VYPE North Oklahoma February 2013

Stillwater BBall Captains Corner

Pioneer Swimming

Mac Johnson

Kelsey Haseley

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Pregame A letter from Roscoe MiGliore

6 | Top Ten Lady Pioneers Rex Holt brings you another great article, but this time he puts years of knowledge to the test as he brings you the Top Ten Lady Pioneers of the 2000’s. Who made the list and who might surprise you? Find out here!.

10 | Pawnee Lady Black Bears VYPE checks in with head coach Jeff Tatum and the Lady Black Bears to find out how their season is going and what they expect to do in the second half.

Coach Tatum and the girls are working hard to realize that goal of a trip to the state tournament.

12 | Ponca City Swim Discipline and hard work have been two reasons the Wildcats have enjoyed success in the pool this year. Another reason may be swimmers like Kyle Barrick and Garrett Myers. Take a closer look at the Wildcats swim program.

14 | Bruins Take To The Pool With the state swim meet just around the corner the Bartlesville Bruins swim team is looking like a solid competitor this season. Find out who is making waves and what they expect to do at the state meet.

Swimming would seem to be a spring sport wouldn’t it?

This is our issue to show the swim teams a little love. These students work extremely hard. While taking my daughter to school the other day we gave one of the kids from the swim team a ride. I told him any day he needed a ride to let me know and we would be happy to pick him up on the way.

“Most mornings we practice at 5:30 am so I don’t think you want to be taking me to school.” 5:30 am! These students are dedicated.

It doesn’t matter the sport or how many games you are winning, these coaches and athletes are working hard to get better every day. At the gym, on the mat and in the pool they are developing great work habits that will pay off later in life.

We are proud to support them and highlight their accomplishments. Enjoy the magazine and thank our advertisers.

PS - A special thanks to photographer Tony Lehmer who does an amazing job with a lot of the photos from Bartlesville in this issue. We appreciate you Tony.

-Roscoe Migliore

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Publisher Austin Chadwick Partner/Editorial Director Brad Heath Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migliore Partner/Director of Operations Rod Coulter Senior Sales Executive Steve Marshall Partner Mark Rodgers Graphic Design Austin Chadwick

Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Lynn Jacobsen, Rex Holt, Tiffany Rogers, Joel Hahn 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

Next Issue...

The winter sports will be wrapping up the season and we will have all the information on state champions, All-VYPE and more.

Contact Information Website: 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.

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RCB Bank is proud to support our OCS football state champs and thrilled to offer great products and high-tech solutions.

We’ll provide you with a winning combination. Stop by and see us.

Bartlesville Bruins

Looking to state 30 locations and in Edmond at 909 W. Edmond Road www.RCBbank.com

The Bartlesville Bruins boys basketball team and head coach Tim Bart are currently ranked No.5 in Class 6A. The Bruins recorded big wins early in the season over Broken Arrow, Liberal, Kansas and Claremore before losing to Lawton and a talented NOAH team in overtime by three. Since then the Bruins are on a roll winning their last five games by total score of 368-246. Big wins at the Ardmore Holiday Festival over Dumas and Wichita Falls, Texas were big wins for the program. Several players are contributing including Jakob

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Hartsock who is averaging 19.7 ppg while Nick Shoemaker is averaging 15.9 ppg. Sophomore Antonio Castillo is accounting for 12.9 points and Quinton Smith is recording nearly three steals a game. Upcoming games with Ponca City, East Central and Broken Arrow could act as a springboard to the state tournament.

For their faith in each other and their play on the court, the Bartlesville boy’s basketball team is your RCB Bank Team of the Month!

Kendra Chinn Copan High School

How long have youbeen involved in FCA? Two years.

Who influenced you to join?

My basketball coach.

How has FCA made an impact in your life on the field and off the field?

Being a Christian is the most important part of my life. Being part of a Christian association has helped me to have a positive attitude not only on the court, but off the court as well.

How has your beliefs helped you as an athlete?

Being a strong Christian and having love and respect for the Lord has helped me to carry my beliefs in the court to be the best I can be, respect my coaches, and support my teammates.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It reminds me to turn to God when I am weak.

How have you used your beliefs or your association in FCA to help others or spread the word?

I have helped others the most by showing how the Lord’s light shines in my life. I’m supportive of not only my teammates, but classmates as well. I’m there for them with a positive attitude when they are down and need a Christian friend to lift them up.

Stillwater Basketball and Wrestling Claim tournament wins

Stillwater Boys Basketball - Ada Tournament Champions

Joe Smith - Stillwater - 132lbs.

Champion - Jenks Invitational 8

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Kaid Brock - Stillwater - 113lbs.

Champion - Jenks Invitational

Pioneer Top 10 Top Ten Lady Pioneers of the 2000’s

By Rex Holt

8 player on the list is four-year A good way to start an argument is star Austyn to come up with a Top 10 List for Iven. Iven anything, the best this or the best that should finish for music, movies, television, sports, seventh on the etc. Not all are going to agree with all-time scoring the opinion of whoever puts that list list, while she together. will probably The Top 10 category for this particular finish among edition of VYPE Magazine was to come the top five up with a list of the ten best Stillwater Lady Pioneers High School girl basketball players, not is career assists and in the top of all-time, but just those who have ten for steals played in the years beginning with a and minutes two (2000-2013). played. She also hopes to So, where do we begin? become head We begin with 2003-04 All-State coach Carl Treat’s third SHS All-State pick Erin Fairbanks at No. 10. She selection. was a hard-nosed guard for head Coach Treat’s first All-State choice was coach Rhonda Fields who still holds 2010-11 honoree Emma Gade, who the career assist lead at 246, while comes in at No. 7 on our list. Gade, she also logged 464 points and 133 currently playing basketball at Oral steals which left her at 14th and seventh place, respectively, in those career categories. A defensive stopper, Fairbanks is ninth all-time in minutes played in a career at 1,762.

