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6 | Stillwater Wrestling The Pioneers are looking to add to their list of state champions this season as several top wrestlers return to the lineup.
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8 | A Family Affair VYPE editor Kyle Kendrick sat down with the Lazenby siblings to talk some hoops and what it means to be playing at the same time.
19 | PoHi Swimming The pool is heating up in Ponca City as the Wildcats look to make a run at state.
Trinity Media Group, LLC
12330 E. 60th St. STE A • Tulsa, OK 74146 All rights reserved. Publisher Austin Chadwick Partner/Editorial Director Brad Heath Partner/Director of Operations Rod Coulter Partner/Three Rivers Director Bill Huddleston Editor at Large Kyle Kendrick Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migliore Partner Mark Rodgers Associate Editor Cal Ross
Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Rex Holt, Kyle Kendrick, Cal Ross Contributing Photographers David Hunt, Trey Coursey, Marea Breedlove, Brad Heath, Wes Sharp, Kim Hough, Defininng Moment, Sport Shots OKC, Josh Clough, Michael Mayberry, Brett Rojo, 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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Taking it to the Mat Stillwater wrestlers hoping to repeat as Class 6A team champions.
back off, if anything we push harder this time of the year. We tell kids that wrestling season didn’t start in October it started the first day of school, because we were training as soon as we could get in the room, and the season won’t stop until we are done with the state tournament.”
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Last season the Stillwater Pioneers battled their way to a Class 6A team championship behind five individual state championships and three other state placers. Stillwater fans have good reason to be excited about this year’s team as well with four of those state champions back as well as all three other state placers. Headlining that group of returners this year are seniors Kaid Brock, Tristan Moran, Joe Smith, Jordan Dieringer and Jacob Fontanez. Last year Brock won the state title at 132 while Moran won a state title at 138 and Smith won a state championship at 145. Dieringer meanwhile was the state runner-up at 182 while Fontanez took fourth at 120. Other key returners are junior Andrew Nieman and sophomore Tyler Dieringer. Last season Nieman won the state championship at 106 while Dieringer took home fourth place at 113. Those seven athletes are the main group of wrestlers Stillwater head coach Doug Chesbro is looking to help Stillwater carry on a great tradition of wrestling, something Chesbro says he talks about with VYPEOK.COM
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the team on a consistent basis. “We do talk about it quite a bit. Individually I think we have somewhere around the fourth most state champions of all time,” Chesbro said. “Stillwater is still a small enough town where everybody knows everybody. Our kids know who Chris Perry is and want to emulate his career just like Chris knew the guy before him and that guy knew the guy before him.” Chesbro went on to say that it is the mindset for his team and the community of Stillwater that truly has helped carry on the tradition. “A long time ago we stopped thinking that just making the state tournament was a big deal. That is what is expected. Winning a state title is a big deal,” Chesbro said. “Sure being a state placer is great but you aren’t going to be really celebrated here unless you are on top of that podium.” Now as the Pioneers prepare for the stretch run of the season Chesbro said his team isn’t taking things lightly. “We certainly don’t take our foot off the pedal. We don’t want to
Previous Stillwater Champions Ivan Wiley Clausine Vincent Harold Peery Hudie Haston Raymond Swartz Glen Eppler John Lawhon Bill Triplett Dallas O’Neal Rex Peery Chet Dotter Bill Ewing Arlie Tomlinson Jay Tomlinson Loyd Ricks Gordon DuPree Earl Akins Lelan Akins Johnny Anglin Rex Demaree Grover Rains Bob Tucker Phil Kenyon John Powers Jim Kenyon Jim Pike Tom Chesbro Mark McCracken Mike Reding Ronnie Hudiburg
Cleo McGlory Peter Naff Bobby Stites Randy Ferguson Robert Hartman Myris German Bruce Neph Victor Adkins Howard Aufleger Tim Clark Don Giles Jerome Clark Quinton Wagnor Todd Chesbro Denshio Cook Lance Thompson Luke Elmore Walker Clarke Russell Brorsen Chris Perry Walker Clarke Jared Elmore Ky Corley Joe Smith Paul Wilson Travis Morgan Andrew Nieman Kaid Brock Tristan Moran Chandler Rogers
Character is a combination of qualities that distinguishes one person or group from another. Hideaway Pizza celebrates achievements of local high school athletes by presenting the monthly “Character Counts Award.” Stillwater senior basketball player Lauren Stettnisch is a force in the paint for the Lady Pioneers. Through 10 games this season the senior center helped the Lady Pioneers to a 4-6 record including two wins and a fifth place finish in the Skiatook Tournament. Stettnisch showed just how hard she is to handle in the fifth place game scoring 19 points in a win over the host team. Off the floor Stettnisch is just as much of a leader as she is on it. Stettnisch is a member of the National Honor Society, FCA, Beta Club and Student Leadership. Stettnisch is also a coach for Players in Progress, a program designed to encourage self-esteem and teach basketball fundamentals in kids kindergarten through high school seniors.
