VYPE Northeast Oklahoma June 2014 Issue by Austin Chadwick

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June 2014

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6 | All-VYPE Spring sports have crowned their champions! Now it’s time to name the All-VYPE teams for baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, track and slow-pitch softball.

11 | Bartlesville Spring Sports Now that the season is over, we take a look back at the teams and players that made 2014 a spring to remember.

17 | Track Recap Grove, Vinita, Pryor and others gave us much to talk about as they ran for gold at the state track meet.

22 | Spring Fling Area schools like Locust Grove, Salina, Vinita, Adair and Chouteau all made headlines this spring. Here’s a few of them that caught our eye. 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 Brad Heath, Rip Stell,, KT King, Wes Sharp, Kim Hough, Defininng Moment, Sport Shots OKC, Josh Clough, Michael Mayberry, Brett Rojo, Kirk Wells, Rolf Clements, Kyle Kendrick 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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Nowata Girls Golfer Shelbie Black Claims Class 2A Title; Dewey Baseball Finishes as Class 4A Runner-Up Black said. “I guess the number one emotion was disbelief. I was so excited and shocked all at the same time. A lot of laughing and tears. I knew that God had just blessed me with Shelbie Black something special.” Black Wins 2A Golf Title Black will be attending Northeastern Nowata High School senior Shelbie State next year to play golf for Black won the Class 2A girls golf the Riverhawks and continue her tournament at Trosper Park in education. Oklahoma City on May 8 with a Bulldoggers Fall Just Short two-day total of 146. Black edged Of Title out Addison Losornio of Claremore The Dewey Christian by two strokes after Bulldoggers baseball shooting a two-over 74 on the team finished the second day of the tournament. year in a tough way, Going into the tournament Black losing in the Class said that she wasn’t overly confident 4A state title game she would win even though the to Tuttle by a score people around her were. of 4-3. Although the “Actually I wasn’t that confident Bulldoggers didn’t that I could win. It seemed like achieve their ultimate everhyone else was. My dad, and goal of a state title friends and family knew that I they still put together would win but I just couldn’t see it,” the best season in Black said. program history finishing the year with Black added that even after the a 35-5 overall record. tournament had ended it didn’t really sink in that she had one Star pitcher Carson until members of the media were Larue was the main surrounding her. headliner for Dewey this year. The senior “I didn’t realize that I actually won until there was a microphone in my nearly shut down hand and a camera in my face. I kept all opponents in his last year in a Dewey saying, there’s no way I just won. uniform before My dad was hugging me, shaking heading to Stillwater me and laughing and all he could say was You got this! You just won!” to become a member

of the Oklahoma State baseball team. Larue’s big season was topped off this year in the first round of the state tournament when he threw a no-hitter against Elgin helping his team to a 7-0 win. In the no-hitter Larue also struck out 12 Elgin hitters. Other key players for the Bulldoggers this year were seniors Chase Carver and Trenton Keene along with freshman Hunter Brewer. All three players played in the Dewey outfield this year and all earned spots on the Northeast Oklahoma Region All-VYPE team either as outfielders, utility players or honorable mention selections. Larue was also named to the AllVYPE team as a pitcher.

Carson Larue June 2014

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Southwest Northeast OK F E AT U R E

All-VYPE Baseball Coach of the Year: Eddie Herchock – Dewey Infielders Grant Martin – Vinita Cale Backward – Salina Nick Allen – Miami Cordale Barton – Grove Outfielders Nate Wolfe – Pryor Chase Carver – Dewey Colton Penrod – Bartlesville

Cale Backward Salina

Pitchers Carson Larue – Dewey Spencer Henson – Pryor Tyler Yardley – Bartlesville Logan Blaine – Kansas Cole Young – Miami Catcher Bryce Kerns – Salina Utility Hunter Brewer – Dewey Jake Spychalski – Grove Colton Burgess – Salina Brett Pritchett – Jay Austin Hunt – Kansas Shayne Warren – Kansas

