VYPE Southwest Oklahoma February-March 2015 by Austin Chadwick

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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 Darby Keef Chickasha High School Chickasha senior cheerleader Darby Keef helped lead her team to the state tournament this fall. Outside of sports though Keef is also someone to keep an eye on. In the classroom Keef carries a 3.7 grade point average and challenges herself with a very tough schedule that includes both Honors Chemistry and College Algebra. Despite taking AP classes in science and math, Keef said that her favorite class is English. After high school Keef said she plans to attend Rose State and eventually work her way to becoming a dental hygienist. For her effort in athletics and also in the classroom Darby Keef is the Bank SNB Chickasha Scholar Athlete of the Month.

PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY TEAMS Teamwork is critical to success in sports, helping one another to achieve victory. Arvest is proud to team up with our local schools and communities to help support students and teachers. Local involvement, local management â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Arvest Bank. 9 locations in Southwest Oklahoma to serve you, most open 8 to 8! Lawton 4330 NW Cache Rd 2622 W Gore 5201 SW Lee 2902 E Gore

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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.

7 | Signing Day Southwest Oklahoma athletes sign their letter of intent to play at the next level. This is the Class of 2015 signing day list.

17 | Altus Swimming The Bulldogs are off to a great start as they steam towards the state meet with both teams highly ranked in Class 5A.

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30 | Anadarko Lady Warriors A runner-up finish last year has fueled the Lady Warriors this season as they look to get back to the finals and bring home the gold.

42 | Duncan Baseball VYPE caught up with Duncan head baseball coach Tim Hightower as the team begins practice for the 2015 campaign.

It started with the VYPE Top 100, then whittled down to the Top 50 until we arrived to our 12 Finalists for Mr. Football Oklahoma. We now salute the 2014 Mr. Football Oklahoma, Mason Fine of Locust Grove. A consensus was taken from coaches and media personnel statewide and Fine won over Dalton Wood of McAlester and Will Collins of Lawton Mac.

1st Mason Fine Locust Grove High School

2nd Dalton Wood McAlester High School

Mason Fine Locust Grove

Fine was simply unstoppable this year. Connecting on 329 out of 485 passes Fine threw for 5,006 yards and 71 touchdowns, both state records. Fine’s numbers also helped him break the career touchdown passing record this year. After throwing for seven touchdowns as a freshman and 35 as a sophomore Fine’s 71 touchdowns this year gave him 113 career touchdown passes breaking the previous record of 111 held by former Atoka quarterback LT Pfaff. ]

3rd Will Collins Lawton Mac High School

4th Blake Summers Davis High School

All of those numbers also helped Fine win the Gatorade Player of the Year award this year, the Tulsa World’s player of the year and now VYPE’s Shelter Insurance Mr. Football Award. Fine also led his team to a 13-1 overall record before falling to eventual 3A state champ Heritage Hall in the semifinals. That statement alone is enough to put fear in the heart of every opponent that will be facing Fine and Locust Grove next year because you can bet Fine won’t be sitting back and thinking about what he has already done. No, instead he will be focusing on the unfinished business he has left to accomplish, bringing home a gold ball.

5th Kyle McLaughlin Skiatook High School

Mason was presented the award on February 2nd at Locust Grove in a ceremony that took place at the Locust Grove basketball game. “This is a huge honor for Mason and our school,” said Locust Grove head football coach Matt Hennessey. “VYPE has been covering high schools for 10 years and with everything that goes into winning the award, it is pretty special for Mason.”

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seen a couple of games in his third season as a defensive replacement, but his main role is as the courtesy runner for catcher Owen Adams. USAO Head Coach Mike Ross said George’s speed is a factor of why his role on the team is a vital one for the success. Hayden George is a key runner for the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and serves a vital role for the success of the Drover baseball team. (Photo Courtesy of Candid Color Systems)

In his third season as a Drover, Hinton native Hayden George continues his run of success as a pinch runner and a key part of USAO success playing in 41 games in the Drover uniform. As a backup outfielder, he has

USAO.edu (405) 224-3140

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“He is a key player off the bench,” Ross said. “His speed and baseball intelligence is a huge asset for us in close ball games.”

All together, he has scored 23 runs and has a career fielding percentage of 1.000 in 10 games as a right fielder. Additionally, he has three stolen bases credited to him all coming in

his first season of action as a Drover after missing most of the 2014 season due to injury.

In high school, he played for Hinton and helped his team become district champions in his final season at the school. As of mid-February, the Drovers sit at a 9-3 record and are receiving votes nationally in the NAIA Preseason Coaches Top 25 poll.

USAO was picked to finish third in the Sooner Athletic Conference, with perennial powers Oklahoma Baptist and Oklahoma City at the top.

USAO’s baseball team is currently playing their non-conference schedule and will begin Sooner Athletic Conference play Feb. 26 at Mid-America Christian, all while trying to make it five straight seasons in the conference tournament. George is a business sophomore at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. The main reason he said he chose to come to the campus was because of the success the Drover baseball program has had in years past.

college for the curious mind

The athletes of Oklahoma have signed and are ready to compete at the next level.

Lawton Mac Signees BASEBALL Braden Blaylock, Union – NEO Andrew Bolen, Silo – Arkansas Brady Bradshaw, Noble – Crowder Blake Brewster, Moore – Oklahoma Chase Burgess, Jenks – NEO Riley Cabral, Carl Albert – Chipola Joseph Corbett, Bishop McGuinness – Arkansas-Little Rock Daniel Davila, Union – Northern Jonathan Davis, Edmond North – ArkansasLittle Rock Aiden Doherty, Deer Creek – NSU Connor Frazier, Owasso – Neosho Jessee Gall, Broken Arrow – Highland CC Jackson Goddard, Holland Hall – Kansas Dylan Grove, Moore – Oklahoma Tony Horn, Muskogee – Eastern Oklahoma Thomas Hughes, Norman North – Oklahoma Riley Keizor, Verdigris – NEO Barrett Loseke, Jenks – Arkansas Joshua Matelsky, Putnam City North – Dodge City Trevor McCutchin, Owasso – ORU Ricky Ramirez, Deer Creek – Seminole State Seamus Ryan-Johnson, Booker T. Washington – Johns Hopkins Walker Secrist, Union – Coffeyville

