VYPE Southeast Oklahoma June 2015 by Austin Chadwick

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June 2015

Trinity Media Group, LLC 12330 E. 60th St. STE A. • Tulsa, OK 74146 All rights reserved. Publisher Austin Chadwick • Editorial Director Brad Heath • Director of Operations Rod Coulter Three Rivers Director Bill Huddleston • Editor at Large Kyle Kendrick • Associate Editor Cal Ross Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migloire Southeast Oklahoma Sales and Marketing Director Kelly Marsaln • Partner Mark Rodgers Contributing Writers Bill Huddleston, Kelly Marsaln, Brad Heath, Kyle Kendrick Contributing Photographers Kristi Lindley, Holly Hackler, Brad Heath, Mark Emmons Photography, Erica Lee Photography, Jennifer Curliss, Vickie Tincher, Brett Rojo, Bill Huddleston Contact Information Website: www.VYPEOK.com • Phone: 918.495.1771 • Fax: 918.495.1787 VYPE is published monthly by Trinity Media Group, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited.

6 | All-VYPE

18 | Ada Tennis The spring All-VYPE teams are announced in this issue for baseball, soccer, track, slowpitch, golf and tennis.

8 | McAlester Tennis Talented rosters and a ton of support gave the McAlester tennis program the push they needed at state.

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Going back-to-back in any sport is difficult. When you add bad weather and a stacked field it’s almost impossible.

30 | Broken Bow Slow-Pitch The Lady Savages faced a tough bracket at the Class 6A state tournament after enjoying a great regular season.

PAIGE CAMPAGNA - Red Oak Play. “I called her Bulldog because she’d run through a wall for everyone and never ask why because of her drive for success.”

Success is a choice…and while some people aren’t willing to admit it, everyone is a role model. What type of influence is based upon the choices made in every situation. And, for Paige Campagna, the choice she makes is what

Campagna’s ever-present smile also bears witness to the type of person she strives to be. “I’ve always had a huge heart for helping others with the little things,” explained Campagna. “Everyone needs a true friend they can rely upon no matter your age or your abilities. Butcher welcomes Campagna’s efforts to work with younger kids on the team to not just help them improve their skills but also to experience a better way of life. “Paige is a friend to everyone,” notes Butcher, “and especially to the kids that aren’t the best players or the students with less fortunate home lives. She will do everything possible to make everyone she meets feel important and welcomed.”

character is all about. “It’s who you are and what sets you apart from everyone else,” said the 2015 senior at Red Oak High School. “There are so many challenges and temptations for students today, and a person’s true character is best exampled by your actions. I try my best to always do the right thing.” Campagna, a well-decorated athlete at Red Oak having won four state titles during her high school career and has played in so many state championship games she’s lost count between fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball along with basketball, cherishes the spirit of the team as much as she does the medals received.

Campagna’s athletic achievements have resulted in being selected to the All-State fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball teams as well as being chosen to play in the mid-summer All-State basketball games. Graduating with a 4.0 GPA and completing 12 hours of college credits with straight-A grades, Campagna is the Valedictorian of this year’s graduating class at Red Oak. Her future plans include attending Eastern Oklahoma State College while pursuing a Business Administration degree with a career as a certified public accountant. “Paige will be a success whatever she does and she’ll help others achieve their goals at the same time,” said Butcher. “She has those unique qualities that never show up in the stats but they result in victories.” While recalling bus trips to the state tournaments with a basket of snacks from the local church and the championship parades with fireworks and huge celebrations, Campagna, with a humble spirit, credits her talents to the never-ending support of family and friends in Red Oak. “Even though Red Oak is a small community, we’re all one big family,” Campagna said with appreciation. “Regardless of your age, everyone wants the best for everyone and they go out of their way to support you.” Character traits including determination, compassion, and competitiveness are evident in the actions of Paige Campagna. And, there’s one additional trait that fits her perfectly.

“It’s not all about winning games,” Campagna admits, “it’s about being part of a group that helps everyone gain qualities that will help you in every situation in life.”

“Loyalty…to God, family, my teammates and my coaches,” said Campagna. “To me, it’s all about attitude and TEAM…Together Everyone Achieves More.”

Casey Butcher, who coaches basketball and softball for the Lady Eagles, admires the determination and work ethic exampled by Campagna on a daily basis, both on and off the court.

After all…it’s the Red Oak way…and that’s the only way that’s right for Paige Campagna.

