VYPE Tulsa Area January 2011 by Austin Chadwick

3939 South Memorial Dr | Tulsa | 918.665.3420 | www.donthorntoncadillac.com

Start the new year with everything you need to

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30 | Elite 8 The Elite 8 returns for the fifth year and this class of all-stars perform at a high level every night. Look for names like Carter, Dennis, Wilson and Davis to dominate the headlines this season.

Editorial Director Brad Heath Associate Editor Steve Braun Creative Director Chance Calvert Production Manager Megan Foster

36 | On The Mat The UMAC played host to the Mid-America Nationals wrestling tournament, which featured some of the top wrestlers from three states. Find out how the local wrestlers faired.

Graphic Design Leah Weigle Josh Hollander Senior Sales Representatives Bill Huddleston Cheryl McCorkle Amber Lee Contributing Writers Steve Braun, Wayne Bunch, Austin Chadwick, Rod Coulter, Brad Heath, Bill Huddleston, Mark Lockhart

40 | Trojan Pride The Kiefer Trojans football team had a season to remember. Who were the players that made a difference and what can they expect to have next season?

42 | Sapulpa Girls on the Rise

46 | Game Plan Spirit Three cheers for the pom, dance and cheer squads that make going to high school athletic events fun! Take a look at some of the squads we’ve caught this season.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

JANUARY 2011

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The Sapulpa girls basketball team is young and getting better with every game. VYPE takes a closer look at one of the teams people are starting to talk about.

Next Month... The Tournament of Champions was another great tournament this year and the water in the pool is quite nice. Also look for more mat coverage as VYPE rolls with wrestling.

Photographers Brad Heath, GSmithstudios.net, Jerry Palmer, Wes Sharp, Brett Rojo, Rip Stell, Kirk Wells, Trey Coursey, Michael Mayberry Cover Photo Kirk Wells Clipart iclipart.com, shutterstock.com Contact: Website: www.VYPE.com Digital Magazine: www.VYPE.com Editor: editor.easternoklahoma@VYPE.com Advertising: sales.easternoklahoma@VYPE.com Comments & Feedback: letters.easternoklahoma@VYPE.com Phone: 918.495.1771 Fax: 918.495.1787 Subscriptions: 918.495.1771 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.

Pregame ®

A L etter f rom the E d itor

Redskins Three-Peat

A New Year Offers New Hope

Thank you for running the cover with the Union football team. Those boys worked so hard this season and to win it after everyone said they had no chance was simply incredible. They deserve that gold ball.

If the number 11 is your favorite number, then welcome to what should be a great year for you! Wouldn’t you agree that most athletes wear their favorite number?

I think that’s a fair statement. As we turn the calendar to the year

2011 it may hold some superstitions for a few number 11 fans. Lets just look at the number 11 by itself. Isiah Thomas, Phil Simms,

Mark Messier and Lefty Gomez all wore 11. Drew Bledsoe played with the double ones on his back. Soccer player Pavel Nedved wore 11 for Juventus. Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough drove

with the number 11 on their doors. Eleven players take the field in

football and soccer. James K. Polk was the 11th President. Apollo 11 was the first manned spacecraft to land on the Moon. And the last

time we experienced 1/11/11 it was 1911 and Southern Arkansas University began classes and Dr. Russell A. Hibbs performed the

first spinal fusion. And for you diehard number 11 fans don’t forget when November rolls around it’s 11/11/11! Oh yeah!

In this first edition of 2011 the Elite 8 are back and stronger than

ever. Heading up the class for this season is Drew Wilson from

East Central and Savannah Carter from Memorial. Joining these two all-stars are Jacob Parker of Bixby, Clay Wilson of Lincoln Christian, Kendall Davis of Sapulpa, Chelsi Dennis of Broken Arrow, Jordan Schultz of Claremore and Miranda Sisney of

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

JANUARY 2011

VYPE.COM

Sand Springs.

The Mid America wrestling tournament was held at the UMAC

with wrestlers from three states converging on Tulsa. Also look for a feature on the Kiefer football team and their season to remember. We’ve got a special on the Sapulpa girls basketball team and we

sat down with Collinsville wrestling coach Wes Harding.

Be sure to find us on facebook at VYPE Oklahoma where

you can get breaking news, photos and comments on all the action statewide.

We’re in the Game

Brad Heath

Editorial Director

Behind the Wheel

Union Mom, Tulsa, OK

Since we’re getting closer and closer to the Chili Bowl, is it possible for you to give some of the local kids that will race at the Chili Bowl some coverage? No sport is more dangerous than racing and these kids get little if any coverage. Thanks. Tom J. Tulsa, OK (Editor’s Note: Thanks Tom. We do plan on covering the Chili Bowl again this year. We had an excellent time doing it last year. Thank you for the email.)

Curious Pick

I was going through your selections for the ALL-VYPE football team and I was curious how you come up with some of the picks? Kevin L. Broken Arrow, OK

(Editor’s Note: Kevin it’s a question we are asked often. We get the input from selected coaches and other members of the media. Plus our staff covers more high school sports than anyone so we should have a good grasp on the players as well. Then we spend many hours debating over who makes it and who doesn’t. It’s not an easy process I promise.)

No Rest

I think an article on how cross-country runners have no time off would be cool. The season is in the Fall, then they continue to train all winter so they are in shape to run long distance track. Think about it! Marc C. Owasso, OK (Editor’s Note: Good call Marc, send me some info at brad.heath@vype. com and let’s get started on this one!)

Ford Award

Can someone please tell me how the Ford Award is voted on? I’m totally confused on the people in this town that think the young man that won it deserved it more than the kid from Jenks? Granted he’s a good player, but the Jenks kid was phenomenal. And neither won the championship so that can’t be the reason. Missed that one for sure! James E. Tulsa, OK (Editor’s Note: James I can tell you that many people are involved in that voting. Why or how a certain kid is voting in, we really can comment on that, however all of the kids that are nominated are lucky to be there and I know from experience, they all appreciate the award and the opportunity.)

