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Athlete theYear of
S C H O L A R S H I P
Athlete of the Month Bank SNB has teamed up to grant a $1,000 Scholarship to be presented in the June issue of VYPE. Here is how it will work: • Each month, VYPE will take nominations for an Athlete of the Month and a boy or girl will be elected the Bank SNB Athlete of the Month. This will be a chance for boys and girls of all sports to be recognized for their performances. • Nominees can be mailed to Oklahoma@VYPE. com. Give the nominee’s name, school, sport and reasons you believe the athlete should be awarded the scholarship. • The nominees will need to be seniors this season but keep in mind that their accomplishments as juniors will be taken into consideration as well. • Each monthly recipient will be a candidate for the scholarship that will be awarded in June. • All sports will be eligible to have a nomination. • The male and female athletes who are chosen each month will have a pictured bio, highlighting their accomplishments, placed on this page. Nominees will be profiled in VYPE magazine, but it is not necessary to be profiled in order to win the scholarship.
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Bank SNB Scholar Athlete of the Month Tawn Neidy - Chickasha High School Tawn Neidy is a senior at Chickasha High School where she plays varsity softball and runs four events in track and field. Neidy is this month’s SNB Bank Scholar Athlete of the Month. Neidy currently runs the 4X100, 4X200 and 4X400 relays and the 100M dash. In the fall she’s a varsity softball player for the Lady Chicks and was named to the All-State team this year. In the classroom Neidy carries a 4.0 GPA and her favorite subject is English. “My favorite subject is English, and I have taken honors and AP Math and English courses throughout my high school life,” said Neidy. Her involvement with school activities is not limited to sports. Neidy is a member of the Key Club, National Honor Society, STUCO, the CHS Book Club and is the Class of 2015’s Valedictorian. Her love for Chickasha High School is obvious when she talks about her time at CHS. “The best part of being a student at CHS is the continuous love and support from my teachers, faculty, and coaches. Their encouragement has been a driving force in helping me to become the best and most successful student-athlete that I can be!” After graduation Neidy plans to attend Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa to play softball and pursue a degree in business management with a minor in English.
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Trinity Media Group, LLC 12330 E. 60th St. • Tulsa, OK 74146 All rights reserved. Publisher Austin Chadwick • Editorial Director Brad Heath • Director of Operations Rod Coulter Three Rivers Director Bill Huddleston • Editor at Large Kyle Kendrick • Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migloire Associate Editor Cal Ross • Sales Executive Gary Noske • Partner Mark Rodgers Contributing Writers Bill Huddleston, Brad Heath, Kyle Kendrick, Sarah James, Hailey Williams, Natascha Mercadante Contributing Photographers Christy Lindley, Holly Hackler, Brad Heath, Mark Emmons Photography, Erica Lee Photography, Jennifer Curliss, Vickie Tincher, Brett Rojo, Bill Huddleston Contact Information Website: www.VYPEOK.com • Phone: 918.495.1771 • Fax: 918.495.1787 VYPE is published monthly by Trinity Media Group, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited.
29 | Tuttle Wrestling
9 | All-VYPE The winter sports All-VYPE teams are announced in this issue. Check out these top basketball players, swimmers and wrestlers.
12 | Eisenhower Champs The Lawton Ike boys basketball team defeated Carl Albert in the Class 5A state finals for their first state title.
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Another dominating performance from the Tuttle Tiger wrestling team has people talking all over the state.
33 | Anadarko Slow Pitch As the Lady Warriors open another slow pitch softball season, VYPE editor Kyle Kendrick gives you a closer look at the team.
Top 10 Stories of Spring We give you the top 10 things to look for this spring in Southwest Oklahoma. but a plethora of teams have designs on the title, including fellow southwest region teams such as Tuttle and Elgin.
3. Will the Duncan girls tennis team once again win the 5A crown? The Lady Demons were second last year and champs in 2013. This year Duncan has a team full of seniors and promises to be a team to watch this year as well. 4. Will Washington repeat as Class 4A slow-pitch state champions?
Dagan Lampkin-Washington 1. Will Binger-Oney repeat as Class A state champions? The Bobcats won the Class A state championship last year and are having another fantastic season this spring. Plenty of other talented teams want to dethrone the Bobcats but Binger-Oney is guaranteed to be a tough out. 2. Can anybody stop Weatherford on its quest to a 4A baseball title?
Weatherford is ranked No. 1 in the state
The Lady Warriors won the title last year but teams like Dale, Davis, and last year’s 3A state champion, Hinton are ready to be the team that slays the Lady Warriors this year. 5. Can Weatherford golfer Quade Cummins win his second individual title?
Cummins placed fifth as an individual as a freshman and then won it as a sophomore. In his junior year Cummins finished in third though and is eager to claim his second title in four years this spring. 6. Where will Duncan, Anadarko, Plainview, Marlow and Frederick finish at state track this year?
the state tournament rolls around.
8. Duncan girls golf is protecting a dynasty. The Lady Demons have won eight titles since 2002 and six in the past eight years. Expect Duncan to once again compete for a title this season led by a group of players who have a wealth of state tournament experience. 9. Anadarko slow-pitch could be a sleeper
While most “so-called experts” may not have Anadarko among their list of favorites the Lady warriors are still a very strong team who could easily make it to the state tournament and surprise some people. 10. Spring Football
That’s right football fans it’s that time of the year. Programs all across the region are working out in anticipation of this fall including Lawton, Lawton MacArthur, Duncan, Plainview, Ardmore and many more. It’s a time where championships mettle is forged and hope springs eternal.
In 2014 the Plainview girls, Marlow boys and Anadarko boys all won state track titles. Meanwhile the Plainview boys, Duncan boys, and Frederick boys all finished as state runner-ups. All of those programs will be looking for similar success again this year so expect the southwest region to dominate the podium come May.
7. Can Ft. Cobb-Broxton win the Class B baseball title just months after winning the Class B basketball championship?
Jace Fixico-Binger-Oney
The Mustangs were simply dominant in their run to the gold ball in March. Their baseball team isn’t pulling any punches either though. Look for Ft. Cobb-Broxton to be in the mix when
Plainview Track
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Mr. & Miss Basketball OK
Presented By:
It started with the Top 100. Oklahoma’s top 50 boys and top 50 girls basketball players. Throughout the season, that list was narrowed down to the 20 semifinalists and then the 12 finalists for VYPE’s Shelter Insurance Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards.
On the girls side of things, Rylie Torrey used a dominant state tournament performance in which she guided her team to a Class 4A state championship to claim the Miss Basketball award just edging out second place finisher Jaden Hobbs of Alva and third After tabulating votes from fans online, media mem- place finisher Aaliyah Wilson of Muskogee. Torrey is committed to play at Oral Roberts University next bers, coaches, and administrators across the state two players finally emerged as the award winners in season. both awards’ closest race of all-time. The boys race was even closer and was eventually decided by just one vote. Rylie TorreyIn the end Owasso’s Shake Milton came out on top, finishing just ahead of second place finisher Ty Lazenby of Glencoe. This season Milton, an SMU commit, averaged 30 points per game to lead the state in scoring and also averaged six rebounds and three assists per contest to lead Owasso to the Class 6A state tournament. Bobby Johnson from Atoka also will be recognized as VYPE’s People’s Player of the Year for receiving the most online votes this season. VYPE would like to congratulate both Rylie Torey and Shake Milton for outstanding seasons on the hardwood this year.
