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Delivering
RESULTS
ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN
At Sylvan Learning, results matter. This report card is the last one you’ll have to worry about if you get started with Sylvan today. Act now to take control of this school year.
Sylvan Learning of Stillwater
405-742-6700
www.stillwatersylvan.com
SYLVANLEARNING.COM
10 | All-VYPE The VYPE team releases the North region’s All-VYPE teams for fastpitch softball and volleyball.
12 | Stillwater Q&A Stillwater’s Braxton Noble takes some time out to chat with the VYPE team.
21 | Morrison Milestone Morrison head football coach Cory Bales just won his 100th game. The long-time head coach looks back on some memories and the milestone here.
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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North OKlahoma All-VYPE Softball
Pitcher: Michaelanne Nelson – Frontier Neleigh Herring – Chandler Mariah Ewy – Perry Catcher: Jayce Grimm – Ponca City Halley Randolph – Stillwater Chianne Taylor – Perry
All-VYPE Volleyball
Jessica Denton – Stillwater Lauren Gattis – Stillwater Katie Ray – Stillwater Abby Bryan – Copan Morgan Woody – Copan Haley Proberts – Cleveland Abby Knittel – Ponca City Courtney Mullin – Ponca City Destiney Crowder – Ponca City Leslie Wilson – Ponca City
Infield: RayLee Conner – Woodland Emilee Baker – Ponca City Chastyn Spruill – Chandler Taylor Tuck – Stillwater
Leslie Wilson Ponca City
Outfield: Madson Peresko – Ponca City Ainsley Flewellen – Drumright Kaleigh Townley – Barnsdall Utility: Ariole O’Neal – Newkirk Carlie Roe – Glencoe Katie Lane – Chandler Jacey Bales – Morrison Makayla Patton – Perry Brittanee Knepper – Blackwell Morgan McGrew – Cushing Kayla Vasquez – Cushing Jordan Walton – Newkirk Alexis Hoang – Stillwater Thrystian Young – Frontier
Abby Knittel Ponca City
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Halley Randolph Stillwtaer
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.” Addy Evans is a senior at Stillwater High School where she runs cross country and track. Addy takes her academics very serious and spends countless hours in study. Before she started running cross country and track, she made the decision to learn the Japanese language taking six years of private lessons. Addy is a member of the National Honor Society and has an active role in the Young Democrats.
Addy overcame a spinal fracture that put her in a brace for three months, but that did not stop her from continuing to train. “Addy is one of the most disciplined people I know, and I include myself and other adults in this comparison as well as her peers,” said Addy’s mother Allyn. Addy is active in her community performing community service hours and volunteering for various events.
Addy Evans Stillwater High School
“Addy has her priorities straight. She takes care of her academics and will do whatever she can to not miss classes. She takes care of the details of her life, which makes being her parent a very easy job. Addy is respected by her teammates and the coaches as evidenced by being named team captain for the girl’s team. She is the spokesperson for the group, speaking at pep rallies and being interviewed on the local radio,” said Allyn. For her commitment to Stillwater High School, the girl’s cross country team and her community, Addy Evans is the Stillwater High School Character Counts Student of the Month.
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Stillwater Captains Q&A Pioneer senior Braxton Noble faces adversity head-on.
Stillwater quarterback Braxton Noble has faced some adversity this year, but has also enjoyed the success the team is having early in the season. We sat down with Braxton to get to know the Pioneer quarterback and what makes him tick.
VYPE: What is the best thing about being a Pioneer at Stillwater? Noble: How even though we have had two bad years, we have really bounced back and surprised a lot of people.
VYPE: Who is the funniest coach on the team? Noble: Coach Lucas is a pretty funny guy. He can always joke around to lighten the mood.
VYPE: Give us three names of players that have really stepped up their game this year. Noble: Quan Malveaux, Jace Brownlee, and Trey Carter.
VYPE: The team is looking good early on, what do you contribute all of the success too? Noble: Everyone has worked hard this year. We believe in each other and we play as a team. Everyone wants to do something special this year and make it a season we will never forget.