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Chelsi Dennis

C.J. Cole

Sperry High Schoo l

Chelsi Dennis

C.J. Cole hool

Broken Arrow Hi gh Sc

Sperry High Sc

hool Chelsi Dennis is a senior at Broken Ar row High School where she plays varsity bask etball for the Lady Tigers. Chelsi is an outstanding student-athlete on the court and in the classroom. Ch elsi carries a 4.19 GPA and is lo oking forward to gr aduating and going to college w here she hopes to play basketball and become an En gineer.

r Sperry junior isn’t easy, but fo Leading the way being an ay of life. Besides C.J. Cole it’s a w te and the n for the All-Sta honorable mentio teams this etro basketball Tulsa World All-M 4.25 also maintains a past season, C.J. ocks per averaged 4.2 bl GPA. Last year, he for the ar he was picked game and this ye team. Off tate basketball preseason All-S in his an active leader the court, C.J. is hletes ip of Christian At school’s Fellowsh ub. and in the Key Cl

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

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

DECEMBER 2009

VYPE.COM

:: JANUARY 2011

:: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

01 01 TAYLOR PROCTOR OF KANSAS MAKES THE SAVE PHOTO: RIP STELL HEATH

02 ARIEL WILLIAMS OF EAST CENTRAL TURNS THE CORNER

03 DANIELLE CARR OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON PHOTO: RIP STELL 04 JESSE PRICE OF BIXBY SCORING POINTS PHOTO: BRAD

05 INOLA'S COREY VANN BEATING HIS TEXAS OPPONENT PHOTO: BRAD HEATH 06 GROVE GIRLS BASKETBALL PHOTO: JOHN HASLER 07

BROKEN ARROW BALLER CAMERON TERRY STELL

PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

PHOTO: JOHN HASLER

10 EDISON BOYS TAKE SECOND IN TAHLEQUAH

CHAMBERLAIN OF VINITA

PHOTO: RIP STELL

08 BA CHEER

PHOTO: JOHN HASLER

09 ANNETTE KENNEDY BTW

11 BA'S CHASE FERMAN ON TOP

13 CALLIE JONES OF WAGONER GOES STRONG TO THE HOLE

PHOTO: PROVIDED

PHOTO: KIRK WELLS

PHOTO: RIP

12 KAMRY

PICTURE THIS

09 08

JANUARY 2011

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06 05

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04 03 02

PICTURE THIS

07 01 OWASSO WRESTLING

PHOTO: BRAD HEATH

U'KNIQUE GAINES OF EAST CENTRAL D-UP PHOTO: RIP STELL BRETT ROJO

03 SHE STEPPED OUT!!

PHOTO:

04 MUSKOGEE BOYS TAKE FIRST

IN TAHLEQUAH

PHOTO: JOHN HASLER

05 TYRNEY

STEINHOFF OF VINITA PLAyING SOME DEFENSE 09

PHOTO: RIP STELL

06 MADISON MERCADO OF

SAPULPA BATTLES FOR THE BALL 07 WAGONER CHEER

PHOTO: KIRK WELLS

THE BALL

09 REF

PHOTO: RIP

10 KATIE HEATH, SHELBY SCOTT AND

WINNING STATE!

PHOTO: BRAD HEATH

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

KAITI EMBREY OF BROKEN ARROW AFTER

STELL

PHOTO: RIP STELL

JANUARY 2011

08 KAYLA PAHCODDY OF APACHE DIVES FOR

ROJO

PHOTO: BRETT

VYPE.COM

PICTURE THIS

07 01 JIMMY HOFMEISTER OF JENKS WITH THE

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STICK IN YOUR FACE

PHOTO: RIP STELL

REDSKINS WIN THE GTR NEWS CUP

02 UNION PHOTO: KIRK

03 BROKEN ARROW TAKES SECOND PHOTO:

WELLS

KIRK WELLS

04 TRISTAN RESSLER OF UNION WITH

THE PUCK PHOTO: KIRK WELLS 05 GANON MCMAINS OF JENKS AND KIEFNER LEWIS OF TULSA RIP STELL

06 SETH WELCH OF BA

PHOTO:

PHOTO: KIRK WELLS

07 DEVYN STOWERS OF TULSA MAKING THE SAVE

PHOTO: RIP STELL

UNION

PHOTO: KIRK WELLS

JENKS PLAYING GOAL

08 TREVOR ECKERT OF 09 MASON O'BRIEN OF PHOTO: RIP STELL

10 HIGH

SCHOOL HOCKEY AT THE BOK CENTER IN TULSA PHOTO: RIP STELL

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER OPEN MON-WED 11:00 - 7:00 THURS-SAT 11:00 - 9:00

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PICTURE THIS

1960 Henryetta Hens – This month’s Flashback Photo feature is the 1960 Henryetta Hens. Taken over 50 years ago, the photo features 36 players and two coaches. Mike Doak is the President of the Historical Society in Henryetta (front row, white jersey). Mr. Doak was able to identify most of the players in the photo. If you have any information on the 1960 Henryetta Hens please contact us at brad.heath@vype. com. If you would like more information on the Historical Society and the Territorial Museum in Henryetta visit their website at www.territorialmuseum.net. VYPE is always on the hunt for old photos of high school sports, band or cheer so if you have something you would like us to consider please email me at brad.heath@vype. com, I would love to see what you have! Front Row: 63 Mike Doak, 70 Paul Wells, 83 Tommy Taylor, 51 Leroy Bullard, 72 Geary Martin, 62 Tommy Tamplen, 10 Larry Donathan, 42 Robert Walker, 43 Lawrence ?, 53 Ben Wachoche Second Row: 35 Bill Brown, 11 Robert Cope, 61 Bill Jack, 75 Norman Griffin, 31 Norman Harjo, 50 Stephen Smith, 73 Jim Warden, 60 Jerry Norman, 21 Joe Drummond, 81 Unknown Third Row: 22 Mike Greenley, 25 Jimmy Martin, 82 Johnny Kennedy, 32 Jerry Don Elmore, 20 Gary Morgan, 52 John Coon, 41 Dickey Stubbs, 40 Larry Kennedy Back Row: Coach Antwine Pryor, 64 Leon Reynolds, 63 Fred Lake Williams, 12 Dan Shane, 33 Robert Helms, 80 Montie Broome, 74 Bill Peck, 84 Timothy Grundy, 71 Albert Maylen, Coach Richard Chapman.

Oklahoma Driving School

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L O C K E R TA L K

VYPE’s Top 5 Memories of 2010 & the Top 5 Anticipations for 2011 2010

2011

#5 – Danny Hodge and Perry Wrestling – It was our honor to feature Danny Hodge and the Perry wrestling team in the February issue in Central Oklahoma. Danny Hodge is a legend and the Perry wrestling team is always one of the best.

#5 – Douglass Boys – Are they as good as advertised? With this much talent the Douglass Trojans could become one of the best teams Oklahoma has seen in years. Now the question is can they put it together like the football team and win a gold ball in basketball?

#4 – VYPE University College Football Preview – Our first venture into the world of covering college football was a huge success and the response was tremendous. Looks like the second edition of VYPE-U will be even better.

#3 – Union Redskins Three-Peat – It was just a month ago, but with Union beating Jenks in the Class 6A finals for their third title in a row has to make the list. The Redskins were challenged many times in 2010 and had to come from behind, but they did it and were featured on the December cover in Eastern Oklahoma.

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#2 – Ready to Run Wild – In August, the Central Oklahoma magazine ran a feature on five of the states best running backs. Names like Barry Sanders, Andrew Long, Donovan Roberts, Dre Holman and Damien Shea are all juniors and all have big play potential.

