—The Roughers are the defending Class 6A State Champions and are poised to repeat with a strong hitting and fielding combination.

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

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Character Counts LOCKER TALK

By definition, 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 and teams presenting the monthly “Character Counts Award.”

Character is a combination of qualities that distinguishes one person or group from another. Muskogee Federal Credit Union celebrates the achievements of local high school athletes and teams presenting the monthly “Character Counts Award.” This month’s award goes to Muskogee High School senior, Jonathan Collins. When Jonathan Collins entered the athletic trainers program as a sophomore at Muskogee High School, he already understood his role… first, learn the responsibilities and then lead by example. “When Kevin Perry first got me in the program, he told me I had a lot to learn in order to gain the respect of the coaches and players,” said Jonathan. “Game time can be hectic because everyone’s keyed up, so I have to just remain calm because I think if I’m too emotional, it reflects on the other players.” “My first concern is to do everything I can to get the players who are hurt back in the game. And, so I’ve committed myself to learning what things work best, with the coaches and the players,” said Jonathan. Collins’ dedication to helping others is paying rewards evidenced by his nomination as an All-State trainer, nominated by his instructor Meagan Caldwell, certified athletic trainer for Muskogee High School. “Jonathan knows what needs to be done. He steps up to the plate with his duties and he’s been a big help teaching other members of our team of trainers,” said Caldwell. “All the other coaches know Jonathan and how good he is. The coaches specifically ask for him because they know Jonathan’s going to take care of everything, even the little things. Jonathan’s character is something he’s proven by his actions, not just words.”

JONATHAN COLLINS

Muskogee High School

Collins plans to use his experiences as an athletic trainer as he attends college seeking a career in athletic training and physical therapy.

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“The coaches always tell you hard work pays off, said Jonathan. “I figure if I can help somebody today maybe it will come my way too in the future.”

Muskogee Federal Credit Union, with locations in Muskogee and Tahlequah, congratulates Jonathan Collins of Muskogee 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

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

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

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

TheNaturals

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Back Row (L-R) Jake Greer, Head Coach Randy Smith, Billy Waltrip and Andrew Arnold. Front Row (L-R): Cale Parnell, Kacy Cook and Bryan McClellan (standing)

Photos by Kirk Wells and Bill Huddleston

ort Gibson High School’s Randy Smith has coached nearly 1,000 baseball games and has never won the coveted state high school championship. Smith has come close, but it doesn’t let it eat at him. Smith who has guided the Tigers for 21 years just loves to coach and be around young athletes. He began his coaching career n 1980 as an assistant at Eastwood Baptist for two years, before moving up to head coach for three seasons. He

then started the program at Metro Christian where he remained for five years before moving to Fort Gibson during the 1988-89 school year. While Smith has never won a public school crown, he did win a national Christian championship and hopes to bring home the first ever state baseball crown to the Muskogee County school. But this year’s version just might accomplish that feat. The Tigers are currently ranked No. 2 in Class 4A and

FEATURE

Billy Waltrip

Smith believes this year’s club has bonded together to make a run at the state championship and this time bring it home. “This group seems to have a niche together and just really get along. We haven’t had any controversies.” This year’s club has been together for awhile. Two years ago the Tigers went to state with just 11 kids and without any seniors. “We lost in the first round and then went back last year, reaching the semifinals. These guys have set a goal in their mind and have been working toward it all year.” In the past two season’s state tournament experiences, the Weatherford Eagles have been the road block for the Tigers. A year ago they lost in the semis 4-2 to Weatherford and the year before it was Weatherford again. “Weatherford has kind of had our number. But they are ranked No.1 and will probably be

