VYPE OKC Area February 2012 by Austin Chadwick

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MONTH YEAR

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| VYPE Reviews This new segment will feature the VYPE personalities as they review everything from the book Oh My, authored by Dick Enberg, to the movie Pinned. Also Eskridge Honda sold Steve Marshall a Honda Pilot and he reviews the good and bad.

24 | Oklahoma's Own Kendall Cross attained gold in the 1996 Olympics and now lives life after gold. The former Mustang wrestler is involved in so many different ways as a mentor and coach.

28 | Mid-Del Hoopin' The Mid-Del schools are on fire heading into post-season play. All six schools (girls and boys) are ranked in the top 5 and they all have the Mabee Center in Tulsa in their sites.

34 | Finn Family Affair The Finn family is large and in charge. See how the family has produced more football players and wrestlers than Westmoore has ever seen.

38 | Signing Day The area's top athletes inked their names into the college ranks and will now take their game to the next level. Who's going where? And what can we expect?

Next Month... March's issue is all about the basketball recap. We'll take a look at the best in 2012 for swimming, wrestling, and basketball with the All-VYPE winter sports teams. 6

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Publisher Austin Chadwick Partner/Market Director Steve Marshall Partner/Editorial Adviser Mark Rodgers Partner/Editorial Director Brad Heath Partner Bill Huddleston Partner/Director of Operations Rod Coulter Graphic Design Leah Weigle Austin Chadwick Contributing Writers Austin Chadwick, Rod Coulter, Brad Heath, Steve Marshall Photographers Brad Heath, Jerry Palmer, Brett Rojo, Rip Stell, Kirk Wells, Rainette Rowland, Trey Coursey, Kim Hough, Michael Mayberry, Bryan Cook, Josh Clough, Grant Williams, Carrie Cronk Contact: Website: www.VYPEOK.com Digital Magazine: www.VYPEOK.com Editor: oklahoma@VYPE.com Advertising: oklahoma@VYPE.com Comments & Feedback: oklahoma@VYPE.com Phone: 918.495.1771 Fax: 918.495.1787 VYPE is published monthly by Trinty 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 correspondence will become property of VYPE. Editorial Disclaimer All rights reserved. For editorial matters, please contact the editor. The views of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the policies of VYPE nor that of the publishers. VYPE has a clear commitment to inviting and publishing corrections of fact and clarifying errors of context. Corrections of errors and mistakes are a necessity in obtaining credibility in the magazine. VYPE supports and encourages our staff and contributing writers and photographers to make any potential error known to our editor. Advertising Disclaimer All rights reserved. The views and opinions of VYPE advertisers does not reflect that of VYPE High School Sports Magazine. In accordance with the NCAA Bylaws, VYPE and its advertisers have complied in all advertisements present in VYPE.

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Abby Thompson

Deer Creek High School Golf How long have you been involved in FCA? I was involved with FCA as a freshman in high school and then my sophomore an junior years I strayed away from it, but my senior year I started getting back into it an have been really involved with it this year.

Who influenced you to join? I just really wanted to be apart of a group where I could talk about God outside of school with kids my age and explore God's word deeper. How has FCA made an impact in your life on the field and off the field? I always look forward to meeting with the group every Monday. I've noticed that ever since I started attending FCA this year my attitude has been more positive. I've become a better sport about a bad shot I have, and encouraging to others in their success rather than jealousy. FCA has taught me to apply positivity to my life both on and off the golf course. How has your beliefs helped you as an athlete? My beliefs have motivated me to become the best golfer I possibly can so that I can get a chance to share God's word with people I play with. What is your favorite bible verse and why? My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I have this verse written on my golf bag and constantly say it to myself as I play whether my game is on or off. It reminds me that nothing is impossible with God on my side and it puts me at peace when my nerves get the best of me. How have you used your beliefs or your association in FCA to help others or spread the word? A simple thing I do is draw a cross on my golf ball to mark it as mine. Most people draw dots or their initials. One time when I was at a tournament playing with another girl she asked me about the cross and it gave me an opportunity to tell her about God! JANUARY 2012

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Pregame ®

A L e t t e r f r o m S t e v e Ma r s h all

Just getting warmed up!!! For most people February is a seemingly boring month. Yeah, there’s Ground Hog Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day and…well boring. Unless you’re a fan of high school sports because February means Championships. Wrestling and swimming will crown their State Champions in February and of course plenty of hoops hysteria with basketball well into its’ post-season run leading to the state championships in March. Of course all the spring sports are gearing up for their seasons when more high school athletes are competing at that time, over any other time of the year.

In this issue you’ll learn more about the Mid-Del basketball programs. All six of the boys and girls teams were ranked in the top five in their respective classes. Find out who signed where. A comprehensive look at signing day for high school athletes continuing their athletic careers at the next level and the big shoes Westmoore wrestler John Finn is trying to fill, following his older brothers. So as some seasons are ending and others just beginning we would like to invite all the athletes from the Winter sports and all those competing in the spring, to come and join us for the VYPE Winter/ Spring sports Media Day on Sunday February, 19th once again at the Jim Thorpe Hall of Fame Museum. Get out, enjoy the games, practice good sportsmanship and above all else….TAKE STATE!

We’re in the Game Steve Marshall VYPE Oklahoma Partner

® TM

Guthrie Gets the Cover It was great to see the players for

Guthrie get what they deserved

this season. They worked so hard this season and had to overcome so much. Thank you for putting

them on the cover and giving them something they can have forever.

Venessa K. Guthrie, OK

Courtside Will VYPE be covering the small school basketball tourna-

ments at the Big House like you did last year?

Mikey T. Piedmont, OK

(Editor’s Note: Mikey thanks for the email. Yes we will not only

cover it with the magazines, but we’ll be on our website doing

a broadcast of the games. you won’t see any video, but we’ll be able to bring you what is basically a radio broadcast from our

website. Just like last year. )

Fast Forward Historically the spring sports don’t get as much coverage as

everyone else. What are the stories or plans for baseball and

soccer this year? Please tell me you guys are going to cover us.

Kurt R. Yukon, OK

(Editor’s Note: Kurt we will be covering all of the spring

sports. Our VYPE-U edition is going to be included into the

football preview this summer so it gives us an extra month to

cover more spring sports. Thank y ou for the email. )

Learn the new rules of the game Beginning January 1, 2012, BBCOR certification will be required for all high school and collegiate bats. For more information, or to shop BBCOR approved bats, visit academy.com

JANUARY 2012

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Feb. 1st, 1962

Feb. 5th, 1934

Feb. 7th, 1958

The National League released its first 162game schedule. That same year the National League added two new teams, the New York Mets and the Houston Colt .45’s. The National League was founded in 1876.

On this day future baseball Hall of Famer Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama. Aaron would go on to hit 755 homeruns and was named National League Most Valuable Player in 1957.

The Brooklyn Dodgers officially became the Los Angeles Dodgers, breaking the heart of thousands in New York. Originally the Dodgers were formed as the Brooklyn Grays in 1883.

PICTURE THIS

01 VYPE’s Top 100 was filled with Central Oklahoma players. Here they are Photo: Rip Stell 02 Ashley Clark and Cornell Neal from Midwest City Photo: michael mayberry 03 Edmond Memorial’s woodard brothers Photo: Rip Stell 04 putnam city’s elie rushing is trying to get the pin Photo: Michael Mayberry 05 Washington’s Jesse Nixon Photo: Rip Stell 06 Southmoore’s Connor Dooling looks for the call Photo: Michael Mayberry

Feb. 9th, 2009

Feb. 11th, 1990

Feb. 13th, 1974

Feb. 17th, 2008

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez admits to using performanceenhancing steroids over a three-year period while playing for the Texas Rangers. Rodriguez was recruited out of high school to play for the University of Miami, but opted to sign with the Seattle Mariners at age 17.

James “Buster” Douglas knocked out “Iron” Mike Tyson in round 10 to win the World Heavyweight boxing title. The fight took place in the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo Japan. Entering the fight Douglas had a record of 29-4-1, while Tyson was a perfect 37-0.

