Pregame
®
4 | Picture This Exciting moments involving players and teams from the Three Rivers area. VYPE photographers captured the memories.
8 | Vype Top 10 Which football team tops the Three Rivers Power Poll?
15 | Feature Cover Story Rivalries—Nothing Like the “Battle for the Rock.”m.
A letter from bill huddleston
Football Fever…its running wild throughout Three Rivers territory. The cure for the madness requires VYPE to be part of the excitement of Friday Night Lights during October including the annual Battle for the Rock when Hilldale and Fort Gibson collide in the River Rumble. Craig Hall reflects back on LeFlore County’s version of Bedlam as Spiro and Panama collided for bragging rights between the two schools.
Cross Country requires much more than just being able to run. Tahlequah has developed a successful core strength that will place the Tigers in the chase for the Class 5A state titles in boys and girls competition. Cheerleaders across Three Rivers are among the best in Oklahoma as seven local schools will compete for state championships.
VYPE—Three Rivers…”We’re in the Game, Whenever and Wherever You Are.”
We’re in the Game
23 | Feature: Cross Country Tahlequah Tigers continue to build core strength.
Bill Huddleston
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
26 | Spotlight Cheer Three Rivers advances to State with seven teams in competition.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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OCTOBER 2010
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VYPE.COM
Creative Director Chance Calvert Graphic Design Leah Weigle, Josh Hollander
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Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Bill Huddleston,Craig Hall, Tommy Cobb Contributing Photographers John Hasler, Ruby Dean-Captured Memories Photography, Craig Hall-Leflore County Journal, Ben Johnson-Tahlequah Daily Press, Vicki Reece, Bill Huddleston, Justin Kennedy-Special Photographer Tahlequah Daily Press, Kirk Wells Contact Information Website: www.VYPE.com Phone: 918.495.1771 Fax: 918.495.1787 Advertising: bill.huddleston@vype.com Phone: 918.869.8212 Subscriptions: 918.495.1771 VYPE is published monthly by Trinity Media Group, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondences will become property of VYPE.
Next Month... High School Basketball tips off another championship season as VYPE presents the Oklahoma High School Basketball Preview.
®
Brooklyn Ross
Wagoner High School A champion
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Submit your nomination for the TTCU Academic Athlete of the Month to: nominations@vype.com
Photo By Craig Hall LeFlore County Journal
Pirates Treasure
Photo By Justin Kennedy Special Photographer-Tahlequah Daily Press
Through The Air Tahlequah quarterback Zane Ristah delivers the pass over the outstretched hand of Stilwell linebacker Trevor Mattox.
Take It To The House Westville quarterback Chandler Smith breaks free of defenders under the Friday Night Lights as the Yellowjackets take on Lincoln Ark.
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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.
Photo By Vicki Reece - Westville Schools
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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OCTOBER
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VYPE.COM
Jesse Woodson runs for a huge gain during Poteau’s victory over Idabel.
Take Me Back To The Ball Game The Okay Mustangs dropped football returning to fall baseball. Taylor Cagle, Jessie Allen, Bradley Stevens, Josh Sloat, and Colton Harris, all football players last year, return to the baseball diamond during the fall season.
Photo By John Hasler
Photo By Vicki Reece, Westville Schools.
Photo Provided
Photo By John Hasler
PICTURE THIS
Back At You
OCTOBER 2010
:: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Students from Roland and Muldrow line up to display their school spirit. Girls boasting Bulldogs Pride include Hannah Peterson, Jordan Kent, Halee Sharp and Emily Martin as the Rangers’ guys step up including Dakota Dean, Blake Terrill, Dillan Brunk and Mathias Etzkorn.
::
We’ve Got Spirit
VYPE.COM
Whitney Reece of Westville prepares to deliver the hammer shot after taking the set from Yellowjackets’ teammate Liz Hernandez in action against Wagoner during the Okay Invitational.
Alexus Wilson of Muskogee leaps high in the air to return the blocked shot during volleyball action as Danetta Brown of the Roughers moves to the net.
