Eastern Oklahoma 2012 digital

E TA U TR UE RE F EF A

JANUARY 2012

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JANUARY 2012

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JUNE 2012

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Pregame 12 | Picture This Another great issue from the VYPE photographers as they hit area football, volleyball and softball games. Check out all of the action and maybe you will see yourself in one of the photos in this issue!

18 | Triple Play Meghan Causby is a junior Sapulpa High School where she runs for the varsity cross-country team. Meghan is the ideal student athlete and has ran crosscountry for five years. Her father Topper Causby and head coach Debbie Williams will line up and race to the finish in this month’s Triple Play.

22 | Robert Meachem

VYPE’s Lynn Jacobsen brings another great Where Are They Now to the VYPE Nation as she caught up with Robert Meachem who’s currently playing for the San Diego Chargers. What’s the adjustment been like going from New Orleans to San Diego for Meachem and what are some of his fondest memories of his time at Booker T. Washington?

28 | Court’s in Session

Bishop Kelley varsity volleyball won their sixth state title in a row and their 16th title in school history. Cascia Hall repeated as Class 5A champions under coach Jenny Duncan. Check out all the tournament action in this volleyball recap.

32 | How The West Could Win

It’s a topic debated by experts, coaches and fans every year. When will the west win a Class 6A football title? What does it take to get over the hump? Who can beat Jenks or Union? VYPE’s own Austin Chadwick breaks it down and his formula may surprise you.

Next Issue...

The annual Statewide Basketball Preview will hit racks covering all of the boys and girls basketball teams in Oklahoma!

®

A letter from Austin Chadwick

Breast Cancer Awareness Attack of the "pink". Don't let it scare you, we are just showing our massive support for breast cancer awareness month.

Many of us have stories that directly affect us in a manner that any cancer would. So we salute the survivors, victims, and those who are working their tails off in finding a cure for cancer.

What an exciting time in the football season.

Through the Pigskin Preview to the competition of all fall sports, we continue to get it all covered for you. We have some great pieces of editorial this month and it will not disappoint.

The fall sports start to wrap up and we salute the champions of softball and volleyball. Needless to say we are gearing up for the playoffs and district play is shaking out to give us a clear picture.

Sit back and enjoy and give us your feedback on our magazine and its content.

Austin Chadwick VYPE Oklahoma Publisher

Trinity Media Group, LLC 6737 S. 85th E. Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74133 All rights reserved.

Publisher Austin Chadwick Partner/Editorial Director Brad Heath Partner/Director of Operations Rod Coulter Partner/Three Rivers Director Bill Huddleston Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migloire Partner Mark Rodgers VYPE University Director/Senior Writer Lynn Jacobsen Graphic Design Austin Chadwick Contributing Writers Austin Chadwick, Brad Heath, Steve Marshall, Dusty Otis, Keven Scrutchins Contributing Photographers Brad Heath, Steve Toney, Patti Duran, Rip Stell, Bluncks Photography, Curtis Allen, Defining Moments Photography, Josh Clough, Von Castor, John Hasler, Kevin Bishop, Gsmith Studios.com, Wes Sharp, Kim Hough, Michael Mayberry, Brett Rojo Contact Information Website: www.VYPEOK.com Phone: 918.495.1771 Fax: 918.495.1787 VYPE is published monthly by Trinity Media Group, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondences will become property of VYPE.

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F E AT U R E

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Let us know what we’re doing right or what we need to do better.

We love to hear from readers. Or if you have an event, a team or an athlete we need to cover, give us the heads-up. Send your comments to Oklahoma@vype.com.

—Brad Heath, Editor

Sean Mahan Kudos for your article on Sean Mahan. I watched this kid grow up, coached little league teams against him and it’s cool to see he’s still doing good things. Lynn Jacobsen did the interview and I thought she did an outstanding job.

Lawrence P. Broken Arrow, OK

Small School Football

Love your choice of teams in the Small School Football article in Tulsa. I don’t think these guys get enough attention in local papers and it’s good to see someone giving them the coverage they deserve. Keep it up!

Jesse M. Tulsa, OK 8

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Editor’s Note: Thanks Lawrence.

Lynn did a great job with the interview and we appreciate Sean taking some time out of his schedule to visit with us. Look for more great Where Are They Now articles in future issues.

OSU Quarterback, Really?

Austin, do you really think OSU has “found a quarterback?” Your

column was timely until Walsh got his opportunity. Maybe you can give everyone your thoughts on AM 1430 The Buzz and change your story like you always do.

Mr. Football – USA

Editor’s Note: Uh Austin all you man

Programs I was recently at the state volleyball tournament when the guy selling programs told us VYPE is the company doing the programs for the OSSAA. He also said VYPE has saved the schools a minimum of $85,000 dollars last year. How do you guys save the schools money by doing the programs?

Nicole H. Tulsa, OK

Editor’s Note: Thanks for the email Nicole. We handle all of the programs for the OSSAA state games.

Unlike companies in the past, we do not charge the schools a fee to have their team photo and roster in the program. This is just one way VYPE Magazine is supporting your school and your community.

LOCATIONS: Ardmore • Bartlesville • Broken Arrow Central Tulsa • Durant • McAlester Midtown Tulsa • Muskogee • Okmulgee Sand Springs • South Tulsa • Tahlequah

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VYPEOK.COM | MONTH YEAR

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Oct. 6th, 2006

Oct. 8th, 1957

Oct. 13th, 1982

Former Negro Leagues star with the Kansas City Monarchs and the first African American coach in Major League Baseball, Buck O’Neil passed away today at the age of 94.

O’Neil was a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame Veterans Committee and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

It was announced today that the Brooklyn Dodgers were moving to Los Angeles, California. The Brooklyn Grays were formed in 1883, later changing their name to the Dodgers. The name “Dodgers” came from New Yorkers calling people from Brooklyn “trolley dodgers.”

The International Olympic Committee restored two gold medals from 1912 to Jim Thorpe. Thorpe won the gold medal in the Pentathlon and the Decathlon. Thorpe would go on to become known as the Greatest Athlete of the Twentieth Century.

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01 Inside the helmet - Jenks Photo: Austin Chadwick 02 James

Singleton

From

Fort

Gibson

and Aaron Meier from Catoosa Photo: Brett Rojo 03 Cole Ward -

Union Photo: Vic Kidwell 04 Hunter Harrison - Catoosa Photo: Brett

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Rojo 05 Booker T. Washington

Band Photo: Brett Rojo 06 Hale Rangers Photo: Brett Rojo 07 Sam Gotsch - Sapulpa Photo: Brett Rojo 08 Daniel Philpot Photo: Brett Rojo 09 Baylor Jenkins - Skiatook Photo: Brett Rojo 10 Bobby Klinck -

East Central Photo: Brett Rojo

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Oct. 18th, 1977

Oct. 22nd, 1984

Oct. 25th, 1990

Mr. October, Reggie Jackson hits three consecutive home runs tying a World Series record set by former Yankee great Babe Ruth.

During his career Jackson became a 14-time All-Star and a five-time World Series champion.

Former National Football League quarterback Ken Stabler officially retired from professional football today after playing from 1970-1984.

Stabler was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was the NFL MVP in 1974.

Boxer Evander Holyfield knocked out James “Buster� Douglas for the heavyweight title, which Douglas had defeated Mike Tyson to become the champion. Over his career Holyfield would record 29 knockouts, 44 wins, 10 loses, two draws and one no contest.

Oct. 27th, 2004 Barry Bonds 700th home run ball sells for $804,129 during an online auction. What pitcher threw that 700th home run ball? Tweet your answer to @VYPEOK on twitter or log on to facebook and send us your best guess to our facebook page.

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2 | V Y P E O K . C O M 13

<--Karlee Bradberry & Bryan Clinton-->

ol Jenks High Scho

rry Karlee Bradbe

Bryan Clinton

SEQUOYAH CLAREM

ORE HIGH SCHOOL

Karlee Bradberr Jenks High Sc

y

hool Karlee Bradberry is a senior at Jenk s High School where sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of the varsity chee rle ading squad.

Karlee carries a 4.

