Northeast Oklahoma May 2015 by Austin Chadwick

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What we missed!!! Oops...In the last issue of VYPE Magazine we mistakenly said in the Northeast Tech Athlete of the Month that Bailey Hendrickson of Foyil played for the Green Dragons. Obviously that is a mistake. Bailey is clearly 100% Panther and would never play for the Green Dragons! Sorry Bailey! Bailey Hendrickson - Foyil High School

5 | Lady Bruin Soccer Making the postseason this year was just the start of what many feel could be a great opportunity in 2016.

12 | NEOK Senior Q&A As we say goodbye to area seniors we caught up with a few to get their thoughts on their last year of high school.

14B | Wardog Soccer The Miami boys soccer team won its first district title in five years finishing the regular season with a 10-3 record.

8B | Claremore Track Bailey Hendrickson is a senior at Foyil High School and is enrolled at Northeast Tech. Hendrickson plays soccer, softball and runs track for the Panthers. “I have played soccer for ten years and I also play softball. In track I participate in the high jump, long jump and run hurdles,” said Hendrickson.

Hendrickson said her favorite class in school is Mrs. Blackwell’s class and her favorite subject is science because she enjoys mixing chemicals and seeing the reactions. But it was the business program at Northeast Tech that grabbed her interest. “I was interested in achieving the business certifications. That’s why I chose this course,” said Hendrickson. “It has helped me acquire job interview skills, how to build a resume, phone etiquette and computer fundamentals.” Perspective students should take this advice from Hendrickson.

“Hurry and sign up! You will not regret it. You meet new people and the teachers are fabulous.” Once she is finished with high school Hendrickson plans to attend Missouri Southern State in Joplin, MO. She wants to major in Dental Hygiene and Health Services. 4

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State is done and Zebra track athletes have completed a great season in 2015.

Trinity Media Group, LLC 12330 E. 60th St. STE A. • Tulsa, OK 74146 • All rights reserved. Publisher Austin Chadwick Partner/Editorial Director Brad Heath Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migliore Partner/Director of Operations Rod Coulter Partner/Three Rivers Director Bill Huddleston Editor Kyle Kendrick Associate Editor: Cal Ross Partner Mark Rodgers Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Lynn Jacobsen, Tiffany Rogers, Joel Hahn, Kyle Kendrick Contributing Photographers Marea Breedlove, Jim Ellis, Dean Majors, Rolf Clements, David Hunt Contact Information: www.VYPEOK.com • Phone: 918.495.1771 • Fax: 918.495.1787 Subscriptions: 918.495.1771 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.

Lady Bruins Lay Foundation of Success The Bartlesville girls soccer team made a postseason appearance but is already beginning to focus on 2016.

With younger players in such key positions it is easy to see why Kuntz is already excited about next spring.

The Bartlesville Lady Bruins soccer team navigated an extremely tough schedule this year and finished the regular season with an 8-5 overall record, good enough to qualify them for the postseason. In their playoff game the Bruins battled hard but came up just short of undefeated Union by a score of 4-1. The loss ended the Lady Bruins’ season but head coach Aaron Kuntz said that he was very pleased with the way his team played this spring.

“I definitely was happy with them. One of our goals before the season started was to make the playoffs and we did that. We had a few question marks early on but the girls did a great job stepping up and really exceeded my expectations in a lot of ways,” Kuntz said.

“We do have a young talented group. We will lose Jocelyn Nelson next year because she is graduating early so she can get to Florida and onto her college campus so she can workout with the team in the spring and that will be a big loss but we do have a lot of talent coming back and have high expectations for next season,” Kuntz said. While Kuntz praised his underclassmen he also gave a great deal of credit to his senior class who has laid a strong foundation to build on.

“This is where we start talking about the word legacy and I think they have really left a great legacy. They set a good tone, worked extremely hard and really helped the younger players so hopefully they can build on what those seniors have done and go even farther in the playoffs,” Kuntz said.

Everything started with the Lady Bruins defense this year as Bartlesville shutout five opponents this season and allowed an average of just 1.3 goals per game.

“That really helped us out. It started in goal with Madison Brost because even though she is just a junior she has been starting for us for the last two years,” Kuntz said. “Then we had senior defender Kaitlin Maze and sophomore defender Ashton Johnson who both gave us a huge boost. We definitely liked to start our attack with them and then go forward from there.” Leading that attack on the offensive end was a variety of players including sophomore midfielder Kelsie Eason and junior midfielder Danielle King. Freshman midfielder Abi Cox also played a vital role as she established a great connection with speedy sophomore wing Danielle Lorson.

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Bartlesville Mom Month Stephanie Koster - Bartlesville Mom Stephanie Koster, the mother of Bartlesville senior volleyball and track star Blair Koster, has been a huge influence in her children’s lives. Blair had nothing but great things to say about her mother when asked why she should be the Mom of the Month.