Lauren Stettnisch Stillwater High School
“The experience I receive from being a coach for these little kids has been an enjoyment because I have the chance to see them progress every week as I remember what I went through when I was that age,” Stettnisch said. For her efforts on and off the floor Lauren Stettnisch is the Stillwater Character Counts Athlete of the Month.
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Stillwater Swimming Alexx Thomas and the Stillwater girls have worked their way into a No. 4 ranking in Class 5A. We had the chance to slow Thomas down for five minutes to discuss the team, the goals and what teammate has the most fun in the pool. VYPE: What event(s) are you swimming this year?
Alexx Thomas
Thomas: Since our girls this year have such depth and experience, we are able to be moved around in our events in each meet, and our events for state are currently undetermined. VYPE: How have the
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early meets gone this season? Thomas: Meets have gone exceptionally well this year. VYPE: What are your goals this year?
Thomas: My goals this year include beating our school’s 100 butterfly record and to help lead the girls to win state 5A championship. VYPE: Who has the most fun in the pool or who is the funniest person on the team?
Thomas: The funniest person on the team would defiantly have to be Dewi Blose (Fresh-
man). She is always in a good mood, always cheers people up, does not let things get in her way, and is a great team motivator.
ties. Principle Gordon is one of our best motivators.
Thomas: No, I do not listen to music before I swim. I like to sit and think about my races.
Thomas: After high school, I plan on going to UCO to get my pre-rec. I have not decided my major yet, but somewhere in the field of medical or law fields.
VYPE: Do you listen to music before you swim?
VYPE: What is one thing people don’t know about swimmers?
Thomas: One thing people do not know about swimmers is that swim practice does not mean that we are doggy paddling around and taking a bath. We burn more calories than any other form of physical activity. VYPE: What is the best thing about being a student at Stillwater High School?
Thomas: The best thing about being a student at Stillwater is that we have a principle that is greatly involved in the students’ school spirit and attends all school activi-
VYPE: What are your plans after high school?
VYPE: Who on the team has really impressed everyone this year?
Thomas: Travis Barras has really impressed everyone this year. Not only is he one of the nicest and caring people I have ever met, Travis works hard everyday in practice and his results have really showed. He is someone people defiantly look
up to.
VYPE: What advice would you give future swimmers at SHS? Thomas: Advice to future swimmers:” Bring yo flippers, cuz it’s about to get frisky.”
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Family and Basketba VYPE gets to know Glencoe’s basketball royalty. doing those things, it has definitely made me a better player, mentally and physically. Trey: It’s been very fun and very competitive in practice. But playing with my brothers has been a lot more fun and rewarding. And having my dad as a coach has been special too. VYPE: You guys have a big family and all of you are athletes; but who is the best basketball player in the family?
Trey Lazenby In Glencoe you can’t talk basketball without mentioning the name Lazenby. With seven children who have been or are going through the Glencoe program and father John working as the head boys coach this large family is a tight-knit bunch who all love getting to work on the hardwood. VYPE Editor Kyle Kendrick spoke with sophomore Chelsea along with senior Ty and freshman Trey about what that means to them. VYPE: You have been able to play alongside or with several of your siblings while you have been in high school. What has that experience been like for you?
Ty: Lol I’d be lying if I said there was never any fighting or arguments, but the overall experience is priceless. Plus them all being great players made it even more special.
