VYPE North Oklahoma October 2016 by Austin Chadwick

AT 7 CLANS FIRST COUNCIL CASINO HOTEL

YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO FAR TO WIN! P L AY M O R E , W I N M O R E – O N LY AT 7 C L A N S C A S I N O S !

Friday, October 14 Doors 7PM | Concert 8PM

UPCOMING

Shows

Gene Watson Friday, November 4

Paradise Event Center

Turnpike Troubadours Saturday, November 12

First Council Event Center

Jamey Johnson Friday, November 18

First Council Event Center

Purchase Tickets at 7 Clans Players Club, ticketstorm.com, SevenClans.com or by phone 866.966.1777

OCTOBER 2016

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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 Steve Braun • Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migliore Associate Editor Cal Ross • Partner Mark Rodgers Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Cal Ross, Steve Braun, Bill Huddleston Contributing Photographers Brad Heath, Kyle Kendrick, Justin Messer, Bluncks Photography, Defining Moment Photography, Josh Clough, Brett Rojo, Brandy Moton, Kyle Kendrick, The Newkirk Herald-Journal, Vicki Osborne, Rip Stell, The Ponca City News Graphic Design Kerri Conner Contact Information: Website: www.VYPEOK.com • Phone: 918.495.1771 • Fax: 918.495.1787 VYPE is published monthly by Trinity Media Group, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondences will become property of VYPE.

6 | Fan’s Choice All-North Last month we asked the fans to vote for their favorite fastpitch softball players in the region. Here’s what we got.

7 | North Mt. Rushmore To jumpstart our theme in this issue we bring you the Mt. Rushmore of the North area. Join the debate on the top athletes in the area of all-time.

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17 | Freshmen Fanfare Newkirk freshmen Shay Cushenbery and Jacee Swope have played together since the age of 10, now they’re playing varsity.

28 | Ponca City Mt. Rushmore

Continuing with the theme this issue we take a look at the athletes who broke the mold at Ponca City.

We have all your gameday needs!

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LOCATIONS

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NORTH OK CHEERLEADING AT STATE The North cheer squads had a nice showing at the state cheer competition held at Gallagher-Iba Arena on the campus of Oklahoma State University.

points and OCS finished with 263 points. Blackwell placed fourth with 252 points. In Class 2A Crescent placed 6th behind Wynnewood, Hooker, Porum, Warner and Ketchum. Warner and Porum were co-runner up finishers.

In Small Co-Ed the Newkirk finished third in the closest race of any division. OCS was the champion but only two points separated 1st and 3rd. Newkirk finished with Chandler just missed placing in Class 3A. The 261 points, Newcastle in Lady Lions were a few 2nd finished with 262

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points short of fourth place. Keys, Jones, Crossings Christian and Washington finished higher. It was the third title in a row for Washington. Bristow made a run at the Class 4A title, but the competition in 4A was at an all-time high and the Lady Pirates finished 12th out of 17 teams.

Bristow

Blackwell

Newkirk

Chandler

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VYPENorthOK.com Poll Results Fan’s Choice All-North Fastpitch Pitchers

Shianne Eddings – Cleveland 7,032 votes Shay Cushenbery – Newkirk 3,724 votes Alyssa DeLeon – Stroud 3,135 votes Jolie Boyle – Cushing 1,568 votes Neleigh Herring – Chandler 1,258 votes Ashlynn Mercer – Ponca City 801 votes Kelci Hasenfratz – Ponca City 656 votes Madison McClatchey – Homiy 549 votes Riley Payne – Cushing 60 votes Kylee Lynch – Chandler 34 votes

Darbi Duncan – Chandler 211 votes Annie Draper – Hominy 182 votes Kendall Jean – Ponca City 122 votes Taylor Tuck – Stillwater 122 votes

Fan’s Choice All-North Fastpitch Outfielders Sage Fluty – Stillwater 1,206 votes Laikyn Anderson – Stillwater 648 votes Taylor Short – Cushing 179 votes Bree Jefferson – Hominy 125 votes Trayle Sheppard – Cushing 71 votes Dakota Houston – Mannford 65 votes Laycee Fowler – Cushing 24 votes Chasity Walker – Hominy – 13 votes Halie Hawkins – Newkirk 11 votes Bryar Beard – Cushing 9 votes

North OK Top 100 Mr. Football Poll?

Shianne Eddings

Fan’s Choice All-North Fastpitch Infielders Cailin Fluty – Stillwater 4,855 votes Mackenzie Laughlin – Ponca City 3,063 votes Camenda Osborn – Ponca City 1,418 votes Blayne Solberg – Chandler 993 votes Madi Angle – Ponca City 503 votes Maggie Fry – Hominy 263 votes

Adrian Wolford – Meeker 3,546 votes Cade Harelson – Davenport 468 votes Zaven Collins – Hominy 430 votes *Voting for Mr. Football 2nd Round is still live at VYPEOK.com

ICYMI

Former VYPE Magazine editor Kyle Kendrick has taken a job with Claremore Public Schools to coach middle school girl’s basketball. Kendrick said he wanted to thank all of the coaches and administrators that helped him during his time with the magazine and he looks forward to what the future holds as a coach in Oklahoma. He also promised to get his basketball questionnaire in on time. Good luck Kyle!

Best Forum Posts From Oklahomaforum.vype. com

Cailin and Sage Fluty

you can’t go wrong with Lazenby, Goodman or Garner. Anybody else that you think should be on this list? Toinefalcon42: Goodman and Burtner are excellent choices for next year. Goodman, watched her play against Pioneer. I had to look at the program and went oh my, that’s a freshman? She played like a junior.

