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Delivering
RESULTS
ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN
At Sylvan Learning, results matter. This report card is the last one you’ll have to worry about if you get started with Sylvan today. Act now to take control of this school year.
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6 | All-VYPE The All-VYPE fastpitch softball, volleyball and cross country teams are announced as their seasons come to an end for 2014.
9 | Bartlesville Football Class 6A-II-1 is loaded with competitive teams resulting in close games this season. The Bartlesville Bruins are looking to finish the season strong with two crucial home games.
21 | Miami Player Q&A Miami varsity football players Blake Ragsdale and Taylor Witham sat down with VYPE editor Brad Heath to talk Wardog football.
24 | Grove Cheer The Lady Ridgerunners competed for a state title in cheer. VYPE caught up with several members of the squad for their take on state.
Trinity Media Group, LLC 6737 S. 85th E. Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74136 All rights reserved. Publisher Austin Chadwick Partner/Editorial Director Brad Heath Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migliore Partner/Director of Operations Rod Coulter Editor Kyle Kendrick Partner Mark Rodgers Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Lynn Jacobsen, Rex Holt, Tiffany Rogers, Joel Hahn, Kyle Kendrick Contributing Photographers Marea Breedlove , Jim Ellis, Dean Majors, Brad Heath, Rip Stell, Josh Clough, Michael Mayberry, Brett Rojo, Kirk Wells, Rolf Clements, Kyle Kendrick, 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. 4
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Southwest Northeast OK F E AT U R E
All-VYPE Softball
All-VYPE Cross Country
Pitchers Lexi Cole – Chouteau Tailee Reding – Kansas
Catcher Kiarra DeCrane – Bartlesville Libby Horton – Vinita Jodi Brown – Sequoyah Claremore Infield Kaleigh Warren – Vinita Carly Alberty – Chouteau Taylor Rupe – Grove Libby Morris – Grove
Tailee Reding Kansas
Outfield Kaleigh Townley – Barnsdall Kirsten Kauk – Bartlesville Kylie Cravens – Verdigris Utility Logan White – Chelsea Randi Vincent – Sequoyah Claremore Hailey Seago – Claremore Katie Hyso – Kansas Bailey James – Chelsea Kinsay Hayes – Kansas Mateighia Tanner – Jay Alyssa Babb – Barnsdall
Blair Koster Bartlesville
Boys Henry Williams - Bartlesville Krishan Baniqued - Bartlesville John Lancaster - Bartlesville Jackson Long - Claremore Andrew Lauer - Claremore Travis Black - Dewey Mason Trease - Dewey Conlan Miller - Foyil Jake Ingle - Grove Deacon Kraft - Grove Trestin January - Jay Chase Brock - Jay Seth Whittington - Kansas Justin Smith - Miami Jonathan Harges - Pryor Bradley Nixon - Pryor Cody Backward - Salina Noah Klepzyk - Sequoyah Claremore Cody Larson - Wyandotte
Bartlesville Cross Country
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Girls Kami Jo Lippe - Adair Chloe Maritz - Adair Shay Stayton - Bartlesville Ashley Barnes - Bartlesville Greta Olsen - Bartlesville Tori Hogan - Chelsea Savannah Walker - Chelsea Addaleigh Dameron - Chelsea Anna Mason - Claremore Katelyn Alexander - Claremore Bayli Brewer - Dewey Mia Knight - Dewey Callie Callihan - Jay Miranda Sloan - Jay Torey Snell - Kansas Malaney Sanders - Salina Aubryana Matussak - Sequoyah Claremore Ashton Wood - Sequoyah Claremore Josie Simmons - Vinita Callie Miers - Vinita
2 0 1 1
Oklahoma All-VYPE Volleyball
Ashley Rains – Sequoyah Claremore Abby Bryan – Copan Morgan Woody – Copan Shelby Snodgrass – Chouteau Autumn Munden – Verdigris Courtney Risenhoover – Verdigris Blair Koster - Bartlesville Shanaye Nordic - Bartlesville Roni Courtney - Bartlesville
Shanaye Nordic Bartlesville
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EVERY GREAT PLAY starts with a great plan.
Truity Credit Union proudly supports the Bartlesville Bruins. We offer the only Bruin Spirit Debit Card that gives back to Bartlesville Schools with each swipe. Over $34,000 has been raised since 2009. Bruin Spirit Debit Card | Student Select Checking Student Loans | Child & Teen Savings Accounts Visit TruityCU.org/BruinCard
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Bruins football and cross country teams are looking strong. the season Hansen has racked up 43 tackles and one interception. Meanwhile Okyere has showcased his skills in the secondary intercepting 16 tackles and four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Cross Country
Colton Penrod Football The Bruins began the season in a big way, knocking off East Central by a score of 4827. Following that win however Bartlesville dropped four games in a row, losing to Cascia Hall, Enid, Sand Springs and Bixby to drop to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in district play. With their playoff hopes on the line in week six however Bartlesville responded with a 35-15 road win at Muskogee; vaulting themselves back into the playoff conversation.