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Chelsea: I’ve never got to really play basketball with my brothers, aside from games of 1 on 1 and such. But by VYPEOK.COM
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Ty: Trey and Cale definitely have the potential to be the best out of all of us if they keep working. But Chelsea is definitely the best girl!! Chelsea: We all have different strengths in basketball, but Ty is probably all around the better player. Trey: Ty is the best player in our family. VYPE: Who is the funniest person in the family?
Ty: The funniest person in the family has to be Cale. He’s always giving people a hard time and making jokes. But he’s also the most annoying at times lol.
Chelsea: Cale is the funniest. He’s always doing all kinds of weird things! Trey: Cale and Jake are the funniest.
VYPE: Which member of the family hates to lose the most?
Ty: This one is a 7 way tie because anytime one of us boys are on different teams in pick up or something and lose, then it’s most likely gonna end in some sort of argument or fight.
Chelsea: We’re very competitive. I would say we all hate to lose pretty bad. But Jake, especially, hates to lose.
Trey: We all hate to lose. It’s about the same between everyone!
VYPE: If you had to be stranded on a desert island with one of your siblings which one would you want with you and why? Ty: If I had to be stranded on an island I would want to be with Greg because he’s a big manly guy and I feel like he could go hunt and keep me alive lol.
Chelsea: John and Greg, because they’re older and smarter than the rest of my brothers. Trey: John, because he’s the strongest and the smartest and could do the most stuff. VYPE: What musicians are you listening to a lot right now?
Ty: Musicians I’ve been listening to are Lecrae he’s a great Christian rapper. And not gonna lie sometimes a little Justin Bieber. Chelsea: Lecrae and Andy Mineo Trey: Lecrae
VYPE: Best movie you saw in the past year? Ty: “When the Game Stands Tall.” Chelsea: “God’s Not Dead.” Trey: “The Equalizer.”
VYPE: What one of your siblings always gets their way? Ty: Cale and Chelsea definitely get their way most of the time. Which makes sense with Cale being the youngest and Chelsea being the only girl lol.
Chelsea: Cale, because he’s the baby of the family. Trey: Cale always gets his way cause he’s the youngest.
all: Life as a Lazenby
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Cleveland Basketball Eric Reeves and Rafael Galaviz were looking forward to getting this season underway, but after an injury on the court, Galaviz will watch the rest of the season from the sidelines. We caught up with the pair to talk basketball and what it’s like when a teammate goes down. VYPE: What’s the best thing about going to Cleveland High School?
Galaviz: I would say the best thing is probably basketball!
Reeves: Our coaches and teachers are always there for us and have our backs. VYPE: Who are some of your teammates that have really stepped up this year? Galaviz: There is more than one person that has stepped up. They all have.
Reeves: Everyone has stepped up and made a huge impact on this team.
VYPE: Rafael, you recently suffered an injury on the court, what happened and how has the support been from your teammates? Galaviz: I just jumped and something went wrong. The support has been absolutely amazing. Not just from the team but from everyone. My teammates check up on me everyday and I couldn’t thank them enough. They keep my hopes high when I start to lose them. They don’t have to do it, that’s just what family does. I love them all and couldn’t thank them enough.
Member FDIC
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Eric Reeves and Rafael Galaviz VYPE: Eric, how difficult is it when you see a teammate go down? Reeves: It is very difficult. You hate to see a teammate go down, especially when he is playing so well. VYPE: What does the future hold for both of you moving forward?
Galaviz: I see a lot of positive things in the future. We won’t be playing another high school basketball game with each other but he (Reeves) still has the rest of this year and I know they will all step up and do big things.
Reeves: Right now I’m focused on finishing the rest of this season for Ralf, but I plan to attend UCO next year.
Frontier Basketball Thristian Young looks to help Frontier continue success. Vype: I know your sister played at Frontier before you, so what does it mean to have the opportunity to continue a family tradition of playing basketball at Frontier? Young: “I’ve always wanted to play basketball with my sister, Tiffany. Even though I came up a year short, it still feels good to be wearing the same number on my back, and keeping the family tradition going.”
Vype: What would you consider is your greatest accomplishment playing basketball for Frontier? Young: “My greatest accomplishment is getting to the state Semifinals my sophomore year.“
Vype: Who has had the biggest influence on your playing career? Young: “My dad has had the biggest influence on my playing career. He has always pushed me to be a better player and person on, and off the court.”
