VYPE Southeast Oklahoma June 2017 Issue by Austin Chadwick

VYPE OKLAHOMA

SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA

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SPIRIT OF SUCCESS

of SUCCESS Success is measured in a variety of ways. In sports and coaching, the testament of success is often defined through wins and losses as well as championships won. And while the state championship trophies in the trophy case at Red Oak High School shine brightly as evidence of athletic achievement, the recipe for success for Casey Butcher continues to have the Lady Eagles soaring to higher flight.

Since his arrival as head coach for Red Oak softball and basketball teams, the Lady Eagles have won a total of eight state titles in softball as well as being a perennial contender for the Class B girls basketball state title that includes twice making it to “Championship Saturday at the Big House.” The eight softball championships include a current string of five straight fastpitch crowns along with back-toback slowpitch titles including the 2017 championship.

“I was the assistant baseball coach in the fall and one of the smartest things I did was spending time with Trey Booth,” said Butcher. “I filled the pages of a cabinet full of binders with notes not just Xs and Os but more about how to get the best out of kids. Trey is a master at taking a group of kids and teaching them how to play at a higher level. His motivational and emotion filled influence is why our kids believe they’re going to win in sports and in life.” It’s a simple formula for Butcher: Hard work + discipline + love = Success. A formula that Butcher credits the encouragement of his wife for making things work out right on a daily basis.

“She keeps me in check at home and on the field as a coach,” Butcher said with praise for his bride Talitha. “She takes care of the little things including our kids Chase, Maycee and Clate. Tali makes our family successful.”

“It’s not fair to judge a team, a player or a coach by their last game results. It’s not fair to the kids,” Butcher said with confidence. “The true measure of success is determined by creating opportunities to push the kids to do things they normally wouldn’t accomplish on their own, taking them out of their comfort zone to strive to achieve the highest level of achievement possible and being able to follow those beliefs for the rest of their life.” While another school year ends and next season’s preparation has already began, the day-to-day example of Casey Butcher continues to prove the importance of the Spirit of Success.

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“Our school and the entire community embrace these kids with open arms in everything we do and it pays off,” said Butcher.

While coaches and teams are too often judged by the score of the last game, win or lose, according to Casey Butcher, there’s no magic for success just following a proven recipe.

Butcher also points to the influence of never ending love from the school and Red Oak community that keeps the recipe of success blended to perfection.

“Players have to know you sincerely care about them before they’ll respect you,” proclaimed Butcher. “At Red Oak, we’re a family. We laugh together, cry together and we make each other mad but at the end of the day our kids know they’re loved and that leads to our kids giving you their best efforts.”

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“Darrick Farriell got me started in basketball,” Butcher recalled making a couple of state tournament trips while at McCurtain. “I learned a lot from him who was doing the same things he

After two years at Quinton, Butcher’s trek traveled over the Kiamichi mountains to Red Oak taking flight with the Eagles sports teams.

Since the start of the 21st century, Red Oak sports teams have combined to win an impressive collection of 21 state titles with numerous runner-up finishes in only three sports including softball (fastpitch and slowpitch), baseball and basketball. Each championship achieved through the mix of talent and the Red Oak recipe for success.

The early experience at McCurtain helped shaped Butcher’s coaching mindset.

CASEY BUTCHER Oak High School

SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA

“I wanted to coach so bad I couldn’t see straight and I jumped at the chance when I was offered my first job as the gym janitor and assistant basketball coach at McCurtain,” chuckled Butcher.

“I was assistant for everything then in the spring became the head baseball Red coach. I owe a lot to David Smith and Casey Eubanks for showing me the ropes for success,” Butcher said.

A native of LeFlore county graduating from McCurtain High School before attending college at Carl Albert State College and later finishing his degree at East Central University, Butcher is following his dream to coach high school sports.

Butcher then moved west on Highway 31 to Quinton to take his first head coaching job.

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“Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy winning and I despise losing more than anything just ask my girls,” admits Butcher. “But for me it’s about taking a group of young ladies and making them blue collared, teaching them hard work, discipline, being on time. I believe my job as a coach is to help my kids develop traits that will serve them well the rest of their lives and for most day one begins when they graduate from high school.”

learned from David Sanders.”

FAN’S CHOICE GOLF

Neely Wood

Hannah Price

Blayne Barker

Bailee Barnes

Chloe McKinney

Elijah Factor

Jayden Jackson

FANS CHOICE SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA GOLF With the inspiration of on-line voting from more than 100,000 voters, fans of high school golf voiced the passion of support to determine the VYPE Southeast “FANS CHOICE” golf teams consisting of the top five vote totals from the leaderboards of girls and boys golfers.

GIRLS SCORECARD – From a field of 15 golfers that received a minimum of 50 strokes (votes), the top five determined from a total of 45,432 ballots, includes a ladder of talent that each one qualified for this year’s state tournaments. NEALY WOOD – 10,652 Votes Tishomingo High School - Senior

The talented 2017 senior leaves a legacy of success for her Tishomingo teammates to follow after leading the Lady Indians to the Class 2A state tournament each of the past three seasons including a state runner-up finish this spring. “Nealy’s leadership is going to be hard to replace,” admits coach Kyle Lafevers. “She’s more than just a good golfer. Her hard work to improve her game and inspire others to play with a champion like passion is off the charts.” HANNAH PRICE – 8,651 Votes Ada High School - Junior

A three-time state qualifier for the Lady Cougars, Price played the #1 bag assignment this spring to guide Ada back to the Class 4A state tournament.

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JACE WEATHERLY – 30,272 Votes Wewoka High School – Junior

After narrowly missing the Class 2A tournament a year, the continual practice time paid dividends for Weatherly who placed among the top 20 individual scores to lead the Tigers to a top 10 finish in the Class 2A state tournament this spring.

“Jace is proof that if you commit yourself to a goal and work hard to achieve it, anything is possible,” said coach Cody Barlow. “On the range or practicing on the greens, his tireless hours of practice kept his game sharp while playing #1 bag for us to reach the state tournament.” LOGAN MATTHEWS – 20,800 Votes Byng High School – Junior

Placing individually in every tournament this spring, Matthews capitalized on his championship efforts to qualify for the Class 3A state tournament this spring.