VYPE: Answer each question and elaborate. Big hit or score a touchdown? Noble: Playing quarterback I guess I have to say score a touchdown because it puts points on the scoreboard. VYPE: OU or OSU? Noble: I’m all OSU because my mom is an alum and OU fans are obnoxious.
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VYPE: Steak or chicken? Noble: If I have to pick I would say chicken, but it’s better to pay a little
Braxton Noble extra and get both at restaurants.
VYPE: Christmas or Thanksgiving? Noble: Christmas because football is still on and you get to see family and get presents! VYPE: Hunt or fish? Noble: Fish because it feels good to reel in the big one.
VYPE: If you were stranded on an island, name one person and one thing you would want with you? Noble: My mom because I love her more than anybody else and I would have my phone with me so I could tweet that I was stranded and be saved.
VYPE: Most memorable moment in your sporting life? Noble: My most memorable moment was beating Deer Creek this year.
VYPE: What do you hope to be doing in 20 years? Noble: I will probably be living the dream!
Karie Linsenmeyer is back home Photo by Clay Billman and Paul McEntire
Karie Linsenmeyer By Rex Holt The California native who found herself in Stillwater playing softball for Oklahoma State University and Sandy Fisher in the mid ‘90s quickly developed a deep appreciation for her new city. After two standout years with the Cowgirls, helping them to the Women’s College World Series in 1993 and then capping a successful 1994 campaign by earning All-America honors as a catcher and outfielder, Linsenmeyer went into coaching and landed her first job at Tulsa Union High School. But after one year there she was back in Stillwater as the head coach of the Lady Pioneers. The SHS program was struggling and had won only five games that season before Linsenmeyer took over and promptly led the Stillwater High softballers to 14 wins in the 1997 season. More winning would follow in 1998, 1999 and then in 2000 when the Lady Pioneers earned their first-ever berth in the Class 6A State Tournament. “I was young but I grew a lot as a person and a coach and that led me to
Tonkawa,’’ she says. “But even as I left wouldn’t have had the patience or the understanding. But now here I am and I knew someday we would be back in it’s done so much for me as a person, Stillwater. It had become home.’’ But it took 13 years at Northern Okla- and there’s no doubt he’s helped mold me as a coach.’’ homa College in Tonkawa before she And Linsenmeyer is going to put all would return. her experience to the test in trying to “We had some good years and some again turn around the Lady Pioneer bad ones, but I thought we built a softball program, which has again good program, for sure a more competitive one. But junior college is hard been in a down cycle, including an because you’re just constantly recruit- 8-18 record a year ago. Eleven of those losses were also by eight runs ing and Tonkawa is a hard sell,” Linor more. senmeyer said. “And in junior college you do everything… you’re the hitting “We got started earlier and I’ve cut coach, the pitching coach, the grounds back their schedule to one practice, about two hours per day,’’ she said. keeper, and I was also teaching a full “Some people around here have told load (12 hours per semester). me I’ve been too soft and not running “I left some friends and some great enough, but I’ve been doing this a memories there and there’s no doubt while and if we can’t get it done in two that I became a better coach. But I hours, then I shouldn’t be doing it. was worn out and the opportunity to “But these girls are focused and workreturn to Stillwater came at a great time. We love it here, it’s a great place ing hard, and they’re more athletic for the kids to grow up, and we have a and talented than I anticipated. It really surprised me. We’ll get what lot of family in the area. we need to get done and we still have “We feel like we’re back home and we time to put the pieces together to be couldn’t be more excited about that.’’ successful. I’m not going to make any Karie and here husband Lee have predictions about wins or whatever, three children: Kody (17), Kameron but I will tell you we will be ready and (15) and Kaylee (9). Kody, a specialwe will be competitive.’’ needs child, was a big reason for Welcome home. coming back and cutting back on the daily grind. “I wanted more time to spend with him and all my children, and this job should give me a little more time to be a mom,’’ added Linsenmeyer. “I couldn’t have handled a special needs kid in my 20s; I Photos by Jason Elmquist OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014
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Katie Ray
Stillwater High School How long have you been involved with FCA? Until eighth grade I had always gone to a private Christian school. I went to a club fair at the Junior High, before school started and saw the FCA table. At the table I saw people I go to church, others who were athletes I knew and they invited me to come to FCA. I’ve been an active part of FCA ever since that day.