“I believe my mom should be the mom of the month because she not only has supported me in my track career, but also in volleyball and basically in anything I set my mind to. My mother is always there for me whether I need advice about my sports or life in general,” Blair said. “She sacrifices so much of her own time taking me to volleyball practices, volleyball tournaments, and track meets. She has shown this support not just for me, but for my two older sisters as well. I can always count on her to be in the stands, rain or shine, right before a race. I am blessed to call my mom my biggest fan and I am grateful to be one of her biggest fans.” Stephanie has also helped the Bartlesville volleyball program as a whole as the rep for the All Sports Booster Club. She also volunteers to help with multiple activities throughout the year and helps work with the Bartlesville coaching staff to arrange tournament travel, lodging and food for the coaches and players. “My mom has always been there for me whether it was a rainy day at a track meet or an all-day volleyball tournament. I can always look up in the stands and know she is there,” Blair said. “As I am her third (and final) daughter to go through high school sports, it would be understandable for her to have slacked off a bit in her volunteering and support, but not my mom. My sisters and I are fortunate to have such a strong supporter!”

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Tri County Technology Athlete of the MOnth Gage Gardner – Bartlesville High School and third base at different times throughout the season. Outside of baseball Gardner is also a member of the Washington County 4-H Beef Club.

Bartlesville junior Gage Gardner is a valuable utility infielder for the Bruins playing first, second

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Gardner also takes classes at Tri County Tech in the school’s Pre-Engineering IED program. After high school Gardner plans to continue his education in Engineering and later pursue it as a career.

When asked if he would recommend Tri County to other students Gardner didn’t hesitate.

“I would definitely recommend it. It is very interesting and a fun learning program. I feel like in this class we learn about real world situations rather than learning from a text book,” Gardner said. For his effort on the baseball field, in the community and in the classroom Gage Gardner is the Tri County Tech Athlete of the Month.

Character Counts Athlete of the Month

ConocoPhillips is proud to highlight the great student-athletes who uphold the fabric of character on and off the field and court. Bartlesville senior Arianna Dysinger is part of the Lady Bruins No. 1 doubles team that qualified for the state tournament earlier this month. An impressive record on the tennis court may be what is most obvious about Dysinger but that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the person the senior is.

Arianna Dysinger Bartlesville Tennis

A strong student Dysinger has been a member of the National Honor Society all four years of high school. Outside of school Dysinger is also a server at a retirement village in Bartlesville. Her

work with the elderly has been very rewarding according to Dysinger.

“I love it because I’m able to share in the lives and memories of so many wise people who have so many amazing stories to tell. Many of the people there have inspired me and offered advice that I think has made me gain a greater perspective on life,” Dysinger said. For her work in athletics, school and the community Arianna Dysinger is the Bartlesville Character Counts Athlete of the Month.

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Northeast OK Spotlight

As the year winds down, we talk to a handful of northeast Oklahoma athletes and thier high school experience. VYPE: What’s your favorite memory from your high school playing career? Hayes: This one is hard. It’s either of getting four consecutive State Academic Champion titles or being a part of the very first win of the CHS girls’ soccer program.

Maci Hayes - Commerce Maci Hayes of Commerce, Corey Erfurdt of Bartlesville, Blake Wisdom from Afton and Hunter Rosebrough of Adair have all enjoyed years of high school athletics at their respective schools. As they turn the page to a new chapter, we take a quick look back at their favorite moments, what their teammates meant to them and their plans after high school. VYPE: What sport or sports do you play and what positions do you play?

Erfurdt: My favorite memory from my high school playing career is making it to the state playoffs and enjoying the experience with my friends and family. Rosebrough: Catching the game winning touchdown pass in overtime to win district against Nowata.

Hayes: My teammates have meant everything to me! I’m so thankful that I got to make all of the memoWisdom: My favorite memory ries I did with them. The friendfrom my career is making our ships I made through sports will quarterfinals run my junior year in last much longer than the time I football. Playing those extra games spent in high school! really gave a lot of spirit and pride Erfurdt: My teammates have been to everyone in the community. huge supporters of me and help VYPE: What have your teamme strive for the best I can be not mates meant to you over the only in soccer, but in every day life years? as well. Rosebrough: Everything.

Wisdom: My teammates mean the world to me, having them right besides me during wind-sprints and tough workouts makes me not feel as weak. The bond that I’ve made with my teammates is not just a typical high school friend, it will be friendships I will cherish throughout my entire life.

Hayes: I play outfielder in softball, midfielder in soccer and I’m a cheerleader. Erfurdt: I only play soccer and my position is left/right midfielder or forward. Rosebrough: I’m a wide receiver in football and I pitch in baseball.

Wisdom: I play football with my position being TE and MLB and I play baseball with my position being pitcher and first base.

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Blake Wisdom - Afton

VYPE: Will you keep anything from your playing days as a memento?

Corey Erfurdt - Bartlesville

Hayes: I wore the same pair of cheer shoes all 4 years, so those

reconstructive surgery bringing an end to my football career and a long road of rehab.

VYPE: Why did you select the number or numbers you wear?