Leading the way for the Bruins this year has been sophomore quarterback Colton Penrod. Through the first six games of the season Penrod has completed 112 of 198 passes for 1,620 yards and 15 touchdowns. A gunslinger who spreads the ball around Penrod’s top target has varied week to week. AJ Parker leads the Bruins with 437 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns on 28 total receptions. Running back Jarron Hilger also has 28 catches through six games this year for 322 yards and two touchdowns. Other key receiving targets this season have been Tully Schaffner, Tristan Crowder and Garrett Meidl. While the Bruins are best known for their aerial attack they do also feature a solid run game. In the team’s first six games Hilger carried the ball 111 times for 520 yards and three touchdowns while Penrod added 70 carries for 332 yards and seven touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball the Bruins have been led by Nate Hansen and Jaumon Okyere. In the first six games of
The Bruins boys and girls cross country teams have ben nothing short of dominant this year. The girls team has taken the team title this year at the Sapulpa, Bartlesville, Bishop Kelley, Holland Hall, Oklahoma State and Owasso meets. The boys meanwhile won the team title at Sapulpa, Bartlesville, Bishop Kelley and Owasso. The boys also took second at Holland Hall and third at Oklahoma State. The girls team has been led by the 1-2 punch of Ashley Barnes and Shay Stayton. Stayton has taken home old at the Sapulpa, Holland Hall and Owasso meets while finishing fourth at Bartlesville, fifth at Bishop Kelley, and 15th at Oklahoma State. Barnes on the other hand finished second at Sapulpa, third at Batlesville, fourth at Bishop Kelley, second at Holland Hall, sixth at Oklahoma State and fourth at Owasso. Other key performers for the girls team have been Greta Olsen, Riley Rigdon, Avery Bennett, Madi Taylor and Anna Gunter.
Jarron Hilger Hammon and Noah Eiden.
After putting together such a strong season up to this point both Bartlesville teams are favorites to place very highly, if not favorites to win the team gold at the state meet Nov. 1.
Leading the boys team has been Krishan Baniqued and Henry Williams. Baniqued brought home gold medals from Sapulpa, Bartlesville, and Owasso. He also finished sixth at Bishop Kelley and Holland Hall then came in 20th at Oklahoma State. Williams meanwhile took third at Sapulpa, fourth at Batlesville, 10th at Bishop Kelley, sixth at Holland Hall, 15th at Oklahoma State and third at Owasso. Other key runners for the boys team this year have been John Lancaster, Austin Linthicum, Archer Bennett, Treavor Taylor, James Martinez, Reese
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Bartlesville Mom Month Jennifer Penrod – Bartlesville Mom Jennifer Penrod, the mother of Bartlesville quarterback and standout baseball player Colton Penrod, is someone who supports her children in everything they do. “She is always supporting me with anything she can. She always believes in me 100 percent and tells me that,” Colton said. “She lets me know that she believes in me everyday and tells me I can do anything I put my mind to. She supports my decisions and always tells me to play my hardest.” Jennifer also works behind the scenes in Bartlesville working the concession stand during baseball season and helping to clean up after games just to help the program. For her continuous support of her son and the Bartlesville Bruins athletic programs Jennifer Penrod is the Bartlesville Mom of the Month.
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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. to pick up All-Region and All-State honors yet again as those races still loom large on the Bruins’ schedule.
Krishan Baniqued Bartlesville X-Country Bartlesville cross country runner Krishan Baniqued is no stranger to cross country fans across the state. A senior and two-year captain of the team, Baniqued was All-Conference, All-Region and All-State last year finishing third, seventh and ninth at those meets. This year Baniqued already earned All-Conference honors with a sixth place finish at the conference meet and will be looking
“This year I’ve really hit my training hard from the beginning, hoping to finish my senior year strong. My first few races weren’t where I hoped they would be, but at this point after running the conference meet in Owasso, I feel much more confident in my training,” Baniqued said. Baniqued is also involved in the Bartlesville Ultimate Club, along with focusing heavily on his athletic and academic schedule. After high school, Baniqued plans to run for either Kansas State University or Pittsburg State University and major in computer science.
For his commitment to greatness in everything he does and his outstanding work ethic and leadership, Krishan Baniqued is the Bartlesville Character Counts Athlete of the Month.
