VYPE Tulsa Area February 2011 by Austin Chadwick

YOU ASKED FOR IT!

IT’S BACK! (Hurry! Offer ends soon!)

5 REGULAR ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES

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TEXT ‘VYPE’ TO 27297 TO JOIN ARBY’S TEXTRAS AND GET SPECIAL OFFERS ON THE GO! ®

THE 2011 SRX CROSSOVER

WE DON’T JUST MAKE LUXURY CARS, WE MAKE CADILLAC’S

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

When we import theirs, we’re saying we’ve lost confidence in ours. Oklahoma is sending a different message.

We’re on site across the country, producing new oil and natural gas discoveries that push domestic supply estimates well beyond 100 years. We’re using these resources to reduce imports and increase our nation’s security. Oklahoma is sending a message of commitment and confidence as we help meet America’s demand with American energy. Read more about our mission at oerb.com/AdvancingEnergy. ©2011 OERB®

30 | Cheerleading Athletes today are measured many different ways, but one sport seems to get overlooked when the term “athlete” is thrown around. Cheerleaders are just that, athletes, and these girls prove it.

Publisher / EIC Austin Chadwick Editorial Director Brad Heath Associate Editor Steve Braun Creative Director Chance Calvert Production Manager Megan Foster

35 | NOAH Athletics Everyone by now has heard of the home school athletic program called NOAH, but do you know how it operates and who are the people behind all their success? VYPE’s Rod Coulter takes a closer look at NOAH!

38 | The Lions Den MMA has grown tremendously in popularity, now places like the Lions Den are teaching kids at a young age how to defend themselves with the latest in MMA techniques.

33 | One-on-One

46 | Guts Hitman Awards Every year Guts Church hands out the coveted Hitman Awards. This year’s list is loaded with playmakers. Find out who walked away with the hardware.

FEBRUARY 2011

VYPE.COM

Claremore’s Marcus Allen has some big decisions to make after his senior season. Find out what those decisions are and what the future holds for Marcus Allen.

Senior Sales Representatives Bill Huddleston Cheryl McCorkle Contributing Writers Steve Braun, Wayne Bunch, Austin Chadwick, Rod Coulter, Brad Heath, Bill Huddleston, Mark Lockhart Photographers Brad Heath, Jerry Palmer, Brett Rojo, Rip Stell, Kirk Wells, Trey Coursey, Michael Mayberry, Dean Majors, Kim Hough Cover Photo Rip Stell 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.

:: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Graphic Design Leah Weigle Josh Hollander

Next Month... The winter sports turn into March and the madness begins. Basketball, wrestling and swimming look to crown their champions for 2011.

Pregame ®

A L etter from the E d itor

Elite 8 Was Never Better

Don’t Forget the Chocolates! February is known for chocolates and flowers, but at VYPE we’re focused on the basketball court, the wrestling mat and the swimming pool. With so many basketball and wrestling tournaments going on, the VYPE photographers are all over the state taking some great shots you’ll see in this issue.

Cheerleaders all over Oklahoma have wanted a feature and now they have it. With more than 60 cheerleaders showing up for the cover shoot at SSB Kids in Broken Arrow and 10 different squads, VYPE devoted the cover and a feature to the sport so many of you love. Find out what it takes to be a cheerleader and what these girls go through to entertain you and cheer on their teams.

Basketball playoffs are approaching and VYPE correspondent Wayne Bunch takes a closer look at some of the teams to look for in the playoffs. And sticking with basketball, the Tate siblings of Sand Springs are the focus of this month’s Family Affair.

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NOAH is one of the more successful home school programs in the country. Rod Coulter brings you a feature story on what drives their athletics and what we can expect from them in the future.

Let’s not forget this month’s Grill that features Jenks swimming coach John Turner. Dynasty is a word used a lot at Jenks and the swim program fits that description. Also look for stories on the Chili Bowl, the Lions Den, Marcus Allen from Claremore and an announcement about the new VYPE website! Be sure to send us your Flashback photos! Doesn’t matter what sport you played, what instrument in the band or who you cheered for, we want to see your old photos. Email them to brad.heath@vype.com. •

We’re in the Game

Brad Heath

Editorial Director

I’ve seen Elite 8 groups in the past, but this one is top notch! Nice job selecting some of the most talented players in Green Country. There’s always a few kids that could make the team, but I think overall you did a good job.

Julius Williams, Tulsa

Wresting Cover

With so many good wrestlers in the area, are you ever going to see a wrestling cover and story? How long has this magazine been going? Yet wrestling gets snubbed every year for the cover. Can someone please tell me why?

Kelly Proctor, Tulsa

Editor’s Note: (Actually we did a wrestling cover featuring Catoosa and Sand Springs wrestlers in February of 2009. So yes we’re overdue for a wrestling cover. We did place two outstanding wrestlers on the cover last month!)

No Need to Respond I just wanted you to know that at a recent basketball game I spoke to one of your photographers and I have to say he represented your company very well. I know he was on the job, but he took the time to answer a couple of question and now he’s going to do my daughters senior portraits. Just wanted you to know.

John D. Broken Arrow

Editor’s Note: (John, I wish you could remember his name! Recently Brett Rojo, Rip Stell and Kirk Wells have all shot basketball for us and yes, they represent VYPE very well.)

Rent the Hummer Can I rent your Hummer for my prom?

Patrick S. Undisclosed school

Editor’s Note: (Um, no. Never hurts to ask though!)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2011

VYPE.COM

T ON US OU K C E H C TTER & TWI K O O FA C E B 7 :0 0 1 :0 0 W E D 1 0 - 9 :0 0 N O M O P E N R S - S AT 1 1 :0 THU

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High School Lincoln Christian

Kaitlyn Tumy

John Carradini

Union High School

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Lincoln Christia

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High School Kaitlyn Tumy is a senior at Lincoln Christian School and the co -captian of her ch eerleading squad. When Kaitl yn isn’t coaching her teammates, she’s coaching first grad ers as part of the Learn to Se rve program. Kaitl yn volunteers with a first grade class at Lincoln Ch ristian as a teacher’s aide in addition to her ch eerleading duties. She maint ains a 4.1 GPA in her classes.

n High a senior at Unio John Carradini is ntains asses, John mai School. In his cl A, weighted 4.92 GP a 4.0 GPA and a d an te ua d Grad is a Distinguishe John rvice Graduate. Se d Distinguishe pionship to a state cham helped his team ns in ral key receptio by making seve Eagle an so al es. He’s the playoff gam ball works as a base Boy Scout and he ds. er referee for ki umpire and socc

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

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2011

VYPE.COM

:: FEBRUARY 2011

:: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

01 01 UNION’S STEPHON WEAVER JAMS IT HOME COWETA WATCHES MIKEY BURNETT AT WORK FROM RIVERFIELD AND SUMMIT CHRISTIAN MICHAEL MAYBERRY STELL