“She is the epitome of our motto at Red Oak,” Butcher said while looking at the phrase on the locker room wall that reads…Outwork Everyone We

(Photos courtesy Crystal Lloyd Photography)

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All-VYPE Baseball Pitcher: Trenton Long – Silo Blake Watts – Rattan Shawn Treat – Byng Austin Simpson – Latta Mason Ross – McAlester

Catcher: Tanner Clark – Silo Andre Davis – Byng Erik Crenshaw – Crowder Infield: Theo Thomas – Rattan Wyatt Daniel – Tushka Wade Young – Wright City Cameron Roberts – Boswell Outfield: Andrew Bolin – Silo Connar Brinkley – Tushka Hunter Larsh – Roff Utility: Jordan Jones – Rattan Dalyn Burrell – Wright City Hunter Motley – Crowder Rylee Braton – Calera Zach Baugh – McAlester Brett Homer – McAlester Morgan Crenshaw – Red Oak Jaylon Watson – Broken Bow Dalton Compton – Broken Bow Denton Cormer – Durant Tanner White – Lookeba-Sickles

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All-VYPE Track

Girls Cynda Factor – Sasakwa Jakayla Weaver – Sasakwa Abbie Winchester – Marietta Keyia Green – Idabel Mallory Sykora – Marietta Devan Grimsley – Atoka Te’re Myrks – Idabel Danielle Granger – Atoka Kaylee Balo – Antlers Miranda Nolen – Madill McKenah Jones – Ada Payton Taylor – Ada Shattee Robinson – McAlester Bailye Pratt – McAlester Boys Bryar Humphreys – Talihina Matt Blackburn – Stratford Dylan Gaskill – Silo Zane Jacobs – Haworth Sterling Hammond – Haworth Colten Walls – Tishomingo Camron Corbin – Tishomingo Derrick Williams – Holdenville Houston Bowen – Atoka Stephen Cook – Atoka JJ Sanders – Madill Sam Sweet – Byng Daekwon Cubit – Broken Bow Jordan Williston – Broken Bow Brayden Klusak – McAlester

All-VYPE Soccer GIRLS Taylor Hodges – Ada Alexus Coxsey – Durant Shaya Claxton – Durant Jatelyn Wallace – Durant Natalia Bravo – Durant Riley Andis – Durant

BOYS Alberto Vazquez – Durant Jose Vazquez – Durant Carlos Torres – Madill Arturo Guevara – Madill

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All-VYPE Slow-Pitch Pitcher: Carmelita Martinez – Battiest Catcher: Kacie Watts – Rattan

Infield: Michaela Richbourg – Broken Bow Emily Jamerson – Valliant Rachel Birchfield – Rattan Emiley Dennis – Soper Outfield: Jasmine Cooks – Broken Bow Kimmie Eledge – Valliant Kylie Stevens – Soper Paige Campagna – Red Oak Utility: Trini-Tee Haney – Broken Bow Brooklyn Bain – Valliant Karsn Brigance – Red Oak Brittany Ward – Red Oak Deedra Tonihka – Battiest Emalie Watts – Battiest Mary Grider – Silo Adyson Barber – Silo Jayden Eaves – Tushka Courtney Cook – Tushka Brittany Sanders – Tupelo Courtney Hickman – Tupelo Amber Cosar – Tupelo

All-VYPE Tennis

GIRLS Taylor Wood – Ada Morganne Freeman – Ada Karen Sheffield – Ada Keeley Reed – Ada Mikala Whelchel – Ada Haley Boyer – Ada Natalie Keel – Ada Kendal Johnson – Ada Bailey Neiger – Ardmore Hannah Oliver – Ardmore Jessica King – Ardmore Maria Gonzalez – Ardmore Lanie MaGaha – Byng Hannah Fortner – Byng Kalina Popova – Byng Ashlyn Wisbauer – Byng Bianca Morales – Byng Hannah Fortner – Byng Rachel Routledge – Durant Maci McCoy – Durant C.J. Boydston – Durant Ryan Achrssler – Durant Meleya Belden – Durant Jennifer Amy – McAlester Rayne Key – McAlester Molly Ervin – McAlester Keira Johnson – McAlester Shanequiah Gibson – McAlester Cydney Linehan – McAlester

Fifth Wheels

BOYS Chad Whittington – Ada Harrison Boggs – Ada Tanner Stone – Ada Brandon Todd – Ada Larry Nguyen – Ardmore Michael Rogers – Ardmore Trader Johnston – Ardmore Tommy Schol – Ardmore Dayton Hobson – Ardmore Tao Lin – Ardmore Caleb Shaw – Byng Paul Snyder – Byng Andrew Johnson – Byng Montana Sellers – Byng Jared Perkins – Byng Connor Renes – Byng Bertram Su – Durant Guy Carey – Durant Jordan Michael – Durant Barrett Reddout – Durant Codey Beals – Durant Tristen Michael – Durant Eric Borengasser – McAlester Sam DeNike – McAlester Taeam Kang – McAlester Ben Domingue – McAlester Manning White – McAlester Christian Parker – McAlester

