VYPE Southeast Oklahoma October-November 2013 Issue by Austin Chadwick

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Pregame A letter from Brad Heath

6 | All-VYPE Preseason Basketball After combing over page after page of stats and arguing late into the night, we’re ready to present the first preseason All-VYPE basketball teams for girls and boys. This list is sure to get the conversation going as basketball season rapidly approaches.

18 | McAlester Football Off to a great start, the McAlester Buffaloes are in the drivers seat for a playoff spot and a possible district title. VYPE takes a closer look at McAlester football and what the team has accomplished through week seven.

20 | McAlester Band More than just a halftime show, the 160 members of the Pride of McAlester are carrying on a long tradition of success. From junior high to high school the tradition of excellence at McAlester is obvious when you spend some time with the Black and Gold.

37 | SEOK Football Roundup Kyle Kendrick gets you caught up with all of the action from the SEOK area in this football roundup. Who has been a surprise this season and who is expected to make the playoffs? Find out right here in VYPE Magazine.

Boom, That Just Happened Like the Ultimate Warrior in a cage match against the Iron Sheik, VYPE is coming off the top rope with a great issue for the Southeastern Oklahoma faithful.

McAlester fan? We got you covered. Go inside the locker room with the football team as the Buffaloes are poised to grab a district title and make a big push into the playoffs. The Black and Gold of the Pride of McAlester is featured as well. Not just a halftime show, the Black and Gold are carrying on a proud tradition of excellence at McAlester. Also check out the McAlester Pom feature and the many awards McAlester student athletes were awarded in this issue.

With player features from Idabel, Hugo and Broken Bow this issue is packed with great interviews from the playmakers making headlines. And be sure to check out the softball and baseball recaps as both sports completed their seasons this month. We all love football and VYPE’s own Kyle Kendrick brings you the football roundup. We’ve hit the halfway point of the football season and a playoff picture is beginning to take shape.

As always we want to say thank you for your support and we encourage all of our readers to take your business to the advertisers you see in VYPE. Everyone stay safe out there and we’ll see you at the game.

-Brad Heath

Trinity Media Group, LLC 6737 S. 85th E. Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74133 All rights reserved. Publisher Austin Chadwick Editorial Director Brad Heath Director of Operations Rod Coulter Three Rivers Director Bill Huddleston Editor at Large Bill Huddleston VYPE Oklahoma Senior Writer Lynn Jacobsen Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migloire Southeast Oklahoma Sales and Marketing Director Kelly Marsaln Partner Mark Rodgers Contributing Writers Austin Chadwick, Bill Huddleston, Brad Heath, Kyle Kendrick, Lynn Jacobsen Contributing Photographers Brad Heath, Cory Richards Photography, Mark Emmons Photography, Erica Lee Photography, Bill Huddleston, Jennifer Curliss, Matt Goisman-McAlester News Capital, Lana O’Kelley Photography, Vickie Tincher Contact Information Website: www.VYPEOK.com Phone: 918.495.1771 Fax: 918.495.1787

Next Issue... Winter is upon us and VYPE takes a look back at football and looks forward to a great basketball and wrestling season. V Y P E O K . C O M | O c t o b e r - N ovem b e r 2 0 1 3 4

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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McAlester Cheer Hits Stillwater

McAlester Cheer - 2013-2014 The McAlester cheer squad made their way to Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater hoping their routine would get them on the podium at this year’s state cheer competition. The level of competition was high in every classification, but Class 5A was stacked and the scores proved it.

Heritage Hall and Deer Creek were considered favorites, but Carl Albert and Metro Christian all had legitimate chances at winning it all. McAlester and head coach Ashlee Shumway were confident entering the competition thanks to excellent senior leadership and a routine they were confident displayed all of the elements the judges wanted to see in a routine. “The girls worked very hard leading up to the state

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competition and I was proud of their effort. We’re excited to have the girls returning for next year and we’re looking forward to taking another shot at state,” said coach Shumway.

Carl Albert would take top honors with a combine score of 286 points with Heritage Hall placing second with 279 points. Team members for McAlester included seniors Sarah White (C), Madison Taylor, Taylor Burmeier, juniors Journey Nunnelee, Brenna Gayton, Hope Rowell, Hallie Light, Krysta Diehl, Mykaela Donato, Sartartia McNeil, sophomores Shelbie Walker, Katie Wilson, Hannah Quisenberry, freshmen Madi Testa, Katie Ferrell, Morgan Harvanek, Halee Simpson, Destiny Rodebush, Bre Razo and assistant coach Kelly Richards.

Class 5A State Cheer Competition Results Carl Albert 286 Heritage Hall 279 Deer Creek 276 Metro Christian 270 Cascia Hall 261 (DQ) Bishop McGuinness 252 Harrah 232 Piedmont 231 Western Heights 230 Chickasha 230 Miami 220 Skiatook 220 Altus 218 McAlester 213 MacArthur 212 Collinsville 210 Catoosa 209 Guymon 204

Softball Recap After a fastpitch season of softball that produced many exciting moments, the chase for gold was even more actionpacked during the OSSAA State Championships played at The Ball Fields at Firelake in Shawnee.

the semi-finals before unleashing their bats en route to an 11-3 win over Asher in the championship game to capture back-to-back fastpitch titles and the third Class B crown since 2006 including a 32-8 record this fall. The second week of action included the state’s three larger classes with Hilldale (4A), Carl Albert (5A) and Southmoore (6A) winning the state championships.

Jordin Wilson - Savanna

The Lady Buffs from Hugo reached the state tournament in Class 3A and lost to a very good Sequoyah Tahlequah team.

The field of eight teams competing for the top spot in Class 3A included a first-ever trip for the Hugo Lady Buffaloes. Eventually, it would be Washington that would take home their fifth state title with a 5-3 win over number one ranked Sequoyah Tahlequah.