At No. 9 there is Lauren Dickey, who closed out her brilliant career in Fields’ final season in Stillwater as a 2006-07 All-Stater. Dickey, whose dad in James Dickey is the current head coach at the University of Houston and a former Oklahoma State assistant, is high on the Lady Pioneers’ career chart for minutes played (10th), steals (10th), assists (15th) and total points (8th).

And although she won’t finish her career for a couple of months, the No.

At No. 6 on this list is Hallie Hutchens, a 2001-02 All-State pick was a dominant post player for coach Fields

Emma Gade At No. 6 on this list is Hallie Hutchens, a 2001-02 All-State pick was a dominant post player for coach Fields, just like her sister Shelby who only missed the cut for this honor roll by one year. Hallie is still ninth in career points (660) and seventh in minutes played (1,787), but defense and rebounding was her forte and her 620 rebounds remains the third best total ever.

Leslie Warner just snuck onto the list at No. 5 as her impressive career did not end until her All-State campaign in 2000-01. Warner is the fifth top scorer on the all-time Lady Pioneer chart, including a whopping 436 points as a junior, and is also fifth in minutes played as a four-year letterman. She finished sixth in career rebounding and assists and ninth in steals.

Roberts University in Tulsa, is SHS’s sixth top scorer all-time with 713 points and ninth top rebounder with 321. Gade also shows up on the career chart for assists (98), steals (78) and Coming in at No. 4 is Monica Gibbs, is eighth all-time in minutes played a 2005-06 All-State honoree, who (1,769). helped guide Stillwater to multiple FEBRUARY 2013

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1,355 points, is No. 3 on this list.

The 2004-05 All-Stater is tied with Warner for most points in a single game at SHS at 35, but she also logged 167 steals in her four-year career, the second-best total ever.

Gray, now Nataly Murray, went on to play at Oklahoma State and has even spent time in recent years as an SHS assistant coach.

LaNesha Middleton Class 6A state tournaments with her impressive athletic ability. Gibbs, who went on to star collegiately at TexasSan Antonio, is 12th among the alltime scorers but she excelled in every category as she wound up in the top ten for career rebounds (10th), assists (2nd) and steals (third).

Nataly Gray, who is still the Lady Pioneers’ all-time scoring leader with

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That brings us to No. 2, LaNesha Middleton, who just graduated a year ago holding Lady Pioneer records for most rebounds in a career (776), most rebounds in a season (270) and most points in a season (466). The 201112 All-State pick, whose father Steve is an assistant hoops coach at OSU, also finished third all-time in minutes played (2,289) and sixth in career steals (149). Middleton is currently playing basketball at Stephen F. Austin.

Coming at No. 1 is all-around great Destiny Brown, who along with Gibbs, helped SHS to three state tournament appearances in her

illustrious career as a four-year starter.

A 2004-05 All-State selection, Brown is second on the all-time points list behind Gray with 1,329, second in rebounds behind Middleton at 721, fourth in assists with 189, second in minutes played behind Gray at 2,745 and still holds the record for career steals with 196.

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Pioneer Round Table We sat down with Stillwater boys basketball players Carson Teel (CT), Brett Budke (BB) and Rico Thompson (RT).

What is your favorite thing about basketball?

CT: Playing the games. The feeling you have just playing the game you love while having the student section going crazy about everything is what makes it fun.

BB: Scoring simply

because it’s fun to do.

RT: Getting the chance to go to college for it. It would mean a lot for me to play in college.

What is the most memorable game you had this season or last season?

BB: Braydn Murrel just because he has a bull dog mentality. He is just tough.

RT: Braydn Murrell has been through a lot with getting hurt last year and finding his role on the team this year.

CT: Last year in Ada when we came back and won the Who is the smartest person on championship game on a buzzer beater. Our team never your team and why? game up and fought until the end.

CT: Brett Budke. He knows the game and has been around it all BB: Bixby this season, his life. He even helped coach last because we won at year when he was injured all year. the buzzer.

RT: My first game this year, realizing that this is my last first game at Stillwater High and my last chance to get to state.

Who is the toughest person on the team and why?

Brett Budke

aggressive and works the hardest on the team.

CT: Bradyn Murrell. He is the most

BB: Basketball wise, Rico Thompson because he has been in so many games he just knows what to look for.

RT: Caleb Watkins is like having another coach on the floor. He knows all the plays and where everyone needs to be.

Who is the most unselfish person on the team and why?

CT: Rico Thompson. He can easily go out and get 30 a game but passes up shots to give teammates even better shots.

BB: Basketball wise, Rico again because he passes up on a lot of

big reasons we win games.

me with life situations and how to be a better person along with a better student.

RT: Our bigs. Brett Budke and Jared Dickey do a great job of blocking out and they also have to deal with Coach D if the team is not rebounding well.

RT: I like all of my teachers. They all want me to be successful and not get off track. I am thankful for them all.

BB: Jared Dickey because he does all the tough stuff down low.

Who are some of the best young players on the team and why?

Rico Thompson

BB: Mr. Schutte because he teaches the class a lot and we have fun while doing it.

What is your favorite place to eat in town?

CT: Thai Cafe.

BB: Kyotos because it is different and delicious.

CT: Jordan Brown and Jake Green are the freshman on our team and they have the potential to do

“I like all of my teachers. They all want me to be successful and be get off track.