PHOTO: RIP STELL

PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

07 BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SWIM TEAM

09 JOE ODON FROM SUMMIT GRABS THE REBOUND

BRETT ROJO

11 BOOKER T. WASHINGTON INVITATIONAL

PHOTO: MICHAEL MAYBERRY

02 SUMMIT CHEER

PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

04 THE SUMMIT FAITHFUL

03 RICKIE WEBSTER FROM

PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

05 BATTLE OF THE NO.2’S

06 THROCON SAMUELS FROM UNION GOES FOR THE TAKEDOWN

PHOTO: RIP STELL

08 LINCOLN CHRISTIAN FRESHMAN COLBY STARR

PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

PHOTO: RIP STELL

PHOTO:

PHOTO: RIP

10 DEANNA FEW BRINGS THE BALL UP THE COURT

PHOTO:

12 TANNER BAILEY FROM BROKEN ARROW TRYING TO ESCAPE

PICTURE THIS

07 05

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04 03 02

PICTURE THIS

01 SUMMIT’S ASHLEY SMITH PLAYING SOME DEFENSE PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

02 ONE FAST FISH!

PHOTO: RIP STELL

DAVId AYERS OF LOCUST GROVE WORKING THE ESCAPE PHOTO: MICHAEL MAYBERRY

04 MADISON INGRAM FROM

SUMMIT CELEBRATES

PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

05 ANDREA

JOYCE FROM HOLLAND HALL WITH THE LEANER 01

RIP STELL

PHOTO:

06 HOLLAND HALL’S ETHAN ELBERT PUSHING

THE ACTION

PHOTO: RIP STELL

07 RIANNE MCBRIDE

FROM LINCOLN CHRITSTIAN RUNNING THE OFFENSE PHOTO: RIP STELL

STELL

08 READY FOR LAUNCH

PHOTO: RIP

09 OOLOGAH SWIMMER FINDING SOME OXYGEN

PHOTO: RIP STELL

JUMPER

10 RIVERFIELD’S MADDY BERRY HITS A

PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

06 09

07 VYPE.COM

:: FEBRUARY 2011

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

PICTURE THIS

01 BTW GIRLS POSING FOR A PIC RIP STELL

PHOTO:

02 SAND SPRINGS WRESTLERS

GETTING SOME COACHING

PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

03 SANDITE WILLIAM GOMEZ PINS KJ SHAW FROM STILLWATER

PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

04 JENKS

NICKEL FIFTH GRADE CHEER 05 SAND SPRINGS WRESTLER FORREST BEARSHEAD CELEBRATES THE WIN

PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

06 THE KIDS GOT

TOUCH PHOTO: RIP STELL 07 SAND SPRINGS CHEER PHOTO: BRETT ROJO RIP STELL

08 TCA CHEERLEADERS

PHOTO:

09 STILLWATER’S GARRETT GUTHRIE

WITH THE WIN

PHOTO: BRETT ROJO

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L O C K E R TA L K

to the

There is simply just something about it. The Big House: The goal for every small school basketball team in Oklahoma. What makes the nostalgia of the Big House so attractive? By Greg Swaim | Greg Swaim Radio Show & BigTime Television Report

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2011

VYPE.COM

he State Fairgrounds Arena, affectionately called the “Big House” by basketball players, coaches and fans from across the Sooner State for decades, houses the small school championships each season in Oklahoma City, and has for decades.

I grew up in Indiana, and attended a large school in Oklahoma for my junior and senior years, so had not attended a small school until the late 1980’s when I began covering basketball professionally. It took just one game to realize that the small schools had something special that the large schools are missing out on. First of all, if you’re looking for a brand new state of the art NBA type arena, you will be disappointed. But this grand old building is not about new and shiny, it’s about atmosphere, and the Big House is just oozing with history. The All-College Tournament, the nation’s oldest college holiday tournament, used to be held here. And some of the greatest players to ever play the game, like Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell and Pete Maravich have all played here along with some of the greatest college coaches ever, like Henry Iba, Ray Meyer and Phog Allen.

I’ve also seen many of the great players in Oklahoma high school history play in the Big House as well. I’ve been

fortunate to witness numerous future Division-I stars, as well as future NBA and WNBA players. I’ve seen famous college coaches who’ve come to watch top recruits from our state, and I’ve even seen little old ladies elbow high school boys while trying to get the best seats available when they opened the gates.

Heck, I’ve even seen a player so excited to be in a tight championship game that he left his lunch on the court.

It was 1994 and Oklahoma Christian School (OCS) had Oklahoma State signee Chiante Roberts in the championship game against the underdog Wright City. Future Kansas Jayhawk coach (then OSU assistant) Bill Self was on press row thinking he was watching his future player (although a week later Self was named as the new head coach at Oral Roberts) and OCS held a 1-point lead with ten seconds to go. Wright City had the ball and called a timeout. Leaving the timeout huddle, the point guard for the Wright City turned to hear some final instructions from his coach. He was standing in the center circle of the floor, and as he turned to hear his coach the excitement of the moment apparently got to him and he lost the remains of his lunch on the court. After yet another timeout to clean up (the court and player) Wright City missed a last second basket and OCS won their second straight title.

I remember several terrific displays of talent. Like when Ryan and Damon Minor led their Hammon team to the title over future OSU and NBA star Bryant Reeves and his Gans squad. Future WNBA star Crystal Robinson put on some unbelievable games and future college stars like Megan Gregg, Cheri Westervelt, Liz Brown, Jennifer Crow and Stacey Coffee and Jenna Plumley, to name a few. I often feel sorry for the big schools, which simply don’t know what they’re missing. The Big House is the Mecca for high school in the state of Oklahoma. And if you have yet to attend, be sure to mark the first two Saturdays in March on your calendar. I promise you’ll get shivers when you hear Steve Daniels (longtime PA voice of the Big House) say in his booming voice, “It’s championship Saturday. Congratulations, you’ve made it to the Big House.” •

Oklahoma Driving School

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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L O C K E R TA L K

Be a field reporter and cover your school for VYPE today.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2011

VYPE.COM

VYPE Oklahoma Launches New Website Platform With iHigh.com

VYPE has teamed up with iHigh.com to present the best form of web content for the viewers of high school sports in Oklahoma. This web platform offers features that are on the cutting edge of website development, like video streaming, daily broadcasts, features, updates, scores, and digital magazines. We made it specific to each VYPE Oklahoma publication, whether it be Eastern Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, Northwest Oklahoma, or Three Rivers.

VYPE encourages you to get involved and become a VYPE field reporter for your school or community by emailing Oklahoma@VYPE. com. Post your own stories and utilize VYPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s database of photography, videos, and content to populate your own site. This will give people the opportunity to get published in the monthly magazine of all the VYPE Oklahoma publications.

All sports are covered in our award winning magazine and we are looking for the best. Let us know who you are and what school or area you want to cover. Go To Oklahoma@VYPE.com and let us know!!!

L O C K E R TA L K

OKLAHOMA DRIVING SCHOOL

Getting Your Teen Ready

To Start Driving

earning to drive is exciting for teens, but can be stressful for parents. Robert Cole, owns Oklahoma Driving School, said there are many tips that help parents teach their kids to be better, safer drivers: taking driver education, providing a positive role model, driving without distractions, creating a contract with your teen, and monitoring your teens progress as they develop into an independent driver. Reducing stress will get everyone through the process.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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Basic driving skills are more successful and less stressful if a teen undergoes the year-long process of Driver Education. Oklahoma state law directs teens to begin “driver ed” as early as fifteen. Most parents decide, however, to have their teen begin “driver ed” just before they turn fifteen and a half years old, because that is when they test for their learner’s license, also called a “permit”. To get their drivers license at sixteen, teens must have carried their permit for 180 days and logged 50 hours driving with an adult. For more information, contact the Oklahoma Driving School at 622-6500 or visit the website at: www.oklahomadrivingschool.com.