Alex Schmitz, Metro Christian – ORU Colin Simpson, Edmond Memorial – OSU Slater Springman, Holland Hall – OK Christian Trevor McCutchin, Owasso – ORU Hunter Southerland, Westmoore – Oklahoma Colton Thompson, Union – Northern Kyle Tyler, Westmoore – Oklahoma Breyden Varner, Owasso – Collinsville Logan Wesley, Owasso – Fort Scott Harrison Whitworth, Broken Arrow – Fort Scott CC Lane Workman, Deer Creek – Pratt CC Corey Zangari, Carl Albert – OSU

BASKETBALL-BOYS Conner Avants, Deer Creek – Air Force A.J. Cockrell, Memorial – UT San Antonio Chris Crawford, Victory Christian – ORU Tre Evans, Putnam City West – OSU Frankie Gump, Broken Arrow – University of Great Falls Hayden Howell, Carl Albert – Abeline Christian Will Lienhard, Bishop McGuinness – Navy Chris Miller, Booker T. Washington – ORU Shake Milton, Owasso – SMU BASKETBALL-GIRLS Amanda Allen, Edmond Santa Fe – McPherson

Ashlee Beatty, Anadarko – ORU Lauren Billie, East Central – UT Arlington Blake Blessington, Harrah – North Texas Sharayla Brown, East Central – Houston Addy Clift, Kiowa – OK Christian Madison Davis, Locust Grove – West Texas A&M Andee Decker, Edmond Memorial – West Texas A&M Makenzie Ellis, Booker T. Washington – Colorado Seretha Hawkins, Southmoore – Houston Jentry Holt, Elgin – OSU Kylie Looney, Adair – NSU Crystal Polk, Lawton Ike – Tulsa Lexi Smith, Mustang – East Central Bailey Taylor, Shawnee – UCO Rylie Torrey, Locust Grove – ORU Dakota Vann, Deer Creek – Loyola Tia Williams, Norman North – East Central CYCLING Tori Kanizer, Owasso – Milligan

EQUESTRIAN Emma Holbrook, Stillwater – OSU Addie Minnick, Jenks – Oklahoma State F e b r ua r y - M A R C H 2 0 1 5

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FAST PITCH SOFTBALL Larie Amos, Westmoore – SWOSU Brooke Addington, Lincoln Christian – Oklahoma Wesleyan Brooklyn Berido, Lincoln Christian – Oklahoma Wesleyan Erika Brandenburg, Mooreland – Southern Illinois Kayla Bybee, Union – Southwestern Katie Carollo, Tuttle – Rogers State Jayden Chestnut, Mustang – Oklahoma Caleigh Clifton, Wayne – Oklahoma Dru Collins, Norman North – Seminole State Annie Combs, Tuttle – Cameron Emily Cudd, Purcell – Southeastern Lacey Davidson, Community Christian, OK Christian Kayon Dunn, Edmond North – Northern Mariah Ewy, Perry – East Central Bry Flanagan, Bethel – Creighton Ashley Fletcher, Maud – South Alabama Jaycee Forth, Owasso – Coffeyville Katelyn Gamble, Edmond North – Rogers State Taryn Gray, Wyandotte – NSU Sidney Green, Westmoore – USAO Kelsey Harmon, Washington – NSU Jobi Heath, Edmond Santa Fe – UCO Hannah Heinrichs, Broken Arrow – Missouri State Michal Hylton, Wayne – Creighton Kyla Ibarra, Hilldale – Northeastern State Marisa Jervis, Broken Arrow – Coffeyville Tayler Johnson, Broken Arrow – Oklahoma Wesleyan Keely Kingsley, Putnam City North – Rose State Jenifer Marwitz, Mount St. Mary – Kansas Karlee Mullins, Bixby – Northern Alyssa Osterdock, Henryetta – Cameron Caitlin Paolini, Broken Arrow – East Central Rachel Perry, Owasso – Oklahoma Wesleyan Katie Phillips, Sequoyah Tahlequah – NSU Kristen Prieto, Moore – Tulsa Ronnie Quinton, Putnam City North – Northern Baylee Ratliff, Sequoyah Tahlequah – NSU Destiny Riddle, Hilldale – SEOSU Hannah Reed, Broken Arrow – Neosho County Raegan Rogers, Bridge Creek – Oklahoma Meagan Rollow, Broken Arrow – Missouri-KC Alexa Romero, Broken Arrow – Western Oklahoma Kirsten Scott, El Reno – Oklahoma Christian Michelle Sheppard, Broken Arrow – Paris JC Erin Skinner, Broken Arrow – Lindenwood Kassidy Smith, Coweta – Labette Bailey Thompson, Deer Creek – North Texas Ali Turner, Verdigris – NSU Mikayla Waggnor, Owasso – Butler Mykaela Wallace, Henryetta – SEOSU Abbey Warren, Marlow – Cameron Emily Wassinger, Frederick – Cameron Ashley Watts, Broken Arrow – Northern Oklahoma Anna Wheeler, Broken Arrow – SWOSU Bridget White, Edmond North – Oklahoma Christian Bailey Whitmore, Westmoore – Oklahoma City FIELD HOCKEY 8

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Ellen Payne, Casady – North Carolina Mercedes Pena, Holland Hall – Saint Louis