I am thankful for them all.”

-Rico Thompson shots to get other people the ball.

very big things for our program.

RT: I don’t want to sound cocky but I have always been a pass first BB: Jake Green and Jordan kind of player. Our coaches love Brown. Both freshman. Jake is assists. If you get 10 in a game very smart with basketball, and you get a prize.

Jordan is just a man child.

Which teammate never gets RT: Jake Green, Jordan Brown their name in the paper but and Rooster Smith are gonna be deserve a shout out and why? dangerous. Look out Class 6A! CT: Caleb Watkins, even though his stat sheet isn’t full of numbers, Who is your best teacher at school? Why? he does all the little things right for our team and he is one of the CT: Mr. Jason Carley. He helps

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Stillwater Swimming Races to State Pioneers up to challenge of state’s best swim teams

By Lynn Jacobsen Since 2000, Jenks, Union and Edmond North have dominated high school boys swimming.

In that time, Jenks has won 10 championships. Edmond North is next with back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006 while the Redskins are the defending 6A titlists.

Is this the year for someone to unseat the perennial stalwarts?

On paper, Stillwater has the depth to challenge, after finishing 10th at state a year ago.

But coach Kurt Goebel knows championships are won in the pool.

“We’re three deep at every event,” said Goebel, who is in his 25th year as head coach. “We don’t have a lot of boys with club (swimming) experience. How they react will be interesting.”

If the team’s dual over Union in early December is any indication,

“We’re three deep at every event.”

-Kurt Goebel Goebel might already have his answer. Stillwater blasted a depleted Union squad 194-92, winning all three relays and seven of 11 events overall. They also have victories over Jenks and Edmond North, Goebel said.

Among those Goebel is counting on are seniors Mac Johnson, Blake Payne, Jesse Ogle and Tommy Hall.

Johnson swims the 200 IM, 100 butterfly and the 100 freestyle.

Ogle and Hall compete in the 50 and 100 freestyle, and Payne in the 100 butterfly.

“I probably have 12-15 boys who have qualified for state,” Goebel said. “Where we are weak is in the breaststroke, so we will have to make up for it in the fly and free. This is a really fun group to

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Mac Johnson coach. They are a pretty unified swim team.

“We haven’t had any issues come up that you might think would with so many good swimmers. We’re so strong in the medleys, we could put together three teams. There’s so much competition in the pool. Pretty much we go with whoever is kicking out the best split.”

On the girls side, Goebel looks to Sydney Goad, a 50 free and 100 backstroke swimmer, and Kelsey Haseley, a 200 free and 100 free swimmer, for leadership on a young squad.

Cleveland Tigers Look To Continued Improvement in 2013 is averaging 11.6 points per game, 1.7 steals and 3.9 assists.

“We have been beat three times at the buzzer against Cushing, Berryhill, and Perkins. Including a tough overtime loss to Henryetta.

It’s frustrating, but we know we can play with a lot of people. I feel like our best basketball is ahead of us. The boys are working hard to get better everyday and fix some things. They are a great group that only knows, “won’t stop, can’t stop.” Hopefully we come out on the other end of a few of Derek Reeves these close games the 2nd half of the year and playoffs,” said coach Basketball season has brought Brimmer. some highs and lows, but head The girl’s road traveled this season coach Daniel Brimmer and the has been rocky, but they are boys have continued to work keeping a positive attitude as the hard and have shown some season wears on. Head coach Kayla improvements as the season Allen and the Lady Tigers scored begins to come to a close. Derek Reeves leads the Tigers in scoring a few significant victories this averaging 18.8 points per game to season beating the likes of Stuart, 42-20, Yale, 56-34 and Bristow, 44accompany his 7.1 rebounds per 32. A close contest against Bridge contest. Only a junior Reeves has Creek helped the girls gain some been the catalyst offensively for the Tigers, while senior Tyler Jones confidence despite the two-point

defeat.

The Lady Tigers will graduate six seniors this year, but return four sophomores who gain Lindsey Blackburn experience every time they take the court. Carley Stallard is one of those sophomores at guard. Seniors Lynnzey Johnson, Lindsey Blackburn, Kayley Eason, Victoria Butcher, Jordyn Roe and Jessica Woodrell will end their high schools careers with their final home game on February 12th against Dewey.

Lynnzey Johnson

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Seniors playing big role in Stroud’s success “Very seldom do teams play us man-toman. Blake gets double and triple-teamed a lot.”

Despite putting up big numbers, Gordon has slipped through the recruiting cracks – at least in basketball. In football, he is drawing a lot of attention.

Dustin Baade, a senior move-in from Lindsay, handles the majority of the point guard duties.

“He’s impressive in how he handles pressure,” Guerrero said. “He is able to create mismatches.”

Ryan McElvany Story By Lynn Jacobsen Photos By Curtis Allen

Could Stroud senior Blake Gordon be the best big man in Class 3A no one is talking about?

Gordon, a three-year starter, has made a believer out of Chandler coach Eddie Battershell.

“He is one of the best post players in our class,” Battershell said. “He is that good. He was really good last year in the playoffs. he’s the reason Stroud competed with Centennial and Kingfisher down to the wire. He’s quick with the ball. He anticipates well. He’s a good player.”

Against Chandler, Gordon recorded 20 points, 15 rebounds, eight blocked shots, five assists and three steals.

“One-on-one Blake is a good scorer,” Stroud head coach Silas Guerrero said.