Photo By Ruby Dean Captured Memories Photography
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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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VYPE. C O M
VYPE.COM
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OCTOBER 2010 ::
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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PresentedBy by Powered ®
As the 2010 high school season begins, football fans around Three Rivers football stadiums are ready to chant “We’re Number 1”…as each school’s fans cheer for a championship season and “the big gold ball” at season’s end. As part of the hype, VYPE Three Rivers presents our kickoff collection of VYPE TOP 10. After checking pre-season scrimmage reports along with help of members of the media throughout the Three Rivers Territory, here’s how we rank the top 10 high school football teams…
Wagoner The “Dawg Pound” maintains the top spot proving they can overcome mistakes and still find a way to win. Prince McJunkins and company including strong play in the offensive and defensive lines remain on the road to gold.
Sequoyah Tahlequah Coach Brent Scott has the Indians playing at a championship pace in all three facets of the game: offense—defense—and special teams with a game plan to finish the job in 2010.
Talihina Jordan Eagleroad and the Golden Tigers continue to punish opponents with a strong running game and pressure defense as coach Kelly Gravitt’s squad proves it can battle for a gold ball in Class 2A.
Stigler Jarret Radford’s passing to a “pack of Panther receivers” continues to cause opposing defensive coordinators headaches trying to slow down “Air Stigler.”
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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OCTOBER 2010
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VYPE.COM
Vian The Purple Power has certainly left its mark on opponents to open the 2010 season. Warren Zachary, Landon Decker and the rest of the Wolverines will make the district chase in Class 2A-6 a run for finish line.
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Muskogee The Roughers enter Class 6A-3 district play with an opening three week schedule to determine their plans for the postseason. How the Roughers get through the detour caused by injuries will provide answers. Spiro The Bulldogs enter district play riding the talents of Clayton Mitchem as coach Chris Bunch has Spiro back on the road to success.
Gore Coach Brandon Ellis has the Pirates’ search for gold in focus as district play begins. Joe Lane and Jake Taylor add plenty of options for Logan Andrews to guide the Pirates’ offense. Hilldale With Josh Cullom running the football, the Hornets of head coach Chad Kirkhart continue their climb toward the Class 4A playoffs.
Sallisaw The Black Diamonds rough start against out of state opponents leaves coach Craig Benson’s squad hungry to prove they deserve to be in the chase in Class 4A as district play opens.
Other teams just missing the votes to make the VYPE Top 10 include Porter, Westville, Checotah and Midway. You can be a part of the VYPE Top 10 rankings by submitting your vote by email: editor@vype.com.
Oklahoma's Athletes and Ford Trucks Share Many Things In Common... 4UZMJTI t )BSEXPSLFST t 5FBN 1MBZFS t #VJMU 5PVHI $BO (P *O "OZ 8FBUIFS t -JLF 5P 'JOJTI 'JSTU
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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OCTOBER 2010
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VYPE.COM
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LOCKER TALK Powered by
®
While warming up for her next volleyball game, VYPE caught up with Sydney Dehnhardt of Okay High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting her answers, we posed the questions to the Mustangs’ volleyball coach Belinda Clark before asking Sydney’s mom, Kelley, for answers. Who wins the match? Okay High School senior Sydney Dehnhardt is a four year starting member of the varsity volleyball squad for the Lady Mustangs. A member of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) and SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), Sydney plans to pursue a college degree in physical therapy at the University of Oklahoma and then obtain graduate degree in Sports Medicine from Oklahoma State University. In addition to shopping and texting, Sydney’s hobbies include riding fourwheelers and skeet shooting.
Sydney Dehnhardt Okay Volleyball
What is Sydney’s favorite subject in school?
Government
What is Sydney’s favorite TV show?
CSI
What is Sydney’s favorite sport other than volleyball? Does Sydney prefer crunchy taco’s, pizza or cheese fries?
VYPE.COM
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Kelley Dehnhardt Sydney’s Mom
Government (I teach this clas)
History
CSI
24
Baseball
Baseball
Football
Pizza
Cheese fries
Pizza
Justin Bieber
Channing Tatum
Who is Sydney’s ideal dream date? Channing Tatum Twitter, Text Messages or Facebook?
Text Messaging
Texting
Texting (all the time)
Is Sydney a dancer, singer or comedian?
Singer
Singer
Singer
What is a single word that best describes Sydney?