How has FCA made an impact in your life on and off the field? FCA has given me a new perspective on my game. Like all athletes, I always want to do my best and be a part of winning a match with my team. As a Christian athlete, I’m thankful that God has given me the ability to play the game I love, to play with and be coached by other believers who also love the game. Sure, I can work hard, take extra lessons, practice on my own, but I can only do so much to get better at my craft. God is the one who gives me the ability to do what I do, both on and off the court and it could change tomorrow. One of my teammates got injured last week, had to have surgery and will be out for three months. That experience has reminded me to be thankful for every day that I am healthy and get to play volleyball.
Off the court it’s made me into a better leader. I got the opportunity to serve as a freshman on the leadership team that planned and conducted each of our weekly meetings. The opportunity to be a part of the vision for the group that year has carried over into my sophomore year and I’m now helping to plan the weekly meetings now at the high school too. How have your beliefs helped you as an athlete? When a practice or a match is especially hard, or maybe I haven’t played as well, it would be easy to get down on myself or my team. FCA has taught me that regardless of a win or a loss on the scoreboard, I know I’m still a winner if I’ve done my best to honor God with the abilities He has given me and with sportsmanlike attitude toward my teammates, coaches and opponents.
What is your favorite Bible verse and why? Hebrews 12:1 - “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” This verse has become one of my life verses because it literally describes how we as believers should approach life. I have always been taught not to be conformed by the ways of the world and to show God’s glory through my life. The world tries to weigh us down and we’re also naturally sinners; but in Christ we have the endurance to run the race of life. His death on the cross means that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we already have the victory. 10
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Stillwater Softball Update Coach Karie Linsenmeyer led the Lady Pioneers to the Regional Final. Karie Linsenmeyer is starting to build up a reputation among Stillwater Lady Pioneers softball fans. In the late 1990’s, when many of her current players weren’t old enough to be in kindergarten Linsenmeyer helped turn around a Stillwater program that had won just five games in the season before her arrival. This season Linsenmeyer returned to Stillwater after spending the last 13 years as the head softball coach at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa and inherited a team that went 7-18 last year. Linsenmeyer wasted no time righting the ship this year though, as she led the Lady Pioneers to 20 wins in their first 30 games. Led by senior catcher Halley Randolph and dynamic freshmen Taylor Tuck and Alexis Hoang; the Lady Pioneers haven’t backed down from anybody. After a 1-2 start the Lady Pioneers reeled off 10 wins in 11 games to improve to 11-3 on the season. That record dropped to 14-8 midway through the season but Linsenmeyer kept the team on course and Stillwater quickly won six of their next eight games to improve to a very impressive 20-10. Among those 20 wins Stillwater had several highlights including wins over Owasso, Ponca City, Deer Creek and Edmond Santa Fe. After completing the regular season with a 20-11 overall record the Lady Pioneers went to the regional tournament where they advanced to the regional final but were eliminated by powerhouse Broken Arrow in a 3-2 loss. The Lady Pioneers’ 2-2 record at regionals pushed Stillwater’s final overall record to 22-13 and more importantly provided a glimpse into the very bright future of Stillwater softball.
Photos by Jason Elmquist
Photos by Clay Billman and Paul McEntire
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Cleveland Athletes of the Month Carley Stallard Carley Stallard does a little bit of everything at Cleveland High School. Last winter Stallard shined on the hardwood averaging 14.6 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game and a very solid 2.3 steals per game. Stallard continued to excel into the spring Carley Stallard as she competed on the Lady Tigers tennis team and qualified for the Class 4A state meet in the No. 2 singles division. This year as basketball season approaches Cleveland head girls basketball coach Kayla Allen once again is expecting big things from Stallard as the Lady Tigers attempt to improve on last season’s 8-13 overall record. For her efforts on the floor and her leadership ability off of it Carley Stallard is the Cleveland Female Athlete of the Month.