Once teens are allowed to drive independently at age sixteen, state law requires that teens get an “Intermediate Drivers License”. This six month long license sets restrictions on how many passengers they can have in their car and when they can drive. Having parents involved throughout the “driver ed” process as a coach, cheerleader or merely a spectator, will be instrumental in their student’s ultimate success. Parents should take a look at their own driving because teens learn from their parents habits.

Setting a good example for teens improves their driving skills before they even get behind the wheel. “Try to give them your seeing habits,” Cole said, adding, “Check intersections and let them know what to look for.” That positive example also means teaching your teen to drive without distractions, including no food, drinks, cell phone and even the radio. “My granddaughter had the radio on for the first time and within ten seconds she went through a stop sign,” Cole said. No distractions certainly includes leaving all non-driving related discussions outside the car, whether it is a teen or parent who is upset. A final example to set is always wearing your seat belt. Seat belt use is lower among teens than adults, and 16 year olds are more likely to be at fault for a collision than older drivers. More than 6,000 teens die and 300,000 are injured every year in car crashes so it’s important to wear your seat belt and remind your teen to wear theirs.

Monitoring your teen’s progress includes a parents presence while they have their permit. You might want to get a mirror and a brake for the passenger side of the car. Monitoring devices are available once teens are driving independently.

Finally, The Oklahoma Driving School has examples of contracts teens can sign that pledge that they won’t drink, speed, or be distracted while driving. The agreement of a parent and their teen of personal rules and responsibilities is the most important recognition of trust between them. Remember, parents make all the difference. In a recent study, teens said that parents who set rules and pay attention to their whereabouts are half as likely to get in a crash. So don’t be afraid to set ground rules and monitor your teen’s progress--It will save you a lot of stress. It took you years to become the good driver you are; it will take your child a long time, too. •

Sam Nelson Coweta High School

Several things run in Coweta High School junior Sam Nelson’s family, but two of the most important things are baseball and a love for God. Sam is on the baseball team, where he pitches and plays first base and he is in FCA SCA and Students Against Destructive Decisions. His father played baseball in college and both of his uncles coach baseball. Working hard comes naturally for Sam, and he knows that life is all about what you put into it whether it’s playing baseball or helping others. “I work hard and put my all into it,” Sam said. Sam’s brother is also on the baseball team and Sam strives to be a good role model for him and other students.

Whenever Sam needs a little inspiration he turns to his favorite Bible verse.

Philipians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

L O C K E R TA L K

Brandi Haney is a senior at Broken Arrow High School and is a member of the varsity cheer squad. Recently she joined her teammates and several other cheerleaders from the area for this month’s cover shoot. We thought she would make a perfect Triple Play candidate. Mary Fowler has coached at Broken Arrow for 20 years and his been in the cheer industry for 31 years. She cheered at Memorial High School, Oral Roberts University and staffed for United Spirit Association. Her teams have six National Championships and one State Championship. Can the Spirit Coordinator for Broken Arrow handle Brandi’s dad, Stan Haney? Stan works for AT&T and is prepared to call in a few favors and take on coach Fowler!

Brandi Haney

Stan Haney

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2011

VYPE.COM

Broken Arrow Cheerleader

Brandi’s Dad

Mary Fowler

Broken Arrow Cheer Coach

Favorite subject in school?

Adult and Family living

Adult and Family Living

Peer Tutoring

One thing you can’t live without?

iPhone

Cell Phone (Duhhh)

Comedian or politician?

Comedian

Comedian (sideways humor)

What actress would play Brandi in a movie about her life?

Cameron Diaz

Miranda Cosgrove

Cameron Diaz in one of her tougher roles

Favorite place to eat?

El Chico

Bueno

Homework: last minute, every night, always late?

Last minute

Brandi’s room: clean, disaster area, controlled chaos?

Clean

Controlled chaos

Is Brandi a talker, texter or facebooker?

Texter

All the above...Texting is number one, but all apply.

If Brandi wasn’t in cheer what would she do?

Soccer

She would be a gym rat

Power lifter

Brandi is most likely to be voted what?

Best physique

Most likely to speak her mind

7 Correct Good Work, Dad!

5 Correct Nice Try, Coach!

TOTAL POINTS:

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Day… TM

Feb. 2nd, 1964 Russian speed skater Lidia Skoblikova won the gold medal in the 3000-meters at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Skoblikova became the first athlete to win four gold medals at the Winter Olympics and the first to win six in two Olympic games.

Feb. 6th, 1924

Hackensack High School in New Jersey beat Passaic, 39-35 ending their winning streak of 159 consecutive basketball games. Passaic had outscored opponents during the five year run, 9,435 to 3,236.

Feb. 7th, 1976

Darryl Sittler, a center for the Toronto Maple Leafs, set an NHL record for most points scored in a game when the Leafs beat the Boston Bruins, 11-4. Sittler finished the game with six goals and four assists, having a hand in all of the teams points but one.

Feb. 11th, 1968 Figure skater Peggy Fleming won the only U.S. gold medal in the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France. Fleming received first place votes from every judge and defeated the silver medalist by 88.2 points.

Feb. 18th, 1967

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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VYPE.COM

During an exhibition softball pitcher Eddie Feigner struck out six of baseball’s greatest batters in a row. Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Harmon Killebrew, Maury Mays, Roberto Clemente and Brooks Robinson all went down swinging.

Feb. 23rd, 1967

During a track meet in Lawrence, Kansas, runner Jim Ryun set an indoor half-mile record of 1 minute 48.3 seconds. It was only one of seven world marks he would set, despite the fact that he suffered nearsightedness, hearing impairment and severe allergies.

Feb. 29th, 1980 Hockey great Gordie Howe became the first player in the history of the NHL to score 800 goals. Before his retirement a few months later he added number 801. Howe played 28 years in the NHL.

THE

TRAINERS TABLE

By Brad Heath

On This

Cold Weather Hydration Awareness, recognition and education are the ways to help prevent dehydration during cold weather training.  While proper clothing is essential during cold weather; some of the same technology that keeps us comfortable may inhibit the ability to appreciate sweat rate or water loss during exercise. The goal is to replace 100% of sweat and electrolytes lost during exercise outdoors. The recommendations are 1/2L of fluid per kg of weight loss. Use a simple weigh-in/weigh-out procedure to determine the amount of kg’s lost. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends ingesting 125 ml (5 ounces) every 20 minutes of exercise.

Understand that we continue to lose fluids, even during cold weather exercise, and the importance of replacing those fluids in order to stay healthy and have a positive effect on performance.