VYPE Editor Brad Heath: Goodman is a solid choice. Doesn’t Coyle have someone coming up next year? Seems like they had a freshman they were excited about this season? Former VYPE Editor Kyle Kendrick: Coyle lost their two top players actually graduate four starters. Alicia Maker is their lone returning starter but she is a heck of an athlete and could have easily been on this list. Will be interesting to see how her numbers look next year because she will definitely be the center of everything. Coyle did also only lose 5 seniors so they have some good players coming back, they were just playing behind several DII players in Tyra Aska (SWOSU) and Shilah Young (NWOSU). freemc: Goodman is definitely going to be good to watch. She’s come amazingly far in just the last year and she has a good attitude on top of that. Good kid. I think that whole freshman class at Frontier should be watched. Morgan Romero and Autumn Connneywerdy too. Shelbie Black will be at Pawnee next year though but great shooter. In Ponca City I say to watch Madison Birnbaum and Kierstin Crowder. They will both be sophomores and saw good varsity time last year. Ponca will be a young team with no seniors so it will be fun to watch them develop. In Newkirk you have Kori Watters, Katelyn Scheiber and Emily Elliot.

GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH FORMER VYPE EDITOR KYLE KENDRICK: I put together this list of players to watch this year. Honestly, Stevenson is probably the one I’m most excited to see next year but OCTOBER 2016

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Stillwater Cheer By Jordan Edwards Stillwater high school cheer will not be competing at state this year for the first time, but that is not stopping them from experiencing their season to the fullest. With the team becoming coed for the first time ever and with big plans to compete at UCA Nationals in Disney World, this squad is not short of anything exciting. Take a look at what three senior squad members, Reagan Mitchell, Payton Price and Jaide Nugent, said about their upcoming year. VYPE: What is different this season compared to all the seasons you guys have cheered in the past? RM: We have a boy and that is a first for my time cheering. It has been super cool seeing how the dynamic of our squad has changed in a positive way. VYPE: How has going from an all-girl team to a coed team changed the dynamic of the squad?

PP: It has been a new experience for us because we have never done this before. Changing uniforms and stunts, and how everything works. We are very grateful and we enjoy learning new things, especially because it is our last year.

RM: It was something different, but it has been nothing short of a blessing for our team. VYPE: What is your favorite aspect of football games on Friday nights?

PP: I love when the student section cheers with us. It can be hard to get the crowd involved, but when they are yelling with us, it is a lot of fun.

RM: That feeling when you are about to win a game and everyone is so excited. It is like social hierarchy is set-aside for a minute and we are all just one school. JN: I love whenever we score a touchdown, sometimes we run down the track with the player. VYPE: What are your feelings about not competing at state this year?

RM: For me, my family was disappointed because it is my senior year and they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to watch me compete again. I like being 8

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able to focus on Friday nights and not have the stress of extra Saturday practices.

PP: I think we all would have liked to compete but I also think that it is a blessing in disguise. It gives you a lot more energy for the fall semester of our senior year. It is nice to enjoy the firsts of all our lasts. JN: It is hard for me because I want to cheer is college and that is what would have prepared me but it is fun. It has changed a lot because it is more school spirit and less competitive.

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Who's On Your Mt. Rushmore of North Oklahoma? North Oklahoma is laden with great athletes from yesterday and today. Narrowing it down to just four is impossible, but I think we’ve compromised on four of the best, with a twist. Take a look at VYPE’s Mt. Rushmore for North Oklahoma and enjoy the Mt. Rushmore theme throughout this issue.

Jim Thorpe – Lincoln County – May 28, 1888 – March 28, 1953 – Thorpe is considered one of the most versatile athletes in modern sports. He won Olympic gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon, played football collegiately and professionally, and also played professional baseball and basket-

ball. Thorpe is an obvious first choice for the North Oklahoma Mt. Rushmore.

Carl Hubbell – Meeker – June 22, 1903 – November 21, 1988 – Hubbell pitched for the New York Giants from 1928-1943. He recorded 1,677 strikeouts and was named National League MVP twice. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947. Nicknamed “The Meal Ticket” and “King Carl” Hubbell set a MLB record by a pitcher with 24 consecutive wins. But he’s probably best known for striking out five of the games best hitters in order during the 1934 All-Star game with his screwball. Hubbell was born in Missouri but raised in Meeker. Danny Hodge - Perry – May 13, 1932 – Three time NCAA champion in wrestling. Hodge was the first ever wrestler on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He was a Golden Gloves boxer and won a silver medal in wrestling at the 1956 Olympics. Called “The Living Legend” Hodge won a state title at 165-pounds for Perry High School and while at the University of Oklahoma he finished a perfect 46-0 and a three-time NCAA DI champion.

Jim Thorpe

Billy Vessels – Cleveland - March 22, 1931 – November 17, 2001 – Vessels won the Heisman Trophy in 1952 for the University of Oklahoma under head coach Bud Wilkinson. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974. Vessels played professional football for the Edmonton Eskimos and the Baltimore Colts. The stadium at Cleveland High School was renamed in 2003 to Billy Vessels Memorial Stadium. The Bonus List

Here are other individuals we considered for North Oklahoma’s Mt. Rushmore. “Pawnee” Bill Bredde’ – Pawnee – December 31, 1932 – September 19, 2006 – Two-way starter for four years at Oklahoma A&M. Mem-

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Billy Vessels ber of the Oklahoma State University All-Century Football Team.

