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Winter North Oklahoma Basketball
Girls Player of the Year: Jaden Hobbs – Alva Coach of the Year: Eric Smith – Alva First Team Kenadey Grellner – Okarche Andi Pierce – Garber Bailey Brown – Chisholm Micayla Haynes – Guthrie Ali Clayborn – Thomas Maci Mendell – Lomega Second Team Sydney Gray – El Reno Lora Riley – Alva Hillary Hurst – Woodward Kate Sander – Cheyenne Alix Robinson – Cashion Sadie Mason – Fairview Jaden Hobbs Alva
Second Team Hayden Herrera – Thomas Colby Koontz – Pioneer Ryne Friesen – Arnett Vaughn Raney – Cashion Ty Richey – Woodward Carlos Rojo – Hennessey
Y 2011
Triston Cortez – Kingfisher Aria Mazroy – Piedmont Logan Chappell – Piedmont Jaxson Roney – Kingfisher Ethan Allen – Geary/Watonga Kurgan Cornwell – Guthrie Maddy Roney – Kingfisher Tyson Brown – Elk City Brady Smith – Kingfisher Kendell Johnson – Geary/Watonga Ross Shawnee – Geary/Watonga Francisco Lopez – Piedmont Haden Glasgow – Geary/Watonga Anthony Gonzalez – Enid Francisco Leyva – Geary/Watonga Daniel Lopez – Clinton Brody Largent – Piedmont Tanner Hawkins – Weatherford Ben Ervin – Weatherford
Boys Player of the Year: Chezden Nease - Thomas Coach of the Year: Jim Petree – Thomas First Team Chandler Bryer – Forgan Bryon Elledge – El Reno Dylan White – Oklahoma Bible Academy Trevor Johnson – Alva Logan Watkins – Cimarron Christian Wassana – El Reno
Ty Richey Woodward
Wrestling
Kendell Johnson Geary-Watonga
Alex Nelson Guthrie
Maddy Roney Kingfisher
Trinity Media Group, LLC 12330 E. 60th St. • Tulsa, OK 74146 All rights reserved. Publisher Austin Chadwick • Editorial Director Brad Heath • Director of Operations Rod Coulter Three Rivers Director Bill Huddleston • Editor at Large Kyle Kendrick • Associate Editor Cal Ross Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migloire • Sales Executive Gary Noske • Partner Mark Rodgers Contributing Writers Bill Huddleston, Brad Heath, Kyle Kendrick, Sarah James, Hailey Williams, Natascha Mercadante Contributing Photographers Christy Lindley, Holly Hackler, Brad Heath, Mark Emmons Photography, Erica Lee Photography, Jennifer Curliss, Vickie Tincher, Brett Rojo, Bill Huddleston Contact Information Website: www.VYPEOK.com • Phone: 918.495.1771 • Fax: 918.495.1787 VYPE is published monthly by Trinity Media Group, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited.
30 | Lady Boomers Soccer
8 | Ten Things
Woodward varsity soccer team and head coach Rachel Winter enter the 2015 season with high expectations.
Jay Hoberect gives you ten things to look for this spring in Northwest Oklahoma.
10 | Enid Girls Soccer Q&A
38 | Kingfisher Yellowjackets
VYPE sat down with Enid seniors Abigail Resendiz, Amina Switzer and Kamika Ralstin.
Kingfisher head coach Stan Blundell is excited to get this season underway. Join us as we go inside the numbers with the Kingfisher Yellowjackets.
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Plainsmen Will Rely on Pitching and Defense
team to peak at the right time. He also teaches his team that each game is different than the one before and the one after. Mayberry makes sure his players are focused on the present moment. In baseball, there isn’t much time to dwell on the past or be anxious “We rarely single out players as we about the future. “First, we want our young men have several capable of bumping to be solid citizens and recognize their numbers significantly,” the people who have given us the Mayberry said. opportunities we have,” Mayberry Mayberry has high expectations “We have tried to focus on for his baseball players. Not just on said. “Second, go to each game expecting to win and to peak at improving our team defense, the diamond, but as members of which coincides with improving society as well. Beyond improving playoff time. Third, each game carries its own personality; hitting our pitching,” Mayberry said. “One as a player, it is important to of our goals offensively is to better Mayberry that his players mature some games, pitching in others, hit in RBI situations.” and evolve into responsible young defense or base running in all. We hope to be better in all phases, so adults. Baseball is a tremendous Mayberry is into his third year at we compete no matter the type of the helm of the Enid Plainsmen. He outlet for young kids to learn game.” about the ups and downs of has quickly installed his system, Baseball season is beginning to and is getting his players adjusted life. That is the most important pick up the pace, and Mayberry message Mayberry sends to his accordingly. The Plainsmen have will continue to make sure his players. four full time starters returning team is consistently improving. and three part time starters On the diamond, he makes sure back. This gives Mayberry a solid his players are constantly focusing Keep an eye out for the Enid amount of depth to work with. on improving. Mayberry wants his Plainsmen as the season continues on. Both of his top catchers are back, The Enid Plainsmen have landed in one of the toughest districts in Class 6A. With powerhouses such as Broken Arrow, Bishop Kelley and Union on the schedule, the Plainsmen will have to be sharp on the defensive side. Pitching and defense go hand-in-hand, which means Enid’s pitchers will need to step up. On offense, coach Bill Mayberry wants his team to hit the ball better with runners in scoring position.
and his outfield has plenty of experience. However, Mayberry will need some of his younger, inexperienced players to come in and make an impact. The coach had a difficult time singling out one player he thought might have a breakout season.