#1 – Restoring Pride – September in the Eastern Oklahoma magazine we ran a story on the 2010 Caney Valley football team. It started when we ran a Flashback photo of the 1915-16 football team from Ramona (now under Caney Valley). The building where the original photo was taken was still standing and the current players and coaches got on board with the idea of recreating the picture. Then with a little Mac magic our design team placed coach Anthony Fogle and a few players into the shot from 1915. It was great to see the community rally around the current players and coaching staff.

#4 – 2011 Football Preview – VYPE shot more football games this season than ever and those photos are destined for the 2011 Football Preview. We’ll spend countless hours searching through game after game to find the best high school football pictures in the state.

#3 – Hornet’s Nest – With a full offseason and a state title under his belt, how good can coach Durrell Hall at Booker T. Washington make this Hornet ball club? Can coach Hall win three-in-arow at two different schools? Only time will tell, but we can’t wait to see what happens.

#2 – Jenks & Union – Yeah we’re all familiar with this story, but could we be seeing a new chapter? Both teams are looking for quarterbacks and both have lost a lot of seniors. Is this the year a West side team finally makes a push to bring the gold ball back to the West side? #1 – Edmond Santa Fe Baseball – How good are these guys? With players like Clayton Blackburn and Conor Costello the Wolves appear to be one of, if not the, toughest team to contend with from the West. They have the potential to knock off perennial powerhouse Owasso. The 2011 baseball season has the potential to be the best we’ve seen in many years. Don’t forget several Oklahoma players appear to be high draft picks, but overall many players will be selected into Major League Baseball during the draft in June.

L O C K E R TA L K

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JANUARY 2011

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oing back to school can be hard, especially if you’ve been out of the game for more than 10 years. That’s why you have to find a university that understands adults learn differently from 18 year olds. Adults also have a lot more on their plates, from a full-time job to raising kids.

To make it easier on adult students, some universities like Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, are designing their classes to fit into the busiest schedules and leading the way in innovative learning. At Oklahoma Wesleyan University, adult students go to class one night a week for 4 hours. Each class lasts about five weeks, so adults can work full time and finish their degree almost as quickly as they would going full time. For adults who don’t have set schedules, they can earn a degree without ever entering a classroom. Beyond the brick of their buildings, Oklahoma Wesleyan has a click program that helps adults earn a degree through online classes. Adults can bring the classroom to their own living rooms. Beyond having a flexible schedule, it’s also important to find a university that recognizes you can learn a lot in your career without being

in a classroom. Adult students have knowledge, skills, and professional experiences that deserve recognition. That’s why some universities offer life-learning credits for adults. At Oklahoma Wesleyan, they recognize that many individuals have learned through personal reading and informal study, as well as through intellectual, cultural, vocational and volunteer experiences. It’s one of only 500 programs in the nation to offer credits for life experiences. With a few life learning credits and advanced learning classes, you could end up earning a degree before your kid does. Another factor adult students have to look at is their relationship with their professor. Professors can make or break a class with their attitude. It’s easy for adult students to get frustrated with a professor who doesn’t respect their lives outside of the classroom. A recent CBS Money Watch article compared 11 million student ratings from across the nation. In thae poll, professors were rated on their helpfulness, clarity and easiness of the class. Oklahoma Wesleyan was rated No. 1 in the nation — and they can prove it. This year, all of the registered nurses who studied at Oklahoma Wesleyan passed their national licensing exam.

One thing stands above all others when choosing a university: are your philosophies are compatible? At some universities, students lose their faith while obtaining their degree. At evangelical Christian universities, like Oklahoma Wesleyan, there’s a push for more than academic excellence. Every student engages in serious study without sacrificing their way of life, or their faith. •

Emery Fox Oktaha High School

A busy schedule presents plenty of everyday challenges and opportunities for Oktaha High School senior Emery Fox. A three sport star including basketball, softball and golf plus a 3.4 GPA, Emery credits her faith in God for everything including tough times.

“I’m just like everybody else because we all have challenges to overcome,” said Emery. “I’m just thankful to know Jesus Christ and understand that He is always there. No matter what I’m doing, my relationship with God helps me know the right things to do and then do what’s right.”

“INFLUENCE is important to me,” said Emery. “And, because of God’s influence in my life, I try to let others see Him through my actions rather than just what I say.”

Emery’s favorite scripture verse is Philippians 4:13

“I can do ALL things through CHRIST which strengthens me.”

L O C K E R TA L K

Kyle Ash is a junior at Union High School where he wrestles on the varsity team for coach Kevin Crutchmer. Recently Kyle took first place at the Mid-American Nationals at 160-pounds defeating his opponent, 11-4. Now Kyle faces an even tough challenge, answering the questions for this month’s Triple Play. Kyle’s mom, Shelly Whisenhunt works for Honeywell and attended Webster High School. She just finished her MBA at the University of Phoenix and volunteers with the Union Wrestling team whenever they host a tournament and loves to watch her sons Kyle and Ty wrestle. But can coach Crutchmer dig deep and fight off getting pinned by the Triple Play questions?

Kyle Ash

Shelly Whisenhunt

Kevin Crutchmer

Kyle’s Mom

Union Wrestling Coach

What is Kyle’s favorite class?

History

English

What is Kyle’s pre or post tournamnet meal?

Alfredo

McDonald’s Chicken Sadwhich

Qdoba

My phone

Phone

His brother

Is Kyle a comedian or politician?

Comedian

Politician

Kyle is at his best when he ...?

When I’m on the mat

When he’s not pulling weight

When he’s not cutting weight

If Kyle was not wrestlling what would he be doing?

Play football

Playing football and getting fat

Mow his dad’s driveway

Homework: last minute, every night, always late?

Last Minute

Last minute

What television show could Kyle star on?

That 70’s Show

Who is Kyle’s dreamdate?

Katherine Heigel

New World Buffet and a movie with Miley Cyrus

Mr. Claus

What actor would play Kyle in a movie about his life?

Seann William Scott

Ashton Kutcher

Eric Richards (Kramer)

6 Correct Wow! Nice work Mom!

2 Correct Study Up Coach!

Union Wrestling

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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VYPE.COM

Kyle is stranded on an island. What’s one thing Kyle has with him?

TOTAL POINTS: 10

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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Day… TM

Jan. 1st, 1961 The Houston Oilers defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, 24-16 and won the first championship of the new American Football League. The AFL would later join the National Football League and the L.A. Chargers would move to San Diego.

Jan. 3rd, 1983

With the ball on their own one-yard line, Dallas Cowboy running back Tony Dorsett took the handoff and raced for 99 yards and a touchdown making it the longest rushing touchdown in NFL history. It still stands as an NFL record today.

Jan. 6th, 1988

Six college students from Cleveland State University took turns on a trampoline jumping up and down in the college gym. Fifty-three days later the six students had set a Guinness Book record for the longest consecutive jumps on a trampoline.