Nutritional Considerations in Cold Weather

Energy expenditure is two-times greater on wet or snow covered surfaces than on regular surfaces and the heavier clothing essential to cold weather training increases energy expenditure. Vasoconstriction, which is a reaction to cold temperatures, reduces blood flow to peripheries and thereby decreasing fat utilization. Glycogen usage increases in colder weather, resulting in fatigue. Exercise rate at the beginning of a session can maintain body temperature, however a prolonged training session will deplete stored reserves of fuel in the form of glycogen. The resulting effect is fatigue and subsequently blood glucose and cold intolerance.

As the intensity of training decreases, muscular activity decreases, accompanied by a lower body temperature. In extreme cases, the end result is hypothermia or even death. * Information Courtesy of Jeffery A. Kline, ATC, NAMS-PES of Oakwood Healthcare

Athlete theYear of

S C H O L A R S H I P

F E B RUA 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.

Jordan Schultz

Nick Tate

Claremore High School

Sand Springs High School

Jordan Schultz is unstoppable. Jordan is a senior at Claremore this season where she plays basketball and serves in National Honor Society and Indian National Honor Society. Last season, she shattered Claremore’s records for most points scored in a single game and for most points scored in a season. She was named to the All-State team and played in the Best of the Best.

Nick Tate is a great leader. Nick is a senior at Sand Springs who was named to the pre-season VYPE team and is a 2nd team world player. He is a leader to his team, scoring an average 23 points per game. This season, he scored 40 points at the Bishop Kelley tournament. Nick was an honorable mention at the AllCentennial Conference.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2011

VYPE.COM

John Turner Jenks Trojans By Wayne Bunch

enks High School swimming coach John Turner has coached for 32 years in the Tulsa area and at Jenks leading the Trojans for 13 seasons, winning coach of the year honors in both girls and boys in 1989 and 90, the first and only time the same person has received both awards in Oklahoma. He has coached Jenks to 24 state championships and 12 runner-up titles. In 2001 Turner was named the National High School Swimming Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. In 2006, 07, 08 and again in 2009 he was awarded the NISCA “Excellence in Coaching Award. In 2007, Turner was named the National High School Boys Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. VYPE: How does Jenks continue to be a powerhouse in high school swimming?

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Turner: We have good support for the program from top to bottom from the parents, administration and we just have great kids who want to swim. They work hard and parents are involved and it makes it to be a very pleasant situation.

VYPE: How do you motive the kids to participate in swimming?

Turner: My approach to the sport is that you are swimming because you want to swim. I don’t want you here because I am making you swim. It works well for me. I want the kids to focus on what they want. They know we have a great tradition and what it takes to swim and win here. They just buy in to the program. VYPE: You are building a new facility for swimming, what is it like?

Turner: It’s an extremely impressive facility and it will be the showpiece aquatic facility in all of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Nobody else will have anything like it. It will be an Olympic size pool, 60 meters long. The greatest boon for our program is that our lanes will no longer be crowded. The pool will be 25 meters across so we can accommodate more swimmers to workout.

VYPE: When will the facility be completed?

Turner: It will be completed April 15th and the first competition will involve our club teams in the summer, which has two meets scheduled. Our first high school meet will be the first Saturday in November, with the All-State Preview when we invited the top six teams in the state from both the boys and girls to compete.

VYPE: Do you plan to host the state high school swim meet at Jenks?

Turner: Yes we plan to bid for it. It won’t be next year because we still have a lot of construction going on and the parking areas will not be complete. The year after we are going to go after it. I really think it will come over here because the east has been traveling to western part of the state for vie and six years and I think it’s time for it to come our direction. Once they see the pool they will want to bring it here. We will have more seating than anyone else, 1,400 for spectators and 600 for athletes. VYPE: Besides the pool what other benefits will the facility possess?

Turner: The facility will include new concessions, more restrooms, more storage space, with upgraded locker rooms and it will be tremendously well lighted. We thought our other pool was well lighted, but this one is going to be far superior. And, we will still have the other pool for warm-ups and other uses.

VYPE: What are the chances for Jenks to repeat as state champions this season?

Turner: I think the boys are the team to beat this year. Last year was the year we won for the third consecutive year both boys and girls. And we won both the academic trophies also. We’ve had a couple of pretty good years. I think the girls’ team to beat this year is Union. Anyone who wants to win will have to go through Union. And, if they want the boys’ title they are going to have to go through Jenks.

VYPE: What other teams look to be strong this season?

Turner: This side of the state is very strong with Bartlesville, Union, Jenks, along with Broken Arrow and Bixby. Bixby is move up to 6A after winning the 5A state championship. It’s pretty strong on the eastern side. And the west has an equally number of strong schools like Edmond North, Memorial and two Norman schools. Stillwater always has a strong program. But it’s going to come down to Jenks and Union. VYPE: What Trojan has the best chance of winning a state swimming title?

Turner: Jake Pearce, who is headed to the University of Virginia next year, is a fourth time All-American swimmer and is back to defend his titles in the 100-free and he could also win the 100-fly, if I could talk him into it. I don’t think that’s going to be necessary that I do that. He set state records last year and we are hoping to do that again this year. We have a lot of good swimmers like Jake Burrows, Colby DeWeese and Ian Meehlander. VYPE: Who are your girls that you are counting on to have good seasons? Turner: I think the best girls for a state title is Montana Gaffney. She is a junior and last year’s winning in the 100-freestyle and 200-freestyle. We expect good things from Kathy Bliss a sophomore, who placed second in the 100-breaststroke.

VYPE: How important is the booster club to the high school program? Turner: I can’t even begin to tell you how important the booster club is to our program. They provide so many things that our kids wouldn’t have without them. They do so many things to make them feel special. They play a vital role in our program, such as providing things that the school cannot purchase. Our program would not be the same without the booster club. •

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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Photos by Kirk Wells

Layne Himebaugh Collinsville High School Layne is a sophomore at Collinsville where he plays football, baseball and is a member of the FCA. Layne carries a GPA of 3.6. At the Chili Bowl Layne raced his way into the B Main and he’s only been racing for three years. Layne’s sponsors are Hesselbein Tire, Kent’s Custom Cars and Trucks, Code Red, Rainbow Concrete and the Goff Family.

Alex Sewell Broken Arrow High School Alex is a junior at Broken Arrow and has raced for four years. Alex raced in both the Tulsa Shootout and the Chili Bowl. Alex has several sponsors including Sewell Mechanical, Spike Chassis, Factor 1 Racing and ECOTEC.

Karley Kay Dobson Hulbert High School Karley is a junior at Hulbert High School and is a member of the wrestling team and the track team. Karley competes in the 300-Meter Hurdles and the Pole Vault. She carries a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Tech Honor Society. Her sponsors include Stallard Chassis and Components, Dobson’s Automotive Specialists and Momo’s Racing Engines.

Blake Edwards

Kade Morton Coweta High School Kade is a sophomore at Coweta and has six years of racing under his belt. Kade expects to have a big season in 2011. His sponsors include Lucas Oil, Coweta Auto Supply, Momo’s Racing Engines, Stallard Chassis and Components, Napa and Morton Excavating.

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Oologah High School Blake is a freshman at Oologah and a member of the wrestling team. Blake has a 3.2 GPA in the classroom. Blake performed well at the Tulsa Shootout and at only 14, Blake is expecting to have many more opportunities to showcase his talents. Blake’s sponsors include Best Lighting, Momo’s Racing Engines, Frank Johnston, Mark Edwards and Robert Farris.