Tyler Yardley Bartlesville

Honorable Mention Trenton Keene – Dewey Luke Taylor – Vinita Ty Phillips – Grove Brett Fite – Salina Wyatt Speer – Vinita Brennon Barth – Pryor Ty Mercer – Miami Sam Neal – Miami

Brennon Barth Pryor 6

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All-VYPE Slow-Pitch Coach of the Year: John Leppla – Wyandotte

Infield Paige Shelley – Colcord Rachel Anderson – Wyandotte Marissa Lokey – Jay Paige Hall – Welch Outfield Lindzy Brock – Jay Alyssa Rupert – Welch Emalee Copeland – Colcord Breanna Yeager – Wyandotte Pitcher Taryn Gray – Wyandotte Utility Jade Creekkiller – Jay Rylee Chenoweth – Welch Lynnea Cox – Wyandotte DeKayla Boling – Colcord Torrie Hennessey – Bartlesville Honorable Mention Haylee Floyd – Wyandotte Caitlin Taylor – Jay Megan Perryman – Welch Jayla Harder – Bartlesville

Oklahoma All-VYPE Golf

Girls Shelbie Black – Nowata Karah Bassett – Grove Gabi Fields – Grove Jolynn Fairchild – Ketchum Taylor Brooner – Pryor Brooke Wong – Bartlesville Boys Spencer Loudagin – Grove Braden Walker – Miami Ryan Ramsey – Pryor

All-VYPE Track

Girls Shay Stayton – Bartlesville Blair Koster – Bartlesville Erin Herchock – Dewey Michaela Werner – Grove Emilee Iverson – Grove Lily Jeffries – Grove Keely McLaughlin – Grove Carsyn Spurgeon – Vinita Taylor Steinhoff – Vinita Boys Slade Nordic – Bartlesville Krishan Baniqued – Bartlesville A.J. Parker – Bartlesville Clayton Honeycutt – Grove Matt Jeffries – Grove Brayden Brock – Kansas Tyler Roecker – Dewey Jabar Bennett – Pryor Brett Stevens – Pryor Scott Hill – Pryor

All-VYPE Soccer Girls Coach of the Year: Kirk Emerine – Pryor

All-VYPE Tennis

Girls Erin Epperson – Bartlesville Stacee Blake – Bartlesville Megan Turrotte – Bartlesville Karissa Aubrey – Pryor Kenidee Wakeland – Grove Maddie Poole – Bartlesville Madison Correa – Grove Mariah Maze – Bartlesville Kenadie Roach – Grove Julie Benyshek – Bartlesville Julianna Summers – Commerce Katarina Webster – Pryor Sammy Gordon – Pryor Lindsey Ackley – Miami Cynthia Vandiver – Miami Ashley Ogg – Pryor Kaylee Dozier – Grove Kali Hammock – Grove

Boys Coach of the Year: Micah Lipscomb – Bartlesville Jason Boswell – Bartlesville Jack Appleyard – Bartlesville Edel Ensaldo – Bartlesville Troy Ullrich – Bartlesville Casen Brown – Grove Rookie Hernandez – Grove Bailey Poage – Grove Corey Horton – Pryor Connor Kurtz – Commerce Nate Rogers – Commerce Elvis Lopez – Miami Marcus Stacy – Miami

Troy Ullrich Barnsdall

Boys Robert Meszaros – Bartlesville Colin Henthorne – Bartlesville Daniel Meszaros – Bartlesville Zack VanWinkle – Nowata Seth Glasscock – Nowata Moore – Nowata

Jason Boswell Bartlesville

Mariah Maze Bartlesville

Maddie Poole Bartlesville

Erin Epperson Bartlesville June 2014

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Tri County Technology Athlete of the MOnth Holly Belden - Nowata High School paper on the Bartlesville Symphony.

“I took marketing and business management this spring,” Belden said. “I plan to continue at Tri County next year. We learned how to start, open and run businesses.

With the future firmly in her sights, Nowata junior Holly Belden is already planning for a career in business. Tri County Technology Center is giving her a boost through its CareerTech program. By the time she graduates in 2015, she will have earned 19 credit hours that will transfer to Oklahoma State. She just concluded the marketing and business planning program. Also a tennis player at Nowata, Belden was a class officer in NTHS and won the DECA State competition with a

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June 2014

“We learned how to generate revenue and how to target certain markets and all that goes into what is necessary to run a successful business.”