Member FDIC
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Tyler Myles Cleveland’s Tyler Myles has been a do-it-all type of player this year for the Tigers. As a receiver Myles has caught 25 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns over the team’s first five games of the year. Myles has also been a threat rushing the football with 110 yards Tyler Myles and one touchdown on 10 carries. Myles isn’t only an offensive weapon though. The senior has racked up 25 tackles through five games for an average of five stops per contest. Myles also serves as the team’s punter averaging 35.3 yards per punt helping Cleveland win the field position battle. For his efforts on the field Tyler Myles is the Cleveland Male Athlete of the Month.
NOC SOCCER
NOC Soccer Player Named NJCAA National Player of the Week “She put in three goals against Cowley College, and a goal and an assist against Hill College. Leah’s hard work, coachability and dedication all contribute to her weekly success,” Smith said.
Forget the glass slippers, this princess wears cleats. She’s the force behind an all-star team that delivers promise every game. Leah Gragg, a freshman forward for Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa, was awarded the National Junior College Athletic Association Women’s Division I Soccer Player of the Week for September 22-28.
Leah Gragg
Gragg, a native of Muskogee and a graduate from Hilldale High School, is excited about the high honor. “It is exciting and it’s a great privilege to be nominated,” Gragg said.
Northern’s Head Coach Joshua Smith nominated Gragg based on her weekly stats.
“Leah provides the team with a constant work rate and is a continual scoring threat up top,” Smith said. NJCAA bases its criteria for the National Player of the Week on the players overall performance and the strength of the opponent.
Her determination and control of the ball keep Gragg on top of her game.
“I feel like I have a good work ethic. My teammates know they can rely on me up top to be consistent,” Gragg said. Team Captain Rikke Randrup said Leah is quiet but dominates the field.
“Leah is one of those players who has grown stronger and better every time she steps onto the field,” Randrup said. “She never gives up, which encourages not only me but also the other players to keep going even when they are tired. Off the field she is quiet, but she is humble, which makes her an even better player.” As of today, Gragg is tied for 9th in the nation with 15 goals, tied for 8th in the nation with
37 points and 3rd in the nation with 65 shots. As the Lady Mavs finish out the season, they aspire to win the national tournament.
“Our hope is to win regionals and make it to the national tournament. Our team chemistry is great – we all work really well together which is what makes the team so successful,” Gragg said.
The Lady Mavs have had a few setbacks, having to forfeit games they won due to a clerical error. Despite the setback, the team continues to be a force to reckon with and are now back at #20 in the national rankings.
“Head Coach Joshua Smith has done an excellent job and is a tremendous asset to Northern Oklahoma College,” Northern’s Athletic Director Jeremy Hise said. “Josh established high expectations for his student-athletes both on the playing field and in the classroom. Leah and the other players have accepted the challenge of meeting those high expectations and are experiencing a tremendous amount of success as a result of that.” Gragg will graduate in 2016 with an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice.
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“We’ve Got Spirit” Area cheerleaders Ashton LaBlue from Blackwell, Ashley Langston from Tonkawa, Sarah Lusk from Newkirk and Jordan Scott from Ponca City took time out of their busy schedules to talk about their school, their squads and their plans after high school. VYPE: What has been your most memorable moment so far this year?
Lusk: The most memorable moment this year was getting to compete at Lloyd Noble Arena in the state competition.
Langston: My most memorable senior moment so far this year would have to be cheer camp. We all got so frustrated with each other, but at the end of the week we came together, had fun, and accomplished our goals as a squad. LaBlue: The most memorable moment this year for me was hearing my cheer squad’s name announced as state runner-up.
Scott: My most memorable moment this year would be earning the leadership award at Jeff and Craig Cheer Camp. VYPE: What makes your school better than all the others?
Lusk: I think our school is better than the others because we are like a family, we don’t have a lot of drama and always have fun with each other.