0 GPA, while taki ng ho nors classes such as AP Calculus II, Spanish Literature, English Literature and Psychology.

Karlee belongs to the National Hono r Society, STUCO, PreMed Society, Spanish Club, Go Team, Safe Team an d DFY. For her commitment to her school and he r education, Karlee Bradberry is the October TT CU St udent Athlete of the Mon th.

n Bryan CorlienHito Sc gh hool

Sequoyah Clarem

aremore nds Sequoyah Cl te at n to in Cl n Brya for the d plays football High School an GPA and 8 3. a s ie or carr Eagles. The seni uding the veral clubs incl is involved in se , FFA, es ristian Athlet Fellowship of Ch ety, Art Club, Math Soci National Honor group ub and a youth Cl e nc Club, Scie lculus yan takes AP Ca at his church. Br g in nd rward to atte and is looking fo tion. Bryan is a adua college after gr t making mate and studen am te dedicated of the e Student Athlet him a great TTCU Month.

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

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PICTURE THIS F E AT U R E

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01 Addison Sunday Makes a play for Owasso

Photo: Provided 02

Union Cheer Photo: Rip Stell 03 Brett Tye - Jenks Photo: Rip Stell 04 Bixby Cheer Photo: Rip Stell 05 Broken Arrow Cheer Photo: Rip Stell

05 S A E P T E MJ UB N E RE 22 00 11 22

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OK K .. C CO OM M VV YY PP EE O

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01 Maddie Boyd - Chelsea Photo: Blunck's Photography 02 Shai JonesJay Photo: Brett Rojo 03 Kortney Smith-Webster Photo: Josh Clough 04 Jay Cheer Photo: Brett Rojo 05 Kellyville Softball Photo: Blunck's Photography 05

Life in Progress, Careers in Motion.

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TM

Meghan Causby is a junior at Sapulpa High School where she runs cross country. Meghan carries a 4.37 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. Meghan has ran cross country for five years and is excited about heading off to college after graduation.

Topper Causby is Meghan’s dad and is the Rural Market President for Spirit Bank. In his free time he enjoys attending Meghan’s cross country meets, hunting and spending time with family and friends. Coach Debbie Williams is a Sapulpa grad who ran at the University of Tulsa in college, later earning a teaching degree from OSU. Now the fun begins! Who will take it?

Topper vs. Debbie in an epic battle of Triple Play!

Meghan Causby Sapulpa Cross Country

Meghan’s Coach

Topper Causby Meghan's Dad

Favorite subject in school?

Math

History

Math

Meghan's favorite restaurant?

Red Rock

Olive Garden

Chik-Fil-A

Trapped in high school forever, who would you bring with you?

My best friend Chelsea Mortazavi

Blake B.

Chelsea

Class clown? Class president?

Or could I be the teacher?

I could be the teacher!

Class president

The teacher

Meghan's bedroom is a work of art, disaster area, or Area 51?

Work of art

Work of art

Disaster area

What's Meghan's superstition?

None

Don't cross finish line before race starts

Food before running

Homework? Is it last minute, every night, or always late?

Last minute

Every night

Last minute

What reality TV show would Meghan win?

Minute to Win it

Wipeout

Fear Factor

When I’m with my friends, its: Superbad, South Park or Big Bang Theory?

Big Bang Theory

Big Bang Theory

Big Bang Theory

Sports movie or TV show Meghan could star in?

Rocky 4

Friends

Remember the Titans

2 Correct.

Study up coach.

5 Correct.

Landslide Victory!

TOTAL POINTS: 10

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Debbie Williams

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SEPTEMBER 2012

Try All

Los Cabos and Waterfront Grill's Team of the Month October 2012

Riverwalk Jenks Next to Bass Pro Broken Arrow

120 S Aquarium Dr Jenks, OK (918) 518-6300

Regent Prep Varsity Volleyball

The Regent Preparatory varsity volleyball team recently won the OCSAA Class 3A state title coached by Michael Christie.

The win gives Regent their third state championship in a row.

The middle school also won a state title. Members of the varsity squad include; Sarah Minnich, Megan Stitt, Maddie Shapleigh, Paige Panter, Aly Smith, Emilee Sullivan, Katie Sahlstrom, Kari Keller, Alli Page, Alison Ramsey, Anna Sahlstrom, and Madeline Drake. Congrats to the Regent Prep varsity and middle school volleyball teams for being this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Los Cabos & Waterfront Grillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Team of the Month!

SEPTEMBER 2012

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By Lynn Jacobsen

Robert Meachem

The former Booker T. Washington Hornet and Tennesse Volunteer star has made himself known in the NFL and has now gone from the New Orleans Saints to the Sand Diego Chargers.

Once Robert Meachem turned all his attention to football, there was no slowing down the former Booker T. Washington two-sport standout.

Meachem signed with the University of Tennessee where in three seasons he caught 125 passes for more than 2,140 yards with 17 touchdowns.

His breakout year came in 2006 where he had six 100-yard receiving games en route to 1,265 receiving yards and 1,298 total yards. He opted out of his senior season in 2007 and was the 27th overall pick in the first round by the New Orleans Saints.

After five seasons and a Super Bowl championship, Meachem signed a free-agent contract with San Diego on March 13, 2012.

The four-year deal will pay him in excess of $25 million.

Meachem married longtime love Adrianna, whom he calls ‘Shea’ three years ago. The couple has two daughters, Adrianna, age 7; and Ryli, age 3. The couple is expecting their third child.

Recently, VYPE magazine caught up with the 28-year-old Meachem via telephone.

VYPE: Congratulations on the free agent contract you signed with the Chargers. How do you like San Diego?

Meachem: I like it. The weather is great. I’m adjusting to a new division, learning every day.

Solving Tulsa’s Water Problems Since 1946

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W here A re they n ow ?

VYPE: How difficult was it going through free agency?

Meachem: It wasn’t too bad. I knew I had a home in New Orleans regardless.

VYPE: Any regrets at leaving the Saints?

Meachem: No. You learn and grow from your experiences. I learned a lot. Here in San Diego, it’s going to be better because of what I’ve learned.

VYPE: In 2010, you helped New Orleans win a Super Bowl. What is your favorite memory from the game?

Meachem: When my family got to come down on the field after the game.

VYPE: When you look back on that season, what stands out?

Meachem: When I stripped the ball from a player against the Washington Redskins.

VYPE: How is your relationship with San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers?

Meachem: It’s getting better every day. He didn’t understand that I was as fast as I am. We’re working on getting our timing down. It takes time, practice and patience. It’s more on me to adjust to him, not him adjusting to me. In order to be great in this league you have to adjust. I want to make sure he is comfortable and happy with me.

VYPE: You’ve played in the NFC with New Orleans, now in the AFC with San Diego. Do you have a preference?

Meachem: No. I’m just thankful the Lord provided me with the talent to play in the NFL. I love the league overall.

VYPE: Take readers back to your first game as a pro athlete with the Saints.

What do you remember most?

Meachem: Scoring my first touchdown against Washington. I learned so much from Drew Brees

that first year. I probably didn’t study the play book as much as I should and as a result, I didn’t play that much. He taught me how to be a professional athlete, how to work hard.

VYPE: Where is home these days?

Meachem: During the offseason it’s New Orleans. I love it there. During the season it’s San Diego. I try to get back to Tulsa a couple of times a year.

VYPE: What is your favorite high school memory?

Meachem: In football, it would have to be beating Carl Albert my senior year in the playoffs after they beat us so much. In basketball, the year we beat Ardmore in the state championship game at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater.

VYPE: How special was it playing the state championship game at Gallagher-Iba? Meachem: It was great. The atmosphere was awesome. I think they should rotate the state tournament around at TU, ORU, OSU and OU. I think the players should have the chance to experience the college atmosphere in the state tournament.

VYPE: Do you miss basketball?

Meachem: Every day. I wish I would have taken basketball more seriously because (basketball) came so easy to me. I wish I had worked on my jump shot, dribbling.

I tried to make sure everybody got involved in the games.

VYPE: Do you think you would be playing in the NBA now, if you had chosen basketball?

Meachem: Yes. I

think my game was a lot like Kobe Bryant’s. I think if I had chosen basketball I would have gone to North Carolina.

VYPE: Who’s your favorite athlete?

Meachem: In football, it’s Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin. I tried to pattern my game after those guys. I’m bigger like Michael and I’m physical. I want to get more quickness, like a jackrabbit like Jerry Rice. Right now, I think I’m in between those two guys. I want to run more crisp routes like Jerry Rice did when he played.