As part of the hands-on experience, Belden, a 3.75 student, and a classmate wrote a business plan which they were required to present to the class.

“I didn’t think I would like doing it, but it was really fun,” Belden said. “We wrote a 30page paper on how to increase attendance at the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra. It won first place.” From there, they went to international competition in Atlanta, Ga. And although they didn’t place, said Belden, “it was a

really good experience.”

The timing of the Atlanta competition coincided with the regional tennis tournament. Belden opted for the Atlanta trip.

“I didn’t get to state but my season was pretty good,” she said. “I played singles for a while then I moved to doubles when I found out I wasn’t going to regionals.” What she likes about Tri County is that it isn’t the typical high school experience.

“At Tri County, we are treated more like adults,” she said. “I like it a lot more because they trust you to do what you need to do. They will back off and just let you work.” For a self-starter like Belden, it is the perfect forum.

“You definitely have to be able to time manage yourself,” she said. “It’s a full schedule with high school classes. I just put things in order or importance.”

Kirsten Kauk Bartlesville

Garrett Hartzfeld Bartlesville

Academic Athlete of the Month Junior two-sport athlete Kirsten Kauk is as diligent in the classroom as she is on the field. Despite her hectic athletic schedule she maintains a 4.0 GPA. “It’s pretty hectic,” she admits. “Because of track and slow pitch softball I missed quite a bit of school so it was important to keep my school work up.” A sprinter, Kauk ran the 100 meter dash and one leg on each of the 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams. In addition, she played outfield on the slow pitch team and pitcher and shortstop on the fall fastpitch squad. While college is in her future plans, Kirsten admits she has not decided on a school or major yet. When not playing sports or studying, friends are likely to find her working on crafts or doing any number of outdoor activities. “I love doing crossfit training,” she said. Kirsten said the best advice she received from her parents was “go at everything with all you have and don’t hold back.”

Senior left midfielder Garrett Hartzfeld helped guide the Bartlesville boy’s soccer team to an 11-4 record and a quarterfinal playoff appearance. A 3.99 student, Hartzfeld took honors courses through his junior year. Outside of school, Hartzfeld is active in the youth group at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. “We helped clean up after tornados in Moore and Joplin,” Garrett said. Other activities include assisting in the Mary Martha Outreach for the homeless and less fortunate and cleaning up local cemeteries, Hartzfeld said. He plans to attend BYU and eventually go to dental school but all that will come after a two-year mission trip in Detroit. “I’m looking forward to the mission trip,” Garrett said. In his spare time, Garrett says he enjoys hanging out with friends going to the lake and fishing. Garrett, son of Jeff and Lori Hartzfeld, said the best advice from his father was, “as long as you know you’ve tried your best, you know you’ve done all you can.”

Submit your nomination for the RE/MAX Realtors Academic Athlete of the Month to: Oklahoma@VYPE.com

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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.

Matt Hixon Bartlesville Track A senior pole vaulter, Hixon boasts a personal best 12-0 vault from regionals this year. He also excels in the classroom, where he maintains a 4.0 GPA in AP English, Calculus and Physics. School activities include

band, Chemistry Club and NHS. He plays the trumpet in the school band. Outside of school, he is involved in First Baptist youth group. “We do community service projects around town, Vacation Bible School and we also help out with child care at the church. In his spare time he enjoys going bowling (his best game is a 232), computer programing and playing the trumpet. Matt plans to follow in his parents’ (Steven and Kathy) footsteps and attend Kansas State University where he plans to major in computer science. “I plan to concentrate on academics,” he said. “But I’m open to track if there is an opportunity.”

Athletics and academics run hand-in-hand for Bartlesville senior student trainer Jessica Burke.