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10 things to know for NWOK this spring By Jay Hoberecht
1. How will the Enid High School tennis program do under new head coach Carl Gaebler? After 40 years, 6 team state championships (5 girls, 1 boys) and 29 individual champions, Darrell Herndon has stepped down as head coach of the Enid High School tennis program. Former assistant Carl Gaebler will be the new head coach. Look for the Enid Pacers and Plainsmen to be back in the Class 6A state tennis tournament this spring. 2. Which Northwest Oklahoma area baseball team will make a return trip to the state tournament? The Pioneer Mustangs look to return to the Class A State Tournament. Pioneer has been six times in 14 years. Since 2003, every four year player has been to one state championship. With an experienced lineup, depth on the mound, the return of Colby Koontz and the leadership of head coach David Riesen, Pioneer may be in a position to win it.
3. The Woodward Boomers have a number of competitors in girls track, boys soccer and boy’s tennis. In girl’s 5A track, Devre Newby has qualified for three events and Drew Grunwald will return to run the 800 meters. She finished runner-up in that event last year. A senior dominated soccer team looks to make the state tournament. In tennis, seniors Kade Willams and Harrison Riley look to return to the state tennis tournament at No. 1 doubles. Jessalyn Freeman has a chance
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Pioneer Baseball in singles.
4. Will Kingfisher’s Mason Overstreet lead the Yellowjacket golf team to the Class 3A State Golf Tournament? Laverne transfer Mason Overstreet led Laverne to the Class 2A state championship last spring and he finished second individually. Overstreet, just a junior, has verbally committed to Arkansas. Kaden Jackson won the Class 3A state championship in the shot put as a freshman and sophomore, finished second last year in Class 4A and looks forward to his final shot at a third state championship this spring.
5. Will Chisholm’s Tyler Harmon and Jack Snodgrass return to the Class 4A State Tennis Tournament? Last year sophomores Tyler Harmon and Jack Snodgrass finished runner-up in Class 4A doubles. The two juniors are looking to return to the Class 4A state tennis tournament and win it this year.
6. Speaking of Chisholm…Longhorn sports are playing well and looking to make the Class 3A state baseball tournament. Chisholm athletics is surging back with the football team going deep in the playoffs and the Lady Longhorns basketball team bringing home a silver ball in Class 3A. Look for the Longhorn baseball team and golf team to be tough this spring. 7. Will Oklahoma Bible Academy spring sports continue to improve? Yes, according to Athletic Director
Mark Boyd. The girls relay team will be strong with one senior and three juniors. High jumper Dean White will make a return to the Class 3A state track meet. The Trojan baseball team continues to improve under Coach Boyd.
8. Will Hennessey pole-vaulter Keegan Dobbs make it back to the state tournament with the Eagles moving up to 3A? Senior Keegan Dobbs has placed the previous three years in the state pole vault competition. His personal best is 12’6”. Look for Dobbs to be at the 3A state championship.
Keegan Dobbs-Hennessey 9. Will Hennessey baseball get back to the baseball state semifinals? The Eagles move up to Class 3A but graduated only two players. Look for Hennessey to be in the playoff picture.
10. The Enid High School softball program is trying out slowpitch softball this spring with a club team. EHS softball coach Marsha Cusack and others will determine if they want to begin a slow-pitch softball team next season. It will be a great spring watching all the athletes competing. It is the busiest time of the year. The real fun is seeing who comes out of nowhere and wins a team or individual championship!
Medford Boys Track Team Has High Hopes The Cardinals have an experienced group and hope to bring home a wealth of hardware this season.
Small school track teams only get a chance to have experienced teams once in awhile. That time is now for the Medford boys team who will count on 11 upperclassmen, three seniors and eight juniors, to lead the team this season.
“Our three seniors should have a very good year this year. Robby Webb and Ben Schuster have a lot of track experience and have been on some state qualifying relay teams. I believe that they will be our foundation of some very competitive relays this year. They also have the capability to mix it up competitively in their individual events. Clay Caleb is off to a very good
start this year in the shot put, throwing more than 5 feet farther than his best last year, so we expect good things from him,” Medford head coach Sean Herbig said.
Adding to that group of talented seniors will be eight very athletic juniors led by Cayde Neumann, Ryan Banks, Johnny Garza. Several younger athletes such as Chandler Ogle, Joseph Jantzen, Matthew Yunker, Clay Dell and Will Wright will also all be expected to make contributions this year for the Cardinals. With so much talent and a great mix of leadership and state meet experience to go with athletic underclassmen it is
easy to see why Herbig has some big goals for his team this season.
“We are really trying to reestablish the track program at Medford. We are extremely fortunate in the fact that we have 21 boys out this season, and they have dedicated themselves to the program,” Herbig said. “Our girls team is small and young with one sophomore and three freshmen. They are our ‘Furious Four!’ Our goal is to go out and be competitive and improve at every meet and then qualify several athletes for the state meet.”
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VYPE caught up with Enid varsity soccer players Amina Switzer, Abby Resendiz and Kamika Ralstin to discuss the season, the team and who the best-dressed player on the team is this year. VYPE: What can we expect from Enid soccer this season?
Switzer: A game-winning attitude and a lot of heart. All players are striving to make coach Liddell proud during his last season with us.
Resendiz: You can expect a lot of surprises this season our girls have been working hard all of us are dedicated to the team and we are really looking forward to impressing a lot of people this season. Ralstin: We expect to do very well this season, and to continue to work hard and maintain our winning streak. After graduating 10 seniors last year, it was hard to come in with a whole new group of girls, however, our team has proved ourselves in our first 3 games of the season, & I think we be an a challenging opponent to every team we play. VYPE: What is the strength of the team?