Bartlesville senior volleyball player Roni Courtney helped the Lady Bruins to a 15-15 record this year as the team’s right side hitter. Courtney is much more than just a star volleyball player though; she is also involved in multiple clubs and activities at Bartlesville High School. Courtney is the editor of the school newspaper along with being president of the Spanish Club. Roni is also the secretary of the Young Republicans Club and is the president and founder of the Students for the Conservation of Nature Club.
Roni Courtney Bartlesville Volleyball
For her continued commitment to excellence in everything she does Roni Courtney is the Bartlesville Character Counts Athlete of the Month.
Same values. Same name.
Local pride.
At ConocoPhillips, we’re building on our SPIRIT values – safety, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork – to create a company like no other. A company with global reach and strong ties to the local communities where we operate. With more than 1,500 employees in the community, ConocoPhillips is proud to call Bartlesville home. As an industry leader exclusively focused on exploration and production, we are pioneering a new standard of excellence. But even as we embark on this new journey, the way we do business, our pride as a Bartlesville citizen – our spirit – is staying the same. It’s just a part of who we are.
www.conocophillips.com © ConocoPhillips Company. 2013. All rights reserved.
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Abbey Grimes Dewey
Caleb Hood Bartlesville
Academic Athlete of the Month Senior volleyball player and co-captain Abbey Grimes is the gold standard when it comes to academics. A 3.97 GPA student, Grimes has always taken a full load with AP Calculus and Science during high school, in addition to taking English Comp & College Algebra at Rogers State University her senior year. Along with the full academic load Abbey is involved in National Honor Society, Children’s Musical Theater alumni group and Everett Music singers. During her free time Abbey is also very involved in the youth group at Dewey First Baptist and currently mentors younger girls within the youth group. Abbey is not only an athlete but she also excels in other areas of dance and singing; she loves to perform on stage. Abbey has also studied dance (tap & jazz) and vocal training for more than six years. To further demonstrate what a competitor Abbey is, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of six and then at the age of eight with Celiac disease. She has never let this keep her from being active and excelling in athletics or academics. Abbey has been involved in softball, cheerleading (grades 4th-10th), track, volleyball (9th-12th) and CMT (Children’s Musical Theater) seven productions during the summer.
Bartlesville senior football player Caleb Hood does a little bit of everything on Friday nights for the Bruins. Hood not only plays receiver and defensive back, but he also returns kicks and is the team’s holder on point-after attempts and field goals. Hood also takes that attitude that makes him a versatile weapon on the football field with him into the classroom. Hood carries a 3.4 grade point average and plans on taking AP Psychology during the spring semester. After high school Hood plans on attending Oklahoma State University and continuing his football career as a member of the Cowboys football team. For his effort on the field and in the classroom, Caleb Hood is the Bartlesville Male Academic Athlete of the Month.
Submit your nomination for the RE/MAX Realtors Academic Athlete of the Month to: Oklahoma@VYPE.com
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but basketball has always been my favorite.” Along with basketball Kedrick also loves being a studentathlete at Wesleyan Christian. “In my opinion, the best thing about being a student-athlete at Wesleyan is the experience that you get. At other bigger schools, I’m sure it’s rare to be able to spend as much time with the coach and get as much one-onone time,” Nettleton said. “At Wesleyan if you put the work in, you have four years to play and compete, and that’s a great thing. Wesleyan Christian basketball Also the smaller student body player Kedrick Nettleton has means that you know everyone made a name for himself as a player to watch in the northeast at the school and it really helps motivate you to play for them region of the state. Although he is a fan of many sports, Nettleton come game time.” After high school Nettleton said can’t hide his love for hoops. he plans on attending college “My favorite sport to compete and major in Communications in has always been basketball. I although he isn’t yet sure on feel like I’m naturally gifted for which university he wants to that sport; and I’ve been lucky attend yet. While Nettleton’s enough to play it all my life,” Nettleton said. “I’m a huge sports time at Wesleyan is nearly done fan, and watch most every sport, he did share some advice for
incoming freshmen that are new to the school. “My advice to freshmen coming into Wesleyan is the same for an athlete or someone who isn’t. Get involved. I know at the beginning it feels like high school lasts forever, but it doesn’t, Nettleton said. “Take advantage of every single opportunity that you get, because there will come a time when it’s over. Just enjoy the time that you have and take full advantage of it.”
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Tri County Technology Athlete of the MOnth Ethan Shaw - Barnsdall High School
Ethan Shaw is a varsity football player for the Barnsdall Panthers. Shaw is known for his
work ethic on and off the field. A respected player on the field, Shaw shows tremendous leadership skills and overall good character as a representative of Barnsdall
football. In the classroom Shaw carries a 3.2 GPA, while serving on
the student council. He also participates in wrestling during the winter and baseball in the spring. This season in seven games Shaw has accounted for 938 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. He’s averaging 6.2 per carry and in a game against Caney Valley he rushed for 298 yards and four touchdowns. Head coach Bruce Munden spoke highly of Shaw, “Ethan Shaw is an explosive player with the skills and abilities to take over a game.”