FOOTBALL Emmanuel Adesokan, Victory Christian – OBU Malon Al-Jiboori, Union – NEO Chazdon Anderson, Davis – SNU Michael Anderson, Owasso – Tulsa Collin Andrews, Washington – East Central Estevan Arana, Enid – Emporia State Jordan Baker, Glenpool – NWOSU Jalin Barnett, Lawton – Nebraska Dustin Basks, Claremore – UCO Tyler Beasley, Cordell – NWOSU Bryce Bell, Nowata – NEO Keaton Bell, Southmoore – East Central Sammy Benard, Lindsay – UCO Don Berger, Owasso – St. Mary’s Bryce Birt, Lawton – SWOSU Chris Bishop, Lawton – NEO Shane Block, Yukon – UT San Antonio Terrell Bluejacket, Bluejacket – NEO Malik Boardingham, Anadarko – UCO Lane Bouse, Beggs – Panhandle State Kaleel Bowden, John Marshall – Louisiana Prep Tanner Bowman, Cherokee – NWOSU Jakob Bradford, Durant – SEOSU Dominique Briggs, Union – Coffeyville Taggart Brown, Chisholm – NWOSU Terrel Buchanan, Union – NEO Chase Campbell, Tahlequah – Langston Austin Cantrell, Roland – Arkansas Cyntrell Carden, Stillwater – NEO Daulton Cardwell, Glenpool – Evangel Camron Carson, Midwest City – Langston Trevin Carson, Midwest City – Langston Pete Carter, Wynnewood – SEOSU Eric Casey, Vian – NEO Connor Cherry, MacArthur – Pittsburg State Tre’Von Cherry, East Central – Grambling State Wyatt Clevenger, Union – NEO Tristyn Close, Stroud – SWOSU Antonio Cole, Edmond North – NEO Derek Cole, Cascia Hall – Drake Will Collins, MacArthur – Louisiana Monroe Michael Colston, Midwest City – Langston Blake Cooper, Bixby – Central Missouri Stelen Covel, Casady – Lamar Peyton Craig, Oologah – Missouri Western L’liott Curry, Guthrie – UCO Riley Daniel, Ringling – Baylor Anthony Daniels, Jenks – NEO Kerry Daniels, Beggs – SWOSU Brad Davis, Berryhill – SNU Jonathon Dawley, Lexington – SNU John DelMoral, Westmoore – NEO Marwin Dickerson, Ada – OBU Dameko Doddle, Douglass – Wyoming Danny Donley, Jenks – Drake Noah Dorton, Dewar – SWOSU Dewayne Douchette, Lawton – East Central Marcellous Dowell, Cache – SWOSU Trent Dunaway, Thomas – SWOSU Ben Duncan, Jenks – NEO Zach Duncan, Oologah – Fort Hays State Kris’sean Edwards, Union – NEO Carson Epps, Jenks – Iowa State Joe Erwin, Jenks – William Penn Sheldon Estes, Midwest City – NSU

Mason Farquhar, Union – Southwest Baptist Zach Fisher, Union – SNU Dajorh Fitzgerald, Midwest City – Langston Dylan Flinn, Snyder – NWOSU J.D. Flowers, Wynnewood – NEO Jordan Fredrickson, Harrah – SWOSU Casey Freeman, Newcastle – SWOSU Davion Freeman, Del City – Wyoming Corey Ganz, Enid – SWOSU Mark Garner, Poteau – NEO Sullivan Garner, Mannford – NEO Bo Garver, Norman North – SWOSU Devin Gates, Lawton – East Central Caleb Gatewood, Del City – NEO Roscoe Gatewood, Midwest City – Emporia State Reece Gilbert, Southmoore – OBU Jaymes Ginn, Owasso – William Jewell Malik Givens, Booker T. Washington – Drake Seth Glassock, Nowata – OBU Tristan Gooden, Lawton – NSU DeOndre Graham, Union – NEO Dahu Green, Westmoore – Oklahoma Gunner Green, Owasso – UCO Maleek Greenlee, Memorial – NSU Noah Gregory, Thomas – SWOSU Austin Grotts, Bixby – Tulsa Cordale Grundy, Booker T. Washington – NEO Will Hamilton, Union – Washburn Jason Hand, Edmond Memorial – NSU Mahlik Hanna, Lawton – Pittsburg State Davis Harker, Union – NEO Trenton Harmon, Garber – NWOSU Cody Harris, Broken Arrow – NEO O’Shay Harris, Lone Grove – UCO T.J. Harris, Booker T. Washington – Arkansas State DeMikal Harrison, Midwesy City – North Texas Judge Hartin, Madill – NEO Doc Harvey, Seminole – NWOSU Seth Hassenplug, Berryhill – Baker Docker Haub, Kingfisher – NWOSU Ryan Haymaker, Collinsville – NWOSU Jacques Henderson, MacArthur – OBU J.R. Hensley, Edmond Santa Fe – Hawaii Jacoby Hicks, Victory Christian – SNU Razhon Hines, Booker T. Washington – SW Baptist Duke Hollingsworth, Northeast – OBU James Houchin, Lone Grove – East Central Daniel Hubler, Bartlesville – Evangel Cameron Hunter, McAlester – NSU KeyOndre Huntley, Memorial – NEO Travis Hytche, Rogers – OBU

Will Collins - Lawton Mac Louisana Monroe

Coltyn Ingham, Douglass – Haskell Kaden Jackson, Kingfisher – Wyoming Nick Jackson, Broken Arrow – William Penn Noah Jackson, Stillwater – NEO John Jacobs, Shawnee – East Carolina Baylor Jenkins, Skiatook – Haskell Mark Jimmerson, Putnam City – NEO Jett Jobe, Tuttle – Emporia State Dejai Johnson, Midwest City – SWOSU Denver Johnson, Casady – Iowa State Jonathan Johnson, East Central – Sam Houston State Chris Jones, Lawton – NWOSU Ian Jones, Cushing – SNU Bryan Jordan, Tonkawa – NEO Ty Jordan, Pauls Valley – NEO Larry Joubert Jr. Douglass – NEO Hayden Kaaiohelp, Edmond Memorial – Lamar Brendan Kane, Yukon – Friends Chase Kemp, Edmond Memorial – SEOSU Exzavier King, Putnam City West – NEO Roderick Kirby, Muskogee – NSU John Kolar, Norman North – OSU Shawn Koscheski, Collinsville – NWOSU Bryson Lee, Westmoore – OBU James Lee, Chisholm – NWOSU Johnathan Lee, Lone Grove – NEO Trevor Lester, Noble – Panhandle State Adrian Lewis, Union – NEO AJ Lewis, Rogers – Langston James Lewis, Western Heights – NEO Jordan Littrell, Apache – SNU Jonah Llanusa, Choctaw – Navy Alan Lockhart, Talihina – SEOSU Dillon Lohr, Carl Albert – Emporia State Kaelon Love, Marshall – Army Keagan Macias, Hollis – Wayland Baptist Trevor Magee, Norman North – OBU Tyler Marr, Beggs – SWOSU D’Shaun Martin, Seminole – NEO Ryan Martin, Bishop Kelley – Air Force Akylen Mayfield, Edison – Independence Floyd McAllister, Eisenhower – NWOSU Kevion McGee, Ardmore – NEO Aaron McKinney, Midwest City – NEO Rasha McKnight, Booker T. Washington – Midwestern St Robert McQuarters, Booker T. Washington – NEO Byron Mendoza, Westville – NEO Jack Meservy, Lawton – Middlebury Tez Miles, Westmoore – NEO Johnson Miller, OKC Legion – SWOSU Alec Monsees, Garber – NWOSU Josh Morgan, Shawnee – UCO Caleb Morris, Casady – Colorado School of Mines LaMarcus Morris, Hartshorne – UCO Markale Moses, Broken Arrow – South Dakota Cullen Nail, Midwest City – Langston D’Travius Neal, Spiro – NEO Tyeson Neals, Moore – NEO Chase Nevel, Catoosa – NEO Carlton Oates, Memorial – NEO Michael Ott, Broken Arrow – William Penn Marquise Overton, Jenks – Oklahoma Demarcus Owens, Yukon – New Mexico State Deonta Owens, Booker T. Washington – NEO Jonathan Palmer, Christian Heritage – NEO David Parker, Mustang – Emporia State Josh Parton, Anadarko – NWOSU