Matt McWelthy Jenks High School Matt is a senior at Jenks and has raced for six years. Matt also plays for the soccer team and has a 3.0 GPA. Matt’s sponsors are Best Graphics, Dr. Ed Wortham, Clark Bundren, MD, Hoosier and Chris Berreth Performance Racing Engines.

Cameron Hagin Broken Arrow Cameron races out of Broken Arrow and is a regular at Port City Raceway. Cameron races in both the Tulsa Shootout and the Chili Bowl this year. His sponsors include Raypro, Spike Chassis, Weiland Racing Ent., Advanced Racing Suspensions, Rod End Supply, Hansel Trucking LLC and Allied Towing.

Blake Hahn Sapulpa Blake races out of Sapulpa and enjoyed a lot of success at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout. Blake has several sponsors that helped him get there: Storey Wrecker Service, Ford, Klatt Enterprises, PJ1, Smileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Hoosier.

Tyler Thomas Rejoice Christian Tyler is a freshman at Rejoice Christian in Owasso. At 14 Tyler is one of the young stars the racing world is watching. His sponsors include BT Powdercoat, Thrillerphoto.com, Walters Web Design and Hoosier.

Kris Carroll Verdigris High School Kris is a senior at Verdigris where he plays on the varsity soccer team. Kris carries a 3.0 GPA and has 12 years of racing experience. Kris has several sponsors that includes Walker Racing, AirBorn Coatings, Dana Designs, Performance Parts and Fuel, Don Eaton Co. and Phil Oakes P.O.P.S. Custom Engines.

Darien Roberts

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Broken Arrow High School Darien is a freshman at Broken Arrow and has raced for four years. Darien is 15 and has a bright future in racing. His sponsors include KMK Enterprises, Team RRD Ruston Racing and Development, Sawyer Chassis, Mel Mark Pipe and Supply Inc. and Metric Cycles.

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Cheerleading… The catalyst for school spirit. Too many times we get caught up in the crazy nature of high school athletics and we lose sight of some of the wonderful aspects that make it so meaningful. By Austin Chadwick | Photos by Rip Stell has been long-overdue that VYPE does a feature on cheerleading. We have highlighted teams in our Gameplan Sprit section before, but nothing as to a full-blown feature. Well, it is time.

Cheerleading and marching bands have been around for as long as sports have been around. We all know the premise of why cheerleading and band have always been a mainstay in high school and collegiate sports. In today’s world, the level of participation for high school sports on the spirit side of things is overwhelming. And rightfully so. We not only see bands and cheer squads, but also pom squads, drill teams and even student-based fan groups.

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With cheerleading, there is just something a little different. From the youth leagues to the varsity level. Cheerleading is almost bigger than the game itself in some cases. But what goes into the logistics of cheerleading? How young do kids get started? What kind of commitment does it take? How competitive

does it get? Well, those of you who are involved or have kids involved know the exact answer to these questions. In today’s world of high-tempo, schedulestrickened, “get me there on time,” move it or lose it capacities, families are stretched to the max, but will always find the time to contribute the time (and money) to their kids’ ambitions.

With cheerleading, girls are taught structure, disapline, and leadership at a very young age. And many of those girls extend it through middle school and into high school. What many people don’t realize is that it comes full-circle. Once cheerleaders have developed in high school, they tend to find themselves coaching a youth squad in their own particular schools system. And the youth squads? Have you ever ben to an INFC (Indian Nations Football Conference) youth football game on a Saturday? It is a mad house not just with the little guys knocking each other around on the field, but the massive participation in cheer squads.

F E AT U R E

“I love working with younger girls,” said Holland Hall cheerleader Ciore Taylor. “Every summer Holland Hall puts on a cheer camp that caters to every young girl who dreams of being a cheerleader in high school. My favorite part about camp is getting to know the little girls one by one and being able to recognize them outside of cheerleading. Whenever they see me that say, ‘hey I remember you’.”

“During the three years I have been on varsity I have coached 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 7th grade squads,” said Union cheerleader Courtney Loerke. “I have enjoyed seeing these young girls progress through the years. I love watching them get better because I know that they are the future of our program.” Many of the reasons why high school football is played at such a high level in Eastern Oklahoma is because of the development in feeder/youth leagues. The same can be said for cheerleading in Eastern Oklahoma. We tend to see many girls from Tulsa-area high schools attend and cheer in college. It is a very high level and many of those girls are developed at programs like SSB Kids (Spirit, Soul, and Body). SSB is home to

the Tulsa Cheer Academy and is one of the more successful programs across the country. “There is a huge market for all-star cheerleading starting a young age,” said SSB owner Priscilla Godi. “This prepares the athletes for heightened skill levels that are needed in preparation for high school cheer squads. We look forward to the upcoming season as TCA will be placed in April.” To watch the younger girls interact with the older cheerleaders is such a joy as they look up to the varsity as their heroes.

Commitment is at an all-time high and this level of commitment is extremely apparent among the parents of these youth and high school cheerleaders. “Union Varsity Cheer is a year-round commitment, said Deneen Pennington, mother of Union cheerleader Dea. “It is year-round and the parents are generally in charge of fundraising and facilitating.”

generally only see them at these high school events. We do not see the 5am workouts and training. And we tend to not see the competitions that take place statewide, regionally, and nationally.

These parents are brought into the fold very early as the youth cheerleaders are needing even more assistance. But the gratification of watching their young girls develop into leaders and stay involved in activity is priceless.

We commend all the cheerleaders across the state of Oklahoma as we know the level of commitment it takes for parents and athletes alike. With that, we congratulate and commend all the pom squads and drill teams as they have the same commitment and drive. That will be another story to tell later. •

Not just with tryouts, games, tournaments and events, but the competitive aspect of competitions are on a whole other level. These girls work so very hard and it is too bad that we

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Thanks to all the girls who made this possible and to the great coaches and people at SSB Kids.

F E AT U R E

For more information on SSB, go to www.ssbkids.com or call 258-KIDS.

Chelsea Parsons Jenks We may make it look easy sometimes, but just like any other sport, it takes hard work and dedication. People see us on the sidelines and say cheer isn’t a sport. What they don’t see is all the hard work we put in at practice and the love we have for the sport. Tumbling and stunting is hard work and it does a lot of damage to the body, but we push through all the pain and do our best everyday. Thankfully it paid off and we won state this year. Next month we plan on taking national in Disney World.

remember if you don’t think you’re good there’s always a little girl looking up to you thinking she wants to be like you.”

Makenzie Sims – Lincoln Christian

Cheerleading isn’t just about the cute uniforms and big bows anymore. We have early outdoor practices the day after football games, 7:30 practices everyday of the week, and the biggest challenge: being with a bunch of girls 24/7. The quote “blood, sweat and tears” really does speak volumes for us, but nothing is better than getting the crowd on their feet to yell our team to a victory. We also get the greatest joy from teaching our elementary cheer camp in the summer. We play games, teach material, and their favorite part: popsicle breaks. We try our absolute best to be crazy, fun, and exceptional examples for these girls. They didn’t put “leader” in the name by accident, so we strive to represent that name in uniform.