Switzer: The strength of the team is coach Liddell’s philosophy, his attitude, and his sportsmanship. He is an honorable and competent coach who has always held our team together and helped nurture the friendships and connections that help us bond as a team on and off the field. Resendiz: The strength of the team is really our defense our center backs as well
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as our outstanding keeper have really stepped up this season.
Ralstin: The strength of our team is each other. A motto we go by in Enid Soccer is the strength of the wolf is the pack. Without everyone working hard and acting as a team on and off the field, we cannot expect to play our best. Everyone is an important asset to the team, and without everyone we would ultimately fail. VYPE: Do you have a routine on game day or any superstitions?
Switzer: Personally, I always listen to the same play list on the bus on the way to away games, and I always try to wear my hair the same way. My jersey number is a superstition to me, and I feel I perform my best in the number 13. Resendiz: Yes I have a routine with my forward. I always lick my fingers and wipe them on her head. Till now it’s worked for us every time to score. I also pray just before we go and play we pray as a team but I pray on my own. I also headbutt our back up goalie (laughs), not too hard. It’s special to the girls and kind of our assurance that everything is going to be okay. Ralstin: We have a team group message, and the night before games it is filled up with jokes, encouragement & enthusiasm for the next day. Before games we always pray, and thank God for the opportunity to play soccer.
VYPE: Tell us who on the team fits each description. Best dressed? Hardest worker? Funniest person? Makes it look
Switzer: Best dressed: Erin Leap. Hardest Worker: Camille Archer. Funniest Person: Kylie Vestal. Makes It Look Easy: Abigail Resendiz. Smartest Teammate: Camille Archer.
Resendiz: Best dressed: Madelyn Black, Hardest worker: Nicole Houston, Funniest person: Erin Leap, Makes It Look Easy: Arely Ramirez, Smartest Teammate: Camille Archer. Ralstin: Best Dressed: Erin Leap. Hardest worker: Maria Lerma. Funniest Person: Mariah Simmons. Makes It Look Easy: Kylee Vestle. Smartest Teammate: Camille Archer. VYPE: At your 20-year reunion what do you want people to say about the 2015 Enid girls soccer team?
Switzer: I would want people to say we were a team that became a family playing the game we love. Ultimately, soccer is a game, but it is more; it pushes us as a team to work hard and together, accepting differences. It stresses excellence, unity, and quality. I hope that this year’s squad is remembered as one that had great ability, sportsmanship, and pride in their program and their coach. As coach Liddell likes to set as the team goal for the year: “Expect Excellence.” Resendiz: I want them to say, “I’m proud to be a soccer Pacer.” Over the course of 15 hard years from coach Liddell it’s been a struggle getting Enid girls soccer on the map. Now we are making our mark. It’s exciting to see what the future holds for the program. It’s just the beginning for it and I know I’ll be proud when I come back for the reunion.
Ralstin: That we had a winning season, were hard workers with a passion for soccer. That we were a well-rounded team of individuals on and off the field who were successful in school, soccer and in our community.
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Sydney Davenport - Enid Golf Junior Sydney Davenport is a golfer for the Enid Pacers. Her dad got her started playing golf in seventh grade. She is a varsity starter at Enid, and is one of the best girls golfers at the school. Davenport said that balancing school and golf can sometimes be tough, but more often than not, she has an easy time balancing the two. “Depending on the golf and school schedule, sometimes yes,” Davenport said. “If they are backto-back tournaments and we have a test that day in class, somewhat yes, but other than that it’s not that tough.” Her favorite course to play is Meadowlake
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because it is her home course and she spends her time there each day. Tournaments are important to all golfers. It is an opportunity to put all the practice to the test. Some golfers enjoy them more than others. For Davenport, playing tournaments are important to her because it helps her grow as a golfer. “What I like the most about tournaments is just looking and getting experience from different players and courses,” Davenport said. “What I like the least is probably the pressure of it all. Sometimes I over-think and don’t do as well as I can as if I was just practicing.” After high school, Davenport plans to go to college on a sports scholarship. For all of her hard work to become a better golfer and student, Sydney Davenport is the Breast Cancer Female Athlete of the Month.
Enid SMILES
Oakwood Mall Athlete of the Month
Bailey Brown - Chisholm Basketball
Chisholm sophomore Bailey Brown burst onto the scene this year and averaged 13 points and six rebounds per game for the Lady Longhorns basketball team. More importantly as the team’s floor general Brown led Chisholm to a 17-5 regular season with their only losses coming to eventual Class 2A champion Alva, 2A state qualifier Fairview and Class 4A state qualifier Harrah.
Following the regular season Brown kicked things into high gear and helped the Lady Longhorns steamroll their way into the state tournament with four-straight wins. Finally in the state tournament Brown helped her team to wins over Vian and Washington to advance to the state finals. Unfortunately Chisholm saw their season come to a disappointing end in the title tilt losing to Sequoyah Tahlequah by a score of 55-38. For her efforts in the state tournament Brown was named to the all-tournament team and for her efforts in the entire month of March, Brown is the Enid Area Athlete of the Month.
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Character Counts Athlete of the Month We salute the student-athletes who make us proud on and off the field
Lizzy Shaffer – Ringwood High School Senior softball player Lizzy Shaffer is looking to cap off her senior year in style this spring by guiding Ringwood’s slow-pitch softball team to a run at a state title. Shaffer who plays left field in softball also plays basketball at Ringwood but has missed a good deal of time on the diamond especially during slowpitch season because of injuries. Despite those injuries Shaffer has still shown great character by continuing to be a good teammate from the dugout.