All-VYPE Golf

Girls Sydni Chilcoat – Latta Audrey Jordan – Latta Taylor Cool – Latta Sydney Youngblood – Durant Courtney Brundidge – Latta Kalie Carter – Tishomingo Chassity McClary - Quinton Mollie Pruett – Broken Bow Chloe McKinley – Durant Breanna Shaw – Idabel Delaney Daniel – Byng Delaney Nix – McAlester Boys Spencer Upton – Tishomingo Trysten Rawls – Haworth Dexter Brown - McAlester Brantley Hughes – Haworth Blaine Maye – Haworth Taylor Nichols – Idabel Trace Satterfield – Hugo Jayden Jackson – Idabel Trey Hunt – Durant Peyton Knell – Quinton Ben Pruitt – Ada

Travel Trailers June 2015

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The depth and talent of McAlester’s girls and boys tennis teams proved their abilities as both squads advanced to the Class 5A state championships. In addition to the competition on the courts, mother nature was equally as challenging an opponent. The Lady Buffs battled the severity of Oklahoma’s spring weather

Ben Domingue

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forcing play to be extended to a second week of action. After a second place finish in the team standing at regionals, McAlester’s two seniors, Jennifer Amy and Rayne Key entered the state meet’s singles ladder as well as the sophomore duos of Shanequiah Gibson and Cydney Linehan along with Molly Ervin & Keira Johnson play-

Eric Borengaasser

June 2015

ing in the doubles action. Playing at No. 2 singles, Key managed her game to advance to the championship semi-finals to finish in 4th place. Amy challenged the Class 5A field advancing to the round of eight in the No. 1 singles bracket. In doubles play, the Lady Buffs team of Gibson and Linehan advanced to the round of eight

Jennifer Amy

while Ervin and Johnson reached the consolation quarterfinals. While keeping watch on the weather radar, McAlester sent three entries to the second day of play in the Class 5A boys action at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center. State tournament experience was a plus for Eric Borengasser and Sam DeNike while competing in the singles action

Rayne Key

while the doubles tandems of Ben Domingue and Taeam Kang along with Christian Parker and Manning White earned the right to advance to the state championships. Borengasser, a junior and competing for a third straight year at state, reached Saturday’s consolation finals in No. 1 singles action as well as repeat qualifier Sam DeNike, also a junior, reached the consolation finals. In No. 1 doubles action Domingue and Kang reached the round of eight on Saturday. The freshman combination of Parker and White learned from the competition of a tough three-set match. “I’m proud of the kids and their competitiveness,” said Chad Waller, who wraps up his ninth season as head coach. “The difference in matches comes down to a few key points. We only lose two

seniors (Amy and Key) and our kids will use this year’s experience as fire and motivation for next year. With the depth of our teams, we believe the Buffaloes will be in the chase for team titles, girls and boys, next year.”

Sam DeNike June 2015

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June 2015

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Brayden Klusak

Bailye Pratt

A youthful and determined group of athletes displayed the spirit of the buffalo earning their entry to the Class 5A OSSAA State Track and Field Championships. Seven of the eight members of McAlester’s track program to qualify will return for next season with an experienced mindset of gold medal expectations.

Shattee Robinson, the lone senior who entered the championships with the fastest time among Class 5A competitors in the 100m hurdles (15.03) and third best in the 300m hurdles (46.77), wrapped up her high school career with a silver medal finish in the 100m hurdles and fifth place result in the finals of the 300m hurdles.

Freshman standout Bailye Pratt used the motivation of a second place finish at the regional championships to leap her way into the 16-member field and reach the championship finals of the girls long jump event and earned

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June 2015

an eighth place finish with a 16’ 5” performance. McAlester sophomore Ashley Taylor also qualified in the high jump.

Sophomore sprinter Brayden Klusak, who had the fastest time in the 200m at regionals, used his time of 23.11 in the preliminaries to ultimately finish fifth at

Shattee Robinson

the state finals in addition to his eighth place effort in the 100m dash.

Klusak joined McAlester junior Austin Burmeier, sophomore Sean Bryant and freshman Jacob Amos to earn an entry into the 5A boys 4x100m relay.