I have coached a Jenks mighty might team and a 6th grade team. I remeber my coaches I had at that age and I hope I left good memories for the little girls I coached. Coaching was one of my favorite experiences and the girls would come to the games to watch us and say “i want to be just like you when i get older.” That really touched my heart. One of my favorite quotes is this. “Cheer They didn’t put “leader” in the as hard as you name by accident, so we strive to can, be the best represent that name in uniform.” you can at what you do because - Makenzie Sims, Lincoln Christian

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Chelsea Parsons – Jenks Varsity Brandi Glover – Jenks Varsity Paige Wilson – Jenks Varsity Chanel Elrod – Jenks Varsity Rachel Finkenstaedt – Jensk Varsity Brooke Decker – Broken Arrow Varsity Brieanna Pellersels – Broken Arrow Varsity Brandi Haney – Broken Arrow Varsity Kara Wisner – Broken Arrow Varsity Alexis Nicka – Broken Arrow Varsity Leslie Armstrong – Broken Arrow Varsity Haley Surface – Union Varsity Marisa Smith – Union Varsity Courtney Loerke – Union Varsity Madi Dettor – Union Varsity Dayna Prince – Booker T. Washington Danielle Palmer – Booker T. Washington Payton Stockstill – Booker T. Washington Taylor Duke – Booker T. Washington Sue Ann Whitelock – Booker T. Washington Makenzie Sims – Lincoln Christian Varsity Kaitlyn Tumy – Lincoln Christian Varsity Jerica Custer – Lincoln Christian Varsity Sonni Chambers – Lincoln Christian Keri Thresher – Lincoln Christian Varsity Alex Turner – Lincoln Christian Varsity Claire Reaves – Holland Hall varsity Christine Basora – Holland Hall Varsity Ciore Taylor – Holland Hall Varsity Lily Razdan – Holland Hall Varsity Eryn Buntemeyer – Holland Hall Varsity Kathlyn Farmer – Holland Hall Varsity Avery Cupp – Jenks Nickel Fifth Grade Brooklyn Heath – Jenks Nickel Fifth Grade Elizabeth Sanden - Jenks Nickel Fifth Grade Allyssa Featherston – Jenks Nickel Fifth Grade Reagan Bush – TCA Cheer Taylor Chandler – TCA Cheer Macey Collier – TCA Cheer Venna Davis – TCA Cheer Trinity Estes – TCA Cheer Anna Herrera – TCA Cheer Saniya Howard – TCA Cheer Chloe Magnon – TCA Cheer Katie Matthews – TCA Cheer Kiley Minton – TCA Cheer Avionah Rolland – TCA Cheer Kyra Stone – TCA Cheer Kyra Yarbrough – TCA Cheer Maria Cantrell – TCA Cheer Xandria Cruz – TCA Cheer Sadie Geiger – TCA Cheer Lauren Hackworth – TCA Cheer Kelsey Hausam – TCA Cheer Brooke Martin – TCA Cheer Savannah Moreno – TCA Cheer Apsen Roberts – TCA Cheer Samantha Rogers – TCA Cheer Michelle Whitledge – TCA Cheer Coach Kendall Roberts – TCA Cheer Coach Priscilla Goci – Owner SSB Cheer/SSB Kids Mitchel Godi – Owner SSB Cheer/SSB Kids

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Getting To Know

NOAH Many people have probably seen something or heard something about NOAH, but really know very little about the Jaguars.

OAH (Northeastern Oklahoma Association of Homeschools) was organized by 17 homeschooling families that had the desire to enter a team from Tulsa in the National Home School Basketball Tournament in 1998.Today there are nearly 500 student athletes fielding teams from elementary, junior high, junior varsity and varsity in nine sports. Fred Sabatini, who has been the president of NOAH over the past two years, took time out of his schedule to add some insight, history and a glimpse forward at the NOAH program. First and foremost, NOAH exists to bring glory to God through the gift of sports. NOAH is a competitive Christian athletic association that gives homeschooling families throughout Northeast Oklahoma an

outlet for their students to compete at the highest level of athletics.

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According to Sabatini, they have no problem getting student athletes to play. “The cat is out of the bag, homeschooling offers superior academic performance in a safe environment while allowing tremendous relationship building opportunities with their children. Home Education is the fastest growing educational model in the US. With over two million students being educated at home the home education movement is growing at a pace just over 7% per annum as compared to less than 1% for all other models of education (public and private). Oklahoma alone is estimated to have over

In regards to Tim Tebow being homeschooled, but playing at the local high school, Sabatini explained “Homeschooling is governed by state law. Some states have what is referred to as “Equal-Access” Laws. This means that a homeschooled student in a “equal-access” state may participate in the local public schools extra-curricular programs of the school, even though they do not attend classes at that school. Florida, which is a “equal-access” state, and Tim Tebow are a perfect example. Tim was educated at home by his parents but played football for the local public school in the district where he lived. Over half of the states in the US are now considered “equal-access”

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NOAH is not a member of OSSAA, but they follow the same age eligibility guidelines and each home school also assesses and confirms that their students are on or above average grade requirements for their school.

36,000 homeschooled students and is one of the most home school friendly states in the country. Oklahoma is the only state in the country that has a constitutional provision that guarantees a parent the right to homeschool.”

FEATURE extracurricular campus, complete with gyms, fields, track, field house, weight training facility, classrooms for co-ops, etc. leading the country in the vision we have to give homeschooling families throughout Northeast Oklahoma an outlet for their students to compete at the highest level of athletics while first and foremost bringing glory to God through the gift of sports.

homeschooling states. Oklahoma is not an “equal-access” state which in turn strengthens the competitive homeschool athletic organizations such as NOAH.”

On a national basis, you will find NOAH at the top or near the top of every nationally organized home school athletic tournament or ranking. Per Sabatini, “Any and all success that NOAH has enjoyed is directly due to a joint effort involving a tremendous amount of time, energy and effort from a vast array of supporters; from NOAH families, to pastors of churches that donate facility time, to community leaders and coaches, both public and private that have opened their doors to allow us to learn and compete at a high level”. Also contributing greatly to the success of the

There have also been individual successes for NOAH athletes, with 19 Jaguars having played collegiately, six of those playing Division One. Two of the latest have been football players Caleb Gastelum at the University of Oklahoma and Malachi Blankenship at the University of Tulsa.

If you want to learn more about NOAH, you can go to their website, www.noahjags.org or contact Fred Sabatini at 918-607-0549.

The outlook for NOAH in the next five to ten years, Sabatini added, “I see the overall homeschooling movement broadening in terms of definition, allowing more families the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of educating their children at home. Our greatest challenge over the next five years will be defining an ever changing term; Homeschooling. The more involved a parent can be in the relationship with their children the better. Home education certainly provides that platform, no matter the motivation behind it. There are many youth in our community that could greatly benefit from the dynamics of homeschooling. We need to continue to find ways to provide that dynamic, the oneon-one discipleship that home education offers. I believe the platform of homeschooling and athletics provide a great opportunity to make an impact in the youth of our community. Five to ten years from now, I’d see NOAH having its own athletic/

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In football this year, NOAH hosted DeSoto, Texas, the highest ranked team that NOAH football has faced. When the possibility to play them arose, Sabatini asked head football coach Joe Blankenship if he would be interested in playing an equivalent of Jenks or Union, Blankenship replied, “in a heartbeat!” They had six Division I players on their team, finished the season 11-3 in the highest division of Texas HS football. They ended up ranked 13 in the State of Texas and 93 in the United States.

programs are the 70 plus coaches who are all volunteers.