James “Cool Papa” Bell was named to baseball’s Hall of Fame. Bell was born in 1903 in Starkville, Mississippi. He made his baseball debut in 1922 while playing with the St. Louis Stars of the Negro Leagues. Bell is still considered one of the best to ever play the game of baseball.

NASCAR celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Daytona 500. Penske Racing driver Ryan Newman took the checkered flag giving him his first and only victory at the Daytona 500. .

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• More than 40 degree programs • Start at Rose... Save money... Graduate... Transfer for a bachelor’s

405-733-7372 12

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JANUARY 2012

www.rose.edu

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05 02

07 01

Southmoore

wrestling

bench

Photo:

Michael

Mayberry 02 PCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keegan Moore Photo: Michael Mayberry

03 Morgan McCalmon from mount saint Mary Photo: Michael Mayberry 04 Southmoore cheerleaders on

the mat Photo: MIchael Mayberry 05 Joe Edmonds, Kate Andrews, and matt christiansen are ready to roll for mcguinness Photo: Rip Stell 06 Kelsee Grovey, Taylor Cooper, and caitlyn ramirez from shawnee Photo: rip stell 07 Blackwell wrestling turns up the

heat Photo: KT King 04 FEBRUARY 2012

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01 Kingfisher swimmer grace krepel Photo: KHS Photography Caitlyn Minton 02 Perry and Blackwell Wrestling looks to light up 3A Photo: KT King 03 Mike stoops at the Insight Bowl Photo: von caster FEBRUARY 2012

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Reviews

Super Bowl Halftime Show

Well there you have it. Another Super Bowl halftime show goes completely wrong. First off, I think that as an active, on-stage performer, Madonna actually looked her age (53). There needs to be a rule that anyone over the age of 50 is not allowed to perform at the Super Bowl unless they are in a timeless band. I.E. The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, etc. On top of that, Madonna brings along a couple of fad rappers with a

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sketchy persona and.... Wham-O!!! We all get the obscene gesture. To top it all off, instead of sticking exclusively to her iconic hits, Madonna finished with a new song. You know when you go to a concert and you are there to see a legend and the next thing you know, they are shoving their new, undesired music down your throat? Yeah, that was Madonna at the SB. The only highlight was the fact that LMFAO was included. Let's face it, everyone loves those guys. This all brings memories of the best halftime

shows, as well as the most notorious. Michael Jackson's Super Bowl of 1993 is the greatest SB performance in my book, but hey, that is just my opinion. Brittney Spears in 2008 with N'Sync and Aerosmith was absolutely fantastic. And of course the most notorious, Janet Jackson's "revealing" of 2010. -Austin Chadwick

Pinned - The Movie

A film by the Norman Bros. Pinned takes you on the rollercoaster ride that is high school wrestling. Based in the Cleveland suburb of Lakewood, Ohio Pinned follows the two very different lives of Matt Curley from Lakewood High School and the Palmer brothers from St. Edward High School. Lance Palmer is attempting to become a four time state champion while just a few blocks away at Lakewood, Matt is working hard to become the first state champ at Lakewood since 1959. Follow the lives of these two young competitors as they experience the highs and lows of wrestling at the highest level. Mike and Patrick Norman do an incredible job of shedding light on what it takes to be a champion and what happens when things don’t go exactly how you expected them to go. Pinned is a journey. A journey that forces the viewer to experience the emotions of life on and off the mat. Visit the Pinned website at www. pinnedmovie.com. -Brad Heath

Oh My! By Dick Enberg

Oh My! by Dick Enberg with Jim Perry takes you on a journey following the storied career of broadcaster Dick Enberg. Enberg started his broadcasting career at a radio station in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, but would go on to become one of the icons in television. If you’ve watched a basketball game, a tennis match, a horse race, a football game or the Olympics chances are

you have heard the voice of this 13time Emmy Award winner. From his relationship with the great Ted Williams to his brush with Secretariat, Oh My! chronicles the life of a legend in broadcasting. Tennis great John McEnroe provides the forward and tells some great stories about Dick Enberg. Whether you are a high school sports broadcaster or just a fan of the game, Oh My! is one book to add to your collection. For more on this autobiography visit www. skyhorsepublishing.com. –Brad Heath

adizero Rush

Any runner will tell you the weight of the shoe matters. Adidas took that to heart when they created the adizero Rush. This lightweight running shoe is for the everyday runner or the long distance runner who want something light, but supportive on their feet. Retailing for around $100.00, the adizero Rush is one of the lightest running shoes on the market at only 7.5 ounces. The adizero Rush is offered in several color combinations (our favorite is the grey with green or the orange) giving the athlete an opportunity to add that pop of color everyone wants from their shoe. Also look for athletes at the 2012 Summer Olympics to wear the adizero Rush in London. Overall this shoe from Adidas gets the VYPE stamp of approval as the top new running shoe on the market. For more information visit www.shopadidas.com or search for the adizero Rush on www.youtube.com. - Brad Heath

Eskridge Honda

Whether I’m chasing photo shoots in Purcell, delivering magazines in Woodward, driving to Stillwater for State Championship games or magazine review in Tulsa, one thing is for sure. I enjoy it more behind the wheel of my 2011 Honda Pilot from the great folks at ESKRIDGE HONDA. Just like Arkansas signee Donovan Roberts my HONDA PILOT is a powerful performer. From the advanced 250-hp, 3.5-Liter, i-VTEC Engine with Variable Cylinder Management system it offers power to spare. If you’re looking for safety, like that provided by the Edmond North offensive line this year, the PILOT includes an array of advanced safety features designed to help protect you and yours. If awards are important, like Gatorade Player of the Year Sheldon Wilson from Anadarko, then the PILOT can claim the award for being named the 2012 Cars.com SUV/Crossover of the Year. The service department is like the Douglass Trojan basketball team, efficient, quick and detailed in execution. The sales staff is as solid, experienced and knowledgeable as

the boys and girls coaching staff’s at Carl Albert Basketball. So if you’re looking for your next new or used vehicle, stop by the front desk at ESKRIDGE HONDA, say hi to Rita and thank Mike Milligan for being an integral part of covering your kids, your schools and your communities in Vype from the very first issue. *****STAR STEVE RATING -Steve Marshall

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T riple P lay

Lauren Collyer is a senior at Harrah High School where she plays varsity basketball and softball. Lauren is an excellent student and a good example of a team player. Despite having suffered an ACL injury this season, Lauren is always there to support the team. Lauren loves to help her sister's softball and basketball teams and is looking forward to graduation. Bailey Mack and Jamie Bolden are teammates of Lauren on the basketball team. Bailey is a junior and plays guard while Jamie is a senior and plays the wing. Jamie also plays varsity golf for Harrah. Who will have all the answer and who will need to study up? Find out now in this edition of Triple Play.

Lauren Collyer Harrah Basketball

Lauren's Friend

Jamie Bolden Lauren's Mom

What is Lauren's favorite subject in school?

Math

English

Science

What is Lauren's favorite pre-game or post game meal?

Subway

If Lauren was trapped on a deserted island what is one thing she would have with her?

Water

Cellphone

Is Lauren the class clown or class president?

Class Clown

Class President

Is Lauren's Bedroom: Work of art, disaster or Area 51?

Disaster Area

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

Play Softball

Does Lauren do her homework: Last minute, every night, always late?

Every Night

What reality TV show could Lauren Win?

Amazing Race

Minute to Win it

Survivor

When Lauren is with her best friend it's: Superbad, Southpark, or Big Bang Theory?

Southpark

Bing Bang Theory

Big Bang Theory

What was the last song played in Laurenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car or on her iPod?