“Oh give me a home…where the Buffaloes roam and the skies are not cloudy all day…” Relocation is always a challenge, especially for coaches and their families, who are typically tied with deep roots to a school and community. “That’s one of the tough things anytime you move, not just for me but for my wife and kiddos,” admits Singleton. “It’s tough to leave friends and start building new relationships. But, we’re already doing that. My youngest (Parker-8th grade) is already enrolled here and Bryce (sophomore to be) is getting to take part in some of the spring drills. And, we’ve found a place to live.” Another change for Singleton is the color of his coaching attire. As McAlester’s new head football coach James Singleton takes the reins as leader of the herd, the excitement is obvious to the coach, his family as well as the assistant coaches and players on the 2015 roster.

that choose players by recruiting and drafts, high school sports is about matching game plans to the talents and abilities of available players. And, matching players’ names with faces is no guessing game.

After four years as the head coach at Fort Gibson where Singleton’s Tigers earned a 33-14 record including a 12-1 Class 4A state semifinals campaign last year, the personable and high energy coach takes charge of the McAlester football program that has been more than just successful by going 64-14 the past six seasons including four straight Class 5A state semifinal appearances including the 2013 championship game.

“They don’t wear a jersey with their name on it everyday to school,” smiled Singleton, “but it won’t take me long. The kids make sure of that and I’m getting plenty of help from my assistant coaches.”

So what’s the first order of business for the new leader of the Buffs? “I told the guys day one, I’m not coming here to reinvent the wheel,” said Singleton. “But rather to try to keep the wheels rolling smooth and fast. We’ll make subtle changes on offense and defense but we just want to keep the scoreboard in our favor.” Unlike colleges or pro football teams

The new head coach admits he’s getting plenty of encouragement from all parts of town including former players and alumni of McAlester that introduce themselves by saying I graduated from here in...referring to their last year in school. “It’s easy to see how much support there is from the community,” Singleton said in appreciation. “When you realize the stadium, the field, track and indoor facility were funded by private donations, you know McAlester residents take pride in their schools and their football team.”

“I’m getting lots of help from people in town,” laughed Singleton. “They’ve told me if you’re going to be a Buffalo, then you have to wear Vegas gold and black.” Singleton admits another influence of the community and its support is the ever-present statue of the buffalo. “There’s one on almost every corner,” Singleton said. “And that says to me that McAlester is the place I want to raise my kids and a school where I’m proud to coach. My wife and kids have talked about driving around town this summer and count the number of statues.” As spring practices begin, a new era of McAlester football gets underway with a new head coach eager to continue the gridiron success of the Buffaloes. And, while Singleton acknowledges he’ll implement his signature on both sides of the football, there’s one major change that fans of the Black & Gold will hopefully embrace. “Just call me and you’ll know,” Singleton grinned, “my voicemail message always ends with our rally cry, GO BUFFS.” June 2015

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Latta Girls Golf Team Takes the Next Step to the Class 2A State Championship.

Coach Jim McDaniel, Courtney Brundidge, Sage Counts, Taylor Cool, Sydni Chilcoat, Audrey Jordan After finishing among the top five teams the past two seasons, Latta’s girls golf team moved to the top of the leaderboard this spring to capture the school’s first ever golf state championship. Latta’s team total of 342 was seven strokes ahead of runner-up Mooreland, whose scorecard totaled 349. Sydni Chilcoat, a 2015 senior who has signed to play golf at Seminole

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June 2015

State College, led Latta’s scoring with a opening day round of 80 joined teammates Audrey Jordan (83), Courtney Brundidge (86), Taylor Cool (93) and Sage Counts (95) to rest on the overnight lead. As the teams prepared for the scheduled two-day event, tournament officials had warned players and coaches of high probability of just being able to play the first day. “Because of the forecast for severe weather, everyone encouraged to play day one like it was the final round,” said head coach Jim McDaniel, “and that’s what it turned out to be.” Trosper Park Golf Club was without power and much of the course underwater following overnight storms resulting in the tournament being shortened to the first round

scores. According to McDaniel, the trail to the state championship is the reward of his team’s commitment made last spring. “We finished in fifth place in 2013 and third place last year,” recalled the 15-year veteran coach. “The day after last year’s state tournament, the girls made a commitment to a summer-fall practice and play regiment and they gained the reward for their extra efforts this spring by winning the state title.” Chilcoat’s performance in the Class 2A state tournament earned the Latta senior All-State honors and will play for the East girls golf team during the OCA All-State games in July.

