VYPE OKC Area January 2012 by Austin Chadwick

F E AT U R E

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

450

275

Calories

Farmhouse Salad with Roast Chicken with Light Italian Dressing & Small Brisk® No Calorie Green Tea Peach

Roast Beef Classic, Side Salad with Light Italian Dressing & Small Brisk® No Calorie Green Tea Peach

470 Calories

Jr. Roast Beef, Value Curly Fries & Small Diet Pepsi®

450 Calories

Enjoy 5 delicious meals,all under 500 calories.

Prime-Cut™ Chicken Tenders (3pc-dipping sauce not included), Side Salad with Light Italian Dressing & Nestle Pure Life Water

450 Calories

French Dip & Swiss & Small Diet Pepsi®

Nutrition information is based on standard product formulations. Variations may occur due to differences in suppliers, ingredient substitutions, recipe revisions, product assembly at the restaurant level, and/or season of the year. Certain menu items may not be available at all locations. Nutrition calculations follow federal regulations regarding the rounding of nutritional data. © 2012 PepsiCo, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Ad contains valuable V Y Pand E O used K . C ObyMPepsiCo, U A Rand Y 2its0 subsidiaries 12 2 owned | J A N Inc. trademarks and affiliates to distinguish products and services of outstanding quality.

F E AT U R E

VALIR PHYSICAL THERAPY

sponsored by Valir Physical Therapy

Getting you back in the game!

Sarah Parker - Piedmont High School

Sarah Parker is a junior at Piedmont High School where she is a standout on the basketball team and has been a starter since the second half of the season her freshman year. On July 18, 2011, Sarah had her achilles tendon severed by approximately a third in a work place accident. Dr. Kevin Hargrove did surgery to repair the cut on August 2nd and said that January 2012 would be a realistic goal for her return to basketball, but Sarah would require extensive physical therapy. Dr. Hargrove sent Sarah to Valir Physical Therapy at Hefner Pointe where David Hulsig and his team immediately went to work. Through their efforts and Sarah’s hard work she was able to return to playing not in January, but began limited play the end of November. Sarah was ready for her school’s season opener on December 2nd where in her ﬁrst game back she lead her team with 14 points. She has been getting stronger and quicker with each passing week. Sarah and her parents, can’t say enough about the excellent job David and his crew at Valir Physical Therapy provided to get Sarah back in the game.

Nominations for the “Comeback Athlete of the Month” can be emailed to joe.streich@valir.com or mailed to 700 NW 7th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73012.

www.valir.com

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

212 VVYYPPEEOOKK. C. COOMM | | JMA NO NU AT HR YY E2 A0 1R 2

F E AT U R E

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

Publisher Austin Chadwick

| VYPE Reviews This new segment will feature the VYPE personalities as they review everything from the book published by Mike Leach, to Charleston's Restaurant. There are some fun new tailgate games to look at and don't forget about handwarmers in this cold weather.

Partner/Market Director Steve Marshall Editorial Adviser Mark Rodgers Partner/Editorial Director Brad Heath

16 | Oklahoma's Own Blake Griffin has exploded onto the NBA

Partner Bill Huddleston

scene and now finds himself as a Sports Illustrated Coverboy. Alot has changed since 2006 when he was featured on the cover of VYPE Central Oklahoma, and the Blake Griffin humble NBA All-Star is now helping one Oklahoma’s own Blake Griffin is becoming the face of the emerging teams in the Clippers.

Partner/Director of Operations Rod Coulter

of the NBA. Let’s look at his journey from high school in Oklahoma to the bright lights of Los Angeles.

By Austin Chadwick

20 | 2011 Football Recap

fisher’s own Curtis Lofton, he has done it all. “I am blessed High school football in Oklahoma is very special those Chadwick By to Austin with the opportunities I have been given to play professionwho compete on Friday nights. Of course some would say sophomore and swept all six how national player I,ofam theI have to VYPE High ally,” said Lofton. “No matter successful that Saturdays in Norman, Oklahoma are just as special. year awardsand in college basketball. School Sports All the thrills, updates recaps of theGriffin then became say that it all started in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Nothing beats Then others might make the case that nothing beats the NFL the first overall pick in the 2009. After a knee injury, Magazine first 2011 footballthose season benative right Fridaycan nights atfound Thefinally Hive.” on Sundays. launched its Central Oklahoma region in November the Oklahoma City got a chance to show

of 2006. It did not take long for us to realize that in in the here. Check his outskills the inlista full of season stats for the2010-2011 end season, Lofton enjoyed career with the Yellowjackets. He Very few get an opportunity to play in college minusDecember of 2006, it was a must to putand thisa6-foot-8 winning Rookieaofstellar the Year honors. of the year and we break down every class. started three years and tallied for over 500 tackles in his cule amount getfrom a chance on Sundays. But for Kingphenom OCS to onplay the cover of the magazine. As the NBA career. In 2003, Lofton led Kingfisher to the state title as a julockout Blake Griffin was a force in high school basketball. nior andcame in 2004, the Yellowjackets were semifinalists while Teaming with his brother Taylor to win the 2004 and to a close, the Lofton was a consensus All-Stater and All-American. What frenzy of the NBA 2005 Class 3A titles, Griffin then repeated again in didn’t realize was that Lofton excelled in the 2006 and 2007 in Class 2A. Averaging over 20 ppg and many seasonpeople is starting classroom with Griffinas well, earning honor roll status his senior year. 10 rebounds throughout his entire career, Griffin was “I was always unstoppable. He received just about every accolade highlighted ontaught the to do things the right way and to apply myself the classroom.” cover ofinSports and award a high school player can receive, and then chose to stay close to home and play with Taylor at the Illustrated in SI’s NBA Preview on to fulfill his dream at Oklahoma UniUniversity of Oklahoma. Lofton continued edition. and “It isexcelled a versity for the Sooners from 2005-2007. In It was storybook for me,” said Griffin. “Getting a pretty cool deal to Lofton was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the chance to be successful in high school, then play at OU 2007, be featured,” said Year and was a consensus All-American. Even in the 2007 with my brother.” the LA Clipper Big 12 Championship game, Lofton contributed by picking All-Star. “I always Griffin led the Sooners to the 2009 Final Four as a off a Chase Daniels pass and returned it inside the Missouri

26 | Perry-Blackwell Wrestling

VYPE.COM

:: AUGUST 2010

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

The Maroons on both sides gave us a thriller on January 11th, tying 30-30 and setting the precedence for the 2012 Class 3A state championships.

32 | All-VYPE Teams salutes

Graphic Design Leah Weigle Austin Chadwick

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.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

OklahOma’s Own VYPEOK.COM 30

DECEMBER 2011

It's finally here. The Fall 2011 AllVYPE teams are announced for Central Oklahoam and we thank all those who were congratulated with our annual awards.

Next Month... February rolls along and the best basketball teams in the area will be jockying for position. VYPE Media Days are coming for winter and spring sports and we will have all the action with hundreds of participants in the Central Oklahoma area. 4

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

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.

Kyler Walker

Carl Albert High School How long have you been involved in FCA? I have been involved in FCA ever since the middle of freshman year, so for about three years now.

Who influenced you to join? A lot of people on our football team my freshman year attended FCA and I thot it wuld be fun to join. I didn’t know it would become this important to me. How has FCA made an impact in your life on the field and off the field? FCA is a place where I can escape the stress of home and school and just be around a bunch of people who are for the most part there for the same reason I am. It has allowed me to get to know so many new people who love the Lord just like me, and even gave me opportunities to witness to some people also which is a plus. As far as on the field, I did my best to make it known to my teammates about FCA and for the most part they have responded by coming every Wednesday which gives them the same opportunity with FCA that I have. Without FCA, my life would probably be more stressful more than it already is. How has your beliefs helped you as an athlete? It has definitely put things into perspective for me, knowing that God has a plan for whatever happens in a game, and I know that He is in control no matter what. What is your favorite bible verse and why? This is a tough one, but I would have to go with 1 John 4:4 which says, “My dear children, you belond to God. So you have defeated them because God’s Spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world.” That verse has gotten me through some rough times because it promises me that He (God) that is in me, is greater than that in the world. It let’s me know that whatever the world throws at me, I can defeat it because Jesus defeated the world first and since he lives in me I can do the same thing. JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

Pregame ®

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

Congrats to the All-VYPE recipients With the football season complete, state champions crowned and the calendar turned, I know everyone is ready to get serious about the winter sport season. It’s time to check out tournament hoops action, grapple on the mat and then cool off with a dip in the pool. First, some unfinished business as we announce the All-Vype teams for the fall sports inside this months’ issue and close the door on a wild but rewarding year for the Guthrie football team. Several Central Oklahoma boys basketball candidates will attempt to defend their championships like the Edmond Memorial Bulldogs in 6A, Douglass in 4A and Centennial in 3A. Also watch for McGuinness and Del City in 5A, Washington’s Warriors in 3A and Northeast in 2A. On the girls’ side, the Santa Fe Lady Wolves look to defend their title but will be pushed as always by Midwest City in 6A. Others to watch will be Del City and Shawnee in 5A and Millwood in 2A.