Jan. 10th, 1982

The Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers played the coldest playoff game on record this day. At kickoff the temperature was a freezing 9-below zero. With the wind chill the temperature felt like 59-below zero. The Bengals won the game, 27-7.

Jan. 16th, 1970

During a college basketball game at Pacific Lutheran University, Steve Myers hit a shot while standing out of bounds at the far end of the court. The shot, measuring just over 92 feet, was ruled illegal because Myer’s was standing out of bounds, but the officials would reverse the call after hearing it from the crowd. It’s still considered one of the longest made shots in college basketball history.

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Jan. 23rd, 1988

For the first time in the sports history, a perfect game was bowled on television by Bob Benoit at the Quaker State Open in Grand Prarie, Texas. The 300 game earned Benoit a $100,000 bonus. Not bad for bowling.

Jan. 27th, 1927

The Harlem Globetrotters were born today in Harlem, New York. Originally known as the New York Rens, the Globetrotters were the first all-black professional basketball team. The Globetrotters would go on to become the most recognized name in basketball, professional or amateur.

THE

TRAINERS TABLE

By Brad Heath

On This

Blister Prevention The first step in preventing blisters is ensuring your shoes fit

correctly. Improper fitting shoes can rub the heel or sides of the feet

and cause irritation. Using a second layer of skin or tape can prevent many of these types of blisters. Taping the foot near “hot spots,”

known for being more susceptible to blisters, will ensure the athlete can continue to perform without discomfort.

Keep your feet as dry as possible. Changing socks at halftime is a

great way to prevent blistering. It will also help maintain healthy feet and could prevent certain fungus such as athlete’s foot. The use of a

foot powder is another step to prevent blistering and unwanted odor. Some athletes wear two pairs of socks and although this practice

really has no proven prevention for blisters, it will cause the feet to

heat up and sweat much more than usual. Changing the inner layer of sock may be a requirement if you’re experiencing a blister problem. The first sign of a blister is redness to the skin. Check the back of

the heel, toes and instep after each game. Look for early warning signs that will alert you to the potential of blisters that could sideline you

for several games. If this occurs during a game, take the time to have a

trainer tape the area that is red. This may be enough prevention to get you through the game and keep you from being sidelined for more. Blister pads may be applied to an area where blisters have

occurred in the past. Blisters are different from corns, calluses and

bunions. Blister will eventually go away if you follow the correct steps to alleviate them.

If blisters continue check with a Podiatrist and find out from the

expert if your shoes are fitting properly and what steps you should take to alleviate yourself of this problem.

Athlete theYear of

S C H O L A R S H I P

JA N UA RY 2 0 1 1 Mazzio’s Corporation and VYPE have teamed up to grant a $2,000 Scholarship for one boy and one girl to be presented in the June issue of VYPE. Here is how it will work: • Each month, VYPE will take nominations for an Athlete of the Month and a boy and girl will be elected the Mazzio’s Athlete of the Month. This will be a chance for boys and girls of all sports to be recognized for their performances. • Nominees can be mailed to scholarship. easternoklahoma@VYPE.com. Give the nominee’s name, school, sport and reasons you believe the athlete should be awarded the scholarship. • The nominees will need to be seniors this season but keep in mind that their accomplishments as juniors will be taken into consideration as well. • Each monthly recipient will be a candidate for the scholarship that will be awarded in June. • All sports will be eligible to have a nomination. • The male and female athletes who are chosen each month will have a pictured bio, highlighting their accomplishments, placed on this page.

Maddie Starr

Connor Appelberg

Lincoln Christian

Skiatook High School

Maddie Star is a senior at Lincoln Christian High School. She is a four time national clogging champion, who quit clogging for volleyball four years ago, and it’s payed off. Maddie helped lead the volleyball team to it’s second 4A national championship tournament, and she’s also been named to the All State, All VYPE and the Tulsa World All Metro Second volleyball teams.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

JANUARY 2011

VYPE.COM

Connor Appelberg is a quarterback for the Skiatook Bulldogs who does double duty. The junior was named the Tulsa World Player of the week after he helped Skiatook to the playoffs this season, and he was an honorable mention for the All VYPE team. He passed for 537 yards and this winter he’ll be playing basketball for the Bulldogs.

Collinsville’s Wes Harding is beginning his first year as head coach of the Cardinals after serving as an assistant coach for five years and running the youth wrestling club program in Collinsville for five years.

VYPE: How strong is Class 5A wrestling going to be this season?

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Harding: It’s going to be very tough. Altus, Carl Albert and Deer Creek just to name a few are going to be the strong ones. As for ourselves we have a lot of sophomores and freshman on the team. I really haven’t looked ahead at what we can do. We have a young team that has wrestled most of their lives, so I think we will be competitive.

VYPE: Do the Cardinals have any state titlists returning or top finishers from last year’s state tournament?

Harding: We don’t have any state champions from last year, but Dylan Helm, who is a sophomore place second in the state last year and Corey Snow placed third in the state. They are the top returning wrestlers for us this season. VYPE: What are your expectations for the Cardinals this season? Harding: My goal is to come out and win it (state title). I know our kids are going to be in shape and

will go hard for six minutes or more if they need too. I am not saying we are going to win it, but the reason I am in coaching is to win the title. That’s our goal and that’s why we work hard every day. VYPE: How many kids do you have in your high school program? Harding: We have around 25 kids in the program. We got some kids to come out after football was finished, some of the bigger kids for the upper weights. We have a senior at heavyweight, Patrick Moss. VYPE: Will you depend on any freshman this season?

Harding: We will have several freshmen who could help us. At 189 pounds Keenan Priddy and Newt Salisbury at 215 pounds are both freshmen. At those weights there is a big difference between a freshman and a senior at those weights. It’s almost like the difference between a boy and a man. They are going to struggle, but I hope they don’t. But being freshmen they are going to take some lumps, but that will make

them better in the long run. We will also have freshman at 103, Jacob Findley and 112, Gary Wayne Harding and at 119 pounds, Will Steltzlen.

These wrestlers have never put any emphasis on being at the bottom of the age group. As long as they are at the same weight they feel they can win. VYPE: Is Collinsville a wrestling school?

Harding: Wrestling has been here quite awhile. We are in a triangle of some pretty good wrestling with Collinsville, Skiatook and Sperry all within 20 miles of each other. We are all close to each other and we have been rivals for a long time. All the schools have had some great wrestlers come out of their programs.

Recently at the Mid-American Nationals the Collinsville Cardinals placed 5th as a team out of 30 teams. Gary Wayne Harding placed 2nd at 112-pounds while Will Stelzten (119), Jacob Findley (103) and Dylan Helm (125) all placed third in their weight class. •

61st and Hwy 169 918-459-0399 Birthday Parties Miniature Golf Batting Cages Baseball Lessons Baseball Camp

www.allstarsportscomplex.com HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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This month we highlight some of our VYPE Oklahoma Top 100 basketball players who were featured in the Oklahoma Statewide Basketball Preview.