Byng repeats as Class 4A boys tennis state champions

Two pieces of silver, one bronze and one piece of gold made the perfect combination for the Byng Pirates to return to the throne of Class 4A boys tennis. After winning the school’s first tennis title a year ago, coach Alan Simpson’s 2015 team had the right stroke to make it two years in a row as 4A court champions. Four-year veteran Caleb Shaw, who won at #2-singles as a freshman and sophomore, claimed the silver medal at #1 singles after reaching the championship match for a third time in four seasons to finish his career as

the Pirates most decorated tennis player in school history. Teammate Paul Snyder claimed bronze at No. 2 singles rallying from a semifinal round setback to defeat Ada’s Harrison Boggs in an emotion filled three set match (2-6, 6-1, 6-2). This season’s doubles combinations were new pairings for the Pirates. The team of Jared Perkins and Connor Renes overpowered the competition at No. 2 doubles including a straight set win over Chisholm’s Zeb Holbert/Lance Kokojan (6-1, 6-2) to step atop the medal stand as Class 4A champions. Andrew Johnson and Montana Sellers advanced to the championship finale at No. 1 doubles to pick up the silver medal. “Winning the two state titles, much less back-to-back, is the completion of a slow and patient process,” said head coach Alan Simpson, who turns in his racket for retirement after investing the past 42 years coaching in Oklahoma. This including the past 35 years

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at Byng. Simpson also complimented the contributions of Clay Patterson, Brady Sorrels and Zac Milliren in helping the team to repeat as state champions. “Depth was a plus for us with nine seniors competing for the top six positions on our roster,” Simpson said, “nothing fancy just a group of guys that brought a blue-collar work ethic to the court and challenged themselves to be the best players possible.”

Caleb Shaw

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Cougar girls tennis overcomes a tough field to win Back-to-Back Championships.

Karsen Sheffield - Morganne Freeman - Natalie Keel - Taylor Ward - Mikala Whelchel - Kendal Johnson The Lady Cougars’ tennis team may well believe that TWO is their lucky number en route to winning the Class 4A state championship for a second straight year. After winning the regional championship on May 6th, coach Skip Griese’s girls squad battled Mother Nature for almost two weeks as heavy rains and threat of severe weather delayed the start of the state championships played at the OKC Tennis Center. Once the action began, Ada used the strength of a doubles sweep for two gold medals along with a bronze medal and consolation title in singles play to secure Ada its back-to-back championship.

The Cougars’ No. 1 doubles team of Natalie Keel and Karsen Sheffield defeated Amanda Daniel/Hannah Fort-

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June 2015

ner of Byng in two sets (7-6,6-1) to claim the gold medal and end the season with a 21-11 season mark. Ada’s No. 2 doubles duo of Kendal Johnson and Mikala Whelchel defeated Henryetta’s Kailee Bain/Kelsey Britt in three sets (6-1,4-6,6-3) to secure their gold medal and complete a 30-5 campaign in championship fashion.

Ada got added points in the team race from No. 1 singles as Taylor Wood rallied to defeat Jaycie Strunck of Crossings Christian (4-6,6-2, 6-0) for the consolation title while completing a 20-14 individual campaign. Morganne Freeman produced a third place medal winning in straight sets of Kalina Popova of Byng (6-2,6-2) and wrapped up an impressive 26-7 season record. Ironically, Ada had only two seniors (Wood & Keel) in its lineup and return

two juniors (Johnson & Whelchel) plus two sophomores (Sheffield & Freeman) to their tennis ladder along with six talented freshmen. Ada also won two regular season tournaments (Yukon & Carl Albert) while picking up two runner-up finishes (Ardmore & Guthrie).

The 2015 tennis championship was the eighth time for the Lady Cougars to win the state title and the fourth under the leadership of coach Skip Griese. And, while the number two is ironically repetitious this season in producing a second straight championship, the Ada Cougars favorite number has been and will always be…ONE…as in number ONE…and State Champions again.

Stephen Cook - Atoka High School Stephen Cook is a multi-faceted track athlete for coach Chet Braudrick at Atoka. Cook runs the 400 meter dash, and he participates in the long jump. Along with those, he is a member of the 400 and 800 meter relay teams. His personal best for the long jump is 21’6”. At the state meet, Cook’s performance helped push Atoka into a fifth place finish. Cook finished in second place in the long jump behind his teammate Houston Bowen. Bowen beat Cook by less than an inch. Cook’s 4x400 relay team also finished in second place. They finished two seconds behind Chisholm’s team.

For all of his hard work, and his contributions to Atoka track, Stephen Cook is the Atoka Area Athlete of the Month.

June 2015

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Reaching the baseball state tournament was unchartered waters for the Boswell Scorpions until two years ago. Winning a state tournament game was definitely a new experience. The Scorpions liked it so much they won two state contests to reach the Class B state finals and finish as runner-up in the most successful hardball season in school history. Despite having many games rained out, the Scorpions caught more than a few eyes during a highly successful regular season, which included wins over state tournament qualifiers Coleman (8-0) and Tushka (13-8) in addition to a 15-4 triumph against Class A state titlist Rattan. In fact, Boswell’s lone regular season defeats came against 3A contender Hartshorne and Class 2A state champ Silo.