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mainstays in the line-up as he is batting .304 in 27 games played and 17 starts on the year.
As a Drover, he has been successful in many roles and Head Coach Mike Ross said he believes this is one of the reasons he is a great fit at USAO.
T.J. Turner looks to swing at a pitch in a game earlier this season against conference rival Texas Wesleyan University. T.J. Turner is batting .304 in 27 games played in his first season as a Drover. (Andy Morphew/USAO Sports Information)
With almost a full season under his belt, Lawton native T.J. Turner has enjoyed offensive success as the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma designated hitter. Turner in his first year with the Drovers has been one of the
USAO.edu (405) 224-3140
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“He has been an asset to us. He has played some outfield and done well in the DH spot,” Ross said. “When he hasn’t started, he has done a good job pinch hitting and pinch running for us.”
He has had five multiple hit games and his most successful game came in a non-conference matchup with Benedictine College when he went 1-for-2 and hit his lone homer of the
year, a three-run bomb to left to get his first career hit at USAO.
Another successful day was when he went 3-for-4 in back-to-back games against Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the conference home opener against highly ranked Oklahoma City University. Turner has nine RBIs on the year and four extra base hits with USAO currently sitting in fifth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference.
Before joining the Drovers, he spent two seasons with Seminole State College, playing in the outfield and played high school baseball with MacArthur High School in Lawton.
At press time, the Drovers are 24-13 on the year and 7-7 in conference play and have three conference series left to play to try and get a bid to the SAC Conference Tournament, which will take place at Oklahoma City University. USAO was picked to finish third in the conference.
All of the Drover home games are broadcast on USAO’s athletic website, usao.edu/live-stats, and will include live stats and video with no audio.
college for the curious mind
Winter SWOK Oklahoma Basketball
Girls Player of the Year: Ashley Beatty – Anadarko Coach of the Year: Jeff Zinn – Anadarko Ashley Beatty Anadarko
Cameron Hines Ft. Cobb-Broxton
Kelsey Johnson Washington
Wyatt Adams Lawton Mac
Riley Williams Chickasha
Montorie Bridges Altus
Y 2011
First Team Jentry Holt – Elgin MaKenzie Janz – Erick Sydney DeVaughan – Ft. Cobb-Broxton Mandy Brown – Chattanooga Kelsey Johnson – Washington Crystal Polk – Lawton Eisenhower Second Team Rylee McCaskill – Elmore City Tandra King – Anadarko Shekinah Gilliam – Cyril Holly Garza – Chattanooga Ally Short – Elgin Dominique Golightly – Chickasha Boys Player of the Year: Cameron Hines – Ft. Cobb-Broxton Coach of the Year: Bruce Harrington – Lawton Eisenhower First Team Greyden Steinmetz – Ft. Cobb Broxton Jamey Woods – Lawton Eisenhower Bryson Lierle – Lookeba-Sickles Corey Garza – Chattanooga Tyler Lester – Tuttle Destry Kelley – Elk City Second Team Garrett Cox – Erick Braeden O’Dell – Marlow Taran Knox – Big Pasture Darius Roy – Lawton Eisenhower Jett Jobe – Tuttle Tanner Mong – Merritt
Wrestling
1st Team 106 Rhett Golowenski – Tuttle 113 Noah McQuigg – Tuttle 120 Montorie Bridges – Altus 126 Tanner Litterell – Tuttle 132 Dylan Lucas – Plainview 138 Beau Guffey – Tuttle 145 Dayton Garrett – Tuttle 152 Ryan Aker – Comanche 160 Cameron Loving – Altus 170 TJ Lodermeier – Hinton 182 Riley Williams – Chickasha 195 Dustin Mason – Tuttle 220 Blake Berryhill – Tuttle 285 Keegan Pride – Altus 2nd Team 106 Wyatt Adams – MacArthur 113 Omar Pollard – Altus 120 Zach Atencio – Plainview 126 Malik Slater – MacArthur 132 Brik Filippo – Tuttle 138 Ty Lucas – Plainview 145 Kamren Vanbuskirk – Comanche 152 Nick Mahan – MacArthur 160 Tanner Johnson – Tuttle 170 Colton Jump – MacArthur 182 Skyler Stengel – Comanche 195 Ruston Duke – Plainview 220 Sam Phillips – Elgin 285 Brandon Mason – Tuttle
swimming
Brandon Lundmark – Altus Deven Speed – Eisenhower Daniel Brown – Altus Walker Sacco – Altus Matthew Aguilar – Altus Jacob Oden – Altus Culley Coleman – Tuttle Charles Espinola – Duncan Daniel Brown – Altus Cassidy Pearl – Altus Ruby Hill – Eisenhower Dayna Brown – Altus Dale Courtney – Chickasha
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Lawton Mac’s Wyatt Adams Takes State Crown
VYPE: Who are some of your teammates that really pushed you this year? Adams: Almost the whole team pushed me and wanted me to win, but the main one is Trey Longacre. He was my partner from the beginning and when I had to cut weight he was always pushing me and telling me I can do it! VYPE: Looking the 106 bracket over, it’s obvious Class 5A had plenty of potential winners. Had you wrestled any of the guys in the bracket before state? Adams: I had wrestled all of the guys except one. VYPE: How confident were you coming into the state tournament?
Adams: I felt good, but my coach and my brother told me just to take it one match at a time. VYPE: You wrestled Gage Gomez from Altus in the finals 10
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and won, 5-0. How well do you know Gomez and did you think it would be a tough match? Adams: I know Gage very well. He is a great wrestler and the final was our fourth time wrestling this season. Yes, I knew it was going to be a tough match with Gage.
VYPE: What about next season? Do you see yourself moving up in weight? Adams: Next season I am not sure about right now. I could stay at 106 or move up. It depends on what I do this summer with freestyle and Greco.
VYPE: What’s your goal for the next two years at MacArthur?
Adams: My goal for the next two years is to do whatever it takes to get to the top each year. VYPE: Any aspirations to wrestle in college? Adams: I would love to wrestle in college. It is a dream of mine to be a college wrestler. VYPE: Thanks Wyatt and best of luck next year. Adams: Thank you.
Alex Bryant – Cache High School Alex Bryant is a senior at Cache High School where he plays varsity baseball for the Cache Bulldogs. Bryant is involved in several activities at Cache including BETA and attends classes at Great Plains Tech where he’s involved in Skills USA and enrolled in the PreEngineering program. A recent injury has sidelined Bryant from playing baseball, but it hasn’t stopped his enthusiasm for the team. “It was a freak thing. I started to dive for a line drive but when I realized I had no shot at it, I put my left hand down to balance myself, rolled it under me, and heard it pop really loud. Turns out it was broken. Hopefully I can be back for districts though,” said Bryant. Baseball has been important to Bryant as he finishes his senior season. “I will always remember the great bunch of guys I’ve grown up with and played with. I’ll miss the camaraderie with them, and I’ll definitely remember
some of the big wins we’ve had like beating Carl Albert.” The future for Bryant holds a lot of opportunity as he looks towards graduation and finishing the engineering program at Great Plains Tech. “I’ve always been the engineering and math type, even when I was young. I’ve always liked to tinker and to build things, or figure out how to make them better, so the engineering field was a great fit for me. I ha ve enjoyed it tremendously. If anyone reading this is considering Great Plains, go. You won’t regret it. The staff at Great Plains is very helpful. They don’t baby you like regular high school does; you’re treated as an adult, but they are always there to shepherd you if needed.” Bryant plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and double major in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
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Golden Eagles
The Lawton Eisenhower boys basketball team shocked the world and claimed 5A gold.