Joe Blankenship added, “I hope we are developing a tremendous amount of young men and women who are becoming leaders in our community as they live for great causes rather than the next cool comfort that comes along.”

Malachi Blankenship

Caleb Gastelum

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Mikey BURNETT

VYPE has produced great features on Oklahoma’s most prestigious MMA fighters. Now we want to highlight the Oklahoma Fight Club and the Lion’s Den as it teaches character, discipline, fun, and technique to members young and old.

Coach MIKEY

Rickie WEBSTER

GABE Photos By Brett Rojo

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ithout question, the fastest growing sport over the last five years has been Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). With the TV phenomenon of Ultimate Fighter, and the mainstream audience that is tuning into UFC events, the sport has gone off the charts.

Many familiar faces in Oklahoma are involved with the growth of MMA. One in particular is Ultimate Fighter contender and former UFC welterweight title contender Mikey Burnett. A graduate from Nathan Hale in 1991, Burnett wrestled in college and was also a Golden Gloves boxing champion in Oklahoma. One of the original members of the national fight club the Lion’s Den, Burnett is now working with fellow MMA partner Mark Wayne Mullin at the Oklahoma Fight Club (OFC). Located in Broken Arrow, the OFC provides a wide-range of MMA including No-Gi Submission and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. All athletes can be found taking the “lunchtime” classes with Burnett to get in shape and develop their technique. There are programs and classes going everyday and the skill level can be tailored for anyone.

Perhaps one of the most interesting facets of the OFC is the enrollment numbers of youth members. “We truly provide a very positive environment and family atmosphere for young kids to start training,” said Mark Wayne Mullin. “We teach children the essentials and basics for Jiu-Jitsu and it helps develop them in so many ways.”

FEATURE

With classes every night for No-Gi submission and Jiu-Jitsu, children have the ability to come train and develop their skills at their own pace. Mullin, a devoted family man, wanted to develop a training facility that he would be comfortable allowing his own kids to partake in. “We keep it extremely positive and professional for the youngsters. They learn self-discipline, self-respect, defense, and gain confidence. We teach the basics of JiuJitsu with no striking, with this, parents have positive re-enforcement to what their children are learning.”

The development of youth grappling and Jiu-Jitsu has exploded into regional and national tournament events. Many of the OFC youth members will take the trip to Dallas, TX for the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) Dollamur Grappling Championships on February 26th and 27th. “These tournaments are becoming more and more prevalent and we are seeing so many kids and adults involved in the NAGA circuit throughout the year,” Mullin concluded.

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Mullin, who has fought professionally himself, brings that passion of a high-quality, positive and professional program to the Tulsa area with OFC. “We have been blessed to be able to develop the OFC with the Lion’s Den. The response has been fantastic and we want to continue the level of interest.”

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With the expansion of the sport in state of Oklahoma, the growing

Coach

the CONNOR

“The sport has exploded and we are seeing it evolve from year to year. It tends to be cyclical with the different styles that see success, but the foundation for just about all MMA is Jiu-Jitsu.”

ANTHONY

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Wrestling in Oklahoma has always been a hotbed for athletes who move on to find themselves competing for NCAA and Olympic glory. Many wrestlers work with OFC during off-seasons to hone in on new skills that enhance their wrestling ability. In the past, athletes who wrestle in high school and college have never had the ability to continue on with a profession in the sport of wrestling. MMA has now given that demographic a chance to continue on.

interest and response is evident. VYPE has featured MMA greats such as Burnett, Gerald Harris, Shane Roller, and Josh Bryant and the response has been crazy. “We at VYPE have the ability to cover just about any high school and youth activity,” said Publisher Austin Chadwick. “One of the biggest responses we get from parents and readers is about MMA and how youth Jiu-Jitsu can be covered in the magazine as well. We recognize the attention and we want to start covering more and more of it.”

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FEATURE When looking at all the different age groups and skill levels, they don’t miss out on anyone who is interested in the program. Even women. “With how many kids we have in our program, it was only a matter of time before moms started asking about classes. So we now have programs for women only. These programs are expanding at a very fast pace as well.”

In the future, VYPE will be providing quality content on the world of MMA and how high school, college and

youth athletes are competing in the sport from around Oklahoma. To keep us informed on stories and features that we need to highlight, please send us your responses to Oklahoma@VYPE.com For more information on Oklahoma Fight Club, visit www.oklahomafightclub.com(918)-615-6962. Also visit NAGA at www.nagafighting.com.

James JERNIGAN

Josiah Freesemann

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FEATURE

arch 12, 2011 will be the 29th Annual St. Patrick’s Run presented by RunnersWorld Tulsa. The race has a history of being one of the top 5K races in Oklahoma. This race will attract more than 2,000 runners. The St. Patrick’s Run has a tradition of kicking off the racing season for runners in Oklahoma. So, join your fellow runners and experience this exciting race. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Oklahoma and the Tulsa Running Club.

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There will be a 1 Mile Fun Run at 8:30 and the 5K Run at 9:15. At 9:00, runners will be in for a special treat and see exactly what this race benefits. There will be a Special Olympics Exhibition Run with many local Special Olympics athletes. Several local celebrities run with the Special Olympics athletes.

Special Olympics Oklahoma has been the main recipient of the race proceeds since 2004. There were 898 runners that year. The race has grown to over 2,300 runners that participated in 2010. This year’s race should be even bigger. So get out your running shoes and your best St. Patrick’s Day costume and come out to Brookside and have some fun. You can register at RunnersWorld Tulsa starting on March 7 or register now online at www.sook. org.

VYPE will be the sponsor of the School Team Contest this year. Prize money will be awarded to any local school that has the most participation. The top three schools with the most registered runners will receive the following prize money: 1st Place: $500 2nd Place: $300 3rd Place: $200 The winning team will also be featured the April (May) VYPE High School Sports Magazine.

There will be an awards ceremony and prize giveaway following the 5K run. Awards will be given to the top three runners in each age group to male and female runners as well as overall male and female runners. The Tulsa Running Club will award a $500 bonus for a new state open 5K record. Door prizes will also be given out. Stick around and enjoy the fun. Don’t forget to join the St. Patrick’s 5K Run Mascot, Lucky Leprechuan on his Facebook page to help spread the word.

Photo by Dean Majors

What has football has taught you? Football has taught me that there will be a lot of adversity and challenges, but you have to dig deep and persevere. Never quit. What’s the toughest part about being a football player?

The toughest part about being a football player is when it comes to an end. It’s hard during those last few plays when you know they are your last. What does the future hold for Marcus Allen?

Marcus Allen

I’m either going to college at OSU or IU (Indiana University). I hope to get an academic as well as a football scholarship to help get me there. I have over a 3.87 GPA.