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With that type of regular season slate, the Scorpions failed to be intimidated come state tournament time when they drew perennial power Asher in round one and proceeded to notch a 5-2 victory, the school’s firstever win in the state tournament. They then followed with a 4-3 decision over top-ranked Leedey in the semifinals before bowing to Lookeba-Sickles, 10-4, in the championship. The Scorpions finished with a tremendous 24-3 record while wrapping up a fourth straight trip to the tournament (fall and spring combined). “I’m extremely proud of how the kids performed,” head coach Alan Cartwright said. “They made history with our first state tournament win and then beat the number one team to get to the finals. We just ran out of gas a little bit but it doesn’t take away from what these guys were able to accomplish. It was just a tremendous season for us despite having to dodge rain throughout.”

Boswell put up outstanding offensive numbers during the campaign, led by a .456 average from senior Cameron Roberts, who also drove in 23 runs. Connor Roberts had a sensational year with a .442 batting average which included a team-high 38 RBI and only three strikeouts. The Scorpions also got major contributions from Dusty Belvin, who batted .408 and knocked in 32 runs, along with Caleb Brown’s .372 average with 22 runs batted in and Blaine Brown’s .366 mark and 18 RBI. McKenna Pierce chipped in a .360 batting clip and drove in 30 runs also. On the mound the Roberts brother were a formidable one-two combination as Cameron posted a 6-1 record, 1.79 ERA and 50 strikeouts. Connor also went 6-1 with a 1.60 earned run average and 44 strikeouts. Blaine Brown notched a 5-1 pitching mark as well along with 33 strikeouts.

“We had a very solid season,” Coach Michael said. “Obviously our number two doubles team of Schuessler and Corson anchored our team at the state tournament and really provided our team with very valuable team points. “I’m proud of all the girls. They are a great group and are all very hard workers. We didn’t have any seniors so all of our girls will be back even better next year. I’d like to thank all of them for their hard work and dedication.” The Durant High School tennis teams have become perennial state placers and this year was no exception for Coach Josh Michael’s squad.

the state tournament, which is a tremendous accomplishment. Codey Beals and Triston Michael were both seniors for us at number two doubles and had a solid seventh place finish as well. “We will be losing three seniors this year on the boys team and they will be greatly missed. That will open up opportunities for some of our younger tennis stars who will step in and be great players for our team. I appreciate their outstanding effort.”

On the boys’ side, senior Garrett Reddout earned All-State honors after helping spark the Lions, which peaked at the right time at the end of the season.

Both the girls and boys squads ended with seventh place team finishes in the Class 5A tournament with a handful of individual placers along the way after several tremendous regular season efforts.

The Lions had two stellar doubles finishes with Reddout teaming with Jordan Michael for a fifth place showing at number one. Triston Michael and Codey Beals had a solid run as well with a seventh place performance at number two doubles.

The Lady Lions qualified three groups for state. Rachel Routledge placed 8th at number two doubles while Ryan Schuessler and Rebekah Corson teamed for a fourth place finish at number two doubles.

“The boys had a terrific finish,” Coach Michael added. “Our number one doubles tandem of Garrett Reddout and Jordan Michael paved the way for our team. They ended up winning their final four matches at

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Durant Character Counts

Brenna Hibbs - Durant Athlete

A dual sport athlete, junior Matthew Knox was a Champions of Character Award winner for baseball this year while maintaining a 3.6 grade point average in taking college prep classes. Knox was a football letterman as a sophomore and also received 2nd team All-District honors in baseball after both his freshman and sophomore campaigns. He was also selected to play on the Oklahoma Sophomore Sunbelt Team. In addition to athletics, Knox is heavily involved in his youth group at First Baptist Church in Durant as well as Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also assists with the Safe and Drug Free Schools program and activities. Knox’s future plans are to attend college and play baseball.

Junior Brenna Hibbs was a Champion of Character Award winner in track and field this spring, which is just one of the many activities in which she is involved. The all-around academic athlete participates in cross country, lacrosse, HOSA, DECA, Student Council, Business Professionals of America and Family Career and Community Leaders of America. She is also a member of the Durant High School Media Team where she was state runner-up and national qualifier for broadcast news production. All that while maintaining a 3.92 grade point average as a member of the Oklahoma Honor Society. Hibbs also volunteers with Families Feeding Families, Toys for Tots and Pennies for Patients. Next year she will also be taking AP Statistics along with concurrent classes at Southeastern Oklahoma State University as a senior.