Strip by Chris Brown

City is Mine by Drake

Strip by Chris Brown

5 Correct Out of 10 Nice Try Bailey.

5 Correct Out of 10 Good Job Jamie!

TOTAL POINTS: 10

Bailey Mach

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ral Roberts University Golden Eagles men’s basketball player Robert Aery not only enjoys being in the spotlight as a college athlete, but he treasures the importance of an education. Aery, a senior government and business administration major, is the recipient of Whole Person Scholarship from ORU. He will graduate in May with honors and will be attending law school in the fall. He has been a Golden Eagle Scholar and a Super Scholar. “Since the Whole Person Scholarship paid for my education, I was able to walk-on the basketball team,” Aery said. “Being a Whole Person Scholar automatically places you in a leadership role on campus. The administration has high expectations for these students, both in the classroom and in their other areas of involvement. As a WPS winner, I have been challenged as a student and as an athlete.” The Whole Person Scholarship Program was established at ORU to recognize students who model the Whole Person concept. Scholarship recipients will demonstrate the following: Christian Worldview, Lifestyle of Service, Academic Achievement, Leadership Ability, Vision to Make a Life-Changing Impact on Others and Healthy Lifestyle.

Any high school junior or senior or prospective transfer student may be nominated to the Whole Person Scholarship Program by a high school or college counselor or other school official, youth pastor, community leader or member of the ORU faculty, staff or alumni. All students nominated, invited and who subsequently participate earn scholarship dollars of varying amounts. Aery, a 2007 Holland Hall graduate, said he has always been attracted to ORU.

“Growing up in Tulsa, I had always been familiar with ORU,” he said. “In fact, my parents always loved the idea of me attending Oral Roberts. I graduated from Holland Hall in Tulsa in 2007. Following

graduation, I played basketball at a prep school in Massachusetts. I played my first year of college at Hendrix College in Conway, AR. I decided after my freshman year to transfer to a junior college to play. I heard of the Whole Person Scholarship during this recruiting process, so I decided just to apply and just see what would happen. Just before I was going to sign with the other school, I got the news that I had won. “What attracted me to ORU was the Christian influenced education and the ability to go to school close to home. I felt like it would be a wonderful opportunity to attend a school that emphasized growing spiritually, as well as academically.”

Aery said that the best part of being at ORU is participating in many opportunities he has had while on campus. “I have been able to play Division I basketball, have a double major, and be active politically and socially active within the community,” he said. “The relationships that I have made here have also been a definite blessing in my life.” For more information on the Whole Person Scholarship or to nominate a student, go to http://www.oru.edu/whole_person/ scholarship/purpose.php. JANUARY 2012

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By Jim Priest, Executive Director of FATE

thletes remain one of the highest “at risk” groups for drug and alcohol abuse. Do you know why?

A lot of it has to do with peer pressure. But just as there is negative peer pressure on student athletes to drink or take illegal drugs, there can also be positive peer pressure, like that displayed by a young man who attended Bethany High School. Here’s his story in his own words. My name is Chris Chamberlain and I play linebacker for the St. Louis Rams.

I’ve been a part of many teams in my career and I find that one person who is passionate and positive can affect those around them.

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FEBRUARY 2012

In high school I was fortunate to play quarterback and free safety and we won a state championship while at Bethany. I was part of a group of seniors who had seen how the abuse of alcohol and other drugs had hurt our team in previous years. A group of us thought that

we could have gone further in playoffs and win more games if alcohol and drugs weren’t part of our team’s lifestyle. So we came up with the idea that we wanted all the guys on our football team to sign a pledge to not drink, to not smoke, or do any of those things that

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The group of guys on our football team changed the entire attitude of the school.” On our Life of An Athlete on line training program, Chris Chamberlain issues this challenge: You may be faced with this decision right now. Are you going to go along with the partiers and are you going to fall into that lifestyle, or are you going to be disciplined and obedient and do what you need to do to give yourself the best chance to succeed?

might hinder our chances on the field. We all signed it and those of us that didn’t have a problem with alcohol gave up soda. So we’d be sacrificing and giving up something like everyone else. It’s something that I don’t think had ever been done at the school and we ended up winning a state title – The first in our school’s history. By the group of seniors presenting this pledge and committing ourselves to do this, we affected not only ourselves,

but we really had a positive influence on all of our teammates around us. Chris’ coach, Rob Renshaw told me, “Chris and the guys did this all on their own. They had a players only meeting and announced the idea of the pledge. They were committed to a clean lifestyle. There was not going to be any drugs, any alcohol, any pot. They got everybody on board and everybody was committed to it.

We call this “The Chamberlain Challenge” and we are encouraging student athletes all across Oklahoma to take the Chamberlain Challenge and commit themselves to a chemical free lifestyle so they can maximize their athletic talents and be all they were designed to be. So how about you? Will you take the Chamberlain Challenge? If so, we want to know about it. Send us an email and let us know what you’re doing on your team or at your school to make a positive difference.

Note: FATE will be awarding the first annual Chris Chamberlain award to the outstanding male and female athlete in the state who has done the most to lead a chemical free lifestyle and encourages others to do the same. The award will be given at the Jim Thorpe Association High School Sports Award Banquet July 12, 2012 in Oklahoma City. To nominate a student athlete for the award request a nomination form by emailing jim@changeyourfate. org. F e b ruary 2 0 1 2

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“As a competitor, you don’t want to give your opponent any kind of edge; but if you use alcohol or other drugs you’re giving your competitor that edge. Using alcohol or drugs affects your performance not just that day, or the day after, or the day after that, but can affect your performance for up to two weeks!” Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former Oklahoma Sooner

Oklahoma Life of An Athlete is a free substance abuse prevention program offered to Oklahoma high schools and colleges. For more information, contact Jared Mitchell or Jim Priest at 405.600.1926, or email jared@changeyourfate.org or jim@changeyourfate.org

Scan for an exclusive video featuring Gerald McCoy

www.okloa.org

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Scan to visit our website

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Kendall Cross By Austin Chadwick

1996 Olympic Champion and former Mustang wreslter Kendall Cross tells us about life after gold.

fisher’s own Curtis Lofton, he has done it all. “I am blessed High school football in Oklahoma is very special to those By Brad Heath with thePhotography opportunities I have been given to play professionwho compete on Friday nights. Of course some would Photos By say Jim Curtis/Creative ally,” said Lofton. “No matter how successful I, am I have to that Saturdays in Norman, Oklahoma are just as special. net has a lot to do VYPE’s own Brad Heath had an opportunity at the Tulsa that all started Then others might makeup thewith casethe that nothing beats the NFL with it. itGetting par- in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Nothing beats Nationals to catch Mustang High School wres- say those Friday nights on Sundays. ents and teams theat The Hive.” tler who went on to become a three-time All-American and NCAA Champion at Oklahoma State University and

information is im-

portant. And I adon’t Lofton enjoyed stellar career with the Yellowjackets. He remember it being started three years and tallied for over 500 tackles in his this technical. career. In 2003, Lofton led Kingfisher to the state title as a juVYPE: Kendall thanks for taking time out to chat with us nior andWhat in 2004, the Yellowjackets were semifinalists while VYPE: is the here at the Tulsa Nationals. Lofton was a consensus All-Stater and All-American. What toughest challenge Cross: Thanks for having me out. It’s good to be here for a people kid making and it’s good you guys are covering the event. I wrestled many didn’t realize was that Lofton excelled in the that transition from in this event as a kid. It’s changed dramatically over the classroom as well, earning honor roll status his senior year. school wresyears in terms of numbers and the commercial side of the “Ihigh was always taught to do things the right way and to apply business. Look out there on the mat at how many kids are tling to collegiate myself in the classroom.” wrestling? here.

an Olympic Gold Medalist in the Summer Games in Very few get an opportunity to play in1996 college and a minusAtlanta. cule amount get a chance to play on Sundays. But for King-

AUGUST 2010

salutes

OklahOma’s Own H I G H S C HOO L S P ORT S

:: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Cross: Several thing stand out, but not really one particu-

Lofton continued on to dreamout at Oklahoma Unilar thing more than thefulfill other.his Coming of high school the firstand difference notice is the strength of yourIn versity excelledyou’ll for the Sooners from 2005-2007. teammates side Player of wres2007, Loftonand wasopponents. named theThe Big technical 12 Defensive of the tling is something else you’ll notice. What draws the line Year and was a consensus All-American. Even in the 2007 between those that make good college wrestlers are the Big 12that Championship game,based Lofton bygood picking ones build a strategy oncontributed what they are at off a Chase Daniels pass and returned it inside the Missouri

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VYPE: Speaking of those changes, what are some of the things you’ve seen this tournament develop into? Cross: There are a lot more states involved. Back then you had Oklahoma, Kansas, a little bit of Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana and Nebraska. It was more of a regional thing. Now I hear there’s 40-plus states competing! The inter-

was transferred again to Oklahoma. I thought I was a From Small Town Hero Tofather All-American good wrestler. I remember thinking, “ I’m going to show these boys how to wrestle.” But when I got to Oklahoma all of the To NFL Starter: Kingfisher’s Curtis Lofton wrestlers were good. It took me probably two years to win a

on the mat. Your strategy is based on your personal atributes. One guy might be strong and use power moves, while another guy might be more technical.