On the mat, top Westside teams include Edmond North, Choctaw, Westmoore and you can read more inside about the revived program at Putnam City squad led by the “Pied Piper.” Others to watch will be Guthrie and Deer Creek in 5A and of course the Tuttle Tigers in 4A. Find out who might be the best in 3A as we look inside the Perry and Blackwell programs. Be on the lookout for the upcoming Vype Winter/ Spring Sports Media Day coming in February and we’ll see you at the games.

We’re in the Game

Steve Marshall VYPE Oklahoma Partner

® TM

Basketball Preview Dear readers of VYPE, please

make sure you say thank you to

the people that make this maga-

zine happen. If you purchased a copy of the Basketball Preview

then you know what I’m talking

about. Great work guys and gals!

VYPE is my source for great sto-

ries and photos of these great kids in Oklahoma!

Gary Kilgore, Tulsa OK

Tournament of Champions I want to thank you guys for live streaming the Tournament

of Champions this year from Tulsa. We were able to watch our grandson play. It was a real treat.

Tom C. Oklahoma City OK

(Editor’s Note: All 24 games are archived at vypeok.com. We

enjoyed seeing all of the teams and interviewing many of the players and coaches. )

VYPE Top 100 Is there someone that can explain to me how you come up

with your top 100 list of basketball players? And why are the

girls lumped in with the boys? Doesn’t it make more sense to

do two separate lists? Not complaining just trying to under-

stand your thinking here.

Hannah S. Edmond OK

(Editor’s Note: Thanks for the email Hannah. The process

isn’t something easily explained, but I’ll do my best. We use

the knowledge of the VYPE staff, coupled with the input

of other media outlets from radio and TV, then we throw

approximately 250 names on a board then debate amongst ourselves who belongs. We also pull information from the

questionnaires we get from the basketball coaches. After long debates and a few arguments, we finalize the list and run

with it. It’s not an easy process and someone is always going

to get left out, but we put our neck out there for everyone to

debate and enjoy. )

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

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

Jan. 5th, 1986

VYPEOK.COM

JANAURY 2012

In the second round of the NFL playoffs the Chicago Bears blanked the Los Angeles Rams, 24-0. The week prior the Bears beat the New York Giants, 21-0. The Bears would go on to win the Super Bowl by defeating the New England Patriots, 46-10.

Jan 8th, 1955 The Kentucky Wildcats had a home court advantage wining 129 games in a row before losing to Georgia Tech, 5958 on this day. The winning streak dated back an incredible 12-years.

Jan. 9th, 1988 Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Anthony Carter set a playoff record today when he caught 10 passes for 227-yards in a playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.

PICTURE THIS

01 Perry #1 vs. Blackwell #2 Wreslting Photo: KT King 02 Jonesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tyler seabolt in class 2A finals Photo: Michael Mayberry 03 Donovan jordan - Guthrie jubilation Photo: michael mayberry 04 edmond north captains Photo: josh clough 05 Tajon Jones-Putnam City North Photo: josh clough 06 Jesse Nixon and washington at the Tournament of champions in tulsa Photo: rip stell 07 Clinton football state

championship Game Photo: michael mayberry

Jan. 9th, 1934

Jan. 11th, 1931

Jan. 15th, 1942

Jan. 18th, 1973

Future Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr was born in Montgomery, Alabama. Starr would grow up to play college football at the University of Alabama and become an NFL Hall of Fame quarterback.

The girls basketball team of Jonesboro Baptist School in Monticello, Arkansas hit one foul shot during their game against Magnolia A&M. Magnolia held on to win, 143-1. Leading scorer for Magnolia was Louise Hicks who scored 69-points.

The Chicago Cubs dropped plans to install lights at Wrigley Field due to World War II and the need for iron. The field was built in 1914 and has served many sports teams over the years.

The Boston Red Sox sign Orlando Cepeda. Cepeda was the first player signed as a designated hitter. Cepeda finished his baseball career with 379 home runs and a batting average of .297. He was traded a year later. JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

HEROES OF THE

HARDWOOD CATCH ALL OF THE BEST HigH SCHOOL SPORTS ACTiOn

EXCLUSIVELY On tHE COX CHAnnEL

CHAnnEL 3 OR CHAnnEL 703

Tuesday, January 10th

Southmoore @ Westmoore (6:15p & 7:45p)

Friday, January 13th

Del City @ Midwest (6p & 7:30p)

Friday, January 27th

Edmond North @ Edmond Santa Fe (6:30p & 8p)

Tuesday, January 31st

Guthrie @ Carl Albert (6:30p & 8:30p)

Tuesday, January 31st

Owasso @ Union (6p & 7:30p)

Friday, February 3rd

Douglass @ Capitol Hill (6p & 7:30p)

Saturday, February, 4th

Bishop Kelley @ Bishop McGuinness (6p & 7:30p)

Tuesday, February, 14th

PC West @ Putnam City (6:30p & 8p)

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

PICTURE THIS

01 Perry high school band Photo: KT King Edmond Santa Fe Cheer Photo: Josh Clough 03 Jayden Oliver-Putnam City Photo: Josh Clough 04 Joe Summers-Putnam

City North Photo: Josh Clough 05 matthew ross - mcguinness Photo: Rip Stell 03

Jan. 21st, 1991

Jan. 27th, 2001

Jan. 31st, 1992

Howard â&#x20AC;&#x153;Redâ&#x20AC;? Grange died at the age of 87. Grange, also known as the Galloping Ghost, played pro football for the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants. Both the Bears and the University of Illinois have retired his jersey, No.77.

An Oklahoma State chartered plane crashes 40 miles east of Denver killing six team staff members, two players and the twoperson crew.

Sportscaster Howard Cosell announces his retirement. Cosell was known best for Monday Night Football and his relationship with boxing great Muhammad Ali. Cosell also served in the U.S. Army during WWII. JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

PICTURE THIS

05 02

06 01 Hennessey student body at 2A championship game Photo: michael mayberry 02 Hennessey Cheerleaders Photo: Michael mayberry 03 mikey wilson - mcguinness Photo: rip stell 04 Michael Lowe - Jones Photo: michael mayberry 05 courtney walker - edmond santa fe Photo: josh clough 06 Shaquille Morris - Edmond Santa Fe Photo: josh clough

04 JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

Reviews

Sports for Dorks by Mike Leach & Ferhat Guven

Ever wonder what goes on inside the head of a football genius like Mike Leach? Even if we could read his mind the bigger question is could we understand it? Mike Leach and Texas Tech University graduate Ferhat Guven set out to answer some of the toughest questions in college football, while teaching you lessons from the mind of Mike Leach. Guven does a tremendous job of

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

bringing it all together, which canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be easy when dealing with the mind of Mike Leach. Every coach from youth football to the NFL should be reading this prospectus of football knowledge. Once you start reading it you begin to understand what Leach is attempting to teach and you gain an appreciation for the technique. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in learning the new trends of college football and have a desire to be ahead of the curve, Sports for Dorks should be the first thing you read. For more information on

and came packaged in a mesh bag, which made carrying the game easy. A special feature the Disc-Off will do is allow you to customize your own colors and lettering or add your own decals. This is a great game for tailgating, family get-togethers or college kids killing time on the weekends. For more information on Disc-Off visit their website at Disc-Off.com. - Brad Heath Sports for Dorks visit www.sportsfordorks. com or search on Amazon.com. - Brad Heath

Charleston’s Restaurant

Where do I begin? So many great choices at your neighborhood Charleston’s Restaurant. Let’s begin with the Cream Spinach Artichoke Dip in a parmesan cream sauce with fresh tortilla chips or the Shrimp Cargot in herb garlic butter topped with Havarti cheese? There are great choices on the Soup de Jour, but most everybody’s favorite is the Baked Potato Soup that’s available everyday. Not a big salad guy but when I do I’ll go with either the Chicken Club with crisp chicken or Walt’s Champagne salad with mixed greens, fruit and Pecans. Both wonderfully delicious! Now for my favorite entrée, with a twist. Order the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with marinara on a bed of fettuccine. Now it comes with a side salad but I like to

substitute a side order of the Burgundy Mushrooms for the salad and add the mushrooms to the fettuccine for a most tasty experience for you palette. I don’t always dine out, but when I do…..I go to Charleston’s. - Steve Marshall

Disc-Off Frisbee by Disc-Off.com We’ve all played those tailgating games like Bean Bags or just tossed a football around before the game. Well Disc-Off. com has created a new way to spend those hours leading up to the big game. Disc-Off Frisbee has incorporated throwing and catching into one fun-filled game. Players throw the disc from 50-feet attempting to knock down the other teams bottle from the pole. Each team has a defensive player that attempts to catch the bottle as it falls to the ground. By doing so you steal points back for your team. The set we played featured the colors and logos of a local state school

Bed Buddy Pocket Warmers by Carex Health Brands

Just in time for the long cold winter, Carex Health Brands has introduced the Bed Buddy Pocket Warmers, ideal for outdoor activities, relief from aches and pains and arthritis. We used the Pocket Warmers during the playoffs and they worked very well under some tough conditions. The pocket warmers are heated in a microwave for a few seconds then it’s straight to your pockets. Each package contains two pocket warmers. This is an ideal gift for anyone who loves the outdoors, but can’t stand the smell left on your hands after those disposable hand warmers and it can be used on sore muscles to relieve tension. Priced under $10.00, the Carex Pocket Warmers get our stamp of approval. For more information on the Carex Bed Buddy Pocket Warmers visit www.carex.com or check local food and drug retailers. You can also find Carex on facebook and LinkedIn. - Brad Heath