Darreyl Patterson, Lawton – Kansas State Jacques Penney, Booker T. Washington – NEO Ben Persall, Newcastle – SNU Jacob Peyton, Perkins-Tryon – NWOSU Nolan Philpott, Sequoyah Tahlequah – NEO Chris Pogi, Putnam City – New Mexico Tyler Potter, Colcord – NEO Brandon Prather, Stillwater – NEO Ashton Preston, Edmond Santa Fe – North Texas Logan Price, Putnam City North – SWOSU Wendell Prim, Kingfisher – NWOSU Camren Prody, Casady – Emporia State Jared Ragland, Fort Gibson – SNU Josh Redmond, Victory Christian – OBU Jordan Reed, Edmond Memorial – Emporia State Keenan Reed, Booker T. Washington – NEO TomyJo Reider, Booker T. Washington – OBU Jordan Rickets, Plainview – OBU Keontric Ricks, Idabel – NEO Lance Riggs, Davis – SNU Cagney Roberson, Coweta – OBU Stephan Robinson, Westmoore – NEO Roman Rodriguez, Wagoner – NSU Brandon Rolin, Purcell – SWOSU Alex Rudolf, Durant – OBU Curtis Rushing, Wynnewood – SEOSU Kalin Sadler, Lawton – Abilene Christian DuJuan Shaw, Midwest City – Langston Joseph Shells, John Marshall – SNU J.R. Singleton, Fort Gibson – SNU Brady Smith, Kingfisher – SNU Brett Smith, Kingfisher – SNU Carson Smith, Blanchard – UCO Darrin Smith, Glenpool – McPherson Jerome Smith, John Marshall – Langston Riley Smith, McAlester – NSU Chase Sparks, Putnam City North – Bethel Emmett Spencer, Nathan Hale – NWOSU Cody Spess, Luther – NWOSU Wyatt Steigerwald, Nowata – NEO Jace Sternberger, Kingfisher – Kansas Tyler Stilwell, Yukon – UCO Bennett Stone, Edmond Memorial – OBU Jared Storey, Newcastle – OBU Branson Straessle, Glenpool – Evangel Blake Summers, Davis – East Central Will Sunderland, Midwest City – Oklahoma

Brandon Pollard - Anadarko Oklahoma Baptist University Jordan Sweat, Edmond Santa Fe – Langston Matt Tate, Union – SWOSU Corey Taylor, Holland Hall – Air Force DeRodney Thomas, Cushing – SWOSU Lorenzo Thomas, Union – Air Force Robert Thomas, Union – Missouri State Darryl Thompson, Western Heights – NEO Darwin Thompson, Jenks – NEO Dylan Thompson, Skiatook – Haskell Mikal Thompson, Lawton – NWOSU Rudy Thompson, Western Heights – NEO Quinton Thorp, Cashion – OBU Marshall Tolson, Pawhuska – UCO Dillon Twigg, Empire – SNU Jacob Unsicker, Westmoore – SNU Nathan Varano, Catoosa – NEO Anthony Walker, Booker T. Washington – NEO James Walker, Putnam City West – UCO Kyle Walker, Del City – NEO William Wampler, Broken Arrow – William Penn Warren Wand, Edmond Memorial – Arkansas State Josh Wariboko-Alali, Casady – UCLA Jaylon Watson, Broken Bow – Wyoming Tramayne Wauahdooah, Anadarko – NEO Chance Wenglewski, Union – Lindenwood

Dylan Lucas - Plainview University of Oklahoma F e b r ua r y - M A R C H 2 0 1 5

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Braden Wesley, Idabel – NEO Gerald White, Tipton – SWOSU McKinley Whitfield, Spiro – Tulsa De’Aundre Wilkins, Pocola – NEO Daxton Williams, Eufaula – UCO Justin Williams, Bixby – NEO Dalton Wood, McAlester – Oklahoma Gary Woods, Casady – Emporia State Jake Woodson, Wagoner – NSU Creede Wright, Velma-Alma – OBU Demeco Wright, Midwest City – Langston Tristan Wyatt, Shawnee – Tulsa Nick Yates, Marlow – SWOSU Cody Young, Western Heights – NEO Devontrae Young, MacArthur – OBU

GOLF-BOYS Rhett Bechtel, Edmond North – SNU John Bonaobra, Union – Central Missouri Cody Burrows, Chickasha – ORU Chase Carr, Bixby – Southwestern Kansas Preston Crawford, Jenks – Tulsa Quade Cummins, Weatherford – Oklahoma Brad Dalke, Hobart – Oklahoma Brett Hagan, Edmond Santa Fe – SNU Turner Howe, Norman – Air Force Thomas Johnson, Norman North – Oklahoma Arjun Reddy, Holland Hall – Drake Tyson Reeder, Edmond North – Oklahoma State Ethan Smith, OCS – OK Christian Logan Smoak, Edmond Santa Fe – SNU GOLF-GIRLS Elizabeth Freeman, Casady – OK Christian Kathryn Goodwin, Riverfield – OK Christian Mackenzie Medders, Jenks – Tulsa J.T. Neuzil, Bixby – UCO Shannen Stewart, Broken Arrow – OBU Ashlyn Collier, Yukon – SWOSU Danvi Soulinthavong, Yukon – SWOSU Dajhane Turner, Yukon – SWOSU