Bob Shirley – Cushing – June 24, 1954 – Pitched in the major leagues from 1977-1987. Played for the Cardinals, Yankees, and Padres to mention a few. Ira Davenport – Tonkawa – October 13, 1887 – July 17, 1941 – In the 1912 Olympics Davenport broke the 800-meter world record.

Ab Wright – Terlton – November 16, 1905 – May 23, 1995 – Was a professional football player and baseball player. Attended college at Oklahoma State University. Modern Day Nominees

Matt Holliday – Stillwater – January 15, 1980 – Holliday is a 7x MLB All-Star and was a member of the World Series championship St. Louis Cardinals team in 2011. Brett Anderson – Stillwater – February 1, 1988 – Anderson is a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers and represented the U.S. during the Beijing Olympics.

Jon Gray – Chandler – November 5, 1991 – Gray is a pitcher for the Colorado Rockies. In 2013 he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Big 12 Conference Tournament. Keiton Page – Pawnee – July 5, 1989 – Page is a graduate of Pawnee High School and a former guard for Oklahoma State University. Page scored 1,651 points in his career at OSU.

STILLWATER LEADERS MONTH Rhett Minson, Agent 716 S Mill Pryor, OK 74361 Bus: 918-825-4000 rhett.minson.mdjt@statefarm.com

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Now that's teamwork. CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7

State Farm Home Office, Bloomington, IL

Elizabeth Nieman - Stillwater High School

Varsity cheerleader Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nieman is the Stillwater Leader of the Month. Called the “silent leader” of the varsity cheer squad at Stillwater High School, Lizzie Nieman is willing to do whatever the team needs in order to be successful, including becoming a flyer, something Nieman had never experienced. “Lizzie is one of our flyers, a position she wasn’t completely comfortable with in the beginning. She now has embraced the position and is confident in her performance,” said head coach Carolyn Walstad. Nieman is the consummate team player. When things are not going as planned she will encourage her teammates then lead by example. Coach Walstad said Nieman, “she encourages the team and challenges herself every day.” It’s that approach to the sport and to her team that sets her apart. But it’s not the spotlight Nieman is seeking. Her focus is always on the team and her teammates. Insuring they are performing at a high level and that everyone is having fun. Her confidence in her teammates fuels them to perform and creates an environment of support that carries over into competition. Nieman is an outstanding student-athlete at Stillwater High School and sets the example for other athletes to follow. For her commitment to the team and to her school, Lizzie Nieman is the Stillwater Leader of the Month.

When I say “good,” you say “neighbor.” Scott Leming Rhett Minson, Agent

1102 W 6th Ave 716 S Mill Pryor, OK 74361 Stillwater, OK 74074 Bus: 918-825-4000 Bus: 405-372-9206 rhett.minson.mdjt@statefarm.com scott@scottleming.com

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FEMALE ATHLETE OF

MONTH

THE

Katie Ray – Stillwater By Jordan Edwards

Katie Ray, a senior setter for the Stillwater High School volleyball team, does not only excel on the court with her athletic ability but with her character as well. She stands firm in believing that character is not only what you are known for, but also what you stand for. “One of the most important character traits to me is being genuine,” Ray said. “I strive everyday to be the same person to my friends and family that I am to a stranger on the street.” This goes to show one of many great characteristics that Ray shows in her everyday life. Good sportsmanship is a character trait that Ray holds close to her heart. “To me good sportsmanship is more important as an athlete than your overall ability,” Ray said. “There are a lot of times the scoreboard may show a win, but if a team doesn’t play fair or show respect to their fellow teammates, officials or the opposing team they don’t truly win.”

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As you can tell, Ray’s teammates mean a lot to her. “Each year the mix has been a little different,” Ray said. “But I have to say that the teammates I have this year are my favorites.” Stillwater volleyball has an extremely young team this year. Ray is one of four seniors but says that doesn’t matter. She said that her team this year feels like family. “Some I know better than others but as a whole we have a lot of fun and play some pretty good volleyball too” Ray said. Ray doesn’t only succeed in volleyball but within her school community as well. She is involved in FCA, BETA, National Honor Society, Best Buddies and plans to run track for Stillwater in the spring. She has committed to play volleyball at Oklahoma Baptist University and plans to study Psychology and Art.

A division of

Who's On Your Mt. Rushmore of Stillwater? By Rex Holt Mission impossible. This mission, courtesy of VYPE magazine, was to come up with a Mount Rushmore for Stillwater High School athletics, which has turned out some of the greatest sports heroes to come out of the state. I concentrated only those I personally covered in the newspaper and on the radio from 1976 through the present day. I also thinned the herd a little more by focusing on those who also made a mark on a national

Matt Holliday

level after leaving good ol’ SHS.

Chris Perry

Still mission impossible.

But here is Stillwater High’s Mount Rushmore, the best of the best.

in the first round by the Chicago White Sox (18th pick) and played four years in the major leagues and one-year in Japan.

MATT HOLLIDAY - The most popular Pioneer athlete ever, Holliday has been and still is a Major League Baseball superstar for 16 years. The currently injured St. Louis Cardinal outfielder/ first baseman and seven-time All-Star sports a career batting average over .300 and is closing in on 2000 hits (1993) and 300 home runs (294). But Holliday was more famous in high school as a record-setting quarterback, rated as one of the top three in the nation in 1997. He signed with Oklahoma State to play football and baseball, but instead inked a contract that June with the Rockies, who drafted him in the seventh round.