“It was really hard to sit out the last two years, but I focused on putting all of my energy into encouraging my teammates. From the bench I would yell and cheer throughout the game and give advice to the girls,” Shaffer said. “My teammates have always called me Mother Hen and even though I wasn’t on the field, I tried to continue being there for them like I always had been. For me you can still be a good teammate from the dugout.” Off the field Shaffer is also a member of National Honor Society, the BETA Club vice president, the FCCLA president, the FCA secretary and the first chair trombone player in the band. If that wasn’t enough Shaffer is also in the R Club and is a member of the Ringwood First Baptist youth group. For her efforts in athletics and in the community Lizzy Shaffer is the Enid Character Counts Athlete of the Month.
217 West Broadway Ave. ◆ P.O. Box 84 ◆ Enid, OK 73702 ◆ toddh@enidabstract.com Phone: 580.237.3136 ◆ Fax: 580.237.1948 Closing offiCe- Phone: 580.237.2244 ◆ Fax: 580.237.2255 APRIL 2015
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THE MAN BEHIND THE PROGRAM David Riesen and the Pioneer Mustangs
baseball from every team he coached in his office.
Coach Riesen was the 2005 Western Oklahoma Coaches Association Coach of the Year. In 2012 and 2014, Riesen was named the Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Association Region 1 Coach of the Year. He has been the All Northwest Oklahoma Coach of the Year four times.
The “man” behind the Pioneer baseball program is David Riesen.
To hear Riesen tell it though, there are a number of men and players behind the Mustang baseball program. To some extent, that’s right. Coach Riesen knows it takes good players and a good administration to be so successful. But make no mistake, Riesen has provided the vision, the leadership, and the energy to make Pioneer Mustang baseball one of the most successful programs in Oklahoma.
Riesen, 42, has been a part of Pioneer High School all of his life. His father, John D. Riesen, and his mother, Arvella, both taught school at Pioneer. David went to Pioneer schools and grew up helping on the farm and playing sports. He went to Duty Eby’s baseball camp two sessions each summer, and when he reached 14, he began coaching the 6 year olds. He fondly remembers trips with his Dad and brother to watch the 89ers play baseball at All Sports Stadium. When most kids were sliding down the grass hill along the left field foul line, David was in the stands learning how to keep score. He learned to love and respect the game. David played baseball at Pioneer for Tom Seng, played American Legion baseball, played at Redlands Junior College for Don Brown and played two years at Northwestern Oklahoma State University for Joe Phillips. David knew he wanted baseball in his life
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but he realized he was not going to be a pro baseball player and turned his attention to coaching the game he loved.
His first coaching opportunity after his stint with the 6-year olds at summer baseball camp was in American Legion AA baseball under Butch Lingenfelter. David was then hired to coach baseball at Pioneer in 2001.
In fourteen seasons, Riesen is 386-131, winning 74.66% of his games. Coach Riesen’s third year may have been the turning point for his program. After a successful first summer baseball program, the Mustangs made it to the state tournament. The Pioneer baseball team has gone to the state baseball championship six times in 14 seasons. The Pioneers went in 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. Since 2003, every four-year player at Pioneer has been to at least one state tournament.
Coach Riesen talked about the 2005 team being his first team to make it to the state tournament. The 2006 team was 36-1 and lost in the state semifinals. The 2010 team was a young ball club with five sophomores and may have provided Riesen’s biggest surprise in making the state tournament. Coach Riesen has a signed
The Mustangs’ home ballpark is the John D. Riesen Field, named after David and Tim’s father in 1991. John taught and coached everything but football at Pioneer from 1955 to 1994 plus he was the principal at Pioneer for ten years. David, Tim and others have put in countless hours of work improving the ballpark. During all the baseball wins, David and his younger brother and fellow coach Tim farm two quarters. David quickly says Tim is the farm guy and he only helps when he can. David met and fell in love with his wife Michelle in 2006. They have a son Maddux who just turned two and are expecting another child in June. The Riesen family lives just south of the high school. Coach Riesen knows that so many coaches have had a positive influence on his life and he is committed to passing that positive influence on to the players that have an opportunity to be part of the Pioneer Mustang baseball program. The man behind the program will get his 400th career win this season and make another run at the Class A State Baseball Championship. David Riesen can coach and he is one on the really good guys in high school sports! It is all just part of the program and the man behind the program.
Muncy Student Feature
Chisholm runner Austin Swann looks to put the competition in the rear-view mirror.
In 2014 Chisholm’s Austin Swann won the Class 3A 400-meter state title with a time of 49.44, just under four-tenths of a second in front of second place finisher Domonique James of Heritage Hall.
Defending the title he worked so hard to win last year is in the forefront of Swann’s mind this year. “Defending that title is my number one goal for this year. This year is going to be a fast year, lots of the kids from last year are returning, but I have some of the best coaching around,” Swann said. “My coaches’ training worked last year and I have no doubt that it will help me defend the title this year.”
That attitude and strong coaching have earned Swann a scholarship to run track at the DI level next year at Oklahoma State University, something Swann will tell you he has been working toward since elementary school when he first began running track.
Track is a tricky sport though and while you compete as an individual you are also part of a team and Swann also ran on the 4x400-meter relay and the 4x800-meter relay teams and last season helped the 4x800 team to a first place finish with a time off 8:05.26. The 4x400 team however was disqualified for a lane violation leaving Swann and the rest of his teammates with a bad taste in their mouth.
big things from the Longhorns this year as they try to improve on their fifth place finish as a team a year ago. “Our fans should expect our team to be in the top three and having a very good possibility to win the championship. Everyone has been working extremely hard and this year our team is determined to take home the gold,” Swann said.
Swann is not only setting big goals for himself as an individual this season but also for the relay teams he runs on.