VYPE: You finished 6th in the 1992 Olympics then won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics. Do you ever get tired of hearing, “Gold medal winner Kendall Cross?” Cross: No I never get tired of it. It’s quite the deal. The further I get away from it the more I appreciate it. I remember talking to different people and saying, “who goes to the Olympics and wins?” It’s something special. VYPE: Would you have con10-yardline. This sparked sidered transitioning into a 3817 victory. MMA? Cross: Maybe if I knew it was going to be this for big.the I don’t Lofton opted NFL Draft know, I’m not a fan of getafter his junior year and ting punched. Especially in was chosen in the second round the face. Maybe. I might have by the Atlanta Falcons. Lofton has considered it in ’96. Honestly coming out in ’96 it wasn’t started every game since becomwhat is today.and Maybe 6 orteam 7 in ing it a Falcon led the years ago. Wrestlers do very tackles in 2009 well in MMA. It’s awith very 133. practical skill.

The Sooner-born and Sooner-

tournament. Everyone’s dad wrestled in Oklahoma and there are so many good clubs.

VYPE: I’ve had two or three people ask me what you were doing down on the mat. The rumor is you’re going to stage a comeback! Cross: (laughs) I wish my body could do it. The rules today actually fit my style better. I’ll be 44 in February. But I’ve been helping Coleman Scott, a wrestler from OSU who is trying to make the Olympic team. Ask him about his beard. He’s not going to shave until he makes the team! VYPE: What do you think about the World of Wrestling and the job the Roller Productions team does here at this event? Cross: It’s a well-oiled machine. They start on time, they stop on time and it’s a great experience for the kids. I ran into Jack Roller and he was catching a quick break, which is something he never does and he was just so hopeful that these kids were having a good experience.

VYPE: were machine down in Ft. bredYou tackling hasWorth madeworking with the SCS Eagles, what are you up to these it a point to credit Oklahoma days? Cross: We are in Rockwall, Texas closer to my two kids and high school football as one of the working with the Dallas Dynamite and an MMA group, Next best around. “I haveTexas. played with wrestling to the fighters VYPE: If someone wanted more info on what you’re doing Generation in Frisco, I teach guys country and I train Kena Henderson, she’s these days or wanted to catch up, where would they find you? and I doalla over lot ofthe private lessons. got my website now, justlinebackers go to www.kendallone of my topstates pupilsmight from Frisco. he isI’ve slated to be one ofup the better in the league sure, some have really good high school football Cross: cross.com and also look for me on youtube. by ESPN analyst Chris Mortensen. “He brings a wonderful reputation, but when you consider the guys I played with VYPE: You were born in Montana, how in the world did you nose for the ball,” said Mortensen. “Couple at OU, and how we are seeing more and more Oklahoma VYPE: Thanks Kendall. get to Mustang, Oklahoma? thatThank with his speed and athleticism, and the fact that he is a athletes make it to the NFL, it is easy to say that we can defiCross: you! Cross: You did your homework! My mom and dad are from pretty smart guy, and he has a chance to be one of the best nitely Oklahoma hold our own.” Durant, and my dad was transferred to Montana. They started a family in Montana where I was bornand thenatmy in 2010.” Lofton enters his third season with the Falcons 24,

Each month, Ozarka and VYPE will feature an athlete from Oklahoma who has gone on to play at the collegiate and national level. Find out what they have been doing and where they see themselves in the future. To nominate an athlete, please send their name and which high school they graduated from to editor@okvype.com. 26

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Visit ORU during our Spring College Weekend, where you will: • • • •

Meet amazing faculty members Attend classes that interest you Experience inspiring worship Learn the admissions process

• Receive helpful tips on Financial Aid • Stay in the dorms • And more

View a schedule of events and register online at collegeweekend.oru.edu or by calling 800.678.8876.

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Ashley Clark - Cornell Neal

TONI smith - JAMAR MOSELEY

carlbe Ervin - Goya Carter

Midwest City Bombers

Dell City Eagles

CARL albert titans

Photos By Michael Mayberry

lmost every year the Mid-Del schools can be counted on to send several of their basketball teams deep into post-season play. When all six of the Mid-Del schools boys and girls basketball teams made the State Tournament last year it should not have come as a great surprise as Midwest City, Del City and Carl Albert are annual contenders for the gold ball. Many years, four or five of these teams will be part of the tournament field but for all of the six to make it to the State Tournament last year, was quite an accomplishment.

At the rate they are all playing this year, it looks like they’re poised to surpass even last years’ impressive achievement. When the rankings came out the first week in February, it is worthy to note that all of the Mid-Schools were ranked in the top five. Carl Albert and Del City currently share the No.1 distinction atop Class 5A boys’ basketball and for Eagles coach Tim Stogsdill, he believes it starts before the kids even reach high school.

“We have great feeder programs that the kids are coming up

Carlbe ervin - Carl albert titans FEBRUARY 2012

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through. Whether you’re a Bomber or a Titan or an Eagle the kids believe in that school that they’re going to.” The boys and girls from Midwest City both made it to the finals but fell just short in the title game. Currently ranked #2 behind defending champions, Edmond Santa Fe, the Lady Bombers played in the championship game the last three years winning it all in 2010. Seventh year head coach Art Bode says a lot of the credit belongs to helping the girls’ mindset, “Our boys were having success and so we had to convince the girls that they could be enjoying that same success,” Bode said.

Midwest City boys coach, Dewayne Bradley had his Bombers in the title game last year and says with such a proud tradition, he hopes to have his team in the running again this year. 30

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“I really think a lot of the success can be traced to having early elementary athletics, a great talent pool to pull from, good coaching staffs and great support from the community.”

A primary reason for success at Carl Albert is having stability at the top. A lot of teams talk about having a family atmosphere as a reason for success. At Carl Albert they have known about family for a long time. When the school opened in 1962 Pat Price became the first basketball coach in school history. Nearly fifty years later the Price family name is alive and well. Tim Price tries to get the girls to state tournament for an eighth consecutive year and knows the gold ball is up for grabs in 5A this year. “Shawnee is very, very good, Deer Creek is extremely talented, Del City is big and athletic and Bishop McGuinness is the defending champs, they’re good too.”

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Jay Price is in his ninth year as coach for the #1 Titans and despite having four returning starters he knows where his team needs to get better if they plan on claiming their first Gold Ball since 2007. “It all comes down to the defense. The best defensive teams are the ones standing at the end. We need to fix some things as we get ready for the playoff stretch.” With Del City dropping from 6A to 5A this year both boys and

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girls teams would seem to have a better chance of making a deeper run this year. Midwest City’s girls seem headed for a finals rematch with fellow unbeaten Edmond Santa Fe. The Bombers were counted out last year and made it to the title game before falling to Edmond Memorial so beware “Bomber Magic.” For Carl Albert they appear to benefit by being moved to the seemingly weaker East side bracket. Enjoy the games and let’s check back next month to see how it all worked out.

100th Year Anniversary

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Schwab Meat & Co. is celebrating its 100th year anniversary and is proud to present the new Schwabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Dog Athlete of the Month. Each month, VYPE Oklhaoma will take nominations on the award at Oklahoma@ VYPE.com and choose who best exemplifies leadership, talent, and success on and off the field. The student-athlete receiving the award is highlighted in the monthly edition of VYPE Oklahoma and will see themselves in the year-end edition of VYPE Oklahoma as the Top Dog Team.

David Bush

Putnam City High School Bush has been eating up the competition this year. Averaging 16 ppg, the silky smooth guard is helping lead the Pirates in the postseason. Bush has been known to be a kleptomaniac, with over 70 steals. The Pirates are undefeated at home and Bush is a massive part of the success.