Honest
Spiritual
Faithful
What scares Sydney the most - Snakes, spiders or a mouse?
spiders
Spiders
Snakes
Is Sydney’s room - Clean and neat, controlled chaos or tornado alley?
Clean & Organized
Controlled Chaos
Tornado Alley
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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OCTOBER 2010
Belinda Clark Mustangs’ Coach
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TOTAL POINTS:
6 out of 10 (Great Game Plan!)
4 out of 10 Better Luck Next Time!
Photo by Bill Huddleston VYPE Sports
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.” Jena Harrington begins everyday with a smile and with expectations of making a difference in everything she does. Harrington, who was born with just one arm, uses what others would consider a setback or an excuse as her opportunity to achieve personal goals. “I like to be in front of a crowd,” said Harrington. “I know some people will stare and doubt me. I just look past all that stuff because I know that this is how God made me. And, It gives me a chance to set an example for others that you really can achieve your dreams.” Harrington’s dreams after high school include pursuing a career in the medical field.
Jena Harrington
Photo by Kirk Wells
Checotah High School
An outgoing and positive person is evident at school or when watching Harrington perform as a cheerleader at Checotah High School. “Jena is a person that never says I can’t, but instead she always says I will do it,” said cheerleader coach Laurie Funberg. “Jena is a team player that’s always helping others before she helps herself. When we hold our summer camps, the little girls are always drawn to Jena because of her positive attitude and her cheerleading ability. An all around leader in our cheer group, Jena does everything. She bases, she’s a flyer and a tumbler. There are plenty of reasons why she stands at the top of the Wildcats pyramid formation. For Jena, there’s nothing that she’ll allow to hold her back.” With a compassionate look of determination, Jena admits her understanding that Character Counts everywhere…all the time. “It’s what you’re really all about, it’s the way you act,” said Harrington. “You just have to be who you are whether someone is watching or you’re by yourself.” Values of Character Counts include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship…each one are traits lived everyday by Jena Harrington.
Muskogee Federal Credit Union, with locations in Muskogee and Tahlequah, congratulates Jenna Harrington of Checotah 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
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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OCTOBER 2010
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VYPE.COM
If You Live. Work, Worship or go to School in Muskogee or Cherokee Counties You Can Become a Member At Muskogee Federal Credit Union
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F-C-A Athlete
of the Month Talia Branham Gans High School “Always on the go…yet never alone.” Those are words that describe a day in the life of Talia Branham, a senior at Gans High School. Sports participation for Talia includes cross country and track teams as well as being the captain of the Grizzlies‘cheerleading team. “No matter where I am or what I’m going through, my best friend is Jesus Christ,” said Branham while talking about her list of activities and responsibilities. In addition to sports, Talia is president of the Student Council and SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) as well as a member of the Spanish Club and FFA at Gans High School.
“Whenever I’m having one of those days when things are really hectic or I’m feeling down, I can always find a smile just knowing that He is always there,” said Talia. “And that’s when I can discover a smile because Christ guides me through the tough times.”
Talia is also a member of the FCA huddle at her school and is glad to have the opportunity to spend time “in Christ” with her classmates. “It’s a lot of fun because we get together and talk about our struggles,” said Talia. And then we pray for Christ to lead us through the temptations. And, of course, He always does.” “It happens almost everyday for all of us, something happens at school or at home to challenge your beliefs and your influence,” said Talia. “And that’s when I can trust Him most to walk me through any situation.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV) I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
F E AT U R E
l By Bil Gannon Whiteley
leston
Hudd
John os by | Phot
r
Hasle
Josh Cullom
D.J. Howell
VYPE.COM
Chad Kirkhart
:: OCTOBER 2010
:: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
15
F E AT U R E
T
he excitement and emotions of high school sports are evident each Friday night when local football teams battle on the gridiron. And, while the “coach speak” is that it’s just one game at a time; there’s a “special game” when rival schools play each other. One such contest is the RIVER RUMBLE in the Battle for the ROCK when Fort Gibson takes on Hilldale.