HONORABLE MENTION:

JACKIE SHIPP - This linebacker completely dominated the high school competition in the late seventies. At 6-4, 225-pounds, Shipp averaged some 20 tackles a game in his all-state campaign as a senior in 1979. Shipp went on the University of Oklahoma, where the two-time All-Big Eight selection and All-American still holds Sooner records of tackles in a game (23) and a season (189 in just 12 games). He was also a first-round National Football League draft pick (No. 14 overall) in 1984 and played six years in the pros for Miami and Oakland. He is currently defensive line coach at Missouri.

JOSH FIELDS - Right after Holliday left, Fields moved to town and took over right where he left off. The All-State QB had more than 5,400 yards passing and 50 touchdowns in his three years at SHS, while also punting and kicking. He went on to Oklahoma State where he broke all of coach Mike Gundy’s passing records with the Cowboys, while also turning in a .364 career batting average as a twotime All-Big 12 third baseman. After college he was drafted

CHRIS PERRY - Perry was one of very best running backs ever for the Pioneers, still prominent throughout the record books today. His toughness and desire earned him many gridiron accolades. But Perry may have been even tougher on the wrestling mat, where he was only the second four-time state champion ever for the Pioneers from 2006 to 2009. The nation’s top-ranked prep 189-pounder then went on to Oklahoma State, where he was a four-time All-Big 12 Conference champion, three-time all-American and two-time NCAA titlist (2013 and 2014).

Todd Chesbro: Celebrated footballer and wrestler (1984-87), Stillwater’s first four-time state wrestling champ, who went on to become a three-time All-American at OSU. Artie Smith: SHS football, basketball and track standout (1987-89), who went on to star at defensive end at Louisiana Tech and six years in the National Football League.

Jackie Shipp

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Perkins-Tryon Softball The No. 2 team in Oklahoma has their eye on the prize, but continues to focus on the little things that has carried them this far. New head coach David Griffin has the Lady Demons playing inspired softball. The team has played some incredible games in the regular season and now they are turning their attention to a possible trip to the state tournament.

The Lady Demons lost four regular season games and only one of those came at the hands of a team from Class 3A, Jones and was only by one run. But they do have wins over teams like Class 6A

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Edmond Memorial (twice) and a 12-0 win at Class 5A Guthrie. The list of Class 4A wins is simply too long to list. They have outscored opponents this season 305-63 in the regular season for an amazing amount of offensive output. Right fielder and the two-hole hitter Tatum Swink said the difference this season has been coach Griffin. “Something that really brought us together this season is our new coach, Coach Griffin. He has brought us together as a family and most of all a team,” Swink said. While the fans love the scoring it’s the

defense that sets this team apart. This season they have recorded 16 shutouts. To say the defense is strong might be an understatement. From the circle to the outfield the Lady Demons can cover a lot of ground and know what to do with the ball.

“We have had a very good season, but we have a lot to go. The team is feeling very excited and we’re just trying not to look past these next few games. This season has been very fun! We have came together as a team more with a little help from coach Griffin,” said Bailey Wamsley.

PerkinsTryon FFA Student of the Month

Chance Carpenter

Senior Chance Carpenter is a four-year veteran of FFA and is serving as Chapter Vice President at PerkinsTryon High School. Encouraged by his father to join the FFA, Carpenter currently shows hogs and is involved in other activities including the National Honor Society. “My Dad has encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and accomplish every task to the best of my ability,” Carpenter said. And that includes being a member of the wrestling team. During his time in FFA Carpenter has earned his share of honors. “My awards include eighth place individual at the 2015 Oklahoma State FFA land judging contest and I was on the 3rd place team at the 2016 Oklahoma State FFA Dairy judging contest,” said Carpenter. For Carpenter being a member of the FFA at Perkins is more than just an opportunity to show animals. For Carpenter it’s a chance to meet people and explore possible career paths. “Being able to meet incredible people, explore possible career opportunities, and learn more about agriculture, said Carpenter. After graduation Carpenter plans to attend college and focus on studies in agriculture. “I plan to attend school at Oklahoma State University and study Agribusiness,”

said Carpenter. And he offers this advice to students interested in joining the FFA. “Go for it! You will learn amazing things, have tons of fun, and possibly discover what you might want to pursue for a career.”

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Citizens Bank Athlete of the Month Allie Kesner - Cleveland Senior shortstop Allie Kesner is the Cleveland Athlete of the Month. Allie Kesner is a member of the varsity fastpitch softball team at Cleveland High School. The senior has helped the Lady Tigers to a 23-5 record through September and is one of the go-to hitters at the plate. Head coach Mike Allen said Kesner was hitting .502 with two homeruns this season.

“Allie leads our team in a great way. She is a highly intense player and brings the right attitude to the field every day. She is clutch at the plate and on defense in the late innings and she keeps us rolling,” coach Allen said. Her love for the game drives her to work hard and contribute to the overall success of the team.

“I love the game and want to impact every play. My coach is passionate and that’s contagious. Good leadership and dedication from top to bottom create successful teams. I love my softball sisters and would do anything for them,” Kesner said. Whether in the classroom or on the diamond Kesner is committed to making the most of her opportunities. She has committed to Labette Community College in Parsons, KS where she will continue her education and softball career for the Lady Cardinals. For her commitment to her team and Cleveland High School, Allie Kesner is the Cleveland Athlete of the Month.