“My personal goals for this year are 48 seconds in the 400, and 1:54 for the 800. My relay team goals are 3:25 for the 4x400 and under eight minutes in the 4x800. My teammates and I all know the relay goals will be tough but are very reachable,” Swann said. “Our coaches will give us the training we need to run those times and then from there on it’s all a mental game.” With those goals in mind Swann said that fans should expect
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Julia Yape - OBA Julia Yape of Oklahoma Bible Academy is the Spirit Express Cheerleader of the Month. Yape has cheered with Spirit Express since 2009 when she moved to Enid and has competed on one or two teams since joining. She was also part of the middle school team in 2012 and 2013 and the varsity team as a freshman in 2014. Yape enjoys being a cheerleader at OBA.
“We work together to energize the game and push the athletes to compete to their best abilities. I love being enthusiastic, getting both the players and crowd on their feet and excited,” said Yape. Before moving to Enid in 2008, Yape started working with a competitive cheer squad in Utah.
“I got excited to find a team when my family got assigned to Oklahoma. I started in Spirit Express tumbling classes right away and joined a competitive team. I knew when I met my new coaches, Josh and Missy, that they would be the ones to push me and make my dream of being an amazing tumbler and cheerleader a reality. When I first came to Oklahoma, I
could barely do a roundoff-backhandspring. They taught me techniques, spotted me on tumbling passes and didn’t let me give up on reaching the next level of tumbling. Now I can do combinations into backtucks. When I look back, I know I wouldn’t have come as far as I am without their encouragement. Their commitment to excellence has made me a better competitor as well.”
Yape offers this advice to future cheerleaders.
“Be prepared to work really hard and trust each other. By the end of a season, you will have struggled, laughed and had fun together because you trusted each other to get the job done in practice and on the competition floor. Spirit Express is a second family to me and I rely on them and we support each other no matter what!”
Focused on her future, Yape is ready to face any challenge with a positive attitude. “I’m a military child, so moving often is part of the challenge. My goal is to continue cheering straight through high school and into college whatever states my journey takes me through!”
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Northern Oklahoma College
Freshman Brooke Tate Overcomes To Lead Jets implant, she can hear and read lips well. It has been beneficial on our roads trips because it gets loud on the bus,” Roberts said. Mooreland high school graduate Tate’s success began at an early age. Her dad noticed her ability and strongly encouraged it.
“My dad coached my first team. I started pitching at 10 years old. I got lessons at 12. Almost every weekend or twice a week we would drive to Oklahoma City with pitching instructors. I ended up falling in love with it. He saw I had the patience for it,” Tate said. Currently, Tate is hitting at .364 average, 10 RBIs and 5 doubles.
It may not sparkle, but she guards this diamond with her life.
Brooke Tate, Northern Oklahoma College Enid’s freshman softball pitcher, commands the game from the mound. One advantage she has over other opponents? She doesn’t have to worry about jeering fans or players because she has a gift: she’s deaf. “I like being deaf; I can eavesdrop on people’s lips. It’s kind of an advantage. Being deaf gives me an edge that I can read lips,” Tate said.
Although the implant allows her to hear, she still has to rely on her other senses. “Being deaf has made me a visual person. I have to think ahead on the plays and decide what’s best. If I hear the calls from the players, it helps but I can’t always rely on that when it’s so loud on the field,” Tate said.
Jamie Roberts, Jets head softball coach, agrees. With the aid of a cochlear implant, Tate can hear at a level of 98 percent.
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“When we first signed her, I wasn’t sure how much sign language we as a team needed to learn. With the help of an VYPEOK.COM
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“She’s pitching one of the two games in a double header. And when she doesn’t pitch she’s first base. She’s a starter either way,” Roberts said. “When I signed her, she had a lot of success at Mooreland High School. I expected her to come in immediately in the circle and offensively.” Tate doesn’t just love softball, she lives it. “When she comes through the gate on the field she’s happy to be there. I
think her love and passion for the game is contagious. No one is going to say anything negative about practice because they know how much she loves it,” Roberts said. “She carries a lot of confidence on the field. She has an aura about her; she knows what she’s capable of doing. It’s not an arrogance, a good confident demeanor on the field. She knows she’s going to get the job done. There’s certain people they would want at the plate, and right now Brooke is on fire at the mound.” Tragedy struck this winter as Tate lost her mother suddenly. Although still grieving, she has been surrounded by her coaches and teammates.
“I was worried at semester. How is this going to affect her? Not all people grieve immediately. Is she going to still come out and play softball? Brook is so mature about it at all. She’s hasn’t missed a beat,” Roberts said. “She knows she has this angel in heaven watching over her. She’s not afraid to talk about the life her mom lived. She does feel comfortable with her support system and her dad and grandpa come to all the games.” Tate aspires to become an athletic trainer and physical therapist.
Haven Davis - Cherokee High School wanted to be a member of the FFA.
“I always thought it was a really neat organization and that I would one day like to be a part of it. It has been a family tradition for several generations. I have also started my Registered Angus herd,” said Davis. Currently Davis shows Steers and Horses and is looking forward to fair season.
Cherokee High School student Haven Davis is the Farm Credit of Enid FFA Spotlight Student of the Month.
Sophomore Haven Davis enters her third year in FFA at Cherokee High School. Davis grew up with her cousin showing in FFA and always knew she
“My favorite thing about being in FFA is the shows. Going to the Tulsa State Fair, Oklahoma State Fair and OYE, but it is also more then just going and showing. It’s seeing friends you wouldn’t see on a regular bases and also making friends that you will have for the rest of your life.” The FFA is an important part of everyday life for Davis, but she does find the time to participate in cross-country, basketball, cheer and track. Her list of accomplishments is
impressive and growing.