Two schools separated by the Arkansas River enjoy a competitive rivalry no matter what the sport or event. Since its beginning in 1982, the annual football war has many memories for both schools. This year when Fort Gibson crosses the bridge traveling to Hilldale, the Tigers will carry a one game advantage in the series holding a 14-13 lead. But, the Hornets have the Rock and the Tigers want it back. “When I first took this job, people talked to me about the Rock and that Hilldale has it,” said D.J. Howell, now in his second season as head coach of the Tigers. “And, after you experience it first hand, it becomes a personal thing. I can still see it, when their fans planted the flag in the middle of our field after last year’s game. ”
Fans of the two schools have life long memories. Scores in the series are as close as the overall series as eleven games have been decided by 7 points or less. In 1991, Micah
Trzcinski’s touchdown with 36 seconds left gave Hilldale a 20-13 lead. However, the kickoff return and long pass on the next play by the Tigers would set up Mike Gugello’s 1-yard run and a 2-point conversion lifting Fort Gibson to the 2120 victory over the Hornets. “It’s a special game,” said Erik Puckett, athletic director at Hilldale, his alma mater who played in the series. “You grow up playing against those guys all the way from little league. We made friends as a result of it and so did our parents. But, this game builds extra emotion ‘cause you never want to lose to your buddies. We take a lot of pride that we own the rock. It’s in our coaches’ office and the kids know what it represents.” The banter back and forth between the players, the bands, cheerleaders and mascots as well as students will happen all week long. Text messages and emails will boast of one team’s prominence. Yet, when gathering face to face for the VYPE photo shoot, words between the two were scarce.
Parents and fans of the two schools know what it means and are just as involved as the players and coaches. “Our fans look at the schedule before the season starts and make their plans to be in the stands,” said Hilldale coach Chad Kirkhart. “Windows on stores in the two communities are painted; car
Paige Warlick
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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OCTOBER 2010
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VYPE.COM
Kaylie Mills
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Lillian Bear (Hornet)
Shelby Brown (Tiger)
Servicing the area for over 49 years…
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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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OCTOBER 2010
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VYPE.COM
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F E AT U R E
windows carry the message to win the rock. You’ve got guys from one school dating a girl from the other but on that night, they are the enemy. That’s what makes high school football so much fun to play and coach.”
“There’s so much to play for now that it’s a district game and what it means for the rest of the season,” said Howell. “We just have to keep our focus on the game and let the emotions play out. But we know they’ve had the rock for several years, and we’re going to do whatever we can to bring it back across the river.” Players also know the importance of the game but admit it’s a different when the two schools compete in any sport, especially football. “It’s bitter,” said Fort Gibson’s Gannon Whiteley. “When you mention Hilldale the intensity level automatically goes up. That week at school, it’s crazy. Our practices are more intense. We want the rock and the win.”
“It’s definitely a higher level of emotion that week—it’s like a roller coaster,” said Kirkhart. You try to play at an even keel
to avoid the dangers of being too high or too low especially because we’re in the same district. But, it’s not just another football game, it is Fort Gibson. ”
“If it wasn’t for the band, the cheerleaders, the mascots and fans, the atmosphere would be just another sport,” said Howell. “In this game, you get the all the pageantry for your town and school to make it a life long experience.”
One advantage in the annual gridiron shootout is for the home team. In 17 of the previous 27 games, the home team has been the victor. And, like most rivalries, win-loss records can be tossed aside.
Hilldale has won the last three meetings in a row including last year’s 28-22 overtime victory. Who wins this year is a toss up…because it’s more than just a game…it’s the Battle for The Rock…Fort Gibson vs. Hilldale.
FORT GIBSON VS HILLDALE ............. BATTLE FOR THE ROCK SERIES
•
Fort Gibson leads the series 14-13.
YEAR
SCORE
HORNETS COACH
TIGERS COACH
•
Fort Gibson won 7 straight from 1996-2003. Hilldale won four straight from 1986 to 1989.
1982
Hilldale* 18, Fort Gibson 8
Ben Baker (6-4)
David West (5-5)
1983
Fort Gibson* 16, Hilldale 13
Ben Baker (5-5)
David West (2-8)
1984
Hilldale* 12, Fort Gibson 8
Ben Baker (6-4)
David West (0-10)
1985
Fort Gibson* 8, Hilldale 0
Ben Baker (9-3)
Jerry Kerr (7-4)
1986
Hilldale 23, Fort Gibson* 3
Ben Wasson (4-6)
Jerry Kerr (3-7)
•
Home team has won 17 of the 27 contests.