In Class 2A, three more teams including Colbert, Tushka and Savanna advanced to the championship bracket. Ranked No. 2, Savanna, with a never say die attack, battled their way into the championship game. The Lady Dawgs, who earned wins over Tushka (8-3) and Drumright (3-2), saw their dreams of gold shattered in the finals by Dale, 3-2 in a battle of number one versus number two. Angelia Wilson’s squad finished the season with a 28-6 record.

Hugo Softball 2013

The Lady Jax from Wright City were another team making their way to the Class A state tournament at Firelake but dropped a seventh inning 3-2 decision to Healdton in round one. Davenport claimed its 10th championship including back-to-back crowns in the title game with a 6-5 win over Healdton. The action in Class B had its share of flare including the Stuart Lady Hornets and Red Oak Eagles. A seventh inning rally by the fifth ranked Lady Hornets was even more dramatic with heart-stopping action on a play at the plate for the final out as Stuart snared its opening round 4-3 win over Caney to give coach Chance Chapman’s squad its 31st win of the season.

Emilee Beck - Stuart

But the weekend slate of excitement belonged to Red Oak. Opening the tournament with an 8-1 win over Frontier in game one, the top-ranked Lady Eagles soared to a 5-1 victory against Stuart in

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The top 100 high school football players in the state will compete for the annual title of Mr. Football Oklahoma prsented by Shelter Insurance. The three players from Southeast Oklahoma have made it to the semifinalists list. You can vote for them now at VYPEOK.com as they try to make the final 10. TREY JOHNSON

JAYLON WATSON

With district matchups against Vian and Hartshorne already out of the way; Johnson and the Buffaloes are still poised to contend for a playoff spot and possibly make a deep run in the postseason.

Despite Watson’s efforts the Savages have struggled this season starting the season with a 1-6 overall record and an 0-4 record in district play. With a Nov. 8 showdown with Cascia Hall still left on the schedule Broken Bow and Watson still certainly have more than enough to play for.

Johnson is a playmaker in the truest sense of the word. As a star wide receiver and defensive back Johnson has helped Hugo to a 5-2 overall record and a 1-2 record in district play to start the year. A speedy player with great hands Johnson is a threat both in the passing attack but also as a possible ball carrier.

Broken Bow junior running back and linebacker Jaylon Watson has been a player worth watching on both sides of the ball this year. In five games this year Watson racked up 363 yards on the ground and six touchdowns on just 54 carries. In that same time span Watson was also the team’s leading tackler with 41 total tackles.

CADEN PRATT

A do-it-all type of player Pratt has skills that can translate to nearly every aspect of the game. In the passing game Pratt is 19-of-28 for 362 yards and six touchdowns. As a rusher Pratt has carried the ball 74 times for 300 yards and five touchdowns. Pratt has also caught 20 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns. In the return game Pratt has 180 kick return yards and 107 punt return yards. Pratt is also a playmaker in the McAlester defensive backfield and has picked off two passes this season as well as blocking a field goal.

Pratt’s effort helped McAlester start the season 6-1 and put the Buffaloes in the drivers seat for a district title. With numbers like what Pratt has put up as an individual and what he has helped his team accomplish it’s easy to see why he is a serious contender to win VYPE’s Shelter Insurance Mr. Football award.

VYPE Top 100 Players from around the rest of Oklahoma SLADE NORDIC – BARTLESVILLE FRANKIE EDWARDS – Mustang Riley Hess - Alva Tyler Hooper - Alva Landon Nault - Kingfisher JACE PITCHFORD – POTEAU LEXUS LEE – WESTMOORE ALEC ROBERTS – SAND SPRINGS TRISTAN HILL – MUSTANG LOUDEN JOHNSON – WAYNE COLEBY EVANS – UNION JACOB SPADY – HINTON AUSTIN CANTRELL – ROLAND TAYLOR TOWNSEND – FOX TRENTON BALL – CARL ALBERT KYLER FERGUSON – WOODWARD JORDAN QUINATA – MORRISON LOGAN PRICE – PUTNAM CITY NORTH JOSH DANNA – TIPTON TREY JOHNSON – HUGO JAKE MAMMEN – EDMOND MEMORIAL HOUSTON TYLER – SOUTHMOORE WILL MCKINNIS – OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN DEREK REEVES – CLEVELAND JALON DANIELS – BLANCHARD

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KEATS CALHOON – VICTORY CHRISTIAN JUSTICE HANSEN - EDMOND SANTA FE KAI CALLINS – GUTHRIE CAMERON BATSON - MILLWOOD JOSHUA WARIBOKO-ALALI – CASADY RJ SINK - ANADARKO TYLER BOWLING – YUKON CADEN SANDER – DEER CREEK JAKCOB DEAN – NORMAN CAMERON OLIVER – OWASSO ANDRE DOWUONA-HAMMOND – YUKON CARSON MEIER - UNION PEYTON PRINCE – NORMAN NORTH WARREN WAND – EDMOND MEMORIAL DYLAN HARDING - JENKS DAVID CORNWELL - NORMAN NORTH SKYLER WOOD – NOWATA JOHN COLE NEPH – OWASSO GYASI AKEM - BROKEN ARROW ADIM CHUKWURAH – NORMAN NORTH SINUE RODRIGUEZ – SALLISAW TRAMAL IVY – MUSKOGEE RYLEE SIMON – VIAN DEVON THOMAS – BROKEN ARROW GAVIN LAVALLEY - CARL ALBERT

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CARTER SWANSON – ARDMORE STEVEN PARKER - JENKS TYLER BASE – OOLOGAH COLE RIDGWAY – NORMAN JACOB LEWIS – BISHOP MCGUINNESS DEONDRE CLARK – OKC DOUGLASS TYLER LINDSEY – OWASSO BRANDON PRATHER – STILLWATER LAWRENCE EVITT - WAGONER CHANDLER MILLER - BIXBY JORDAN MITCHELL – OWASSO JOHNATHAN HIGGINS – BISHOP MCGUINNESS T.J. JOHNSON – COLLINSVILLE LOGAN BLAINE – KANSAS JEFFERY MEAD – UNION BRADEN RUTH – DAVIS MICHAEL FARMER – EDMOND SANTA FE PAPI WHITE – SEMINOLE TRENT TABER – JENKS LANCE DIXON – EDMOND NORTH JOEL DIXON – EDMOND NORTH JALEN ADAMS – SOUTHMOORE COLEMAN KEY – BROKEN ARROW JORDAN BRAILFORD – TULSA WASHINGTON