Vype: What are your plans after high school? Young: “After high school, I plan to go to college and further my career in basketball or softball.”
Vype: What do you like to do outside of basketball?
Young: “Outside of basketball, I like to spend time with my friends and family.”
Thristian Young
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Fab 5 of the North The ladies of North Oklahoma are taking the basketball courts by storm. Mullin: My pregame ritual consists of lots of music and water!
Molina: I always start my pregame with thinking of all the possibilities I can do to get the win for that night, then I pump myself up for the game and say a team prayer. VYPE: I need three names; who is the funniest person on your team, hardest worker and the best dresser?
Courtney Mullin VYPE caught up with the Fab 5 of the North region. Kyndal Pulley of Newkirk, Ireya Calderon of Blackwell, Baylee Jacobs of Tonkawa, Courtney Mullin of Ponca City and Alivia Molina of Frontier discuss basketball, teammates and their futures after high school. VYPE: What age did you start playing basketball?
Pulley: I was in 4th grade when I first started playing so I was about 8 years old.
Calderon: I started play basketball when i was 7 years old and never stopped loving the game! Jacobs: I have played basketball ever since I can remember. Both of my parents played basketball, so I guess it is in my blood. Mullin: I started playing basketball when I was 12 years old.
Molina: I started playing basketball when I was 10 years old in 5th grade. VYPE: What does your pregame ritual consist of?
Pulley: I plug the headphones in and listen to music and focus on the game plan for that game. Calderon: Listening to “Oceans” by Hillsong United, praying with my team, and chewing gum during warm-ups.
Jacobs: When we are in the locker room, we always pray together as a team before we go out on the court and we thank God for what he has given us.
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Pulley: Emily Elliott has to be the funniest player on the team, she’s always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. So many players work hard, but as a senior, I try to set an example and work hard everyday. Kyli Leven, I think is the best dresser. She’s always wearing cute clothes and has her hair done. Calderon: Our basketball clown would have to be Whitney Kiser, she cracks me up 24-7. Our hardest worker is Kenzee Peetoom. She wants to constantly improve. Our best dresser is Shelbee Thompson. She is always ready for the runway!
Calderon: The Wheat Capital Tournament in Chisholm is my favorite! I always play my best there. Jacobs: My favorite place to play is in Tonkawa’s old gym. It is a place I can get away from other distractions and focus. Mullin: My favorite place to play is the Robson. It’s a pretty big gym.
Molina: Yes, my favorite place to play of all time is our very own home gym. I love playing here because this is where I grew up and spent my time to get in the place I am now.
VYPE: Lets have some fun with the next two questions. One place you would love to visit in your lifetime? Pulley: One day I want to go to Tahiti Island. It looks beautiful and relaxing. I’m a beach bum so
Jacobs: Funniest player is Brianne O’neill, she always surprises me. Hardest worker is Samantha Allen, she always gives everything she has both on and off the court. Best dresser is Celia Roth, her outfits are always on point. Mullin: The funniest player of my team is Claren McCormick. Best dressed goes to Kenzie Lyons, and the hardest worker is Leslie Wilson, she always does her best!
Molina: I would have to say the funniest person on my team is Michaelanne Nelson. The hardest worker I think would have to be two of the players on our team. They include my sister Kristan Molina and Janice Romero. The best dresser on my team would have to be Kristan Romero hands down. VYPE: Do you have a favorite place to play and if so, why? Pulley: My favorite place to play has to be my home court, The Mark Branch field house, I love the atmosphere and all the fans cheering us on.
Alivia Molina
Mullin: Mia Hamm without a doubt.
Molina: I love watching Skylar Diggins play. She’s an amazing athlete, so I would say that’s who I would like to meet. VYPE: Favorite class in school?
Pulley: My favorite class is advance media not only because my mom teaches it but because I like to edit videos and be creative. Calderon: Does lunch count? Because I love food!
Ireya Calderon
Jacobs: My favorite class is my culinary arts class that I take at Pioneer technology center.
Mullin: Anything that has to do with science, it’s really interesting to me!