1987
Hilldale* 18, Fort Gibson 7
Ben Wasson (8-4)
Jerry Kerr (5-5)
•
Counting coaches who have coached in more than one game, only Hilldale’s Ben Wasson and Fort Gibson’s Lonnie Reed have never lost to the other team. Each coached in three games.
1988
Hilldale* 6, Fort Gibson 0
Ben Wasson (3-7)
Jerry Kerr (2-8)
1989
Hilldale 6, Fort Gibson* 0
Randy Goodsell (6-4)
Jerry Kerr (4-6)
1990
Fort Gibson* 36, Hilldale 13
Randy Goodsell (4-6)
Greg Gorman (6-4)
1991
Fort Gibson 21, Hilldale* 20
Randy Goodsell (7-4)
Greg Gorman (6-5)
Eleven games have been decided by 7 points or less. Fourteen by 10 points or less.
1992
Hilldale 42, Fort Gibson* 13
Randy Goodsell (7-3)
Greg Gorman (0-10)
1993
Hilldale* 13, Fort Gibson 0
Randy Goodsell (6-5)
Greg Gorman (0-10)
1994
Fort Gibson* 10, Hilldale 7
Ben Robinson (2-8) Greg Gorman (4-6)
1995
Hilldale* 20, Fort Gibson 13
Ben Robinson (6-4)
Paul Wilson (4-6)
1996
Fort Gibson* 23, Hilldale 14
Ben Robinson (3-7)
Paul Wilson (6-4)
1997
Fort Gibson 30, Hilldale* 0
Larry Heard (2-8)
Paul Wilson (10-2)
1998
Fort Gibson* 28, Hilldale 14
Larry Heard (4-6)
Paul Wilson (5-6)
1999
Fort Gibson 20, Hilldale* 0
Larry Heard (0-10)
Lonnie Reed (13-1)
2000
Fort Gibson* 58, Hilldale 0
Steve Rutledge (1-9)
Lonnie Reed (5-6)
2001
Cancelled due to 9/11
2002
Fort Gibson 41, Hilldale* 7
Don Hendrix (5-5)
Lonnie Reed (6-4)
2003
Fort Gibson* 21, Hilldale 7
Don Hendrix (6-5)
Jeff Taylor (8-3)
2004
Hilldale* 14, Fort Gibson 13
Don Hendrix (9-3)
Jeff Taylor (7-4)
2005
Fort Gibson* 20, Hilldale 14
Don Hendrix (10-2)
Jeff Taylor (7-4)
2006
Fort Gibson 31, Hilldale* 14
Don Hendrix (5-6)
Jeff Taylor (4-6)
2007
Hilldale 53, Fort Gibson* 13
Don Hendrix (7-4)
Jeff Taylor (0-10)
::
The biggest winning margin was 58-0, Fort Gibson, in 2000.
2008
Hilldale* 13, Fort Gibson 10
Don Hendrix (1-9)
Jeff Taylor (2-8)
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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2009
Hilldale 28, Fort Gibson* 22 OT
Don Hendrix (5-5)
D. J. Howell (3-7)
* Home team
History Records by Tommy Cobb
•
OCTOBER 2010
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VYPE.COM
Randy Cox
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Photo By Craig Hall, LeFlore County Journal
F E AT U R E
Panama’s Nick Swindle (#21) pulls away from K. J. Booze (#23) of Spiro during the season opening battle for bragging rights.
By Craig Hall, LeFlore County Journal
LeFlore County has had some storied football rivalries over the years.
Heavener and Poteau played each other for over 60 years. Spiro and Poteau did the same. Those two rivalries were the oldest in LeFlore County before ending because of the growth of Poteau while the other two towns could not keep up.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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OCTOBER 2010
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VYPE.COM
Heavener and Poteau stopped playing in the mid-1980s while Spiro and Poteau kept playing until this year, when the Bulldogs dropped the Pirates.
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Several county schools have played each other most years, most notably Heavener and Panama. But the biggest rivalry in the county now is also one of the newest ones: Panama and Spiro. The two northern LeFlore County towns are separated by only a few miles, but had not played in football since the 1960’s before they were placed in the same district three years ago.