In basketball, my favorite athlete is Michael Jordan.

VYPE: Giving back has always been important to you. Is that why you hold a camp in Tulsa every year?

Meachem: I host a camp every year in Tulsa for my foundation, Follow Your Dreams. The camps are free. Kids qualify for the camp through a reading program with the library. A lot of kids don’t have opportunities to get on computers and this allows them do that and help them learn to read. The camps are to show the young kids that we grew up just like they did.

Everybody has a ghetto, or hood or whatever you

want to call it. It’s what you do to make it out is the key. I was a Mabee Baby and I’m proud of it.

VYPE: Are you a Thunder fan?

Meachem: Yes. I wish the team had been in Oklahoma City when I was a kid. I hope to get to a game this year. I’m a big basketball fan, a big Carmelo Anthony fan.

What’s in Your Drinking Water?

VYPE: Tell readers about your wife Shea.

Meachem: She’s more than my wife. She’s my best friend. She understands me. She knows how I am.

She is always encouraging me. She doesn’t let me get down about anything.

VYPE: Best advice you would give a high school student or athlete?

Meachem: Enjoy it. Stay humble and remember where you came from. If you do that, no one can tell you that you aren’t hungry enough to get to wherever you want to get to in life.

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OCTOBER 2012

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8/16/12 1:49 PM

The Right Stuff

Back-to-Back for the Commandos. Bishop Kelley Lady Comets Make it Six in a Row. Cascia Hall rides a wave of emotion to their second title in as many years.

Like most who follow Class 5A volleyball, a rematch between Cascia Hall and Heritage Hall was likely, but Booker T. Washington, Catoosa, Christian Heritage, Lincoln Christian and Oklahoma Bible were all capable of making a run at the title.

In the opening round Cascia Hall defeated Catoosa, 25-14, 25-15 and 25-18. Cascia Hall seemed to be on cruise control against

Catoosa, while Shawnee took Booker T. Washington to four sets and Heritage Hall faced a game opponent in Lincoln Christian, but advanced winning all three sets. Christina Heritage sent Oklahoma Bible packing in three sets as well.

In the semifinals Cascia Hall faced a familiar opponent in the Lady Hornets who proved to be quit the gamer. Cascia Hall won the first two sets, 25-20 and 25-23, but Washington came back to win the third set, 17-25. That set up probably the best game of the tournament. Having to win by two points, the match continued past 25 points while Washington held off Cascia Hall on four match points. Finally Cascia Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jaime Rahilly blocked a Washington shot falling in for match point, 30-28. Rahilly would go on to be named co-MVP with teammate Liesl Spoerl.

Heritage Hall defeated Christian Heritage in the semis setting up the rematch from 2011. And what a rematch it would be.

The first set was dominated by Cascia Hall winning, 25-16. Heritage Hall came right back in the second set defeating Cascia Hall, 16-25. Both teams settled down in the third set and played a close game, but Cascia Hall would take a crucial lead winning, 25-23.

With an opportunity to secure their second state title in as many years the Commandos fought their way to a near win, but Heritage Hall scored the last four points to win the set, 25-23. That set up an instant classic fifth set. Tension was high, but Cascia was able to prevail winning, 15-10 after jumping out to an 8-1 lead. Heritage Hall had a lot of fight in them, but ultimately couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hold off the Commandos.

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Jaime Rahilly and Liesl Spoerl were named co-MVP and to the All-Tournament team with teammate Eilise Dixon.

F E AT U R E

5A Results Round 1 Cascia Hall def. Catoosa, 25-14, 25-15, 25-18.

B.T. Washington def. Shawnee, 12-25, 25-11, 25-22, 25-21.

OKC Heritage Hall def. Lincoln Christian, 25-12, 25-12, 25-14.

Christian Heritage def. Oklahoma Bible, 25-15, 25-19, 25-18.

SEMIFINALS OKC Heritage Hall def. Christian Heritage

Cascia Hall def. B.T. Washington, 25-20, 25-23, 17-25, 30-28.

FINAL Cascia Hall def. OKC Heritage Hall, 25-16, 16-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-10.

6A Results Edmond North def. Owasso, 25-12, 25-21, 2514.

Edmond Memorial def. Union, 25-11, 25-21, 26-24.

Edmond Santa Fe def. Stillwater, 25-19, 23-25, 25-18, 25-20.

Kelley def. Broken Arrow, 25-16, 25-15, 25-21.

SEMIFINALS

Kelley def. Edmond Santa Fe, 25-8, 25-236, 2510.

Edmond Memorial def. Edmond North FINAL

Kelley def. Edmond Memorial, 13-25, 25-12, 2527, 25-20, 15-12.

# Name Class 1 Vivian Saxon 11 2 Mary Wilson

11 3 Carly Newell

12 4 Eilise Dixon 11 5 Brooke Cramberg 12 8 Lauren Atherton 11 9 Liesl Spoerl 12 10 Bridget Dixon 9 12 Emily Dailey 11 14 Jaime Rahilly 12 15 Moly Coen 11 16 Lauren Latchem 12

Head Coach: Jenny Duncan Asst. Coach: Brian Barrows Asst. Coach:J Brent Reed UNE 2012 VYPEOK.COM |

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Bishop Kelley takes the Class 6A state volleyball title over Edmond Memorial

Some have said this was the toughest tournament to win in the history of volleyball in Oklahoma. The bracket was loaded with talented teams that included Broken Arrow, Union, Edmond Memorial, Edmond Santa Fe, Edmond

North, Stillwater, Owasso and the eventual champions Bishop Kelley.

The Lady Comets entered the tournament as the favorite, but played like they were the underdogs, never taking anything for granted. Head coach Jerri Berna is no stranger to playing tough competition; it’s what she’s always expected her teams to do and to defend their Class 6A title they would need to play their best volleyball of the season during the state tournament.

Bishop Kelley started their tournament run against the Lady Tigers of Broken Arrow.

The last game of the first day, everyone had an opportunity to sit and watch as Bishop Kelley dismantled Broken Arrow 25-16, 2515, 25-21. Kelley and Edmond Memorial were the only two teams to only play three sets in the opening round. Edmond Memorial’s match against Union was a little closer, but they got the win to advance.

Kelley then faced Edmond Santa Fe and won this match even more convincing than the first, winning 25-8, 25-23, 25-10. The semifinal win put the Lady Comets in the finals. Edmond North faced rival Edmond Memorial in the semis and Memorial won that match in four sets.

In the finals Edmond Memorial jumped out to a 2-1 lead and for the first time Kelley had their backs against the wall. The fourth game went to Bishop Kelley, 25-20. Setting up a dramatic finish in the fifth game. And the drama didn’t disappoint. Kelley was able to take an 11-10 lead and never look back. The Lady Comets won the state title in the final set, 15-12.

Claire Kelley was named tournament

MVP and teammates Josie Gandall and Grace Balcerak were also named to the AllTournament team. The win gives the Lady Comets their sixth in a row dating back to 2007.

# Name Class 1 Lexie Livingston 10 3 Bailey Brook 11 5 Madeline Jones 11 6 Madison Bowden 12 7 Liza Hepner 12 12 Claire Kelley 12 13 Tara Lauderdale 11 14 Leslie Atherton 11 15 Josie Gandall 11 20 Megan Parham 10 22 Phoebe Lowe 9 26 Jessie Schooley 12 33 Diana Hassink 11 34 Mary Arndt 10 37 Madii Maddox 12 41 Gracie Taylor 12 45 Grace Balcerak 12

Head Coach: Jerri Berna Asst. Coach: Sarah Dicks Asst. Coach:Veronica Espinoza Asst. Coach: Russ Hembrey Asst. Coach: Kathy Pickup Manager: Jenna Henderson Trainer: Jessie Butchee Trainer: Kim Claybaugh

How the West How the West Can Be Won Can Be Won

There is no better explanation in defining the secret of success in Oklahoma’s 6A.

By Austin Chadwick @AustinChadwick Austin.Chadwick@VYPE.com

Let me start by saying that this is a very sensitive subject for some. VYPE has been built on a 100% positive publication and we will always continue to write the positives exclusively. Before laying out a comprehensive piece to help inform readers with the detailed analysis of the differences between the top tier 6A football programs and those programs who are working hard to compete, allow us to reveal a bit of our credibility. It is very common that those in journalism give opinions on this combustible topic without the proper experience in actually living through the processes.