Coming into the Class 5A state tournament if you polled a random group of so-called experts outside of Lawton few would have had the Eisenhower Eagles as their favorite to win the gold ball. Some may have said Carl Albert, others may have said Memorial, some may have even said Deer Creek but not many would’ve said Eisenhower. Despite going 18-4 in the regular season and being ranked No. 2 Eisenhower seemed to get lost in the shuffle. Maybe it was because of their history, no team in Eisenhower history had won a basketball title. Maybe it was because of their location, not being near one of the state’s two biggest cities and biggest groups of media personell.
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Nobody will ever know exactly how it happened but one thing is for sure Eisenhower used the lack of attention to its advantage. In the first round of the state tournament the Eagles took down Pryor by a score of 68-60. Then in the semifinals the Eagles flew past Deer Creek by a score of 60-47. Finally in the championship game the Eagles squared off with Carl Albert and came away with a 43-41 victory. Leading the way for the Eagles this year was the trio of Jamey Woods, Darius Roy and Douglas Moore. Woods, a senior, averaged 17 points a game and shot over 42 percent from behind the three-point line this year. Moore, who is also a senior, averaged 11 points and eight rebounds per game while also star-
ring as the team’s best post defender and constantly drawing tough matchups throughout the year and especially in the state tournament. Roy meanwhile is just a junior and averaged 16 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game. Lawton Eisenhower Roster Kahlil Martin Romio Harvey RJ Fisher Darius Roy Douglas Moore Mookie Douglas Jamey Woods Rico Bussey DeShaun Cruse Bentley Bross Deshawn Becton LJ Robinson
Elgin Girls Track
Lady Owls Ready for Competition
Elgin girls track coach Tomi Lorah returns multiple state qualifiers from last season. Sophomore Eli Cummins qualified for state last year as a freshman in the 1600 and 3200 meter races. Junior Mary Anderson was a 2014 state placer in the mile relay. Freshman Lauren Turner is already making a splash at Elgin. She was All-State in crosscountry, and is one of coach Lorah’s better distance runners. Senior long jumper Maddie Richard was a 2014 state placer in the long jump and sprint relays. Freshman Laci Turner is one of Lorah’s better younger
athletes. She has a high ceiling and is already leaving her mark. Lorah said her girls have been working hard to prepare for this season. They are looking to make noise at the state tournament. “This looks to be an exciting season for the Owls,” Lorah said. “We have had a quality offseason and are ready to compete.” On April 7, 2015, Elgin hosted its junior high and high school meet. Many of Lorah’s athletes competed, and as a team, the Lady Owls finished first overall. It wasn’t a close finish either. The Lady Owls
finished with a final score of 237. Weatherford finished in second with a score of 120. The gap between Elgin and Weatherford was three points shy of Weatherford’s total. Coach Lorah’s team competed hard, and proved that the hard work was paying off. Distance runner Eli Cummins finished second in the 3200 meter race with a time of 13:13.08. With Cummins vying to repeat as a state qualifier, this race served as a good measuring stick. Sprinter Mary Anderson ran in the 100 and 200 meter races. She finished in the top 10 for both races. She was a part of the 4x200 meter relay that finished in first place. Maddie Richard tied for third in the long jump with a distance of 14’11 .50”. Laci Turner finished first in the 300 meter hurdle race with a time of 51.46. These are just a few of Lorah’s athletes. She has many more who will help lift her team to the ultimate goal, a state championship. The Lady Owls will continue to improve and work toward the state tournament.
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Altus Baseball
Young Bulldogs Face Adversity and a batting average of .328. Cleveland is an all-around hitter, who has a good balance of speed and power. He is hitting .348 with four doubles, three triples, three homeruns, 21 RBIs and 21 runs scored. Jones and Cleveland are developing into future stars for the Bulldogs.
Qualls’ pitching staff started out strong this season, but they have gling of late, there is still time to Last season, the Altus Bulldogs been struggling as of make a late push. Regardless of finished 17-20 in Class 5A. In late. Before their April 16th win, how the season ends, his young their last 10 games of the 2014 the Bulldog pitching staff had players have gained valuable season, they went 7-3 before given up 10 or more runs in five losing to Piedmont in the district experience this season. His guys straight games. With nine games have shown they are capable of tournament. Coming into the left in the season, they will try 2015 season, coach Garan Qualls putting up big numbers. Junior to turn it around. This is a good McCrae Stephens is proving he had high hopes for his team. Alopportunity for the young pitchthough he has a young roster, he is a tremendous all-around hiters to grow. Senior Jimmy Wilter. He has nine doubles, three has confidence in his guys. son has pitched 39.2 innings and homeruns, 30 RBIs and 23 runs has struck out 33 batters. His “We have a young, talented scored, along with a .435 batting ERA is higher than he’d like to group of guys, but we should be average. He is the most dangerbe, but he is responsible for four able to compete,” Qualls said. ous offensive weapon on the wins. Sophomore Tyler Garcia “It’s a good time to be an Altus roster. Sophomores Tito Jones has struck out 13 batters in 18.1 Bulldog.” and Hunter Cleveland are having innings pitched. This pitching This season, the Bulldogs started breakout seasons. They are provoff 10-8. As the season has worn ing they can be superstars in the staff has what it takes to turn it around. on, some of their youth is startfuture. Jones is a speedster and ing to show. After the good start, is lighting it up on the base path As the season enters its final month, the Altus Bulldogs will Altus is just 1-6 in its last seven this season. So far, he has 15 have the opportunity to turn games. Now at 11-14, Qualls is stolen bases. He has seven doutheir season around in time for trying to rally his team in time bles and four triples, which is the playoffs. for the playoffs. another testament to his speed. Although they have been strugHe has 24 runs scored, 14 RBIs A p r i l - M ay 2 0 1 5
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Altus Swimming
Altus Boys Take Top Honors; Girls Finish Top Ten A top five finish for the girls got them off to an excellent start. Their time of 2:01.83 was just shy of fourth place. Team members included Cassidy Pearl, Dayna Brown, Rachel Scott and Bailey Dickson.
featured Sacco, Croft, Aguilar and Brown, while the girls team featured Brown, Crystall Cooper, Tatum Pollak and Dickson.
An extremely quick field for the 200-yard freestyle meant Altus would need a big showing from Brandon Lundmark and Ryan Louks. They didn’t disappoint as Lundmark finished fifth at 1:56.20 and Louks placed seventh with a time of 1:58.31.
The girls fought hard and finished in eighth place at 1:51.37, less than a second out of seventh.
Boys 200-Yard Freestyle
Altus Boys Altus head swim coach Linda Wiginton has restored the pride in Bulldog swimming. The boys team spent much of the season ranked No.1 in Class 5A and were the favorites heading into the state meet in Edmond, Ok. Like the boys, the girls team were no strangers to the top of the rankings as well. 200-Yard Medley Relay
The boys team led by Mathew Aguilar posted a respectable fist leg of the 200 medley relay with a time of 26.23, but anchor Daniel Brown was quickest with a time of 21.79 giving the Altus boys a gold medal finish. Konner Croft and Jacob Oden were the other two members of the relay team that posted the 1:41.74 time.