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Ryan McElvany, a senior, is another threeyear starter for the Tigers. The team’s second-leading scorer behind Gordon, McElvany brings a slasher style to the guard spot while junior Justin Morris is more of a knockdown shooter from the perimeter, Guerrero said.

Through the team’s first 13 games, Stroud is 11-2 and has held opponents to 50 or fewer points in 12 games, including backto-back games in which they allowed 25 and 27.

“Our strength is our defense,” Guerrero

Silas Guerrero

Dalton Baade said. “In one of our two losses, we held (2A No. 1) Northeast to 37 points. They are one of the most athletic teams in the state and were averaging nearly 60 points a game.”

Guerrero said he would like to see a little more execution down the stretch as the Tigers prep for a deep playoff run.

“Not to take anything away from our kids, I honestly don’t know where we are with some of the big teams yet,” the coach said.

“Sometimes we tend to relax after getting big leads. I would like to see a little more crisp play, a little sharper play.”

Junior Bret Wood, contributes to Stroud’s success while balancing both Pre- Engineering at Central Tech with his extra-curricular high school activities.

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Lady Bears Eyeing Postseason

Head coach Jeff Tatum and the Lady Bears hope to hit their stride as the season begins to come to a close and teams are fighting to keep their playoffs hopes alive.

Everyone remembers the magical 2008/09 season when the girls and the boys of Pawnee won state titles.

And that magic isn’t too far-gone, but for the Lady Black Bears of 2012/13, hard work has replaced crossing fingers and lucky charms.

Head coach Jeff Tatum admits they started the season a little slower than what he would have wanted, but they are improving and he expects the wins to come. “We had a little bit of a slow start to our

year. Right now we are playing much better and still have room for improvement. Our girls work really hard in practice and in morning shoot-arounds and our chemistry is getting much better. I’m excited to get to the playoffs and see what our hard work will prove.”

The Lady Black Bears have enjoyed some success taking a 9-4 record into late January. With solid wins over Pawhuska, 70-42 and Newkirk, 47-32, the ladies have shown confidence in their shots and their play. “We have been ranked pretty low much of the year and are just now beginning to get some top 20 votes. Our girls have a lot of fight in

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them and they will do whatever it takes to win and that’s all you can ask for as coach,” said Tatum.

The schedule doesn’t get any easier with Woodland, Newkirk and Hominy in the first eight of February after playing in the Tonkawa tournament to close out January.

Two of those three games are on the road. Coach Tatum expressed how proud he is of the team and the progress they have made. Now the Lady Black Bears look to finish the season strong and possibly surprise some teams expecting to just show up and win. For more on the Pawnee Lady Black Bears go to www. pawnee.k12.ok.us.

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Ponca City Swimming Discipline, chemistry key to Ponca City swim success “I’m really looking forward to the relay race at state,” he said. “I joined swimming to stay in shape in offseason soccer, now I don’t play soccer at all.”

A team captain, Myers swims the first leg of the relay.

Discipline is a huge part of success for any athlete.

For a swimmer, it is a must, Ponca City seniors Kyle Barrick and Garrett Myers say. Both rise at 5:20 a.m. most mornings for practice.

“We have to be disciplined. You don’t want to eat complete junk during the day,” Barrick said. “You can’t load yourself down with a lot of fatty foods and we don’t drink pop during swim season. You have to be careful what you eat. Swimmers eat a lot, we just don’t eat a lot of junk.”

Myers has sworn off any soda even when not in season.

“I usually order water,” he said. “Some of my friends are like what? If I’m feeling crazy, I’ll order lemonade.

We burn a lot of calories in practice and meets. Soda sort of makes you sluggish.”

Another key component is chemistry.

While swimmers enjoy individual success, team is a big part of the

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equation, said head coach Amanda Potter.

Take the 200 freestyle relay team for example; Barrick and Myers have been swimming the relay together for years. They are joined this year by junior Garrett Batschelett and freshman Gage Barrick, Kyle’s younger brother. The own the second best time in state.

“They know how to read each other’s strokes in the pool,” Potter said. “They

“I joined swimming to stay in shape in offseason soccer, now I don’t play soccer at all.”

-Garrett Myers all have amazing chemistry.”

The Wildcats are 4-1 in dual meets and have finished sixth or better in each invitational this season.

Kyle Barrick also swims the 50 and 100 meter freestyle where he ranked sixth in the 50 and 11th in the 100. He admits he is somewhat superstitious before meets, something he picked up as a baseball player.

“I have the same routine,” he said, “from what I eat to how I jump in the pool. I won’t warm-up with a swim cap, but I wear one in competition.

When the race starts, my mind goes blank and I focus only on swimming.”

Myers swims the 50 free and 200 free, where he is ranked 5th and 9th, respectively.

“Swimming just seemed more like family than soccer,” he said. “All of us are really close, which is why the relay works.”

Sophomores Dillon Seals, Dalton Wells and Brock Wilson are getting their taste of varsity competition in relay events this year.

The girls 200 freestyle relay team of Kara Williams, Alexis Whiles, Rebekah Clinton and Mindy Barron have also qualified for state as has the 400 freestyle team of Samantha Wigley, Bryanna Young, Whiles and Williams.

Amanda Potter, in her fifth season as head coach of her alma mater, said interest is up following the Summer Olympics.

“We have a 11 new kids in the club program,” she said.

Potter also has involved her athletes in community service.

“We painted Willow Springs Softball Park, we’ve had food drives, we do spring clean-up in the community and we have shopped for underprivileged kids for Christmas,” said Potter a 1998 Ponca City graduate. “I think it’s important that the kids be involved.”