Langston: I love being raised in a small town where our teachers are our friends and family. My school always stays true to our hometown traditions and commitment to excellence.
LaBlue: My school is better than all of the other schools because they have strong traditions, tons of school spirit, caring teachers, the best athletes and the rowdiest student section. Scott: What I love about my school is the spirit and the strive to be better. “We Believe!”
VYPE: Which one is your favorite to perform at; a football game, a basketball game or during competition? Lusk: My favorite place to perform at is football games.
Langston: I love performing at our football games. Tonkawa is such a huge football town where everyone in town makes an effort to come support our boys. My parents have been taking me to watch our Buccaneers play since I was a baby and now I get the privilege and honor to cheer the team on from the side lines. LaBlue: I love competing but my favorite thing to cheer for is football. Our band always plays songs at the football games for us to perform to and our student section dresses up and acts rowdy to keep our football boys encouraged.
Sarah Lusk
Scott: As a 10 year competitive cheerleader, there is not one thing I enjoy more than going out onto the competition floor and showing everyone all of the hard work and dedication my squad and I put into the sport we love. VYPE: What are your plans after high
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school? Lusk: My plans after high school are to go to OU for 4 years then go to medical school at Baylor.
Langston: I plan on get my agriculture business degree and apply for law school.
LaBlue: I plan to attend Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa after high school to work on getting my degree in nursing. Scott: After high school I plan to attend Cowley County Community College to pursue my future in the medical field as a Respiratory Therapist. VYPE: What’s your favorite subject in school?
Lusk: My favorite subject in school is Chemistry. Langston: Agriculture.
LaBlue: My favorite subject in school is math.
Scott: Science is my favorite subject in high school. VYPE: Two things you will always have with you?
Lusk: Two things I’ll probably always have is my phone and Chapstick.
Langston: My class ring and my bible are the two things I will always have with me. They keep me grounded and remind me where I came from. LaBlue: Two things I will always have with
Cheerleading Q&A I can always turn to no matter what the situation is.
LaBlue: One person I can always count on is my mom. She has always encouraged and supported me. No matter what I need she is always there.
Jordon Scott me are my cell phone and gum.
Scott: Two things I will always have with me are my family and my dreams.
VYPE: Who is the funniest person on the cheer squad? Lusk: The funniest person on the cheer squad is probably Emily Smith because she is always sharing her colorful opinion of things. Langston: Desmond Deleon has to be the funniest person on my cheer squad. She always knows how to lighten the mood. LaBlue: Our squad this year doesn’t have just one funny person. I would say everyone on the squad has funny moments.
Scott: I can always count on my coach, Ashley Campbell. She has been there for me through thick and thin and has pushed me to be the person I am today. VYPE: First thing you do after graduation?
Lusk: First thing I would do after graduating would be to go to Greece. Langston: Enjoy a nice vacation with my best friends to celebrate where we have been and where we are going.
LaBlue: The first thing I will do after graduating is hug and take pictures with all my friends and family! Scott: After college, I plan to join the Trauma Team at OU Medical Center as a Respiratory Therapist.
VYPE: First person you text in the morning?
Scott: Alex Lunn would by far be the funniest girl on my cheer squad because she is full of humor and laughs.
Lusk: The first person I text in the morning is my best friend Amber Scott.
Lusk: One person I can always count on is my cheer coach Kim Wilson.
LaBlue: The first person I text in the morning is my best friend Hannah Morrill. We usually discuss what we are wearing for the day or what time we have practice.
VYPE: One person you can always count on?
Langston: My mother is the person I know
Langston: It depends on the morning, but most mornings I text my best friends Jayci and Pati.
Scott: The first person I text every morning is a couple good friends of mine, to tell them to have a good day.
promise! Enjoy Formal Wear provided the moments! by Marry Me Formal Have fun in high Wear in Ponca City school while you can, it goes by way to fast. Last but not least, get involved, take chances, and get out of your box; these are your last days to a live life of little responsibility! Don’t let judgmental people stop you from enjoying your senior year. These are some great memories you’ll be making, so make as many as you can. And always keep the traditions and the BUCCANEER spirit alive. LaBlue: If I could write a message to the student who will have my locker next year it would say: To the person who gets my locker I am passing down the best advice given to me to last year. Go out of your way to be kind and friendly to everyone, be involved with school activities as much as possible, and make tons of memories with your classmates this year! Scott: I would leave a note in my locker saying, “strive to be the best that you can be, only you can control what you do in life.”