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

Blake Griffin By Austin Chadwick

Oklahoma’s own Blake Griffin is becoming the face of the NBA. Let’s look at his journey from high school in Oklahoma to the bright lights of Los Angeles.

fisher’s own Curtis Lofton, he has done it all. “I am blessed High school football in Oklahoma is very special those Chadwick By to Austin with the opportunities I have been given to play professionwho compete on Friday nights. Of course some would say sophomore and swept all six how national player I,ofam theI have to VYPE High ally,” said Lofton. “No matter successful that Saturdays in Norman, Oklahoma are just as special. year awards in college basketball. Griffin then became School Sports say that it all started in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Nothing beats Then others might make the case that nothing beats the NFL the first overall pick in the 2009. After a knee injury, Magazine first those Friday nights at Thefinally Hive.” got a chance to show on Sundays. the Oklahoma City native launched its Central Oklahoma region in November of 2006. It did not take long for us to realize that in Very few get an opportunity to play in college minusDecember of 2006, it was a must to putand thisa6-foot-8 cule amount getfrom a chance on Sundays. But for Kingphenom OCS to onplay the cover of the magazine.

Blake Griffin was a force in high school basketball. Teaming with his brother Taylor to win the 2004 and 2005 Class 3A titles, Griffin then repeated again in 2006 and 2007 in Class 2A. Averaging over 20 ppg and 10 rebounds throughout his entire career, Griffin was unstoppable. He received just about every accolade and award a high school player can receive, and then chose to stay close to home and play with Taylor at the University of Oklahoma.

Griffin led the Sooners to the 2009 Final Four as a

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

AUGUST 2010

VYPE.COM

It was storybook for me,” said Griffin. “Getting a chance to be successful in high school, then play at OU with my brother.”

his skills in a full season in the 2010-2011 season, Lofton enjoyed career with the Yellowjackets. He winning Rookieaofstellar the Year honors. started three years and tallied for over 500 tackles in his As the NBA career. In 2003, Lofton led Kingfisher to the state title as a julockout nior andcame in 2004, the Yellowjackets were semifinalists while to a close, the Lofton was a consensus All-Stater and All-American. What frenzy of the NBA many didn’t realize was that Lofton excelled in the seasonpeople is starting classroom as with Griffin well, earning honor roll status his senior year. “I was always highlighted ontaught the to do things the right way and to apply myself the classroom.” cover ofinSports Illustrated in SI’s NBA Preview on to fulfill his dream at Oklahoma UniLofton continued edition. “It a versity andisexcelled for the Sooners from 2005-2007. In pretty cool deal to 2007, Lofton was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the be featured,” said Year and was a consensus All-American. Even in the 2007 the LA Clipper Big 12 Championship game, Lofton contributed by picking All-Star. “I always off a Chase Daniels pass and returned it inside the Missouri

salutes

OklahOma’s Own VYPEOK.COM 30

DECEMBER 2011

F E AT U R E

D EJCAENMUBAERRY 22001112

|| VVYYPPEEOOKK..CCOOMM

31 17

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

405-733-7372 18

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

www.rose.edu

BASEBALL BASKETBALL WRESTLING

stay grounded, but I am comfortable with the national coverage.”

Central Oklahoma

www.hsstm.com

December 2006 x Vol. 1. No. 2

No better player or person to be highlighted as Griffin has shown his fun-loving side. He is highlighted in a handful of endorsed commercials and after the 2011 Slam Dunk competition that saw him jump over a KIA, Griffin now finds himself starring in some comical spots for the automotive company. Couple that with some witty commercials for Subway, and Griffin is finding himself portrayed as a “pretty funny guy,” said Subway CEO Fred DeLuca in a recent Forbes interview.

From Small Town Hero To All-American To NFL Starter: Kingfisher’s Curtis Lofton

“I like to branch out and show the humorous 10-yardline. This sparked a 38side of things,” said Griffin. “It is what life is 17 victory. all about. Having fun enjoying the game of

basketball, and having fun enjoying life.” Lofton opted for the NFL Draft From highyear school after his junior andgreat was to NBA star, Griffin has stayed remembers how much fun chosen in thehumble secondand round by it was to be the Atlanta Falcons. Lofton has on the cover of on of started every game since becomVYPE’s first issues. “I ing a Falcon and led the team in remember the photo tackles in 2009 with 133. shoot,” said Griffin. “We had a blast and The Sooner-born and Soonerit is cool to see how much the magazine bred tackling machine has made has grown.” it a point to credit Oklahoma

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT Big deal Blake Griffin of Oklahoma Christian School and the next big deal Megan Henson of Yukon tipoff our basketball coverage

he is slated to be one of the better linebackers in the league by ESPN analyst Chris Mortensen. “He brings a wonderful nose for the ball,” said Mortensen. “Couple that with his speed and athleticism, and the fact that he is a pretty smart guy, and he has a chance to be one of the best in 2010.”

VYPE.COM

high school football as one of the best around. “I have played with guys all over the country and sure, some states might have really good high school football reputation, but when you consider the guys I played with at OU, and how we are seeing more and more Oklahoma athletes make it to the NFL, it is easy to say that we can definitely hold our own.” Lofton enters his third season with the Falcons and at 24,

:: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

To nominate an athlete, please send their name and which high school they graduated from to editor@okvype.com.

AUGUST 2010 ::

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.

Championship month was filled with great plays, memorable moments and surprising results. Here’s a quick look back at the teams, players and coaches that made this a season we’ll never forget. Photos by Michael Mayberry

Class 6A

his year several teams met the 2011 football season with high hopes of cracking that nut that is Class 6A football. The dominating teams of Union and Jenks seemed to have some cracks in the armor. The question was who could step up and exploit them. Could the two teams that seem to have some sort of ownership of the gold ball in 6A be vulnerable?

Edmond North, Midwest City and Edmond Santa Fe appeared to be three of the favorites heading into the playoffs. Lawton and Norman were playing good as well and heading into the playoffs many experts felt this could be the year someone from the west grabs a gold ball.

In the opening round Midwest City knocked off Westmoore, 28-14, Lawton beat Norman North, 35-7 and Edmond North defeated Yukon, 27-0. Edmond Santa Fe looked really good in

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

their win over Lawton Ike, 41-10. The quarterfinals were tough for the west side. Santa Fe lost to Jenks, 48-21 in a game that was close for three quarters. Edmond North lost to Union by one point, 17-16. This was a tough game for the Huskies as they had victory in sight, but couldn’t covert.

Lawton faced a well-oiled machine in Broken Arrow and lost, 47-7, while Midwest City fell to Owasso, 48-45 in four overtimes. Midwest City and Edmond North could smell blood, but couldn’t find a way to win. Union would go on to defeat Jenks, while Broken Arrow knocked out Owasso. Union continued winning games by one point all the way through the title game against Broken Arrow. When the final second clicked off the clock Union had won, 23-22. The win marked the fourth title for Union in four years. “It’s amazing and it hasn’t sunk in yet, but as a senior I’ve won my fourth state title. It’s awesome!” Said Union linebacker Blace Walser.

CLASS 6A defeated Deer Creek, 58-28 setting up a game against Bishop Kelley in the quarterfinals. Kelley was game, but Mac was too much as they rolled to victory, 31-14. An eagerly anticipated game with Ardmore was next for Mac, but once again they made winning look easy as they ran Ardmore off the field, 56-2. Carl Albert was knocked out in the first round by Ardmore, which is something the Titans are not accustom to.

TAYLOR CHASTEEN LAWTON IKE

Class 5A The Class 5A finals came down to two west side teams as Guthrie and Lawton

BRYAN DUTTON GUTHRIE MacArthur squared off for the gold ball. Guthrie defeated Durant, East Central, and McAlester before beating Lawton Mac, 24-7. Lawton MacArthur’s road to the finals wasn’t an easy one, although they made it look easy. In the opening round they

LANDRY CHAPPELL GUTHRIE

Last year’s champion Booker T. Washington was knocked out in the first round by last year’s runner-up East Central Cardinals, 28-10. The revenge victory was short lived as Guthrie made a statement defeating East Central, 20-14 in the quarterfinals. Pryor picked up a playoff win be defeating Collinsville, 31-26 and McAlester beat Central, 34-13.

Class 5A was wide open this season and Guthrie took advantage. Head coach Rafe Watkins was suspended for the playoffs, but the team rallied and pulled out a great win for the school. The Bluejays have a deep roster and a belief that they belong at the top of Class 5A. Under the guidance of coach Watkins and the support of the community, Guthrie appears to be a team that will hang around the summit of the 5A mountain for years to come.

Class 4A

The Wagoner Bulldogs appeared to be one of the favorites, but no one was really too sure in the media. Clinton, Catoosa and Bishop McGuinness all looked extremely good in the regular season. Wagoner won their first round playoff game against a salty Fort Gibson team, 57-14 then in the quarterfinals they blanked Woodward, 49-0.