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IEC Character Counts Athlete: Jaren Ward team this year as a senior after running a 5k this summer and wanting to improve upon his time of around 19:30. Ward is a member of the basketball and golf teams in addition to cross country. A four-year member of the basketball and golf teams, Ward received high praise from head boy’s basketball coach Daniel Brimmer about Jaren’s character. A three-sport student-athlete at Cleveland, Jaren Ward is a senior that shows character does count! Jaren joined the cross country

“Jaren is an awesome kid to be around whether on the court or on the golf course. He is the ultimate selfless player that wants what’s best for the team. I don’t have to worry about what Jaren is

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doing when I’m not around, he’s going to be doing what’s right, he’s going to be on time and give maximum effort every single day. His parents have done a tremendous job raising this young man,” said Brimmer.

Ward is a member of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Student Council and FISH (a lunchtime bible study group). He is also a member of FCCLA and the Mayberry Foundation. Jaren plans to attend college following his graduation from Cleveland and pursue an engineering degree.

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Davenport Football Q&A 10 MINUTES WITH DAVENPORT HEAD COACH JOHN GREENFIELD VYPE: Coach, both sides of the ball are playing very well and you’re off to a great start. What’s been a key for you on offense and who has been a difference maker of defense? Greenfield: The key to our offense has been the improvement of our freshmen guards, Jackson Walker and Wyatt Cross, and our sophomore quarterback Stevie Orr. They are improving by leaps and bounds. Our defense returned five starters from last year and they have picked up right where we left off last year. Dalton Nicol and Cade Harelson at defensive end and Noah Nickel and Jordan West at corners. Mason Walker also returned at linebacker. VYPE: With a smaller district the three game stretch in October has certain

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playoff implications. What are your thoughts on those three games with two of those being on the road? Greenfield: Right now Depew is our biggest threat and we have them at home. South Coffeyville lost several starters and is rebuilding, Oaks does return a few starters and has a quality win over Keota. I’m not sure about Prue coming up from Class C. But we should have a chance to win the district if we stay healthy. VYPE: Do you like the smaller district with only three district games? Greenfield: I don’t care for the smaller districts, it adds a week to the playoffs

and makes scheduling very difficult. It wasn’t hard to find one game, but it was very difficult to find six opponents to fill our schedule.

VYPE: What’s the support been like this season for Davenport football? Greenfield: The support of our football team has been tremendous. This is my 13th year to coach the team and the support each year is beyond belief. Our community follows us and provides for our team. All I have to do is ask and the help and support is there for us. Most of the time, I don’t even have to ask.

Your

www

Chandler Cheerleading

CHANDLER CHEER PLACES TOP 5 AT STATE Chandler Lady Lions took their talents to Gallagher-Iba Arena on the campus of Oklahoma State University to compete against the best cheer squads in the state.

The competition this season was fierce as squads from across Oklahoma converged on Stillwater to compete in seven different classifications. Chandler made it through regionals in Class 3A to compete against the top twelve teams in Oklahoma. Early favorites in Washington and Crossings Christian would perform after Chandler took the stage, giving the Chandler faithful an opportunity

to compare the routines. But Jones and Lincoln Christian were slated towards the end of the 3A competition.

Once all 12 teams had performed the anticipation filled Gallagher-Iba. Several teams had excellent performances including Jones, Keys, Crossings Christian, Washington, Heavener and Chandler. As the results were being read Keys placed fourth just nine points ahead of Chandler. Jones placed third and was visibly disappointed, while Crossings Christian was thrilled to take second. Washington ended up on top with a score of 254. The win marked their fourth cheer state title in four years. Overall the state competition was one of the best in recent memory. Small

Co-Ed was the tightest race as only 20 points separated 1st place and 5th place. Class 5A Carl Albert had the highest score of the day with an effort of 279 points. Class 5A also had the most participants with 18. Broken Arrow won their fifth Large Co-Ed title, while Edmond North won their third in a row in Class 6A and Tuttle won their third title in three years in Class 4A. ROSTER

Landry Major, Annie Williams, Shea Ready, Daion Reherman, Sarah Sigman, Jayden Solberg, Janelle Buholt, Bhrett Beall, Michaela Campbell, Kylee Rodriguez, Chelsey Summerlin, Morgan Tschoepe, Natalie Garver, Skylar Grassman, Star Noel, Val Morse, Brett Smith, Jaela Campbell, Kaleb Dawkins, Kylie Lambert, Abby LaNoue, Allie Walker HEAD COACH Cynthia Snider

ASST COACHES Randee Gray Inda Jo Conway

Your hometown Bank, Serving You 902 Manvel Ave, Chandler, OK 7483 (405) 258-1210 www.firstbankchandler.com OCTOBER 2016

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Who's On Your Mt. Rushmore of Cushing? BEN BLAIR Blair was a four-year basketball starter that led his team to a National Black High School Boys Championship in 1946 where he was selected an All-American and Tournament MVP helping lead his team to a four-year record of 180-8. Ben went on to study at Langton University, then known as Langston College. He was a Korean War Veteran of the United States Air Force. KELLY BURDEN

Burden was a four sport athlete competing in football, basketball, baseball and track. He earned All State football honors in 1955 and graduated in 1956 before attending the University of Tulsa where he played football as a fullback and linebacker before graduating in 1962. He began a professional boxing career, under the name Brian Kelly, compiling a record of 45-11 and faced Bob Foster for the Light-Heavyweight Championship of the World in 1971 in Oklahoma City. FRANK LEWIS

Lewis was an Oklahoma State wrestling champion in 1929 before heading to Oklahoma State where he compiled a 45-5 collegiate record. He finished second in the NCAA in 1934 before claiming an individual national championship in 1935 and was also named an All-American. He went undefeated

during the 1936 Olympic Trials and went 4-1 in the Berlin Olympic Games in 1936 to claim a gold medal, the lone wrestling gold medal for the U.S. in those games, at 158.5 pounds.