LACROSSE Joey Provost, Edmond North – St. Gregory’s ROWING Emily Vittitow, Norman North – Oklahoma

SOCCER-BOYS Scott Adams, Jenks – West Texas A&M Keaton Brown, Broken Arrow – Oklahoma Wesleyan Carson Cacciatore, Norman North – Central Arkansas Andrew De La Paz, East Central – Rose State Ethan Dvorak, Norman North – OBU Camilo Haller, Casady – Washington MO Alex Harris, Jenks – ORU KB Harris, Broken Arrow – Rogers State Jacob Jerles, Norman North – Central Arkansas Michael Little, Jenks – Oklahoma Christian Myles Moore, Edmond Santa Fe – OBU Michael Ojada, Edmond Memorial – Oklahoma Christian Austin Parker, Deer Creek – USAO Ricardo Perez, Union – NSU Munashe Raranje, Jenks – Tulsa Logan Rhames, Owasso – Crowder Taylor Ruth, Bixby – Sterling Eric Rubio, Owasso – Oklahoma Wesleyan

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Tristan Tippeconnic, Edmond Memorial – Northeastern MA

SOCCER-GIRLS Casey Abernethy, Owasso – NSU Hannah Arning, Broken Arrow – ORU Chloe Basnett, Booker T. Washington – ORU Sierra Beall, Broken Arrow – ORU Courtney Broughton, Broken Arrow – Northern Oklahoma Kelsi Bussert, Bethany – SNU Meredith Carlson, Jenks – Sam Houston State Sarah Clarke, Edison – Oklahoma City Haylie Coats, Glenpool – Friends Kaylee Dao, Jenks – Oklahoma Brianna Demuth, Jenks – Oklahoma City Hailey Drylie, Edmond Memorial – East Central Emily Edwards, Owasso – Northern Blaire Ferguson, Booker T. Washington – UCO Mea Gordon, Bixby – Northern Regan Hall, Union – Northern Casey Herndon, Putnam City North – UCO Jordan Hobart, Union – Oklahoma Danielle Hoover, Union – Tulsa Camrie Hurst, Owasso – UCO Tiffany Jones, Broken Arrow – Emporia State Luka Joyner, Norman North – Oklahoma Maci Killman, Sapulpa – Concordia Kenita Kokis, Owasso – UCO Alanah Martin, Broken Arrow – NSU Madeline Martin, Glenpool – Northern Caitlin Moore, Union – UCO Sage Moore, Norman North – NebraskaOmaha Quincy Plank, Bishop McGuinness – Newman Ashley Snider, Edmond Santa Fe – UCO Tayler Stover, Broken Arrow – Rogers State Adrienne Streetman, Bixby – SWOSU Bailey Strong, Jenks – Sam Houston State Rachel VanFossen, Union – Arkansas Tatum Wagner, Bixby – Tennessee Hannah Warner, Owasso – Oklahoma State Kelsey West, Glenpool – Neosho Kristin Wilpitz, Norman North – Oklahoma Ashley Wolfinbarger, Bixby – Miami Haley Woodard, Norman – OSU Hannah Zimmer, Broken Arrow – ORU Marlo Zoller, Jenks – OSU

SWIMMING-BOYS Thomas Downey, Bartlesville – Wright State Bryan Lee, Bixby – Washington MO Mason McCauley, Bartlesville – William Jewell Conner St. John, Piedmont – Saint Louis Justin Wu, Norman North – Harvard SWIMMING-GIRLS Nicole Baney, Edison – Lindenwood Breonna Barker, Broken Arrow – Kansas Ally Robertson, Edmond North – TCU

TENNIS-BOYS David Burdick, Norman North – Southwestern KS Blake Cherry, Edmond Memorial – Southwestern KS TENNIS-GIRLS Jenny Bond, Jenks – Harding Alex Bowers, Duncan – OBU Olivia Hauger, Booker T. Washington –

California Jordan Henry, Southmoore – Abilene Christian Lexi Lucas, Bixby – OSU TRACK/XC-BOYS Ben Barrett, Norman North – North Carolina State Bryce Balenseifen, Deer Creek – OSU Sean Davis, Glenpool – Pittsburg State Tommy Dial, Jenks – ORU Jered Haltem, Broken Arrow, Missouri Southern Donovan Nunley, Edmond Memorial – Pittsburg State Harrison Pierce, Edmond Memorial – Oklahoma City Chris Staub, Jenks – Oklahoma Jacob Thomas, Owasso – Tulsa

TRACK/XC-GIRLS Grace Barber, Jenks – Oklahoma Rachel Chrisman, Norman North – EmbryRiddle Jered Haltem, Broken Arrow – Missouri Southern State Olivia Head, Bishop McGuinness – Wofford Morgan Long, Sand Springs – Oklahoma Baylor Nelson, Lincoln Christian – Oklahoma State Baylor Reese, Fairview – Tulsa Isabella Rose, Norman North – Oklahoma Cassie Scott, Berryhill – ORU Sierra Thompson, Owasso – SWOSU

VOLLEYBALL Audrey Alford, Norman North – Oklahoma Anna Bezhan, Holland Hall – Stetson Bria Bergman, Victory Christian – ORU Madeline Drake, Regent Prep – Northwestern Louisiana Blair Dressendorfer, Owasso – SWOSU Cassidy Hackett, Edmond Memorial – NWOSU Katie Hendrix, Owasso – St. Edwards Karen Sue McKenzie, Booker T. Washington – Coffeyville CC Karen Montes, Jenks – UCO Baleigh Murphy, Edmond Santa Fe – UCO Ijeoma Njenje, Bishop McGuinness – UCO Heather Ann Pruitt, Choctaw – SW Christian Debra Rogers, Booker T. Washington – Arkansas-Ft. Smith Livi Schiffner, Edmond Memorial – Midwestern Jordan Spence, Edmond Santa Fe – UCO WRESTLING Kaid Brock, Stillwater – Oklahoma State Nathan Daniels, Del City – Oklahoma City Jacob Fontanez, Stillwater – Army Hayden Hansen, Norman North – Oklahoma Davion Jeffries, Broken Arrow – Oklahoma Becka Leathers, Choctaw – Oklahoma City Boo Lewallen, Yukon – Oklahoma State Dylan Lucas, Plainview – Oklahoma Dustin Mason, Tuttle, Oklahoma City Christian Moody, Collinsville – Oklahoma Keegan Moore, Putnam City – West Virginia Zachary Moore, Putnam City – West Virginia Tristan Moran, Stillwater – Oklahoma State Markus Simmons, Broken Arrow – Iowa State Joe Smith, Stillwater – Oklahoma State

Eisenhower Eagles are Restoring a Tradition

Lawton Ike hasn’t had a wrestling state champion since 2000 but that could be about to change.