50-Yard Freestyle
Altus speedster Daniel Brown was the favorite in the 50-yard freestyle, but few knew he was going to push for the state record. Brown swam a 21.36 just .25 off the state record held by Chickasha’s Isaac McKnight (2011). Teammates Walker Sacco placed fourth and Mathew Aguilar was fifth. Bailey Dickson touched with a time of 26.85, good enough for a seventh place finish and 12 crucial points for the team. Boys 100-Yard Butterfly
Jacob Oden beat out Culley Coleman of Tuttle and Charles Espinola of Duncan to nab a first place finish in the 100-yard butterfly. His time of 54.40 was a second better than Coleman. Oden firmly placed the Altus boys firmly in first place. Boys 100-Yard Freestyle
Altus had two swimmers in the 100-yard freestyle capable of placing in the top five. Daniel Brown posted a time of 47.93 giving him the top spot on the podium, while teammate Walker Sacco rounded out the top five with a time of 50.68. Boys 500-Yard Freestyle
In one of the more grueling events, the 500-yard freestyle, the Altus boys finished sixth and seventh as Brandon Lundmark and Ryan Louks gave Altus two solid performances and more points towards a team title. 200-Yard Freestyle Relay
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Several familiar names for the boys and girls teams took to the water for the 200-yard freestyle relay. The boys team
History was made when the boys swam the quickest 200-yard freestyle relay breaking the state record with a time of 1:31.03. 100-Yard Backstroke
Cassidy Pearl had an excellent swim in the 100-yard backstroke going 1:03.77, good enough for a fifth place finish and a spot on the podium.
The boys team had two placers with Aguilar and Robert Spain taking second and sixth respectively. Boys 100-Yard Breaststroke
Jaret Nassaney had one of the quickest first legs in the 100-yard breaststroke, but slowed slightly in the final stretch. His effort was still good enough to place seventh and put the Altus boys team out of reach from Fort Gibson. 400-Yard Freestyle Relay
The girls team consisting of Lacey Bacon, Dickson, Pollak and Pearl finished the race with a time of 4:11.68 placing them in sixth place. The boys finished one spot higher in fifth with a time of 3:31.61. Sacco, Oden, Croft and Lundmark all posted times under the 26.00 mark with Sacco swimming the opening leg at 23.88.
The battle for a top five finish was a close one for the Lady Bulldogs as they posted a total of 130 points, just five points from finishing fifth. Regardless, they still finished eighth giving them a top ten finish in the most competitive season of Class 5A swimming. The dominance of the boys continued at state as the Bulldogs ran away with the team title, 126 points better than second place. Truly a dominant performance.
200-Yard Medley
Jimmie Dollins - Altus Track Sophomore Jimmie Dollins is a girls basketball and track star at Altus High School. As a freshman in 2014, Dollins was a top five finisher in the Class 5A 100-meter hurdles. Dollins participates in gymnastics, along with basketball and track. She has been doing gymnastics since she was eight, and it is a passion of hers. Off the field, Dollins works equally hard. Her 4.08 GPA, while taking AP Statistics, is proof of that. Outside of school and sports, she continues to work hard. She is involved in 4H, where she has been
a county leader and an ambassador. Altus track coach Robert Garrison spoke volumes about Dollins’ character.
“Jimmie is a very positive role model for our younger track athletes,” coach Garrison said. “She remains very active inside and outside of school and gives 100 percent to everything.” For her hard work as an athlete, student and person, Jimmie Dollins is the Altus Academic Athlete of the Month.
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Athlete Spotlight
We look at athletes from the area who are making a name for themselves. Braden Johnson-Sayre, Joseph Albert-Elk City, and Devan Carnes-Merritt. offense that is averaging 5.6 runs per game.
Johnson’s game isn’t only about offense though. Sayre head coach Mike Allen describes Johnson as a “great defensive catcher who keeps runners on alert.” Allen also went on to say that Johnson is an “excellent team leader,” something all coaches want from their catcher.
Braden Johnson Sayre Athlete of the Month Braden Johnson
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Braden Johnson is the starting catcher for the Sayre Eagles baseball team and is having a banner season in his junior campaign. At the plate Johnson is batting .389 and as been a driving force in Sayre’s potent VYPEOK.COM
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Elk City senior Joseph Albert is making people across the state take notice of his abilities on the court. Albert already has won Altus Tournament and the Elk City Invitational. Albert also placed fourth at the 4A Preview after losing to last year’s runner-up, Crossings Christian’s Lucas Meacham.
Albert is also a 4.0 student and has already been accepted to the University of Oklahoma according to Elk City head coach Gina Curtis. For his effort on the tennis court this year Joseph Albert is the Elk City Athlete of the Month.
For his effort on the diamond this year Braden Johnson is the Sayre Athlete of the Month.
Elk City Athlete of the Month Joseph Albert
Class 4A boys tennis is typically a sport dominated by a few schools such as Byng, Ada, Heritage Hall, Metro Christian and Cascia Hall. This year however
Joseph Albert
Merritt Athlete of the Month Devan Carnes This fall Merritt oilers running back Devan Carnes burst onto the scene and racked up yards and touchdowns alike as he helped the Oilers to a 6-4 overall record. Carnes carried the ball 173 times this season picking up 1,822 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. Meanwhile on defense Carnes made 107 total tackles this year as a key part of the Oilers defensive unit. Next year Carnes hopes to continue his football career at the
college level but has not yet decided on a university to attend yet. Academically Carnes hopes to pursue a path in art in college, something that he is also very talented in. For his effort in athletics and in the classroom and community Devan Carnes is the Merritt Athlete of the Month.
Devan Carnes
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The Elk City golf team is hoping a mix of experience and talented youth will equal state tournament success this year, and some tournaments to be honest.”
Q&A with Elk City Senior Golfers Logan Gore and Carter Muncrief VYPE: What is your favorite course to play? Gore: Oak Tree National in Edmond.
Muncrief: Lincoln Park West in Oklahoma City VYPE: Who is your favorite PGA golfer? Coming into the season Elk City golf coach Tim Ellison felt like this was the season that his team would get back to the state tournament as a team. Now with most of the season gone and just a few tournaments left Ellison feels the same way. “I feel the same way, anything short of going to state as a team would have the boys and I very disappointed and upset,” Ellison said.
Leading the team this year as the Big Elks’ No. 1 bag is senior Logan Gore. Fellow senior Carter Muncrief plays as the team’s No. 4 bag and provides more key leadership. Sophomores Collin Dyson and Conner Carlucci along with freshmen Conner Dewitt round out the team. Dyson serves as the team’s No. 2
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bag while Dewitt is the No. 3 bag and Carlucci the No. 5 bag.
“I think things are coming along well. We have a couple of seniors trying to be good leaders and set the pace, a sophomore 2-bag that has played well and some other younger kids who are constantly improving,” coach Ellison said. Ellison added that at this point of the season he is emphasizing the importance of a reliable short game more than anything.
“Chipping and putting, chipping and putting. All five of our guys can get off the box well and are normally on or around the green in regulation but our short game has cost us some strokes
Gore: Jordan Spieth
Muncrief: Phil Mickelson
VYPE: What is your favorite club in your bag? Gore: My driver
Muncrief: 6 Iron
VYPE: Best thing about playing golf at Elk City? Gore: The best thing about playing golf at Elk City is that I know everyone and anyone is willing to play. Muncrief: The support that we get and having a nice course to work on our game.
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The Binger-Oney baseball team is on a quest to defend their Class A state title. rocky as the Bobcats went 3-3 in their first six games. One of those losses came to Class 5A Carl Albert in extra innings however making the record look much better than at first glance.