A 3.98 student, Burke takes AP English Literature, Calculus and Biology. She is active in National Honor Society, Chemistry Club, and Indian American Association in addition to her athletic training duties. “I love sports,” Burke said. “Football is my favorite sport to work because all the trainers work together and we build close relationships.” Bailey plans to attend the University of Tulsa and major in mechanical engineering. “I chose it because I like math and science and I enjoy working on hands-on activities.” In her spare time she is active in her church, St. John’s Catholic Church, and

Jessica Burke Bartlesville Trainer spending time with her family, parents Ed and Cindy, sister Theresa and brother Edward. One of the family’s favorite activities is attending New York Yankee games, Jessica said.

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.

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Bartlesville teams wrap up stellar seasons.

Brooke Wong & Kaylie Eason GOLF Brooke Wong and Kaylie Eason represented the Lady Bruins at the 6A state tournament. Wong followed her opening round 93 with a 90 on day two

to finish with a 183. Eason had rounds of 90 and 96 for a two-day 186 total. TENNIS Erin Epperson finished 5th in the No. 1 singles division following a 6-2, 6-0 win over Enid’s Savannah Blasi. Lily Geerts placed eighth at No. 2 singles after a 6-1, 6-2 loss to McKinsey Archer of Choctaw. The No. 1 doubles team of Stacee BlakeMegan Turrotte and the No. 2 doubles team of Bailey Covell-Taylor Hunt both lost in the consolation quarterfinals. The team finished 12th in the team standings. In boys action, the Bruins finished 13th overall. No. 1 singles player Robert Meszaros fell to Yukon’s Tim Fischer

Bartlesville Boys Tennis

7-5, 6-2 in the consolation quarterfinals. No. 2 singles Collin Sanders dropped a 6-1, 6-0 match to Union’s Darien Ghali in the consolation semifinals. No. 1 doubles Preston Garrett-Connor Trentman reached the consolation quarters before falling to McGuinness’ Will Milham-Lucas Puiggari 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. TRACK The Bruins qualified 12 athletes for the Class 6A state track meet, earning two medals. Blair Koster finished fourth in the 300m hurdles and A.J. Parker took third place in the boys high jump. Other athletes to finish sixth in their events included Koster in the 110m hurdles,

Bartlesville Girls Tennis

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June 2014

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Bruins under head coach Spence Rigdon. Through the first 12 games, Bartlesville managed eight victories but won just one game down the stretch to finish 9-24. “We overcame some things,” Rigdon told the Bartlesville ExaminerEnterprise. “We gave ourselves chances a lot of times. I felt we played our best at the end. You always want to win more games, but I was proud of the way our kids handled adversity. Shay Stayton in the 800 meters, Slade They never folded up.” Nordic in the 200 dash and Krishan SOCCER Baniqued in the boys 3200 meters. The boys soccer “I thought we had a really good state team finished meet,” first-year head coach Bon 11-4 in a season Bennett told the Bartlesville Examinerin which they Enterprise. “It was extremely tough reached the OSSAA competition. Looking at the times quarterfinals. The going into the meet, I knew it was Bruins were 4-3 going to be a steep climb for us in in District 6A-3 several events.” competition. BASEBALL They started the season winning Injuries eventually took a toll on the 10 of their first 11

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matches before back-to-back district losses to Broken Arrow and Owasso. Bartlesville blanked Union 1-0 in the opening round of the playoffs. The girls team finished just out of the playoffs, losing back-to-back district games to Broken Arrow and Owasso to finish 3-4 in District 6A-3 and 8-5 overall. SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL Coach Jim Hillman’s squad managed just a couple of victories in their first season in slow pitch – both coming against Sperry.

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Mustangs Senior John Gonzalez Shares His Story of Volunteering, Helping Youth at The Boys and Girls Club As part of a community service project every Wesleyan Christian High School senior is required to do 30 hours of community service. This service can be done in multiple ways but one of the most successful has been a partnership with the Wesleyan Christian football team and the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Club.

a week with the kids and then coach their own flag football teams during halftime of their own high school games. One senior who just finished with this program is John Gonzalez. Gonzalez played running back and defensive end or linebacker for the Mustangs and had great things to say about the program.