When Trebor Myers took over as the head coach of the Lawton Eisenhower Eagles the program was full of inexperienced wrestlers that hadn’t experienced much success. Now just a few short years later the Eagles have a chance to qualify several wrestlers for the state tournament. “A team of first and second year wrestlers just three years ago is finally coming into it’s own. We have had several wrestlers place at almost every tournament we have been to this year. We expect at least a couple state qualifiers-the first Eisenhower has had in well over a decade,” Myers said. Some of the Eisenhower wrestlers that have been team leaders this year have been Darius Plowden at 126 pounds, Josh Brewer at 132 and Joe Brewer at 138. The Eagles also have several bigger wrestlers

in Tristan Tissychy at 170 and Robert Tissychy at 182 who have been instrumental in the team’s success this year.

The season hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for the Eagles though, because as any wrestler will tell you the season is a grind and Myers admits it has taken more of a toll on some of his guys than he would like.

“I think we started off strong but the late season grind has hit us harder than it should have,” Myers said.

In response to some of those struggles Myers said he is really working on using positive encouragement with his kids to keep their spirits up and also is preaching one big thing when it comes to his wrestlers approach. “Finishing. Finishing the match.

We have just had some problems where we haven’t done that and it’s like Dan Gable said the third period is going to go to the wrestler with the most heart. We are just really talking to them about that because we want to be the wrestler on the mat that wants it most,” Myers said.

Overall though Myers is pleased with where the Eisenhower program is at now compared to where it was when he took over and says he believes that this team has laid a true foundation for success. “I really think they have laid that foundation. I think next year will be the real indicator of that. We don’t have one senior on this team and I think next year we will be a team to be reckoned with,” Myers said. F e b r ua r y - M A R C H 2 0 1 5

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Lawton Golf Q&A

Several Lawton area girls golfers spoke with VYPE to give readers an insiders perspective of their life on the fairways. Noel: My putting, and just not getting frustrated.

Burk: I have gone to the golf course and worked on my chipping and putting. VYPE: What is your favorite course to play and why?

Cherry: I love playing at Ft. Sill. That’s my home course.

Claire Noel – Lawton Ike Hettie Cherry – Lawton, Claire Noel – Lawton Eisenhower Madison Burk – Lawton VYPE: What are your goals for the upcoming golf season? Cherry: My goal for this golf season is making it to state.

Noel: This year it is to consistently be in the 90’s. Burk: Make the state tournament. VYPE: What have you tried to work on in your game that can help you take the next step as a player?

Cherry: I’ve been working on my short game, and I’ve been working on getting more consistent with my swing and trying to minimize my misses. VYPEOK.COM

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Noel: My favorite course would probably be Hefner South. It is beautiful and right on the lake.

Burk: The Territory, because it challenges me and holds my focus. It’s also really beautiful.

VYPE: Do you have a specific routine you go through before you tee off in a tournament? Cherry: Before I tee off I always just take a step back, take a couple practice swings, get my game plan together, and just take a deep breath and focus on the shot that I’m about to take.

Noel: I try to relax. Think about what I’m going to do and try not to over-swing my club.

Burk: I start out with my irons, then my driver and finish off at the chipping greens for my warm-up. VYPE: If you could meet one

celebrity or professional athlete; who would you want to meet? Cherry: If I could meet a celebrity or a professional athlete, I would probably meet Phil Mickelson. He seems so nice and he is an incredible golfer. Noel: I’d want to meet Adam Levine.

Burk: I would probably want to meet Rickie Fowler.

VYPE: If you could travel to one place in the world where would you want to go and why? Cherry: If I could travel to one place I would want to go to somewhere in the Caribbean. I love the weather and the beautiful scenery.

Noel: Europe because of all its history and beautiful places to go and shop. Burk: I would want to travel to Costa Rica.

VYPE: In your own words what is the best thing about being a Lawton Wolverine/Lawton Ike Eagle? Cherry: The best thing about being a Wolverine is having all the great opportunity that the school gives the students here. Lawton high has a lot of opportunities for the ones who apply themselves. Noel: The best thing about being a Lawton Eisenhower Eagle would be the people you get to meet in the school.

Burk: The best thing about being a Lawton Wolverine is being part of the traditions that people before me started and I helped continue.

Isaiah Chambers – Lawton Christian Lawton Christian varsity basketball player Isaiah Chambers is this month’s Great Plains Technology Center Student of the Month. Isaiah Chambers has played basketball at Lawton Christian for the last two seasons and participates in track & field in the spring. Chambers enjoys being a student athlete at Lawton Christian and said his time there has been memorable. “One of the best things about being a student athlete at Lawton Christian is getting to hang out and mess around with the team. A few other things I am involved in are HAM radio, church youth, I am addicted to music of all sorts, and I enjoy simply sitting down and playing a game of cards with the people I enjoy and love,” said Chambers. When Chambers is not on the

court or in a classroom, you can find him at Great Plains Technology Center where he’s enrolled in the Biomedical Program. “From a young age, I have always been fascinated with the human body. When I found out about the biomedical program at GPTC I was pumped and told my mom “I REALLY want to do that!” Great Plains Tech has given Chambers the opportunity to see what his future may hold and a head start on life. “At the Great Plains Technology Center I have learned many life skills including creating a resume and working with a wide variety of people. If a student was interested in enrolling at the technology center I would advise them to take notes, the teachers want to be there to help you, so ask questions and take a lot of notes.”

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Lawton Character Counts

Caitlyn Cox â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lawton High School lyn Cox. Caitlyn had been a starter in basketball and soccer plus her dad had played football for the Wolverines. But who would have envisioned her ever wearing a Wolverine helmet? Or who would have guessed she would kick 61 extra points in one season.