ANDREW DIXON – EDMOND NORTH TREY SNEED – KIEFER BRYAN HARTFIELD – MIDWEST CITY GRANT LEE – CLINTON CAMERON WESTBROOK – Ed. SANTA FE NIGEL CARTER - MCLAIN MIKEQUAN DEANE – MEMORIAL CODY HALE – SAND SPRINGS MILDREN MONTGOMERY – OKC DOUGLASS GAGE STALLWORTH - CUSHING D’ANGELO BREWER – CENTRAL COLTON LINDSEY – CHRISTIAN HERITAGE ANTHONY WOODS – CARL ALBERT JUSTIN FLEWELLEN – LINCOLN CHRISTIAN JEREMY SMITH - BERRYHILL MARQUIZ SIMPKINS – CLINTON DAMIAN HOWARD – BROKEN ARROW LUKE THOMPSON – JENKS TRE BETTS – SAND SPRINGS TRE’VON CHERRY – EAST CENTRAL MARK CAMPBELL – ADAIR TAYLOR WATTENBARGER – LAWTON KEITH DRIVER – MEMORIAL ZACH GLAZIER – CENTRAL

Baseball Recap CLASS B In Class B both Stuart and Boswell came out of the Southeast region to advance to the state tournament. Unfortunately neither team would make it out of the first round as Stuart fell to Leedey 8-0 and Boswell lost to Lookeba-Sickles by a score of 11-2.

Silo CLASS A From the Southeast Oklahoma region several Class A baseball teams made headlines this year in Fall baseball. Silo, Rattan and Tushka all advanced to the state tournament and both Silo and Rattan advanced into the semifinals. Silo managed to take down Sterling by a score of 11-3 in the semi’s to advance to the championship round while Rattan lost to Binger-Oney by a score of 19-7 in the semifinal round.

Former major leaguer turned coach Reggie Willits led Binger-Oney to its seventh state championship with a 5-4 victory over Silo at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Austin Green went the distance to earn the victory, his third of the state tournament. He allowed just three hits and delivered an RBI single in the fourth that proved to be the game-winning run. Teammate Hunter King added a single and double as Binger-Oney finished the year 27-8. The Bobcats took a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the third off a Silo error, a double steal and a suicide squeeze bunt Colby Sweeney. They pushed the lead to 5-2 through four innings when Green singled home King. Silo rallied for two runs in the sixth. Championship Binger-Oney 5, Silo 4 Semifinals Binger-Oney 19, Rattan 7 Silo 11, Sterling 3

Quarterfinals Binger-Oney 6, Dale 5 Rattan 6, Latta 4 Sterling 1, Roff 0 Silo 8, Tushka 6

Talk about saving your best for last, Asher’s Tanner Andrews scattered two hits to lead the Indians to a 7-0 shutout and the school’s first title since 1998. The championship was the 44th overall baseball title – 22 each in spring and fall. Asher scored four runs in the first three innings, giving Andrews all the run support he needed. But the Indians also added three more runs to put the finishing touches on the championship. Cadan Calaway and Josh Harrel singled to account for Leedey’s Championship Asher 7, Leedey 0

Semifinals Leedey2, Red Oak 0 Asher 7, Lookeba-Sickles 4

Quarterfinals Red Oak 3, Olustee 2 Leedey 8, Stuart 0 Lookeba-Sickles 11, Boswell 2 Asher 6, Hammon 2

Tushka

Stuart

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McAlester Media Day

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VYPE Magazine would like to thank all the McAlester athletes and coaches for participating in the inaugural Media Day for the area.

Kylie Murdaugh - McAlester High School

Compassion

Compassion is more than just a feeling or emotion. Compassion is a true understanding of the suffering of others and a willingness to take positive action to do something to improve the circumstances.

of compassion in the truest form.

Qualities built into an individual’s life determine a person’s response regardless of the circumstances. Whether in sports, school or life the true spirit of one’s character is lived out through the choices made in every situation. Kylie Murdaugh, a senior at McAlester High School and member of the Buffaloes volleyball team, is a shining example

the same way she plays volleyball. She strives to be in on every touch of the ball across the net to create points while rejecting the attempts of the opponent.” “Volunteer opportunities are everywhere,” smiled Murdaugh. “There are so many people that can use a helping hand. Things like Make A Difference day here in McAlester or the 5k runs that raise money for different groups or just spending the day with the special needs kids in our town playing volleyball. It’s a chance to share the day with them and make it something fun and special.” “Kylie reaches out to people that may not be willing to ask for help,” confirmed Burns, “whether that’s a student needing help with homework or on the court with a player on the court learning a new skill. She’s consistently at the front of the line to step forward and help and put her own wants and needs on the back burner.” “I like to think of it as using my energy to benefit the needs of others,” said Murdaugh. “I’m sponsoring a little four-yearold girl in Ethiopia named Ribka. In addition to helping her financially, I write messages of encouragement to her on my computer that can be translated for her. I hope to one day go there and meet her in person. People like Ribka never get to enjoy the little things that we take for granted everyday.”