Clinton wasted no time getting off to a great start in the playoffs. A big win over Cushing in the opening round, 38-6 was followed by another big win in the quarterfinals over Hilldale, 49-14. The offense for the Red Tornadoes was rolling and stopping that freight train was no easy task. Catoosa was undefeated heading into the playoffs. In the first round they clawed their way to victory against Broken Bow, 24-21. That set up their game against

F E AT U R E

CHAMPION: Union FINAL

At Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater Union 23, Broken Arrow 22

SEMIFINALS Broken Arrow 30, Owasso 17 Union 30, Jenks 29

QUARTERFINALS Owasso 48, Midwest City 45, 4OT Broken Arrow 47, Lawton 7 Jenks 48, Edmond Santa Fe 21 Union 17, Edmond North 16

TOP PERFORMERS PASSING

Jerame Littell - Stillwater - 3055 yards, 40 TDs T.J. Eckert - Bixby - 2814 yards, 26 TDs Brent Wilson - Ponca City - 2745 yards, 28 TDs

RUSHING

James Flanders - Midwest City - 2456 yards, 44 TDs Casey Curtis - Putnam City - 1805 yards, 28 Tds Devon Thomas - Broken Arrow - 1775 yards, 22 TDs

RECIEVING

Jasson Blair - Bixby - 1202 yards, 15 TDs Corey Hassel - Stillwater - 1181 yards, 13 TDs Jesse Vester - Stillwater - 1125 yards, 10 TDs Derek Ewing - Ponca City - 1052 yards, 12 TDs DeMarious Littles - Lawton - 926 yards, 10 TDs

TACKLES

Zeke Lewis - Midwest City - 169 Josh Morgan - Westmoore - 158 Luke Catron - Choctaw - 158 Vincent Thomas - Lawton - 145

SACKS

Patrick Diaz - Lawton - 17 Garrett Davenport - Stillwater - 13 Andre Dowona-Hammond - Yukon - 12 DJ Ward - Lawton - 11 Jordan Gouge - Lawton - 10

INTERCEPTIONS

Levi Copelin - Broken Arrow - 8 Ronnie Davis - Midwest City - 7 Maurice Chandler - Lawton - 7

CLASS 5A CHAMPION: Guthrie FINAL At Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater Guthrie 24, Lawton Mac 7

SEMIFINALS Guthrie 28, McAlester 25 Lawton Mac 56, Ardmore 2

QUARTERFINALS Guthrie 20, East Central 14 McAlester 37, Duncan 21 Lawton Mac 31, Kelley 14 N U A7 RY 2012 | Ardmore 14,J APryor

VYPEOK.COM

CLASS 5A (Cont'd) TOP PERFORMERS PASSING

Glenpool, which they won with ease, 27-0.

In the semifinals Clinton faced a tough opponent in Catoosa. The Red Tornadoes were solid, but Catoosa was game and gave it everything they had. They would fall to Clinton, 27-24 in what is considered by many the best season in the history of Catoosa football, but Clinton appeared to be on a mission and had a gold ball in sight.

Tony Kiefer - McAlester - 3523 yards, 37 TDs Taylor Chasteen - Lawton MacArthur - 2229 yards, 29 TDs Travis Galbreath - Ardmore - 2028 yards, 17 TDs

RUSHING

Luke Davis - Guthrie - 1530 yards, 24 TDs Malachi Neal - Tulsa East Central - 1500 yards, 9 TDs Darius Graham - Lawton MacArthur - 1492 yards, 18 TDs

RECIEVING

Adam Boyd - McAlester - 1189 yards, 7 TDs Alvery Braxton - McAlester - 1049 yards, 13 yards Easton Pingleton - Ada - 951 yards, 8 TDs TJ Turner - Lawton MacArthur - 724 yards, 8 TDs

AARON LANTZ CLINTON

Wagoner seemed unstoppable in the playoffs. The Bulldogs rolled through McGuinness, 43-20 setting up and battle of two goliath teams. But the defense for Wagoner found a way to create opportunities and capitalize on them. Clinton was defeated, 23-0 and took home the silver ball.

TACKLES

Landry Chappell - Guthrie - 164 Jordan Cunningham - Claremore - 136 Kooper Ruminer - Deer Creek - 125

SACKS

Landry Chappell - Guthrie - 12 Vincent Norris - Guthrie - 11 Chantz Woodberry - Carl Albert - 10

INTERCEPTIONS

Landry Chappell - Guthrie - 12 Vincent Norris - Guthrie - 11 Chantz Woodberry - Carl Albert - 10

CLASS 4A CHAMPION: Wagoner

FINAL At Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater Wagoner 23, Clinton 0 SEMIFINALS Clinton 27, Catoosa 24, 2OT Wagoner 43, OKC McGuinness 20 QUARTERFINALS Clinton 49, Hilldale 14 Catoosa 27, Glenpool 0 Wagoner 49, Woodward 0 OKC McGuinness 28, Sallisaw 14 TOP PERFORMERS PASSING

Garrett Lorah - Elgin - 2586 yards, 24 TDs Wilson Klutts - Poteau - 2508 yards, 25 TDs Camden Tharp - Bishop McGuinness - 2196 yards, 35 TDs

GARRISON MENDOZA CLINTON

RUSHING

Jalee Rainge - Clinton - 2168 yards, 28 TDs Dawson Myers - Cushing - 1574 yards, 23 TDs Cassius Calhoun - Piedmont - 1480 yards, 13 TDs

RECIEVING

Class 3A Anadarko featured one of the best running backs in the state in Sheldon Wilson. Cascia Hall fought all year to get to the championship game with big wins over 3A favorite Heritage Hall, Sequoyah Claremore, Bethany and Keys.

Anadarko was looking for their first state title in school history. But other teams were focused on spoiling the party and grabbing their own piece of gold. Plainview defeated Weatherford in the opening round, 34-7, then knocked out Newcastle, 35-0, before being defeated by Berryhill, 22-14.

Class 3A favorite Heritage Hall walked through Chandler in round one, 62-

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

Christian Foster - Piedmont - 954 yards, 11 TDs Eric Delay - Cleveland - 810 yards, 9 TDs Dalton Barnes - Oologah 4A - 722 yards, 9 TDs

TACKLES

Brandon Nguyen - Bishop McGuinness - 159 Nick Jeffreys - Bishop McGuinness - 147 Jeremy Applegate - Wagoner - 141 Kyler Ferguson - Woodward - 140

SACKS

Landry Chappell - Guthrie - 12 Vincent Norris - Guthrie - 11 Chantz Woodberry - Carl Albert - 10

INTERCEPTIONS

Devon Mitchell - Clinton - 9 Gage Bertram - Vinita - 6 Kendrick Hardaway - Poteau - 6 Colbey McEwan - Woodward - 5

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

CLASS 3A CHAMPION: Anadarko

FINAL At Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater Anadarko 35, Cascia Hall 18 SEMIFINALS Anadarko 32, Berryhill 7 Cascia Hall 14, OKC Heritage Hall 7 QUARTERFINALS Anadarko 34, Metro Christian 14 Berryhill 22, Plainview 14 Cascia Hall 31, Bethany 7 OKC Heritage Hall 49, Seminole 20 TOP PERFORMERS PASSING

Andrew Hearon - Metro Christian - 3719 yards, 42 TDs, Quinn Shanbour - Heritage Hall - 2612 yards, 37 TDs Garrett Clark - Seminole - 2330 yards, 24 TDs

RUSHING

Sheldon Wilson - Anadarko - 3335 yards, 57 TDs Cade Shearwood - Stigler - 1889 yards, 31 TDs Caleb Muncrief - Madill - 1571 yards, 24 TDs Landon Nault - Kingfisher - 1517 yards, 25 TDs

RECIEVING

Sterling Shepard - Heritage Hall - 1243 yards, 17 TDs Drew Hillenburg - Metro Christian - 985 yards, 14 TDs Zach Hill - Blanchard - 898 yards, 4 TDs

TACKLES

Ryan Echelle - Stigler - 197 Wes Satoe - Anadarko - 169 Luke Wehrli - Victory Christian - 142

SACKS

Grant Hamilton - Idabel - 17 Brett Gilstrap - Bethany - 16 Markus Wakefield - Heritage Hall - 12

INTERCEPTIONS

Kyle Bert - Anadarko - 11 Tanner Dearman - Anadarko - 9 Matt Embree - Purcell - 6

CLASS 2A CHAMPION: HENNESSEY

FINAL At Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater Hennessey 21, Jones 7 SEMIFINALS Hennessey 25, OKC Millwood 13 Jones 63, Lindsay 6 QUARTERFINALS Hennessey 18, Vian 7 OKC Millwood 40, Lincoln Christian 14 Jones 29, Stroud 28 Lindsay 20, Pawhuska 6 TOP PERFORMERS PASSING

Hunter Eubank - Lindsay - 3916 yards, 50 TDs Michael Lowe - Jones - 3383 yards, 42 TDs Ty Hooper - Alva - 2888 yards, 21 TDs

RUSHING

Dakota Biswell - Stroud - 2065 yards, 34 TDs Demetric Sanders - Millwood - 1474 yards, 12 TDs, Ivan Moreno - Hennessey - 1401 yards, 16 TDs

RECIEVING

Rylan Russell - Cordell - 1596 yards, 17 TDs Tylor Seabolt - Jones - 1114 yards, 16 TDs Riley Hess - Alva - 1002 yards, 9 TDs V Y P E -OWatonga K . C O M -| 960 J A Nyards, U A R Y122 TDs 012 24 Javis Flynn

6, then beat Madill, 62-19 in the second round. The defending champs appeared to have the talent and scheme to be nearly unstoppable. After taking out Seminole, 49-20 the Chargers squared off with Cascia Hall in the semifinals at Stillwater High School. With fourth and goal and the entire season on the line, the Chargers just couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find pay dirt and the Commandos advanced to the finals to face Anadarko. It was a difficult game dominated by defense. Anadarkoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sheldon Wilson lived up to the hype and carried the Warriors to victory, 35-18. Cascia Hall played a great game and had opportunities to make plays, but no one was stopping Wilson and the Warriors this season.