Garrett Myers

Running Wildcat

Sierra Gray takes family tradition in running and makes all-state two years. He has enrolled at Oklahoma State and will be a walk on for the cowboy track program this spring.

By Phil Turney, Voice of the Wildcats

She may be small in size but give her a few red bell peppers and Sierra Gray will show one of the biggest hearts in high school athletics.

Gray is Ponca City’s four time state cross country qualifier and red bell peppers are her favorite pre-meet meal. Gray concluded her senior year with a fourth place finish at the state meet and All State honors.

When asked about what she likes to power her up before a run Gray said “I like fruits and strawberries are my favorite, but for the big meets its all about red bell peppers, not green”. Whatever she eats, it works. Gray finished ninth at the Oklahoma Meet of Champions on the OSU campus in Stillwater and that qualified her for the prestigious Oklahoma/Arkansas cross country dual in Rogers, Arkansas. Gray finished sixth in that event.

Running is a family affair for the Grays. Her father Pat is a former track and football coach in Ponca City. Her two brothers, Lance and Shawn were both track and football standouts, with Lance competing in track and cross country at Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kansas the past

Sierra Gray was a multi sport standout through the ninth grade, but found herself making those difficult decisions entering high school. She said that it was totally her choice. “My parents always supported me and it just came down the fact that I loved to run.

That’s what I wanted to do. My dad was my biggest influence in sports once I decided to stick with track and cross country”. Gray was quick to point her mother Linda’s influence on her career. “She has always been there for me and

“It just came down the the fact that I loved to run. That’s what I wanted to do.”

-Sierra Gray

besides, she’s the best cook in the world. That helps when I’ve had a bad day.” Sierra mentioned one of mom’s world famous calzones as her favorite home cooked meals.

Sierra Gray is currently visiting several colleges and has not made up her mind where she will be going. She did state that wherever she ends up, she’ll compete in both cross country and track.

One of Sierra’s main interests is photography and she may study mass communication in college.

Always humble, Gray wanted to thank her cross country coach Kelly Chaney and the people of

Ponca City for their support the last four years. With dedication, a big heart and the support of her family, Sierra Gray has run herself into Ponca City cross country history, and of course, don’t forget about those red bell peppers.

Ponca City Wildcats Update Balanced scoring paying off for Ponca City Ponca City’s challenges this year are starting to be overcome, coach Alan Hibler said. This after Hibler’s son, Cole, went down with a knee injury. Doctors have since cleared the younger Hibler to play, which has provided a spark.

“Bringing Cole back seemed to help calm us down,” said coach Hibler.

“We have a lot of young kids getting playing time, which will help us next year for sure,” Winburn said. “Right now, we need some immediate help. Still, I’m very optimistic. We continue to get better. We’re very resilient.”

Wildcats gear up for regionals, state wrestling

Cole Hibler

In his absence, 6-foot-1 Jake Didlake moved post to point guard.

Christian.

In addition, Cole Nimmo, Robert Nanni, Jordan Shook and with the return of Hibler, each player is hovering around 10 points per game. Nimmo has four doubledoubles this season, giving the Wildcats a nice presence in the frontcourt.

Just as the Ponca City girls basketball team was starting to come together, injuries have forced the team to play several young players.

“Jake did an outstanding job at point guard,” coach Hibler said.

“We’ve got quite a few viable options on offense,” coach Hibler said. “Those four players have led us in scoring at different times throughout the season.”

Hibler said the biggest difference has been the extra practice time during the Holidays.

“The extra practice paid dividends with the football players,” said the coach. “We’ve been in every game since Christmas.”

Nanni scored the game-winning basket against Enid (Jan. 18), in a game Ponca City won 59-58.

Of the team’s nine losses, three have come by three points, including setbacks against 6A No. 8 Stillwater and 4A No. 3 Victory 22

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“I think we are headed in the right direction,” coach Hibler said.

Injuries taking toll on Lady Wildcats

While that bodes well for the future, coach Dwight Winburn’s squad could use a little help now.

“We’ve started to play well,” Winburn said. “Losing Leslie Wilson and Madison Peresko in the Ada Tournament set us a back a little. Both are capable rebounders.”

Senior combo player Kendall Dunn continues to be a force for opponents. Already, she has five 20-point games this season, including 20 versus Enid, Bartlesville and NOAH. “She’s had some real good outings,” Winburn said.

Cheyenne Hall has moved back to the point guard position with Wilson’s injury.

Ponca City coach Chris Walker points to a strong senior class that has guided the Class 6A 10th ranked Wildcats to a winning dual record this season. Ponca City enters the countdown to regionals with a 6-3 dual mark.

Brannon Hunt and Nick Hamilton each placed the Top 6 at the Kansas City Tournament, no easy feat given the talent at the tournament, Walker said.

Twins Cole and Caleb Burns are leading the way in the lighter weights after pulling to 120 and 113 pounds, respectively. Jakoda Bridges is making big strides at 220 pounds, Walker said.

“The kids have high expectations and are taking a lot of pride in our dual record,” Walker said. “I can’t speak enough about their character. Eleven of our 14 guys have only been wrestling a few years.”

With regionals and state looming, Walker likes how his team is competing in tournaments.

“We’ve had some inconsistency problems in duals but we are holding our own in tournaments.”

Newkirk Wrestling That Which I Can Do-I Must Do: Newkirk Wrestling

There are times when certain teams seem destined for something special. The 2012/13 Newkirk Tigers have that; whatever that is. Head coach Gene Bennett and the 18-1 Tigers take an “us against the world” attitude to the mat and it’s paying off. Big wins over No.4 in Class 4A Cascia Hall, 57-22 and Class 6A’s No.9 Ponca City, 70-6 are just two great wins on a long list of accomplishments this season.