“Character is your beliefs, your attitude and your actions all combined together,” said Murdaugh. “And, for me, that means being the same person, genuine in everything you do, “Kylie goes outside of herself, her family and the community trying to be an encourager to someone else that’s having to to reach out to people in need,” said Burns. “As a coach, deal with troubles bigger than your own.” you’d love to have a team full of girls like “Kylie glows from the inside out, she’s a pure joy to Kylie.” be around,” confirmed Anita Burns, volleyball coach at McAlester High School. “You’ll always find her with a smile Like the brilliance of on her face.” a diamond, success in life comes from “People can tell when your actions are genuine,” admits every facet of your Murdaugh. “Your teammates, other students and people in character. And, for general can always use a friend. I just try to be someone Kylie Murdaugh, it’s they can count on. And, then do whatever it takes to make all about actions of circumstances a little better every day.” compassion to make “Kylie has a pure servant’s heart,” said Burns of the middle the sparkle of life blocker on the volleyball team. “I can count on her to do the better for everyone extra things, even when no one is looking. She lives her life she meets. OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2013

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McAlester High School Pom Continues A Tradition of Excellence

Photos By Mark Emmons Photography

Since the turn of the century, McAlester High School pom squads have proven to be the best Oklahoma has to offer. The well-choreographed performances of the Buffaloes pom team have achieved more state titles than any other school with 11 championship trophies including a national championship in 2001. Impressive right? Perhaps even more is the contributions of team members off the floor that prove the tradition of excellence. This year’s team, once again coached by Yvonne Alford, who returns to the helm, consists of 12 girls all with the same expectations as their coach.

“These girls are working hard,” said Alford, whose 10 years as head coach includes eight of the school’s 13 state championships including the national crown. “Individually and collectively, they are very athletic. They’ve learned how to prepare and develop the perfection of skills required to be a champion. 16

In addition to the two hour daily workouts as a team, pom squad VYPEOK.COM

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members also gain the added benefit of individual dance instruction. That’s one of the guidelines established by Alford in her first year as coach in 1999.

“We have 12 girls that are committed to being the best again,” confirmed Cambrea Lott, a senior and cocaptain of this year’s team. “We all know the winning tradition of McAlester’s pom teams and we plan to make it happen again.” “The hours and hours of practice are all for those two minutes at state,” nodded Kaylee Harvanek, senior co-captain who recently was named All-State. “This year’s seniors picked 80’s Old School Music as our theme,” said Alford. “It’s an intense twominute routine that’s filled with high intensity movements, lots of jumping, twisting and turning.”

Pom competition requires the participants to be physically and mentally in step with everyone else on the team. McAlester, which will again compete in the small varsity level at the state championships, has added something special to their

routine that’s requiring additional training in order to perfect the “quad jump”. “The quad increases the difficulty rating used to compile your scores,” said Harvanek, “and, to get all 12 girls performing this move in sync is really hard.” “When you do a turn like the quad, all of the muscles in your body are engaged,” nodded Lott. “Your abs, your arms, your legs are all working together at the same time.”

“but there’s never a moment of hesitation to jump in and help out if anyone needs anything any time.”

“You learn how to communicate,” said Harvanek, “in competition in front of the judges, at school, here in town and with each other.”

“The scoring will include different categories of pom, kick and jazz,” said Alford. “The judges evaluate your team’s skill and technique, flow and precision of timing along with the big smiles and personality from each team.” Personality and smiles are something that goes beyond the performance floor for members of the McAlester pom squad as collectively they strive to promote school and community spirit. “These girls cherish the opportunity to be the face of school spirit,” said Alford. “They welcome the responsibility of being a positive role model for other students as well as for the younger kids who, as you know, are always watching.”

“We do a lot of activities,” said Harvanek. “Things like Shared Blessings and the Baby Fair. All of us do a lot of volunteering including reading to kids and tutoring students that may need

some assistance.”

“I volunteer at Mercy,” said Lott. “It’s a free health clinic that offers medical and dental care for people in McAlester. It’s just a way of making a positive impact in the lives of someone else instead of thinking about me-me-me all the time.”

The success of the McAlester High School pom squad is proven. Not just in the championship trophies, but even more through the eyes, smiles and hearts of the twelve girls and coaches working together in one accord just to make a positive difference. In the common language of the Buffaloes, it’s defined as the tradition of excellence.

With the compassion of the pom squad members to not only perform at championship level in competition but also give back to their home town, it’s easy to see the foundation for success of the McAlester program.

“The key for success is that we all enjoy each other,” admits Harvanek. “It’s a family of 12 sisters. While we may occasionally have our own little disagreements, all of us know that we have each other’s back no matter what happens.” “You can call us a dysfunctional family I guess,” winked Lott,

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Area Teams Chase Postseason Playoff Dreams and bruising defensive style. With a no-huddle spread attack, coach Bryan Pratt’s Buffaloes average more than 45 points per game with highlight reel moments created by seniors Jarome Smith, who averaged 11+ yards per carry while Cade Harkins, Caden Pratt and Mason Bumphus present a touchdown ready to happen trio of receivers. Is 2013 the year of the Miners? On track for a November meeting with Vian for the class 2A-6 district title, Hartshorne’s winning margin of 23+ points per game features the talents of running backs Dallas Herring averaging 136 yards per game rushing while Dylan Pingleton controls the game at quarterback completing 54% Caden Pratt - McAlester of his passing attempts. Cody As the 2013 regular season enters Ward and Marcus Morris anchor the defensive unit for coach Bill the final weeks, many of the Williams’ Miners. area teams remain on track to The class A-6 district accomplish team goals including championship may well go through district titles, playoff invitations and dreams to win the big gold ball Savanna as the ‘Dawgs explosive offense has averaged more than 42 signifying a state championship. points per contest while virtually The McAlester Buffaloes appear shutting out opponents allowing destined for another deep run only 8 points per game. Coach into the Class 5A playoffs riding James Bond’s offense is anchored the talents of its explosive offense by Christian Preston and Seth

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Caleb Jarrett - Canadian

Jarome Smith - McAlester

Paul Childers - Canadian

Christian Preston - Savanna Burke while Hunter Needham, Kane Konsure, Tanner Dugger and Ryan Weeks lead a suffocating defensive charge. Also chasing playoff dreams in A-6 are

Hunter Needham - Savanna

the Savages of Quinton and Canadian Cougars. Jeremy Reederâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s squad is led by Preston Lemons, Caleb Hayes and Peyton Knell while Michael Sisco energizes the defense. With Caleb Jarrett at the controls, coach Mike Terneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cougars seek to make the postseason Dylan Pingleton - competition. Hartshorne

Nathan Herring - Hartshorne

Kelly Needham - Quinton

McAlester High School Band Plays With Buffalo Pride

member of the McAlester band himself, Steidley credits the abilities of the students who wear the black and gold. “We’ve been blessed with so much outstanding musical talent,” said Steidley. “We have several students every year who earn major college fullride scholarships because of their musical abilities.