TRI COUNTY TECHNOLOGY CENTER
VYPE talks with football players from Claremore and Claremore Sequoyah about football, television, and their teammates. most high school player would love to have and it has been an honor to play for some of the best high school football coaches around, and I Diaz: Nathan Stritzke he’s an wouldn’t trade my team for any other team in the world, our fans also give outdoors type of guy. us the best support that you can get. VYPE: What is one TV show you just can’t miss? with me because he is a great outdoorsmen and I could use his knowledge to survive.
Gaynor: Well right now I’m watching Hell on Wheels and Arrow on Netflix. Hope: I can’t miss Game of Thrones. Diaz: SportsCenter
VYPE: Who is your favorite professional athlete to watch and why?
Bear Hope - Claremore Alec Gaynor – Claremore Baron “Bear” Hope – Claremore Tristan Diaz – Claremore Sequoyah VYPE: Who is the funniest coach at your school? What coach is the most intense? Gaynor: Recently Coach Byars has been the funniest. The most intense would probably be Coach Key.
Hope: The funniest and most serious is coach hurt.
Gaynor: Brian Urlacher is my favorite player of all-time but currently my favorite player is Devin Hester.
Hope: Clay Mathews because he is a beast.
Diaz: Russell Wilson, he is a leader for his team and is a calm but poised quarterback and likes to help people. VYPE: What is the best thing about being a football player at your school?
Gaynor: The competition making each other better everyday and striving to VYPE: If you got stranded on a desert be the best you possibly island with one of your teammates can. which teammate do you want with Hope: The family you and why? atmosphere and how Gaynor: I would choose Dustin everyday the whole team Basks because he knows more about shows up to get better. hunting than I do. Diaz: The coaches gave Hope: I would want Colton Basks me an opportunity that Diaz: Coach Green is the funniest and coach Farrow is the most intense.
Alec Gaynor - Claremore
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Dustin Basks
Claremore High School
How long have you been involved with FCA? I have been involved in FCA for four years.
Who influenced you to join? My brothers influenced me because they were in it.
How has FCA made an impact in your life on and off the field? It has made me a better person and I love being able to help other people. How have your beliefs helped you as an athlete? My beliefs have helped me because I feel like I can do anything through Christ.
What is your favorite Bible verse and why? “My favorite Bible verse is John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It’s my favorite because it is the first verse I ever learned. 16
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Character Counts Athlete of the Month We salute the student-athletes who make us proud on and off the field
Hannah Saylor – Claremore Christian
Claremore Christian junior Hannah Saylor has done quite a bit in her time in a Warriors uniform. Saylor currently plays both basketball and volleyball, but she has also played softball, run cross country and has been a member of the cheer squad. On the basketball floor Saylor, who has primarily played guard during her first two years of high school, will be transitioning to more of a post role this season. Going into the year, Saylor says she is looking forward to expanding her role.
“I really am looking forward to becoming a bigger leader on the team and helping the team grow,” Saylor said. “Individually I just want to grow as a player and gain a bigger presence on the floor.” Outside of sports, Saylor is involved in Chapel Band, where she both plays an instrument and sings. Saylor was also a member of the student council as both a freshman and a sophomore. For her commitment to excellence in everything she does and her fantastic attitude and work ethic, Hannah Saylor is the Claremore Character Counts Athlete of the Month.
Ph ys ical Th e r apy
918.342.3800 Claremore • Catoosa • Pryor OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014
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Northeast Technology Athlete of the MOnth Roger Starkey - Claremore On Friday nights, Roger Starkey can be found either terrorizing opposing quarterbacks from his defensive tackle position or protecting his own quarterback as a right tackle on the Claremore football team.
Outside of football, Starkey has a completely different side, a side that wants to eventually become a registered nurse. In pursuit of that goal Starkey is currently taking courses in Health Careers at Northeast Technology Center. “My mother was a CNA at
the veterans hospital and she really influenced me to become a nurse,” Starkey said. When asked if he would recommend the program at Northeast Tech, Starkey responded with a resounding “yes.” “It has been a great experience. I love the setting and would recommend it to anybody,” Starkey said. For his effort on the football field and his commitment to his work at Northeast Tech, Starkey is the Northeast Technology Athlete of the Month.