Please let me preface with a few things.

First off, the goal of this article is to give insight on the ever-growing debate of

the perceived monopoly on the largest football class in the OSSAA. I have been covering high school sports in Oklahoma with our brand for a long time and understand that there would be nothing more pleasant than for VYPE to see some parity in 6A. Personally, I have seen the initial sacrifice and hardwork that has been present in the great schools who are outside looking in and I commend those who continue to strive. So the bias is completely absent.

I had the opportunity of growing up in the Union school district and was part of a generation of Union football players who did not see the pinnacle of success, but helped develop a foundation that propelled the Union program to win seven of the last 10 Class 6A state titles. I grew up in the Union program that was essentially started in 1992 with the arrival of Bill Blankenship as head coach (Bill moved from Edmond to take over Union). This is very important as I have the experience of being a part of a program that started from the ground up, went through many growing pains, and has now reached a massive level of success. After high school I got a chance to play at the highest

level in D-1 football and played alongside and against the best football players Oklahoma had to offer. With the experience of playing football at Tulsa University, I played with, lived with, and became very close with players who were part of high school programs from all over the state. I was fortunate enough to learn immensely.

Since, I have had the opportunity to cover high school and college sports for TV, radio, and our publication. This naturally allows me to be close with high school coaches, especially on the level of conversing with them as a player (Many times as one of their own former players). I’ve talked to more coaches about this topic than I can count. I’ve talked with them privately, publicly, on the record, and off the record.

Listen, this isn’t a “look at me” list of credentials, but rather a list of credible reasons to perhaps take what I write with a bit of credibility.

What is the Difference?

Throughout this article you will see topics that will help enlighten the circumstances in the differences between football programs. Topics include: 1. A Football Program’s Mindset. 2. Administrative, Community and Parental Support. 3.

Youth Feeder Systems. 4. Enrollment. 5.

Hardwork.

A couple of things need to be laid out before we start. First, there is a massive difference between a great program, and

t

a great team. Great programs can have great teams (and often do), but too many times we mistake a great team for the level of sustainable success of the school’s program.

Teams come and go and a handful of great players can help turn a team into a great one, but the long-lasting efforts of developing a great program have little to do with the acute circumstance of a high school having a great team for a year or two.

There is ultimately no sustainable substance in having a great team without a great program.

Sure a great team might compete for a state title in a particular year, but if the program is not at the level of the elite in 6A, then it is short-lived (i.e. Edmond Santa Fe 2004, Enid 2006, Southmoore 2009). To make abundantly clear, I am not saying Edmond Santa Fe, Enid or Southmoore have mediocre programs by any means, but if you take the fact that the sample of the sustainability of those programs over the course of the last 10 years, it is not comparable to the likes of Union and Jenks (and even recently, Owasso and Broken Arrow).

A Football Program’s Mindset: No Excuses

This is first and foremost the most important aspect of a football program.

The overall “resilient mindset”. It starts with a school’s administration, filters to the athletic department, then down to the football coaches, then to the players, then to the parents, and finally to the youth of the program. It is imperative that everyone is on the same page and pulling the same rope. Now this takes a serious amount of detail, knowledge, resources, and shear will.

It is very simple, if one of the levels of this chain of command (administration, athletic department, coaches, players, parents, youth) is not fully vested and

willing to do what it takes, there is little chance to compete in developing a great program. A school can decide if it is going to allow its football program to compete by fully investing and immersing themselves.

Listen, I know it isn’t just that easy. There are budgets to be made, and there are things that make it nearly impossible for some schools.

There are a handful of football programs in Class 6A who find competing in the largest class just simply impossible, but I will reemphasize that the majority of Class 6A schools have the opportunity.

The resilient mindset of the program is not just “what you do” as an administrator, athletic director, coach, player or parent, it is “how you live.” To make it simple, those who make up a football program have to look at it as not something that they do, but something they live. This can be a bit of a slippery slope as there are many other focuses in the lives of those in a football program, but the mindset of success and the mindset of everyday dedication has to be close to an obsession. Those in the top tier programs live with the resilient mindset of success and dedication every day. It is almost an obsession to them, so if any school is going to compete, you have to match that level of resilient mindset. This level of success is not just something programs “want really bad”, but a mindset that is so far ingrained that there is nothing that anyone can say or do that will keep a school from attaining the goal of developing a great program.

This “resilient mindset” also translates into hurdles and obstacles on the field.

I was a part of a Union program that literally took 10 years to develop into a champion and the 2002 title came three years after I graduated. So I never got an opportunity to win a state championship, but I take a lot of pride in helping develop a program from the ground up with massive amounts of work, heartache and resilience.

This resilient mindset has to be instilled, has to persevere, and has to maintain for a very long time to give a football program a chance to grow. The simple fact is that the likes of Union and Jenks went through all of this for many years, so why should it be different for anyone else? Those programs paid their dues, endured massive heartache, persevered through challenges, and because of the mindset that was ingrained, they overcame and continue to be successful because that mindset has never waivered.

Administrative, community and parental support

This aspect of a football program is pretty broad. I will try to keep as detailed as possible. It is imperative that a football program has an abundance of support from the school’s administration, the community and the parents of players. This is extremely difficult as many schools find themselves in very tough situations in helping their football programs exclusively. With this, what schools have to do is find ways to not only enhance the football program, but the entire athletic department. This allows for a bit of parity with the other sports in the athletic department, which also allows for more opportunity to be successful in other sports. The challenges are great, but there are ways administrations can effectively find ways to give abundant OCTOBER 2012

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school, support the high school program immensely (this is done through giving up their time, making donations, etc.).

The youth parents in the football program start to develop the “resilient mindset” necessary at a very early stage.

support, especially if they have the mindset needed.

The community is also a great asset to a successful football program. Everyone in the program has to be involved in getting the community on board. Administrators, coaches, parents and even the athletes have to be willing to put in the time and effort to raise funds through the community. This can be done in ways of fundraisers, sponsorships and the ever-important bond issues. When the resilient mindset is instilled in the program, then it starts to trickle through the community. This is ideal as a school district will not only have the benefit of the football program with the correct mindset, but when the community starts to adopt the mindset, then it becomes a massive force of support.

Parents are probably the most important in immediate support. Obviously the dedicated mothers and fathers of the program’s athletes have always gone above and beyond, but it doesn’t stop

Youth Feeder Systems

there. Here is a bit of priceless knowledge for parents who have current players and parents who have players developing in the youth of the program. If you are serious about giving everything you have to support a program, then it starts when your athlete is developing in the youth system of the program. It goes much further than having the thought of “I’ll wait to support the high school program when my kids reach high school.”

Something very common with schools like Jenks and Union is that parents of young kids who are years from high

For anyone who lives in the Tulsa area, one aspect of youth is the INFC football league. This is a massive comprehension of youth organizations dedicated to each and every high school. I had the opportunity to play in the INFC and can speak on it, but I will defer the next portion to our editor, Brad Heath. There is no one more qualified to speak on the importance of youth programs than Brad. He has coached four generations of football teams in the Jenks JTA Youth Football system. Brad is the ideal parent who supports a program because Brad’s kids do not even play football at the high school level. However, Brad is dedicated to helping the Jenks football program with his service in the youth ranks.

Youth Football and Why It Matters

By Brad Heath Youth football in America has gone through some changes over the years.

At least since I played, rules are created to make the game safer for kids, to equal the playing field for teams and to educate youth coaches to hopefully create an atmosphere that allows the kids to play and develop a love for the game of football.

Lets take a look at the leagues all over the state and what they mean to the programs they feed.

Now you’re asking yourself, “Why is he qualified to have this conversation?”

I’ve been involved in youth football for 13 years, most as a head coach and a board member of the Jenks JTA youth football club. I’ve coached four generations of players and for three of those I did not have a kid on the team. I say that because I believe it’s important

to understand the motivation of a person who gets into coaching. It has to be for the right reasons.