Brian McClellan

Cale Parnell

Andrew Arnold

Coach Randy Smith looks to home plate

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are once again just behind their old nemeses Weatherford High School, which has knocked the Tigers out of the state playoffs the past two seasons. Smith says pitching has been the strength of his club the past three seasons and 2010 is no exception. “We’ve had kids come through here who have been able to throw strikes and that’s been one of our strengths,” said Smith. The Tigers’ current staff includes seniors Billy Waltrip and Kacy Cook along with a pair of juniors, Bryan McClellan and Andrew Arnold. The talented foursome has combined to post an earned run average of 1.97. “All four have been doing an outstanding job this season,” said Smith. Waltrip, who is a lefthander has signed with New Mexico State of the Western Athletic Conference, Cook has signed with Labette Junior College, while catcher Cale Parnell, a senior, is expected to sign. “Waltrip is a big kid (6-foot-1) who throws hard,” said Smith. “Billy can throw in the 90’s, so a lefthander like that, they went after him early. He’s young, only 17 and won’t be 18 until July. He’s got a lot of potential.” The talented lefty has already crafted three no-hitters including a perfect game during the 2010 campaign. According to Smith, these are the leaders of his ball club, along with another senior, Jake Greer, who plays third base, who has signed a different type of letter of intent – United States Marines. Greer, who wants a career in the military, will leave for basic training in June. “He is going to the big leagues,” said Smith. “I’m pretty sure he wants a career in the military. He has been going through the training all year, along with our stuff. He has been a very busy guy.”

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FEATURE

Fort Gibson shortstop Kacy Cook makes the tag at second base

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Jake Greer charges from 3rd base

in the other bracket if we get that far.” Smith says this might be the Tigers’ year, but admits it takes a lot of luck. “I’ve had clubs in the past like in1992, we were 35-2 and going into the state tournament and lost in the second round. You never know.” “This team has the ability to do it. The main thing we have is the pitching strength. If one is not doing too well, we usually have another who can pick up the slack. We don’t have that one go-to guy. We have four of them that can get it done at any time.” At the plate the Tigers are led by Parnell, who is hitting over .500 on the year, along with Andrew Arnold, and Billy Waltrip, who are both hitting over .400 on the season. Smith said his club plays “small ball” that is a lot of hit and run and stealing bases while waiting for the clutch hits. “We don’t hit a lot of home runs,” said Smith. “We rely on hitting a lot of doubles and just try and manufacture a lot of runs. We just play small ball. We have just 13 or 14 home runs all season. We basically play situational baseball. “ The Tigers have been virtually injury free this season, with one exception, senior shortstop Taylor Richey, who underwent surgery for a broken hand and arm. Despite the injury, Richey will continue his baseball career at Neosho Junior College, where he signed early. Smith said he was a little surprised by the early success of his club when it went undefeated and played so well on a trip to Alabama. “We went down there and won four and our kids started getting a little excited about the season. “Hopefully we haven’t peaked and reached our best yet, “said Smith. And, Smith is hoping the Tigers are saving their best for Weatherford and the rest of Class 4A baseball and win Fort Gibson’s first ever state baseball championship.•

GAME PLAN Sponsored by

Tigers on the run Tahlequah’s Zac Thornton steals second in action against Tulsa Bishop Kelly. Photo provided by Ben Johnson, Tahlequah Daily Press.

hree Rivers baseball teams fill the diamonds with plenty of talent and exciting action. Roland’s Rangers win the Sallisaw Wood Bat Festival while the Eagles of Red Oak flex their muscles winning the Central Sallisaw Tiger Shootout. Fort Gibson gets a 3rd no hitter from Billy Waltrip and wins the Mickey Mantle Classic in Commerce. No doubt the upcoming state tournaments will be filled with teams from Three Rivers again.

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Photo by Ron Goad-Goad Photography.com

Circles the Bases Roland’s Dakota Dean races home to score as the Rangers win the Sallisaw Wood Bat Festival. Photo courtesy Ruby Dean-Captured Memories Photography

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Throw to the Plate Checotah’s Mark Pollard (#1) attempts the slide as Eufaula catcher Daniel Salter awaits the throw at home plate.

GAME PLAN

Beats the Tag Red Oak’s Dakota Knight (#33) slides safely into second base as Spiro’s Shane Thompson applies the tag.

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Photo courtesy Ruby Dean-Captured Memories Photography

Bringing Heat Dallas McCollum delivers a tough to hit pitch for the Westville Yellowjackets. Photo by Vicki Reece-Westville High School

And the pitch Muskogee senior John Singler works from the mound for the Roughers. Photo by Bill Huddleston, VYPE Sports