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By Steve Marshall

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

always tough as an athlete when you have to follow in the footsteps of an older brother who was a former All-State football player. It becomes more difficult when another older brother was an All-State wrestler. Well, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Westmoore junior John Finn, you happen to be the fourth Finn brother in line for the Jaguars. This story is not about putting any undue pressure on a young athlete, but more about the amazing accomplishments of a very close-knit family.

Oldest brother Christopher graduated in 2003 and was an All-State defensive lineman, a two time junior high wrestling champ and an All-American football player at the University of Central Oklahoma. VYPEOK.COM

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Be sure to check out the full video feature on VYPEOK.com. January 31st airing of VYPE Inside High School Sports

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Dustin was next in line and graduated in 2005 and was also an All-State lineman as well as three-time runnerup at the state wrestling tournament.

Not to be outdone by his older two brothers, Patrick graduated in 2006 and was both an All-State linebacker leading the state in tackles his senior year, as well as winning a state championship in wrestling.

And that brings us to John. Currently ranked number three at 220 pounds in the latest rankings from Oklahoma High School Wrestling, John gave an early indication of his abilities when he started as a freshman for the Jaguars, something rarely seen at the offensive line position in class 6A.

The patriarch of the family is John Finn a head wrestling coach for twenty six years and the first wrestling coach

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at Westmoore, a program he ran for twenty one years.

“What we have is a real strong family bond, it doesn’t have as much to do with the athletic part of it as much as the bond we have as a family.”

Finn is also quick to credit the backbone of the family too. “I married a great woman while at Central State, Nancy, their mother, she probably doesn’t get the credit she deserves because she is truly the real stronghold of all this.”

Now don’t think that the story is over when young John graduates next year because you guessed it, the youngest and final Finn in line, Jordan is a seventh grader at Brink junior high and looks to be on a familiar road to success.

Captain Hyerin Kwak Ellie Rambo Jonathan Craig Chris Brooks Stephen Thung Rachel Chung

Hong Jeon Kenneth McCann Malachi Phillips Lauren Schrank Garrett Sickles Nathan Thompson

Ashley Boren Clancy Cox Wil Beasley Danyel Johnson Kaleb Benda Coach julie Conrady

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Signing Day 2012 was one to remember for many athletes, coaches and parents in Oklahoma. The ink is drying on the letters of intent and families are stocking closets with new gear. Here’s a comprehensive list of athletes that scratched their names on the dotted line and will take their talents to the next level.

Football Alton Adkins – Glenpool – NEO Lamarc Allison – Guthrie – Langston Lamon Anderson – East Central – Texas College Connor Appelberg – Skiatook – NSU Jeremy Applegate – Wagoner – NSU Will Armstead – Broken Arrow – South Dakota Hudson Baab – Lincoln Christian – NSU Garrett Baker – Morris – UCO Garrett Barnett – Broken Arrow – NWOSU Trevor Barron – Edmond North – NEO Connor Bays – Edmond Santa Fe – SWOSU

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Blake Belcher – Guthrie – TU Graham Bennett – Casady – San Diego Jared Benway – Edmond North – NEO Tyrone Beverly – Lawton Ike – NEO Nathan Blakley – Ada – ECU Ryan Boatright – Jenks – Missouri State Camden Bohnert – Edmond North – Drake DJ Boles – Tuttle – SWOSU Adam Boyd – McAlester – TU Alverey Braxton – McAlester – NEO Collin Bricker – Piedmont – SWOSU Mason Briggs – Bixby – ECU Cayman Bundage – Douglass – Arizona Dale Burch – Star Spencer – Langston Daniel Burton – Putnam North – Iowa State Tyler Bush – Yukon – SEOSU Carlos Bustillos – Enid – UCO Blake Campo – Plainview – SNU Keegan Carter – Oklahoma Christian – NEO LaShay Chatmon – Hale – Peru State Dylan Childs – Central – Langston Ryley Claborn – Bethany – SWOSU Garrett Clark – Seminole – OBU Trent Cleveland – Glenpool – Haskell Cameron Colbert – Jenks – NEO Jared Collins – B.T. Washington – Arkansas Rashaad Copeland – El Reno – SWOSU Levi Copelin – Broken Arrow – Missouri Derrick Crawford – East Central – NEO Devin Crisp – Midwest City – NSU Jevonte Cross – East Central – NEO Dalton Cunningham – Hilldale – NWOSU

Casey Curtis – Putnam City – NEO Kalep Daniels – Central – Texas College Kejuan Daniels – Central – NEO Dillan Dansby – Carl Albert – SNU Kendal Davis – NOAH – NEO Ronnie Davis – Midwest City – NEO Troy Davis – Edmond North – NEO Raheem Daville – East Central – Texas College Lane Denwalt – Piedmont – SEOSU Gage Diffee – Bethany – SNU Hunter Dinkenes – Deer Creek – SWOSU

F E AT U R E Aaron Fowler – Muskogee – NSU Dylan Foxworth – Claremore – TU Ryan Frazier – Edmond Santa Fe – SNU Braylon Freeman – Lawton Mac – NEO Ashpenn Gaines – Central – Langston Tyron Garth – Central – NEO Damian Gibson – East Central – TU Brett Gilstrap – Bethany – ECU Tyler Golden – East Central – Texas College Micah Goodman – Medford – UCO Sidtrell Grayson – Muskogee – NEO Jared Griffin – Duncan – UCO Micah Griffin – East Central – Texas College J.D. Gritts – East Central – Haskell

Tyler Harrison – Glenpool – Haskell Keon Hatcher – Owasso – Arkansas Tyh Hawkins – Spiro – Langston Ashton Henderson – Jenks – Ark.-Pine Bluff Brock Henderson – Union – UCO Steffon Herd – Del City – NSU Matt Hermann – Union – Pittsburg State Gregory Higgs – Lone Grove – SWOSU Myles Hogg – Midwest City – SNU Tanner Holley – Kellyville – Southwestern KS Marco Holmes – Owasso – NEO Lexus Jackson – Bristow – ECU Aaron Johnson – Morris – Arkansas Tech Jordan Jones – Coweta – NEO Josh

Lane Dortch – Fort Gibson – NSU J.T. Dotson – Jenks – William Penn Quataeous Douglas – Lawton Ike – NEO Colten Douillard – Keys – Fort Lewis Co. Keith Doyle – McLain – Langston Chase Duke – Sapulpa – NEO Tyler Easter – Ketchum – NSU T.J. Eckert – Bixby – UCO Christian Edwards – Plainview – OBU Zach Eggleston – Beggs – NSU Hunter Endres – Kingfisher – NEO Brennen Evans – Lincoln Christian – NSU Derrick Ewing – Ponca City – SWOSU Aaron Farris – Jenks – Ark. Tech Terry Finch – Central – NSU James Flanders – Midwest City – TU Josh Fleak – Sapulpa – NSU Kegan Fox – Sapulpa – NEO

Allston Hadley – Edmond Santa Fe – OPSU Ramsey Hamilton – Beggs – Pittsburg State Darrack Harger – Sand Springs – Pittsburg State Milton Harper – Central – Texas College Chris Harris – East Central – NEO

Jones – Edison – NEO Orion Jones – Jenks – Toledo Keith Justus – OKC Patriots – Langston Kris Kelley – Prague – OPSU Kason Key – Owasso – NEO FEBRUARY 2012