Calderon: Africa hands down!
Molina: Chemistry is my favorite class I’ve taken, I say this because I can’t believe the things I can learn that I never thought I could. I give thanks to one of Frontiers best teachers, Mrs. Murner.
Mullin: One place I’d definitely love to go to is Italy!
Pulley: Selflessness. If a player puts the team before themselves then success will follow.
I love to just lay on the beach and get a tan!
Jacobs: One place I would love to visit is Italy, so I could try all of the different cuisine.
Molina: Of all places to visit in my lifetime i would want to go see Paris. VYPE: One professional player in any sport you would like to meet?
Pulley: I would like to meet Kevin Durant because he’s a really good basketball player. He is such a humble player and a great role model for kids as well as our state.
Calderon: Kevin Durant *place heart eyes emoji here*
Jacobs: I would love to meet Tom Brady. I am a big Patriots fan, and I like the way he plays with his team.
VYPE: Most important quality a good teammate can have?
Calderon: In my opinion, loyalty to the team is an important quality any teammate could have.
Jacobs: The most important quality to me a person can have is persistence. In basketball you have to be persistent and have a never give up attitude everyday, because you are going to make mistakes but the challenge is how you face them. Mullin: I would have to say supporting and encouraging you’re teammates are the most important quality a good teammate can have. Each team needs a good “picker upper”!
Molina: A good teammate must have the ablilty to be coachable, or even better want to be coached. -Coach Weckstein VYPE: What are your plans after high school?
Pulley: I plan on attending Northern Oklahoma College in Enid to play basketball on a scholarship. Calderon: To go to college, get a medical degree, and start my big girl life!
Jacobs: My future plans are to go to college for basketball and major in either culinary or business. After college I want to open my own restaurant and be the chef.
Kyndal Pulley
Mullin: My plans after high school is to attend NOC and get started on my basics. Molina: After high school I plan on going to college to become a nurse then fur-
Baylee Jacobs ther my career to work at OU Children’s Hospital. VYPE: Here you go girls. Here’s your chance to give a shout-out to anyone you want!
Pulley: I’d like to give a shout-out to my siblings. My older siblings, Connor and Kaylyn have both set a great example of hard work and dedication by achieving what they have always wanted to do, play college sports. And to my younger sister, McKenna, for being my best friend. I’m so happy we’ve gotten to play basketball with each other. I’ll miss playing with her next year.
Calderon: Shout-out to my family for pushing and supporting me in everything I do. To Kayden Burtner for being a great teammate and an amazing best friend! Love you sis! And to my team. I’m blessed to share the court with you girls. Go Lady Maroons! Jacobs: I am so thankful that God has given me so many people that believe in me and support me. I have my parents, friends, and my teammates that have always been there for me. I am so happy that I have my teammates, I wouldn’t trade them for anything and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Mullin: Shout-out to my grandparents, you guys are the best! My big sister Demi, and my parents! I love you guys!
Molina: I want to say thanks for my mom being such a great supporter and always being there for me. Also my brother for always making me want to play harder and I play every game for him. And thanks to all of my coaches and family for pushing me to try my hardest and get me to the place I am now. Especially coach Weckstein for everything he has done for me. F E B R U A R Y- M A R C H 2 0 1 5
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Ponca City Wrestling
Entering his senior season, PoHi wrestler Jordon Kimbrell is focused on making it one to remember. We caught up with Kimbrell to get his thoughts on the status of the team, what it takes to be a wrestler and who some of his teammates are that have made an impression early in the season. VYPE: Jordon, how has the season been going in the first couple of months of competition? Kimbrell: We’ve had our ups and downs, but overall we’ve seen a lot of improvement in our guys.
VYPE: What would be your evaluation of the team right now? Kimbrell: Our team looks pretty decent and solid right now, but we have a lot of younger guys on this team that will get a lot better.
Kimbrell: Yes. I would say it’s the toughest sport there is.
VYPE: Who is the funniest guy in the wrestling room? Kimbrell: The funniest guy in the room has to be Corey Trotter. He loves to joke, but can be serious when he needs to be. VYPE: Has an opponent ever tried to talk to you during a match?