Ledgend Smith Last season the Binger-Oney Bobcats went 27-9, including a 9-0 record in the postseason, to win the Class A baseball title. This season the Bobcats are trying to tackle the tough task of defending that title. That title defense started somewhat
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After those first six games Binger quickly hit their stride however, winning nine of their next ten games to improve their record to 12-4. With an increased amount of confidence the Bobcats won four of their next five, with the only loss coming to Class 4A No. 1 Weatherford. Bobcats head coach Randy Smith said he feels like his team’s record is about where he thought they would be at the beginning of the season. “I think record-wise we are ok. Of course I think a few of those games
early on that we lost we could’ve won but a few of our games later that we won we probably could’ve lost,” Smith said.
Leading the way for the Bobcats this year have been their one-two punch on the mound sophomore Ledgend Smith and junior Colby Sweeney. Other key players this year have been shortstop Jace Fixico and catcher Cody Milligan. All four players have not only made an impact with their defense according to coach Smith, but also have been key cogs in the Bobcats’ lineup. Looking ahead the Bobcats are scheduled to get their postseason underway with a district tournament against Geary on April 23rd. The Bobcats will host the district tournament and if they can take a pair of games from the Bison they will move on to the regional tournament on April 30th.
Daniel Lopez - State Placer How do you feel the tournament went for you? Lopez: I feel accomplished but I also feel like I could have done better. I didn’t know what it was going be like and I didn’t expect it to be as hard as it was. This year was a whole lot better though. I was injured last year so I was out for the season, which really would have made a difference this year for state. VYPE: How well did you know your opponents in your bracket?
Daniel Lopez This year at the state wrestling tournament Clinton High School’s Daniel Lopez wrestled his way to the podium and is focused on making a return next season. Lopez opens up about his state tournament, moving up in weight and what we can expect from his teammates next year. VYPE: You finished fourth this year at the state meet, which is a big accomplishment for a sophomore.
Lopez: I didn’t know anyone except one guy from Vinita who placed second. I really don’t pay any attention to the other people because I just wanted go out there and wrestle. Whoever I have to wrestle doesn’t matter. I’m going to go out there and do my best.
VYPE: You were the only state placer from Clinton this year. Who were some of the guys in the wrestling room that really helped you get to state? Lopez: Greyson Weedon really helped me out and Abel Gutierrez. They’re good partners and also good wrestlers, but none of that would matter
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without a good coach too. Coach Finch has really taught me a lot. VYPE: Do you see yourself moving up in weight to 182 next season?
Lopez: No I don’t see myself moving up. I’m going to wrestle at 170 again and by the grace of God I may have another healthy and productive year. VYPE: Besides yourself, who should we keep an eye on next year from Clinton?
Lopez: There’s quite a few for Clinton being so small, but Seth Glance, Greyson Weedon, Luis Martinez, Enrique Pina, Abel Gutierrez, Hayden Williams, and last but not least Zachary Acosta. They’re all good wrestlers. VYPE: Will you do any wrestling in the offseason?
Lopez: Yes, I will be doing some wrestling in the offseason. I don’t want to have to catch back up with everybody and be setback. This will be the first time ever for me doing offseason wrestling because of football and track. But my coaches and I have found a way around that to really help me out.
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Coach Todd Gaunt and his strong senior class have Weatherford off to a red-hot start. The Eagles are 24-4, and are ranked No. 1 in Class 4A. In the month of April, Weatherford has an 11-2 record. They are playing some of their best baseball right now. The success should not come as a surprise. Weatherford has some of the best baseball players in
the state on its roster. Last year’s numbers indicated that the Eagles would be in contention for the state title. Brooks Pond had a 9-1 record with a 1.59 ERA. Catcher Baylor Watkins hit .379 and drove in 27 runs. Center fielder Jacob Hoffman hit five homeruns and finished with 54 RBIs. Weatherford finished number two in 4A last season with a 30-6 record. These seniors will need to have another solid season to put Weatherford over the top. So far, they are doing just that.
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This season, their numbers are on pace to be equally as impressive. Pond is having another tremendous season on the mound. In 45 innings pitched, he has 40 strikeouts to only eight walks. Watkins is absolutely on fire at the plate, and he is having another monster season. He is hitting .373 with 33 RBIs, seven doubles and a homerun. Rhett Barber, who hit .412 and stole 12 bases last year, is hitting .407 this year and has already stolen 14 bases. His base running ability is an integral part to their success on offense. With the state tournament only a few weeks away, the Eagles are peaking at the right time. Keep an eye out for Weatherford, the best team in 4A, as they prepare to chase the state title.
Cummins and Stark lead golf program. won my first OGA Jr. Boys Tournament. Stark: My favorite course to play is Lake Hefner North because the greens are always nice. My favorite course to see would be Augusta National.
VYPE: Which club are you most confident in? Why? Cummins: My wedges. I just think I have good touch from 100 yards and in.
Quade Cummins Weatherford golfers Quade Cummins and Ryan Stark are working to get back to the state tournament. Cummins won the Class 4A individual golf state title in 2013. Last year, he failed to repeat as champion, but he did finish in third place. This year, he is trying to win one more title before he graduates. Stark is trying to qualify for the tournament for the second straight year. VYPE caught up with Quade and Stark to discuss their careers and future. VYPE: What is your favorite course? Why?
Cummins: Kickingbird. That’s where I
Stark: I am most confident in my 3 wood. I know I can hit a good shot when I need one.
VYPE: What are your expectations for this golf season? Cummins: I want to win the 4A state championship.
fairway. I need to stay out of trouble to score the golf ball the way I want to. Stark: The main focus in the offseason was my short game. VYPE: Who has had the biggest impact on your golf game?
Cummins: Both my dad and grandpa have had the biggest impact. They have always been there to watch and help me. If I needed somebody to help me, they were always there. Stark: My dad has been the biggest impact on my golf game. He’s always willing to help me better my game.
Stark: My goal this season is to place high in the state tournament.
VYPE: What are your plans after high school? Cummins: I am going to go play golf at the University of Oklahoma. Hopefully I can win a national championship there. Stark: I would like to play college golf and major in business. VYPE: Which part of your game did you focus on improving during the offseason? Cummins: I focused on hitting the
Ryan Stark
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Ben Ervin - Weatherford High School Senior Ben Ervin is a two-sport athlete at Weatherford. He is a three-year starter for the football team and a three time state placer as a wrestler. He has qualified for the state wrestling tournament all four years he has been at Weatherford. In the classroom, he is equally as dominant. His 3.8 GPA puts him near the top of his high school class. On top of his high school work, Ervin takes concurrent courses at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. In those classes, he has a 3.42 GPA.
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Ervin already has a good grasp of time management, a crucial skill for any college student. Once he graduates from Weatherford in the spring, he plans to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State and major in engineering technologies. For his hard work to become a better student-athlete, Ben Ervin is the Weatherford Academic Athlete of the Month.
Brooks Pond - Weatherford High School playing career at Oklahoma State University. For his continued hard work to become a better baseball player, Brooks Pond is the Weatherford Athlete of the Month.