William Tisdale

Dahquan Royal

Holland Hall – Guard/Forward

Memorial – Combo Guard

“Two years I’ve been there and two years we’ve lost the SPC Championship. I’m coming into the season with a vengeance to win it all!” – William Tisdale. William points out that Clay Wilson from Lincoln Christian is one player he loves to play and Cascia Hall is one team he loves to compete against. His offense and his rebounding are his strengths. Before each game William will stretch and just before warm-ups he will take a knee to pray and dedicate the game to his uncle Wayman Tisdale. William plans to study Business in college.

Jules Townsend

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Holland Hall – Post

“This season should be one of the best of my high school career.” – Jules Townsend. Like her sister Paris, Jules loves to compete against Cascia Hall. Jules is known for a solid play on the defensive end of the court. In pregame you will catch Jules listening to her iTouch. One day she hopes to pursue a career in Sports Medicine.

DeVante’ Wilson Muskogee – Guard

“Only I can stop me!” – DeVante’ Wilson. One player that DeVante’ loves to compete against is Colby Brown. Patrolling and attacking the rim is what he does best. DeVante’ will eat a Butterfinger candy bar and listen to music before every game. After high school DeVante’ wants to pursue a career in Radiology.

“Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation.” – Dahquan Royal. Dahquan loves to compete against Booker T. Washington and particularly Korey Billbury. Driving to the basket and defense are the two aspects of Dahquan’s game where he excels. Dahquan’s only pregame ritual is listening to his iPod. In college Dahquan wants to study Business and Marketing.

Paris Townsend Holland Hall – Post

“Can’t wait until the season starts. Getting back with the team and going for three-peat.” – Paris Townsend. You can expect a big game from Paris when they play Cascia Hall. Her offensive game is her strength. Before each game Paris will call her dad for a few words of encouragement. In college Paris wants to pursue a career as an Anesthesiologist or something in Sports Medicine.

Korey Billbury

Booker T. Washington – Combo Guard

“Defense wins championships.” – Korey Billbury. If there’s one player that Korey loves to compete against its Alan Mayberry. Korey is a combo guard who can dribble and shoot. His pregame ritual is to listen to music while drinking a grape Crush. Korey wants to enter the field of Physical Therapy after high school.

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Photos by Kirk Wells

Drew Wilson – East Central Senior – Combo Forward

What age did you start playing basketball? I was 6. Each year I just kept competing at a higher level.

Favorite place to play? East Central. When you’ve been practicing in a gym since the fourth grade you get so accustom to playing there. Great atmosphere for big games.

Best part of your game? My versatility. On offense I’m an inside and outside threat, defensively I can guard multiple positions. Other goals besides winning a gold ball? Individually I would say being Metro Player of the Year

What does the Elite 8 mean to you? It feels great to be given an honor like this. I’m the second player behind Ken Holdman to have this award. He was a big influence on me my first year at East Central. I appreciate any and all acknowledgments and I’m still going to increase my work ethic and keep becoming the best player I can become.

Jordan Schultz – Claremore

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Senior – Guard/Forward

What age did you start playing basketball? I was in the fifth grade, so age 11.

Favorite place to play? Frank Mobra Fieldhouse with a big student body section!

Best part of your game? Scoring and passing. Scoring points is great, but I love being able to pass and set up my teammates.

Other goals besides winning a gold ball? Another Metro Lakes championship and 20-plus wins. Keep the momentum going into the playoffs. At Claremore the standards are high. Plans after high school? Play college basketball and become an event planner.

What does the Elite 8 mean to you? Unexpected, but excited. Makes me want to keep performing.

Savannah Carter – Memorial

F E AT U R E

Senior – Guard

What age did you start playing basketball? I was in 3rd grade and it all started because a group of boys said me and my friends couldn’t beat them because we were girls. Favorite place to play? Madison Square Garden.

Best part of your game? My basketball I.Q. and my ability to penetrate to the goal and create contact.

Other goals besides winning a gold ball? I want to challenge myself to show that I have leadership, because I have to definitely take that with me to play at the Division I level.

Plans after high school? I will attend Grambling State University on a full scholarship and pursue my career in Physical Therapy. What does the Elite 8 mean to you? I’ve always dreamed about being one of the eight players on the cover for VYPE Magazine since my freshman year. Now that I am one of the eight, I must say thank you to all who have helped me get here!

Clay Wilson – Lincoln Christian Senior – Guard

What age did you start playing basketball? I started playing basketball when I was three years old at the YMCA. Favorite place to play? The Owasso YMCA, but really it doesn’t matter where I’m playing as long as I am playing.

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What does the Elite 8 mean to you? It is a great honor to make the Elite 8. All the praise and glory goes to God.

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Plans after high school? I will attend Princeton University and play Division I basketball. After I graduate from Princeton I plan on becoming a college coach.

Other goals besides winning a gold ball? To get better every time I step on the court. Also to make the people around me better.

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Best part of your game? The way I can see the floor and the way I think during the game. I spend a lot of time mentally preparing.

F E AT U R E

Miranda Sisney – Sand Springs Senior – Guard/Forward

What age did you start playing basketball? I started playing when I was in Kindergarten at the age of five. Favorite place to play? My favorite place to play would have to be at the Ed Dubie Fieldhouse. It’s my favorite because it’s my home court and we have a lot of support.

Best part of your game? I would say my shooting ability and how I can shut a girl down defensively. Other goals besides winning a gold ball? I hope to accomplish becoming an all-around better player and to help my team set a record of having more wins than we ever have before. Plans after high school? After high school I plan on attending a four year college to major in business and play basketball.

What does the Elite 8 mean to you? It’s an honor to be the first player from Sand Springs chosen to be a part of the Elite 8.

Jacob Parker – Bixby Senior – Small Forward

What age did you start playing basketball? I was five. It was in a YMCA league.

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Favorite place to play? My home court at Bixby High School!

Best part of your game? My versatility. Being able to score both inside and outside is what I would say is the best part of my game. Other goals besides winning a gold ball? Prove myself every time I step out on the floor and make my teammates better.

Plans after high school? To play ball in college and get my degree in Kinesiology. What does the Elite 8 mean to you? It’s a great honor to be selected as an Elite 8 member. There is a lot of good, talent around the area and I am fortunate to be selected for such a great award.

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F E AT U R E

Kendall Davis – Sapulpa Junior – Guard

What age did you start playing basketball? I was six years old with the Lone Star Braves! Favorite place to play? I love to play on the road in Sand Springs.

Best part of your game? My ability to take people off the dribble and my ball handling skills. Other goals besides winning a gold ball? To be a great team leader.

Plans after high school? To go to college and hopefully make it to the next level in multiple sports.

What does the Elite 8 mean to you? I thank God and feel honored to be in this position. It’s a reflection of the great coaching I received over the years from the Titans and now Sapulpa High School. I’m proud to represent the Chieftains, like Alyssia Brewer before me.