Her future plans include graduating high school and attending Oklahoma State University and majoring in Animal Science. Award & Accomplishments
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Chapter Star Green Hand Award Beef Production and Equine Science Proficiency Awards Current FFA Chapter Reporter 2012 Southwestern Regional Grand Champion Maine- Anjou 2013 Tulsa State Fair Champion Limousin 2014 Oklahoma Youth Expo Champion Simmental Cross Country 2A Girls State 3rd place team medalist Superintendent’s Honor Role Principal’s Honor Role Honor Society NCA All-American Cheerleader Donated my 2015 OYE Steer to the Regional Food Bank
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Autry Tech Student Athlete
Sara McCormick – Garber High School
Away from softball McCormick stays busy by taking classes at Autry Tech. Currently the senior is a part of the Early Care and Hospitality program at Autry but after high school she wants to attend Autry full time and complete their welding program.
Garber senior Sara McCormick is a standout softball player for the Lady Wolverines who enters this spring slow-pitch season coming off a junior season where she hit just 24
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When asked about Autry and if she would recommend the programs there to oter students McCormick responded with a simple one-word answer. “Absolutely!”
For her effort on the softball field under .400. After her production last and in her classes at Autry Tech year McCormick will be expected to Sara McCormick is the Autry Tech do even more for her team on the Athlete of the Month. diamond this year.
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Rick’s Pharmacy Presents
Teacher of the Month
Jim Coleman - Chisholm High School coached football, track and cross country, while also teaching Physics. Shane Dent, principal at Chisholm High School, spoke volumes about Mr. Coleman and his contributions to Chisholm.
Jim Coleman is entering his third year as a teacher and a coach at Chisholm High School. Coleman coaches cross country, and he teaches Forensic Science at Chisholm. He retired from Watonga in 2011, where he taught and coached for 31 years. He began his career at Watonga, where he
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“The kids respect Mr. Coleman’s depth of knowledge and his leadership,” Dent said. “We have many students that credit Mr. Coleman with helping them become better students, athletes and people.”
Coleman’s Forensic Science class is one of the most requested at Chisholm. This has more to do with the instructor than it does the material. Coleman got his degree at Oklahoma State University before he
moved on to Watonga. At Chisholm, he has built a cross country program that is one of the most competitive programs in Class 3A. Coleman knew he wanted to be a teacher long before he ever became one. He credits teachers he had in the past that inspired him to enjoy learning.
“I had several teachers who I respected and looked up to in school,” Coleman said. “Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Dunn, Mrs. Corey, Mrs. Fisher, Mr. Wiley and Mr. Myers had a passion for what they did and made learning important and enjoyable.” Coach Coleman enjoys seeing his students succeed when they set goals, whether that is success on the field or in the classroom. His students’ success is the driving force behind his career as a teacher.
For his hard work, dedication to his craft and dedication to his students, Jim Coleman is the Enid Area Teacher of the Month.
The Goldbugs are replacing a healthy amount of seniors but have some good young talent to build around. younger and less experienced this year. Meanwhile Gragg will be a utility roster. type player playing both in the infield and outfield during his junior season this year “We lost a lot seniors last and Garnett will only play in the outfield. year. Kolby Slater and Finally, Hadwiger, only a sophomore will Brandon Nesseralla both work as the team’s catcher and also toe the return for their senior year and we have some young and rubber at times for the Goldbugs.
Kolby Slater After going 19-18 last year in Class 3A with a veteran ball club, the Alva Goldbugs will drop back down to Class 2A with a much
very good players such as Noah Place, Brayden Gragg, Blake Garnett, Tevin Long, Brooks Hadwiger and Ethan swanson who all return with varsity experience,” Alva head coach Scott Baugh said.
Slater and Nesseralla will both play in the infield this year along with logging innings on the mound this year. Long, a junior, and Swanson, a sophomore, will also work in that same role of infielder and pitcher
Other key players this year will be sophomores Cameron Gaisford, Noah Place and Austin Shklar. Place, who played some varsity as a freshman last year, will be a very versatile player that will see time on the rubber, the outfield and the infield this year. Gaisford is a junior this year who has had a great summer according to Baugh and will play in the outfield for Alva. Rounding out the list of talented underclassmen is Shklar who moved in to Alva this year and will be yet another arm on the mound for Alva and also play some time in the infield this year.
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Whitney Randall - Alva Basketball Ever since her high school career began Whitney Randall has known nothing but what it’s like to be a state champion. As a freshman Randall was part of an Alva squad that won the Class 3A title with a win over Adair. This year Randall again helped her team to a state championship as Alva won the 2A championship with a dramatic win over Preston. Coming into the state tournament Randall was a microwave off the bench
averaging 10.8 points per game. In the three games at state the sophomore kept up her solid effort and averaged nine points per game to help Alva complete a perfect 30-0 season and hoist yet another gold ball. For her effort at state Randall was also named to the all-tournament team. Due to her amazing season and a very strong state tournament Whitney Randall is the Alva Athlete of the Month.
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The Lady Bugs made it back-to-back state championships at the Big House. During the regular season the Alva girls basketball team used a mix of potent offense and stifling defense to head into the playoffs 23-0. The Lady Bugs averaged 64.8 points per game during that period while holding opponents to 37.5 points per game. In the postseason Alva then steamrolled Pioneer in the district tournament by a score of 72-18 then crushed Afton 94-30 to advance to the regional final against Tonkawa. The Lady Bugs beat Tonkawa 65-43 to advance to the area tournament where they went on to beat Cashion by a score of 52-22. Finally at the state tournament Alva beat Quinton in the opening
round by a score of 65-28 and blew out Fairview 66-43 to advance to the state finals. In the title tilt Alva battled a hard-nosed Preston team, but in the end Alva once again came out on top with a 47-42 victory. Junior Jaden Hobbs, an Oklahoma State commit, led the Lady Bugs in scoring this year averaging
just under 20 points per game to go along with her seven assists per contests. Sophomore Whitney Randall also averaged double digits this year while seniors Bailey Forell, Nicole Ritter and Lora Riley were all key contributors.