Ben Blair

BOBBY PEARCE

Pearce won three consecutive state championships from 1926-1928 with the Tigers before enrolling at Oklahoma State where he won a NCAA wrestling championship in 1931. Pearce twice earned AllAmerican honors while at Oklahoma State. He won the gold medal at the 1932 Olympic games in the Bantamweight division in Los Angeles. In 1981, Pearce was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame and in 2006 joined the Oklahoma State Hall of Honor. MODERN DAY BONUS PICK: GAGE STALLWORTH

Kelly Burden

A redshirt freshman at the University of Central Oklahoma on the Bronchos wrestling team Stallworth was a state runner-up as a freshman for the Tigers before claiming three-straight Class 4A wrestling titles. Stallworth was also an excellent football player at Cushing that rushed for over 4,000 yards and 80 touchdowns as a junior and senior. He was named Elite Warrior of the Year in the State of Oklahoma by the United States Marine Corps as a senior.

Frank Lewis Bobby Pearce

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OCTOBER 2016

Gage Stallworth

Dakota Norman - Cushing Tigers A two-year member of the cross country team, sophomore Dakota Norman holds a 4.0 grade point average. In addition to cross country Dakota is a member of the band, student council, gifted and talented program, academic team, Spanish club, and Student Led Ministries. Norman has been recognized by the Oklahoma Honor Society for his academic excellence. Cushing head cross country coach Casie Brannon had high praise for Dakota, “I believe excellence in the classroom is a great reflection of Dakota’s character and work ethic. I am proud to have him on our team and his example of academic achievement should serve as a model of excellence for our team.” Coda Hunt - Cushing Lady Tigers Coda Hunt is a senior first baseman for the Cushing Lady Tigers softball team during the fall that is also a four-year member of the girls basketball team. In addition to her own athletic exploits Hunt is a four-year manager for both the football and baseball teams at Cushing. Coda also is a member of the Stillwater Sting a traveling softball team within the area. She was named Tomorrow’s Leaders and also earned Principal’s Honor Roll recognition as she holds a 3.86 grade point average and is tenth out of 106 students in her graduating class. Following graduation from Cushing, Coda plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma to pursue a degree in accounting.

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OCTOBER 2016

Newkirk Freshman Fanfare Cushenbery: I constantly work harder because my team depends on me to pitch well.

Swope: The biggest adjustment I have had to make Jacee Swope & Shay Cushenbery is learning how to push myself past my limits because Newkirk’s Shay Cushenbery and Jacee being a shortstop and a freshman my Swope have played ball together since teammates expect the best of me. their 10U days. Today they’re on the varsity team as two freshmen looking to VYPE: Lets have some fun here. Who leave their mark on the Newkirk proalways has the dirtiest uniform? Who gram. is more superstitious? One thing we VYPE: What’s the experience been like for you two as freshmen playing on the varsity team?

Cushenbery: I’ve always played up since I was little. I have to admit I was nervous the first varsity game because I didn’t want to disappoint the team or the coaches. Swope: It hasn’t been easy being a freshman and playing with six seniors, but it has been fun and I have learned a lot from my upperclassman.

VYPE: Growing up was it something you talked about? What it would be like to play in high school? Swope: Well Shay’s dad has always been my coach outside of a few travel teams I have played for so I knew we would always get to play together.

Cushenbery: We started playing together in the 4th grade. We’ve played off and on, mostly on, since. It’s always been in the back of our minds that we are going to be in high school someday.

VYPE: What was the biggest adjustment for you if any at the varsity level?

should know about your teammate? Something you’re addicted to?

Swope: I would say I have the dirtiest uniform because I play shortstop. I am more superstitious. I always have to have gum and I have to bat with one batting glove. Shay is a very hard worker. She is always doing something to make herself better. I’m definitely addicted to my phone! (laughs)

Cushenbery: I’m not superstitious. Jacee has a different personality on the field versus off the field. I’m addicted to watching movies. If I could, I’d watch movies back to back to back. VYPE: Teammates make their own handshake. Do you two have your own handshake and how long did you practice it before you did it in a game?

Cushenbery: We slap gloves and high five in the pitchers circle before each inning and after strikeouts. Some more of Jacee’s superstitions. VYPE: Outside of softball what do each of you enjoy doing?

Swope: I enjoy just relaxing, hanging with

my friends, and just getting caught up on my sleep. Cushenbery: I enjoy my downtime and I enjoy watching movies with my family. I also take my bat and ball and go hit balls out in the pasture for the dogs to fetch.

VYPE: I know you’re only freshmen, but have you given any thought to life after high school? Would you want to keep this going into college? Swope: Yes, we would love to play ball together in college. We make a good team together. It’s like we can read each others mind when we make plays on the field. VYPE: What kind of career would you like to pursue?

Cushenbery: I want to be a Veterinarian and go to OSU.

Swope: I want to be a Physical Therapist so I can continue to travel with the sport I love and help the girls on my college team. VYPE: What is your favorite class and who is your favorite teacher? Cushenbery: We both love to be in our science class with Mr. Storm.

Swope: The way he teaches make the class fun and entertaining also makes it easier to learn.

VYPE: I’m always curious why player select a certain jersey number. What was your reason for selecting your number or did you even have a choice? Swope: I’ve had No.13 since my first jersey, but that number wasn’t available so I got the closest number available. Cushenbery: No.7 is Gods number. It’s also a lucky number and the traditional number for pitchers.