Class 2A

Hennessey and Jones would battle it out for the Class 2A state title, but both had difficult paths to get to the finals. Hennessey defeated Luther, Frederick, Vian and Millwood while Jones beat Perry, Comanche, Stroud (by one point) and Lindsay. In the finals Hennessey got the best of Jones, 21-7. The win marked back-to-back titles for Hennessey.

Lincoln Christian had a great season, but lost in the quarterfinals to Millwood, 4014. Pawhuska played well making it to the quarterfinals where they were knocked out by Lindsay. Vian was the most improved team of Class 2A and looked like a team that could play with anyone. But in the quarterfinals they faced eventual champion Hennessey. Several teams had great seasons, but came up just short in the playoffs. Davis defeated Washington, 47-7 in the opening round then lost to Millwood, 20-7. Oklahoma Christian School won their opening game over Christian Heritage, 30-7 then fell to Lindsay, 47-21. Newkirk lost to Wyandotte, 8-6, then Wyandotte ran into a tough team in Stroud. Stroud won that game, 53-8, then went on to drop their next game to Jones by one point, 29-28. Overall it was a great season in Class 2A and it shapes up to be another struggle in 2012.

Class A, B, C

Class A featured Woodland and Wayne in the finals. Wayne pulled out the win, 35-28. Woodland defeated Hulbert, Wynnewood, Ringling and Thomas-Fay to get to the finals, while Wayne had to go through Warner, Morrison, Minco and Carnegie. Both traveled very tough paths to win a gold ball.

Class B champion Caddo had to defeat South Coffeyville (49-0), Fox (35-14), Laverne (33-22) and Davenport (44-14) in the finals to claim the gold ball. Davenport defeated Pond Creek-Hunter in the opening round and won, 56-8, then faced Gans. After defeating Gans they met Kiefer in the semifinals, which they won, 30-13. Class C witnessed the resurgence of Shattuck as they won another gold ball by defeating Tipton, 26-6. The win marked their seventh title in nine years. Head coach Troy Bullard announced his retirement from coaching prior to the playoffs.

TACKLES

Taylor Bilyeu - Jones - 175 Chris Humphrey - Jones - 154 Zach Womack - St. Mary - 151 Joby Allen - Alva - 146 Cade Pfleider - Alva - 122

SACKS

Trapper Reeves - Wyandotte - 14 Justin Wilson - Luther - 12 Seth Shettlesworth - Wyandotte - 12 Jake Walton - Lindsay - 12 Trevor Dowell - Hennessey - 11

INTERCEPTIONS

Brandon Long - Coalgate - 8 Justin Walton - Wyandotte - 7 Logan Magill - Oklahoma Christian - 6 Cody Forell - Alva - 5

Class A CHAMPION: Wayne

FINAL At Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater Wayne 35, Woodland 28 SEMIFINALS Woodland 32, Thomas 7 Wayne 52, Carnegie 6 QUARTERFINALS Thomas 35, Dibble 20 Woodland 46, Ringling 7 Wayne 47, Minco 40 Carnegie 47, Foyil 20 TOP PERFORMERS PASSING

Cameron Nix - Carnegie - 3403 yards, 33 TDs Cade Baade - Minco - 2723 yards, 34 TDs Garrett Lehnick - Gore - 2391, 26 TDs Tyler Mannering - Thomas - 1412, 10 TDs

RUSHING

Josh Way - Wayne - 2989 yards, 42 TDs Seth Hamby - Dibble - 2149 yards, 29 TDs Jacob Smart - Minco - 1832 yards, 31 TDs

RECIEVING

Joe Lane - Gore - 1279 yards, 19 TDs Chandler Pettit - Carnegie - 1276 yards, 14 TDs

TACKLES

Clinton Horn - Carnegie - 165 Corey Mooney - Sayre - 151 Louden Johnson - Wayne - 144

SACKS

Kale Groff - Wayne - 23 Jordan Warrior - Wewoka - 12 Edgar Sierra - Empire - 11

INTERCEPTIONS

Khalil Johnson - Hollis - 7 Joe Lane - Gore - 7 Jeremy Reynolds - Wewoka - 6

Class B CHAMPION: Caddo

FINAL Caddo 44, Davenport 14 SEMIFINALS Caddo 33, Laverne 22 Davenport 30, Kiefer 13

QUARTERFINALS Laverne 38, Welch 22 Caddo 35, Fox 14 Davenport 60, Gans 40 Kiefer 36, Seiling 14 TOP PERFORMERS PASSING

Brady Caldwell - Allen - 2174 yards, 30 TDs Zach Rayner - Pond Creek-Hunter - 1866, 21 TDs Tyler Douthit - Bowlegs - 1672 yards, 24 TDs

RUSHING

Alex Smith - Welch - 2142 yards, 31 TDs Mike Miller - Davenport - 1960 yards, 29 TDs Buster Horn - Seiling - 1630 yards, 24 TDs

RECIEVING

Grant Rowsey - Allen - 1128 yards, 13 TDs Ty Miller - Caddo - 855 yards, 14 TDs Kevin Thomas - Davenport - 674 yards, 12 TDs Tucker Van Dyke - PC-Hunter - 673 yards, 6 TDs Brady Krittenbrink - PC-Hunter - 665 yards, 11 TDs

TACKLES

Kyler Newton - Central Marlow - 166 Jerry Johnson - Paoli - 155 Kaileb House - Seiling - 144

SACKS

Dalton Presley - Bowlegs - 14 Blake Hashagen - Paoli - 12 Josh Kaulaity - Cyril - 11

INTERCEPTIONS

Brady Caldwell - Allen - 13 Mike Miller - Davenport - 8 Kevin Thomas - Davenport - 7

Class C CHAMPION: SHATTUCK

FINAL Shattuck 26, Tipton 6

SEMIFINALS Tipton 48, Sharon-Mutual 30 Shattuck 56, Temple 44 QUARTERFINALS Sharon-Mutual 30, Covington-Douglas 8 Tipton 13, Deer Creek-Lamont 12 Temple 34, Timberlake 22 Shattuck 66, Coyle 42 TOP PERFORMERS PASSING Scott Dick - Corn Bible - 1440 yards, 17 TDs Kerry White - Tipton - 1349 yards, 22 TDs Aaron McCandless - Shattuck - 1017 yards, 16 TDs

RUSHING

Aaron McCandless - Shattuck - 2213 yards, 39 TDs Aaron Holden - Temple - 1619 yards, 23 TDs Josh Torres - Tipton - 1595 yards, 18 TDs

RECIEVING

Jay Penner - Corn Bible - 774 yards, 12 TDs Korey Floyd - Shattuck - 588 yards, 8 TDs Trevor Harms - Corn Bible - 519 yards, 4 TDs JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

Blue Jays overcome adversity and played through the suspension of their leader and Head Coach Rafe Watkins and pulled off a perfect season. By Chris Evans, Guthrie Sports Page For the second time in school history the Guthrie Football program went through a season untouched in the loss column. Guthrie claimed their third state championship with a 24-7 win over Lawton MacArthur inside Oklahoma Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boone Pickens Stadium. The Jays have claimed the 2002, 2007 and 2011 titles in Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second largest class. The Bluejays proved to be the ultimate champions of Class 5A as they defeated seven of the 14 teams were ranked in the top 10 sometime throughout the season, including top five teams: MacArthur, McAlester, East Central and Carl Albert. Duncan, Deer Creek and Ada spent a good part of the season in the top 10. Guthrie was cruising to an 8-0 start, including a district championship win over Carl Albert, when they received word they were under investigation by the OSSAA for the use of an ineligible player. Later, the OSSAA ruled Clint Simek, a senior move-in, to be ineligible; causing the Jays to forfeit eight of their 26

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

nine games and out of the playoffs. However, Guthrie appealed the decision and explained their case to the 14-member board. Eventually, the OSSAA gave Guthrie their wins back and the playoffs were back on despite infractions placed upon the program. Head Coach Rafe Watkins took a big part of the infractions handed down, but if you were to talk to Watkins it was worth the 8-game suspension, even without the championship trophy, because his players got to play and prove themselves on the field. The off-the-field news was perhaps the biggest challenge for Guthrie to over come in 2011. On the field, the defense posted six shut-outs and kept Cody Reihs

seven opponents out of the end zone while the offense scored nearly 40-points a game and led 5A in rushing. Watkins is now 109-28 (.795) in his 11 seasons on the Guthrie sideline to go along with the three Luke Davis state championships and now three district titles (2007, 2010 and 2011). The ball coach has sent the program to 10 playoff appearances in 11 his seasons with a 20-7 playoff record. For the seniors, they finished their three-year career with a record of 33-7, including a 19-2 district record to go with two district titles. No other Guthrie senior class can claim two district titles. The seniors won their last 14 games inside Jelsma Stadium and finished their three-year career’s with an overall home record of 17-2. Just as impressive, the senior class was 8-2 in playoff games (4-0 at home) while reaching the state semis in all three years.