After last season the Tigers had to refocus and get back to basics.

Hard work and a dedication to each other was first, then coach Bennett started putting the pieces of the puzzle together starting with replacing some

graduating seniors. “Last year was a building block for us as far as understanding what it takes.

We missed an opportunity and we did not like that feeling,” said coach Bennett. Injuries played a role in last year’s result and coach Bennett knew the team would need to battle out of it.

“Our returning state champion at heavyweight missed the year with a knee injury and we had to accept losing his 20 points at the tournament. It put us in a hole from the beginning, but we left points out on the mat that we should have scored. We’ve spent the year working to remedy that.”

Coach Bennett and the team returned to the mat with a

renewed focus. Brian Brown at 106 lbs, Briar Stopp at 113 lbs, Jacob Vap at 160 lbs and Chase Glen at 225 lbs are just a few of the guys that came into the room ready to work. “Ownership and focus. They have simply bought in to the idea of winning a state championship. It is no longer just a goal of mine and the few seniors, it is a team goal,” said Bennett. Also look for Justin Jones and Jared Schieber to continue to improve.

Brown and Erik Juanes both took top honors at the Tuttle Tournament, as did Vap who pinned Daniel Rowell of Cushing.

A second place finish at Tuttle and a third place finish at the Cushing Invitational behind wrestling powerhouses Collinsville and Perry, gives coach Bennett and idea as to where his team is at as the second half of the season gets well underway.

It’s always an uphill climb to knock off the Perry’s of the world, but coach Bennett and the boys are taking it one match at a time.

“We say a prayer together before we compete and sometimes at the end of some really hard workouts.

I think it says it best. I am only one--but I am someone--I cannot do everything--but I can do something--that which I can do--I must do--and by the grace of God-I will do.”

“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.

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North Oklahoma Update to start the second half of the season. At No.8 in Class 2A at 14-3 the Tonkawa girls are quietly working their way up the rankings. A win over Deer Creek-Lamont in overtime wasn’t the springboard head coach Joe Jacobs expected, but the girls did rally to pick up wins over Kiowa, Perry, Frontier and Yale. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work this group Marissa Goodman of young ladies. They respond to Frontier Girls Basketball coaching and work hard every day to improve. The girls have Head coach Clay Stephens and high expectations and work hard the Lady Mustangs are riding to put themselves in position to a 15-5 record into late January obtain these lofty goals,” said ranked No.2 in Class A, just a coach Jacobs. few points behind No.1 ranked The Tonkawa boys have worked Okarche. Recently during the their way to a No.12 ranking and Morrison Tournament the Lady could find themselves in the top Mustangs recorded three wins ten before the season comes to a over Tonkawa JV, Morrison close. Head coach Mike Deckman and Pawnee. The win over has the Buccaneers at 12-3 Pawnee redeemed an earlier ranked 12th in Class 2A. Wins loss to Pawnee in early January. over Afton, Southwest Covenant, A solid win over Woodland, Frontier and Yale are quality 70-62 and Class B ranked victories over good opponents.

Coyle, 60-39 set the team up Look for coach Deckman and the for a run after the Christmas Buccaneers to make a big push break. Jalissa Gum and Marissa at the end of the regular season Goodman are leading the way for the Mustangs. The remaining and take some momentum into post-season play. schedule for the Mustangs includes home games against Oklahoma Bible and Summit Christian (2A) with one road game against Pioneer on Feb. 4th. Okarche is the No.1 ranked team in Class A, but Frontier has the confidence and the players to take that No.1 spot. Should be a great tournament!

Tonkawa Basketball Ranked in the top ten, the Tonkawa girls are playing some of their best basketball

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Payden Day

Logan Simpson Blackwell Maroon Wrestling Dominant performances against Guthrie, 54-12 and Sperry, 5415 have turned some heads in the wrestling world. Against Guthrie the Maroons recorded seven pin wins, one major decision and one decision win over the Blujays. Baker, Galaviz, Simpson, Brown and Allen are a handful of wrestlers Blackwell is depending on for wins on the mat. The Maroons also took top honors at the Max Dipple Tournament at Weatherford High School. Dual State is scheduled for Feb. 9th at Cushing High School for Class 3A-4A, Claremore High School for Class 5A-6A. Wrestling State Tournament is set for Feb. 22-23rd at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds (Big House). For more on Blackwell Wrestling visit the school website at www.blackwell. k12.ok.us.

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Bruins Swimming Bruins gearing up for state tournament splash

With nine of 10 boys already qualified in multiple events for the Feb. 15-16 state tournament, first-year Bartlesville swim coach Jeff Allen is fine tuning his roster.

Allen brings an impressive resume as the Bruins head coach.

In 33 years of coaching, mostly in the northeast United States, Allen won 12 state championships in Connecticut.

He joined the Bartlesville coaching staff after moving to the state to head up the illustrious Phillips 66 Splash Club.

With several members of the high school team on the club squad, the transition has been smooth.

The Bruins are led by arguably one of the top swimmers in the state in senior Colton Kraus. His specialties are the 200 IM and

100 buttlerfly. Last season he finished second in the IM and won the 100 butterfly.

“We’re hoping he makes AllAmerican this year,” Allen said.

Kyle Ward, stepson of Allen, is a talented freshman, who is already making an impact.

“He is ranked in the top 20 in USA swimming,” Allen said.

GO bruins!

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“We’re hoping he (Kraus) makes All-American this year.”

-Jeff Allen “He’s a distance freestyler. “He’s the hardest worker on the team.”