Hunter Rosebrough - Adair are really special to me.

Erfurdt: I will keep the pictures, all my jerseys and the memories. Rosebrough: No, probably not.

Wisdom: I will keep my football jersey from my last senior football game that I played in. When one play I had my knee cut out from underneath me tearing my meniscus to later result in a

Hayes: I chose #1 to be my softball number my freshman year because the jersey was brand new, and I chose #4 to be my soccer number because the two numbers look similar. I stuck with the same number in both sports all 4 years. Erfurdt: I selected my number because it is the same number my dad wore as a kid playing baseball. Rosebrough: No reason for football, but for baseball I chose number 7 because of Mickey Mantle. Wisdom: I wore number 25 in football because it was my older brothers number and he is my role model. In baseball I wore

number 9 to show my faith in Christianity because in the bible number 9 marks the end of issues and all things as man, and I wanted people to know what my faith was and where I was going once I passed away.

VYPE: What are your plans after high school? Hayes: After high school I plan to attend NEO for two years, then transfer to a university to pursue a career in Nursing. Erfurdt: My plans after high school are to attend Oklahoma Wesleyan University to continue my soccer career as a college student. Rosebrough: I plan on working for GRDA.

Wisdom: My plans are to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, to be on the college rodeo team.

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Houston Hogan Grove High School

How long have you been involved with FCA? I have been involved in FCA since I was in 7th grade.

Who influenced you to join? I can’t really remember anyone specifically influencing me to join FCA, it just sounded like something that I would want to do and enjoy.

How has FCA made an impact in your life on and off the field? FCA has really made me take a look at things that go on in my life or on the field and realize that if I want to succeed or be the best I can. That none of it can be achieved without Christ; if we live a life in sin we can’t walk in gods favor. It’s helped me make right choices so I can be the best follower I can be on and off the field. How have your beliefs helped you as an athlete? My beliefs have really shown me that when things go wrong in athletics that I have God to lean on if the team has a tough loss or I make a big mistake and cost the team a victory, God will still be the same God he was before his promises still hold true and he has a plan for me. It helps me keep my head up and keep moving forward.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why? I can’t really say that I have a favorite bible verse because there’s way to many to pick from! But one that has been kind of sticking out to me lately would have to be Philippians 4:9 “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” It just reminds me to stay the coarse and not give up God has a plan if I can stay faithful then I can have his best for me! 12

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Grove Girls Golf Grove golf makes an impact in the state

tournament with all five players qualifying. who impressed me the most,” Bassett said. “It’s her first year and every day at practice she wanted to learn more and get better. She’s one of those girls who if you tell her what she’s doing wrong, she wants to fix it. She got better every tournament.”

Coach Richard Bassett’s girls golf team finished 10th overall at the state tournament, which took place on May 6-7 at the Scissortail Golf Club. Bassett had his top five golfers qualify for state this year, including senior Karah Bassett. Last season, Bassett finished 15th overall at state, and this year, she continued working hard to get her game even better. She placed in the top five in her last three tournaments before state. In the conference tournament, she shot a 77, which earned her a first place finish. At state, Bassett ended up tying for 16th place with a total score of 180. She had the highest finish of the five golfers from Grove. With her senior season finished, Bas-

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sett will continue to improve her game and prepare for college, where she hopes to compete for a national title.

As for the rest of coach Bassett’s team, there is work to be done, but the future is extremely exciting. Two juniors and two freshmen qualified for the state tournament alongside Bassett. Freshman Abby Hacker struggled at the state tournament, which is not surprising for a young freshman, but she showed a lot of promise throughout the year. She was always willing to learn from her mistakes. Bassett had tremendous things to say about Hacker’s work ethic. “Abby Hacker is one of the girls

Freshman Kirsten Riggs finished in 27th place at the state tournament, which should give her confidence heading into next season. Riggs and Hacker will continue to improve during their sophomore seasons, and add depth to coach Bassett’s roster. Juniors Michelle Deason and Brooklyn Grant both qualified for state and finished in the middle of the pack. These two juniors will be tasked with being the leaders for coach Bassett next season. Those two, along with the two talented freshmen, will make another run at state next season. Overall, it wasn’t the finish they had hoped for, but it was a successful season nonetheless. The girls competed, and continued to improve with each tournament they played. When golf season rolls around next spring, keep an eye for coach Bassett and the Grove Ridgerunners.

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Northeast Technology Athlete of the MOnth

Destanie Lovett – Kansas High School Kansas Comets golfer Destanie Lovett is an experienced leader on the course for her team but away from athletics she is much more. Lovett is also involved in BPA, BETA Club and yearbook along with being heavily involved in CrossFit. Those activities keep Lovett busy enough but she adds to her schedule by taking classes in the nursing program at Northeast Tech. Just a junior at Kansas, this is her first year in the two-year Health Careers Certification program. Lovett said she already plans to enter into a field related to what she is currently studying

once she’s done with high school as she plans to earn a degree in physical therapy. Lovett said she would highly recommend Northeast Tech to other students.