Back to the question of youth football programs in Oklahoma. The Indian Nations Football Conference includes teams from Tulsa, Stillwater, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Union, Owasso, Muskogee, Fort Gibson, Grove, Bixby, Collinsville, Sand Springs, Haskell, Claremore, Coweta, Berryhill and many others.

By my count there are 34 clubs in the conference. Each club could have multiple teams in a grade. For example the Union 5th grade may have four teams consisting of 20-25 players per team. Each team is identified by color not a fabricated mascot. Union Red and Jenks Maroon play the Backyard Bowl at every grade level. Travel can be something of a concern, but games are played on Saturday making travel issues easier.

Make no mistake about it, the east side youth football clubs take football very

OKLAHOMA'S OWN Matt McCoy Salutes Area HS Athletes

Stewart White – Jenks High School Matt McCoy - 2000 National Champion

Starting center Stewart White has become one of the top centers in Class 6A, while helping the Trojans to a 5-2 record after seven games. White is described by his teammates as a “salty” lineman who isn’t afraid to get after it. White is continuing the tradition of tough linemen at Jenks. Only a junior, White has another year to develop under coach David Alexander and head coach Allan Trimble. Matt McCoy and State Farm are proud to salute Stewart White from Jenks High School.

October 2012

Matt McCoy State Farm Insurance 3520 West Houston Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 Phone: (918) 615-6634 Call Matt personally for a quote.

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serious. One of the biggest falsehoods circulated about youth football in eastern Oklahoma is that the high schools require the youth teams to use their plays and run their schemes.

This is simply not true. Do high school coaches give tips and instruction?

Absolutely, when asked. Nearly all of the high schools in eastern Oklahoma are involved with their youth programs through camps they host before the season starts. It just makes sense. Why not develop some pride in your youth players before they get to middle school or junior high? Why not let that fifth grader shake hands with the head coach or get a little instruction from one of the starting offensive lineman?

All while wearing the same colors.

Oklahoma City and the surrounding area take a little different approach to their youth football. The Greater Oklahoma City Youth Football Championships consists of board members from the Oklahoma Elite, Moore Youth Football and the Central Oklahoma Football League. The GOYFA was created to develop and govern a citywide playoff system. Each league plays their own games (usually during the week).

With several different governing bodies involved I can see how difficult it

would be to get each club on the same page. Scheduling, fields, which teams a player would play for, etc…would be a nightmare. The GOYFA is attempting to alleviate some of that confusion.

I’m sure the coaches, parents and clubs are after the same result for their youth players in Oklahoma City as they are in Tulsa, which is developing a love for the game and giving the kids a great experience. But is it helping the schools they feed? Or is that simply not something parents are interested in who have kids in these programs?

Are the coaches at the high schools interested in helping these youth programs develop and teach kids what it takes to be a Lion, a Bronco or a Tiger from Norman? I can’t answer for the high school coaches from Oklahoma City and the surrounding area, but I can tell you the eastern Oklahoma coaches are…very interested.

Jenks kids wear their Jenks Trojan jersey to school every Friday during football season. Their jersey looks like the high school jerseys. From the 1st grade to the 7th grade, these kids grow up wanting to be a part of that program and it’s the same way at Union, Owasso, Broken Arrow and even smaller schools like Metro Christian and Haskell. They climb the fence behind the home bench during the games waiting for high-fives from the players.

It’s a completely different environment for these kids.

Are the leagues in OKC growing?

Are they competing at a high level?

We’re okay with youth baseball, basketball and softball players participating in competitive sports leagues, why not football?

The INFC is

as competitive as it gets. They are nationally recognized as one of the best youth league organizations, if not the top in the country. Why wouldn’t you want your kids competing in that league? Just ask teams and clubs that do. Better yet, ask the coaches of the high schools and junior highs if they think the INFC does a good job of preparing youth players for school ball.

So who’s better? Who feeds the high schools with players who have grown up waiting for their chance to play under the lights on the high school field? The answer is easy…but is it something everyone wants to admit?

No it’s not. The INFC is conitinuing to try and develop their concept to the OKC area and one of the biggest roadblocks is the INFC’s philosophy of playing on Saturdays. Really? I thought youth football in OKC was only 10 years behind, now I think it may be 20.

-Brad Heath

To sum up Brad’s thoughts, I had to reiterate his final sentences. I have been told numerous times by OKC area youth parents that “Saturday’s are for college football.” Everything the INFC does in Tulsa is based on Saturday’s. And parents who are OU, OSU or TU alum, make the sacrifice to miss home games for their kids at times. That’s how it has worked for twenty years. Even former All-American players at OU and OSU who are expected at every home game will absolutely miss it if their kids INFC game falls at the same time. That is a massive difference.

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Enrollment This is an aspect of a football program that absolutely has to be addressed. I am not naïve and understand completely that enrollment plays a big factor in the talent pool of athletes. But if enrollment is the only factor (or even looked as the main factor), then a school like Broken Arrow should have been winning the state championship in Oklahoma’s largest class over the past twenty years. Before 1988, Moore had the highest enrollment for a handful of years before splitting to Westmoore. Moore did not win a state championship during those years.

Jenks went on a run from 1996 to 2001 where it won six straight state titles, and this was done with the Jenks enrollment consistently ranked outside the top 5.

The key to Jenks was that because of their program and everything that went into it, they developed what is commonly referred to as “program players.” This is a very important facet as the program kids of any great football program are the real reasons why a program can sustain an elite level year-in and year-out. Program kids are developed over time. These are kids who are more than likely not going to play beyond high school, but are more effective as a unit within the team (and program) than kids with the same talent level at other programs. They live with the “resilient mindset” ever since they are very young. During the years when you

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have a few great athletes (D-1 caliber) coupled with your program kids, then you go from a great, title-contending team to a historically great team.

Once again, enrollment plays a factor, but what is produced out of the talent pool is far more important than the size of the talent pool.

Hard Work/Sacrifice

Before I explain some of this, let me pose a question to any school who desires to achieve prominence in Class 6A. This would come with a guarantee that in the span of eight years, your school would be competing regularly for a state title, and within 10 years, it will achieve the goal of winning the championship. Would programs be willing to go through eight years of growing pains, heartaches, time, resources and investment to achieve this goal? This also comes with the unprecedented level of hardwork, mindset and sacrifice year-in and year-out with nothing but complete immersion in staying the course, developing the program and building it from the ground up. If the answer is yes, then I believe we are on the right track in identifying what it will take.

Now that we are in agreement that the sacrifice will be made, one of the first things we need to do is identify the prominent personnel within a program

who would be willing to lead for at least eight years. This is very important as the longest tenured coach in 6A outside of Alan Trimble and Bob Wilson is Ty Prestidge from Mustang (8 years) and Todd Wilson from Yukon(8 years). It takes sustainability and it coaching that is dedicated to building for years to come. Even in Union's case, Kirk Fridrich took over a program that he was a part of building with Bill Blankenship as an assistant in the 90's.

Sometimes the words “hard work” seem to be thrown around very casually. But the type of work that goes into building a program can only be maximized with the utter and total resilient mindset. This mindset allows those to work harder, strive for more, and never give up. Again, it starts from the ground up. Youth, youth parents, high school parents, players, coaches, and administration.

COnclusion

In conclusion, please understand that informative pieces like this do not come around very often. I do not expect everyone to agree or disagree (which is why it makes for great debate), but hopefully it has been a little enlightening in what it takes to be part of the best Oklahoma has to offer. The bar has been raised over the last 15 years, and that bar is achievable if the “resilient mindset” is there.

Athlete theYear of

S C H O L A R S H I P

OCTOBER 2012 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.Oklahoma@ 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 Cunningham

Jaime Rahilly Cascia Hall

Jordan Cunningham is a senior at Claremore High School where he plays varsity football for the Zebras. After seven games Cunningham has recorded 108 tackles on defense, while racking up 438 yards rushing and scoring five touchdowns.

Cunningham is a leader on and off the field for the Zebras and is considering his options for college. For his play on the field Jordan Cunningham is this month’s Mazzios Athlete of the Month.

Jaime Rahilly is a member of the state champion Cascia Hall Class 5A volleyball team. Rahilly was named co-MVP of the tournament with teammate Liesl Spoerl.

Rahilly is considered one of the top net players in the state. The Lady Commandos finished a great season by defeating Catoosa, Booker T. Washington and Heritage Hall in the finals. For her play on the court and dedication to her team, Jaime Rahilly is this month’s Mazzios Athlete of the Month.