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Jimmy McKinney - Oologah Oologah running back Jimmy McKinney has been putting up strong numbers all season long as he has helped push the Mustangs to a 5-2 overall record and a 4-0 record in district play. Included in those five wins are crucial victories over Cascia Hall and Wagoner. Offensively through seven games this year McKinney has carried the ball 124 times for 616 yards and six touchdowns. McKinney’s offensive numbers have him
on pace to match or better his numbers from last year when he ran for 1,286 yards and 16 touchdowns on 177 carries. Meanwhile on the defense side of things McKinney also leads the team in tackles through seven games this year with 102 total stops. Along with the mass amount of tackles McKinney also has two sacks this year. For his effort on the field Jimmy McKinney is the Oologah Athlete of the Month.
You Can Always Count On The Home Team. Whether on the football field or in your everyday life, the Home Team always delivers an outstanding performance. Right here at home, Lakeside State Bank serves as your true hometown bank, and we invite you to take a look at us today...for a lifetime.
Your hometown bank, serving you. Oologah • Chelsea www.lakesidebankok.com OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014
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Going from high school to college football isn’t the easiest thing to do. But for Wyatt Rathjen, the transition meant fighting for playing time, something he wasn’t used to doing in high school.
But like many college students, adjusting to campus life, the classroom workload and meeting people from other areas is always an adjustment.
Rathjen has had some help, especially with something as simple as getting around campus.
Rathjen still remembers what it was like to play for the Wardogs.
“It was a major change,” Rathjen said. “Going from starting as a freshman in high school to actually having to fight for playing time. The biggest difference between high school football and college football, is that you aren’t playing a team with one or two good players, you are playing a whole team filled with very talented players working for the same goal as you are trying to make it to the next level.”
Wyatt Rathjen went from varsity football player at Miami High School last year to NEO football player making headlines this year.
“Chris Baccus actually helped me out a lot with everything,” Rathjen said. “Helping me get around campus and introducing me to a lot of the sophomore players, which helped me out a lot.”
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“I have always had trouble balancing school work and playing sports. So, yes it sometimes can be difficult for me to get my schoolwork done,” Rathjen said. “I really appreciate being able to go to the library and get help so I can get it done. It’s really cool to be able to meet guys from different areas of Oklahoma and different states. I am actually playing with a couple of guys, Rocky Jeffries and Bill Nixon, who I played against in high school from Grove.” “What I remember the most about high school is hanging out with friends and getting to play sports with them,” he said. “The memories I made in high school with them are things I will never forget.”
Blake Ragsdale sat down with VYPE Magazine editor Brad Heath to discuss their favorite moments as players, the team and their plans after high school. States Marine Corps. VYPE: Blake, what position do you play for Miami? VYPE: What is your most Ragsdale: I’m a running back and memorable sports moment? linebacker. VYPE: What exactly is a WarDog? Ragsdale: A WarDog is a lean, mean fighting machine that would fight their hearts out in the trenches during the world wars. VYPE: Funniest thing you’ve heard someone say during a game? Ragsdale: During a game one of my teammates said, “I should not have had that Big Mac.” VYPE: Funniest coach on the staff? Ragsdale: No doubt, coach Overman. VYPE: Is there a player on the team this year that has surprised everyone? Ragsdale: Yes. I think Irvin Meyers has surprised everyone this year. VYPE: What are you going to remember most about your time at Miami High School and playing for the WarDogs? Ragsdale: What I’ll remember most is being with my friends. Playing here together and working together. Competing together. VYPE: What are your plans after high school? Ragsdale: My plan after high school is to go into the United
Ragsdale: That’s easy, beating Grove.
Abbie Swift - Vinita High School Abbie Swift is a varsity cheerleader at Vinita High School and is the Vinita Academic Athlete of the Month.
Abbie’s involvement in cheer dates back to the seventh grade, but her competitive experience started when she was a freshman.
“I have been competing since my freshman year. I have also been on the Pom squad since my freshman year as well,” said Abbie.
In class Abbie carries a 3.8 GPA and takes several honors courses including English, Math and Science her freshman year and is currently taking AP Lit, AP Biology, AP American History and Trigonometry, which is an honors class for juniors. “My favorite subject is English. I plan to study on the east coast and major in dance,” Abbie explained. “The best thing about Vinita High School is the ability for us to be close with all of our fellow students and teachers. The class sizes are small, so we are able to get the most out of our classes. The small school size also requires coaches to share athletes, which gives us the opportunity to participate in more than one sport.”
Kristen Munson - Miami High School A senior member of the basketball team Kristen Munson is expected to play a big role this year after working very hard and emerging as a team leader according to Miami head coach Jody Fincher. “She’s a great kid and always gives great effort,” said coach Fincher.
Munson is also a standout in the classroom at Miami carrying a 4.0 grade point average and is currently taking AP Literature, AP Calculus BC, and AP Physics and Mechanics. Previously Munson has also taken AP Chemistry, AP Language and AP Government. Munson said her favorite class to take is Calculus because of the challenges it presents and how it has strengthened her work ethic and study skills.