She gets her hair from her mom...

Her eyes from her dad...

...and her drugs from her grandma’s medicine cabinet. It is time to clean out your medcine cabinets and properly dispose of unused or outdated prescription medications. Disposal boxes are located at the Durant Police Department and the Bryan County Sheriff’s Department. 24

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drugfree@durantisd.org

Matthew Knox - Durant Baseball

Congratulations to all the athletes from Broken Bow and Holly Creek who participated in the Special Olympics in Stillwater. Broken Bow/Holly Creek Team: Linda Clowers-coach Glenda Bates-coach Blane Moore Joshua Baker Brandon Cook Kinzey Cupit Matthew Estes Allison Fisher Colton Gibson Kristian Hughes Coleman Jefferson Sean Molyneau David Moore RaeAnn Pratt Katy VanSlyke Jade Wesley Mikala Courverter Randon Duren DaQuan Edwards Trevor Franks Casey Jamerson Ethan Jamerson Skyler Moore

June 2015

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June 2015

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Kendall Ward – Wright City High School Kendall Ward, a junior at Wright City High School is this month’s choice for Athlete of the Month. Kendall appears to most people to be a very quiet and shy young man, but those that know him often describe him as a compassionate and fierce competitor; academically as well as athletically. Kendall is actively involved in Student Council, FFA, and also has represented his school in various academic contests. Kendall spends many hours helping to better his community through various projects. He is a volunteer for the Special Olympics.

Kendall plays basketball and baseball for the Lumber Jax. On the basketball court he provides a strong presence in the paint. He was selected to the MC-6 All-Tournament team and earned a spot on the McCurtain County All-Conference team this season. On the baseball field Kendall plays first base and has a batting average of .595 with 37 hits and 22 RBI’s. Kendall and his teammates wrapped up a great season and look to improve even more in 2016.

Kendall’s future plans are to attend University of Oklahoma and major in Chemical Engineering, following his older brother and sister. Congrats to Kendall for this much deserved recognition.

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<--Brooklyn Bain & Keyia Green--> Keyia Green

Brooklyn Bain

Idabel High School

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Valliant High Sc

Brooklyn Bain Valliant High Sc

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Brooklyn Bain, Seni Academic Athlet or at Valliant High School is ou e of the Month. r Brooklyn is rank choice for graduating class ed #3 in her and is Co-Valedi ctorian. She carr GPA. She is a m ies a 4.22 ember of Nationa l Honor Society, Math Club. In ad Spanish and dition to her ex cellence in acad athletic excellenc emics, her e has been the sta shines through on the softball field. She rting shortstop for the Lady Da team (fast and slo wgs softball w-pitch) for 4 ye average. Brookly ars. She has a .48 n was selected 3 batting as fast-pitch all-st ate team. Brookly an alternate for the 2014-15 n will be attend State College on ing Carl Albert a softball scholar ship in the fall. to major in Biol Her plans are ogy, and then co ntinue on to be come a dentist. Congrats to Broo klyn! A very dese rving student-a thlete!

Keyia GrScehoeoln Idabel High

n is our selectio r High School he el in ab h Id 5t at ed or a Seni . Keyia is rank ns with a th on M Keyia Green, e th Athlete of ledictoria for Academic s and is also one of the Va onor Society, Key H as l cl na ng io ti at N ua grad ber of ership Club, She is a mem , Tushka Lead Student ce er m GPA of 4.15. m Co ident for Chamber of r ssembly Pres Club, Junior d serves as A is just as impressive as he an ub Cl us dy e La nc Calcul e lle th ce of ex athletic ar member Council. Her rving She is a 4-ye se . le ts hi en w s; em ev am academic achi ball, softball and track te as selected as an et w Warriors bask is also a cheerleader, and a is a 2-time State e yi as captain. Sh r 3 years. On the track Ke ber of the State fo em m an a ic so er al m A d an Alle to attend e 300 Hurdles s for Keyia ar me medalist in th relay team. Future plan co be 0 Biology to medalist 4x40 Arkansas and major in all her on a yi Ke y of Congrats to n. ia the Universit ic ys Ph y Room an Emergenc ents! accomplishm g in nd ta ts ou

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

June 2015

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Lady Savages make state tournament appearance.