VYPE: If you could write a message in your locker for another student to read next year, what would that message be? Lusk: “School may be hard, annoying and irritating. But admit it, you will miss it when it ends.”
Ashley Langston
Langston: Be confident and make friends! Take the time to talk to everyone in your grade; this could be the last year you ever see some of them. Step back and just breath! School is going to be stressful, especially senior year. But you have to teach yourself that sometimes you have to take a step back, everything is going to be aright, I
Ashton LaBlue OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014
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Po-Hi Football Q&A
Ponca City football players Logan Champlin and Adam Hoak take some time out to talk to the VYPE team. VYPE: What is the best thing about playing football at Ponca City?
VYPE: If you could have front row seats to any sporting event in the world what event would you want to see?
Champlin: For me the best thing about playing football at Ponca City is the team unity Logan Champlin we have. On and off the field we’re really close to one another.
Hoak: The best thing about playing football in Ponca City is how the whole city knows how the game went and is connected to Ponca City Athletics in some sort of way. Whether it was a child playing sports or knowing a good family friend that plays football, it’s all connected like a family. VYPE: What do you see yourself doing in 20 years? Champlin: In 20 years I plan on being radiologists with a nice family.
Hoak: I see myself in 20 years being a father helping to coach my child and support them in all of their sports. VYPE: What’s your favorite pregame meal?
Champlin: My favorite pregame meal is either spaghetti or lasagna, anything with a lot of carbs. Hoak: My favorite pregame meal would be my mom’s home-made meatloaf covered in mashed potatoes and cheese. AKA “Hoakloaf”
Champlin: I’d love to sit front row at an OKC thunder game. The athleticism of some of those guys amazes me.
Hoak: If I had front row seats to any sport event I would want to go to a Super Bowl game that the Kansas City Chiefs were playing in, or a World Series with the Kansas City Royals.
VYPE: If you could play any sport other than the one or ones you already do what sport would you want to play and why? Champlin: After watching the World Cup this summer I found a new respect for soccer players. It looks like a pretty fun sport to play.
Ford because he’s constantly watching film and working to get a step ahead of the completion. I personally think I could be one of the funniest guys on the team but we all have our moments of good laughs and jokes. There isn’t a clear decision for me on the most competitive guy, we all have the edge that pushes us to make us better than the other person. We’re guys and could argue about something for quite some time to be correct or win the argument.
Hoak: The sport I would like to participate in would be boxing. It’s a paced sport which is very tough, you have to stay on your toes and know when to strike or defend. I think it’s also a fair match because it’s just one person versus another. VYPE: Who is the hardest worker on the team? Who is the funniest guy on the team? Who is the most competitive guy on the team?
Champlin: To me those hardest worker on the team would have to be Adam Nicholas, he’s always striving to be better. The funniest guy on the team would probably be Cory Trotter, you never know what he’s up to. The most competitive I would say is Jesse Ford, he holds everybody accountable. He’s a great teammate to have.
Adam Hoak
Hoak: The hardest worker would be Jesse
“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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Abby Knittel - Ponca City Volleyball Ponca City sophomore volleyball player Abby Knittel has been a twoyear starter on the Po-Hi volleyball team, and she also plays on the Synergy Volleyball club team out of Sapulpa. Playing outside hitter for both teams, Knittel is a force at the net for both squads.
Volleyball isn’t the only thing that is important to Knittel, though. She also cares about being a strong student in the classroom. Carrying a 3.9 grade point average, Knittel also has completed and is currently taking several advanced placement courses. In her freshman year, Knittel took Pre-AP Geometry, AP Human Geography and Advanced English. Knittel also took her first ACT test at the end of her freshman year, scoring a 27. As a sophomore, Knittel has continued to challenge herself, taking Pre-AP Algebra II, AP U.S. History, Advanced English, Spanish II and Chemistry. For her efforts on the volleyball court and in the classroom, Abby Knittel is the Ponca City Academic Athlete of the Month.