After high school Munson plans to go to college and plans on majoring in Biology. “I desire to go to a small liberal arts school to broaden my horizons and surround myself with a diverse group of people,” Munson said. “After graduating from college I also hope to attend medical school.” For her effort on the court and in the classroom Munson is the Miami Academic Athlete of the Month.
Miami • Vinita a ProRx Pharmacy Miami • 11 West Central • 918-542-4444 Vinita • 207 W. Illinois • 918-256-6459 22
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Junior Jake Ingle is a member of the varsity cross country team at Grove High School and is this month’s Grove Athlete of the Month. Ingle has several top-10 finishes this season with one of his best runs coming at the Metro Lakes Country Championships held at Tahlequah High School. In that race, Ingle finished third with a time of 17:29.08. Earlier in the season, Ingle recorded a top 10 finish at the Owasso Invitational. During the Wagoner Dog Wood Classic at Wagoner High School, Ingle placed
Josie Simmons is a varsity cross country runner at Vinita High School and is this month’s Vinita Athlete of the Month. Simmons has enjoyed an excellent season with several top-five finishes, including a third-place finish at the Verdigris Valley Conference meet. Simmons also finished third at the Vinita meet, but it was at Inola High School where she posted one of her top times of 12:44. Earlier in the season, Simmons ran a 13:45 at the Pryor High School meet, good enough for second place.
Simmons, along with teammates Callie Miers, Keely Dickson, Libby Horton, Bailee Orr and several others, has helped the team to first place finishes at Verdigris, Vinita and Pryor. Simmons was recently named to the 2014 All-VYPE Cross Country team. Simmons is an excellent example of a studentathlete who pushes herself in athletics and in the classroom. Congratulations to Josie Simmons on being selected as this month’s Vinita Athlete of the Month.
fifth helping, the Grove Ridgerunners to a secondplace finish overall. Efforts like that is a big reason Ingle was named to the 2014 AllVYPE team. Jake is focused on his classroom work and performing at his best in athletics. For his commitment to Grove High School, his teammates and the classroom, Jake is the Grove Athlete of the Month.
laugh!
Wakeland: The funniest person on the squad would be Kory Andrews! She’s hilarious and always makes the whole team smile.
Sturgeon: Kayla Dollarhide would have to be the funniest person on the squad because she’s really nice to me and she can be really funny.
VYPE: How difficult is it to compete against squads that have twice the numbers Grove has, or is it an advantage? Andrews: We are in a very difficult division. The teams we compete against are awesome. Coming from a small Class 5A school though, I think we really bring a lot to the table. People are always surprised to see how good we are. We can hang. Wakeland: I take it as a challenge because it makes us try harder and want to do better. Sturgeon: Just as long as I was having fun with my team, I don’t think it was too hard. Kory Andrews, Madyson Wakeland and Brittany Spurgeon are varsity cheerleaders for Grove High School. This year they competed in Large CoEd at state. We caught up with the pair to talk about state and the squad. VYPE: The squad finished 5th at state in large co-ed, how was that experience for you?
VYPE: Did you like competing at the University of Oklahoma or would you prefer going back to Stillwater and Gallagher Iba? Andrews: Definitely loved the OU Arena a lot more! Sooner born and Sooner Bred!
Wakeland: I love OU as a team, but I prefer state being at Stillwater because I feel OSU was way more organized.
Andrews: Finishing fifth at state was unbelievable. We have such a dedicated Sturgeon: I would have preferred and committed team and even more going to Stillwater for state. amazing coach. My team is what made VYPE: Who is the funniest person on my experience so unforgettable the squad and why? Wakeland: It was a great experience! Andrews: The funniest person on the I loved being able to compete my last squad? I’d definitely have to say Allen year with all of my best friends. Ritchie. No matter how serious the Sturgeon: The experience was fun atmosphere is, he’s always making us since it was my first year competing.
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VYPE: What’s been the most memorable moment for you this year? Andrews: The most memorable thing this year for me has been stepping on the state mat for the last time. It was unreal. My seven years of cheering are coming to an end and it’s hard to believe. My coach has made a huge impact on my life, and inspires me in so many ways. I will miss running and jumping on her after we stick a perfect routine.
Wakeland: Being able to go on that mat at state for the last time in my life with all of my best friends walking right beside me.
Sturgeon: The most memorable moment of this year would be the football game against Jay. We all had fun and we beat the Bulldogs!
GOOD LUCK RIDGERUNNERS At Grand Lake Orthopedic we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to our patients. Our orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tyson Trimble specializes in sports medicine and orthopedics, which includes the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves (musculoskeletal system).