Kyle’s older brother Alex, a junior, has qualified for the breaststroke and should be in the mix for a medal.

Aaron Stanek, another talented

Colton Kraus

freshman, will likely compete in the sprint freestyle and butterfly, said coach Allen.

Sophomores Mason McCauley and Thomas Downey both will compete in freestyle events with Downey swimming the distance events.

Thomas Talbot and Peyton Stambeck (freestyle) and Caleb Goodart (100 backstroke) have already qualified in their events.

Daniel Gutierrez is working toward qualification in the breaststroke.

The girls squad has just four swimmers so a team title is out of the question but each have a chance to medal, said Allen.

Grace Fodor, a junior, is considered one of the top in the backstroke in the state. Currently she ranks in the top three in both

Alex Ward the 50 and 100 backstroke.

Haley Downey also competes in the backstroke but could also swim IM or one of the distance races, Allen added.

Junior Hannah Steward has qualified for the backstroke and butterfly, two events she scored in last year at state. Freshman Avery Bennett has qualified in multiple events, including the freestyle.

“These four also swim the medley relay and free relay,” Allen said.

“They are ranked second in the state.”

Bruins Top 10

Top Ten Bruins of the All Time 21.1 ppg for the Wildcats as they appeared in another state Basketball in Bartlesville has a very tournament. rich tradition. When fans think of 8 Bobby Joe Green – Named to boy’s basketball in Bartlesville, the Oklahoma All-Decade Team in some names that come to mind 1955. are Tolin, Guery, Roventstine, Hartsock, Meese, and Martinovich.

7 Bob Pritchard – All-State in 1971, Bartlesville has claimed four played college ball at Oklahoma.

Oklahoma State Championships in boy’s basketball, the 1967 Class Pritchard led the Wildcats to three consecutive state tournaments 3A title and 5A titles in ‘89, ‘91, and ‘92. In 1967 College High won including a state runner up finish in 1969. the title before College High and Sooner High consolidated in the fall 6 Noah Hartsock – All-State in of 1982. Here’s my pick for the top 2006, Hartsock scored 1559 ten player of all-time in Bartlesville points, 587 rebounds and 196 basketball history. blocks over a three year career.

10 David Baker – All-State in 1955, The Bruins were 67-14 during the 5’11” guard averaged 18.3 ppg Hartsocks playing days and as a senior for College High and led finished as state runner up in 2005. the team to a state runner up finish Noah Hartsock played for BYU in college. in 1955.

5 Ron Johnson – All-State in 1989.

9 Jeff Wallingford – All-State in 1978, the 6’3” forward averaged

By David Crawford

1. Dallas Dobbs – The 6-foot point guard was All-State in 1952.

4 Rickey Jackson – All-State in 1973, played college ball at Centenary.

3 Scott Martin – All-State in 1968, Martin was part of the 1966-67 College High State Championship Team. Played college ball at Oklahoma.

2 Dee Ketchum – All-State in 1957, Ketchum was on the 1955

Noah Hartsock Regional Championship and State runner up team. Ketchum led the conference in scoring two years in a row in basketball and set a new conference record for scoring in 1957. Dee Ketchum played at the University of Kansas and was named Captain his senior year.

1. Dallas Dobbs – The 6-foot point guard was All-State in 1952. Dobbs averaged 24.4 ppg as a senior, scored 1005 points in 65 games and played college ball at Kansas University from 1953-56 and later for the Phillips 66ers.

Dallas Dobbs and Dee Ketchum are both recent inductees into the Bartlesville Sports Commission Hall of Fame, both being inducted in 2008 along with the 1967 College High Basketball Team.

The ‘67 Wildcats won state under coach Sid Burton.

Character Counts Athlete of the Month

ConocoPhillips is proud to highlight the great student-athletes who uphold the fabric of character on and off the field and court.

Calan Crowder Bartlesville High School

Calan Crowder is a senior at Bartlesville High School where he’s a multi-sport star for the Bruins. Crowder was recognized as one of the state top football players and his head coach, John McKee says, “Calan is an outstanding Whitney is awant four-year letter-winner young man. He is the kind of kid you would your own on the Enid swim team and has a partwith of some very special accomplishments. kid to be.” He finished his senior season ofbeen football Whitney‘s relay team won state and set school records in 1503 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.

After football the 200 and 400 freestyle. Whitney’s team repeated as season ended Crowder turned his focus to the champions herbasketball junior year in the 400 freestyle relay and team. Off to an 8-2 start and a No.9 she ranking in Class 6A,year’s team, which is competing is the captain of this Calan and the Bruins are working hard theinstate again to thismake February the state competition. Whitney accomplished plenty “Calan out of the pool as well, as a student tournament. Head coach Tim Bart said of Crowder, council rephigh her freshman and sophomore year. Whitney was is an outstanding young man that displays character junior class secretary last year and is involved with Freshman on a daily basis. Calan practices all the traits that comes Connection, an organization for mentoring freshman with having character, self-control, students. responsibility, respect,Whitney is the president of AET, In the community, punctuality and purpose.” Coach Bart continues,that “I have an organizations does community service every month. no doubt that Calan’s success in football Whitneyand has basketball been part of the Community Service Club, the YWCA, Special Olympics, has a direct correlation to his high character traits. ” Forand hisCircle of Friends. dedication to being a team player and someone his friends and family can count on, Calan Crowder of Bartlesville High School is this month’s Character Counts Athlete of the Month.

Same name.

Same values.

Local pride.