“Cody understands what’s required to be successful on the golf course,” said coach Cody Williams. “His consistent performance is due to his hard work as well as understanding his swing and what he needs to do to shape his shots during every round.” AARON ELLIOTT – 6,782 Votes Tishomingo High School – Senior

“Hannah leads by example through her dedication to making herself a complete player,” said coach Ron Anderson. “She’s an outgoing student focused on her desires as well as helping others reach their goals simultaneously.”

Described by his coach as a leader by example, Elliott’s individual efforts not only allow him to qualify for the Class 2A state tournament for a second time but vaulted the Indians to a sixth place finish in the team race this spring. Actively involved in the school’s FFA chapter, Elliott plans to attend Murray State College.

An ever improving talent on the course, Barker achieved a top-10 individual finish while leading the Lady Lions to a third place finish at this year’s Class 5A state tournament. With this year’s experience plus the memory of the 2016 state championship, Barker’s future is filled with “Masters-like” opportunity.

The youngest of the Fans Choice top five, Factor shared his athletic skills with the Panthers golf squad after fulfilling his role on the Class 2A state champion basketball team earlier this year. Factor also competes in cross-country.

BLAYNE BARKER – 8,351 Votes Durant High School – Sophomore

five includes a ladder of talent derived from the results of 69,777 combined votes.

BAILEE BARNES – 6,404 Votes Tishomingo High School – Junior

This spring, Barnes delivered a top 20 individual finish at the Class 2A state tournament. Work ethic and attitude are just two of the traits for Barnes’ success on the links as well as in a variety of other activities. The 2018 senior is also a leader by example including her participation in FFA livestock showing and speech competition as well as playing in the Tishomingo band. CHLOE McKINNEY – 3,629 Votes Durant High School – Senior

With an ever present memory of the 2016 state championship, McKinney remained focused to help lead Durant back into the Class 5A title chase where the Lady Lions senior totaled a top 15 finish helping the team to a third place finish. Active in bot FCA and FCCLA, McKinney graduated with a trail of success on the course and now travels to UCO for college. BOYS SCORECARD – From a field of 17 golfers that received the minimum of 50 strokes (votes), the top

ELIJAH FACTOR – 4,525 Votes Latta High School – Sophomore

JAYDEN JACKSON – 3,100 Votes Idabel High School – Junior

With a near flawless golf swing and mental focus on his next shot, Jackson not only guided the Warriors to a Top-10 finish in the Class 3A state tournament but with three consistent rounds he earned a third place finish in the medalist chase. A multi-talented athlete, Jackson also played second base where he totaled a .400 batting average and led the team in RBIs.

Excel Presents - SEOK McAlester Athletes of the Year

The pride of the Buffalo was never more apparent on a day-to-day basis than through the efforts of the male and female athletes proudly wearing the black and gold of McAlester. In addition to the individual efforts to achieve athletic supremacy, the constant theme of #FeartheHerd made the strength of each team greater than sum of its individual parts. Football – Braden Parker Fastpitch Softball – Taryn Howard Cross Country – Jake Rattan Boys Basketball – Zach Lerblance

Logan Matthews

Jace Weatherly Girls Basketball – Taylor Compton Wrestling – Hunter Smith Powerlifting – Brayden Klusak Cheer – Morgan Harvanek Pom – Halee Simpson Volleyball – Kacie Johnson Girls Golf – Madalyn Nix Boys Golf – Layne Braswell Girls Track – Kamaryn Higgs BoysTrack – Jacob Amos Baseball – Mason Ross Boys Tennis – Manning White Girls Tennis – KiKi Johnson Boys Soccer – Jacob Nooner Girls Soccer – Brynn Vaughan

Aaron Elliott

HUNTER SMITH

Making a major impact throughout his career on the wrestling mat for the Buffaloes, 2017 senior Hunter Smith raised his hand in jubilation winning his final match and claiming the gold medal in the 120-pound division of the Class 5A state championships. Including this year’s 34-2 record, Smith owns a career record of 130 wins and 34 losses that also include the silver medal at 120 pounds from the 2016 season. On or off the wrestling mat, the only goal for Smith was to stand on top of the medal stand as champion. According to McAlester coach Brett Lalli, the neverending energy of Smith defines the age-old adage that dynamite comes in small packages. “From the first whistle he wrestles like a lion stalking his prey, explosive both mentally and physically,” said head coach Brett Lalli. “Hunter wants to leave no doubt in the mind of his opponent who’s the king of the ring.”

Hunter Smith

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Southeast Oklahoma All-VYPE Spring Sports

Levi Prater

Karsyn Brigance

Baseball

Haley Morgan

Jacob Amos

Local connections

Austin Lambert – Coalgate Raygan Dodd – Madill Landon Grissom – Stonewall

Slowpitch

Micah Jo Dees – Rattan Alex Eddinger – Rattan Hannah Brown – Rattan Taylor Smith – Calera Dally Halbrooks – Calera Brady Rowland - Colbert Taylor Herndon – Soper Alexa Pettyjohn – Soper Isabel Fox – Caney Ashlyn Culbreath – Caney Masie Anderson – Wynnewood Mackenzie Davis – Stonewall Alexis Lambert – Stonewall Maebree Abney – Stonewall

Logan Ward

Johnathan Metts – Durant Micah Abrams – Durant Bo Mallett – Durant Blake Barron – Durant Guy Carey – Durant Harrison Boggs – Ada Reese Siegle – Ada Landon Swopes – Ada Christian Siegle – Ada Ethan Clark – Ada Lane Taylor – Ada C.J. Brooks – Byng Jaron Tiger – Byng Thaddeus McClain – Byng Caden Manuel – Byng Ethan Dodson – Byng Josh kretzchman – Byng Casey Graham – Seminole Andrew Choate – Seminole Matt Choate – Seminole Christian Duarte – Seminole Matthew Tice – Pauls Valley Wyatt Cummings – Pauls Valley Javier Rodriguez – Pauls Valley

We’re proud to support our community schools.