“My favorite part about the whole thing was really just getting to spend time with the kids,” Gonzalez said. “Just hanging out and playing football with them was great. It started to feel like we were really family and that they were my little As part of the project the high school football players have practice three times brothers.” Gonzalez said that while he first started volunteering because of his school project he kept going back after the first day because he enjoyed it so much. Although Gonzalez isn’t volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club this summer due to his job and needing to prepare for college he says he hopes that once he begins classes this fall at Oklahoma Wesleyan he can go back to volunteering on a regular basis.

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Mentoring 14

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Choir

918.333.8631 Fine Arts

Academics

Athletics

Dana Blish

Vinita High School

How long have you been involved with FCA? Our school has only offered FCA my freshman year and Senior year. So two years. Who influenced you to join? I wanted to start an FCA but never had the courage so when I heard about it I just joined. No one really influenced me too! How has FCA made an impact in your life on and off the field? FCA is a great way to find others who believe the same way you do and if you have support from others on the way you live your life it is easier! I have made many new friends through FCA including Coach Christy! How have your beliefs helped you as an athlete? My beliefs in God have helped me over come bullying from teammates and my fears! It has also insured that I can do anything I put my mind to with God at my side! What is your favorite Bible verse and why? Joshua 1:6-7 is my favorite verse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be strong and brave! You must lead these people in the conquest of this land that I solemnly promised their ancestors I would hand over to them. Make sure you are very strong and brave! Carefully obey all the law my servant Moses charged you to keep! Do not swerve from it to the right or to the left, so that you may be successful in all you do.â&#x20AC;?

Natalie Carr - Vinita Natalie Carr is the Academic Athlete of the Month from Vinita High School. Carr recently participated in the state track meet and brought home three medals after she placed fourth in both the 100 and 300 meter hurdles. She backed that up with a sixth place finish in the high jump. “I would like to thank my teammates for always pushing me to be my best. Also for the friendships and memories that will last longer than any win or championship,” said Carr.

Carr is a member of the National Honor Society and the Pom squad. She also plays basketball and runs cross country in the fall.

Carr carries a 3.83 GPA and her favorite class is Zoology. When she’s not training or studying you can find her hanging out with friends and family. Carr is an excellent example of what it takes to be a student athlete. For her commitment to her education and to Vinita High School, Natalie Carr is the Academic Athlete of the Month.

Nate Neel - Miami Nate Neel was a junior this season and was on the varsity golf team at Miami High School that made the state tournament this season. Neel has played golf since he was seven years old and is looking forward to playing in his senior year. Outside of golf Neel plays basketball for the Wardogs.

Neel is outstanding in the classroom carrying a 4.21 weighted GPA and he’s a member of the Spanish Club. History is Neel’s favorite subject in school, but he enjoys all of his classes and works hard to maintain his GPA.

After high school Neel plans to attend college and major in Finance. He does plan on playing golf and will continue to work hard at becoming one of the top golfers in Class 4A. For his dedication to being a student athlete, Nate Neel from Miami High School is the Academic Athlete of the Month.

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moment to reflect on her day and her career at Grove High School. “That night I was very sad. Even though I had meet of champions in a few days. I knew, my coaches were no longer my coaches, my team was no longer my team, and I was no longer a high school athlete. I loved every second of track and cross country in high school. I just hope college running will feel the gap,” Werner said.

dash and the 400 dash, especially at the 4A state track meet is no easy feat. But if anyone could do it we figured Carsyn could do it. Carsyn is one of the few individuals that have won a gold in the 100, 200, and 400 meter dash. She is a very unselfish runner that is willing to run whatever event is needed to help the Lady Hornets win,” said head coach Scott Reed. The 400 meters was much of the same as Spurgeon raced ahead of freshman standout Kaley Knox of Bethany. Spurgeon’s time of 56.88 was good enough to bring home another gold.