Chelsi Dennis – Broken Arrow Senior – Guard

What age did you start playing basketball? I was 6 or 7 years old when I started playing basketball. Favorite place to play? My favorite place to play is Broken Arrow, of course!

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What does the Elite 8 mean to you? Being a part of the Elite 8 is very humbling. I appreciate the honor and will uphold that standard.

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Plans after high school? After high school, I plan on playing ball and getting a degree in engineering.

Other goals besides winning a gold ball? I want to be able to graduate knowing that I became the best player I could become.

VYPE.COM

Best part of your game? The best part about my game is that I am very versatile. Most girls are strictly oneposition players while I can play any position on the court depending on my opponent.

FEATURE

Mid America

Nationals

Union Red takes team honors, while Claremore crowns four individual champions — Photos and Story by Brad Heath

he Mid America Nationals has become one of the best early tournaments of the season as teams from three states and 30 schools converge on the UMAC in Tulsa. For many clubs this is an opportunity to see how they match-up against nationally ranked wrestlers like Gary Wayne Harding from Collinsville, Calib Freeman from Claremore, Oliver Pierce from Allen, TX; Ryne Cokeley of St. James,KS; Jeremy Davenport from Sallisaw and Kyle Crutchmer from Union. This grouped partnered with a solid field of wrestlers from schools like Claremore, Edmond North, Collinsville, Tuttle, Westmoore and Grove to help make this an extremely tough tournament to win.

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103

Gunnar Woodburn Claremore

Everyone was watching Gunnar Woodburn from Claremore to see if he could pull off another tournament sweep. Woodburn wasted little time on his path through the bracket beating Caleb Blakely of Noble by pin then defeating Levi Witten of Norman North, 17-2. In the semifinals Woodburn faced a fairly unknown opponent in Gabe Torres from Allen High School in Texas and won big by pin early in the match. In the finals Woodburn would face the No.2 seed, Brandon Martin from the Union Red team. Martin defeated the No.3 seed, Loc Hoang from Westmoore, 10-2 to make it to the finals. But in the end it was Woodburn defeating Martin by pin at the 3:59 mark to claim first place at 103-pounds. Jacob Findley from Collinsville placed third.

112

Another Zebra would leave his mark in the 112-pound bracket as Calib Freeman set his sights on winning the tournament. It was going

to take five rounds for Freeman to climb the mountain, but he did so, usually by pin! Freeman’s first opponent was Mike Gladson of Noble who he beat by pin at the 2:26 mark. Up next was Collinsville product, Jake Henry. Henry fell to Freeman by pin at the 1:59 mark. Then the No.8 seeded Keaton Randall of Westmoore stepped on the mat and gave Freeman his toughest match of the tournament, but in the end Freeman won by decision, 6-0. In the semifinals Freeman faced No.5 seed Zeak Naifeh from Bixby. Freeman was able to get the pin and move on to the finals where he would face Gary Wayne Harding of Collinsville. Harding cruised through the bottom half of the bracket to the finals and the nationally ranked wrestler looked like he was poised to win, but Freeman won the hard fought match, 4-1. Gunnar Laffoon of Tuttle placed third.

119

At 119-pounds Josh Walker from Union Red was the early favorite to win and he never gave any indication he wouldn’t keep that expectation. Getting the pin win on Zac Julian of Mustang, then the technical fall win over J.J. Hamilton from Sallisaw by a score of 15-0, set Walker up for a semifinal match with the No.4 seed Derek White from Edmond North. Once Walker was able to put White away he turned his attention to Rhett Leach of Sallisaw in the finals. These two have wrestled before and the crowd knew they were always competitive bouts. Leach, the No.2 seed, was a worthy opponent, but after the final round it was Walker on top, 3-1. Will Steltzlen of Collinsville placed third.

125

A No.2 seed would step up at 125-pounds and claim his spot as the tournament champion, that kid was Bo Nickal from Allen, TX. Nickal would roll through his half of the bracket defeating Jardan Kilgore of Claremore, Chase Ramos of Mustang, Trey Smillie of El Reno and Luke Wolfenberger for Union Red, 9-3. In the finals Nickal would face the No.4 seed in Brody Spencer of Tuttle after Spencer defeated the No.1 seed Dylan Helm in the semifinals, 4-3. But in the finals it was all Nickal and the Texan ran away with the victory, 7-4. Helm would go on to place third.

FEATURE

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The Texans continued winning as Jarrod Trotter from Allen, TX. made his way through the bottom half of the bracket to the finals. He started with fellow Texan Jose Aleman from Dumas, TX. Then Trotter would face a tough opponent in Dakota Head from Tuttle, but Trotter was too much in the end and won, 5-1. In the semifinals Trotter faced the No.3 seed Kyle Johnson from Columbus, KS. Trotter won that match, 3-1 to advance to the finals where he faced the No.1 seed from Union, Brian Crutchmer. In the finals Trotter went on to defeat Crutchmer, 9-2. Kansas wrestler Kyle Johnson placed third.

135

The Oklahoma wrestlers got back on track with Claremore’s Michael Williams at 135-pounds. Williams came in as the No.2 seed and wasted no time getting pins. First was Dustin Vielhauer from St. James Academy, Kansas, who he defeated by pin at the 2:59 mark. Then John Sanders from Sallisaw went down to Williams by pin fall at the 1:41 mark. In the semifinals Williams defeated the No.3 seed in Tanner Hamilton from Mustang, 2-0. That close match prepared Williams for the challenge of taking on the No.1 seed in Connor Baxter from Union Red. Baxter got the decision over No.4 seed Aaron Seybold from Pittsburgh, Kansas to advance to the finals, but in the finals it was all Williams as he rolled to a major decision win, 16-6. Hamilton went on to place third.

Haugen beat Frankie Cometsevah of El Reno by pin fall, Ethan Strange of Edmond North by pin fall, Ruben Valdez of Dumas, Texas by pin fall and in the finals he beat the No.3 seed Thorcon Samuels, 9-4. Haugen was the No.1 seed in the bracket and made it obvious why he deserved that seeding. Placing third was Isaac Beard from Tuttle who was not seeded. Beard won the third place match, 8-2 over Josh Pennington from Collinsville.

152

Nationally ranked Oliver Pierce from Allen, Texas had little trouble in the 152-pound division as he went through Tyler Cassity of Maize, Kansas by pin fall, Michael Turcios of Woodlands, Texas by pin fall, Ricky McCarty of Lawton Mac by major decision, 17-6 and in the semifinals defeating Charlie Armstrong of Westmoore by pin fall. In the finals Pierce would face another nationally ranked wrestler in Ryan Cokeley from St. James Academy, Kansas. In a close match Pierce was able to pull out the win, 3-0. Jeremy Davenport of Sallisaw placed third in what was the toughest bracket of the tournament.