Spiro won the first two outings against their southern neighbor while they were in the same district. This year, Spiro moved up to Class 3A while Panama stayed in 2A. Spiro was looking for an opening game to replace Poteau and did the logical thing: schedule Panama. So the two county schools played each other the first week of the season, playing the game on Thursday instead of the traditional Friday to draw an even bigger crowd.
That is exactly what happened as over 2,000 Spiro and Panama fans filled George Ollie Stadium in Panama, along with residents of other county towns. The rivalry is even more special as three members of the Panama coaching staff, including head coach Wayne Morton, are Spiro graduates. They were coached by longtime Spiro coach, Chris Bunch.
“You never want to lose to kids you coached,” said Bunch. “But you can’t think about that. It would just add extra pressure.” Morton said before the game he hoped to have an electric atmosphere, and that is exactly what happened. With both stands full, fans filled the south end zone and lined the fences on both sides.
Spiro was expected to have the edge in speed, as usual, and that turned out to be the difference in the game as K.J. Booze returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown and Elliott Hawkins took a handoff early in the third quarter for a 52-yard touchdown run that put the game out of reach.
The Bulldogs eventually won 27-14 win, marred only by the injury to standout sophomore Antoine Jimmerson in the second quarter. And the latest renewal of the county’s best rivalry was settled for another year.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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OCTOBER 2010
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VYPE.COM
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Photo by Ben Johnson Tahlequah Daily Press
POWERED BY
ARA POTEETE - SOPHOMORE
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ross Country is a sport that many people believe to be just another long distance run. Yet, successful programs, like Tahlequah High School, understand it’s the core strength of the team that makes the difference.
“We want our back end runners to make the middle pack better by constantly pushing the pace,” said Proctor. “Together they will keep the top runners going stronger and faster.”
:: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
On the girls’ track, Miller is excited about his team’s talent that consists of all underclassmen including four juniors, 11 sophomores, and five freshmen. “Jessica Hembree is a returning state champion and she trains like it,” said Miller “She hasn’t lost to anyone on the 5A level so far. “Chenae Tschirhart, Breanna Duncan and Carly Gipson continue to improve their performance along with Thalia Mora and Telika Oropeza.”
OCTOBER 2010
Tahlequah’s opportunities to contend for gold in Class 5A this year boast a talented group of runners from last year’s team. On the boys’ side, with just one senior, the Tigers still have plenty of experience. “Moe Brown is our only senior returning,” said Proctor. “His success from winning gold during last spring’s track season is helping him. Ben Grant, a junior who was a part of the relay team at state, along with Derrick Young, Micah Holcomb and Reno Blum return with sophomore Ara Poteete, who also was on the state relay team last spring.”
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“Our whole approach is a team concept,” said Miller, now in his 25th year. “In cross country, you’ll enter seven athletes in each meet. It takes five runners to have the lowest team score with two others pushing the pace. The closer the gap between the number one and five runners the better. We won a meet this year because of our number six runner. After the top five finishers, we were tied but because our number six runner beat the number six girl from Owasso we captured first place.”
MOE BROWN - SENIOR
VYPE.COM
Cross country at Tahlequah High School has exploded in popularity with students because of its team concept and core strength. “We have 45 kids out this year,” said Jason Proctor who teams with Elzie Miller to coach both boys and girls squads. “The kids buy into it because they want to be part of something that’s different and moving.”
DERRICK YOUNG - JUNIOR
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Another reason for the Tigers’ success in cross country is the team’s use of a core development training program. “We want our runners to become better athletes,” said Proctor. “We’re using a core muscle program to strengthen the runners’ mid sections, front and back side left and right, to develop all three planes of motion.”
“When a runner’s body can avoid a breakdown, their time will improve,” said Proctor. There is much more to cross country than just running long distances. “Every sport involves running,” said Miller. “Cross country never stops. Because you’re picking up and putting down your steps more repetitively, it requires more discipline with the difference in the mental aspect.”
As regional and state meets approach in October, Tahlequah’s cross country teams have plans for championship
performances. “On the boy’s side, you’ve got the big four,” said Proctor. “McGuinness, Edmond Deer Creek, Guthrie and Bishop Kelley are really good. We’re preparing to be on the stand when the 5k day is done.”