Dr. Tyson Trimble is proud to be the official sports medicine physician for the Ridgerunners. OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014
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Character Counts
Athletes of the Month
Presented by Stout-Ferguson Chiropractic and attend University of Oklahoma football games.
“To have good character I think you have to be trustworthy and loyal. Also you need to care for other people. Putting others first is very important to me,” said Miller.
“My dad has influenced me a lot. He’s been there for me through every situation Madison Miller and decision I’ve made. Grove Cheer/Track His relationship with God inspires me. I don’t know what I’d do without my dad. Varsity cheerleader Madison He’s my best friend and number Miller is a senior at Grove High School and is this month’s Grove one fan.” Character Counts studentAfter high school Madison athlete of the month. is planning on attending the University of Oklahoma and Madison has cheered for eight pursuing a degree in Sports years and runs track in the Management. spring. She’s also involved in All-Star cheer outside of school. But she will always remember When she’s not cheering you her time at Grove High School. can find her working as her “I feel like I’ve been very close class secretary and she serves to the whole school. There are as a board member for the very few people I don’t know. Interact Club and Arvest Bank. I love that most everyone I’ve She’s very involved with her made some type of memory church and in her free time she with.” loves to hang out with friends
Senior Harley Apperson is a varsity football player at Grove High School and is this month’s Grove Character Counts award recipient. Including this season, Harley has played football for 11 years and is considering becoming a football coach after he graduates from college. Harley is a leader on and off the field for the Ridgerunners. “When you ask me what does it mean to have good character, I think it means you are an honest person, you encourage others and you have a good work ethic,” said Harley. Harley said his papa Darrel has been a big influence on his life and credits him for showing him what it means to be an honest person and have a good work ethic. At Grove High School Harley
Special Discount for Student Athletes!
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Harley Apperson Grove Football is involved in the FFA, Student Council and plays basketball and track in the winter and spring. After he graduates Harley is looking forward to attending Missouri Southern State University and pursuing a degree in business.
Northeast Technology Athlete of the MOnth Allie Shelby - Pryor Running cross country, playing basketball and soccer Allie Shelby is extremely active in sports at Pryor High School and a person well known to Tigers fans. Shelby’s schedule doesn’t stop at just classes and sports at Pryor though. She is also taking Health Careers classes at Northeast Technology Center. Shelby says she plans to continue in the field of Health Careers after high school and continue to pursue her Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree at Oklahoma State University.
Although this is her first year at Northeast Tech, Shelby says she
would recommend Northeast Tech to any potential student.
“I would highly recommend it to a student if they have the career you are interested in or want to pursue, because they help you and you will end up so much further along than other people who also want to pursue that career,” Shelby said. For her commitment to excellence as both an athlete and student at Pryor but also her commitment to excellence at Northeast Tech Allie Shelby is the Northeast Technology Athlete of the Month.
Locust Grove High School
Garrett Crossman Garrett Crossman Chouteau High School Garrett Crossman is a senior running back for the Wildcats. This season Crossman has rushed for 1,116 yards and 10 touchdowns through seven games. Crossman is averaging 7.1 yards per carry and is leading the team in rushing. Crossman plays in the defensive secondary, where he can use his speed and athleticism.
The Locust Grove Pirates are having an amazing season. Led by quarterback Mason Fine, the Pirates have posted 444 points through seven games. That puts them on pace to break the scoring record off 822 points, set by Frederick in 2012. Fine has passed for Jason 2,453 yards, 38 touchdowns
Bret Lococo Salina High School
Starting quarterback for the Salina Wildcats, Bret Lococo, is only a sophomore, but he’s helped lead the team to a 5-2 record after seven games. Lococo, with teammates Kyle Johnson, Trenton Pritchett, Isaiah Sapp and others, have recorded big wins over Chouteau and Inola.
Mason Fine & Jason Pirtle
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Mason Fine
Pirtle
Bret Lococo while only throwing two interceptions through seven games. His favorite target is Jason Pirtle, who has caught 44 balls for 981 yards and 20 touchdowns. He is averaging 22.3 yards per catch. Brock Taylor is another receiver the Pirates depend on for big plays. Taylor has 34 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns on the season.
Adair Cross County Adair Girls Cross Country The Adair girls cross country team qualified for the state meet after a great season behind the leadership of head coach Scott Winfield. The Adair girls finished with 58 points, four points ahead of Prague in second place. Team members include Savannah Lewis, Keni Lippe, Kylie Looney, Chloe Maritz, Emma Maritz, Madi Wengerd, Jocee Winfield and trainer Reanna Davis.
200 S Adair St, Pryor, Oklahoma 74361 (918) 825-3059
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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. Tori Dodson is a senior at Pryor High School and a member of the varsity cheer and pom squads.