“Always. It’s a great place to learn and ready yourself further for your future,” Lovett said.

For her efforts on the golf course, in her school, community and in

the Health Careers Certification program Destanie Lovett is the Northeast Tech Athlete of the Month.

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Pryor Athlete of the MOnth JaQwan Blalock - Pryor Athlete JaQwan Blalock is a versatile runner for Pryor track coach Mike Considine. Blalock participates in the 110m hurdles, 300m hurdles, 4x200 relay and 4x100 relay. Blalock works tremendously hard to put himself in position to compete at any track meet he participates in. Blalock has a love for competition, and it drives him each day he steps onto the track. “I love competing at every track meet I go to,” Blalock said. “I love making new friends along the way and running beside my partner

Nate Jarboe.”

Blalock is looking forward to his opportunity to participate in the state track meet. Blalock is a true speedster. His best time in the 110m hurdles is 15.21, which is an incredibly impressive number. Arguably more impressive is his time in the 300m hurdles. His lowest time in that race is 42.04. Blalock said he works his hardest to get those times lower each day. When the state track meet comes around, keep an eye out for JaQwan Blalock. For all of his hard work as a runner and person, JaQwan Blalock is the Pryor Athlete of the Month.

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Young Tigers Make Huge Strides More than half of coach Mike Considine’s track team at Pryor is composed of freshman and sophomores. With such a young team, it can be hard to compete, especially in a tough class, such as Class 5A. Coach Considine said there were no surprising performances this season. His guys performed and improved just as he had hoped they would, which is always a good sign. It shows that his game plan is having a positive effect on his team. Considine has two seniors on his roster, and those guys are tremendous leaders for their younger teammates.

The Tigers are strongest in the hurdle races, 800m relay and high jump. Each week of the track season, the Tigers improved and became more competitive, especially in these events. In the 110m and 300m hurdle races, JaQwan Blalock and Nate Jarboe are two rising stars for the Tigers. By the time he is done at Pryor,

Blalock could be one of the best hurdle runners in the state. Blalock has the sixth best time in the 110m hurdle race in Class 5A this season. At the Coweta Tiger Track Classic, which was one of the last meets before the postseason, Blalock helped lead the Tigers to a fifth place finish out of 14 teams. Blalock came in first place in both the 110m and 300m hurdle races. His running partner, Nate Jarboe, ran his way to a fifth place finish in the 110m, and a second place finish in the 300m. The 4x800 relay team came in fourth with a time 9:08.00. In the high jump, the Tigers showed how competitive they could be. Will Considine came

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in second with a jump of 5-10.00. Nathan Engles tied for third place in the same event.

Considine’s Tigers will continue to improve through the postseason and offseason. Once next season rolls around, they will be competition ready and expected to compete at the highest level. Until then, keep an eye out for the Pryor Tigers.

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Character Counts Athlete of the Month

Rhett Minson at State Farm is proud to highlight the great studentathletes in the Pryor area who portray great character on and off the field. making all-district in 2013 and 2014.

Frailey is known for being a good teammate and said having good character means you stay humble and always do the right thing.

“To me, having good character means staying humble and just doing the right thing, not because you want the applause, but because it’s the right thing to do. It means being a leader and choosing to make the right choice instead of the easy choice. To me, having good character means you are loyal, trustworthy and you put others before you put yourself.”

Tiffani Frailey Pryor Soccer Tiffani Frailey is a senior and co-captain of the Pryor varsity soccer team. On signing day she signed her letter of intent to play soccer for Oral Roberts University next season. Frailey has started for coach Kirk Emerine all four years in high school

Frailey is a member of the cross country and track teams while being involved in the FCA, American Heritage Club, National Honor Society, FCCLA and is on the Presidential Honor Roll. She also volunteers with MDA Fundraisers and was recently an ambassador for Pryor’s “Great Day of Understanding Assembly.”

But being a good teammate is something Frailey views as an important component to the teams overall success.

“It is very important to me to be a good teammate. Playing in a game is like going to war. You’re battling for the win. You must be able to rely on your teammates in battle to give 100 percent and fight until the end. We may not be best friends off the field, but when we come together I think it’s important to get along and trust each other.” Frailey said her parents have been a big influence on her life.

“My parents have been a big influence on my life. Nobody else has believed in me more than they have. They have stood by my side, encouraging me to do the right thing and to never give anything less than my best. They have helped me stay strong in my faith and I will forever be thankful for the things they have done for me.”

When I say “good,” you say “neighbor.” Rhett Minson, Agent 716 S Mill Pryor, OK 74361 Bus: 918-825-4000 rhett.minson.mdjt@statefarm.com

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Northeast Technology Athlete of the MOnth

Shae Jenkins - Locust Grove High School Locust Grove High School junior Shae Jenkins is succeeding on the field and in the classroom. A centerfielder on the softball team and cheerleader in the fall, Jenkins strives to be the best she can be for her teammates, but in the classroom she works to secure a future for herself. Jenkins made the decision to attend classes at Northeast Tech and it was a decision that changed her life.