OCTOBER 2016

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NOC Tonkawa Soccer Story by Marcus Powell Photos by Marcus Powell

The Northern Oklahoma Lady Maverick soccer team is having a terrific season so far. Ranked third in the nation, Lady Mavs are coached by Dr. Juan de Dios Castillo. This is Coach Castillo’s first season as head coach of the Lady Mavs. Led by some talented returning sophomores and a host of talented freshmen, the Lady Mavs have some high expectations for this season. BreAnn Tolleson and Taylor Sargent are sophomore leaders on the NJCAA #3 ranked team in the nation. So far this season, the Lady Mavs have won a match over second-ranked Butler Commuity College and played fifth-ranked Tyler (TX) to a 1-1 tie. The Lady Mavs are currently undefeated.

Tolleson also received the NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence last season. She said, “I felt that the effort that I put into the long, restless nights of studying has paid off for my academic goals. I strive to be awarded this award again.” Tolleson stated that after graduating NOC, she plans to further her education and soccer career at a four-year institution. She is undecided where she will attend

BreAnn Tolleson

Taylor Sargent was eleventh in the nation Taylor Sargent last season in save precentage for goalies and has had several saves this season. Sargent received the NCCJA Academic Student-Athlete Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence last season. Sargent said, “It means a lot to me to have recieved the Academic Student-Athlete Pinnacle Award because it shows my hard work has paid off. I spent countless hours and long nights studying and doing homework to achieve this goal.” Sargent was one of 65 women soccer athletes to recived this award in the country last year. When asked how she expected to improve her game, she said, “I look to improve in the goal this year by hopefully increasing my rank. My biggest goal is to end games with a zero on the other team’s side of the scoreboard. I want to get as many shutouts as possible because if I am doing this, I am doing my job.” In regards to her future plans after graduating NOC, she said; “ I do plan on furthering my soccer career in the future by going to a four-year school and to play for my remaining two years of eligibility. No decisions have been made this far, though.” BreAnn Tolleson was an NJCAA All-American as a freshman last year and is currently second in the nation in goals scored this year. Tolleson said, “I felt very honored and accomplished that my peers and coaches felt that I was worthy of this honor. It was a milestone in my collegiate career that has propelled me to strive further this season and accomplish bigger things.” 24

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Though many expectations are placed on this soccer team, they are taking one game and one practice at a time. Taking every opponent seriously and not overlooking them is important. The playoffs are just around the corner and the Lady Mavs are ready to tackle this challenge. Of course, the main goal is to make it to nationals. This Lady Mavs team is more than capable of achieving this goal. Heart, dedication and hard work is what it will take to reach nationals.

OCTOBER 2016

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PoHi Volleyball/PoHi Football Picture This VYPE caught up with volleyball head coach Jaimee Miller to get her thoughts on the season and what the rankings mean to her and the team.

VYPE: Coach, looking at the rankings PoHi is No.14. How much do you pay attention to where you are in the rankings? Miller: We definitely keep our eyes on it. Being the first time in 6 years for Ponca to be on the board the girls tend to get a little excited about seeing their name rankedJ however we do not let the rankings guide us or determine how we play. No matter who the opponent, ranked or not, we want to come out as strong as possible.

VYPE: The squad has some nice wins over ranked opponents this season. What has been the biggest surprise

for you and what adjustments if any have you made to the lineup? Miller: I feel like Stillwater was the biggest win for us this season. (Always have to love that Ponca/ Stillwater rivalry). The girls were on fire and played outstanding! We have however hit somewhat of a slump since that match. There has been a few change up to the lineup, including bringing up some girls to help out with serve receive, and I am excited to see if it gets the fire going again. VYPE: Give me some names of players that have really stepped up this season. Miller: I feel like Kinzee Goodno has really been our big dog for this season. She always comes out looking for the kill and what ways she can make the ball better. Also, Emily Lawrence has stepped up to be a

positive point player, she works hard every day and comes out of every match making more positive points than errors! POHI FOOTBALL PICTURE THIS 1 – Quarterback Brice McDougal drops back looking for a receiver against Edmond Memorial.

2 – PoHi’s leading rusher Darrell Arita finds an opening against the Bulldogs. 3 – Trevor Howey eyes the kickoff team for Booker T. Washington.

4 – Leading receiver Daylan Hawkins goes low for the reception.

“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

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OCTOBER 2016

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Who's On Your Mt. Rushmore of Ponca City? Doug Blubaugh Won the 1953 Oklahoma state wrestling championship at 141 pounds before attending Oklahoma State where he was a three-time NCAA All-American from 1955-1957. Blubaugh won the 157-pound NCAA title as a senior in 1957. He also won two National AAU freestyle titles and earned gold at the Pan-American Games in Chicago in 1959. He won the freestyle gold medal at the 1960 Olympics in Rome at 160.5 pounds. Clint Sodowsky

A right-handed pitcher, Sodowsky was drafted in the ninth round of the 1991 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers and later debuted with the parent club on September 5, 1995. He spent five seasons in the major leagues with the Tigers, Pirates, Diamondbacks, and Cardinals. He finished his career in 1999 with a win-loss record of 8-14 with 118 strikeouts and a 6.17 ERA. Lou Clinton

The former major league right fielder was signed by the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 1955 and debuted on April 22, 1960 at the age of 22 and had three hits in five at-bats. Spent eight seasons playing for the Red Sox, Angels, Athletics, Indians and Yankees. Batted .247 with

65 home runs and 269 runs batted in with 112 doubles, 31 triples and 12 stolen bases before retiring in 1967. Shelby Wilson

Lost only three matches in his high school career all coming in the Oklahoma state tournament. He won three conference championships as a prep wrestler before claiming two Big Eightat titles at Oklahoma State. Two-time NCAA All-American and gold medal winner in the 147.5 division at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Modern Day Bonus Pick: Justin Roland

A 2004 graduate from PoHi, Roland was a four-year letterman on the football team and also earned All-District honors twice. He also competed on the Wildcat wrestling team where he was a part of two dual state championships and claimed an individual title as a senior. He began his collegiate career at NEO A&M earning All-American honors as a two-year starter before transferring to Kansas State where he was a oneyear starter and captain his senior year. Roland spent four years as a practice squad player in the NFL with the Texans, 49ers, Jaguars and Rams.