Good Luck All Area Basketball Teams in 2015!
Jaden Hobbs APRIL 2015
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Woodward Girls Look for Best Season Yet Coach Ron Payne has plenty to be excited about heading into the golf season. For one, this is his first class of girl golfers who have spent all four years of their high school careers playing golf. “We have struggled for many years,” Payne said. “But the outlook for this year is bright.” Payne has a group of golfers who have worked tremendously hard to get to this point. Senior Katie Warnick, the leader of his group, has a great attitude on the course. She sets a solid example for the rest of her teammates to follow. She finished last season at the 100
mark, and this season, she should best that. Fellow senior Kyrstan Swindell is looking for her best season as well. She is trying to follow Warnick’s lead and break the 100 mark. Payne has a handful of juniors who will benefit from the leadership of his seniors. The experience from the season will help them out tremendously. Payne expects junior Matie Don Carlos to have a breakout season. He expects her to get her score below 100. Avery Rainey is in her second full season as a golfer, and each tournament should provide her with beneficial experience. Jordan Webb is experiencing her first full season
due to injuries, but coach Payne is expecting big things from her. Now that golf season is here, Payne has girls on the course working hard to lower those scores. As the season rolls on through the spring, keep an eye out for coach Payne’s Lady Boomers.
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The Lady Bearcats senior Kadee Kenny has already left a big imprint on her hometown. Kadee Kenny was an impact performer for the Mooreland Lady Bearcats her entire high school career. During her four years in a Mooreland jersey Kenny has been a star softball player both in fastpitch and slowpitch along with being an excellent basketball player.
passionate about completing. Kenny is also heavily involved in her church youth group along with all of her other activities. After high school Kenny plans to go to Oklahoma State University and major in Sports Management while continuing her softball career. When asked what she hopes younger athletes in Mooreland remember about her Kenny’s answer was simple.
“That I was determined to do anything and finish everything I started. That and the fact that I was always positive no matter what the situation was,” Kenny said.
“My goals are for us to win every single tournament we are in this year, including state,” Kenny said.
Kenny’s goals are even more important for her to achieve this year after she had to watch last year’s team make it to the state semifinals while she sat on the sidelines due to an ACL injury. Watching wasn’t something that was easy for Kenny but while she couldn’t get on the field she said she did try to help her team in other ways.
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Now with the slow-pitch season nearly in full swing Kenny is setting her goals high.
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Kenny was a standout shortstop helping Mooreland to a 29-12 record and a spot at the Class A state tournament. For her excellent performance all season Kenny was selected as an all-state player for fastpitch. Then during basketball Kenny used her athletic versatility to average 12.1 points per game, pull down 8.5 rebounds per contest and average 5.2 assists per game.
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Kenny isn’t just some athlete who doesn’t put an emphasis on academics or other activities though. The senior is also involved in the FFA and also helped to start a library in Mooreland called Beyond The Pages Inc with her sister. Starting the library was a “long, hard process” according to Kenny but one she felt
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Lady Boomers Set Sights High Coach Rachel Winter’s team is focused, and looking to make an impact on the Class 4A standings. She has a solid returning cast of starters, with a group of incoming freshman that will give her much needed depth. She believes her team has what it takes to make a run for the title. “We are looking forward to a good year,” Winter said. “We have a strong group of experienced returning players, and a talented number of incoming freshman. We are setting our sights high.” Winter has three seniors who will likely be the leaders for the Lady Boomers. Sierra Miller, a four-year starter, is a defensive anchor. Arin Walker scored four goals last sea-
son. Laruen Quinby, one of Winter’s vocal leaders, is the starting midfielder. Junior Jaycie Routon led the Lady Boomers in goals scored last season with 13. The attacking midfielder hopes to at least match that total again this season if the Lady Boomers want to see success. Fellow junior Abbie Hardy, who starts at forward, scored two goals last season and is looking to have an impactful season. Sophomore Hattie Brittain will add depth to Winter’s
defensive schemes. Freshman Gracen Williamson is one of the talented incoming freshmen, and she will do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. As soccer season rolls along, keep an eye out for the Woodward Lady Boomers.
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Hattie Brittain - Soccer
chel Winter. Brittain has a 4.0 GPA and plans to take several AP courses when she’s a junior.
“Chemistry 1 is my favorite class because it challenges me and I get a great feeling of accomplishment from it. I do plan to take quite a few AP courses next year,” said Brittain.
Hattie Brittain is a sophomore at Woodward High School where she plays varsity soccer for head coach Ra-
This spring Brittain is a defender for the varsity soccer team, but in the fall she played fastpitch softball and was on the dance team. Always staying active, Brittain is involved in several other clubs and groups at school.
“I am a part of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Rachel’s Challenge, National Honor Society, Subdebs, Youth at FBC,
youth international missions, youth choir, and Boomer Dance Team.” Brittain spend a lot of her free time volunteering at places like the soup kitchen, Chrystal Christmas, Vacation Bible School, Kid’s Kamp with FBC and the youth praise team. Brittain is enjoying her time at Woodward High School and said she has big plans after she graduates. “I love the teachers at WHS and their drive to build life-long relationships with their students. After I graduate I plan to go to college and pursue a degree in the medical field.”
Hattie Brittain is the Woodward High School Academic Athlete of the Month.