Lawton High has been blessed with excellent football kickers for many years. Each May during spring football a new kicker would step up to be the varsity kicker. This year a lot of players tried with no success at even an extra point. Enter Cait-

This special season was full of many exciting plays involving Caitlyn. Several of her special plays were a first for a young lady playing football in Oklahoma. Those firsts included: kicking an extra point in the state championship game and kicking the winning field goal with one minute to play to win the district championship. Caitlynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first field goal attempt may have been the most exciting play of the year. Playing crosstown

rival Lawton Eisenhower in front of almost 10,000 screaming fans, Caitlyn kicked a 42-yard field goal, the third longest ever by a female in the United States. For her unbelievable effort Caitlyn Cox is the Lawton Character Counts Athlete of the Month.

OPENS May 22, 2015

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Elgin Owls Baseball

Head baseball coach Levi Garrett fields a talented group of players this year at Elgin and could be good enough to top the 25-win season from last year. to lead the offensive attack. Last year he hit .425 with 11 doubles, four triples and four homeruns. He hit .473 with runners in scoring position. Lead off hitter Austin Bartosovsky accounted for 30 stolen bases in 2014 and had an on base percentage of .525. When head coach Levi Garrett looks back on the 2014 season one thing that stands out is the no-hitter Carson LaRue of Dewey threw against his squad in the state tournament. The sting of that game is gone. It’s now turned into motivation. Offensive motivation.

“The 2015 Owls should be more dynamic at the plate and driven by senior leadership. We finished last season with a record of 25-13. With a more mature offense and a deep pitching rotation, we hope to be in the top eight all season and are looking for a second consecutive state tournament appearance,”

said coach Garrett.

Some of that senior leadership coach Garrett alluded to will come from Brett Lorah. A Seminole State signee, Lorah pitched 68 innings, recorded 112 strikeouts, only allowed 30 walks and 38 hits and pitched two complete game wins in regional’s to help the Owls advance to the state tournament.

Fellow pitcher Jozef Dearinger led the Owls in innings pitched last spring with 70 innings. The senior had an ERA of 2.4 and only allowed 25 earned runs. At the plate look for Cooper Wilson

Senior Trent Powell is another tough out in the lineup. Powell will protect Wilson in the four-hole thanks to his production at the plate. Powell hit .379 with nine doubles and 21 RBI’s last year. Ryan Hildner and fellow sophomore Jordan Pilgrim will play major roles on the team after both players had success last year as freshmen. Combine the pair accounted for 48 RBI’s and both hit over .300.

The Owls have the pieces to make this a great season. With a deep pitching staff and more offense from the plate, the Owls could become one of the teams to beat in 2015.

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Altus Baseball

The Altus Bulldogs have a young team this season and head coach Garan Qualls is excited to see the product on the field. With this many sophomores in a starting lineup, most coaches would be worried about their maturity and lack of experience. For head coach Garan Qualls it’s a chance to take a talented group of players and turn Altus into a baseball factory.

“We have a young, talented group of guys, but should be able to compete. It’s a good time to be an Altus Bulldog,” said coach Qualls.

Senior Jimmy Wilson believes their motto this year fits the team well.

“Our quote we live by is “one pitch warrior.” You can expect nothing

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but great things, with our new coach believing in us and pushing us everyday to strive for greatness. He has our back, and when it comes game time, we will be backing him up. Look for this whole team to have a break out year! Everyone of 1-9 is very talented. Yes, we have few upper classmen, but we will get the job done as a family,” said Wilson. Junior first baseman McCrae Stephens said the team is ready to take the field and get the season underway. “You have very little control of what happens to you on the field

and in the game of life, but total control of how you respond to it. Our motto this year is, “One Pitch Warrior.” The expectations for this season are to get better everyday and come together and play for each other rather than yourself,” said Stephens.

Other players to watch this season include sophomores Hunter Cleveland, Tyler Garcia, Sean Torres, Tito Jones, Marcus Molina and juniors Jamie Craig and Jackson Herring. Assisting coach Qualls this season is Jonathon Lamb, Gary Freeman and Kevin Clothier.

Altus Swimming All dogs to the pool. The Altus swim teams have enjoyed a great season, now they look to finish the job at state. is set to swim the 500 free and the 100 butterfly. Junior Daniel Brown will swim in every event this year. Brown has recorded four second place finishes in individual events this season. In the other 14 swims he placed first.

Head coach Linda Wiginton has seen her share of great swimmers, but it’s rare when you get two solid teams from the same school. That’s exactly what she has at Altus. The boys team was ranked No.1 through January and considered the favorites in Class 5A. Seniors Jacob Oden and Brandon Lunmark lead the way for the boys. Oden will swim the 100 butterfly and the 200 IM, while Lunmark

“Daniel can compete in any event I ask him to swim and perform very well. Daniel is a team leader in and out of the pool. He has a lot of internal motivation to be the best swimmer he can be. He not only works in the pool, but also has an outside weight workout schedule, which he follows religiously,” said coach Wiginton. Also look for Mathew Aguilar, Walker Sacco, David Scott, Robert Spain, Konner Croft, Jaret Nassaney, Ethan Powers and Isaac Dyer.

“The boys team lost state by five points to Stillwater last year. They are working hard to win the state title this year,” said Wiginton. Like the boys, the Altus girls have spent the

season at the top of the Class 5A rankings. Three seniors bring experience and leadership to the pool for coach Wiginton. Cassidy Pearl, Crystal Cooper and Bailey Dickson swim several different events for Altus. Pearl will swim the backstroke, free and fly, while Cooper is expected to swim the butterfly, IM and free. Dickson is the quick sprint swimmer coach Wiginton is excited to see swim at regional’s and at state. Dayna Brown will swim the breaststroke and IM. Only a sophomore, Brown has the talent to place in all three events and find her way to the podium this year. “The girls team is much stronger and faster this year. We are very excited about regionals and state. We have a great bunch of athletes with the desire to perform to the best of their abilities,” said coach Wiginton.

Other girls to look for include Tatum Pollack, Rachel Scott, Lacey Bacon, Audrey Cooper, and Rachel Dowell.