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F E AT U R E Matt Mendoza – Turpin – SWOSU Rylan Miller – Caddo – SEOSU Ty Miller – Caddo – SEOSU Jeremiah Milton – Hale – NSU Ryan Mischler – Union – SNU Jak'ii Moore – Webster – NEO Unique Moore-Bell – Webster – NEO Dakota Moran – Midwest City – NSU Derek Morris – Broken Arrow – NWOSU Caleb Muncrief – Madill – OSU Gumaro Murphy – Southeast – ECU Daniel Murray – Bixby – NEO Lajuan Myers – Central – Langston Malachi Neal – East Central – NEO Cameron Nix – Carnegie – SWOSU Sonny O’Field – Sequoyah – Fort Lewis Co. Tanner O’Kelley – Okeene – SNU Grant Oliver – Carl Albert – SWOSU Michael Onuoha – Edmond Santa Fe - OU Luke Owens – Sand Springs – UCO Davion Parker – Central – Langston Lantz Parks – Yukon – SWOSU Garrett Parr – Ponca City – Southwestern Austin Payne – Lawton Mac – SWOSU Ashdon Perry – Ardmore – NSU Kevin Peterson – Wagoner – OSU Bryan Pisklo – Jenks – Drake Stewart Polk – Sequoyah – NEO Montana Poorboy – Catoosa – UCO Tra Powell – Beggs – NWOSU

Tony Kiefer – McAlester – NEO Skylar Kihega – Seq. Claremore – SW Kansas Kevin King – Jenks – NEO George Kittle – Norman – Iowa Lance Kloker – Owasso – Central Arkansas Dalton Krase – Deer Creek – SWOSU Sam Laptad – Jenks – Dartmouth Chris Ladd – Broken Arrow – Pima CC Trevon Lawson – Ardmore – NSU Garrett Leanick – Gore – ECU Zeke Lewis – Midwest City – South Dakota Jerame Littell – Stillwater – Washburn Demarious Littles – Lawton – NEO 40

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Andrew Long – Southmoore – Air Force Garrett Lorah – Elgin – SNU Brady Mann – Comanche – NEO Calvin Mann – Broken Arrow – Pima CC Randy Martinez – Anadarko – NEO Jesse Mathews – Edmond North – Baker Zach Maynard – Davis – NEO Kevin McClain – Lawton Ike – SNU Brandon McCollough – Claremore – UCO Danny McCoy – Duncan – NEO John McDavid – East Central – Texas College Dalshawn McFayden – B.T. Washington – NEO Bradley McGee – Muskogee – Langston

Dillon Proctor – Caddo – NEO Connor Pulley – Newkirk – UCO Cory Rahmings – Broken Bow – TU Josiah Reed – Ardmore – NSU

Theodore Boehm, M.D.

James Bond, M.D.

Scott de la Garza, M.D.

Timothy Geib, M.D.

Richard Kirkpatrick, M.D.

Seethal Madhavarapu, M.D.

Corey Ponder, M.D.

Scott Waugh, M.D.

Zak Knutson, M.D.

Brian Clowers, M.D.

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Roberts' Power and Toughness impresses Petrino

Tank Richmond – Carl Albert – NSU Quincy Rideau – Star Spencer – Langston Jake Roach – Vinita – NSU Donovan Roberts – Norman – Arkansas Mark Robinson – Millwood – UCO Zack Robinson – Sequoyah – Oregon State Alex Ross – Jenks – OU Chance Russell – Owasso – SNU Dalton Russell – Woodward – SWOSU James Russell – Prague – OPSU Sam Sabin – Jenks – Air Force Colby Sander – Seiling – SWOSU Barry J. Sanders – Heritage Hall – Stanford

The Arkansas head coach cites the 5-overtime game in 2010 where Roberts carried the ball 51 times as a credit to the workhorse’s toughness.

Donovan Roberts, the workhorse running back from Norman High School, is ready to hit the ground running with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Roberts was recruited by Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and just about every school in the Big XII and many in the SEC, but chose the Razorbacks in August of last year and never waivered. “It is a great fit for me,” said Roberts. “My family and I went through the process and I am so happy to be a future Razorback.”

Roberts, who led Oklahoma’s largest class with 1,761 yards and 28 TDs in 2010 as a junior, has tremendous speed and power. “He runs behind his pads extremely

well,” said Norman coach Greg Nation. “He carried the workload for us and his presence made the entire team better.”

Donovan’s senior year saw 1,595 yards and 23 TDs on the ground. It is this type of production that Arkansas will be looking for.

Bobby Petrino explained the signing of Roberts after signing day. “Coach (Tim) Horton went in there and got Donovan out of Oklahoma’s home town” said the Arkansas coach. “We offered him early and he committed to us early. Oklahoma came in and offered him and he held out. He did a great job of fighting them off and sticking to his commitment. He’s a guy that really excites you because of his toughness. He’s going to make us a tougher team just by the way he plays the game and goes about his business every day. In his junior year, he had a fiveovertime game and carried the ball 51 times. So, we know he’s durable and very tough.” Arkansas has made it a habit of coming to get Oklahoma football players out of the Sooner state. Felix Jones was from Booker T. Washington. Alvin Bailey was from Broken Arrow. Fellow Oklahoman who is considered to be the top receiver prospect in the state, Keon Hatcher from Owasso, will join Roberts when the two arrive in Fayetteville this summer.

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Daniel Schwarz – Lawton Mac – TU Jordan Scott – Spiro – Langston Tyler Seabolt – Jones – UCO Sam Shepard – Afton – NEO Sterling Shepard – Heritage Hall – OU Conner Sherwood – Cascia Hall – TU Matthew Shirley – Durant – OBU Bradley Silva – Duncan – SNU Clint Simek – Guthrie – UCO Dee Simmons – Lawton Ike – SNU Max Simmons – Lincoln Christian – NSU Zack Simmons – Lincoln Christian – NSU Mason Sixsmith – B.T. Washington – ECU A.J. Smith – Stilwell – NEO Braden Smith – Commerce – NSU Kyle Smith – Okemah – NEO Jacob Space – Catoosa – UCO Cole Stamps – Lawton Mac – SNU Wes Starr – Muskogee – NWOSU Jas’sen Stoner – Douglass – UCO

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F E AT U R E Chase Talbert – Claremore – UCO Brandon Taylor – Mustang – Texas College C.J. Taylor – East Central – Texas College

Landon Coon – Dale – Eastern Matt Crawford – Cascia Hall – William Jewell Colton Crocker – Owasso – Neosho

JoNiko Thomas – Union – NEO Micheal Thomas – Lawton Mac – TU Sterling Thomas – Union – Lindenwood Vincent Thomas – Lawton – Langston Matthew Tingle – Putnam City North – SNU Jose Martin-Torres – Wyandotte – OPSU Zac Veatch – Broken Arrow – OSU Spencer Venus – Morrison – SWOSU Jesse Vester – Stillwater – OSU Brooks Victor – Afton – NEO Chris Wallace – Sperry – TU Damontre Wallace – Catoosa – NEO Quad Ware – Broken Arrow – Pittsburg State Jacob Warner – Lawton Mac – UCO Josh Way – Wayne – Northwestern State Corey Wheeler – Kellyville – Southwestern KS Isaac Whitney – Southmoore – UCO Will Wiedenmann – Edmond North – NEO Adonis Wiley – B.T. Washington – ECU Victor Williams – Muskogee – Dartmouth Brent Wilson – Ponca City – Emporia State Dalton Wilson – Purcell – SNU Dylan Wilson – Purcell – SNU Gary Wilson – Sand Springs – NWOSU Heath Wilson – Wagoner – Pittsburg State Sheldon Wilson – Anadarko – NEO Tyler Wilson – Ponca City – TU Darrain Winston – Carl Albert – NSU Sam York – Southmoore – SNU

Brandon Cuddy – Union – Seminole Blake Estep – Jones – Penn State Jacob Evans – Broken Arrow – OU Keaton Forrest – Bishop Kelley – Eastern Kyle Gibson – Yukon – Oklahoma City Alex Hackerott – Sand Springs – OSU Brandon Hale – Owasso – Neosho Corey Hassel – Stillwater – OSU

Baseball

Daniel Author – Bishop Kelley – Hill Corey Bayles – Bixby – Independence CC Jordan Climpson – Union – Odessa Gabe Coldwell – Stilwell – Eastern State 44

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Aaron Mason – Broken Arrow – Fort Scott Carson McPherson – Ardmore – OU Brett Mitchell – Pryor – Neosho Colt Pickens – Yukon – OU Alex Polston – Carl Albert – OSU Jarrard Poteete – Hilldale – Seminole Blair Price – Union – Kansas Wesleyan Kylar Robertson – Sand Springs – Eastern Daniel Salters – Eufuala – Eastern Evan Sanders – Hartshorne – Eastern Derek Soles – Sand Springs – Coffeyville Chase Stephens – Deer Creek – UCO Cory Taylor – Owasso – Dallas Baptist Cody Tolbert – Sand Springs – Fort Scott Christian Ward – Bixby – Independence CC Jordan Watson – Edmond Santa Fe – OSU Josh Whisler – Owasso – Eastern Connor Wichmann – Owasso – Neosho Parker Zimmerman – Stillwater – Wichita State Joey Zurawik – Bishop Kelley – Texas Tech

Boys Basketball

Taylor Hawkins – Carl Albert – OU Michael Hefferan – Bishop Kelley - UCO Isaac Hellbusch – Deer Creek – Arkansas Ty Hensley – Edmond Santa Fe – Ole Miss Jake Johnson – Salina – Neosho Jake Krehbiel – Bixby – Independence CC John Lynch – Bishop Kelley – Fort Scott Mason Mantle – Metro Christian – NE Texas Trey Marker – Bixby – Grayson Co.