VYPE goes One-on-One with Claremore senior Marcus Allen to talk about Claremore High School, his playing career and what’s next as he prepares to graduate and enter college.

I would love to be able to come back and watch a game in the future.

Senior seasons are always tough for players, who was it harder for you or your parents?

My parents and my grandma have been there every step of the way. Without their support and encouragement, who knows where I would be.

Claremore High School

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For my high school career it would have to be when we were beating Union, 9-6 at half time in the playoffs my junior year.

Most memorable moment of your high school career?

My senior season could have been better. We had the team to do big things, just too many mistakes as a team this year. I was really impressed by my good friend Jordan Cunningham. He was only a sophomore and led the team in tackles and I think even the state. Which is crazy cause his older brother Josh led Class 6A in tackles throughout the season last year. But I’ll never forget any of it. Friday nights will always be a special time for me. •

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Most memorable moment this year would have to be when we beat Tahlequah by about 50 points (not sure on the score). It showed we really did have the potential to be great.

Give me your final thoughts on your senior season and what you will take with you as you prepare to graduate from Claremore.

What was your most memorable moment this year?

Who are some of the people that helped you get to where you are today?

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That’s a hard one. My parents sacrificed a lot and were there for everything since the 2nd grade when I started football. But I would have to say it was hardest on me. My love for the game is unmatched.

Ten years from now do you see yourself coming back to Claremore High School to watch a game?

Cascia Hall

Commandos Cascia Hall Basketball Ranked in Top 10 The boys basketball team remained in the Top 10 of the rankings according to OKRankings.com. The Commandos round out an incredible cast of basketball teams in Class 4A this season. Top ranked Douglass appears to be the team to beat, but Vinita, Bridge Creek, Roland, Tecumseh and Cascia Hall can win Regionals and make the state tournament, anything can happen. The rankings were posted on January 25th after week 11 games were finished. Look for more on the Cascia Hall boys at www.vype.com/ok.

Cheer Squad Takes Second Place

The Cascia Hall cheer squad placed second at the NCA Senior and Junior High School National Championship. Held in Dallas the NCA’s are one of the toughest competitions to compete in with squads from around the country looking to take the top honor. Check the Cascia Hall Bulletin in February for a complete story. www.casciahall.com

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Bowling Team Takes to the Lanes

Both Boys’ and Girls’ Bowling Teams compete weekly against other local high schools during the Oklahoma High School Bowling Association winter league games. Bowling is an Activity offered in the Upper School. The club sponsor is Mr. John LaFortune. Girls’ Bowling Team members are Jordan A’Neal, Emily Williams, Renae Alexander, Melanie Fallis, Sarah Brekke and Marie Graham. Boys’ Bowling Team members take a break with their team coach (second from right) during their first bowling match of the season. Members are: (L to R) Trey Woodrum, Nick Hilger, Alex Budzyn, Nathan Irvin, Mitch Mitchell, James Self, and Spencer Thomas. Story Courtesy of the Cascia Hall Bulletin

Holland Hall

Dutch

Girls Basketball Working Toward Three-peat The girls basketball team is currently undefeated and going for a third straight SPC championship. At this time, dating back to last season the Coach Crystal Lawsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dutch have won 27 straight games. So far this year they have won the Vinita Tournament and the Bartlesville Tournament. With an SPC championship this year, not only will it mark the third one in a row, but it would also mark the 11th one for girls basketball, which would be one more banner hanging in the gym, overtaking field hockey as the most in one sport. Previous championships were in 76, 77, 78, 79, 81, 82, 86, 96, 08 and 09.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team has four three year starters. They include Paris Townsend, Jules Townsend, Kate Rowland and Christina Bayliss. This has created a lot of familiarity and chemistry that they are obviously using to their advantage. The new face on the court is freshman point guard Kelsey Arnold.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Good luck to the Dutch when they travel to Houston for the SPC championships on February 11th and 12th.

Coach Lawson has had past success as a player and a coach. She was a player on a state championship team at Jenks and was on the coaching staff at Jenks and Sapulpa when those schools won a gold ball.

FEBRUARY 2011

Paris Townsend leads the team in rebounds per game at 6.6 and field goal percentage at 58.7%. Arnold is doing well from the floor as well shooting at a 47.8% clip. Bayliss has hit 24-56 3 pointers so far on the season.

Statistically speaking, Paris Townsend is leading the team averaging 14.3 points a game. Bayliss is close behind averaging 14 points, while Arnold rounds out a trio of starters averaging double figures in scoring 11.4 points per game

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Kelsey Arnold has come along very quickly which has allowed Bayliss to change her role to more of a shooter. This paid dividends early as Bayliss was named MVP earlier this year at the Bartlesville Tournament

T h e

U l t i m a t e

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2011

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he Ultimate Hitman Program is a program started by Guts Church with the intent of reaching outside the walls of the local church. It celebrates the “Hit of the Week” in over 20 local high school football programs and in 4 states around the country. The goal is to promote character and intensity on and off the field.

Representatives are sent each week to each school to bring a challenging word to the team and award the Big Hit from the previous week’s game. The coaches and reps confer and decide which hit from the game was deserving of “The Hit of the Week.” The student athlete with the biggest hit is given the coveted Ultimate Hitman t-shirt.

Hitman reps not only attend practices for weekly visits but are often found on the sidelines during games, on the team buses for road trips, or in the middle of the huddle pre-game. Hitman reps create relationships with players and coaching staffs to ensure that the local church is trusted as the first-responder for anything needed. The season culminates with the Ultimate Hitman Awards Ceremony. This ESPY-style awards show highlights players from over 30 schools in 5 different categories. Categories represent the Ultimate Catch, Ultimate Kick Return, Ultimate Run from scrimmage, Ultimate Play by a lineman, and the Ultimate Hit of the season. Players,

coaches, students, teachers, family, and friends alike join over 2,000 spectators for this one-of-a-kind event. From the Big Hits and acrobatic catches to the cheerleaders and drum lines, you don’t want to miss The Ultimate Hitman Awards Ceremony. We place a premium on celebrating high school athletes and The Ultimate Hitman Program is helping to influence the culture of High School football - Hit Hard and Love God.

2010 Ultimate Hitman Awards Ceremony Winners • Ultimate Catch - Stephon Weaver Union High School • Ultimate Run - B.J. Driver - Sperry High School

• Ultimate Kick Return - Malachi Neal East Central High School • Ultimate Lineman - Andrew Harris Rogers High School

• Ultimate Hitman - Tyler Lockett Booker T High School and Will Coleman - Broken Arrow High School

This year was the first time two players tied for Ulitmate Hitman.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2011

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SUPERIORITY MEANS NOTHING UNLESS IT’S WIELDED WITH PRECISION. The New 2011 Lexus IS 350. Wield Precision.

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LEXUS OF TULSA 4210 S. Memorial, Tulsa (918) 665-3987 Options shown. Published performance data for base automatic transmission models versus the IS 350. Ratings achieved using premium fuel. Lexus reminds you to wear seatbelts, secure children in rear seat, obey all trafﬁc laws and drive responsibly. ©2010 Lexus.