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Phillips 66 is a proud sponsor of the Ponca City Area Character Counts Award.
Jaden Hawkins Ponca City High School
Jaden Hawkins has been a mainstay on the diamond for the Ponca City Lady Cats for quite awhile. A three-year starter at shortstop Hawkins has been a part of over 60 wins in her high school career. Hawkins also plays basketball for the Lady Cats along with being involved in FCA. After high school Hawkins says she plans to go to college and play softball while working to obtain
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-NOVEMBER 2014
her degree and later become an OBGYN. For her effort on the field and her leadership ability off it Jaden Hawkins is the Ponca City Character Counts Athlete of the Month.
Ponca City defensive end Jordan Kimbrell and inside linebacker Jesse Ford are the Farm Bureau Athletes of the Month. After four games, Ford is tied for the team lead in both tackles (37) and tackles for loss (seven). Kimbrell also has seven tackles for loss in those first four games,and he has added 24 tackles of his own. Kimbrell also has a half sack to his credit in the first four games.
The Wildcats’ two defensive stars also both played big roles in the team’s lone win of the season, an upset victory over Shawnee. The two combined for 13 total tackles and two tackles for loss in the win, Ponca’s first since Oct. 18 2012, when the Wildcats beat Booker T. Washington by a score of 26-23.
We Believe!!!
Wildcat Football!
OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU INSURANCE Darren Dyer - 1312 Princeton Ave. Ponca City, OK 74601 - 580-762-5497 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014
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Morrison Milestone Morrison head coach Corey Bales picks up win number 100.
Cory Bales has been a figure at Morrison High School for a long time. After graduating from Morrison in 1990, Bales attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. Following graduating from NWOSU, Bales went back to his hometown and became an assistant football coach in 1995. For the next 10 years, Bales would serve as an assistant coach for the tradition-rich program, including winning a state title in 2003.
Then in 2005 Bales was named the head coach for the Wildcats and didn’t skip a beat. The hometown boy promptly won four straight state championships, three in Class B then winning Class A in 2008, as Morrison made the move up to 11-man. During those first four years with Bales serving as head coach, Morrison rattled off 48 straight wins. Fast forward to this season and Bales is once again celebrating a milestone after picking up his 100th win as a head coach with a 46-12 district victory over Mounds. Bales said the win over Mounds was truly a great atmosphere to achieve the milestone with. “It was about the perfect game for something like that. We jumped out to a big lead and we were able to play all of the kids for a half,” Bales said. “It was nice too because a lot of former players were able to come back and we were able to relive the past a little bit talking about some big wins, some tough losses and some fun times.” When asked about some of his favorite memories of his time at Morrison, Bales struggled to narrow it down but did say that what he has enjoyed most hasn’t been all the wins
or the state titles; it’s seeing his former players and students become successful adults.
“More than anything when you look back and see the kids you have coached move on and be successful, that’s what is the most rewarding aspect of it,” Bales said.
Bales did acknowledge that this milestone will probably sink in more once the season is over, but he added that the expectations in Morrison haven’t changed at all.
what I think we can and reach our potential then I think we will all be able to sit back and say that it was a good year.”
“I think it probably will sink in more later but that was our first district game and it was an important win for us. What we are concerned about isn’t where we are but how we finish,” Bales said. “If we do
Cory Bales from 2009 in The Oklahoman OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014
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Presented By
Halie Shirley - Braman
Halie Shirley’s life revolves around three B’s: Beauty, Brains, and her hometown of Braman! Halie Shirley plays basketball for the Braman Lady Pirates basketball and softball teams and was also crowned 2014 Oklahoma Pre-Teen International Jr. Miss. Growing up in the country, Halie has a deep love of nature and outdoors activities. She enjoys camping, fishing, eating
deer steak, and swimming in area lakes and as well as going shooting with her papaw. With a love for riding her horses, Halie has participated in Barrel Racing and Mutton Busting at the Braman Youth Rodeo. Other activities include a Junior member of the Braman American Legion Auxiliary Post 259 where she helps with Post activities and hopes to attend Girls State one day. Halie participated in the Auxiliary Veteran’s Day Essay contest where her essay was sent to the Oklahoma State Convention and she placed 1st in the State in her age division. When asked who her hero is, Halie stated “My hero is God because he is always there for us, watching over all of us including the men and women fighting in the military
to keep us free!”