Kimbrell: Yes. Dane Thomas VYPE: Who are some of your team- from mates that have really stepped up Blackwell always this season? tries to Kimbrell: Like I said, we have a talk during lot of younger guys. Guys like Anthe match. drew Brown, Dylan Shickrem, Ben VYPE: Raulston and Lane Newlan are just What do a few who have stepped up for us you do in this year. your free VYPE: What is the toughest thing time? about being a wrestler? Kimbrell: Kimbrell: You have to be mentally In my free stable and mentally tough. time I like to workout VYPE: Is wrestling the toughest and hangsport?
out with friends.
VYPE: Thanks for slowing down for five minutes to do the interview. Good luck with the rest of the season. Kimbrell: Thank you for choosing me as one of the guys to talk about and represent my team.
Jordon Kimbrell
“It’s not the will to win that matters – everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” Paul “Bear” Bryant
Eastman National Bank is committed to helping prepare our young scholar athletes to win as vital members of our community! 580-718-9990 | 580-718-4100 | 580-362-2511
THE Community Bank. 16
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Phillips 66 is a proud sponsor of the Ponca City Area Character Counts Award.
Jennifer Mills Ponca City High School
Jennifer Mills is the Ponca City Character Counts Athlete of the Month. Mills is a swimmer at Ponca City. When she is not swimming, she is out in the community giving back to those in need. As a team, the Wildcats participate in different community service projects each year, such as reprinting a softball field or giving Christmas gifts to underprivileged kids. Mills plays a vital role in these projects, but she also volunteers on her own. She teaches younger children as a volunteer through her church. These qualities have earned Mills the honor of Ponca City Character Counts Athlete of the Month.
PROVIDING ENERGY. IMPROVING LIVES. We’re committed to improving lives in the communities where we live and work. That’s why Phillips 66 is proud to highlight the great student athletes who uphold the fabric of character on and off the field and court.
www.Phillips66.com
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Ponca City Swimming
Ponca City swimming coach Amanda Porter returns 13 swimmers to the team this season, giving both of her teams solid depth and experience. For her boys team, her go to swimmers are senior Brock Wilson and junior Gage Barrick. Porter relies on Wilson and Barrick in the big races. Her girls’ team is an overall solid unit. The youth of her roster gives fans plenty to be excited about. “I’m excited about freshman Riley Barrick,” Porter said. “She’s been impressive so far.”
them,” Porter said.
Ponca City recently made the switch to Class 5A, which will force Porter to rely on both the experienced and youthful swimmers on her roster. The class switch gives Ponca City new opportunities to prove themselves as contenders. Porter said she was excited for the opportunity to compete at state against some of the bigger schools in 5A. Porter didn’t single out one or two opponents that will present her the biggest challenge. She makes sure her team prepares the same way no matter whom they are swimming against.
Each swim coach has specific events that they feel most confident in. For Porter and Ponca City, the boys 50m and relay teams give “Every team presents a challenge,” her team the best chance to win. Porter said. “Whether we are stepping off the bus or they are walk“The kids always seem to leave ing through our doors, we will it all in the pool when they know their teammates are depending on compete to the best of our ability.”
Although the class switch might have raised expectations for fans, Porter strives to set attainable goals for her swimmers. She reinforces the idea of expanding upon each of her swimmers’ skill set. Beyond that, she makes sure that she has an impact among her athletes beyond swimming.
“It seems like there is so much pressure on high school kids these days in other aspects of their lives,” Porter said. “I wanna keep it real. God, family, school, grades and then swimming. I don’t really have any expectations other than to help each kid be they best they can all around.”
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Blackwell Keeps Tradition Going Maroons steadily improving on their way to state. team and we feel like when you are competing for your teammates you wrestle harder because you don’t want to let them down,” Edgar said. “I really like where we are at right now. We are working hard with what we’ve got. I expect another good showing at dual state and for us to be ready to go come regionals just like we have always been the last eight years.”
Previous Blackwell Champions
Tradition. It’s a word thrown around pretty lightly these days, but people in Blackwell know that tradition doesn’t come without a lot of sweat and hard work, especially when it comes to Blackwell Maroons wrestling.
realized again this season.