Tori is heavily involved in school activities including STUCO, Teacher Cadet, Choir, Keystone and Leadership to name a few. Tori carries a 3.9 GPA while taking honors Chemistry and Math. Being involved in activities with her classmates is important to Tori. “I enjoy doing things with me classmates for student council and the community. I enjoy dance class, singing, and cheering. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere other than Pryor High School.”
Tori Dodson Pryor Cheer
When she’s not cheering at a game or involved in one of her many clubs, Tori is working with the youth group at her church and helping young athletes in the MCYC. Her future includes going to the University of Central Oklahoma to study Criminal Justice and Sociology.
For her commitment to Pryor High School and her classmates, Tori Dodson is the Pryor Character Counts Athlete of the Month.
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
Now that's teamwork. CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7
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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014
OSU Institute of Technology Treyce Epps - OSUIT-MAIP
Treyce Epps was in elementary school when he first walked through the doors of OSU Institute of Technology’s MidAmerica Industrial Park Advanced Training Center to attend the facility’s LEGO Robotics Camp. A decade later when he came back to OSUIT-MAIP, there was a familiar face to greet him on the lobby wall.
“When I arrived at OSUIT-MAIP to apply, I walked in those same doors remembering back to my elementary school days and there was a picture on the wall of me when I attended the LEGO camp,” Epps said. “It was pretty cool to see my picture on the wall at a university, I think that helped make my decision 100 percent. It’s kind of like a God thing, like I was meant to be there.”
Epps, who graduated from Pryor High School in 2012, is now studying Electrical and Electronics Technology at OSUIT-MAIP and will graduate in December. “The instructors and administrators treat you, not only as a student, but as an adult as well. They understand that most students attending class have also worked all day long, so they are understanding and are there to help you at any time,” Epps said. “OSUIT has created a path for me to follow and now it’s my job to go out and follow it, expanding my knowledge day by day in the real world.” Epps is getting that real-world experience while working as an intern at Google’s data center in the industrial park. Epps is just the latest OSUIT-MAIP student to benefit from the partnership between the school and Google. While it’s still in its early stages, the partnership has already reaped dividends, Nagle said. “We have a number of OSUIT alumni on our technician staff. We recognized the high quality individuals OSUIT is producing and wanted to tap that resource in a formal
fashion,” Nagle said. “We specifically targeted the MAIP campus to couple their strong technical reputation with Google’s commitment to drawing from the pipeline of local talent.”
Companies, Google included, often have difficulty finding qualified workers to fill their ranks, he said. Workforce development and technical training programs are critical to the health of area industry. “At Google, we pride ourselves on operating the most efficient fleet of datacenters in the world. Our datacenter technicians have a large influence on the efficiency piece of the operation,” Nagle said. “As a result, we have a keen focus on hiring a highly skilled workforce with strong technical backgrounds. Technical training from schools like OSUIT is a large part of forming that foundation required to be successful in our industry.”
For Epps and other students at OSUIT-MAIP, that technical foundation started even earlier, when they built a robot out of LEGOs. “I could say that it’s ironic that Treyce began his journey here with a LEGO experience, but we are finding that it’s actually more common than we originally thought,” said Scott Fry, director of the OSUIT Advanced Training Center at MidAmeria. “We have had several students come through over the last few years that participated in one of our LEGO programs as a youth.” The training center has hosted LEGO camps for 12 years as a way to create awareness and excitement for technical education and careers, and now that investment is paying off. “It’s important that area citizens, including parents and their children, are aware of the opportunities that exist to get educated and employed right here in their own community, and the LEGO program is one way we can accomplish that at a young age and get that seed planted early,” Fry said. “It’s imperative we continue to offer and support programs like LEGO camps that advocate technical careers so we can get more young people in the pipeline and provide the skilled workforce our employers so desperately need.”
Epps said he is grateful that he had the opportunity to attend the LEGO camp all those years ago. “I had a lot of fun building robots and then programming them to complete tasks. I wouldn’t mind at age 21 to attend another camp like that,” he said.
Epps said when he finished LEGO camp, at the time he wasn’t even thinking about what he wanted to do when he grew up, and it was just another fun summer camp experience, but maybe it did spark an interest and that’s why he’s so happy working at Google. “I look forward to coming to work everyday. You never know what job you’ll be put on next,” he said. “To me, that’s exciting.”
THERE’S MORE THAN ONE PLACE TO FIND A
Unlike any other university in Oklahoma, OSU Institute of Technology in Okmulgee offers an applied education where students learn by using the latest equipment and technology found in their field of study. With industry-experienced instructors and internships as the cornerstone of our programs, our job placement rate among graduates is one of the highest in the state.
PISTOLS FIRING from OSUIT in OKMULGEE
Find out more at osuit.edu or call 800.722.4471 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014
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