Fellow sophomore Natalie Carr found her way to the podium with two fourth place finishes in the hurdle events. Carr also competed in the high jump and placed sixth at 5-02.00. “We knew early on in the season that Natalie was going to play a part of the success of our track team. When asked to give Natalie is a great athlete that is just now one word to describe figuring out that she is a great athlete. Michaela Werner - Grove her high school She just started hurdling last season as a career, Werner freshman and has improved by leaps and responded with, bounds. We knew she could go 5’2’ in the Michaela Werner breaks the state “fulfilled.” high jump we just didn’t know what meet record, again. she was going to put it all together. Thank Vinita Track Carsyn Spurgeon She saved her best for last. Senior goodness it was at the state meet. We feel and Natalie Carr help the Lady Michaela Werner of Grove shattered her that there are still bigger things in store Hornets to a 2nd place finish at own state record in the 3200 meters she for her in the future,” Reed said. the Class 4A state track meet. previously set last year at 11:16. Werner finished the two mile run at 11:10.47, which was :49 seconds better than second place. The dominating performance was Werner’s best performance of her high school career. “I was actually very disappointed with my time, but I had a cold all week long and was absolutely miserable at state. Honestly I was just happy I broke my state record,” Werner said. “I hope my record can last for 27 years, if not longer.” The previous record held for 27 years before Werner broke it as a junior. Before the race Werner said she was “nervous” worrying about her time, but her father knows how to settle her down. “Before every race I get extremely nervous. Doesn’t matter if I know I’m going to win. I worry about my time, and before the two mile was even worse. My dad always talks to me while I stretch and warm up and he always makes me feel better,” said Werner. After the state meet Werner had a

Spurgeon was on top of her game at Moore High School when the competitors lined up for the 200 and 400 meters. In the 200 meters, Spurgeon was clearly the favorite, but Teriyon Thomas of Will Rogers High School and senior Jade Mitchell of Broken Bow were expected to put up a good fight. Spurgeon posted a time of 24.81 to take first in front of Thomas’ 25.41. “This year, because of needing points versus Plainview we ran her in the 200 and 400 and 400 & 800 Relay. Winning the 200

The girls relay teams were on a record setting pace in the 4X200 and 4X400, but finished just short of that state mark

Vinita Relay June 2014

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was a mark several competitors were reaching. Hill beat out Ryan Milburn of Glenpool, Jerad Reyes of Duncan and Trent Lawrence of Coweta and tied Matt Jeffries of Grove.

Jabar Bennett ran to a sixth place finish in the 400 meters, just a few tenths of a second out of finishing in the top five.

Jaquwan Blaylock as they brought home the gold. In the 4X100 the Lady Hornets won their preliminary, but lost to Broken Bow in the finals. The team also posted a fifth place finish in the 4X800.

Taylor Steinhoff gave the Lady Hornets a second place finish in the shot put with a distance of 40-08.00 to help the team bring home a state runner-up finish.

Pryor Track - Scott Hill Places 3rd in Pole Vault Scott Hill placed third at the state meet held at Yukon High School. Hill was able to clear 13-06.00, which

Teammate Jaquwan Blaylock found his way to the podium after finishing seventh in the 110 hurdles. Only a sophomore, Blaylock ran a 15.35 in a very fast field.

Girls team member Courtney Miller shinned in the shot put with a toss of 37-02.00. Miller nearly grabbed a top five finish with her last toss, but fell just short of the 37-03.00 mark set by Coweta’s Sydney McSlarrow. “State was amazing. This year was my third time to qualify for shot put and I really enjoyed the atmosphere of a big meet like that. Knowing that you have to give your all at that moment and that your season previous to state means virtually nothing always gets my adrenaline rushing. I have now placed at state twice and I love standing on the podium next to girls I’ve become close to,” Miller said.

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Practice Field, Track Among New Projects continue to play its games at Ridgerunner Stadium for “the next three seasons.”

Enhancing the iconic Ridgerunner Stadium – with its giant red football helmet – is one of three projects athletic director Will Jones is overseeing for the district.

The three-piece plan calls for a new synthetic turf at Ridgerunner Stadium, a new practice facility at the high school, which could eventually become the site of the new high school stadium, and an 8-lane track that would sit adjacent to the new stadium.