For the girl’s, Metro Lakes conference foes including Collinsville, Coweta, and Bishop Kelley provide plenty of challenge along with McGuinness. “With our experience and talents, I expect us to be there,” said Miller. “Jessica can repeat as overall champion and our other six girls will give us a chance to push the pace to the finish line.”
Based on the team concept approach of the cross country teams at Tahlequah, look for the winner’s stand to be filled with plenty of orange clad Tigers.
Elzie Miller
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Chanae Tschirhart
Photo by Bill Huddleston-Vype Sports
Jessica Hembree
Photo by Bill Huddleston-Vype Sports
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Tahlequah Girls CC coach
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Presented By TM
“We’ve Got Spirit — Yes We Do… A total of seven schools represent Three Rivers at the State Cheerleading Championships. During regional
competition, Tahlequah—Vian—and Keys won first place honors with teams from Hilldale, Stilwell, Sallisaw and Muskogee also qualifying to compete at the State Championships.
Class 5A: Tahlequah The Tigers rocked the TMAC to claim the championship
Class 3A: Vian
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Purple Pride dominated Class 3A as the Wolverines won first place
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Small Coed: Keys-Parkhill
Hilldale
The Cougars take one step closer to a repeat state title by
The Hornets sent a buzz through the crowd with their performance during Class 4A regionals.
winning the small school Co-Ed competition.
SPOTLIGHT
Sallisaw Black Diamonds sparkled to earn a Class 5A state tournament berth.
Stillwell Judges were all smiles as the Indians advance to the state championships.
Muskogee The Roughers performance at regionals sends the Muskogee Co-Ed squad to State. HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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SPOTLIGHT
Checotah High School Wildcats
Panama High School Razorbacks Wagoner High School Bulldogs
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GO-FIGHT-WIN!
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Hilldale High School Hornets
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Photo By Vickie Reece
Photo By Craig Hall-LeFlore County Journal
Fast pitch softball action continues in Three Rivers as teams battle for a spot in the upcoming state championships...
Crack of the Bat
Eye On The Ball
Westville’s Emily Atchison breaks the bat as she delivers the base hit for the Yellowjackets. Photo by Vicki Reece-Westville Schools.
Sadie Watkins of Heavener keeps a close watch on the ball during action in the LeFlore County Championship tournament.
Fort Gibson’s Ashley Nevitt keeps Tori Venable of Muskogee close to the bag at third.
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Photo By John Hasler
Hold Tight
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GAME PLAN
Photo by Kirk Wells
Youth
Youth Football League In Tulsa Continues To Have Fun
E
very Saturday during the fall in Tulsa, you can always hear the sounds of quarterbacks calling signals, cheerleaders and parents shouting encouragement as players on the other side make the tackle and the whistle blows. More than 40 teams lineup each weekend to enjoy youth football action in the AYFCO with gridiron action at Hicks Park, East Central High School and other football sites around Tulsa.
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Photo by Kirk Wells
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Now in its third season, the American Youth Football Conference of Oklahoma continues to grow at a rapid pace. Why all the excitement and fun? “It’s really simple, we’re kid friendly,” said Keith Ward, one of the AYFCO’s directors. “Our league is based on family and tradition rather than just the weight of the player that forces a third grader to play against fourth graders.”
The growth of the league is evident in the number of players. “Our teams are made up of kids who live in the same area, or play on the same baseball and basketball teams,” said Tracy Robinson, league commissioner of the AYFCO. “We offer our kids competitive football from kindergarten through the seventh grade. In addition to Tulsa, our league includes Sand Springs, Broken Arrow and Muskogee.” “Our kids enjoy wearing the NFL gear and naming their squad after one of the pro teams,” said Ward. “North Mabee Cowboys, Tulsa Bears are just a couple of examples of why the league is fun”
The East Tulsa Youth Sports Association is preparing for the 4th annual Route 66 Pigskin Classic to be played November 20-21 in Tulsa. “Teams from Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas will compete in all levels including Mighty Mights as well as third through seventh grade teams,” said Robinson. “We’ll play games at five different fields on Saturday then play the championships all at the East Central High School stadium on Sunday.” Entry fees for the post season event are $200 per team with no per player fees. For more information contact Keith Ward (918.378.0263) or Tracy Robinson (918.691.0946) or go on the web at route66pigskinclassic.com.
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