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Bailey Rae Poer – Woodward High School Bailey Rae Poer has always wanted to get involved in the health care field because she loves being around people. However, she wasn’t sure what type of field she should get into. When she moved to Woodward as a freshman, she learned about the health careers program. With the help of her teachers, Poer decided she wanted to become an RN. In order to make progress toward this goal, she decided to enroll in the CNA career major at High Plains Tech. This allowed her to complete her required clinical hours and the necessary tests. After passing the CNA test, Poer is officially a Certified Nursing Assistant. With that, she was able to get a job at the Grace Living Center, a nursing home in Woodward. Poer is now working toward completing her clinical hours so she can become a certified phlebotomist. A medical career isn’t the only thing Bailey Rae is passionate about.
“I grew up in a rodeo family so it is really all I’ve known,” Poer said. “I began competing at the age of two and have been in love with the sport ever since. My sophomore year I realized that to be the best, I needed to focus everything I had toward rodeo, so I gave up all school sports and extracurricular activities.” Poer has worked her way through little
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junior rodeo associations, the Oklahoma Jr. High Rodeo Association, where she was a four-event state champion, and she now competes in the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association where she is currently winning state in the breakaway roping. If her winning ways continue, she will qualify for the National High School Finals in Rock Springs, Wyo., where she would have the chance to become the National Champion breakaway roper. During the summer she also travels all over the place going to big open rodeos and competing for thousands of dollars. Now that she is 18, she plans on purchasing her Women’s Professional Rodeo Association card so she can compete in the breakaway roping professionally. Her college plans include attending Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas on a rodeo scholarship, where she plans to earn her masters in nursing. “There is no way I could accomplish anything I have without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and my family who has backed me the whole way through,” Poer said. For all of her hard work and dedication to her major and to rodeo, Bailey Rae Poer is the High Plains Tech Athlete of the Month. Congratulations Bailey!
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Katie Warnick – Woodward High School On the basketball floor senior Katie Warnick is a key player for the Woodward Lady Boomers and helped the team to a 5-8 record through its first 13 games of the season.
Warnick is also a member of the Woodward golf team in the spring but that is just the tip of the iceberg for the highly involved senior. Away from sports Warnick is the captain of the drumline, an FCA offi-
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cer, a senior class officer, a member of Student Council and finally is involved in Key Club and Pep Club. After high school Warnick plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and study nursing. For her efforts in athletics, her school and her community Katie Warnick is the Woodward Character Counts Athlete of the Month.
Buzzing With Confidence: Lady Yellowjackets have valuable experience returning along with talented young athletes.
Albany Hightoweter The Kingfisher girls track team is ready to turn some heads this year with great performances on their way to the state meet in May. Leading the team this year will be a group of four seniors. Those seniors are Albany Hightower, Brooke Boeckman, Whitney Reynolds and Madison York. All four were state qualifiers last
year and all four hold school records. Hightower qualified in the high jump and holds the school record in that event while Reynolds qualified in the discus and shotput and holds the school record in the discus. Boeckman and York meanwhile were part of the school record holding 4x200meter relay team last year with York also qualifying for the 400-meter dash and Boeckman qualifying in the 200-meter dash. Junior Kylee Payne is another key upperclassmen for the Lady Jackets. Payne was a standout last year as a sophomore and qualified for state in the pole vault.
Kingfisher also has a trio of extreme-
ly talented sophomores who head coach Micah Nall feels will make a big impact this year. Phyllisha Patton and Cassidy Adams are two of those sophomores who have already seen success early this year. Patton placed second in the shot put at the Enid Indoor Meet while Adams took home second in the 1600-meter run at the Enid Indoor meet. Finally Maddie Myers rounds out the talented trio of sophomores and will be a strong hurdler for the team and compete on several relay squads. With nearly the perfect mix of leadership and state meet experience and youthful talent expect to see plenty of Kingfisher athletes taking home hardware from the state meet in May.
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Yellowjacket seniors Trey Borelli, Brennon French and Tanner Rutledge give VYPE a sneak preview of what’s in store this year . VYPE: What can we expect from Kingfisher baseball this year?
Rutledge: You can expect a team that is focused and willing to do what it takes to win. We have a lot of experience and talent returning
this year and we look to make a run for the state tournament.
French: This year we all expect to play at a higher level of intensity than last year and we plan and making to state this year and doing big things in 4A baseball.
Borelli: We have high hopes for this year. We only had two guys graduate this last year. We’ve got a lot of older guys who know and what to expect this season. If we don’t make the state tournament this season it’ll be a bust for sure. VYPE: What team do you look forward to playing the most and why?
Rutledge: Personally, I look forward to playing Tuttle. Last year we played into extra innings but couldn’t come out on top. I think the rest of the guys on the team want a shot at the defending state champs also.
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French: I look forward to playing Tuttle the most this year. Because they are defending state champs and we played them pretty close last year going into extra innings but they finally pulled away at the end to win. Borelli: Tuttle hands down. It’s
Tanner Rutledge always a big game when we play them. And them being the defending state champions in all, it makes the game even better. We’d love to put a W in the win column when we play them this year. VYPE: Who is the fastest guy on the team? Who is the best hitter? Who is the funniest guy in the dugout?
Rutledge: The fastest guy on the team would have to be Jake Snider. The best hitter on the team is tough to say because we have several guys that can swing it, but Nick Smith would have be our power guy. The funniest guy in the dugout is Trey Woods, no doubt. French: I’d say the fastest guy on the team is Nick Smith. He is also I think the best hitter we have on the team as well. Tanner Rutledge would have to be my choice for the funniest guy in the dugout.
Borelli: Nick Smith is the fastest dude on the team. Tanner Rutledge is our best hitter. And Sam Walter is the funniest guy in the dugout.
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