“The plan is to put in two turf fields,” Jones said. “One at the existing stadium, which is the old high school and now current middle school which is called Ridgerunner Stadium and also one at the high school to where down the road we could build stadium around it.”

“It depends on the passing of a bond issue whether or not we will ever have a stadium at the high school,” Jones said. “We need the practice field. Our current facilities by anyone’s imagination are bad. The students are the big winners here with the new surfaces they will be playing on.” The total coast of the project is $1.6 million, said Jones. It includes two synthetic turfs for $600,000 each and approximately $400,000 for the track.

“We’re not doing this through a bond,” Jones said. “We hired a consultant to do a feasibility study about this time

last year. We got board approval a few months ago to go forward with his recommendations.

“He’s also done 38 fund raising projects with schools across the south. He’s met or exceeded the goal in all 38. Our goal is to privately raise $1.2 million. The school is kicking in $500,000. We’re off to a great start, we need to make sure we have a strong finish. This is a campaign that is not going to last very long. We will be fundraising for 45 more days.” The need is apparent to anyone attending games.

“Ridgerunner Stadium is 55 years old with really no significant improvements over the course of that time,” Jones said. “We’ve had a lot of growth at Grove. It wasn’t so long ago that we had 50 kids in a graduating class. Now we are nearing 200 in each class. Being a 5A school and being in the Metro Lakes Conference with Claremore, Coweta, Collinsville and Tahlequah our facilities are nothing like their facilities. We need to catch up with the times.”

Jones said in addition the district would like to put in an 8-lane track adjacent to the football field to where the home stands will have a dual press box, one side for football, one for track.

The target completion deadline is late fall,” Jones said. “(The turf at) Ridgerunner Stadium will be done in time for football season. Shortly after, we will start on a practice stadium/future stadium at the high school. We’ve got more time on the track.” Jones emphasized the district will

June 2014

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OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS

Player of the Month These players bring the energy to their team! Karah Bassett Grove Golf

Grove Lady Ridgerunners junior golfer Karah Bassett is the Oklahoma Natural Gas Athlete of the Month. Bassett was Grove’s top female golfer this year and last month capped her year with a 15th place finish at the Class 5A state tournament. Bassett was also a key player on the Lady Ridgerunners basketball team this year nt guard and shooting guard spending time at both the poi positions. re at the state tournament is mo Even though a top 15 finish even e don e ld’v cou she felt she d than impressive, Bassett sai e lofty goals for herself next better and already has set som year. yed ll but I do think I could’ve pla “I felt like I played pretty we h 70’s hig the in ot year I want to sho better,” Bassett said. “Next k to bac it ke ma to nt wa course I and low 80’s consistently; of love to earn a scholarship to uld the state tournament and wo e.” leg col in f gol y pla

Nate Wolfe Pryor Baseball

Pryor Tigers senior baseball player Nate Wolfe is the Oklahoma Natural Gas Male Athlete of the Month. Wolfe starred as an outfielder this year and was a major threat on the bases along with giving the Tigers some help on the mound. At the plate, Wolfe hit for a fantastic .436 batting average along with tallying 42 RBIs, nine doubles and thr ee Wolfe had an on base percen home runs. Overall tage of .504 and a slugging percentage of .606. Wolfe wa s als reached base, stealing 17 bas o a terror once he es on 18 attempts. On the mound, Wolfe contrib uted 25 innings pitched for the Tigers and went 2-2 with one save. Wolfe’s fantastic effort this year helped earn him a spo t on the Northeast Oklahoma Reg ion All-VYPE baseball team.