Jeremy Davenport Sallisaw

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160

Kyle Ash of Union came into the tournament as the No.1 seed at 160. In the first round he defeated Keith Harvey from Woodlands, Texas then defeated Colin Poe of Norman North by pin fall. Ash’s

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

145

Claremore’s fourth champion came from Nick Haugen who won the 145-pound bracket with a series of pins and one decision.

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At 140-pounds a Kansas wrestler had little trouble dominating the field as Taylor Moeder from St. James Academy took top honors. Moeder defeated Levi Berry of Tuttle in the first round then turned to Austin Rabon of Lawton in round two. Moeder pinned Rabon in :45 seconds of the first period to move on to face Jake Barton of Collinsville. Jake Barton Barton also went Collinsville down by pin fall and in the semifinals Moeder faced No.4 seed Tyler Secrist of Southmoore. Moeder picked up another win, this one by decision, 8-2 and advanced to the finals where he would face the No.2 seed in Spencer Rutherford of Grove. Rutherford had two pins and two wins by decision heading into the finals. In the finals Moeder was too much for the Ridgerunner as the Kansas wrestler won, 3-1. Southmoore’s Secrist placed third.

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FEATURE Kyle Ash Union

next pin came against Jon Barnat from Bixby at the 3:38 mark and the win sent Ash to the semifinals where he faced Cory Snow from Collinsville. Ash was able to pick up another pin win and advance to the finals where he faced the No.2 seed in Dylan Ussrey from East Central. But Ash proved to be too much as he rolled through Ussrey, 11-4. Tuttle’s Zachary Beard placed third by defeating No.7 seed Matthew Meyer of Allen, Texas.

Wilson of Tuttle, Desmond Block of Lawton Mac, Austin Schafer of Edmond North and in the finals Bernstein beat the No.3 seed Logan Byrd from Sallisaw, 18-3. Edmond North’s Austin Schafer placed third.

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Kyle Crutchmer Union

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189

Allen High School was making a lot of noise at the Mid America tournament and their 189-pounder was the loudest. Ophir Bernstein, the No.1 seed, won all of his matches by pin fall and in the finals he won by technical fall. Bernstein defeated Billy

North won the heavyweight division by defeating Josh Friend of Grove by pin, then Patrick Diaz of Lawton by pin. In the semifinals Cline took out Stone Drulman of Allen, Texas, 7-3. The finals set up for a nice matchup against No. 3 seed Brock Bennett of Pittsburgh, Kansas. In the finals, Cline got an early lead and never looked back as he went on to win, 6-1. Drulman placed third for Allen. •

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Caleb Cline of Norman

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The Union Redskins continued winning with nationally ranked Kyle Crutchmer taking the 171-pound division. Crutchmer beat Marlon Houston of Barnsdall then Crutchmer knocked out Jackson Summers of Bixby by pin fall. In the semifinals Crutchmer faced a worthy opponent in Jadon Davenport from Sallisaw, but Crutchmer was too much for Davenport to handle and he picked up the win, 197. As the finals rolled around Crutchmer would face the No.2 seed in Andrew Dixon from Edmond North. But once again Crutchmer showed why he’s one of the best wrestlers in the state as he beat Dixon, 14-8. Crutchmer’s semifinal opponent, Davenport went on to place third.

215

Teammate of Bernstein, Nick Cobb, continued the winning ways for Allen. Cobb beat Dylan Freeman from Claremore, 16-0, then Cobb pinned Tuff Hodge from Owasso at the 3:59 mark. In the semifinals Cobb faced No. 5 seed Daniel Moses from Norman North and won by pin at the 1:59 mark. In the finals Cobb had his toughest match of the tournament as No.2 seed Kyle Factor of Westmoore. But Cobb was too much and got the win by decision, 5-2. Moses placed third by defeating Chase Robinson of Claremore, 13-3.

FEATURE

The Kiefer Trojans were the surprise team of the year, but if you ask any player or coach they will tell you it was no surprise to them. Story by Brad Heath, Photos by Kirk Wells

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The year was 1951 and the Kiefer Trojans won their first district title. It would take 59 years for the Trojans to win it again, but despite the lack of trophies in the trophy case, the Trojans were determined and under the leadership of head coach Josh Calvert, felt they couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be stopped.

After a 16-20 defeat to Caddo in the opening game of the season the Trojans made the most memorable run in school history. Over the next 11 games the Trojans defense would only give up 20 points while the offense put up 434 points. Epic numbers that may never be matched. The defense recorded eight shutouts in that 11 game stretch. Players like Sergio Lozoya and Troy Iverson gobbled up tackles while Johnathan Mefford and Tyler Deshazo had four interceptions each. The offense was equally has impressive and junior quarterback Ryne Gregor is a big reason they put up huge numbers. Gregor passed for 1,411 yards and threw for 20 touchdowns. Sergio Lozoya and Tyler Deshazo combine for more than 1,000 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns. The tandem was next to impossible to stop in the passing game. Then you add the skills of

Johnathan Mefford (373 yards rushing, 300 yards rec.) to the mix and you have a well-balanced attack. Mefford also rushed for 10 touchdowns. The Trojans could come at you with all kinds of weapons. CJ Ashwood is another receiver Gregor could look for, Joey Ralston added nearly 400 yards in the rushing game and sophomore Blake Shadowens contributed to the running game as well. Scotty Ross handled the snapping duties with Carlos Capehart and Nick Wright playing some offense and defensive line.

The Trojans graduate seven seniors from this team, but return plenty of experience. Seven juniors return and nine sophomores. Gregor is back at quarterback from 2011 and that will go a long ways in helping this team win another district title. Some names to look for next season include Daniel Mefford, Justin Rovang, Heath Brown, Dakota Perry, Dallas Jackson, Hunter Stobaugh,

Michael Allen, Cody Paylor, Casey Dykes, Tyler Leverett, Trevor Gordon, Trenton Gordon, Michael Jack, Preston Critchfield, Zac Boyd, Ross Katter and Devin Thompson. â&#x20AC;˘

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FEATURE

The Sapulpa Lady Chieftains have a new look, same motivation.

Shelby Loush Darlean CALIP

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By Wayne Bunch Photos By Brett Rojo

radition rich Sapulpa Lady Chieftains are remodeling not rebuilding, under its sixth-year head coach Darlean Calip, who has had success at every stop, which includes stints at Jenks, University of Tulsa and now Sapulpa, where she guided the Lady Chieftains to a state championship in 2007.

Sapulpa, which has only three seniors on its squad, Laura Wilson, Shelbi Loush and Shanice Courtney, is looking for the veterans to help develop the youngsters.