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* - Denotes # of Gold Medals Won

BOYS Bruen Wood – Durant* Jacob Amos – McAlester AJ Martin – McAlester Eli Martin – McAlester Landry Davis – McAlester Logan Ward – Broken Bow** Reece Watson – Broken Bow Daniel Burris – Broken Bow Patrick Young – Broken Bow Tyrone Howell – Idabel Donte Reece – Idabel Dylan Parnacher – Madill Asa Robertson – Madill Costa Chambers – Madill Davis Sanders – Madill Mark Robles – Sulphur Cameron Jones – Sulphur Mike Robles – Sulphur Trey Kiser – Sulphur Houston Haines – Sulphur Jacob Ferrell – Sulphur Maverick McCaskill – Davis* Gunner Arms – Davis Patrick Holloway – Hugo Clinton Bland – Dickson Caelan Young – Dickson Jeremiah McMahan – Dickson Jadley Cox – Dickson Karsten Mathis – Wynnewood Colten Keith – Wynnewood Michael McCann – Wynnewood Marcus Knowles – Wynnewood Zac Levy – Wynnewood Riley Baker – Tishomingo* JW Edwards – Stratford** Darien Roberts – Wewoka Drew Aahaity – Wewoka

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Track

Visit one of our stores GIRLS Destinee we’d Lewis –love Durant* to talk! Haley Morgan – Durant Kacy Devora – Durant Shayla Harper – Durant

Kamryn Higgs – McAlester Maggie Hall – McAlester Payton Taylor – Ada Trinitee Haney – Broken Bow Miracle Beard – Idabel* Tearsny Grayson – Idabel* Stevesha Cursh – Idabel* Neriah Wharry – Idabel* Kortney Gray – Idabel Taylor Wilkinson Tishomingo Kristina Smith – Tishomingo Alli Grove – Wynnewood Jakayla Weaver – Sasakwa* Madison Factor – Sasakwa Charlene Galimba – Konawa Rebekah Wendt – Haworth

Karysn Brigance – Red Oak Grace Montgomery – Red Oak Kayleigh Hunter – Red Oak Darci McCullar – Red Oak Shelby Harrington – Valliant Brayden Tisdale – Tushka Jaylee Eaves – Tushka Anna Boyd - Tushka Michaela Richbourg - Broken Bow Golf Trinitee Haney- Broken Bow BOYS Raegan Keith - Broken Bow Layne Braswell – McAlester Janyrie Ganaway - Broken Bow Trevor Spence – McAlester Crissy Odom – Silo Reed Townsend – Ada Karissa Marshall – Silo Ben Pruitt – Ada Ashlynn Robinson – Rock Jaden Jackson – Idabel Creek R.J. Weeks – Kingston Carol Scott – Rock Creek Matt Osteen – Kingston Savannah Ashford – Sulphur Ryan Capps – Kingston Dayton Szalaj – Sulphur Justice Hartman – Turner Ashlie Hedemann – Sulphur Talihina GIRLS Brantley Hughes – Haworth Jolie Romine – Davis Dallas– St. KiKi402 Johnson McAlester Jaston Korzan – Stratford Sydney Martin – Davis 918-567-2368 Mackenzie Brown – McAlester Garrett Smith – Wilburton Brinlee Dulaney - Davis Shannequia Gibson – Hayden Hopper - Canadian Maria Priest – Latta McAlester Clayton Chelsea Alexander – Latta Cydney Linehan – McAlester GIRLS Reagan Tice – Stratford 108 N. Lawson Blvd. Molly Ervin – McAlester Blayne Barker – Durant Skylar Stopp – Stuart 918-569-7167 Abigail Ervin – McAlester Abby Hunt – Durant Krystin Wilson - Stuart Brooke Leroy – Durant Paige Clinton – Durant Ashley Brown – Stuart Ally McCoy – Durant Madalyn Nix – Durant Taylor Robbins –Hartshorne Macy McCoy – Durant Meredith McGill – Ada Bre Mitchell - Kiowa Ivy Nesbitt – Durant Taylor Durr – Ada Karlie McCormick – Kiowa Rebekah Corson – Durant Jordan Goodman – Sulphur Ashley Thomas – Quinton Sarah Routledge – Durant Jaxie Ward – Broken Bow Tori Davidson - Quinton Morganne Freeman – Ada Brenna Shaw – Idabel Kirstie Blackwood – Wilburton Maggie Johnson – Ada Antlers Sarah Henry – Pauls Valley Tarin Dubler – Asher Lauren Burden – Ada 101 S. High St. – Tishomingo Neely Wood Taylor Barrett – Coleman Karsen Sheffield – Ada 580-298-2100 Tracy McGill – Turner Broken– Ada Bow Allison Nickles – Caddo Lauryn Hawkins Makenzie Rogers – Silo 101 N. Park Dr. Olivia Weaver – Caddo Meredyth Morris – Ada 580-584-3330 Ashlyn Boyd – Moss Courtney Blackburn – Byng Chloe Robinson - Moss Tennis Bri Sanders – Byng Hugo Nicole McWilliams – CeCe Sayre – Byng Idabel BOYS Bennington 1112 E. Jackson St. Macy – Byng 2106Smith SE Washington, Suite A Ben Domingue – McAlester Kensea Eppler – Silo 580-317-8092 Karina Garcia – Pauls Valley 580-286-9197 Manning White – McAlester Crissy Odom – Silo Cameron Freeland – Pauls Austin Haylett – McAlester Emalie Watts – Battiest Valley Caleb Williams – McAlester Deedra Tonihka – Battiest

Shannequia Gibson

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Dakota Finley – Durant Matthew Knox – Durant Connor Roberts – Durant Mason Ross – McAlester Cameron Green – McAlester Noah Cook – McAlester Levi Prater – Byng Billy Wall – Byng Darian Davis – Byng Rayce Stephens – Byng Jake Hamilton – Silo Hunter Ratcliffe – Silo Braeden Wright – Silo Cody Muncy – Red Oak Morgan Crenshaw – Red Oak Brendan Patten – Red Oak Brett Detherage – Red Oak Tyler Frank – Tushka Mason Brinkley – Tushka Zach Dill – Tushka Marcus Hampton – Tushka Chance Parker – Hartshorne Blake Tubbs – Hartshorne Anthony Shelley – Wilburton Connor Knight – Wlburton Garret Smith – Wilburton Team Hackler – Kiowa Aubrey Champion - Haileyville Tucker Elliott – Allen Colton Frederick – Allen Dustin West – Latta Austin Ellenburg – Latta Luke Leland – Tupelo Jacob Jones – Roff Cameron Jones – Sulphur Justin Pettifer – Sulphur Dawson Muck – Sulphur Blake Crase – LeFlore Konner Neal – Broken Bow Brooks Ellisor – Broken Bow Traelon Yarbrough – Atoka Blake Crase – LeFlore Dawson Warren – LeFlore Tanner Whitmire – Coleman Shawn Harper – Calera Cooper Hamilton – Calera Josh Eiler – Rock Creek Cody White – Soper Mason Springfield – Soper Colton Ledford – Caddo Jacob Jones – Roff Mekhi Edwards – New Lima

Mackenzie Davis

Moments after stepping on the medal stand at the Class 5A state track meet, VYPE caught up with Jacob Amos of McAlester High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting his answers, we posed the same questions to his track teammates and brother combo Eli and A.J. Martin. Which of the two best-matched Jacob’s answers?