Leading the team this year is Schuermann, a returning state champ at 170 but also state qualifiers Stetson Baker, Justice Circle and Dayne Thomason. Thomason will be moving to 285 this year with Baker moving to 113 and Circle competing at 120.
understatement. The Maroons recently won their district duals over Kingfisher and Perkins qualifying for dual state, a place where the Maroons have seen amazing success of late. Every season since 2008 Blackwell has made it to the dual state semifinals or finals and if you ask Edgar he believes it’s possible to see those results again this year.
“It has been a little bit of a difficult year. We have a lot of new faces and had several kids quit early in the season,” Edgar said. “We had to overcome some adversity this year because we had some guys decide Overall the Maroons have had 65 in- they didn’t want to wrestle anydividual state champions since John more and sometimes that can get in your room and be infectious but Flood became the team’s first state champ in 1931 all the way until last I think we did a good job of preseason when Tanner Allen and Sam venting that for the most part and I think it made us stronger. I think Schuermann both won titles. As a the guys we have now are really team Blackwell also has won eight coming on strong and I expect big team titles and one dual state title, proving just how deep the tradition things from them.” runs. Coming on strong is a bit of an
But tradition comes with a price and it’s not always something that is easy to maintain or carry on, something that Blackwell head coach E.J. Edgar already knew but
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“It will be great because we put a huge emphasis on dual state because you are competing as a
John Flood Loren Fagg Clyde Sodowsky Don Sutliff Claude Sodowsky Charles Hetrick Thurman Garrett Charles Kingsley Phillip Young Clarence Collyar Dale Shanley Kenneth Richardson Terrance Patrick David Hardin Jim Gregson Spec White Lawrence Cotton Don Stafford Leon Stafford Dale Leslie Don Angle Jerry Greer Ted Ellis Max Hawkins Ted Pierce Max Hawkins Jim Bringham Wilton Conine Ronnie Conine Jack Brisco Phillip Keeley Bill McDaniel
Dan Bringham Dale Pontious Tom Keeley Stan Keeley Jim Buhrman Ron Smith David Graves Ernie Greenfield Ken Honeycutt Dan Godbehere Rick Campbell Grady Hetrick Doyal Almack Corwin Lumley Benny Sumrall Tony Wilbanks Trip Rodgers Chad Short Eric Spry Josh Olmstead Jared Spry John Koehler Joe Hockett Jeff Albers Brandt Ward Nathan Ingram Jared Wynn Zack Allison Joey George Conner Cline Cole Courtney Sam Schuermann Tanner Allen
Newkirk Wrestling it to varsity.
“I always set lofty goals for my guys,” Knight said. “It is important they have something to strive for, at the varsity level and down. We are always looking to recruit younger kids to help rebuild our program.”
Newkirk wrestling coach Marcus Knight knew there was plenty to be excited about entering the season. After all, Knight returned five wrestlers to his team, four of whom qualified for state last season. The top three wrestlers on his roster returned: seniors Bleau Stopp, Brian Brown and junior Trey Hobbes. Stopp wrestles at 160 pounds, Brown at 126 and Hobbes wrestles in the heavyweight class.
Coming into the season, Knight was prepared for his team to do big things. He always expects his wrestlers to be ready to work hard from day one. Knight said he is starting to prepare prospective wrestlers in middle school so they are prepared when they make
There has not been a lack of excitement for Knight and his team this season. Stopp wrestled his way into the finals at the Cushing tournament, although he did not necessarily wrestle to his potential.
“Bleau getting to the finals at Cushing was exciting,” Knight said. “He didn’t wrestle as well as we had expected him to and he still made it to the finals. That shows what type of competitor he is.” Stopp has been the leader for Newkirk this season. So far, he has a 12-1 record, with his only loss coming in that finals match at Cushing. Knight had plenty of positive things to say about his impact wrestler. “He is a great leader for our team,” Knight said. “He does everything the right way. He is always in the weight room or watching
film. He constantly wants to become a better wrestler.”
The competition in Class 3A will challenge Knight’s team to be at its best. Knight said he believes Plainview and Heritage Hall are the favorites in 3A. Both teams present unique challenges. “We saw Plainview and Heritage at the Cushing tournament,” Knight said. “Both of them looked extremely good. We will have to work hard to make sure we are ready to compete.” As the state finals draw closer, keep an eye out for Stopp and Newkirk wrestling in 3A.