Claremore High School

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Queens of the Diamond Fastpitch Softball Wraps Up at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium

6A

QUARTERFINALS Edm. North 2 vs. Owasso 0 Yukon 2 vs. Sand Springs 0 BA 5 vs. Mustang 0 Moore 5 vs. Jenks 0

SEMIFINALS Edmond North 9 vs. Yukon 4 Moore 3 vs. Broken Arrow 0

FINALS Edmond North 11 vs. Moore 2

In a season that played out like no one expected, Class 6A gave the fans some great games and the coaches more grey hair. After battling some weather and cooler than normal conditions, the teams took the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium fields and got after it.

The semifinals would have more offensive fireworks than the opening round, but Broken Arrow and Yukon couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get past the pitching of Edmond North and Moore. That set up a final featuring two teams playing at the top of their game.

The Lady Huskies came out swinging putting runners on base and getting to Moore pitcher Jenna Lynn. Moore would jump out in the first inning scoring a run, but Edmond North had a quick answer scoring two runs in the same inning.

Edmond North pitching would take center stage as Jordan Dixon set out to shut down the Lady Lions. Edmond North scored another four runs in the second. Abby Taliaferro would extend the lead after scoring on a Bridget White All four first round games ended with a single. The game was never really in shut out. Owasso, Sand Springs, Mustang question for Edmond North as they and Jenks all failed to get on the cruised to a state title winning, 11-2 over board. Edmond North and Yukon Moore. The win gives Edmond North looked solid in their efforts while fastpitch their first title since 2004. the scoring machines of Broken Arrow and Moore did not disappoint.

5A

QUARTERFINALS 5A Carl Albert 10 vs. Collinsville 2 Grove 10 vs. Duncan 0 Deer Creek 7 vs. Pryor 6 Chickasha 6 vs. Tahlequah 2 SEMIFINALS Grove 7 vs. Carl Albert 4 Chickasha 7 vs. Deer Creek 5 FINALS Grove 3 vs. Chickasha 2

Elena Gambill

Defending champ, Carl Albert may have been the favorite heading into the tournament in some publications, but Grove seemed poised to do something special.

Carl Albert took care of Collinsville in the opening rounds beating them, 10-2.

Grove blanked Duncan, 10-0 and Deer Creek played Pryor to a 7-6 game that

Hannah Heinrichs was the closest contest of the opening round. Chickasha had no trouble with Tahlequah winning, 6-2 over the Lady Tigers.

That set up a huge game with Carl Albert and Grove meeting in what many felt should be the finals. Grove got it done at the plate and from the circle winning 7-4 over the Lady Titans. Chickasha was ready to prove they belonged in that conversation as one of the best teams in Class 5A and they did by defeating Deer Creek, 7-5.

In the finals Grove pitcher Jessica Walker did exactly what she needed to do to get the win, while the Grove offense kept the run production going. But Walker is also known for her hitting. In the fourth inning she blasted her third home run of the season. Morgan Knox and Taylor Dodson were also big contributors at the plate. Ashleigh Tramel and Knox collected two hits each to lead the Lady Ridgerunners to a 7-5 win and their first title since 2000 when they won it in Class 4A.

Walker finished the season with a record of 26-2. Kelsi Gore was the starting pitcher for Chickasha.

2012

OL HIGH SCHOS ULE FOOTBALL CHED

CATCH ALL THE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ACTION ON

COX CHANNEL 3

&

703

WEEK 1

WEEK 6

Thursday, Aug. 30 Heritage Hall @ Casady Friday, Aug. 31 Union @ Jenks

Friday, Oct. 5

WEEK 2

Thursday, Oct. 11 Edmond North @ Norman North Friday, Oct. 12 Westmoore @ Jenks

Friday, Sept. 7, Bixby @ Sand Springs Saturday, Sept. 8 Douglass @ Millwood WEEK 3

Thursday, Sept. 13 Deer Creek @ Edmond Memorial Friday, Sept. 14 Broken Arrow @ Union

Jenks @ Broken Arrow

WEEK 7

WEEK 8

Thursday, Oct. 18 Norman North @ Choctaw No Game - Fall Break WEEK 9

Friday, Sept. 21 Owasso @ Union

Thursday, Oct. 25 Midwest City @ Edmond North Friday, Oct. 26 TBD

WEEK 5

WEEK 10

Thursday, Sept. 27 Moore @ Putnam City North Friday, Sept. 28 Edmond Santa Fe @ Mustang

Friday, Nov. 2 Friday, Nov. 2

WEEK 4

Westmoore @ Broken Arrow TBD

Programming subject to change. Š2012 Cox Communications, Inc. All right reserved.

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F E AT U R E

4A

QUARTERFINALS Cache 11 vs. Hilldale 10 Piedmont 17 vs. Newcastle 12 Tuttle 3 vs. Purcell 1 Oologah 7 vs. Bethel 0 SEMIFINALS Piedmont 12 vs. Cache 0 Oologah 2 vs. Tuttle 1

FINALS Oologah 10 vs. Piedmont 0

The offensive juggernaut that is Piedmont High School would roll through the competition on their way to the finals, while Oologah would only allow one run heading into the title game. Cache and Hilldale gave the fans a game to remember in the opening round and Tuttle would push the envelope nearly earning a trip to the finals.

The opening round is always an interesting day and Class 4A did not disappoint the fans. Cache and Hilldale gave people in attendance one of the best games of the tournament with Cache coming out on top, 11-10.

Piedmont rolled up 17 points, but gave up 12 to Newcastle. Tuttle got it done with defense beating Purcell, 3-1. Oologah and their pitching was dominate against Bethel as they recorded the only shut out of the opening round, 7-0 over Bethel.

Piedmont proved they are not onedimensional by shutting out Cache in the semifinals, 12-0. They did however continue to produce a crazy amount of runs. Oologah once again did it with pitching, but allowed their first and only run of the tournament.

Pitcher Hunter Jeffs for Oologah was lights out in the finals as she pitched a shut out to beat Piedmont, 10-0. An amazing game by Oologah gave them their first title since 1999 and their seventh overall. Alex Edinger and Taylor McElhaney had great games at the plate for the Lady Mustangs.

Despite facing a major rain delay that forced the game being moved to Monday, Oologah took the delay and stride and brought home a state title.

3A

QUARTERFINALS Little Axe 2 vs. Chelsea 1 Washington 8 vs. Sulphur 6 Sequoyah Tahlequah 5 vs. Kellyville 1 Valliant 1 vs. Perry 0 SEMIFINALS Little Axe 1 vs. Washington 0 Sequoyah Tahlequah 13 vs. Valliant 2

FINALS Little Axe 1 vs. Sequoyah Tahlequah 0

only three hits as Sequoyah earned its first trip to the fast-pitch finals with a 13-2 win. Little Axe continued their pitching dominance as they defeated Washington, 1-0.

The championship would be a defensive battle and pitching duel between Bluebird and Little Axe ace Andee Frazier, who struck out 15 batters in the finals. A scoreless battle until the bottom of the seventh inning, Little Axe scored the winning run on the heels of an infield error by Sequoyah to claim the victory 1-0. For Little Axe it was the school’s third consecutive year to win the fast-pitch state championship.

2A

QUARTERFINALS Wayne 5 vs. Dale 4 Cyril-Cement 7 vs. Panama 2 Drumright 3 vs. Stroud 2 Savanna 8 vs. Tushka 4 SEMIFINALS= Wayne 1 Cyril-Cement 0 Savanna 8 Drumright 1 FINALS Wayne 6 vs. Savanna 0

In Class 2A, the Panama Razorbacks, the defending 2A champions, entered The Class 3A tournament field included the tournament after winning a pair the Lady Indians of Sequoyah Tahlequah of must-win contests in the regional and Little Axe, both teams capable of tournament finals. Ranked No. 8 in the winning it all. In making their sixth state, coach Grant Ralls squad would consecutive trip to the tournament, draw a first round matchup against coach Jeff Turtle’s Lady Indians squad Cyril-Cement in first round action. The approached the competition with a Lady ‘Backs season would end short of mission of aggressiveness. In the opener, a repeat title as Panama lost its opening Jessica Bluebird dominated from the round game 7-2. Drumright was able to pitching circle allowing just one hit get past Stroud, 3-2, while Wayne beat to give Sequoyah the 5-1 victory over Dale, 5-4.