Jacob Amos McAlester Track

Eli Martin 4x100 Relay

Jacob’s favorite food?

Chicken Parmesan from Chili’s

Chicken Parm

Pizza

Something Jacob will NEVER eat?

Chinese Food

Tomatoes

Hogs Heart

Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram?

Snapchat

Something Jacob is afraid of?

Spiders

If Jacob could invite anyone to dinner it would be? (Dream Date)

Selena Gomez

Beyonce’

Kate Upton

Jacob’s homework is finished before the race, at the finish line or running late?

Running Late (It’s how I stay in shape!)

Early

At the finish line

Favorite TV show?

Family Guy

Dragon Ball Z

Sponge Bob

Jacob’s favorite Athlete?

Lebron James

Carmelo Anthony

LeBron James

Jacob’s locker (aka bedroom) is clean & neat, organized chaos or a tornado alley?

Organized Chaos

Chaos (Only Jacob can find anything)

Chaos (That’s what he’ll say-NOT!)

If I could be anyone in the world?

Leonard Dicaprio

Adrian Peterson

President of the U.S.

4 out of 10 (Good Job Eli!)

4 out of 10 (Eli let’s race for the win!)

A.J. Martin 4x100 Relay

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Jacob Amos continues to demonstrate his will to win by qualifying for the Class 5A state track championships for a second straight year. After competing in two events a year ago, Amos competed in three events this spring including a bronze medal finish in the long jump as well as reaching the field of individual competitors in the 100 meter run and teaming with Eli and A.J. Martin and Landry Davis to run in the 4x100m relay. A member of the Buffs basketball team who also enjoys the thrill of riding his 4-wheeler, “Famous Amos” plans to pursue a professional career as a physical therapist.

2017

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R E D OA K E AG L E S

Red Oak Softball

Red Oak Eagles: FLYIN’ HIGH AGAIN With a combined 21 state championships since the turn of the century, it’s no wonder that reaching the state tournament is more than a dream for the athletes, coaches and fans at Red Oak. The expectation is such a tradition that the school calendar includes days out of school so that the LeFlore County school and its legion of fans can be in attendance for every game. Between the championship efforts of the Eagles softball and baseball programs last fall, it’s no surprise that both teams would continue their recipe for success at the OSSAA spring championships.

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The flight to another softball championship took an unexpected detour in the first game of the postseason for the defending champions as Red Oak dropped a 12-8 decision to Coleman pushing the Lady Eagles to edge of the nest that served as a reminder nothing worth having comes easy.

“We started the season fast then crashed all the way to the bottom of the well. The pressure of winning was mounting for the girls and for me,” recounted head coach Casey Butcher. “We had a long talk about what we were afraid of. We checked our scorecard and realized that altogether we’d hit more balls and fielded more grounders in practice than anybody as well as played the state’s best teams in any class. The girls and I looked each other in the eye and said let’s go play.”

The wake up call flipped the switch of success from that point forward as Red Oak would total 82 runs over the next five games to claim a second straight Class A slowpitch state title. Led by the efforts of Karsyn Brigance, Grace Montgomery, Darcia McCullar, Shay Stacy, Jenna Mabry, Kaylee Hunter and the remainder of the roster, Red Oak combined solid defense with an offensive explosion to score 53 runs to defeat Leedey (12-7), Caney (25-7) and Asher 16-7 in the finals.

“When we got to the state tournament, our kids believed it’s not just where we belonged but that the championship trophy belonged to Red Oak,” smiled Butcher. Woven into their recipe for success that also includes five consecutive fastpitch state titles, Red Oak used a 29-12 season with nine of its losses to state tournament teams to claim the school’s third slowpitch state championship.

It would be hard to argue the fact that Red Oak baseball has become a dynasty of success as the Eagles entered the spring season having won five of the six Class B championships this decade including the 2016 crown. Ranked number one, the defending champions entered the three-day state tournament 17 game winning streak. Coach Trey Booth’s lineup of reliable defense, solid pitching and an offensive powerhouse set the stage for another championship encounter posting wins over #11 Coleman 18-8 and #4 ranked Roff 12-2

to advance to the Class B finals at Bricktown Ballpark.

With pitching ace Morgan Crenshaw in command on the mound, Red Oak would need another dose of their recipe of success to produce another late inning rally. Cody Muncy’s powerful blast against the wind bounced off the outfield wall resulting in an RBI double before the final out was recorded leaving Red Oak with the runner-up finish in a 3-2 setback to #2 ranked Leedey. “Just like all year long, our kids refused to give up. But it’s like in life, you either get it done or you don’t,” said Booth. “I’m proud of these guys and I’m confident they’ll use the memories of this moment and draw upon our recipe for success to help insure victories in the future on and off the field.” Combined with their 24 victories in the fall, Red Oak baseball combined to win 55 games including a 31-5 record this spring.

Red Oak Baseball

#WeAreRedOak – Home of CHAMPIONS Presented by J.T. and Melissa Hunter

ATOKA AREA ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

TUSHKA LADY TIGERS - Slowpitch Softball After winning a second straight fastpitch state championship last fall, the Lady Tigers were looking for a sweep after reaching the Class 3A slowpitch state tournament. Coach David Durbin’s number one ranked lineup of talent roared through the postseason by outscoring their opponents 31-2 in the regional tournament. Tushka’s assault of the scoreboard remained solid in the first two games with a 13-2 win of #9 Rock Creek and 18-2 over #4 ranked Caddo to reach the finals before taking home the runner-up trophy in an exciting 8-5 setback to Rattan and finish the spring campaign with a 31-8 record. When added with the success of the fastpitch championship, the Lady Tigers won a total of 68 games.