2011 Results 09/02 @ Duncan 09/09 @ Ponca City 09/16 Enid 09/23 @ Deer Creek 09/30 Ada 10/07 @ Noble 10/14 Carl Albert 10/20 @ El Reno 10/28 Western Heights 11/04 Southeast 11/11 Durant 11/18 East Central 11/26 McAlester 12/2 Lawton Mac

36 - 0Win 43 - 7Win 34 - 0Win 35 - 7Win 56 - 14Win 60 - 0Win 38 - 35Win 35 - 0Win 48 - 0Win 48 - 0Win 53 - 7Win 20 - 14Win 28 - 25Win 24 - 7Win

Richard Brothers

Statistical Leaders Passing Bryan Dutton Rushing Luke Davis Bryan Dutton Kai Callins Seth Vicchio

1,652 yards

21 TD 5 INT

1,530 yards 1,251 yards 700 yards 388 yards

24 TD 11 TD 10 TD 3 TD

Receiving Luke Davis Donovan Jordan Kai Callins

33 rec 24 rec 25 rec

Tackles Landry Chappell John Clark Donovan Jordan

164 107 91

Interceptions Kai Callins Donovan Jordan JT McFadden

3 2 2

447 yards 433 yards 343 yards

Sheri L MueLLer PLLC Attorney At LAw

6 TD 8 TD 5 TD

Real Estate • Probate Estate Planning • Foreclosures General Civil Practice

282-7677

109 N Division • Guthrie Awesome Players + Great Coaches + Perfect Season = State Champs Way to go 'Jays!!

Battle of th F E AT U R E

Wrestling powerhouse Perry High School faced off against previews the Class 3A team and dual state championship

By Mark Rodgers

Photos by KT King

High school wrestling is alive and well in the land of the Maroons. A packed house witnessed Perry and Blackwell dual to a 30-30 tie, setting the scene for what should be an even more thrilling class 3A state tournament.

Perry was granted the win on the second criteria of the tie-breaker by winning eight of the 14 matches that night. Even more flavor is added to the rivalry with Perry-native EJ Edgar leading Blackwell on to the mat. Edgar's ties run deep in the Noble County community of Perry. "We've had guys (from Blackwell) wrestle

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

some of my cousins," said Edgar. "But I couldn't be happier than where I am now." Edgar has the Blackwell program flying high. The Maroons of the north finished third in class 4A in 2011 and dropped down a class this year, landing smack dab in the middle of the class dominated by their fiercest rival. Blackwell is armed with enough returning starters

he Maroons 3A #2 Blackwell for an unforgettable match that

Courtney both delivered pins for their team in the January 10th dual. "Conner is an amazing technician. He made a commitment to learning the nuances of the sport a couple of years ago and it has paid off," said Edgar. "Cole is one of the best athletes in the school. He had a huge impact for our football team and will continue to do so on the mat"

to be considered a threat to unseat Perry's run of eight straight titles.

Defending state champions Conner Cline and Cole

Cline will continue his career in Stillwater with John Smith and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Courtney is still weighing his offers collegiately. The two schools won't be meeting again in a dual. Blackwell remains in Class 4A for dual state even though they will butt heads with Perry in the conventional state tournament. JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

Since Edgar arrived in Blackwell, the rivalry has been taken up a notch in intensity. Two times during Edgar's tenure the teams have been ranked 1 and 2. Once both teams were ranked number one in their respective classes. Blackwell won last year's dual on their home mat. Perry's wrestling program is arguably the most dominant force in Oklahoma high school athletics. Fans flock to Divine Hall to watch their beloved Maroons wrestle under the spot light with music blaring from the public address and their raucous pep band. When the Maroons have a match, all of Perry is invested. Fans watch their team take

Box Score Perry 30 Blackwell 30 - January 11th, 2012 106 - Noah Nida (Perry) dec. 7-4 Payden Day (Blackwell) 112 - Connor Cline (Blackwell) pinned Tevin Williams (Perry) 120 - Jamaree Swan (Perry) dec. 5-3 Scott Seabridge (Blackwell) 126 - Matt Manley (Perry) pinned Dakota Hagen (Blackwell) 132 - Austin Allen (Perry) by forfeit 138 - Zac West (Blackwell) dec. 9-4 Hunter Condit (Perry) 145 - Trent Williams (Perry) dec. 4-3 Hector Artega (Blackwell) 152 - Colton Looper (Perry) dec. 4-2 Sam Schuerman (Blackwell) 160 - Cole Courtney (Blackwell) pinned Cade Cox (Perry) 170 - Connor Kirby (Blackwell) dec. 1-0 Tyler Adams (Perry) 182 - Ky Cassidy (Blackwell) pinned Garrett Beier (Perry) 195 - Kyle Varley (Perry) dec. 10-4 Jacob Lamb (Blackwell) 220 - Bron Brown (Blackwell) pinned Dustin Schweer (Perry) 285 - Nathan Wade (Perry) dec. 4-2 Tanner Allen (Blackwell) Returning State placers Perry 112 - Matt Manley - State Champion 119 - Jamaree Swan - 3rd place 140 - Trent Williams - Runner up Blackwell 103 - Scott Seabridge - Runner Up 112 - Connor Cline - State Champion 130 - Grant Rigdon - 3rd place 145 - Cole Courtney - State Champion 160 - Ky Cassidy - Runner Up 171 - Connor Kirby - 3rd place

on any and all comers from whatever class. They rarely leave without seeing their team triumph. Keep an eye on a pair of weight classes where Maroons could match up for state titles.

Jamaree Swan took control of his match early against Scott Seabridge with a takedown and a near fall. Seabridge battled back and fell just short losing a 5-3 decision. The match between Trent Williams and Hector Ortega was even closer at 145. Williams won late 4-3 over Ortega in a battle that has been on going for several years. The score will surely be settled at the Fairgrounds Arena. 30

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

QUICK FACTS

Perry won its first state championship in wrestling in 1952. Perry has won 38 state team championships since 1952. Since 1961, Perry no graduating class has left Perry without being state champions at some point. The Maroons are currently on an 8-year streak of state championships. Perry won 11 straight titles from 1971 to 1981. Blackwell won its first state championship in wrestling in 1941. Blackwell last won a state championship in 1999. The Maroons finished third in Class 4A to Tuttle in 2011 and drop to Class 3A this season.

Famous Alums Perry - Apple crushing, olympian Danny Hodge and current WWE star Jack Swagger aka Jake Hager Blackwell - Jack and Jerry Brisco. The brothers were professional wrestling stars and Jack was a two-time NCAA champ.

100th Year Anniversary

J a n u ar y 2 0 1 2

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.

Stephen Clark

Douglass High School

Clark is perhaps the best player in Oklahoma and is proving it night-in and night-out. The junior is averaging nearly 40 points per game and is leading his Douglass Trojans to another successful season. Clark is the only significant remaining member of the back-to-back state title teams of 2010 and 2011.

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

ALL-VYPE

F E AT U R E

We carefully poured over tons of stats and argued into the night to come up with the list of first 1st Team Offense 1st Team Defense 1st Team Special Teams QB LB K Quinn Shanbour – Heritage Hall Camden Tharp – Bishop McGuinness

RB James Flanders – Midwest City Casey Curtis – Putnam City Barry J. Sanders – Heritage Hall Donovan Roberts – Norman

WR Sterling Shepard – Heritage Hall Tylor Seabolt – Jones Christian Foster – Piedmont Gage Diffee – Bethany

OLt Blake Belcher – Guthrie Daniel Burton – Putnam City North Devin Dobbins – Millwood Cole Parsons – Edmond North Cayman Bundage – Douglass

Landry Chappell – Guthrie Brynden Pitzer – Edmond North Zeke Lewis – Midwest City Brandon Nguyen – Bishop McGuinness Josh Morgan – Westmoore

Cole Rinke – Bethany

P Joel Davis – Midwest City

DB/S

Coach of the Year

Ronnie Davis – Midwest City Jacky Smith – Putnam City Derek Deeds – Yukon Rashaad Copeland – El Reno Rico Hogan – Norman

Lance Manning – Edmond Santa Fe

DL Josh Crouch – Edmond Santa Fe Austin Ferguson – El Reno Markus Wakefield – Heritage Hall Kyle Factor – Westmoore Nolan Boyd – Deer Creek