Photos By Mark Emmons Photography

Oh when those Buffaloes all fall in line.... We’re going to win this game another time...... We’re going to cheer those boys we’ll yell and yell..... For dear ol’ MHS we’ll yell and yell and yell… As the McAlester High School band blasts the sounds of the school fight song, students and fans rise to their feet to show their pride in the Buffaloes…for the football team, the cheerleaders, pom squad and also for the McAlester High School marching band. For each of the 160 members of the Pride of McAlester, the school spirit is played with every note…because for MHS band, it’s more than a halftime show…it’s all about the tradition of success.

For almost half a century, the Black & Gold have continued to prove their musical talents as members of the brass,

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woodwind and percussion units perform in exact step on every beat of the music. “It’s a tradition of excellence,” said David Steidley, director of bands at McAlester.

Since the days of Edwin Ashmore, Jerry Hull and other directors commanding the MHS band until now, McAlester’s program has entertained both on the football field during halftime, in marching contests as well as concert band performances with a commitment to being the best. Steidley, a 1983 graduate of McAlester and director of bands for the past 16 years, cherishes the efforts of the students and the community’s commitment to the band. A former

Steidley also credits the efforts of Frank Zugelder, junior high director for 23 years, for the band’s excellence. “Our program is a step-by-step building process,” said Steidley. “We know what we want to accomplish in the student’s first year of band, and then in the second. Consistency of skill development makes it possible to take things to a higher note when the students reach the high school band.”

team,” said Christine Blue, woodwind instructor and marching fundamentalist. “We video every practice and performance in order to identify where we can get better.”

that allows our students to be successful now and in the future.”

“Now we have a full-sized practice field,” Steidley said with gratitude. “With 160 students marching on the painted parking lot half the size of the football field, practice was very difficult. This is a great benefit that we truly appreciate.”

Nunnelee and Sarah White, captain of the cheer squad, feel the school spirit through being a part of both groups.

As part of the recent million-dollar improvements to Hook Eales Stadium, the band now perfects their performance practicing on the new artificial surface.

The performances each Friday night are the result of a week long, season long series of early morning rehearsals to perfect the “show”…something that has become more like a seven minute Broadway production featuring the various sections of the band along with the choreographed routine of the color guard, directed by Steidley’s wife, Robin. “We meet each morning at 7 a.m. for a 90-minute practice session,” said Hanna Bryant, one of two drum majors for this year’s band. “Every time we take the field, in practice or in performance, you can just feel the dedication of every member of the band striving for perfection, students and directors.”

“There’s so many things going on, everything has to work in sync,” confirmed drum major Jarrett Adams. “The sets and the forms have to be perfect, intervals nice and consistent as well as playing together as a band. You have to be passionate about the tradition of the McAlester band to keep it at the top.” “We train much the same as the football

By the first of the year, the band will have what Steidley calls a “huge gift”, its own storage facility at First National Field, where they can house equipment and extend practice time instead of loading and unloading trucks from the high school everyday.

This fall, McAlester’s band has delivered championship performances winning top honors against bands from surrounding states in the Renegade Review as well as the Bixby band contest, taking overall honors for music, visual effect and general effects. Those same honors are the game plan for the Pride in competition at the OSSAA championships as well as Oklahoma Bandmasters contests. “Game nights are our opportunity to perfect our contest performances,” said Mark Price, who serves as marching band director. “We finished runner-up last year and this year we’re doing everything possible to get the championship award and superior rating.”

Is there some sort of Buffalo Magic that continues the tradition of excellence by the McAlester band every year? According to the directors and students, it’s an ongoing commitment that each member willingly accepts as part of school spirit.

“The appeal for me is the total school atmosphere,” said Shawn DeNike, a 23-year director in the McAlester band program. “In addition to the competition, it’s about learning skills, musical skills plus life traits that help develop character and discipline

“You can call it Buffalo Magic,” said Journey Nunnelee, who in addition to marching in the band is also a McAlester varsity cheerleader. “It’s all about hard work and dedication. You take a little of this and a little more of that and it all comes out a winner.” “We get to cheer and then grab our horns and join the halftime performance,” exclaimed White. “Because of my love for music, and playing my horn (trombone), band gives me the best of both worlds.”

Taeam Kang, sophomore place-kicker on the Buffaloes football team, is also a talented musician that splits time with the band.

“I’ve got a shadow that marches for me on game night,” said Kang. “It’s not a strange combination because it’s all about teamwork.”

“It’s all about the spirit of the Buffaloes,” said Adams. We get pumped with the music we play so the football team gets fired up for another victory. The pom squad and cheerleaders perform with energy. When we march off the field and the fans are on their feet, clapping their hands, you know we’re all on the same team.” All for one and one for all, for the McAlester High School Band, school spirit and performance are more than a halftime show. It’s a winning combination and a way of life…for today, tomorrow and forever.

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McAlester Cross Country Running Their Way to State Running 20-25 miles per week, the Buffs are using speed interval training to improve their times. Other varisty team runners include senior Hank Brown, sophomore Zach Clayton, and a quartet of freshmen Stone Adams, Colin Smith, Eric Higgins and marathon runner Parker Elliott.

Photo By Photos By Mark Emmons Photography

While some cross country teams may number more runners, McAlester’s varsity boys team believe its more than just numbers that determine the quality of the program. Driven by a team motto “run ‘til we find the rain”, head coach Suzanne Carney’s squad consists of eight runners including only two seniors, one junior, one sophomore along with four freshmen The recent times achieved as a team, have the Buffs on the verge of a state qualifying entry. “These guys have worked extremely hard since this past summer,” complimented Carney. “They aren’t afraid to put in the miles.