TUSHKA TIGERS - Class A Baseball

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Riding the wave of enthusiasm after winning the school’s first ever fall baseball championship in 2016, coach Dax Simon’s lineup card was loaded with talent for the spring schedule as the top ranked Tigers used a strong armed pitching rotation, consistent defense and powerful bats to overpower five opponents 73-7 to advance to the Class A state championship including a pair of run-rule shutouts defeating #13 ranked Allen 19-0 and #5 ranked Union City 10-0 only to leave Bricktown Ballpark with the Class A state runner-up trophy following a 3-2 loss to Binger-Oney. Tushka wrapped up the spring with a 30-7 record and a combined 65 wins on the diamond between the two seasons this school year.

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DURANT SPRING SPORTS

Shayla Harper

Bruen Wood

“ROARING WITH LION PRIDE”

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The efforts of the athletes and teams at Durant this spring continued to produce winning seasons including individual and a team championship.

The girls and boys track season produced gold medal efforts combining to qualify for the Class 5A state meet in 13 different events. To virtually no one’s surprise, Lady Lion senior Destinee Lewis returned to the top of the medal stand by winning a second consecutive gold medal in the discus throw with a heave of 135 feet-7 inches. In addition to competing in the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays, Durant sophomore Haley Morgan raced to the finals in the 400m run to capture a bronze medal with a time of 59.48 seconds while Shayla Harper advanced to the finals in the 100m hurdles. On the boys oval, senior strong man Bruen Wood outdistanced all competitors including teammate Landon Tubbs to win the Class 5A shot put gold medal with a throw of 54 feet-3 inches. Getting hot at the right time of the season proved successful on the baseball diamond as the Lions swept the regional championships to advance to the Class 5A state tournament before bowing out to eventual state champion Shawnee in the first round 4-1 to wrap up a 23-14 campaign.

Not only did Durant’s boys soccer advance to the state playoffs brackets, the Lions excellence in the classroom resulted in winning Class 5A boys soccer Academic state championship with a combined 3.65 GPA.

On the links, Durant girls teamed Blayne Barker, Chloe McKinney, Abby Hunt, Paige Clinton and Skylea McKaughan to finish third in the Class 5A team race.

On the tennis courts, Durant’s girls qualified an entire lineup for the state meet where the #2 doubles tandem of Rebekah Corson and Sarah Routledge would take a 6-2, 6-3 decision over OBA and a straight set 6-2, 6-2 match against Ardmore to advance to the championship finals and walk off center court with the silver medal. Also qualifying for the medal rounds was the #1 doubles team of Ally and Maci McCoy while Brooke Leroy and Ivy Nesbitt qualified in singles play. The #1 doubles tandem of Blake Barron and Guy Carey would reach Saturday’s medal round at the 5A boys championships as part of a quintet of Durant tennis players qualified including #2 doubles pairing of Micah Abrams and Bo Mallett while Jonathan Metts reached the state tournament ladder in #2 singles play.

Durant Boys Tennis

Destinee Lewis

Durant Baseball

Durant Girls Tennis

DURANT SPOTLIGHT

Hailey Morgan: Spirit of the Lions For Morgan, the opportunity to compete in multiple sports supports her dreams of playing at the next level. “Running track in the spring time makes me a better softball player,” acknowledge Morgan, who plays catcher for Durant while anchoring the middle infield/outfield positions with her travel softball team. “It’s made me quicker, faster and stronger.” The challenges of competing for gold in the 400m race also supports Morgan’s softball talents.

“Fast as fast can be…just try to keep up with Haley…”

Stepping to the medal stand at the Class 5A state track championships, the smile on the face of Durant sophomore Haley Morgan was easily visible following her bronze medal winning effort in the 400 meter run capping an action packed and rewarding multi-sport year of activities. In addition to her success running track including qualifying for state with her teammates in the 4x100 and 4x400m relays as well as the 400m, Morgan played a key role in the Lady Lions reaching the championship game of the Class 5A state fastpitch softball tournament last fall including a key home run to help advance Durant to the state finals.

“It’s an all out sprint that requires you to get out fast,” notes Morgan. “My conditioning and training in track carries over to playing softball whether I’m stealing bases or covering gaps in the outfield.”

supports each other while running the 400 meters it’s all on your shoulders,” Morgan said in comparison. “I didn’t feel the emotions as much in the softball finals but running in the state finals, I was nervous and pumped up at the same time. It helped that I ran in the finals last year and finished in sixth place.”

While Morgan has two more years of high school fastpitch softball competition with a desire to claim a state title prior to graduation, the 2019 senior has made an early commitment to a college softball offer from the University of Tulsa.

First step acceleration has resulted in Morgan being caught only twice while stealing bases.

“I’ve played travel ball with Texas Glory for the past seven years and that has given me chances to get noticed by playing in showcase tournaments all over the country as well as at Nationals,” said Morgan. “Recruiting classes are getting so much younger with college coaches always in attendance.”

In addition to carrying a 4.0 grade point average, Morgan also enjoys an opportunity for leadership as a member of the Student Council as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“After going on the tour and meeting with all the coaches, I knew it was a perfect fit for me. They recruited me for middle infield or outfield positions but I’ll play anywhere they put me in the lineup.”

“Because of my quickness, I know I can steal second plus use my quickness to advance to third base on a delayed steal,” confirmed Morgan.

With a combination of confidence and talent, Morgan admits the experience of playing in the softball championship and running for gold in track compare and contrast “Softball is a team sport where every player

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Talent, confidence, compassion and a desire for greatness defines the Spirit of the Lions and describes the heart of a champion in Haley Morgan.

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And when the Golden Hurricane invited Morgan to join their program, she was ready to make the decision.

D AV I S R E C A P

Jolie Romine

Maverick

Davis Represents at State DYNAMIC DUO FINISH 1-2 The talents of Maverick McCaskill and Gunner Arms proved to be the best in the ring as the pair finished 1-2 during shot put competition at the Class 3A OSSAA State Track Championships. After taking the bronze medal last year, McCaskill has proven to be the best of the best in Class 3A as the 2017 senior had the longest throw in the 3A competition all season with a heave of 52 feet-6.5 inches and finishing first at the regional meet with Arms taking second place, McCaskill and Arms would climb to the top steps of the medal stand to claim the gold and silver medals at the Class 3A state competition with McCaskill’s throw of 52 feet-0.5 inches taking the top result while

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Sulphur Golf

Arms delivered his P-R effort this spring with a distance of 49 feet-0.5 inches. Arms, who just completed his junior season, picked up a second medal at the 3A state meet with his third place toss of 144 feet-4 inches to earn the bronze medal third place finish in the discus. ALL-STATE X 2

Described by her coach as one of those exceptional players that only come along once in a decade, Davis senior Jolie Romine earned her second All-State honor being named to the Middle West lineup of talent by the Oklahoma Slowpitch Coaches Association. Playing the rover position for coach Jeff Parnell’s defensive lineup, Romine was flawless in the field and

Savannah Ashford

McCaskil

l & Gunne

r Arms

continuously hit for power at the plate. Romine delivered 23 home runs and produce 57 RBI while hitting for a .560 batting average. Romine earned fastpitch All-State honors last fall at shortstop and will take her talents to the collegiate level playing at Seminole State.