For more log onto VYPEOK.COM Quin Shanbour - Heritage Hall

VYPEOK.COM

Cayman Bundage - Douglass

JANUARY 2012

Barry J. Sanders - Heritage Hall

Austin Ferguson - El Reno

Nolan Boyd - Deer Creek

F E AT U R E

team and second team members of this year’s edition of the Central Oklahoma All-VYPE Team. 2nd Team Offense 2nd Team Defense 2nd Team Special Teams QB LB K Trevor Thompson – Westmoore Michael Lowe – Jones

Jas’Sen Stoner – Douglass Taylor Bilyen – Jones Luke Catron – Choctaw Zach Womack – Mount St. Mary Taylor Lewis – Moore

RB Luke Davis – Guthrie Cassius Calhoun – Piedmont Demetric Sanders – Millwood Damian Shea – Purcell

WR Tre Kelley – Edmond Santa Fe Zach Hill – Blanchard Andrew Herzer – Jones Austin Bowling – Westmoore Connor McMurrain – Casady

DB/S

P Chris Compton – Douglass

Coach of the Year

Jeremy Dombeck – Edmond North

Jared Griffin – Duncan Ricky Reeves – Midwest City Alex Clark – Putnam City North Matt Embree – Purcell Christian Countreras – Edmond North

OL Jarrod Stewart – Heritage Hall Austin Loomis – Deer Creek Carrie Farmer – Minco Adam Kelley – Wynnewood Rayshawn Cato – Carl Albert

Cassius Calhoun - Piedmont

Zach Holetzky – Moore

Ricky Rodriguez - Clinton

DL Ricky Rodriguez – Clinton Patrick Diaz – Lawton – Braylon Freeman – Lawton Mac

ATH Cale Courtney – Heritage Hall Steven Dye – Little Axe

Luke Davis - Guthrie

Luke Cantron - Piedmont

Dametric Sanders - Millwood

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

ALL-VYPE SOFTBALL Photo By Brad Heath

Large School Team

P – Madison Martin – Edmond Santa Fe P – Ashlee Perkins – Duncan C – Whitney Ellis – Yukon C – Braxton Coil – Edmond North IF – Tiana Jordan – Midwest City IF – Molly Davison – Carl Albert IF – Shianne Hughes – Midwest City IF – Kyndra Holasek – Midwest City IF – Melaney Anderson – Westmoore OF – Kady Self – Edmond North OF – Stephanie Couser – Moore OF – Shelbi Legg – Mustang

Photo By Brad Heath

U – Caitlyn Halbert – Yukon U – Kaylin Hinshaw – Putnam North U – Caitlyn Cosme – Norman U – Sheridan Bond – Edmond North U – Destinie Lookout – Westmoore

Small School Team P – Caitlin Sill – Tuttle P – Lacey Paulk – Washington C – Bryana Wade – Mount St. Mary C – Taylor Hildebrand – Tuttle IF – Morgan Jervis – Newcastle IF – Amanda Edmundson – Little Axe IF – Megan Blevins – Little Axe IF – Hannah Morris – Piedmont OF – Shalee Cordell – Newcastle OF – Courtney Miller – Piedmont OF – Leah Tigert – Davis OF – Jessica Seay – Harrah U – Ashley Martin – Wayne U – Caitlyn Deason – Piedmont U – Morgan McCalmon – Mount St. Mary Coach of the Year Rick Scott – Piedmont

Photo By Brad Heath

Coach of the Year Stephanie Riley – Moore

SHIANNE HUGHES - MIDWEST CITY

Photo By Josh Clough

Photo By Rip Stell

Photo By Josh Clough

ALL-VYPE VOLLEYBALL

LEXIE MATTHEWS NORMAN NORTH 34

VYPEOK.COM

SYDNEY MILES HERITAGE HALL

JANUARY 2012

KRISTEN NASHERT EDMOND NORTH

Large School Team

Small School Team

Maddie Reddick – Bishop McGuinness Tori Thomas – Norman North Lexie Matthews – Norman North Skylar Conner – Edmond Memorial Hannah Holkum – Edmond Santa Fe Barbara Jackson – Edmond Santa Fe Kristen Nashert – Edmond North Heather Watson – Edmond North

Madison Ward – Cache Talia Stanley – Cache Bree Fritschow – Duncan Dawnshaye Blakes – Chickasha Sydney Miles – Heritage Hall Jessica Penner – Corn Bible Academy Jenny Pratt – Christian Heritage Taylor Crismas – Oklahoma Bible

F E AT U R E

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

All-VYPE CROSS COUNTRY Arya Bahreini – Edmond Santa Fe Taler Buck – Deer Creek Jonathan Ogan – Guthrie Walker Cross – Guthrie Tanner Satterthwaite – Norman Preston Sturgell – Dibble Al Maeder – Norman Blaine Balenseifan – Deer Creek Ray Frazier – Mount St. Mary Walker Clampitt – Duncan Alex Shook – Edmond Memorial Seth Hammond – Edmond Memorial

Coach of the Year

Sunny Baldridge – Edmond Memorial

Scott Monard – Norman

EMILY HELMS - MUSTANG

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

TARA LEWIS - EDMOND MEMORIAL

Photo By Brett Rojo

Emily Helms – Mustang Tara Lewis – Edmond Memorial Aimee Rischard – Mount St. Mary Yugoslavia Gonzalez – Santa Fe South Meredith Zerby – Heritage Hall Elise Base – Norman North Audrey Campbell – Mount St. Mary Abbey Mace – Norman North Micaela Fox – Mustang Anna Frost – Santa Fe South Christina Wright – Edmond Memorial Mary Babb – Deer Creek

Photo By GSmithStudios.net

Boys

Photo By GSmithStudios.net

Girls

TALER BUCK - DEER CREEK

Cable Volkswagen Sign then Drive

$0 Down $0 First Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Payment 3 years 36,000 miles Scheduled Maintenance!

$7,000 off 2011 VW Jetta MSRP $246 a month!*

2011 VW CC $342 a month!*

Automatic, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors/

3 years, 30K lease.

Keyless Entry, 3 Video

TT&L due at signing.

Screens, Daytime Running Lights, ABS Brakes and more.

WAC. $0 Security deposit. Manufacturer Pays First Payment.

BROCK ARTIS - EAST CENTRAL

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

By Steve Marshall

When John Wofford took the reigns of the football program at Putnam City three years ago it left the school searching for a coach to take over a struggling wrestling program.

Enter Steve Ferguson. “Fergie,” as he is called by his friends and fellow coaches was very familiar with the Putnam City program. He wrestled at Del City, graduated in 1971 and remembers the Pirates winning State Championships in 1973, 1975 and 1978 while he was a Del City assistant at Kerr Junior High. Ferguson has had coaching stops at Del City, Pauls Valley and Tahlequah before taking over the Pirates wrestling program.

“I took the job here at Putnam City because I knew what kind of athletes were here,” Ferguson said. Putnam City Site Athletic Director A.D. Burtschi said Ferguson is the only coach he ever offered a job at the interview on the spot. “He’s the Pied Piper, the Energizer bunny. He gets IT, he has IT and he teaches IT.” So what does Ferguson believe helped change the interest in

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

Taylor Glore the PCO wrestling program? “I think it was a case of getting kids interested and excited about something other than football and basketball, both steeped in tradition. “The first practice we had ten maybe twelve come out for the team. Now, we’re up around

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

Caleb Toney

Carl Albert High School How long have you been involved in FCA? Who influenced you to join? Pretty much since my friends told me when it was. I started going with them and have been a big part since. How has FCA made an impact in your life on the field and off the field? It has given me a chance to be with my friends that I am already with in sports and talk about Jesus. The fellowship is great and it brings us all together on and off the field. How has your beliefs helped you as an athlete? My beliefs have let me humble myself and know I’m not the one who got myself where I’m at. I worship God and thank him for every accomplishment that I have made. What is your favorite bible verse and why? One of my favorites is Epheisians 2:8, Galatians 1:10, and Luke 1:27. They all have great life lessons and ways to keep spiritual but I love every verse I read. It’s hard to pick a favorite. How have you used your beliefs or your association in FCA to help others or spread the word? It’s real easy to bring people to FCA because it’s not just church or something we have to be quiet for. We get to play games and learn more about God so it doesn’t make it “boring” for new comers.

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

F E AT U R E

Kody Selby

Keegan Moore sixty. I’d see a kid in the hall who looked like he might make a good wrestler and get him to come out for the team. He’d have a little success and he would go to his friends, get them to come out for the team and the program kept growing and growing.” So much so that both of the Putnam City middle schools now have wrestling programs too. Dick Balenseifen, Athletic Director for all of the Putnam City school district, said he’s impressed by the way Ferguson develops relationships with the kids. “He really cares about the kids. He talks to them about everything from life-skills, proper sleep habits, nutrition and giving back to the community.”

”On Thanksgiving morning we go down to the Salvation Army Red Andrews breakfast and help feed the people, mingle with them, talk to them and then help with the cleanup,” Ferguson said. And once your part of the Putnam City wrestling program you’re not forgotten after graduation. “A couple of days ago one of our wrestlers from two years ago lost his home in a fire and even though most of these kids don’t have a lot of extra cash on hand, we asked them to contribute whatever they could and we’ve raised a couple hundred dollars along with some clothes too.”