“I love this team,” said Calip. This team is very coachable, that’s one of the things that make me excited about them. “Right now we have lost a few games that I anticipated to win, but we are

getting better. We are young, but we are aggressive and physical. Of course we want to win, but we always want to take steps up the ladder and prepare us for late February and early March for the playoffs. If we continue to do those things each game we will be in a good place. My thing right now is when kids lose they get down on themselves, they lose confidence and start to question themselves.” Calip continued. “I have to keep them focused on the big picture and not what’s going on right now. No disrespect to the regular games, but these are warm-ups to get ready for the playoffs. The playoffs are what is important.” Chemistry of a basketball team can go a long way in the development of a squad and Calip believes this current squad has the right make-up to take them a long way.

“This club really excites me with their chemistry, because off the court they get along really well, and on the court, also,” said Calip. “Our seniors have

Taylor Henderson

Andrea Kerchee

Abby Hoover

Laura Wilson

Calip also said that senior post Laura Wilson has been playing very well and doing a good job of “helping the younger players,” adding “She has good leadership skills too, especially with the girls at school.”

The Lady Chieftains are hoping to grow-up the second half of the season and make a run for the Gold Ball, and return it to sit next to the one they put in the trophy case in 2007. •

April Glisson

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The Lady Chieftains are missing one of their major players in Shanice Courtney, 5-foot-8 senior forward, who averaged 6.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. Courtney has struggled with a shoulder injury the past year and a half. Courtney’s shoulder popped out in the season opener against Muskogee and her status is game-to-game, according to Calip. The sixth-year head coach expects her to begin playing again following the Christmas

break. “She has a lot of experience and it’s nice to have her on the bench because she can give a coach’s perspective from a student view point,” said Calip. “She can relate things to her teammates that she is seeing and they respect her. She can hold them accountable from a player’s standpoint. That’s an aspect that we have that I am excited about,” said Calip.

Several of the younger players Calip mentioned are juniors Madison Mercado, and Jenny Gardella, along with sophomores Abby Hoover, April Glisson, Amber Harjo and Andrea Kerchee.

While the lady Chieftains are a young ball club and off to a slow start, Calip said the leader of her ball club is Mercado. The guard averaged 9.2 points and 5.1 assists last year on a club that posted a 14-11 record and advanced to regional play. “Madison is our leader on the club and that’s because she is the one that has had the most experience,” said Calip. “Like I’ve told our kids, anyone can step on the court and be the leader, but she is because she has the most experience.”

FEATURE Madison Mercado

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been really good in helping the younger ones understand what we want in the defenses, level of intensity and helping them with the offensive sets. I’ve been really proud of them because that is sometimes difficult for upper classmen because you are competing for the same playing time. I gained a lot of respect and the admiration of the upperclassmen because they want this team to be successful. And they realize that our young kids have some talent and they feel like if we help them along that’s going to make our team better and for us to accomplish what we want in the end,” said Calip.

Jenny Gardella

Cascia Hall

Commandos Two Golfers Sign Letters of Intent

Seniors Charlie Saxon and Michael Varner recently placed their signatures on Letters of Intent to play golf at the collegiate level. Saxon is headed to the University of Oklahoma and Varner is going to Northeastern State University. Head coach Brian Rahilly was on hand for the signings as well as friends and family.

Volleyball Future is Bright

The 6th grade girls won first place at the Diocesan Middle School Tournament held at Monte Cassino on October 30. They were the No.3 seed team. They played four sets (two matches each), and the test record determined the winner. The girls record was 6 and 2. They played a fantastic game and represented Cascia very well. Team members are Cara Atherton, Maddie Brook, Briana Daugherty, Addie Robinnette, Morgan Peters, Annika Soderfelt, Megan Hart, Reagan Beyers, and Sara Pixley. The team coaches are Mrs. Kristen Liles and Mrs. Marian Malarkey. Courtsey of the Cascia Hall Newsletter.

Basketball ScheduleVarsity January 2011 Jan. 3-8 Beggs Tournament Jan. 14 Metro Christian Jan. 20-22 Mounds Tournament Jan. 25 Holland Hall Jan. 31 Tahlequah Sequoyah

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Tulsa World All-Metro Football Players

Conner SherwooD First Team - Conner Sherwood, LB

Honorable Mention Cascia Hall: Patrick Bass, DB-RB-P, Jr.; Timmy Curthoys, WR-DB, sr.; Tim Elias, LB-TE, sr.; Hunter Hart, DL-FB, Jr.; Luke Moellers, WR, Jr.; Tyler Rhoades, OL, sr.; Connor Sokolosky, DB-WR, sr.; Erik Testa, K, Jr.

Holland Hall

Dutch

Girls Basketball The Dutch basketball team has started out strong at 7-0. In the Bartlesville Holiday Tournament, they defeated the Class 6A host team 4637. Coach Crystal Lawson is looking for the team to have a strong season and take this momentum into SPC play.

Jules Townsend

Boys Basketball

A 4-4 record might not be as impressive as Coach Brad Shelley might have wanted, but with two returning starters not yet able to play, this has been a good start. With point guard Kwame Sexton and sophomore postman Zack Rogers missing, the Dutch were able to beat rival Cascia Hall 62-57 prior to the Christmas Break. Over the holidays, Holland Hall will be playing in Oklahoma City at the Chesapeake Challenge hosted by Heritage Hall.

Soccer Kicks In

Soccer is not for those that fear the cold at Holland Hall. Since they follow the Texas seasons as members of the SPC, soccer is a winter sport. The boys started out 6-01 and the girls are 1-3-2 in the young season. The boys, coached by the grizzled veteran Richard Hart, are hoping to make another run at an SPC Title.

SPC Starts In January

What are also known as counters, Southwest Preparatory Conference games start the weekend of January 14th. On that Friday, Holland Hall hosts Arlington Oakridge in soccer and basketball. The following day, Episcopal School of Dallas will take on the Dutch.

Division I Field Hockey

Holland Hall - Cameron Keylor

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Holland Hall - Christina Bayless, Jamie Rice

Division I Girl’s Volleyball

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Girl’s Cross Country Holland Hall - Savanna Smith, Cindy Saliba

Division I Football Holland Hall - Kwame Sexton, Brad Kragthorpe, Caleb Lade, Luke Frizzell, Billy Lafortune

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Boy’s Cross Country Holland Hall - Taylor Moult, Nathan Stewart, Mitch Hill

GAME PLAN

YPE wanted to take a moment to recognize the tireless efforts of those who make every game regardless of the weather, practice hard all year and cheer for their team despite the score. Yes we’re talking about the cheerleaders, pom squads and

Photo by Trey Coursey

Photo by Brett Rojo

Photo by Wes Sharp

Photo by Kirk Wells

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Photo by Brett Rojo

dance teams. Thank you for making the high school football experience even better. We can’t imagine going to a game and not hearing the chants, watching the throws and catching every high-kick. Here’s just a few of the many squads we caught this year!

Photo by Michael Mayberry

Photo by Kirk Wells

Photo by Brett Rojo

Photo by Brad Heath

Photo by Michael Mayberry

Photo by Trey Coursey

Photo by Brett Rojo

Photo by Trey Coursey