Previous Newkirk Champions
Clint Johnston David Dowell Tony Schleber Patrick Hensley Stan Sheid Bill Talley Brian Brown Mark Branch Brandon Parker Jeff Schieber
Ronnie Smith Tyler Shinn Greg Smith Trevor Summitt Briar Stopp Nathan Dowell David Dowell Erik Juanes Jared Schieber
Perry Wrestling Maroons Looking to win their 11th state title in 12 years. February,” Delk said. “We are just telling the kids to keep traing, keep pushing and keep grinding. We just want to keep the pedal down and when we finally pull back the reigns these kids are just going to explode.”
Garrett Beier Currently ranked No. 3 in Class 3A the Perry Maroons aren’t really a team you would think anybody would overlook. Perry head coach Ronnie Delk said he has heard the whispers though, the whispers saying Perry’s run of titles may be coming to an end this season. “If you look at us on paper it hasn’t been great and I have heard people say we are down this year or whatever but we are nowhere near where we are going to be in late
With Perry looking for their 11th team title in the last 12 years and 7th straight dual state title the Maroons are expecting big things out of their leaders Riley Betchan, Cale Betchan, Noah Nida, Dillon Buck and Garrett Beier. Last season as a junior, Riley Betchan finished third at 170 while younger brother Cale finished second at 106. Nida meanwhile finished third at 120 with Beier finishing second at 195 and Buck qualifiying for state at 182. Other younger wrestlers that could make some noise this year are freshmen Riley Cin-
namon and Alex Valencia along with sophomore Bailey Burdick. Delk said that the light has really come on for all three of the young wrestlers, especially Burdick.
“He didn’t have a great first semester but after we came out of Christmas break he has gone 6-2 and really realized that it is a new season now,” Delk said.
With the Maroons preparing for the home stretch of the season coach Delk said that after spending the first half of the year working hard on technique and drills the Maroons will now start to work even harder.
“Now we are going to try and grind them into the ground. I want them to be tired and think they can’t go any more. Then we eventually will pull off before dual state and then push through regionals and then have some easier workouts during state week,” Delk said.
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Northern Oklahoma College NOC’s Noel shines as freshman point guard
Torey Noel He is the key to controlling the flow of the game. He has to know everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s his ability to see the play before it happens. That’s the pressure of a point guard. Torey Noel knows this pressure. Noel is a point guard for Northern Oklahoma College Mavericks. A freshman starter from Midwest
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City High School, Noel has the leadership skills and work ethic the game of basketball requires. “My strengths are finishing at the rim and getting my team involved,” Noel said. Donnie Jackson, the men’s basketball head coach, said Noel’s vocal leadership drives the atmosphere on the court. “Torey brings a lot of vocal leadership to the team. He is very high energy in everything we do. He is also very encouraging to his teammates and supportive of the coaching staff,” Jackson said. “His positive energy is contagious and rubs off on others. On the court, as a player, he is very physical, plays very fast, and really likes to disrupt teams on the defensive end.” Noel was a first Team All-Big City performer and All-State selection for Midwest City High School. “Torey has started 16 out of 17 games for us as a freshman. He has great leadership skills and work ethic,” Jackson said. “He is currently averaging 8.5 points per game and is second on the team in assists and
second on the team in steals. He has scored double figures in 7 of our 17 games. He continues to get better on the court and is a great ambassador for Northern Oklahoma College.” The team’s motto, “Success is a Choice,” pushes the team to work together for their common goals. The Mavericks are putting their all into this season. They are hopeful their success leads them to the national tournament. “We have a choice to be successful in everything we do. We control what positive or negative things happen to us. It’s our choice as individuals to sacrifice things in the short term in order to have success in the long term,” Jackson said. “We can choose to be great or not great in everything we do and that is why it is our motto as a reminder in any situation, success in that moment or experience is always a choice.” Northern Oklahoma College has been a perfect fit for Noel. “The coaches showed me so much love. They offered a full ride and guaranteed team study hall, and that’s what I needed,” Noel said. Noel will graduate in 2016 with an associate’s degree in Physical Education.
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