The Pirates did not have any wrestlers qualify for state in his first year, but had four last year and hopes to have even more this year. “We have Phillip Schmidt at 113lbs, the Moore twins, Keegan at 120lbs and Zack at 126lbs. They are the nephews of former OSU All-American Hardell Moore. And we have Kody

Eli Rushing Selby at 145lbs, Taylor Glore at 152lbs and Eli Rushing at 220lbs.”

“I didn’t know the story of the Pied Piper so I looked it up on the computer and yeah the kids do follow me but we’re looking for a better ending to the story,” Ferguson said with a laugh. “We may not win State but we’ll be prepared,” Ferguson simply said. Keeping this Pirate ship right on course.

Steve Ferguson

F E AT U R E

By Jim Priest herever we go around Oklahoma we ask individuals and groups the question “What’s YOUR fate?” It’s our way of getting people to think about the fact that the decisions they make today about the use of alcohol and other drugs affect their future. This is especially true with young athletes. If you’re reading VYPE magazine it’s because you’re interested in sports and you either participate or know someone who participates in high school athletics. If you’re reading this magazine it also means you’re more than a casual spectator. You take athletics seriously. That’s why you need to know about how peak athletic performance can be achieved through a substance free lifestyle. You need to know about Oklahoma Life of An Athlete. www.okloa.org

The Problem: Athletes are one of the highest risk groups for substance abuse. The recreational use of alcohol and other drugs dramatically reduces an athlete’s performance and keeps young athletes from being the best they can be. That’s why our non profit, F.A.T.E. (Fighting Addiction Through Education) is trying to get the truth out about the impact of alcohol and other drugs on athletic performance. We’re doing that through a program called Oklahoma Life of An Athlete. Oklahoma Life of An Athlete (OKLOA) is a FREE program offered to Oklahoma high schools, colleges and universities through the Whitten-Newman Foundation and F.A.T.E. (Fighting Addiction Through Education) in partnership with the American Athletic Institute. We believe student athletes are often viewed as role models and leaders in their schools and, if we can reach athletes, we can impact the entire school and community. We are concerned about the welfare and success of all students but OKLOA focuses especially on student athletes. OKLOA has been endorsed by The Oklahoma Athletic Trainers Association, The Oklahoma Coaches Association, The Oklahoma Secondary Schools Association, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The Jim Thorpe Association and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Here’s some of their comments;

Dan Newman, President, Oklahoma Athletic Trainers’ Association

“We encourage all individuals within Oklahoma schools, to seriously consider implementing this program at their school. The ready availability of such a great resource, at no cost to a school,

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

provides the tools necessary to proactively influence student athletes and others.”

Terri White, Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services “The Life of an Athlete program is an incredible resource and I encourage all school districts throughout the state to take advantage of this wonderful gift.” John O’Dell, Oklahoma State Director, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

“I would highly recommend every coach, athletic director, principal, superintendent and school board seriously consider implementing Oklahoma Life of An Athlete into their programs. I believe OKLOA can make a significant positive difference in the lives of athletes and in schools across the state.” Ed Sheakley, Executive Director, Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association

“OKLOA is not a “pledge sheet” or a “poster” campaign against the use of teen-age alcohol and drug abuse. OKLOA is a comprehensive educational program that speaks to athletes, coaches, parents and patrons in regard to the far-reaching effects of use of drugs and alcohol on an athletes’ performance, and the life style changes that occur as a result of chronic use of alcohol and drugs. I would recommend to all of our 481 member schools of the OSSAA that they review this program. “

How does our school implement OKLOA? Here is an overview of the steps you can follow in implementation but please contact us for additional help, samples of documents, PowerPoint slides, or any other support.

Life of an Athlete (LOA) is a program that can be implemented one phase at a time or multiple phases simultaneously. Some schools may only be able to start with Phase 1 education which would include requiring athletes to complete the OKLOA on line program, putting posters up in the locker rooms and conducting pre-season meetings. Other programs may be able to implement more phases right away, which could include reviewing and revising the athletic code of conduct, training coaches and athletic administrators how to address substance abuse with their athletes, and developing student leadership within the teams and stakeholder unity in the community.

F E AT U R E

Whatever phase or phases your program implements there are some non-negotiables for LOA to be an effective program. It may take some time to implement these, but just know that you will not see true changes in behavior until these are in place. Those non-negotiables include:

•Mandatory athletes pre-season meeting. These meetings are imperative so you can educate the athletes about how chemical use impacts peak performance and review the code. This meeting also ensures that everyone is on the same page, receives the same information and has no questions before the start of the season. •A sound code. You need to make sure your code states the expectations and consequences for violations of the code. The athletes’ signature MUST be for the “Knowledge, Understanding and Agreement” of the code. This is imperative so if your actions are questioned later in the year, you will be covered because the signature of the athlete states that they have the knowledge and understanding of the code and agree to those terms.

•Competent coaches to confront code violations. Coaches and athletic administrators have an important role to play in dealing with substance abuse among their athletes but many are not prepared to address it. Conducting coach training is imperative both to raise coach consciousness and equip them to deal with the

issue of substance abuse. Coaches need to remind athletes about the risks associated with chemical use and advocate for student athletes to remain chemical-free. Coaches also need to confront and enforce code violations and not simply accept what they may think is the inevitable use of alcohol and other drugs by their athletes. Shrugging things off or turning the other way diminishes the effectiveness of the code and the importance of the message. •Student leaders to be a role model and carry the message. Positive peer pressure and modeling by teammates is a powerful tool in addressing chemical health and substance abuse. Student leaders will help set the standard of expectations by being a good role model and, without “preaching”, reminding their teammates of the risks of chemical use and code expectations.

Learn about Oklahoma Life of An Athlete. Go to www.okloa.org to take our free on line course and to learn how the program can be implemented in your school—for free! Encourage your school board, superintendent, principal , coach or athletic director to implement OKLOA. For questions or more information contact Jim Priest at 405.202.8863 or email him at jim@changeyourfate.org

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

“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

VYPEOK.COM

Scan to visit our website

www.changeyourfate.org

WHAT’S YOUR FATE?

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

Gain a Competitive Edge with Sports Vision Training •Contrast Sensitivity: The visual ability to see objects that may not be outlined clearly or that do not stand out from their background.

•Peripheral Awareness: Keeping your eye on the ball and simultaneously being aware of other players and the court or field.

You are a serious athlete…you’ve done it all: the best equipment, attended sports camps, received the best coaching, and put in countless hours of practice. You’re one of the best on the team, but you know you could be better. You need something to give you that extra competitive edge. Optometric Sports Vision Training just might be the answer for you if you’re serious about maximizing your untapped athletic potential. What is Optometric Sports Vision Training?

The goal of sports vision training is to make you the best athlete that you can be in your chosen sport. Every decision an athlete makes on the field begins with the eyes. An athlete needs more than talent, strength, and passion to compete. What differentiates the best athletes from the average athletes? They “see” the playing field better! Sports vision training improves how you see the game, and how you see the game affects how you play the game.

Having 20/20 vision is only one important factor involved in attaining maximum visual performance. Just as you train to maximize your aerobic capacity, muscle response and muscle strength, your vision skills can be trained to higher levels of performance. Every sport has its own unique visual demands. Sports vision training works on improving the visual abilities of an athlete which are most necessary for excellence in their sport. Some of these abilities include: •Dynamic Visual Acuity: The ability to see objects clearly while in motion.

•Visual Tracking: The ability to track a moving object smoothly and accurately at any speed - “keeping your eyes on the ball.”

•Visual Reaction Time: The time necessary for your eyes to see and react to visual information. •Eye-Hand Reaction Time: The ability to efficiently coordinate the eyes and hands.

•Eye-Foot Coordination: The ability to effectively anticipate position of a low rolling ball.

•Depth Perception: The ability to quickly and accurately evaluate the distance between yourself, the ball, teammates, opponents, boundary lines and other critical targets.

•Eye + Body Balance + Coordination: The ability to keep your eye on the ball with varying body position and balance demands. •Focusing Flexibility: the ability to quickly shift focus from one distance to another.

•Peripheral Vision: the ability to be aware of what is going on around you while you are concentrating on an object in front of you. •Visualization: the ability to “picture in your mind” how a properly executed movement will look and feel.

Weaknesses in any of these skills will likely cause an athlete to be under-performing. An optometrist with expertise in sports vision can assess your unique visual system, recommend the proper eyeglasses or contact lenses, and develop a Sports Vision Training program to take your game to the next level. Who Benefits from Sports Vision Training?

From pee-wees to pro, any athlete that is serious about improving their game benefits from sports vision training. Whatever your age, sport, or competitive level, sports vision training will enable you to outplay less visually-fit athletes. For those athletes who have difficulties with these vision skills, sports vision training can help “level the playing field”. For those with good vision skills, sports vision training enhancement can provide that “extra edge” needed to separate you from your peers and the competition. Please visit www. okcsportsvisiontraining. com to learn more about how sports vision training can help you reach your maximum potential.

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

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.

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year.®

BEST IN 50

OKLAHOMA

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012

THE 2012 F-150 OKLAHOMAFOrd.cOM

*3.5L EcoBoost®4x2. EPA-estimated 16 city/22 hwy/18 combined mpg.