Kellyville. Valliant defeated Perry, 1-0 and Washington knocked out Sulphur, Wayne pitching and defense was the 8-6. difference in the semifinals in their game against Cyril-Cement. They would go on In round two, the Lady Indians would to win, 1-0 in a close one. brave cold dreary weather conditions behind the red-hot bat of Meagan The 2A title would go to the Wayne Lady Towie’s 4-for-4 performance at the Bulldogs who beat Savanna, 6-0. The plate while Bluebird teamed with Katie win marked the school’s first softball Phillips in the circle to limit Valliant to championship.

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Eastern Oklahoma VYPE Oklahoma invited all area spring sports teams, coaches and athletes to take part in the Fall Sports Media Day September 16th at Midwest Sporting Goods in their new South Tulsa location at 121st and Memorial.

Photos by Rip Stell and Brett Rojo

VYPE

has completed the second of three installments of VYPE Media Days in 2012. The 2012 Fall Sports Media Day was an absolute success with more than 250 athletes coming to celebrate the fall and winter seasons.

Each school in the Eastern Oklahoma area was invited to bring any and all fall sports teams to get interviewed for the magazine, have a photo shoot done, and to conduct TV and radio interviews. All teams from sports like football, cheer, volleyball, softball, and cross country were present and each team was treated like the superstars they are.

“This is a really neat event for all the athletes to get exposure,” said Claremore Sequayah football coach Jody Iams. “Our kids are having a great time and we love to highlight them.”

Coaches from all over attended with a handful of players and were able to take part during the busy time at Midwest Sporting Goods. All athletes participated in oneon-one interviews, radio and TV interviews, and high-

Booker T. Washington Girls Basketball

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quality photo shoots.

“This is such a cool event,” said Cascia Hall football player Abrm McQuarters. “We got a chance to talk about our team, get photos and get on TV.”

In partnership with Excel Physical Therapy, VYPE Oklahoma was able to conduct the first-class event on August 21st. Interviews from the event will be used for future publications. Athles also got a chance to nominate themselves and others for monthly sponsored awards for VYPE High School Sports Magazine. “This was such a great event for us to get involved with because working with high school athletes is something that we do every day,” said Jennifer Poole of Excel. “We have been working with athletes on injury rehabilitation and this event allows us to come and meet athletes, coaches and parents from all the areas we cover.”

VYPE Oklahoma will be conducting the first media day in 2013 for the Winter-Spring Sports Media Day. To RSVP your school or team, send your requests to Oklahoma@ VYPE.com. •

Broken Arrow Softball

Fort Gibson Cheer

Haley Young and Allie AlvstadBixby Softball

Coweta Softball

Media Day Best Nicknames

East Central Softball

Fort Gibson Softball

Jefferson Haffener & Tyler Tennyson-Bixby Cross Country

Jenks Cheer

Meech – Mitrah Ghavami – Bixby Cross Country Woody – Blane Tanner Wood – Sequoyah Claremore Football Delta – Will Shae – Sequoyah Claremore Football T-Dog – Taylor Ennis – Lincoln Christian Volleyball Booker – Hunter Thompson – Sequoyah Claremore Cross Country Smurf – Tori Murphy – Glenpool Softball Cookies – Kasey Fulk – Sapulpa Cross Country Tin-Man – Brandon Ellis – Sapulpa Cross Country Abs – Abby Hoover – Sapulpa Cross Country K-Brad – Karlee Bradberry – Jenks Cheer Kit Kat – Katie Rosebrook – Jenks Cheer Slim – Angel Edwards – East Central Softball Nae Nae – Anastasia Winstead – East Central Softball Torpedo – Caitlyn Allen – Verdigris Cheer Peydog – Peyton Edwards – Coweta Softball MoMo – Morgan Hendricks – Verdigris Volleyball D-Mo – Derrick Moore – Wetumka Football King Jon – Jonathan Adams – Wetumka Football Lizzy McSqizzy – Lizzy Olstroem – Lincoln Christian Cross Country

Best Superstitions

“My Bracelet” – Halley Randolph – Stillwater Volleyball “Painting my nails during softball season” – Jennifer Scarbrough – Stillwater Softball “I’ve been wearing the same power band since the 8th grade” – Theresa Collins – BA Softball “Must have nails painted before the game or we will lose” – Rachel Block Booker T Washington Basketball “Karma points” – Emily VanRiper – Verdigris Cheer “Too many to list” – Bo Farrow – Broken Arrow Football “Spilling the salt and tail-side pennies” – Morgan Mills – Union Softball “Always walk through the same door” – Taylor Montgomery – Jenks Cheer “I like to call them routines” – Chas Stallard – Cleveland Football “Always have a four-leaf clover” – Haiden White – Catoosa Volleyball “The spirit stick” – Hunter Webster – Sequoyah Claremore Football

Kelsey Houston and Haiden White-Catoosa Volleyball

Lincoln Christian Cross Country

Lincoln Christian Volleyball

Mitrah Ghavami and Betsy Lopspeich-Bixby CC

Abrm McQuarters Cascia Hall

Bo Farrow-Broken Arrow

Alex Bradley-Broken Arrow

BTW Cheerleading

Hunter Thompson and Aubryana MatussakSequoyah Claremore

Sapulpa Boys Cross Country

Salena Sweeney Skiatook Cross Country

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Muskogee Softball

Nikko Hammer Sequoyah Tahlequah

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JUNE 2012

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Qualan Johnson

Midwest City High School How long have you been involved in FCA? I have been a christian since i was 6 when i actually knew what it meant and what being a christian consisted of. I’ve been involved in FCA since my 11th grade summer.

Who influenced you to join?

Chris Rose ( Defensive Coordinator for Edmond Santa Fe currently) was watching me lift one day back when He was coaching here at Midwest City and asked me if I was a Christian and I said “ yes. “ Then he asked me to go to Xtreme Camp in Davis, OK with Jeremy Tims and from that week on my life was changed.

How has FCA made an impact in your life on the field and off the field?

FCA has impacted my life tremendously. It showed me that I wasn’t the only one that had those questions that I have asked myself about Christ and struggled with in the past off the field that other young athletes had the same questions. I believe The Lord exposed me to great people to go to when I have problems with my walk or questions about Christ. On the the field the things that I learned from camp has taught me how to lead my team through thick and thin and lead by example and also threw Christ and let his light shine threw me no matter what the situation is.

How has your beliefs helped you as an athlete?

Being a blessed athlete, I know that I couldn’t do a single thing without God allowing me to, so I try to let my performance be an offering to him to show him that I accept my blessing and will use his gift he gave me to the best of my ability. That’s how my beliefs help me as an athlete.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

My favorite bible verse is Psalms 92 and it’s the whole chapter because it lets me know that god has my back and he watches over me and I have nothing to worry about.

Sapulpa Girls Cross Country

Sequoyah Claremore Football

Union Softball

Favorite Places to Eat

Tori Murphy-Glenpool

P.F. Changs – Peyton Shaffer – Verdigris Cheer Olive Garden – Jenna Slattery – Booker T. Washington Pom Cheddars – Taylor Gee – Coweta Softball El Tequila – Taylor Gammen – Broken Arrow Softball Mexico Joes – Anna Fowler – Stillwater Softball Red Rock Canyon Grill – Correy Moyer – Verdigris Volleyball Pizza Hut – Jordan Johnson – Wetumka Cross Country Texas Roadhouse – Laura Kunz – Lincoln Christian Cross Country Chick-Fil-A – Sonia Atchison – Lincoln Christian Volleyball Hideaway Pizza – Daniel McCay – Bishop Kelley Cross Country Ghengis Grill – Abrm McQuarters – Cascia Hall Football Taco Bell – Nick Hamilton – Ponca City Football

Verdigris Cheer

Verdigris Volleyball

Wetumka Cross Country

Abby Hoover-Sapulpa

Fort Gibson Football

Wetumka Football OCTOBER 2012

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Tiger Town The Broken Arrow school district continues to progress in accomadating their studentathletes, alumni and administration.