“Jolie started all four years, fall and spring and was a difference maker at the plate and in the field,” said Parnell. “She was always putting in extra work to improve her game taking ground balls after practice as well as spending bonus time in the cage hitting. Jolie has that refuse to lose mentality combined with a passion for supporting her teammates to play at a higher level.”

Payton Szalaj

Ashlie Hedemann

Sulphur Bulldogs: “Doin’ Work” BULLDOGS “RIGHT ON TRACK The 2017 spring track season is one of the best in school history as the boys’ track team won the Class 4A regional track championship for the first time in school history qualifying athletes for the state championships in 12 of 17 events. Speedster Cameron Jones qualified in four events including a spot in the finals of the 100 meters along with an entry in the 200 meters. Jones teamed with Mark Robles, Trey Kiser and Mike Robles to reach the medal stand with a fifth place finish in the 4x100 relay. The Bulldogs 4x200 relay team claimed the sixth place medal as Houston Haines joined Jones, Robles and Kiser. Haines also competed in the 400m run and the long jump. Jordan Clary doubled in the hurdles including a fifth place finish in the 300m and joined Brad Vinyard in the 110m hurdles. With a throw of 48-11 in the shot put Jacob Farrell stood on the medal stand with a fifth place finish. Also qualifying for the state meet

were Dan Baker and D.J. Hymes in the discus, Brandon Lawson and Vinyard competed in the pole vault with Samuel Barker running in the 3200m race.

“We wrote a new chapter in Sulphur sports history winning the regional title,” said coach Chance Gilbert, “and we have seven of the 11 guys returning along with some others that will let us continue our success.”

SOFTBALL TRIO NAMED ALL-STATE The terrific threesome of Savannah Ashford, Payton Szalaj and Ashlie Hedemann earned 2017 Slowpitch Softball All-State honors after leading the Bulldogs to another trip to the Class 5A softball state tournament with a 28-9 record. Ashford, who earned fastpitch softball All-State recognition at first base and centerfielder Hedemann will play college softball at Murray State while shortstop Szalaj continues to weigh her options at the next level.

GOLFERS REACH THE STATE TOURNAMENTS The Bulldogs quintet of Jared and Caleb Williams, Hunter Mann, Mason Lance and Dawson Padgett finished in eighth place in the Class 3A golf championships played on the wind blown Lincoln Park West course in Oklahoma City. Coach Chase Todd’s scorecard lineup has plenty of promise for next season as well with no seniors on this year’s top five golfers. Jordan Goodman represent the Lady Bulldogs competing as an individual at the Class 4A girls championships at Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City.

Jordan Goodman

C OAC H O F T H E M O N T H

SNU Coach of the Month Chad Gilbert - Sulphur Success for a high school coach extends far beyond Xs and Os, wins and losses. With the expectations for success paramount, coaches including Chad Gilbert of Sulphur understand the value of maximizing time management including the balance of quality time with family as well as with their sports team. “Success for me is more about developing relationships with kids today,” said Gilbert, a veteran of 17 seasons coaching in Oklahoma. “When your relationships are anchored in motivation and communication it makes success a possibility. When the kids know you truly care about them then they’ll want to go to work and get better.

Gilbert, now in his eighth year at Sulphur is constantly coaching 24-7 including high school and junior high football, junior high basketball as well as high school and junior high track while maintaining his responsibilities as a father and husband. This spring, Gilbert coached Sulphur boys track to the school’s first ever regional

track championship with his athletes qualifying for the state championships in 12 of 17 events.

Like in coaching Gilbert cherishes the relationships with his family including Misty, his wife of 17 years as well as his four children Jace (14), Cade (12), Clete (9) and Jett (7).

“I’m one of the fortunate guys in coaching to be blessed with the support of my family,” replied Gilbert. “I’m blessed to have them on my team. Like in coaching, relationships and communication remain the foundation of our success.” Another accomplishment for Gilbert is his attaining his Masters in Educational Leadership (MAEL) through Southern Nazarene University.

“It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. The support and encouragement on top of the learning opportunities has been fantastic,” said Gilbert. “The understanding I gained for public school administration was top notch. With class just one night a week, the program through Southern Nazarene was a perfect match for me. It’s the only way I could’ve done this. I’d recommend it to everyone.” (Photo courtesy Sabrina Duck Photography)

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A D A B OY S T E N N I S

21 and COUNTING tournament in order to bring home more gold.

Freshman Christian Siegle finished as runner-up in No. 2 Singles and Ada’s other two young guns — Reese Siegle and Landon Swopes — were runner-up at No. 1 Doubles. No pressure, right?

ADA BOYS TENNIS CONTINUE THE COUGARS EXCELLENCE ON THE COURTS Written by Jeff Cali – Sports Editor, The Ada News Winning state championships isn’t anything new to Ada head coach Skip Griese and the Ada High tennis program.

The Cougars captured a share of the Class 4A State championship earlier this month at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center. It was the 12th boys tennis state title and the 21st state championship in tennis overall (boys and girls).

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This year, however, was unlike most. The 2017 Ada boys team had to rely on three freshman to perform at a high level at the state

“The freshmen were outstanding this year. They stepped up at the state tournament and handled the pressure like they were seniors,” said Ada assistant coach Terry Swopes, who just completed his 12th season as a coach with the Ada tennis program.

It was especially exciting for Terry Swopes to see his son, Landon, be a part of Ada’s state title run. “For me, this championship is extra special because I was able to share it with my son,” he said.

The Cougars shared the state championship with pre-tournament favorite Bishop McGuinness. The bad news for the rest of Class 4A — Ada will bring everyone back next spring.

“On paper, we were supposed to finish behind McGuiness and slightly ahead of Holland Hall,” Terry Swopes said. “Many thought we would finish runner-up, but we had some rookies who stepped up and played really well.” Photos by Richard R. Barron – The Ada News

“For all three freshman to make it to the finals was a huge step in our team championship,” he continued. “They played like veterans. Their team needed them and they answered in a big way.”