Last season, Weatherford pitcher Brooks Pond was almost unhittable on the mound. As a junior, he posted a 9-1 record and had an ERA of 1.59. Those are impressive pitching numbers, and he was a vital part of a team that finished 30-6 and number two in Class 4A. This season, he is having a major impact at the plate, as well as on the mound. In 45 innings pitched, Pond has struck out 40 batters, while walking only eight. At the plate, the senior is hitting .304 with 16 RBIs. He is the leader of a senior class that has the opportunity to win Class 4A. Pond would like to continue his
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Character is a combination of qualities that distinguishes one person or group from another. VYPE celebrates achievements of local high school athletes by presenting the monthly “Character Counts Award.” Weatherford tennis player David Bessinger always gives it all he has on the court but that isn’t the only place you can find Bessinger giving all he has.
David Bessinger Weatherford High School
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Bessinger is also the historian for the Weatherford Key Club and is a member of the National Honor Society. In the classroom Bessinger takes a wealth of honors or AP classes, and has taken at least one such class for every core subject all three years of his high school career.
Bessinger said he has had many role models who have influenced and molded him into the person he is to-
day, something he is very thankful for. “I can’t pinpoint a single role model. There have been many people from my life such as parents, my tennis coach, youth director, and teachers who push me to my limits to help me excel to my potential,” Bessinger said. After high school Bessinger said he plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and major in Chemical Engineering.
For his effort on the tennis court, in the classroom and in the community David Bessinger is the Weatherford Character Counts Athlete of the Month.
Tuttle coach Matt Surber goes on the record about the Tuttle wrestling program and keeping his team focused and never settling for mediocrity.
Tanner Johnson
Beau Guffey
Tanner Litterell
VYPE: You’ve had some great wrestling teams at Tuttle, where does this team rank with others from the past?
mentioned accomplishments.
Surber: We had a really great season especially considering we only had three seniors and only one of them went to the state tournament. So we return a lot of quality wrestlers and are looking forward to next season. We have the potential to have a very special team. This year’s team ranks right up there with some of the tough teams we’ve had in the past. This year we set a state record with 10 in the finals. However, we were all a little disappointed with our finals performance. We won one match we were an underdog in but lost several we could have won. This year’s team also put four in the finals at the Kansas City Stampede (a nationally ranked tournament in KC) and that was the most finalist we’ve ever had. What is amazing is that over the last few years each team has been dominate in it’s own way. A few years ago we set the state scoring record for all classes at the state tournament with 194 points. In 2010 we qualified all 14 wrestlers to the state tournament. In 2012 and 2013 we took 11 and 12 wrestlers to the state tournament and all of them placed in the top three at their respective weight. For two years in a row (2013 & 2014) we had 6 state champions. So I’m thinking next year we have a chance to challenge many of the above
Surber: We had several individuals step into the lineup this year and have an immediate impact. Rhett Golowenski at 106lbs was a freshman state champ and was extremely consistent with his performance this year. Junior 145lb Dayton Garrett won his first title after coming just short the last two years. Tanner Johnson had an outstanding state tournament and beat two state runnerups in route to his state title. The wrestler he beat in the finals was a senior and had beaten him the week before in the regional tournament. And of course we had several other wrestlers continue dominating performances all season long. Tanner Litterell and Beau Guffey.
VYPE: Who on the team turned out to be a real surprise this season?
VYPE: If our calculations are correct your state placers went 374-60 overall this season. That’s an amazing number of wins. What do you contribute the programs success to?
Surber: Our wrestling program has had great success the last few years and as I like to say “success comes at a price.” The coaches, wrestlers and parents all invest and pay the price. A great deal of time and hard work goes into maintaining the standard we have set for this program. This has led to a culture
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Rhett Golowenski that embraces the tradition and works very hard to maintain the standards required to be successful. Our wrestling program is a tight nit group that includes the youth, junior high and high school. It’s really one big family that supports each other. VYPE: Six wrestlers finished with 40 or more wins and your 113-pounder had 39. Explain how difficult of an accomplishment it is to have 40 wins.
Surber: One thing our wrestling program takes great pride in is its consistency. We have lost very few duals over the last 10 years and that’s a testament to the kids always being ready to go. On an individual basis, for many of our guys to reach the 40 win plateau, without a doubt is attributed to the commitment they have. Without a strong commitment the consistency would not be there to reach this feat. VYPE: You only graduate one state placer. Could next years team be even better?
Surber: With all this being said, we never take any year for granted. Each year is a new year and we challenge each individual to strive to reach high goals. I think that is one of the main things that help us guard against complacency. If each kid is truly doing his job, if he is individually committed to attaining his individual goals then that motivates him and in turn that takes care of the team.
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It wasn’t the color they had hoped for but the Lady Warriors walked away with some hardware at the Class 4A state tournament All season long the Anadarko Lady Warriors basketball team felt like this was their year. After leading in the championship game in 2014 the Lady Warriors fell just short of Ft. Gibson and walked away with silver. That bitter taste fueled the Lady Warriors all season long and led by their star Ashley Beatty, Anadarko entered this season’s state tournament with a 25-2 record and ranked No. 1 in the state. In the first round the Lady Warriors encountered a tough, fundamentally sound Hilldale squad. Nip and tuck the whole way Anadarko finally pulled out the win however by a score of 50-46 to advance to the semifinal round. In the semifinals the Lady Warriors met a familiar foe, the Elgin Lady Owls. Anadarko already held two wins over the Lady Owls on the season, a season opening 55-44 victory at home and a 58-42 win on the road in early February. It’s tough to beat a good team three times in one year but that’s exactly what the Lady Warriors did when they blasted the Lady Owls 49-34 to advance to the state finals.
Unfortunately for Lady Warriors fans, in the title tilt Anadarko ran into a buzz saw of destiny. That saw’s name was Locust Grove. The Lady Warriors put up a valliant fight and never quit until the final buzzer sounded but in the end Locust Grove walked away with a 51-33 win and sent Anadarko home with the silver ball again.
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Overall this season Anadarko was led by senior Ashley Beatty and junior Tandra King. Beatty averaged 16.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while King averaged 11.3 points per game from her starting point guard spot.
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The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes along with its Business Enterprises would like to wish the 2013-2014 Warriors and Lady Warriors great seasons in all areas of sports. Good Luck Warriors and Lady Warriors!
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With a roster full of upperclassmen the Anadarko slow-pitch softball team is having a great season. were still finding ways to win. It is all starting to come together now though and we are putting the offense and defense together on a consistent basis,” Savage said.
Before the season started first year Anadarko head coach Seth Savage expressed his high hopes for his new team. “As long as we play hard and stay focused we should be competitive. The girls are looking forward to getting started and proving they are a worthy opponent for just about anybody. It’s going to be a fun spring,” Savage said prior to the season.
Savage knew exactly what he was talking about. Led by a roster that is chalk full of upperclassmen the Lady Warriors got off to a hot start this year winning their first four games of
the year. Included in that span of games was a key 13-12 win over No. 13 ranked Blanchard.
Following the four wins to open the season the Lady Warriors hit a rough patch losing four of their next six games to move their record to 6-4. Anadarko’s experience again paid off though as the Lady Warriors bounced right back and won four of their next five games to improve their record 10-5 on the year and climb to No. 9 in the Class 5A rankings.
Leading the team this year has been seniors Shayna Gibson, Jennifer Ladyman and Cara Osceola. Gibson plays shortstop and is the team’s defensive leader while Ladyman and Osceola also play on the infield and hit in the middle of the order. Sophomore Paige Jackson has also had a big year for the Lady Warriors as the team’s starting pitcher and leadoff hitter.