Aaron Anderson – Edmond Santa Fe – Fresno St. Blake Blanchard – Deer Creek – SWOSU Garrett Butler – Burlington – SNU Corbin Byford – Velma-Alma – ORU Matt Christiansen – McGuinness – San Francisco Joe Edmonds – McGuinness – San Francisco Phillip Leonard – Union – SNU Tim Stromberg – Union – St. Gregory's Quinton Threadgill – Haworth – SEOSU James Woodard – Edmond Memorial – TU Austin Wright – Bixby – Missouri Southern D'Andre Wright – Lawton Ike – TU

Girls Basketball

Kelsey Barnwell – Kansas – UMKC Francheska Cantrell – Owasso – Carleton Ashley Clark – Midwest City – TU

Taylor Cooper – Shawnee – ORU Courtney Cowan – Kansas – Northeastern State Ali Decker – Edmond Memorial – Wichita State Whitney Dunn – Mustang – Texas A&M CC Kelsee Grovey – Shawnee – TU Ashleigh Hutchings – Berryhill – SNU Caitlyn Ramirez – Shawnee – TU Taylor Richards – Durant – SEOSU Toni Smith – Del City – Fresno State Caitlyn Spurgeon – Vinita – Ark. Tech Courtney Walker – Edmond Santa Fe – Texas A&M Te'era Williams – Douglass – Grambling State Marquita Zeigler – Midwest City – Cameron

Boys Golf

Ryan Evans – Edmond Memorial – OK. Christian Jason Goben – Union – ECU Sam Greenleaf – Broken Arrow – John Brown Alexander Hall – OCS – OBU Jackson Hess – Okmulgee – NSU Tyler Hurgus –Bethel – UCO Matt Krutz – Norman North – New Mexico Charter Lawson – Mustang – Missouri-KC Will McDonald – Jenks – Drake Taylor Moore – Edmond Memorial – Arkansas

Shepard Ready to Follow in Fathers' Footsteps With Broyles-like ability and stature, Sterling Shepard looks to contribute right away. By Lynn Jacobsen

Growing up, Sterling Shepard logged countless hours watching game film of his father, the late Derrick Shepard.

Nowadays, he prefers to mimic him on the football field. Like his father did 20 years ago, Sterling will sign Wednesday a football letter of intent with the University of Oklahoma on National Signing Day.

“People tell me I have that same first step he had and that I catch the ball the way he did,” Sterling said in a phone interview. “It’s nice to be compared with dad.

“My uncles encouraged me to go to Oklahoma but they left the final decision up to me. My mom is real excited that I’m staying close to home. Oklahoma was the place I wanted to be because of the legacy of my dad and my uncles, Woodie and Darrell. Oklahoma is a great school. I will get a great education. I just wanted to continue the legacy there.”

The elder Shepard went on to play in the NFL, spending two seasons with the Washington Redskins (1987-88), one year with New Orleans (1989) and three with the Dallas Cowboys (1989-91).

Rustin Purser – OCS – UCO Jackson Stuteville – Durant – SEOSU

Girls Golf

Megan Blonien – Altus - OSU Erica Carangalan – Union – SWOSU Kaylee Crawford – Henryetta – Barton College Brooke Fern – Broken Arrow – Rogers State Sydney Guinn – Broken Arrow – Seminole McCandren Lewis – Guthrie – NSU Kurstyn Mills – Shawnee – Oklahoma City Abby Thompson – Deer Creek – OCU

The 5-foot-7, 170-pound Shepard said he hopes to step in and have an immediate impact at the wide receiver, a position the Sooners struggled at when senior Ryan Broyles suffered a season-ending injury in the Texas A&M game.

“Definitely, you want to get that playing time right away,” Shepard said. “That’s another reason why I picked OU. I believe I can come in and contribute as soon as possible. Hopefully, I can get accustomed to the different speed of the game. I’m excited to get out there and compete.” Shepard said he followed Broyles’ career.

“I see little spurts of myself in him,” Shepard said. “We’re definitely different but I’ve

learned a few things watching him.”

Shepard said he has been hand-clocked at 4.36 seconds in the 40 and laser-timed at 4.5. But he believes his best attribute is his ability to create separation. “Personally, I think coming off the ball and my routes are the best part of game at the moment,” Shepard said. “My initial step is probably my best step. It gets me free from the defender.”

Shepard committed early (Feb. 10, 2011), coincidentally on his birthday, to avoid the crush of recruiting during his senior season. He said schools honored his commitment for the most part. He turned down Clemson, Kansas State, UCLA, Missouri, Notre Dame and Oklahoma State. Dozens more tried to get in early on recruiting. “I took recruiting trips to UCLA and Oklahoma State,” Shepard said.

Relaxation time finds Shepard riding horses whenever he gets the chance.

“My grandmother and my dad enjoyed riding horses,” he said. “One of my mom’s friends has horses and that’s how I got into it. I ride every other week.”

Shepard and Heritage Hall teammate Barry J. Sanders, son of NFL and OSU running back Barry Sanders, have enjoyed talking about recruiting. One national service lists Shepard No. 1 in the Oklahoma and while another lists Sanders. “I didn’t even know that until someone pointed it out,” he said. “Barry and I laughed about it.” FEBRUARY 2012

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Gymnastics

Keara Glover – Putnam North – Auburn Jaelyn Olsen – Putnam West – Northern Illinois

Rowing

Madison Davidson – Jenks – SMU

Boys Soccer

Jordan Cuckler – Jenks – Memphis Isaac Fraley – Jenks – St. Louis Tyler Hill – Broken Arrow – ORU Harrison Kane – Kelley – Stevens Inst. Kaspars Kokis – Owasso – Rogers State Ben LaCourse – Metro Christian – TU Cristian Mata – Union – TU Tyler McIntosh – Sand Springs – Mid-America Tyler Mitchell – Owasso – William Jewell Caleb Pitts – Union – Rogers State

Softball

Kaitlyn Allen – Jenks – Florida State Kaylie Baxter – Durant – SEOSU Laramie Beal – Coalgate – SEOSU Megan Blevens – Little Axe – SNU Tessa Bond – Stillwater – Middle Tenn. State Nicole Brady – Union – Central Oklahoma Liz Broyles – Blanchard – UMKC Krysti Cearley – Coweta – NSU Braxton Coil – Edmond North – Missouri St.