“I was pretty sure I wanted to be a nurse, and I wanted to be able to really see what it was about before I made that career choice in college, so I thought tech was the best way to see that,” said Jenkins. Her experience at Northeast Tech is

preparing her for college, which she plans to attend after graduation.

“It has been really fun and I’ve learned a lot, it has definitely prepared me for the field I want to go in after graduation. After high school I plan to go to college and be an RN, and “Stay on task, and get your work eventually become a traveling nurse.” done. It’s very doable to play sports and go to NE Tech.” Jenkins made a plan and is sticking to it. She offered this advice to future students considering Northeast Tech.

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Athletes of the MOnth

We Salute the Great Athletes of Mayes County place finish in District 5A-4. Ledoux went 7-2 on the bump during the regular season and led the Tigers in wins and innings pitched with 48. Overall Ledoux posted a 2.62 ERA and struck out 36 hitters. Throughout the course of the year Ledoux also threw three complete games, another category in which he was the team leader.

Kyle Johnson Kyle Johnson – Salina A versatile athlete Kyle Johnson plays a multitude of positions for the Salina Wildcats baseball team. At times the senior may be found playing shortstop, second base, centerfield or on the pitcher’s mound.

While his biggest impact is felt on the mound Ledoux also hit just under .300 during the regular season and drove in 13 runs proving that he could be productive at the plate as well. Ty Cannady – Adair

During the fall Cannady is a valu-

Johnson also hits leadoff for the Wildcats and sets the table for the rest of the offense. Through 31 games this season Johnson is hitting .340 with nine doubles, three triples and two home runs. The speedy Johnson also has 30 stolen bases and has scored 39 runs. On the mound this year Johnson has a 2.1 ERA and has helped Salina to a 19-12 overall record heading into the regional tournament. Conley Ledoux – Pryor

A senior pitcher for the Tigers, Ledoux helped Pryor to a 24-7 regular season record and a second 6

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Conley Ledoux

able member of the Warriors basketball team, in the winter he is a member of the basketball team and in the spring Cannady is a track star for the Warriors. At the regional meet in Okmulgee earlier this month Cannady took home fourth place in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.38. Cannady also competed on three different Adair relay teams that showed well at regionals. He was on both the 4x100 relay team and the 4x200 relay team and helped both finish in third place at regionals. Cannady’s final event was the 4x400 relay in which Adair placed fifth at regionals.

Mayes County Spotlight Jason Pirtle - Locust Grove High School Locust Grove junior Jason Pirtle has put together an absolutely stellar year of athletics. This fall Pirtle was the Pirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top receiver and pulled in a whopping 99 receptions for 2,096 yards and 29 receiving touchdowns as he led the state in all three categories. Pirtle also had 81 tackles this season, recovered a fumble and picked off three passes. A key player on special teams Pirtle also averaged 24.5 yards per punt return and took two punt returns back to the house. During track season this spring Pirtle has showcased his athletic ability as a star hurdler. At the regional meet in Checotah, Pirtle placed second in both the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles with times of 16.54 and 43.42 respectively.

For his amazing performance as both a member of the Locust Grove track team and the Locust Grove football team Jason Pirtle is the Locust Grove Athlete of the Month.

200 S Adair St, Pryor, Oklahoma 74361 (918) 825-3059

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Claremore Track Finishes Year Strong Both the Zebras and Lady Zebras have put together solid seasons and are ready to find the medal stand at state. The Claremore track teams have turned in big performances left and right this year. Several highlights for the girls teams include a fourth place finish at the Skiatook meet, a fifth place finish at Tahlequah, a fifth place finish at Booker T. Washington and a third place finish at the Metro Lakes Conference meet in Skiatook. The boys team has been even better with a second place finish in Skiatook, a fourth place finish at Claremore, a fourth place finish at Tahlequah, a fifth place finish at Booker T. and finally a second place finish at the conference meet. Leading the girls team this year has been sophomore Katelyn Callender, junior Anna Mason, seniors Paige Burns and Jessica McGill, along with freshman Katelyn Alexander. Callender and Mason both claimed gold at the conference meet with Callender winning both the 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter

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hurdles and Mason taking top honors in the 800-meter run and 1600-meter run. Burns meanwhile was second in the long jump and third in the high jump at the conference meet and McGill placed third in the pole vault. Alexander meanwhile won the freshman division of the 400-meter dash and the 1600-meter run at the conference meet. The boys team has gotten big leadership from seniors Reid Joyner, Nathan Hammack and Braden Strickland along

with junior Hutch Helbig. Joyner and Stickland both won gold at the conference meet as Joyner won the high jump and Strickland took top honors in the 400. Hammack meanwhile took home second in both hurdles events and Helbig placed sixth in the 400 and second in the long jump.

With state just around the corner and several athletes for both the Zebras and Lady Zebras just hitting their stride expect Claremore to bring home a good share of hardware.