With all her activities and hobbies, Halie’s passion is being in pageants. Halie is a member of Pure N.R.G. Pageants and holds local as well as state titles. Halie is the Supreme Overall winner for the Celebrity Supreme “Heroes can be SUPER” Pageant. Halie was named 2014 Talent winner and the Natural PreTeen Supreme Queen at the Little Miss Oklahoma pageant. Halie won 2014 Face of Pure by Child Model Magazine. She is currently the 2014 Kay County Petite Miss Heart of the USA and went on to win the Oklahoma State Petite Heart of the USA. Halie puts in a lot of hard work “People think it is easy but it is a lot like playing sports, you have to practice and practice even when you are too tired to keep your eyes open.” When asked why Halie competes in Natural pageants she replied, “Because I don’t think anyone needs all that make up to be pretty and there is more to pageantry than just being pretty.”
“Mica was amazing, she took care of us as soon as we walked through the door. She is super fun, and made shopping for my dress relaxing and stress-free. I would definitely go back and purchase from her.” 413 N. 14th, Ponca City, OK +580 762 3866 info@marrymebridalboutique.com 22
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Pioneer Tech Athlete Baylee Jacobs – Tonkawa High School
Baylee Jacobs is a senior at Tonkawa High School, where she plays varsity basketball for the Lady Buccaneers. After moving to Tonkawa from South Haven, Kansas, Jacobs learned she could attend the Culinary Arts program at Pioneer Tech and still play basketball. She immediately decided she wanted to do both. “I have loved to cook ever since I was a little girl. I wanted to work on my culinary skills and I knew the culinary program could help me with that,” said Jacobs.
Finding a balance between sports, homework and attending class at Pioneer Tech has challenged Jacobs, but she has it figured out and is excited for her senior year.
“It takes a lot of focus and a lot of hard work. When I am not playing basketball, I am finishing homework. And when I don’t have homework I am practicing my
culinary skills. It’s like a never-ending cycle, but I enjoy it and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Everything I do I try to do it to the best of my ability because I know it will help me later in life,” Jacobs said. Jacobs said her time at Pioneer Tech has taught her a lot and given her skills she can take with her after high school.
You learn how a restaurant really works and all the hard work that goes into it.” After high school, Jacobs plans to play basketball in college and major in culinary arts and hopes to one day own her own restaurant and be the head chef.
“Pioneer Tech is an amazing school,” she said. “All the teachers are there to help you get into college or help you make your next move in life. They keep you on task and they try to apply what you are doing in class with real life situations. In the Culinary program you have the opportunity to work with other chefs after the school day has ended and you even work a banquet at the end of the year.
Pioneer Technology Center
Enhancing Lives / Securing Futures 2101 N. Ash • Ponca City, OK www.pioneertech.edu • 1.866.612.4782
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Proudly Supporting the Ponca City Community
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It might sound simplistic but it’s true. By focusing on quality care for patients and doing what’s right, we have received national recognition. The Joint Commission recognizes Ponca City Medical Center for achieving excellence in performance on its accountability measures during 2011 for Pneumonia and Surgical Care. So what does our being a top performer in using evidence-based care mean for you? Peace of mind in knowing that our local care is tops in the nation. Find out more at our website: www.poncamedcenter.com
Out of accredited measure d hospital i the Top P
This is th City Med recognize Ponca Ci one of on that achie two years
Thank your s
580-765-3321
poncamedcenter.com 1900 N. 14th St. Ponca City, OK 74601
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