“Sam takes advantage of his total body strength,” Carney noted. “He’s been a consistent qualifier for the state powerlifting meets. That seems to add to his physical stamina to finish a race.”

Carney is quick to point out the overall time of the team continues to improve led by the efforts of senior runner Noah Rose. “The biggest difference for Noah is a result of the cross-fit training program,” said Carney, who credits her son and assistant coach, Josh Carney, for the change in her squad’s ability and particularly that of Rose.

“We use functional movement training,” said the younger Carney. “Deadlifts and Olympic lifts build strength as well as flexibility. The total body workout of According to Carney, junior Sam Adams, the cross-fit program includes running, also a member of the MHS football team, rowing, and weightlifting that require has been the most consistent performer. use of every muscle possible.”

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The fall slate of six events, including Pre-State recently ran at Oral Roberts University, has Carney optimistic for her squad’s chance to qualify for state as a team. “If we have the five guys run well that we know can, we can make it as a team,” said Carney. “If not the entire team, I’m expecting Sam (Adams) to finish in time to qualify.

The top eight teams and the next seven individuals not on a qualifying team advance to the state championships. The Class 5A state cross country meet is set for November 2nd at Edmond. In addition to the optimism for the high school team, Carney is keeping a watchful eye on the junior high team that includes the brother combo of Jake and Matt Rattan, Isaac Briggs, Cody Norriss and Brayden McKelvey.

“We only have five runners, said Carney, and they outdueled Jenks who put 30 on the trail at Holland Hall. This group also won their meet at Yukon. I’m real excited about the future of our program with these kids coming up next year.”

Go Wampus Cats Atoka

701 S. Mississi (580) 889-73

Shaylynn Bass – Atoka Softball Shaylynn Bass is one of the top female athletes in Atoka playing fastpitch softball, basketball and slowpitch softball along with running track for the Lady Wampus Cats. On the diamond Bass plays both shortstop and outfield while on the basketball floor she plays point guard and shooting guard and runs the 400, 800, and the mile and two-mile relays in track.

While she makes headlines as an athlete Bass also is involved in many other activities. Bass is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, class treasurer and the reporter for the Atoka FFA chapter. Bass is also currently ranked third in her class and after high school she plans to attend college and continue playing basketball while pursuing a degree in physical therapy.

Bobby Johnson – Atoka Basketball On the basketball floor Atoka fans are accustomed to seeing Bobby Johnson make plays and score in bunches. A versatile player who can play either small forward or shooting guard depending on the lineup Atoka head coach Russ Harrison puts on the floor; Johnson is widely regarded as one of the best players in the Southeast region of the state. Johnson is also a member of the Atoka track team and placed in a tie for sixth place last season at the Class 3A state meet in the high jump. Johnson is also a member of several relay teams for the Wampus Cats.

Away from athletics though Johnson is a member of the Atoka student council and is described by Harrison as a “really great kid.” After high school Johnson said he plans to go to college but added that he hasn’t decided on a major yet.

Photography Provided By: Angie Holiman Photography

Go Wampus Cats! Congratulations Senior Class Of 2014! Atoka

701 S. Mississippi (580) 889-7357

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100 N. High St. (580) 298-3368

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Southeast Oklahoma

Media Day

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VYPE Magazine would like to thank all the Southeast Oklahoma athletes and coaches for participating in the inaugural Media Day for the area.

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School Broken Bow High

<--Jaylon Watson & Sidney & Taylor Collier-->

Sidney and Taylor Co llier

Jaylon Watson

Broken Bow High School On the football fie ld Jaylon Watson stars as a versatile player for the Brok two-way en Bow Savages. Hi strong enough to make him a selec s play on the field was tio but it is the work Watson does in th n for the VYPE Top 100 list e classroom that great fit to be the mad McCurtain County Male Academic At e him a Month. hlete of the Watson carries a 3.6 grade point av erage and takes along with honors AP English classes in world geography, geom physiology. Watso etry and n is also a membe r of the National But what makes Hono thos school and footba e facts even more amazing is that r Society. ll W outside of Watson said he isn atson works two different jobs. â&#x20AC;&#x2122;t school but he did quite sure what he wants to do af ter high say he wanted to do something in field. the medical

Idabel High School

r Collier Sidney & TayloSchool Idabel High

urtain llier are the McC carry a s ey and Taylor Co in dn tw Si s th er Bo . ad th rle on Idabel chee es of the M et hl Chemistry At ic AP h, em is ad gl Ac ke honors En ta County Female th bo d s. an as cl e t averag an honors 4.14 grade poin ir, which is also Science especially pa re r te pu m co II, Calculus and ect in school is looking at going her favorite subj said that she is Sidney said that ey dn Si ol ho y before sc gh Bi hi ajoring in olog Anatomy. After ty in Ada and m si er iv Un l ra . nt ol to East Ce dental scho omy, Taylor ma Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to Oklaho that her favorite class was Anat lculus. After Ca id ly sa ab ey ob While Sidn is year is pr favorite class th ants to attend ECU, where she r he at th d de ad w or said she also unting with high school Tayl cheerleader and major in acco a s. she graduate would like to be accountant once plans of being an

Submit your nomination for the James Hodge Academic Athlete of the Month to: Oklahoma@VYPE.com

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Leaders of the Month

Kara SaeLim – Broken Bow

Broken Bow junior Kara SaeLim is the McCurtain County Female Leader of the Month. SaeLim is a member of the dance team at Broken Bow along with being a member of the Lady Savages cross country and track teams. SaeLim is also a member of the Broken Bow High School Showtime Show Choir and volunteers doing community service. SaeLim’s efforts don’t stop there though, she is also a member of the Broken Bow junior chamber of commerce, is a member of student council, key club, Spanish club, BPA and a member of the Bypass Church of Christ youth group on top of being president of the junior class at Broken Bow. If she wasn’t playing sports SaeLim says she would be singing with her mom and sisters, which is a tradition in her house, along with cooking and sewing which are her two favorite hobbies. After high school SaeLim hopes to attend OCU and major in Dance Performance. After dancing for a few years, she added that she wants to open her own dance academy.