Girls Soccer

Cierra Allen – McGuinness – UCO Miranda Balezentis – Kelley – SWOSU Tyler Barajas – Mustang – UCO Caitlin Biggers – Bethany – OSU Emma Blackwell – Jenks – Florida Gulf Coast Caitlin Bond – Choctaw – UCO Brianna Boyd – Owasso – Concordia-Chicago Haley Bravo – Tahlequah – NSU Hailey Colberg – Jenks – Rogers State Meghann Combs – Yukon – UCO Kaily Cox – Jenks – DePaul Caitlyn Daily – Broken Arrow – Neosho Roman Edwards – Deer Creek – TU Olivia Freeman – Verdigris – Rogers State Chancey Frost – Pawhuska – Northern OK Taylor Geissler – Owasso – Rogers State Colby Glover – Union – Sam Houston State Hunter Ham – Bixby – Midland Paislee Hamilton – Bixby – Central Oklahoma Sara Hughes – Owasso – OK Wesleyan Hannah Ishmael – Sand Springs - Missouri Southern Carley Johnson – Bixby – Rogers State Kayla Keller – Regent – ORU Lauren King – Edison – TU Lindsey Latta – Broken Arrow – NSU Kierstyn Legg – Broken Arrow – Cowley Co. Ashley Martin – Union – ORU Hana McGinis – Sand Springs – Maryville Madison Mercado – Sapulpa – OSU Ciara Mitchell – Carl Albert – UCO Maddie Rhodes – Union – ORU Kailey Roberts – Skiatook – Dallas Baptist Alexa Sidorakis – Jenks – TU Sarah Sordahl – Pryor – ECU Allison Worsham – Deer Creek – Oklahoma City 46

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FEBRUARY 2012

Taylor Collins – Berryhill – Coffeyville Brooklyn Colvin – Tahlequah – ArkansasMonticello Caitlin Coody – Skiatook – Butler College Caylee Cook – Vinita – Southern Illinois Shalee Cordell – Newcastle – OBU Caitlyn Craig – Fort Gibson – Connors State Haylee Jo Crewse – Moore – Neosho Taylor Dewberry – McAlester – OU Courtney Dobson – Union – Fort Hays State Chelsie Drew – Vian – Connors State Olivia Duty – Dibble – Maine Ally Dziadula – Union – UCO Amanda Edmundson – Little Axe – North Texas Whitney Ellis – Yukon – OU Coco Epps – Muskogee – Texas Southern Briana Evans – Union – Ball State Sam Forrest – Broken Arrow – Central Arkansas Bailey Gauntt – Fort Gibson – Rose State Cristal Green – Skiatook – Northern Amy Gunnells – Union – Central Arkansas Kayla Hall – Catoosa – NEO Kaylin Hinshaw – Putnam North – Mid-America Kyndra Holasek – Mustang – Oklahoma City Mattie Holliday – Bethany – OBU Shianne Hughes – Midwest City – OSU Erin Isham – Hilldale – Connors State

Lauren Inman – Kellyville – Labette Cheyenne Johnson – Fort Gibson – Rose State Sabrina Johnson – Bixby – Paris JC Katie Kelley – Coweta – UMKC Miranda Kolb – Poteau – Carl Albert State Shelbi Legg – Mustang – Oklahoma City Morgan McCalmon – Mount St. Mary – Dartmouth Eryn McCarver – Holland Hall – Utah Dre McKee – Jenks – OSU Erin Miller – Jenks – OU Leslie Miller – Blanchard – OU Hannah Morris – Piedmont – OBU Emily Murphy – Union – Williams Woods Erin Patrick – Claremore – Rogers State Lacey Paulk – Washington - ECU Sam Perry – Pryor – Connors State Ali Peter – B.T. Washington – Oklahoma Wesleyan Jenna Reed – Tahlequah – Connors State Lauren Reeves – Union – ECU Danielle Riddle – Hilldale – Arkansas Alex Riley – Union – NEO Kali Romine – Hilldale – Connors State Ashley Saxton – Union – Kansas Wesleyan Kady Self – Edmond North – OU Julana Shrum – Glenpool – Houston Caitlin Sill – Tuttle – TU Jessica Simmons – Bethel – SEOSU Amanda Stevenson – Putnam City – Mid-America Cheyanne Stone – Jenks – Ark. Tech Taylor Sutterfield – Broken Arrow – Northern Darcy Taylor – Jenks – Arizona Jules Townsend – Holland Hall – OU Paris Townsend – Holland Hall – OU Bryana Wade – St. Mary – North Texas Morgan Wilson – Bartlesville – Nicholls State Lindsay Wofford – Union – NEO Kayce Wooldridge – Berryhill – Ark. Tech Brooke Zukerman – Lawton MacArthur – UCO

Boys Swimming

Eastman Holloway – Union – SMU Dustin Weatherford – Bixby – Lindenwood

Girls Swimming

Erika McGovern – Union – Arkansas Chelsea Ye – Classen SAS – Duke

Boys Tennis

Josh Coleman – Union – Cowley Co.

Girls Tennis

Josh Coleman – Union – Cowley Co. Mitchell Knight – Metro Christian – N. Colorado Jason Proctor – Metro Christian – Abilene Christian

Boys Track and Field/Cross Country

JyWayne Allen – Ardmore – OBU Arya Bahreini – Edmond Santa Fe – Oklahoma City Reno Blum – Tahlequah – Oklahoma City Artis Brock – East Central – Allen Co. Isaiah Duke – Edmond Memorial – Baylor Garrett Dyson – Owasso – Rogers State Anthony Fobbs – Broken Arrow – Pittsburg State Dillon Lookout – Jenks – ORU

Alex Monaghan – Union – OSU John Teeters – Edmond Memorial – TU

Girls Track and Field/Cross Country

Paige Barnes – Jenks – OSU Coree Lenhart – Collinsville – Rogers State Lauren Parenica – Westmoore – Oklahoma City Kaitlyn Pontikes – Elgin – Oklahoma City Shannon Ray – Edmond Santa Fe – OBU Haley Taylor – Collinsville – Rogers State

Volleyball

Inky Ajanaku – Bishop Kelley – Stanford Alyssa Bargas – Owasso – NEO Emily Belz – Christian Heritage – Henderson State Deshara Flemming – East Central – Northern Sydney Fioretti – Edmond Santa Fe – OBU Samantha Forgione – East Central – ORU Hannah Holkum – Edmond Santa Fe – N.C. State Barbara Jackson – Edmond Santa Fe – OCU Kylie Johnson – Union – ORU Aubrey Marsellis – Owasso – Austin Peay Sydney Miles – Heritage Hall – Emory Carly Schaede – Owasso – Tabor Sadie Schaffner – Bartlesville – ORU

Talia Stanley – Cache – UCO Tori Thomas – Norman North – Oklahoma City

Wrestling

Landry Chappell – Guthrie – OSU Brian Crutchmer – Union – OSU Kyle Crutchmer – Union – OSU Chase Ferman – Broken Arrow – OSU Kyle Garcia – Choctaw – OU Tim Hamilton – Bartlesville – OU Matt Manley – Perry – Missouri

They Said It....

Central Oklahoma Athletes talk about their signing day and what it means to go on to the next level. Congratulations to all athletes who signed letters of intent. Andrew Long – Southmoore – Air Force “At first I would have never thought I was going to be going to the Air Force Academy to play football simply because it was so far from home, but after I got to thinking about it and thinking about what would be best for me and my future I decided Air Force would be the best route to take. I am very excited about the opportunities that I will get on and off the field and am looking forward to it. The recruiting process was long and now that it's over I'm happy with my choice and am excited for what is ahead of me.”

Blake Belcher – Guthrie – TU “I definitely can't wait to get there and get everything started. Coach Blankenship is a great coach and an even better person. Coach Johnson was the most impressive line coach out of all the colleges I visited. The school is rich in academic tradition and the sports are growing very fast. They will be a consistent top 25 program pretty soon. Coach Blankenship is doing all the right things to make us a contender. Plus the other people in my signing class all have potential to be stars there. I'm really excited about Tulsa.”

Morgan McCalmon – Mount St. Mary – Dartmouth “I have been so blessed. Many people have gone out of their way to help me achieve my dream!”

Bryana Wade – Mount St. Mary – North Texas “It has been my childhood dream to play softball at the D1 level. North Texas was a comfortable fit for me and it made my decision making a lot easier. I know it is going to be a lot of hard work but it will pay off in the end. I am sure it will be a fun environment for me and I'm looking for to it next fall!”

Caitlin Bond – Choctaw – UCO “It is great opportunity and honor! I am very excited and cannot wait to see what this opportunity has in store for not only me, but my new team! It's going to be a great experience.”

Toni Smith – Del City – Fresno State "My goal wasn't making it, it was to work harder and never giving up." F e b ruary 2 0 1 2

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F E AT U R E

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JANUARY 2012

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F E AT U R E

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JANUARY 2012

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