Oologah Baseball not a bad season.

VYPE: The month of March you went 9-5, but in April and into May the team went on a pretty good winning streak, does it make a coach nerves to string together so many wins or do you just keep going with what’s working?

Kerry Hallman Head coach Kerry Hallman led the Mustangs to another excellent season, but fell short in the regional tournament. After having some time to think about the season, VYPE editor Brad Heath caught up with coach Hallman to discuss the season and his expectations for next season.

VYPE: Congrats on a solid performance this year. How do you feel the boys performed and were there any unexpected surprises that made a positive impact? Hallman: We did have a solid year. Always disappointing when you don’t achieve all of your goals that you had set as a team before the season, but all in all

Hallman: This year was definitely a weird year. I felt like the month of March we couldn’t get into a rhythm as a team. With all of the rain and snow, we would play 1 game and may not play another one for 4-5 days later. I felt like offensively and defensively we were having problems staying consistent with the way we played due to game experience. Once April arrived, the schedule seemed to get better because we were playing more games consecutively. I feel like our record got better because some of our younger starters were also getting game experience under their belts. VYPE: Regionals you faced a solid Berryhill team and a Blackwell team that played you tight, what did you tell the team after those two games? Hallman: Both teams were tough. After the two loses I just told our team that

we were in a spot to win both games. All it takes is for someone to step up late in the game and get a big two out hit. We had several chances in both games to tie it or take the lead late but couldn’t get it done.

VYPE: Some people make a big deal out of getting to 20 wins. Is it more of a psychological thing for players or does it simply prove the team has had an excellent season? Hallman: That’s always our 1st goal as a team. Twenty wins pretty much assures you home field in districts and possibly getting a regional. Our goals as a team every year are 20 wins, Conference Champs, District Champs, Regional Champs. VYPE: Who do you have returning for next season?

Hallman: Looking forward to next year. Returning eight starters and both of our best arms from this year. Our younger players will be a year older and we will be hoping to put together another solid year.

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Come See us in Claremore! 1110 West Will Rogers Boulevard Claremore, OK 74017

for all the sports you play, we’re on your team. at eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic center, we’ve been caring for athletes just like you for many years. that means, when you’re seen by one of our sports medicine specialists, you’re seeing the same doctors who care for the elite athletes of the University of tulsa, Oral roberts University, and many other college and high school teams. from physicals to physical therapy and beyond, our team is here to help you be the best athlete you can be. call the sports medicine experts at eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic center at (800) 283-3662 today.

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Claremore Golf: Alexis Dake specialists, you’re seeing the same doctors who

care for the elite athletes of the University of tulsa, Oral roberts University, and many other college and high school teams.

The Claremore Golfer Finished Top 10 at State from physicals to physical therapy and beyond, our

team is here to help you be the best athlete you can be. call the sports medicine experts at eastern Oklahoma

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VYPE: So what’s your plan for ms. Ol tea h schO Dake: Certain holes I and hig , e g e l next year? l O al, c y Of tUlsa, Ora l rOberts University, and many Other area prOfessiOn struck the ball better, Dake: My plans for next year but I think overall I are to definitely continue golfwas hitting the ball ing. I want to try my best to impretty solid. prove. We’ll just see what next VYPE: Is there one year has in store for me. shot you would like VYPE: Thank you Alexis and to have back? good luck. Dake: On hole numDake: Thank you! ber 18, I had a birdie putt from about 3 feet. I read the green wrong and slightly missed it. I was pretty upset about that but then the next hole, number 1, I birdied!

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Alexis Dake Claremore High School golfer Alexis Dake placed in the top ten at state this year shooting in the low 80’s both rounds. We asked Alexis to take a break from the course to talk about her golf and what her plans are for next season.

VYPE: Congrats on a solid performance at the state tournament. How would you grade your performance? Dake: I would say I performed pretty well. I would’ve loved to shoot better, but I’m content with what I shot. VYPE: Were you comfortable playing it at Scissortail?

Dake: Yes. I’ve played there quite a few times so it was nice playing at course I was fairly familiar with. M AY 2 0 1 5

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TTCU

Academic

ATHLETE of the MONTH

Rylee Hammons Miami High School Dylan Simmons Holland Hall Rylee Hammons is a three-sport athlete for the Miami Lady Wardogs. In the spring Hammons is part of the Olorepro torio te maio que pro et hit autendis eosant quidus, sunt volorerum sitas eostisto track team and in the fall runs cross country. In the winter Hammons keeps busy as a member of the Miami volesequi quam doluptas molorrunti disciendic estrum exfrom excearum quatus liquiat esti swim team. The busy athletic schedule doesn’t keepteHammons also excelling in eum the classroom though. sus, secuptaquo venisqui demchallenges quatia verita volupta tempore pliquunt Olorepro te Carrying a 3.97 GPA Hammons herself by taking AP Statistics, AP eos. Language and torio AP Chemistry. Hammons saysetthat Statistics is her favorite it is sitas a math class and math is her favorite subject. maio que pro hit AP autendis eosant quidus, class suntbecause volorerum eostisto volesequi quam dolupAfter high school Hammons says she plans to go to college and focus on her academics although she isn’t tas molorrunti disciendic te estrum excearum quatus eum. sure which university she would like to attend at this point. For her efforts in athletics and her dedication in the classroom Rylee Hammons is the TTCU Academic Athlete of the Month.