Clint Sodowsky

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OCTOBER 2016

Justin Roland

Doug Blubaugh & Shelby Wilson

“They are my teammates; it’s a brotherhood. All of us have each others back on and off the field,” Arita said.

As a player that has the skill set to play multiple positions, Arita knows the value in being someone the team can count on and look to for big plays. From running the ball to playing receiver, Arita has the ability to play where the team needs him the most. This season he could pass the 1,000-yard mark for rushing in his career and go over 500-yards receiving. It’s that type of character Arita shows on and off the field that makes him a great candidate for the Blake Shepard Award.

Blake Shepard Award Darrell Arita - Ponca City Darrell Arita is a varsity football player for Ponca City High School and head coach Josh Allen. As a senior on the team Arita has taken on a leadership role pushing himself and his teammates to always play hard and play for each other.

“It’s such an honor. I’ve been playing football ever since I was young and it’s always been something I’ve loved. So it means a lot that I’ve been recognized in this way,” Arita said.

Arita strives to be the best student athlete he can possibly be and consistently puts the team first. For his efforts on the field and being an outstanding teammate, Darrell Arita of Ponca City is the Blake Shepard Award winner.

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Phillips 66 is a proud sponsor of the Ponca City Area Character Counts Award.

Mitch Wilson Ponca City

Mitch Wilson is a senior starting outside linebacker for Ponca City High School, but Mitch is more than just a good football player. He’s been named the Character Counts Award winner for Ponca City. Through four games this season Wilson has 37 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks. Mitch’s Coach Josh Allen lauds him for his work ethic and dedication to the team and says it’s second to none. “He’s just extremely dedicated and hard working. Being successful and trying to be the best you can be means a lot to him. He listens to what coaches tell him especially in leadership and he’s taken it upon himself to be the leader,” Allen said. Mitch says when it comes to leadership he hopes that his effort and work ethic show his teammates how much he cares and how important the team is to him. “I try to lead by example, work hard and hopefully it rubs off on my teammates,” Wilson said, “I want to show that it’s important to work hard and that it means a lot.” Wilson has really shown his dedication and character over the last two summers during the Ponca City “Summer Pride” weightlifting and conditioning program. Mitch has been at 45 of the 48 sessions over the last two summers. Coach Allen is very complimentary of Mitch and why he thinks the team responds so well to him and his leadership. “He’s authentic, he’s genuine, nothing’s fake they respond to him because they know he really does care,” said Allen “his leadership whenever he’s vocal or leading by example, they know he believes it.” Mitch is also a defenseman for the Ponca City soccer team and is in the school orchestra as a viola player when he isn’t playing sports. After high school he wants to attend Oklahoma State where he plans to major in electrical engineering and he hopes his character will help him succeed in life as well. “It’s hard to succeed in sports or life without having a good character to build on,” Wilson said. Well said Mitch and that says a lot about his character.

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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OCTOBER 2016

Frontier Fall Sports Update FRONTIER BASEBALL The Mustangs started the fall baseball season with a roster consisting of five freshmen and two seniors. Youth was definitely on the minds of the fans, but the experience this team gained in fall ball will certainly translate to better play in the spring.

Head coach Justin Smith has a firm grasp on the difficulties in winning games while playing Class A baseball. The talent level is high and teams from Class A and B can certainly compete with the big boys. For coach Smith, having so many young athletes is a double-edged sword, but the Mustangs worked through it and found ways to win games. “We had a rough season, lost a lot of kids due to injuries and other conflicts so with two-thrids of the season left it was looking like the boys were ready to call it quits. But they showed a side I hadn’t seen out

of them and battled back for an amazing finish in my book. And as far as the spring goes, we’ll have some players back and I bet we’ll be a team no one wants to face,” Austin Sawyer said.

Wins over Agra, Olive, Butner, Lomega and Glencoe highlight the 2016 fall season. In the district tournament Frontier faced No.11 Dale and No.20 Ripley. Dale would go on to win the opener, but in the second game of the day the Mustangs fought to take it to extra innings. Unfortunately for Frontier it was Ripley coming out on top, 3-4. FRONTIER FASTPITCH SOFTBALL

Head coach Erron Kauk and the Lady Mustangs took their lumps this season, but the

girls spirits never wavered and their desire to continue to improve showed Class A why this club is on the rise. Coach Kauk steers clear of excuses when it comes to the 9-26 record this season, but if you look at their schedule the Lady Mustangs played one tough season. That tough schedule will pay dividends in the long run as the younger players on the team mature and the seasoned vets look forward to the slowpitch season in the spring of 2017. Big wins this season over 2A Tonkawa, 3A Newkirk and 3A Community Christian shows their development and talent level. Look for the Lady Mustangs to attack the slowpitch season with confidence.

OCTOBER 2016

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