At ConocoPhillips, we’re building on our SPIRIT values – safety, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork – to create a company like no other. A company with global reach and strong ties to the local communities where we operate. With more than 1,500 employees in the community, ConocoPhillips is proud to call Bartlesville home.

As an industry leader exclusively focused on exploration and production, we are pioneering a new standard of excellence. But even as we embark on this new journey, the way we do business, our pride as a Bartlesville citizen – our spirit – is staying the same. It’s just a part of who we are.

© ConocoPhillips Company. 2012. All rights reserved.

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Bartlesville Lady Bruins Update

Lady Bruins win the Lady Bruin Oakley Chevy-Buick Holiday Classic beating Owasso 73-56 in the finals. The Lady Bruin are ranked #3 in 6A with big games against 5A #2 ranked East Central coming up.

All-Tournement Team Haliey Tucker Bartlesville Olivia Culver Bartlesville Faith Ihim Tulsa Memorial Dru Clark Owasso Taylor Koelsch Owasso MVP Paige Wilson Bartlesville

Bartlesville Lady Bruins statistical leaders: Scoring- Paige Wilson 20.4, Hailey Tucker 17.0, Olivia Culver 6.6, Sierra Crow 5.6 Rebounds- Hailey Tucker 6.5, Paige Wilson 5.0, Sierra Crow 3.9, Olivia Culver 3.7 Assist/ Turnover Ratio- Wilson/Tucker 2.4 to 1 FG%-Tucker 53% Wilson 46% 3PT FG%- Tucker 41% Wilson 40% FTs- Wilson 80%, Olivia Culver 80%, Tucker 74%

Bruins in Action: Strike a Pose

Tom Lehmer caught some great action for the Bartlesville Bruins. Check out these photos.

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North Oklahoma Update

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returning starters in the lineup and wasted little time finding more players to put on the court. But the season has had its ups and downs.

Going into late January the girls had one win over Cleveland High School.

Several close calls though Michael Sanders including a one point lose to Dewey Basketball Rejoice Christian.

With plenty Playing solid basketball with a to build on look for coach Papen record of 9-7, the Dewey boys and the Lady Bulldoggers to be a led by head coach Lance Knight younger team next season with are working their way into the tremendous upside. playoff race as the season gets Pawhuska Boys closer to tournament time.

Basketball Two big wins in the Oologah Tournament over Sequoyah Don’t let their 5-7 record fool Claremore and Catoosa helped you. The Huskies can play, they propel Dewey and gave them just need a couple of bounces the confidence to go on and their way. Head coach Monty beat Nowata, 53-46 and Dove Unruh and the boys are taking Science, 68-53. Coach Knight has on all challenges they face with the Bulldoggers playing strong a positive attitude and a focus defense as they search for a to get better. An overtime win more consistent offense. With over Newkirk, 55-54 and a good senior leadership at the point victory over Barnsdall, 42-35 guard position from Michael were solid wins early on. Tough Sanders, Dewey has a shot to defeats to Blackwell, Pawnee win every game they play. Look and Lincoln Christian were hard for a valiant effort from the boys losses to swallow, but coach as we get closer to punching Unruh turned them into lessons tickets for the state tournament. learned and the team moved forward. Big games still loom First year coach Jim Papen for the Huskies with two road came into the season with two VYPEOK.COM

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games to Perry and Caney Valley and two homes games against Blackwell and Hominy.

Nowata Basketball Head coach Wesley Hayes and the Nowata Ironmen and riding an 8-5 record into late January looking forward to the regional tournament and possibly a state tournament appearance. Wins over Adair, 58-54 and Chelsea, 66-44 were solid efforts and showed coach Hayes when they play good defense they can compete with a quality opponent. Those were followed up with wins against Salina, 71-52 and another victory over Chelsea, 66-63. The Ironmen did drop a game to Class 4A Inola, 52-76. Big games are on the horizon as they play host to Dewey on the 11th of February and Chelsea on the 12th.

A tough road schedule has really beat up the Nowata girls, but with a record of 4-8 they are still playing hard and believing they can make something happen late in the season. And they just might. Wins over Dewey, 37-29, Sperry, 37-35 and ChouteauMazie, 50-30 have served as rallying points for the girl’s.

Look for the February 8th game against Caney Valley to be a good one. Head coach Glen Hass has three good freshmen on the squad, but will graduate a handful of seniors after this season including Jordan Hill, Liza Brown and Kyandra Berry.

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We are proud to be a part of the Bartlesville community.

We are Phillips 66, and we’ve been part of the energy industry – and a proud citizen of Bartlesville – for more than 100 years. Today, as a leading downstream energy company, we remain committed to the community that we’ve called home all these years. We are intent on continually earning your trust

with the highest levels of safety and integrity. The more than 1,500 Phillips 66 employees who call Bartlesville home are a talented, dedicated group of people who go to work every day because we believe we can make life better through energy.

®

See what else is behind the shield, at www.phillips66.com.

Award-Winning Healthcare Is Closer Than You Think.

We Are Top Performers on Key Quality Measures TWO YEARS IN A ROW!

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 the more than 3,400 eligible accredited hospitals reporting accountability measure data to The Joint Commission, our hospital is one of only 620 hospitals to earn the Top Performer distinction for 2011.

This is the second year in a row Ponca City Medical Center has been recognized as a Top Performer.

Ponca City Medical Center is one of only 244 hospitals that achieved the distinction two years in a row.

Thank you for your support.

580-765-3321

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1900 N. 14th JSt. Ponca City, OK 74601 VYPEOK.COM U LY 2 0 1 1 |

2010 Pneu m Surgi onia cal C are

2011 Pneumonia Surgical Care