Jack Methvin Claremore School Kendra Poarch BishopHigh Kelley High School A senior defender for the Claremore Zebras soccer team Jack Methvin is a key player on the back end for his Olorepro torio tehelped maio que pro et autendis quidus, sunt volorerum team. This year Methvin his team tohit an 8-5 overalleosant record and an appearance in the sitas Classeostisto 5A playoffs. Methvin is also a star in the classroom carrying disciendic a 3.75 unweighted GPAexand a 4.05 weighted takes volesequi quam doluptas molorrunti te estrum excearum quatus GPA. eumMethvin liquiat esti several Pre-AP classes and says his favorite classes are Engineering and Math. Methvin said he enjoys Math sus, secuptaquo venisqui dem quatia verita volupta tempore pliquunt eos. Olorepro torio te because he understands it better than any other core subject and said he loves Engineering because he likes maio que pro hit autendis eosant quidus, sunt volorerum sitasAseostisto quam dolupto work on things andetplans to be an Engineer when he completes college. for thosevolesequi college plans Methvin says hetas wants to go todisciendic a school close to homeexcearum that also has a good Engineering program molorrunti te estrum quatus eum liquiat esti sus. such as Oklahoma State, University of Arkansas or the University of Tulsa. Methvin said he plans to become a Mechanical Engineer once he earns his degree. For his effort on the soccer field and his dedication to academics Jack Methvin is the TTCU Academic Athlete of the Month.

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Wardogs Lay Foundation for Future The Miami Wardogs struggled to find a consistent rhythm this season. They faced a schedule that featured more than a few good teams from all classes. The Wardogs finished with a 10-22 record, which is not where they want to be. However, coach Shawn Nading’s young squad gained valuable experience that will help them develop in the future. The Wardogs showed signs of what they can be capable of, but overall, they struggled on offense and defense. In 32 games, the Wardogs scored double digit runs only five times. In those five games, they finished with a 4-1 record, which is a good sign. If the Wardogs can shore up their hitting, they are sure to be more competitive next season. Coach Nading said Nick Allen had a tremendous season on the mound and at the plate. Allen became a leader for the Wardogs, and his work ethic will rub off on some of his teammates. At the plate, Allen finished with an overall average of .289. He drove in 11 runs, hit four doubles and scored 10 runs. Allen is an efficient contact hitter. He drew 17 walks, while only striking out nine times. He saw a boost in his batting average once league play began. He hit .271 in non-league games, and then he hit .290 in league games. On the mound, besides a few bad games, Allen had a tremendous season. He has good control, and limited his number of walks. He walked 34 batters, but he struck out 84, which is a tremendous ratio, especially in 62 innings pitched. Allen finished with a 4.17 ERA, which was inflated due to a few outings where he gave up seven or more runs. Overall, Allen made tremendous progress this season, and laid a foundation for Nading to build on. When baseball season rolls around in 2016, keep an eye out for Nading’s Wardogs.

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Beware of Wardog defense though until the final part of the regular season when coach Douthit moved senior Ruben Salazar to goalkeeper after a tough loss to Oologah. Following the move the Wardogs won their final four games and clinched the district championship.

The Miami boys soccer team won its first district title in 5 years 2010. That was the last time the Miami Wardogs boys soccer team won a state title. Well before this year that is. This spring the Wardogs finished the regular season with a 10-3 overall record and a 5-1 record in district play to claim the 4A-5 district title. Miami head coach Doug Douthit said he feels like the district title means a great deal to his team.

“I think it means a lot. It’s my second year here and I came here because they have always had a strong boys program but it is their first district title since 2010 and it’s because we have a really good nucleus of kids who have really bought in,” Douthit said. A big part of the winning formula for the Wardogs has been a solid defense. Overall the Wardogs allowed an average 1.3 goals per game in the regular season and shut out three of their opponents. Miami didn’t start playing their best

“Having Ruben in goal has made a hug difference but some of that defense has been because o the fact that the kids have bought into our system. We run a man marking system and it’s a lot of pressure to stop your man but the guys have really taken pride in being able to handle it,” Douthit said. Another key player on the backside of things for Miami has been senior defender Michael Fuhrmeister. The strong play of Fuhrmeister on the back end has been key to tying everything together according to Douthit. With the defense clicking the Miami offense has also been very strong scoring an average of 3.9 goals per game in the regular season. Three players who have played major roles in the Miami offense this year have been senior forward Marcus Stacy and junior midfielders Garrett Brede and Koith Quiroz. Stacy scored 15 goals in the regular season while Brede and Quiroz control things in the middle of the pitch.