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Blue McNeal – Broken Bow

On the football field Broken Bow’s Blue McNeal is as versatile as it gets. On offense McNeal plays wide receiver and on defense he stars as a cornerback. That isn’t all he does for the Savages though, on special teams McNeal is also the team’s kicker and punter. What McNeal does off the field however is why he was chosen as a McCurtain County Leader of the Month. McNeal is a member of both the Spanish Club and the Art Club along with being a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. McNeal is also a member of the junior chamber. All of McNeal’s activities come while he also excels in the classroom, taking honors classes in Spanish, Physics, English and Math and carrying a 4.429 grade point average.

Youthful Wright City Softball Team Shows Fans That The Future Is Bright for the Lady Jax Looking at the Wright City softball roster people outside of the program certainly had reason to doubt how successful the Lady Jax would be this fall. With just two Raney Johnson Lady Jax seniors on the roster and 10 Reedy, Raney Johnson, Morgan Mussett, Hailey freshmen or Gabbard, Alyssa Willis, Ashlyn Allensworth, sophomores questions abounded about just Victoria Reyes and Tayeh Shoals. how good the perennial power would be. Those questions were quickly answered when the Lady Jax started the year 7-1, including wins over Rattan, Caney, Calera and Bennington, who were all ranked in the top 20 of their respective classes at the time. The Lady Jax werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t content with just the great start though. Wright City kept on rolling all the way to a 23-11 regular season record. In the district tournament Wright City breezed past Fort Towson with back-to-back wins and then kept up the momentum in the regional tournament with three-straight wins to advance to the Class A state tournament. At state the Lady Jax squared off against the Healdton Bulldogs in the first round and fell by a score of 3-2. The Bulldogs would later go on to advance to the championship round where they lost to Davenport by a final score of 6-5. Team members for the Lady Jax this season were: Brandi Bohanan, Chloe Tims, Abbie Gibson, Kaitlyn Collins, Sierra Tims, Hannah Goodman, Ashlyn Hicks, Riley Jacobs, Kelsey Hallie Battiest Williams, Baylee Luns, Hallie Battiest, Ember OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2013

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Lady Savages complete successful season.

Taking a 33-6 record into the regional tournament odds were good that the Broken Bow Lady Savages would make an appearance at the Class 4A state tournament. Unfortunately fate wasn’t on the side of the Lady Savages as they dropped backto-back games to Tecumseh and Mount St. Mary by scores of 11-9 and 3-1 respectively. Tecumseh would later advance out of the regional tournament and drop a 3-1 contest to Blanchard in the first round of the state tournament. Despite the tough losses at the end of the season Broken Bow still put together a very special season. After starting the season 4-4, the Lady Savages hit their stride and reeled off 18 straight wins to improve to

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22-4 on the season. The long winning streak started on Aug. 22 with a win over Haworth and finally came to an end Sept. 14 with a loss to Durant in the Durant tournament. Despite the loss to Durant, the Lady Savages did record their biggest win of the season later on in the tournament when they took down Class 4A’s then No. 7 ranked team, Lone Grove. Looking toward next year the Lady Savages will need to deal with several key losses in graduation. Gone will be athletic, talented players Camille Gill, Nikki Amos and Makenzie Wright. But as the saying goes every dark cloud has a silver lining and Broken Bow’s silver lining is the return of a very important trio of players. Shaylee Brantley, Michaela Richbourg and Hannah Scott will all be back

next year for the Lady Savages after putting together very solid campaigns this year. All three members of the trio were all named to the SEOK AllTournament team this year and will all need to do even more next year if the Lady Savages want to continue to build on a strong foundation that was laid this year.

Dillon Leffel is the second leading tackler for Broken Bow and a driving force on the Savages defense. VYPE caught up with the senior and sat down to talk football, childhood and his future. Leffel: Jake Gandara from Fort Gibson has definitely been the hardest player I’ve ever had to tackle. VYPE: What is the funniest thing you have ever heard in the huddle?

Dillon Leffel VYPE: How much time do you spend in film study or reviewing info on your opponent each week? Leffel: I spend about a hour a day watching film and how the team lines up and what plays they run out of different formations. VYPE: What is your biggest fear on or off the field? Leffel: My biggest fear on the field is losing. VYPE: What motivates you to be your best? Leffel: My teammates and the competition because there’s always someone working just as hard as me. VYPE: Who is the toughest player you have ever had to tackle?

Leffel: I’ve never heard anything funny in the huddle because it’s all about doing work. VYPE: If you weren’t playing linebacker what position would you be playing? Leffel: If I wasn’t playing linebacker I’d be playing receiver because I’ve never dropped a ball on Friday night. VYPE: Do you have any pregame rituals? If so what are they? Leffel: Pregame is very important to me. I listen to music, stretch and pray. VYPE: What kind of vehicle do you drive now and

what would be your dream car? Leffel: I drive a Jeep Wrangler now and my dream car would be a 1969 Camero. VYPE: What was your favorite toy as a kid. Leffel: My favorite toy as a kid was Woody off of Toy Story. VYPE: What do you see yourself doing in 20 years? Leffel: I see myself having a happy family and fulfilling my dreams.

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In coach Micah Mashburn’s second season, the Warriors have struggled to get into the win column. But the coach remains confident Idabel is close to getting things turned around. Captain Braden Wesley, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound left tackle/defensive end, is hoping to lead the resurgence.

VYPE: it’s been a tough start to the year, how’s the attitude? Wesley: We’ve been getting along better. We’re starting to pick it up in practice. It’s taken a little bit for us to gel. VYPE: Who’s the guy in the locker room that keeps everybody loose?