Looking ahead the Lady Warriors will have several key games down the stretch, starting with a rematch with Blanchard April 14. Following that contest Anadarko is set to take on Ft. Cobb-Broxton April 16 and Binger-Oney April 21.
“At the beginning of the year it was a bit hit and miss. We would hit well one day and not play good defense the next but we
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Chickasha Athlete of the Month Chickasha senior midfielder Tara Arnold has already had a standout season on the pitch this year. Through seven games, Arnold has led the Lady Chicks to a 5-2 record, including two wins in the Chickasha Invitational. Through those first seven games Arnold, who is committed to play soccer at USAO next year, has racked up 19 goals and also has five assists. Despite being the team’s offensive leader
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Arnold is very humble when it comes to the numbers she is putting up this year. “We’ve had a great start so far and I’m lucky to have been at the head of most of the attacks,” Arnold said.
For her effort on the soccer field this year Tara Arnold is the Chickasha Athlete of the Month.
Character is a combination of qualities that distinguishes one person or group from another. State Farm celebrates achievements of local high school athletes by presenting the monthly “Character Counts Award.” Orion Couch is a leader in nearly every sense of the word. As a leader on the Chickasha baseball team, Couch has helped his team to a 15-8 record as a very versatile athlete and a commanding voice in the dugout. On the field Couch plays both left field and second base for the Fighting Chicks. Off the field Couch showcases his leadership ability as a member of the Bible Baptist Youth Group and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Couch also helps to coach his sister’s softball team when he has extra time. After high school Couch hopes to go to college and enter the field of Physical Therapy. For the high character he has shown on and off the baseball field Orion Couch is the Chickasha Character Counts Athlete of the Month.
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1 doubles while Moore won No. 2 singles but this year those roles may change as the Lady Demons approach the postseason. Junior Jordan Clausen is also expected to score big points for the Lady Demons this year.
The Duncan girls tennis team is once again a favorite to compete for a state title Last year the Duncan girls tennis team finished as the Class 5A runner-up just behind Cascia Hall. That finish came off a 5A state championship for the Lady Demons in 2013 and a runner-up finish in 2012. This year the goals are once again set at the highest level for the Lady Demons according to head coach Phil Barnes. “Our goal is to win state every year,” Barnes
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said.
Last year the Demons came up just two points short of that goal but this year led by an ultra-talented and ultra-experienced group that have been together for nearly their entire high school career. Senior and Oklahoma Baptist University commit, Alex Bowers mans the No. 1 singles spot for the Lady Demons after finishing as the state runner-up last season. Other key seniors Carly Kirkland and Marisa Moore are other players to watch this year. Last year Kirkland was part of the runner-up squad at No.
Duncan has already experienced some major success this year winning a national tournament in Chattanooga Tenn. March 18-19. At that tournament Bowers was the selected as the tournament MVP after winning each one of her matches. Kirkland also earned individual honors at that tournament by making the all-tournament team. Bowers also had a big day at the Tournament of Champions earlier this year winning the first place trophy and becoming the first player from Duncan to ever accomplish that feat. When asked about how he feels about his team with the state tournament rapidly approaching coach Barnes had nothing but good things to say. “I feel good. You never know what is going to happen at state but we are ready to play. We are ready for the state tournament.”
<--Bryce Byford & Alex Bowers-->
Bryce Byford
Alex Bowers
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Bryce Byford Duncan Hi
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rns plenty lex Bowers tu A or ni t se n e Tournamen court Dunca s has won th er On the tennis ow B a ar og ye Chattano eady this urnament in of heads. Alr a national to pions made d an am s Ch on of pi t of Cham urnamen To e th tournain in th sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; w ever win at to er Tenn. Bower ay pl s ition-rich proLady Demon in a very trad t her the first en holds hm is pl accom ls. The senior ment, a major ers also exce fter ow A . B CT m A oo r sr he clas ed a 30 on or sc gram. In the d an e er nnis care at int averag ntinue her te a 4.0 grade po co to s an pl owers high school B in Shawnee. st University ti ap B r efforts a om Oklah urt and all he co is nn te e Duncan to excel on th owers in the For her effort avors Alex B de en ic em in her acad e Month. Athlete of th
Submit your nomination for the Whitten Academic Athlete of the Month to: Oklahoma@VYPE.com
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Mom of the Kristen Kirkland Duncan Mom
Month
Kristen Kirkland, the mother of Duncan senior girls tennis player Carly Kirkland, works tirelessly to support not only her own children but the Duncan tennis program as a whole.
“My mom has supported me physically, emotionally, and spiritually throughout the years. Tennis is a mental game and she has always told me that keeping my attitude on the right track is one of the most important aspects of tennis,” Carly Kirkland said. “She has taught me that the ultimate goal is to pay to glorify God and to try my hardest, and if I do that then at the end of the day I succeeded, regardless of a win or loss.” Kirsten is also the president of the Duncan tennis booster club. In that role Kirsten coordinates fundraising, poster sales, information about the state tournament and anything else head coach Phil Barnes needs to help with the program. Not one to hog the spotlight Kirsten credits the parents around her who have been willing to help her make the booster club a success. “My mom is so deserving of Mom of the Month because she has always been so supportive of my brother and I and our involvement in sports. She has always done her best to make sports possible for us, whether it’s driving us to practice or being at our games and matches to support us,” Carly said.
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The Marlow golf team has battled some obstacles this season but are quickly hitting their stride. Coming into this season the Marlow golf team had high hopes and lofty goals. Armed with a veteran squad led by Murray State College commit Dakota Hicks and 2014 all-conference players Tyler Curtis and Brayden King.
The Outlaw bandwagon hit a big bump early when Curtis went down with a broken hand, leaving Marlow without their No. 2 bag. Like a true champion, the Outlaws didn’t flinch at the obstacle however and quickly overcame the loss of Curtis and are in a good spot as they prepare for the postseason according to head coach Stephen Thomas.
“We have a few players who are looking real good. We have had to overcome some obstacles with Tyler breaking his hand but we have had guys step up and play well and now we are hoping to get Tyler back for regionals and state,” Thomas said. Those players that have stepped up have been players like King, who moved up to the No. 2 bag, but also Jackson Fine who has been a big help as
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the team’s No. 5 bag according to coach Thomas. Freshman Will Coffman has also played extremely well for the outlaws this season and has consistently been in the mid 80’s all season long.
The experience that those players have gained this season may come in big for Marlow if Curtis is able to return for regionals and state as expected according to Thomas. “Getting to the state tournament is obviously the first step, but if we get Tyler back I think we can challenge for the second or third spot at state,” Thomas said.
Coach Keith Burton - Central Marlow Track/Football VYPE: What types of challenges do you face when coaching two sports at a small school?
Keith Burton is the head coach of Central Marlow’s football team, as well as the girls and boys track teams. This is his ninth year at the helm of these squads. VYPE caught up with coach Burton to discuss what it’s like to coach at a small school.
Burton: Well, we don’t have a large talent pool to choose from. That can present a real challenge, but because of that, kids are forced to play multiple sports. We encourage that though. At a smaller school, kids get the opportunity to play multiple sports that they probably wouldn’t get that at a bigger school. It takes a lot of cooperation from the coaches to overcome these challenges. Luckily, there are some great coaches at Central Marlow. The baseball and basketball coach are on the football staff with me. So there is a lot of support throughout the different programs. Last year, I had three kids who ran track who also played baseball. Coach (Jeff) Jones and I worked it out so the kids could do both. The support between coaching staffs here is phenomenal. VYPE: So does the athlete overlap create any issues?