By Lynn Jacobsen Photos By Lynn Jacobsen A year ago this month the first phase of a three-phase building project within the Broken Arrow School District was nearing completion.

Well, complete enough for the Tigers to claim its new home south of Memorial Stadium on the high school campus.

The process is ongoing as are a multitude of projects within the district following the $295 million bond issue passed in 2009. It was at the time of its passage the largest bond issue in the state of Oklahoma. Currently, 19 of the 25 school campuses are

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undergoing some construction.

What sets Broken Arrow’s facility apart from similar sites at Jenks, Owasso and Union is that the BA building sits back instead of right on the south end zone.

Plans are to eventually include a plaza between the building and the stadium.

The multi-purpose facility, which cost $2 1/2 million, houses the athletic department, football offices and The Varsity Club.

Each home football game Broken

Arrow honors its own in The Varsity Club.

“Dr. (Jarod) Mendenhall wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to use the facility,” Broken Arrow athletic director Ken Ellett said.

Football coach and assistant athletic director Steve Spavital said the Varsity Club image grew under the direction of Mendenhall.

“It’s been pretty remarkable how we have been able to involve everyone from our faculty to business leaders to our fire and police,” Spavital said. “We’re still working on moving in downstairs.”

Other projects include a makeover of the gymnasium which will result in a larger wrestling room, updated locker rooms, training room and offices, a new scoreboard and sound system.

“We’re excited for remodeling to begin in the spring,” boys basketball coach and assistant athletic director Rusty Stecker said. “It’s going to be really nice.”

The wish list for the future includes and indoor practice facility for many sports and a pool.

“Where we put that is yet to be determined,” Ellett said.

Athletics will utilize the soon-tobe vacant Westwood Elementary School for locker room facilities for various sports, including cheerleading and the Tigettes.

Also on the agenda is a track complex in the southeast corner

by Westwood, alleviating travel to South Intermediate High School. The infield of the track will be available to the Broken Arrow’s award-winning band for practice.

Football fans were greeted this season with a new state-of-theart video/scoreboard which was funding separately from the bond issue.

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Making an "A" in the One of the oldest sports on record, boxing, for decades has been the sport of choice for athletes who enjoy the one-onone competition, but more importantly love the training and dedication it takes to be success in the square ring. instruction.

By Brad Heath One of the oldest sports on record, boxing for decades has been the sport of choice for athletes who enjoy the one-on-one competition, but more importantly love the training and dedication it takes to be successful in the square ring.

Terrance Reed Jr. a.k.a. "Deadly" has boxed approximately four years with a brief hiatus in the sport for a year due to educational requirements. A junior at Owasso High School, Reed was the Oklahoma 2009 Silver Glove 132 lb.

Champion and the 2011 Oklahoma and Regional 138 lb. Junior Olympic Champion.

Recently he relinquished his Junior Olympic status to fight in the men's division at 16 years of age with fighting ages ranging from 17-34 years old. He achieved 141 lb. Runner-Up in the 2012 Kansas/Oklahoma Golden Gloves making it all the way to the finals, where he faced individuals in their twenties. Reed recently traveled to the 2012 Ring Side World Championship where he made it all the way to the semifinals at 152lbs.

Although his record may seem a little mediocre with 32 Fights (22 wins and 10 losses), Terrance has fought abroad in very hostile environments where he has fought experienced and well-seasoned boxers who have been in the sport a few more years than he has. His coach, Terrance Reed Sr. has a USA Boxing Level 2 certification and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned the sport together developing their relationship as father and son. We caught up with Terrance Reed Jr. just before a training session was to begin VYPE: Terrance, you started boxing a few years ago, what got you into the sport?

Reed: My father was using boxing as a disciplinary tool after receiving custody of me to assist me in learning how to follow

VYPE: When you first started was there someone you wanted to model your style after?

Reed: HBO's series 24/7 gave me the opportunity to become a huge fan of Floyd Mayweather. I'm also a big fan of the greats like, Ali & Sugar Ray Robinson, and countless others.

VYPE: What's been your biggest achievement in your career thus far?

Reed: Winning the 2011 USA Junior Olympic Regional Championship.

VYPE: Did you play other sports before getting into the fight game?

Reed: Nothing organized in school. I played basketball in my neighborhood, but boxing is and has been my only organized sport.

VYPE: Is the training for boxing more difficult than you expected it to be?

Reed: Training for boxing is more difficult than any sport out there, if it's taken seriously. Waking up at 5:00 am before school for conditioning, then going to school and training again at 6:00 in the evening to work on mechanics and skills. The sacrifices and the nutritional habits you develop make it very tough.

VYPE: What do the kids at school think about it?

Reed: They think it's pretty cool, that I'm a boxer. My friends and even teachers ask me everyday when my next fight is going to be in Oklahoma so they can come support me.

VYPE: Between the Golden Gloves, Junior Olympics and the World Championships, which was the toughest one to compete in?

Reed: The Kansas/Oklahoma Golden Gloves was the toughest one to compete in because, I relinquished my junior status at 16 years of age to fight in the Men's division in the 17-34 age range and I had to box men in there twenties.

VYPE: How far do you want to take your boxing career?

Reed: I would like to win a few National Titles and a Golden Glove Championship.

Go to the Olympics in 2016 and win a Gold Medal. Turn professional and win me a World Championship and finish my career and one day and go to the Hall of Fame.

VYPE: Give me the names of some of the people that have helped you get this far?

Reed: With the help from God and my father Terrance Reed Sr. have been the backbone and source spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially putting all his needs behind mine so I can try and accomplish my goals.

VYPE: Thanks Terrance and good luck!

Reed: Thank you.

Team Reed is looking for individuals or companies interested in sponsoring Terrance and his boxing career. You can contact Mr. Reed at 918-720-1897 and Team Reed encourages you to look up Terrance on Youtube.

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Cross Country

For the first time since 1993, the boys varsity cross country team won the Cowboy Jamboree. This race is a highly competitive race by classification and the Dutch defeated Plainview who is the top ranked cross country team in 3A. The boys had four runners finish in the top 20: Nathan Stewart, Daniel Cruickshank, Michael Saliba and Michael Barton. The girls finished sixth place overall. Allene Michaels and Brianna Zanders medaled for the Dutch.

The 27th Annual Holland Hall Cross Country Invitational welcomed a record 1,087 runners and over 30 teams. Both the boys and girls varsity races course records were broken. The boys record was broken by Jenks Freshman Cody Jones with a time of 15:55 (3 mile) and the girls record was broken by Beggs senior Regan Ward with a time of 11:25 (2 mile). Regan is a four time winner at the Holland Hall Invitational and is the current state record holder in the 2 mile.

The Holland Hall teams competed well.

The girls finished 5th place overall and were led by junior Savanna Smith who finished 7th place overall with a time of 12:29. Savanna's time of 12:29 is the fastest time on this course by a Holland Hall female. The boys finished 6th place overall and were led by junior Daniel Cruickshank who finished 20th overall with a time of 17:43.

Field Hockey The varsity Dutch field hockey team opened their SPC season with an exciting, 1-0 victory over Arlington Oakridge in overtime. The match was decided with a little over five minutes to go in sudden death over time as senior Erin Best scored on a break away to lead the Dutch to victory. The Dutch fell to Trinity Valley School, 2-0. It was a hard fought game, but in the end, TVS was too much to overcome.

The Dutch varsity field hockey team won two and tied one game at The Casady Festival in OKC. The Dutch tied de Sion, 0-0, beat Heritage Hall, 7-1 and defeated Casady 2-1. Senior Caroline Adelson and freshman Gracie White each scored two goals for the Dutch and senior Eleanor Lorton, junior Ameris Taylor and freshman Merich Frizzell each had one goal in the match vs. Heritage Hall. In the Casady match, Eleanor Lorton scored her second goal of the day and junior Hayley Holmes scored one.

Volleyball

The girls varsity volleyball team traveled to Texas and beat Arlington Oakridge, 3-1 and FW Trinity Valley, 3-1. The Dutch started out 2-0 in SPC Competition.

The Dutch volleyball team then traveled to Oklahoma City on to participate in the Dig Pink volleyball match vs. Casady. The Dutch varsity defeated Casady 3-0 and the JV won 2-0. The Dutch have won seven consecutive games for the season and are 15-6 on the season.

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