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Wesley: I’d say Elijah Grass. He’s just an all-around funny person. He’s played a few jokes on me. VYPE: Who are you most looking forward to playing in districts? Wesley: Roland. One of their players kind of embarrassed me last year. I stood up too high, he drove me off the ball and put me on my back. VYPE: Who is your favorite college football player? Wesley: Blake Bell. He’s a good quarterback and he’s real big. VYPE: Offensive linemen don’t get a lot of publicity, how do your running backs and quarterback show their appreciation? Wesley: When we get good blocks, they shake our hand, pat us on the back. VYPE: What? They don’t take you to dinner? Wesley: I wish.

VYPE: Speaking of food, is it true linemen love all-youcan-eat restaurants? Wesley: Oh yeah (laughs). We can eat. We have a few all-youcan-eat places. My favorite is Pizza Hut. VYPE: If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing this time of year? Wesley: Probably off-season baseball. I play first base and outfield. VYPE: What is your favorite subject in school and why? Wesley: My favorite subject is history. You get to learn about all the stuff that happened in the past. VYPE: What are your plans after high school? Wesley: Go to college and get an education. I’m not being recruited yet. I don’t exactly know what I want to study. I have a few ideas. I think I want to become an electrician. VYPE: What are your hobbies? Wesley: I enjoy hanging out with friends. Go mudding in Haworth. Go swimming. I also like to hunt. VYPE: What did you do over

the summer? Wesley: I worked at the football field. We painted lockers, the inside of the field house. We really cleaned up around the place.

VYPE: Thoughts on the rest of the season. Wesley: It’s about time we step it up and get us a W. We still have time to have a pretty good season.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2013

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Team of the MOnth: Hugo Buffaloes Have Their Eye On A Playoff Spot Behind the efforts of playmaker extraordinaire Trey Johnson, who is also a VYPE Top 100 selection and semifinalist for the Shelter Insurance Mr. Football Award, the Buffaloes ran through their first five opponents this year. Hugo opened the year by blasting Atoka 51-0, then in week two the Buffaloes just slipped past Valliant by a score of 14-6. The Buffaloes followed up the win over Valliant with wins over Idabel, Holdenville and Pocola by scores of 42-6, 48-14 and 59-14 respectively. The Buffs have come back down

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to earth slightly in the past two weeks falling to Hartshorne and Vian but with their work earlier in the season Hugo seems to be a team that is destined for the postseason. Although the Buffaloes have put up points in bunches this year what is even more impressive is the way their defense has played under firstyear head coach Dana Bloedel.

Last season the Buffaloes never held an opponent to under 17 points while in the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first five games this year no opponent even reached that benchmark.

The VYPE Team Breaks Down Four Area Football Teams Talihina – With duel-threat junior quarterback Alan Lockhart leading the way the Golden Tigers started the year 8-0 and have dominated the competition every time they have taken the field, winning by an average margin of 35.1 points per game. Lockhart completed 64-of-81 passes over the team’s first seven games for 844 yards and eight touchdowns. Lockhart also does damage with his legs, running for 696 yards and 14 more touchdowns during those first seven games. Running backs Bryar Humphreys and Preston Derby have also been key contributors for Talihina this year. The Golden Tigers have definitely turned heads early but they still have work left to do, including back-to-back road games against Savanna and Gore to close the regular season.

Hartshorne – The Miners began the year with a 6-1 record this season with key wins over Henryetta, Hugo and Antlers. Hartshorne’s only blemish of the first half of the schedule came in a 40-27 loss to Stigler. Outside of the 40 points surrendered to Stigler, Hartshorne gave up an average of just 12.6 points in the team’s other six games of the first half of its schedule. The big game left on the Miners’ schedule will come on Nov. 1 when the team takes on Vian and try to break the Wolverines stranglehold on district 2A-6. Whether Hartshorne can take down the purple and gold monster that is Vian, the Miners have already proven they are one of the top teams in 2A and capable of beating anyone they line up against.

charge for the Savages has been versatile athlete Kirby Needham. Needham rushed for 473 yards and three touchdowns in the team’s first six games along with taking some snaps at quarterback and completing 3-of-5 pass attempts for 56 yards and one touchdown. Running back Preston Lemons has also been a force for Quinton this year running for 263 yards and four touchdowns in those first six games.

Broken Bow – After finishing the 2012 season with a 7-4 record hopes were running high in Broken Bow coming into this season. Those hopes have yet to be realized however as the Savages started the year 1-6. After taking down Idabel 41-7 in week one Broken Bow lost six-straight games including four district contests. With monster matchups against Poteau and Cascia Hall in the final two weeks of the season Broken Bow still has a chance to turn things around and possibly get into the Class 4A playoffs but after the team’s slow start it will truly be an uphill climb.

Kolton Montgomery - Hartshorne

Quinton – Using a strong rushing attack the Savages began the year 3-3. Quinton opened the season with back-to-back wins over Wilburton and Pocola but then dropped two-straight games to Talihina and Central Sallisaw. After the back-toback losses Quinton added a win over Gore and a loss to Panama. Leading the

580.584.2169 - brutonsonline@hotmail.com 110 N. Broadway, Broken Bow, Oklahoma 74728 www.BrutonsOnline.com OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2013

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Stephanie Callaham - Broken Bow

Stephanie Callaham, mother of Broken Bow High School twosport athlete Jake Callaham, is the McCurtain County Mom of the Month. Jake is a junior while daughter Jules is a seventh grader in the Broken Bow school system. Jules plays softball, basketball, runs track and is a member of the middle school cheer squad. Stephanie is actively involved in Jake’s athletics as a member of the Quarterback Club during football season and a member of the Home Run Club during baseball

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season. When she’s not attending meetings and helping with game prep you can probably find her running Jules around to one of her many events. “I’m proud of both Jake and Jules. Jake broke his collarbone against Shiloh Christian and has been out, but his rehab is going great and he should be ready for baseball season. Both kids are overachievers and they work really hard. Both are honor roll students and have been very successful as athletes and students.” Stephanie and the family are season tickets holders at OU and love to attend Oklahoma football games together. For her commitment to her family and her willingness to do whatever Jake and Jules need to be successful, Stephanie Callaham is the McCurtain County Mom of the Month.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2013

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