Another thing that has strengthened the resolve of the Wardogs this year is the fact that they have played in three overtime games, two of which went to a shootout, and have won all three. Douthit was quick to point out that he

feels like those close games have helped his team become even more confident.

“I hate shootouts and I think most soccer coaches would tell you that it isn’t a great way to see a game end but when we have gotten there we have gone 9-for-9 in penalty kicks and I think it has given us a confidence that if it comes to extra time or a shootout we can pull it out,” Douthit said. In their first playoff game the Wardogs kept their winning streak alive by beating Hilldale 4-1, a team that they had beaten in a shootout earlier in the year. Miami Wardogs Soccer Roster Braden Hessee Grant Hubbard Sam Hughes Koith Quiroz Ruben Salazar Kieran Coyne Tyler Radebaugh Michael Fuhrmeister Taylor Addington Marcus Stacy Garrett Brede Ben Pulley Blake Ragsdale Shane Herrel Payton Edmondson Trevor Sourjohn Adrian Jeronimo Dalton Norton Trueman Satterwhite

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University Tulsa University RogersofState Twenty-One Hillcats Earn Heartland Conference Honors in 2014-15 Rogers State saw 21 studentathletes earn All-Heartland Conference honors this year led by men’s basketball senior Frederico Santos, the Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Year Baylor Harvey (Cleveland High School), and baseball’s Andrew Vanisi, Newcomer of the Year, while men’s golfer Alex Marsh earned conference Freshman of the Year accolades. Santos earned first-team all-conference honors while teammate and Union alum J.C. Hartzler was named to the second team. Women’s Basketball senior Mikaila Newton was voted honorable mention by the league’s coaches capping her career with the Hillcats.

The fall semester saw Harvey win the Heartland Conference Championship earning Runner of the Year honors while teammates Chandler Smith (Owasso High School) and Marchez Coriz earned first-team and honorable mention recognition, respectively. Women’s Cross Country had four runners recognized as Christi Dougherty (Coweta High School) and Ashtyn DeRoin (Westmoore High School) were named first-team and Haley Taylor (Collinsville High School) and Andi Gourd (Sallisaw Central High School) were named honorable mention.

JC Hartzler ence Men’s Soccer First-Team and teammate Mitchell Sowerby was voted to the second-team. Women’s Soccer senior Blair Thomas (Grove High School) closed out her career as a third-team all-conference selection.

The spring semester added Tanner Alder to the Men’s Danko Kenjic was named to the All-Heartland Confer- Golf All-Heartland Conference First-Team while Marsh added second-team honors to his Freshman of the Year recognition. Hagen Barmasse also closed out the season as a second-team selection. Women’s golfer Raquel Trevino was also recognized as a second-team honoree as a junior. Head Coach Josh Fosdick was named Heartland Conference Men’s Golf Coach of the Year in just his first season at the helm. On the softball diamond senior infielder Carley Conley was recognized as an All-Heartland Conference Second-Team selection in her final season in Claremore. Vanisi added first-team all-conference honors to go with his Newcomer of the Year award while teammate Blake Gipson was named to the secondteam as a designated hitter. Photos by Bill Powell

Blair Thomas

Union graduated J.C. Hartzler and Grove High School product Blair Thomas

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Christian Babcock - Vinita High School

Madi Barnes - Miami High School

Junior Madi Barnes is a runner and jumper for coach Matt LeFay and the Miami Wardogs. Barnes competes in the long jump, 4x100 and 4x200 relay races. Her personal best in the long jump this season is 14’9”. In the 4x100, she led her team “If you would’ve told me he would to a season best 51.87. She be hitting four hole for me this helped get her team to a year,” Zickefoose said. “I would’ve season best 2:53.77 in the 4x200 relay this season. Barnes told you that you were crazy. His work ethic and leadership have enjoys competing at Catoosa because there is always great been top notch.” competition and she enjoys their brand new track. Barnes Babcock took advantage of his time in the summer. He used this time had a tough time picking out a single moment as the most to focus on improving as a hitter and a pitcher. This season, Babcock exciting this season. “The most exciting moment for me this was hitting .400 heading into the last four games of the season. He finished with a .381 batting average, which is impressive. He pitched season,” Barnes said. “Has been watching our relay times get lower and lower at each track meet we compete at.” 48 innings and finished with a 3-3 record, which doesn’t do justice Senior Christian Babcock battled his way through the baseball program at Vinita. He came in as a freshman, and worked hard each year to improve his game. Coach Jim Zickefoose said his rise through the program is a testament to how hard Babcock has worked throughout his career.

to how well he pitched this season. Coach Zickefoose had only good things to say about Babcock. For all of his hard work as a leader, baseball player and person, Christian Babcock is the Vinita Athlete of the Month.

Barnes said she was excited for the state meet, and she enjoyed watching her team get better each week. For all of her hard work as a runner, jumper and person, Madi Barnes is the Miami Athlete of the Month.

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