Burton: No, not at all. As I said, we encourage kids to play multiple sports. More and more kids today are being forced to specialize in one sport, especially in baseball and soccer. My kid plays on a club soccer team and he plays soccer year round. Personally, I don’t agree with it. I always push kids to play multiple sports. Kids need the chance to play different sports; it is a part of their development. It teaches them different skill sets. Playing multiple sports teaches them to play for the love of the game, and not to play simply to earn a scholarship. VYPE: What is one lesson you aim to teach to your kids regardless of their sport? Burton: I always try to emphasize the importance of being a part of a team. Many kids come from broken homes, and sports give these kids an opportunity to be a part of something special. These kids have played together since elementary school. They’ve forged a bond that can’t be broken. They’ve created memories that will never be forgotten. I always aim to teach kids to embrace that. It is one of the most important lessons we can learn from sports.
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The Duncan girls golf team is in search of their seventh team title in the last nine years daled at state last year with Witt placing the highest as she came in second place overall with a two-day total of 156. Hall meanwhile placed fourth with a score of 161 and Martin took home seventh place with a score of 173.
It’s tough to win one title but it’s even tougher to defend it. Tougher still is defending a dynasty, because you know the target on your back gets bigger each and every year.
That challenge has been something the Duncan girls golf program has tackled each year for nearly 15 years. The Lady Demons have won eight titles since 2002 and six in the past eight years. This year the expectations are no different as the team looks to continue their decade and a half of dominance. Duncan senior Savannah Martin, who has been a major part of the program for several years said she feels like the bulls eye on the Lady Demons’ back is bigger after dominating the field for so long.
“I think it is. I believe that other teams look at us as stiff competition and the team to beat,” Martin said.
Martin went on to add that her goals for the team this year are to win a regional title and yet another state title, their first back-to-back championship since a string of four title in a row from 20072010. 42
Leading the team this year are seniors Kayla Witt, Whitney Hall and Martin. All three seniors meVYPEOK.COM
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Also playing a big role on the team this year will be junior Courtney Brooks. Underclassmen such as sophomore Emily Kirkland and freshman Vanessa Moore will also be counted on to put up low numbers all year long. Kirkland also played in the state tournament last year as a freshman, placing in a tie for 53rd.
For a youthful Tigers team constant improvement is the goal.
The Ardmore track team doesn’t have much experience to lean on and in Class 5A you need experience to be a contender at state. What Ardmore has however is some very talented athletes who would give any coach hope of a possible dynasty in the making.
Several of those young athletes are junior Isaiah Clark and sophomores Orrin Walker, Kobe Pickens, Tyrik Cohee, Jordan Roberts and Diondre Scott. All six of the young athletes will compete in the sprinting events
along with Clark already also showing promise in the long jump.
Overall Ardmore head coach Corey Russell said this season has had its fair share of obstacles but that he is happy with the way the team has attacked things.
“It’s been kind of hard because we share so many athletes with other sports and then we have had to deal with a lot of weather but the kids have been excited and are working hard
every day,” Russell said.
Keeping everything in mind Russell added that his goal for this team is a fairly simple one, yet one that is rarely achieved by any team.
“My real goal for them is to come to work every day and get better every day. We are trying to build for the future and to do that we need to keep getting better every day,” Russell said.
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Head coach Rocky Atencio leads the Indian wrestling team to a historic finish in 2015.
In the history of the program the Plainview Indians have crowned two state champions, David Gilliam in 1996 and Zach Atencio in 2014. Atencio would return for his junior season to help lead the Indians to their most successful season in school history. Zach Atencio returned as a defending state champion, but did move up in weight to 120-pounds. Atencio faced an undefeated wrestler in Kaden Gfeller from Heritage Hall in the finals. Atencio would finish in second and finish the season 39-5.
The next wrestler to add his name to the growing list of state champions for Plainview was Dylan Lucas. Lucas wrestled the 132-pound bracket and did it in dominant fashion. Lucas would roll through the bracket and face Noah Nida of Perry in the finals. But Nida didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have enough to keep it close and Lucas won, 13-4 and finishing the season a 44
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perfect 42-0.
Another Lucas, Ty Lucas wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to be outdone in the 138-pound bracket. T. Lucas only had one loss coming into the state tournament, but when the title was on the line, Lucas pulled off a 6-0 win over Brady Smith of Kingfisher. The win meant Ty Lucas was the fourth state champion in school history. At 160-pounds sophomore Bodie Davis got out of the first round
Ruston Duke
defeating Tyler Leach of Pawnee, 8-7, but fell to eventual champion Heath Gray of Chandler. Davis did however finish fourth making his way to the podium and giving Plainview more points toward a team title.
Dylan Lucas
Joshua Walls faced a stacked bracket at 182-pounds and still mustered a fourth place finish. The senior finished the season with a record of, 27-13 picking up two wins at the tournament. The 195-pound bracket wasn’t much easier, but for Ruston Duke getting to the
which position do you like better and why? Williams: Pitcher. I love being involved in every play. I love the pressure, always thinking and the strategy of how to get batters out.
VYPE: On the mound do you have a routine or any superstitions? Williams: I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before I pitch and if I do good on the mound I wear the same socks as I did the previous start. Senior baseball player Kyle Williams is a starting pitcher and shortstop for the Plainview Indians. Last year he hit .393 with 26 RBI’s and pitched 74.2 innings striking out 83 batters and ending the year with an 11-3 record. We caught up with Williams to see if he could hit a couple of our curve balls.
VYPE: You’re a varsity baseball player at Plainview High School, but do you play any other sports? Williams: No, I only play baseball.
VYPE: What age were you when you first started playing baseball? Williams: I was around two years old. VYPE: You play shortstop and pitcher,
VYPE: What’s the best quality a shortstop can have?
Williams: He should have the ability to cover a wide range of ground and the ability to lead is the biggest part.
finals meant beating Tyler Thompson of Sperry and Matt Jones of Perry to face Conner Webb of Davis in the finals. In one of the closest finals of the tournament, Webb inched out Duke, 2-1 for the win. The runner-up finish for Duke put the team title out of reach for Plainview. Wrapping up the state tournament for Plainview was 220-pound wrestler, Dorian Fagan. Fagan won his opening bout against Rudy Reilly by fall, but would go down to Bryson McGowan of Hulbert. Fagan would fight his way back like a man on a mission and take third. As a team the Indians finished with 109.5 points and their first team title, 22.5 points ahead of second place Perry. Rounding out the top five were Heritage Hall in third, Kingfisher in fourth and Comanche in fifth.
VYPE: What are your plans after high school?
Williams: I’m going to play ball at Southwestern Christian University.
VYPE: Finish this sentence…When I come back to Plainview High for our 20 year reunion, one thing I want classmates to remember is_____________? Williams: I want them to remember my competitive nature and my love of the game of baseball and that I was friendly and humble. VYPE: Good stuff. Thanks Kyle. Williams: Thank you.
VYPE: Do you have a favorite MLB team? Williams: I’m a diehard Yankee fan!
VYPE: Who would you say you model your game after the most? Williams: I model my game around Derek Jeter because he is so calm, collected and humble. He is a fantastic leader and one of the best to ever play. VYPE: We noticed you have the beard going. Is that just for baseball season or is it an all year thing? Williams: I keep it shorter during the offseason, but I really let it grow when baseball starts.
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