Juniors Ethan Clark and Lane Taylor combined for a second-place finish at No. 2 Doubles. Harrison Boggs, another junior, rallied to finish fifth in No. 1 Singles. It was his final match that gave Ada enough points to secure another Ada state championship. “We knew we had a talented team this year, but we also knew they were inexperienced,” Swopes said. “Every member of the team played an integral part in this championship. Everyone played incredible and handled the

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BYNG PIRATES

Pirates Seize the ‘Ship BYNG COMPLETES 34-3 SEASON WITH GOLDEN TREASURES Written by Jeff Cali – Sports Editor, The Ada News When new Byng head baseball coach Luke Yost gets a cup of coffee these days, he rarely has to pay for it. Yost and his spring baseball team captured the 2017 Class 4A State championship earlier this month. It snapped a 15-year drought at the tradition-rich school that now has 11 spring baseball championships.

The folks at Byng couldn’t be more excited that the Pirates finally get to add some gold to the trophy case.

“It kind of reminded me of Remember the Titans or something like that. It was pretty neat,” Yost said.

“That semifinal game was the toughest game we’d played all year. The emotions in that game — it went back and fourth and we were trading counterpunch after counterpunch,” he said.

Byng’s softball coaches and players had the popular Queen tune “We are the Champions” blaring at the field upon the Pirates arrival.

According to many Class 4A pundits, it wasn’t supposed to be Byng’s year. Heritage Hall entered the Class 4A State Tournament with back-to-back titles under their belts. The Chargers were looking for a 3-peat.

And it was set up perfectly for Heritage Hall. They had survived the first round and semifinals without having to use up ace Roman Phansalkar, an Arizona signee.

Byng had already thrown its top two pitchers — ace Levi Prater and Darian Davis — and held off a late Weatherford rally to clip the Eagles 8-7 in a dramatic semifinal victory.

“I’m glad everybody was counting us out and picking against us. Within our guys, they believed if we played them 10 times, we’d beat them 10 times. That’s just how confident my team was,” he explained. “Other people may have been counting us out, but within our circle there was never any doubt we were going to win the game.” Byng hurler Billy Wall pitched like everyone expected Phansalkar to. He allowed just one hit in the six-inning run-rule victory. Wall also hit a walkoff home run in the bottom of the sixth to end the game. The dogpile began as soon as he touched home plate. “There was never any doubt in my mind as soon as we started the season that these guys were on a mission. They put their personal goals aside and it was all about the team,” Yost said.

“We want to know the Byng guys before us are important to us,” Yost said.

The Pirates forced Phansalkar to throw 37

Yost said his team appeared calm during its normal, pregame routine.

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Photos by Richard R. Barron – The Ada News

It’s all a part of keeping the Byng baseball tradition going. Breaking a long state championship drought certainly doesn’t hurt either.

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There are plans in the works to get a Byng baseball alumni game started again. That event will likely take place at some point in the fall.

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The odds were forever in Heritage Hall’s favor on that sunny afternoon at Edmond Santa Fe High School. Until the game started, that is.

Yost said surviving the semifinal scare, helped prepare his team for the championship bout.

The Pirates were welcomed by around a dozen emergency vehicles that escorted them back to Byng High School’s Stokes Field. When the mini parade reached Byng, numerous folks were

pitches in the first inning and by the time they knocked him out in the second inning, Byng had forged an 8-1 lead. The Pirates would win 12-1.

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“People have been very, very generous. That’s just how this community is. It’s been crazy,” Yost said. “I know my boys feel the same way. People take time to stop them and shake their hand or buy them a soda pop or something like that. It’s been really cool.”

outside waving and cheering as the bus passed them by. Never mind that it was 11 p.m.

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B RO K E N B OW S LOW-P ITCH S OFT BALL

“We Are The Champions” Entering the 2017 season, the Broken Bow slowpitch softball was on a mission after reaching the Class 6A semifinals last year. And as the lights faded at ASA Hall of Fame stadium on the final day, the sounds of the well known tuned could be heard from the dugout…WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS.

“We met at the start of the season and committed to each other to remain positive no matter the situation,” said Wyrick. “When we weren’t on the road playing games, we lived in the weight room day in and day out. The total strength of our club empowered everyone one to be a threat at the plate. Michaela Richbourg and Trinitee Haney opened the first inning with home runs as

A four-year starter, Richbourg who added a two run round tripper in the fifth inning, couldn’t hide her emotions following the final out.

“There aren’t any words to describe the feeling knowing that you’re a state champion,” said Richbourg with a mile-wide smile. “We just did what we’ve done all year long, hit the ball hard and make the other team make plays.”

Equally as impressive as the 42 runs scored in the three game state tournament, Broken Bow closed its championship campaign with a 37-1 record including a 19-game winning streak. Postseason honors were also bestowed on the Lady Savages program as Michaela Richbourg and Jasmine Cooks were named to the Large East All-State team and coach Wyrick was named 2017 Coach of the Year and chosen to coach All-State summer classic. Richbourg’s selection was her third this year after being chosen to the fastpitch softball and basketball All-State teams.

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One of three Class 4A level schools that reached the final teams battling for the slowpitch state championship, Broken Bow continued to do what they’d done all season run by scoring runs in bunches to win the school’s first ever state girls state title. Coach Jimmy Wyrick’s squad defeated #5 ranked Broken Arrow 18-5 and then eliminated defending champion and top ranked Southmoore 13-11 before ousting #2 ranked Tecumseh 11-1 and then race into the outfield for a championship celebration.

part of a five run barrage followed by Shelby Sharrock’s three run blast to cap a four-run fourth.

HTP photograph� by Stephanie Callaham

2017 BROKEN BOW LADY SAVAGES SOFTBALL 1 RAEGAN KEITH 2 JANYRIE GANAWAY 3 JASMINE COOKS 4 KINLEY SANDERS 5 MCKENNA WRIGHT 7 KAMRYN GENTRY 8 ALEX MARTINEZ 9 JULES CALLAHAM 10 SHELBY SHARROCK 11 CHASITY BURKE 12 DESTINY BAUGUS 16 HALEY REMILLARD 18 KANYON MILLER 19 ALIZAH BAKER 22 SOFIA BOHANON 23 DEJA JAMES 25 KELSEY ROUTH 26 MONICA MCKINNEY 32 MICHAELA RICHBOURG 0 TRINITEE HANEY MGR CAITLYN STEVENSON MGR SYDNEY BRUTON

COACHES: JIMMIE WYRICK, THU WONG HANEY

RATTAN STATE CHAMPIONS

Rattan Lady Rams Claim Class 3A Softball Crown Written by Nick Hampton

“Playing the best helps bring out the best”. That might be a good motto for the Rattan Lady Rams, who captured their fourth state slow pitch championship this spring under coach Paul Watts in winning the Class 3A title.