After going 16-4 in 2014 the Broken Bow Lady Savages slow pitch team knew they could compete in Class 6A. This season the Lady Savages did that and more as they finished the year 19-7 after a trip to the state tournament, their first trip to the state tournament in program history. The Lady Savages began the year on the right foot going 5-1 in their first six games including a perfect record in the SEOC Festival. Broken Bowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only loss during that stretch came to Class 4A Calera, who also later made it to the state tournament. After the hot start though the Lady Savages hit a rough patch. An extra inning loss to eventual Class 5A champion Valliant left the Lady Savages at 5-2, then after losing three of their next four Broken Bow saw their record drop to nearly .500 at 6-5. With the possibility of seeing their season go in one of two directions the Lady Savages turned up the heat and reeled off

seven straight wins to improve to 13-5 overall. After a loss to Heavener dropped the Lady Savages to 13-6, Broken Bow won their final two regular season games and entered the postseason with a 15-6 record.

.567 with five home runs. Polk, the Lady Savages starting right fielder, also did some serious damage at the plate with 13 home runs on the year. Haney, meanwhile, started at third base for the Lady Savages and hit 15 home runs on the year.

In the regional tournament the Lady Savages logged two wins over No. 6 Jenks and one win over No. 17 Poteau to advance to the state tournament. In the first round of the state tournament however the Lady Savages ran into a buzz saw in the form of eventual state runner-up Southmoore and fell by a score of 13-9.

Another impressive stat for the Lady Savages this year was that all but one of their losses came to teams that eventually made the state tournament in their respective classes.

Overall the Lady Savages averaged a total of 11.6 runs per game in the regular season and increased that number to 11.75 in the postseason. Leading that offensive charge this year was a talented group of underclassmen. The oldest of that group, junior outfielder Genna London hit .550 this season. Meanwhile sophomores Michaela Richbourg, Jasmine Cooks and Jordan Polk all had monster years as did freshman Trini-Tee Haney. Richbourg hit for a whopping .689 average and mashed 26 home runs as the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starting shortstop meanwhile Cooks started in left field and hit

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June 2015

Not only will all five of those players be back but so will the majority of the varsity roster since the Lady Savages lose just two seniors, Hanna Scott and Kelsey Burris to graduation.

Broken Bow Slow Pitch Trini-Tee Haney Genna London Jasmine Cooks Jorden Polk Shalee Brantley Hanna Scott Alex Martinez Malazhia Bell Kelsey Burris Marni Billy Cheyenne Shomo Deja James April Battiest Kelsey Routh Caitlyn Stevenson Michaela Richbourg

Lady Bulldogs cap tumultuous season with a Class 5A slow pitch crown. school and our community. It means a lot to both our slow pitch and fast pitch programs and it means a lot to me too. I have been at Valliant for 19 years, I’m from here and I like to see kids from Valliant be successful. I like being a part of that.”

The Valliant Lady Bulldogs ended the year with a 31-5 record and won the Class 5A slow pitch state championship. It was a fairy tale ending that every team in the state hoped for but only one achieved. Despite how it ended this year wasn’t all sunshine and roses for the Lady Bulldogs. Originally the Valliant Lady Bulldogs were scheduled to begin the slow pitch season March 3 with a home game against Ft. Towson. That game however was rained out, just like the team’s next eight games leaving the Lady Bulldogs to open the year March 16 against Class 4A Silo. Overall the Lady Bulldogs were only able to play four games on their home field this season due to battles with the weather. It was the mental toughness that the Lady Bulldogs displayed when playing all of those road games that made Valliant head coach Tommy Howard believe his team could win the title. “It was a crazy year having 11 games rained out and only having two home dates, I really saw how mentally tough we had become. That’s why when the state tournament kept getting pushed back due to the weather we wouldn’t be bothered by it,” Howard said.

The Lady Bulldogs were led by a group of four seniors and a very talented group of underclassmen. Those seniors; Brooklyn Bain, Emilee Jamerson, Taylor Roberts and Kimalee Elledge will be tough to replace according to Howard, but he added the team’s underclassmen already have big goals of their own. “Before we even left the field the other day some of those younger girls came up to me and told me we were going to win it again next year. We have six starters coming back and four or five girls who really contributed but just didn’t start,” Howard said. “Those seniors are great though and they won’t be easy to replace.”

Valliant Slow Pitch Roster Brooklyn Bain Emilee Jamerson Taylor Roberts Kimalee Elledge Ashley Sandig Kalyn Bacon Kaylee Bohanan Laken Reynolds Brandi James Drew Robinson Shelby Harrington Alex Jordan Allison Crow Brauna Young Makaylan Foshee Jordyn Stromski Lelah Fleming Sierra Manning Summaer Evans

The title this spring was the second title in program history for the Lady Bulldogs after winning it in 2004. Howard was also coaching at Valliant in 2004 and said the wins have meant a great deal to everyone nvolved. “It’s really big for our

June 2015

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