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June 2014

Traci Robertson – Pryor Mom Pryor Athletic director Steve Jarboe said he can’t remember a time when he couldn’t find Traci in the stands at a Pryor football game, home basketball game or home wrestling match. “I would venture to say that Traci has not missed a Pryor High School Football game in over 20 years, or even a home basketball or home wrestling match in at least sports at Pryor. Recently, each sport Traci Robertson, the mother of that long, Jarboe started their own booster club Pryor junior Kelsie Roberson, is said. “Traci is the ultimate Pryor and Traci has served as treasurer the Northeast Oklahoma Mom Tiger. She bleeds blue and gold.” for the Quarterback Club and the of the Month. Kelsie is a student Basketball Tip-In Club. athletic trainer for the Pryor Tiger football team and the Pryor Tiger & Traci also keeps score for Tigerette basketball teams. the Pryor girls basketball Kelsie said her mom should receive team and runs the the highest honors allowed for her computer program that operates the junior high dedication to supporting her kids and high school wrestling and the Pryor sport teams. tournaments that Pryor “When I hear all-state for a sport hosts. I can only think my mom should If that’s not enough, Traci be an all-stater for being the best also took on the task of mom,” Kelsie said. Traci served as the Pryor All Sports basketball cheer coach for the Pryor High School Booster Club Treasurer for more than 15 years, when there was only cheerleading squad this one booster club supporting all the year. June 2014

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Presented by sixth at the Class 3A state meet in the 400 with a time of 1:01.93. The sixth place medal at state came directly after Lippe placed second in the event at the Metro Christian regional the week before with a time of 1:01.90. Robert Evans - Chouteau

Colton Burgess - Salina

team Yeager will wrestle for another Oklahoma legend in head coach Mark Branch, who was himself a two-time NCAA National Champion.

Colton Burgess registered another outstanding season as the Salina Wildcats right fielder and first baseman. Colton was named team MVP this season and was humbled to receive the honor. Keni Jo Lippe – Adair “It’s a great accomplishment to be Adair freshman Keni Jo Lippe has been named MVP. It let’s me know that all of turning heads all year long. my hard work paid off,” said Burgess. This winter, Lippe burst onto the scene The three-sport star also plays football as a member of the Lady and basketball for the Wildcats. Colton received the Defensive Player of the Year Warriors basketball and back-to-back All-Conference honors team that finished as the Class 3a runnerin basketball. Colton was also named to the 2014 Northeast Oklahoma All-VYPE ups. Coming into the state tournament Team. Lippe was the team’s Colton does plan on playing all three second leading scoring sports again as a senior and is focused on averaging 15 points becoming one of the top players in the per game. In the three class. games at the state tournament Lippe averaged 14.7 points per Cub Yeager – Locust Grove game and was named Locust Grove senior wrestler Cub to the Oklahoman’s Yeager won his third-straight state All-Tournament team. championship in March this year The biggest highlight winning the 132-pound division at the of the freshman’s state Class 4A state tournament. Yeager’s tournament experience efforts also made him the first three-time however came in the state champion in Locust Grove history. first round when she If Yeager’s resume wasn’t already strong made two free-throws with less than a second enough he was also recently named left to beat Heritage a 2014 Wrestling USA Scholastic AllHall. American. During the spring Lippe This fall Yeager will take his talents to competed as a member Laramie and become a member of the of the Lady Warriors University of Wyoming wrestling team. track team and placed As a member of the Broncos wrestling VYPEOK.COM

June 2014

This spring the Chouteau Wildcats ended their spring football practice on a high note as returning starter Robert Evans gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to not only play multiple positions, including playing some quarterback. Evans has played several positions for the Wildcats in spring ball including wide receiver, fullback and he saw time as a backup quarterback.

According to a story filled by Chuck Porter of The Times in Pryor, head coach Mark Jones said Evans was, “our best all-

Spencer Henson – Pryor Pryor Tigers sophomore baseball player Spencer Henson was nothing short of dominant this year both with a bat in his hands and on the mound as the team’s top pitcher.

Henson hit for a whopping .486 batting average this year and also drove in a total of 45 runs. Henson also ripped 16 doubles this year along with racking up two triples and four home runs. The sophomore’s offensive numbers didn’t stop there though however, Henson also had a .583 on base percentage and a .774 slugging percentage. around guy right now.”

Evans and the Wildcats are working hard to improve their chances of making the playoffs this season.

With the ball in his hands Henson also completely dominated opposing hitters. With a record of 6-3 overall, Henson threw 50 innings and compiled a 2.24 ERA. The sophomore also had 67 strikeouts this season and had four complete games along with four shutouts.

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

June 2014

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