“We start our season with our own festival and this spring we had about 25 teams in for it,” said Watts. “I think that out of those 25 teams, 15 of them made it their respective class state tournaments. We play in six or seven tournaments or festivals during the spring so that enables us to play a lot of games without a lot of travel and we get to see a lot of good teams along the way.”

And after beating Mooreland and Navajo in the first two rounds, the Lady Rams got their revenge as they beat Tushka 8-5 to win the state title.

Adding icing to the cake is the fact that Rattan accomplished the feat with just one senior on the squad in first baseman Micah Jo Dees, who will play for Carl Albert his coming fall.

“She’s a little unorthodox in how she hits, but she was 9-for-12 in the final three games and had three or four of the biggest hits of the weekend for us,” said Watts. And, as if to cast a warning to Class 3A opponents, Watts discussed some of youngest players. “We started freshmen at pitcher, third base and short stop. Those are three pretty hot spots defensively and they all handled themselves well.”

So look out for the Lady Rams come next fall and spring because they’re sure to be lurking around the top of the rankings again with that young team as coach Watts continues to crank out those winning squads.

CONGRATULATIONS RAMS!

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2017 Class 3A State Champions We are so proud of you

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“Micah Jo was 10-for-12 at the state

Watts also had high praise for his number two hitter in the lineup, Hannah Brown.

During this past season the Rams ran second in the rankings ust behind Tushka. Although

“We’d had seen a lot of rain in April and Tushka was the same way. So one day their coach,(Dave) Durbin called about throwing together a last minute game,” said Watts. “They beat us 5-2 in one of the most boring slow pitch games I’ve ever seen. But it gave us a chance to see them. Going in to that game we were just 16-9 and I felt they were head and shoulders above everyone else in 3A. But after playing them I think we felt better about our chances if we got to see them at state.”

tournament with some really big hits,” said Watts. “Our leadoff hitter, Alex Eddinger, also had a great tournament. She was also 10for-12 in the three games including 4-for-4 against Tushka in the finals.”

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And it’s not just a one hit wonder for Rattan. Watts, a born and bred Rattan native, has taken his teams to the state tournament nine of the 11 years he’s coached softball. Additionally the Lady Rams have captured four state academic titles during that time as well.

not officially scheduled to play one another during the season, they did get together almost by accident late in the season.

I DA B E L T R AC K

Bringing Her “A” Game By Nick Hampton For Breanna Shaw it just runs in the family.

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The Idabel senior finished tied for sixth in the Class 3A state golf tournament this spring and was named to the Class 3A All-State golf team. Breanna comes by her skills almost naturally according to her coach Claire Lehr.

“I worked at the country club here a long time and I remember seeing her out there since she was probably seven or eight years old,” said Lehr. “Her older brother Bryce was an excellent golfer all through high school and I think he went to state a couple of times. Her dad golfs and she’s got a little sister coming up who’s also a golfer, so she comes from a pack of golfers.” As one of two seniors on the team, Lehr says Shaw’s leadership by example will

be sorely missed next year.

“She’s kind of my on-the-course leader,” says her coach. “She’s usually the first one to help one of the other kids if they’re lining up wrong or choosing a club that might not be right for the shot. She’ll jump right in to help out if I’m not right there.”

Although Lehr isn’t sure there was a vast improvement in Shaw’s golf skills between her junior and senior year, there was definitely a change of attitude that helped her finish higher at state this year. “She handled her shots better this year and played things smarter instead of going for the impossible shot so much,” said Lehr. “I think a good example of this was during the second round of the state tournament. She had a weight fall off her driver and by rule she couldn’t fix it, so she played most of that round having to

use her three-wood instead of her driver which made a difference. But she handled it so well. Last year if that had happened there would probably have been a meltdown, so that’s where I’ve seen the biggest growth in her this year” Shaw, who was active in Junior Chamber, Key Club, and honor society with a 3.7 grade point average, agrees with that assessment. “Last year my attitude was not good, but this year I realized there was really no reason to be mad about something and not fix it.” As Breanna gets ready for the next chapter of her life she plans to attend Northeastern State University and is considering walking on to play golf for the RiverHawks.

H U G O T R AC K

Hugo Character Counts: Patrick Holloway Written by Nick Hampton Can you imagine a tennis player finishing second at the state high school tournament without having a court to practice on during the season? Welcome to Patrick Holloway’s world.

The Hugo senior track star finished second in Class 3A in the high jump at the state tournament this spring without having a place to practice at his school according to Buffalo track coach Cody Tramble.

“We don’t have a pit or anything for him to practice high jump,” said Tramble. “So we have him doing stretching stuff and then we’ll have him jump off bleachers or a pile of boxes but we have no mat or nothing here. He just goes out and does it.” In addition to the high jump, Holloway also anchored the 4X200 relay team, which qualified for the state meet. He also finished fourth in the high jump at the Meet of Champions as well as playing football and basketball for the Buffaloes. So out of the many sports, which does he prefer?

“Probably track,” said Holloway. “Team sports are all right but I just like being able to do better in an individual sport like track. We didn’t get to state in basketball so I just kind of focused my efforts and worked harder on the long jump this year so I could get to state.” The multi-sport talent put in the work during the spring and despite not having a normal practice facility had a good season.

“I had a good spring,” said Holloway. “I finished first at just about every meet we went to and then got second at state.

As a senior on the team he was everything you could ask for in an upperclassman according to coach Tramble. “He did everything I asked of him like working on the relay team in addition to doing the high jump,” said Tramble. “He never complained and just did what he was supposed to do. If some of the younger kids began to slack off, he’d get in their face and tell them to get up and

go. He’d help the youngsters work on their handoffs if needed and help out with practice if I couldn’t be there.”

Holloway is planning on attending North Texas State University and has talked to them about walking-on for track next year.

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