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Jacob Oden – Altus Swimming Jacob Oden is a senior at Altus High School where he’s a member of the Altus varsity swim team. Oden swims the 100 butterfly, 200 individual medley and the 200 freestyle. Last year during the west regional’s Oden won the 100 butterfly with a time of 57:20 and placed fourth at the state meet. “Jacob is a team leader by working hard day in and day out. He has continued to drop time in his events, so we are looking forward to the west regional’s and state this year,” said head coach Linda Wiginton.

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Oden works just as hard in the classroom and understands the value of a good education. He carries a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the Altus Academic team, the Altus Varsity Chorale and National Honor Society.

Oden has set high goals for himself after college, applying to schools such as Yale, Harvard and Stanford.

His commitment to his education, the swim team and Altus High School are all factors in honoring Jacob Oden with the Altus Academic Athlete of the Month award.

A look at athletes from Elk City, Merritt and Sayre “Golf has taught me a lot of things about life and one is to just stay calm throughout anything you do.” Kenny Price Merritt High School

Since the fifth grade Kenny Price has played basketball, building up to his senior season with Merritt High School.

As district play approaches Merritt is nearing the 20-win mark and have their sites set on districts, regionals and the state tournament.

“We have been working extremely hard this season. Improving every chance we can get. If we continue to work hard and improve daily the sky is the limit,” said Price. “James Pruitt and Luak Tut have really stepped up in the post and have overall made me a better player. Tahner Loyd has stepped up as a leader and an encourager. Tanner Mong has had to step up being a sophomore. He’s an overall great athlete and a fantastic person to be a part of my family. I think every single player has really stepped up this season. We all work our hardest in practice!” This season Price made basketball his main focus, but did play football last year.

“I played football last year with my older brother who was a senior, but I’m only playing basketball this year.” But some of his favorite memories at Merritt High School involves more than just sports. Logan Gore Elk City High School

“My favorite memories have to be just having fun with my friends and even though dreading going to school we always have a great

Logan Gore is a senior at Elk City High School where he plays varsity golf for the Elk City Elks.

Last season Gore finished fourth at state just five strokes from taking the win. With several top finishes in his career, Gore said his golf life started at a young age. “I have played golf ever since I was even able to walk. I first picked up a club when I was about three years old,” said Gore.

Several golf courses in Oklahoma rank high on his list to play, but none rank higher than Oak Tree National in Edmond, OK.

Gore spends all of his free time either on the course, at the driving range or working on his mental game. Gore also works hard in the classroom to become an outstanding student athlete for Elk City High School. Gore has plans to continue his education after graduation. “After graduation I’ll be attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford and playing golf.” The Elk City boys have shown some improvement on the course and Gore is excited to see what the team can do this season.

“The team will be a lot better this year. We are still progressing in our games, but our goal as a team is to at least make it to state.”

Golf is a major part of everyday life for Gore and he offers this lesson he’s learned from the sport.

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day and make memories constantly. I’m really glad to have gotten to get to know the entire senior class I feel like we’ve became even closer. After high school Price plans to continue his education at Oklahoma State University.

“I plan on attending OSU, hopefully getting into the Vet program. Go Pokes!” Baylor Cotts Sayre High School

Baylor Cotts is a varsity baseball player at Sayre High School. But when he’s not on the diamond you might find him on the golf course. Cotts also played football this year for Sayre. On the baseball team Cotts is a pitcher, but is willing to do whatever the team needs.

“I mostly pitch and play the outfield, but I’ll play anywhere coach needs me,” said Cotts.

This year the team is looking to have a successful season and make the state tournament. Cotts believes the team is doing the things necessary to become one of the top teams in the class. “We have a group of hard working guys that work well with each other. I believe we will have a successful season in 2015. Since we have no seniors on the roster, I believe the entire junior class will step up to the challenge and prove to be excellent leaders.” Cotts has set high goals for himself this season and beyond high school. “After graduation in 2016 I plan to attend college and hopefully continue to play baseball.”

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Big Elks are working hard on the mat. is justa born leader, a two-time state qualifier and a state placer his freshman year. He is probably our best technician in the room and has added strength this year so we are really happy and excited about him.”

Ask Elk City head wrestling coach Kevin Mincher about how he thinks his team has come along this year and you will hear nothing but the praise he has for his team and how much blood, sweat and tears they have put into being successful this year. “I feel like the kids have worked extremely hard this year and have gotten tougher both physically and mentally. The kids have a good work ethic and I feel like we have

progressed well throughout the season,” Mincher said.

Two wrestlers who have really stepped up as leaders in the wrestling room this year are senior Chezdon Blankenship and junior Tyson Brown. “Chezdon has only really been wrestling for about a year and a half but he has really stepped up and been a great leader for us,” Mincher said. “Tyson meanwhile

But the list of potential state qualifiers for Elk City doesn’t stop with Blankenship and Brown. Andrew Andrade and Brandon Schrick also have good shots to qualify for the state tournament according to Mincher. Andrade spent most of the first semester on the sidelines due to injury but is back now and working hard to hit his peak when the postseason rolls around. In preparation for state Mincher said that his team will be working hard all the way up to regionals.

“During the dual state week we will go really hard and have some longer practices doing a lot of live wrestling. After that we will shorten the length of practices but still work with just as much intensity while we are in there,” Mincher said.

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Red Tornadoes eyeing a title. “Our goals were to finish in the top 4 at every tournament, to win another district championship and to win a state championship,” Finch said.

Third-year coach Shawn Finch entered this season with a group of talented wrestlers. Now, sitting at 10-3, Clinton wrestling has been consistent all season, and Finch’s wrestlers are showing what they can be capable of come playoff time. Clinton is ranked in the top 10 in Class 4A in both the Dual and accumulative rankings. They are ranked alongside many 4A wrestling juggernauts, including Tuttle and Vinita. Coming into the season, Finch’s expectations were quite simple: finish near the top of the class, and more importantly, win.

Those are lofty goals for any coach. For Finch, they were realistic because of the talented group on his roster. It was tough for Finch to single out a weight class that he was the most confident in because he has such a talented group of wrestlers. He singled out a few of his guys who have been wrestling extremely well so far this season. “We have a team of very good wrestlers,” Finch said. “Record-wise, I would have to go with Bodhi Hines at 126, Seth Glance at 132, Daniel Lopez at 160 and Zach Acosta at 220.” These guys have been the leaders for Finch. They have put in a tremendous amount of work making not

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• • • • • •

only themselves, but also their teammates better. These wrestlers have lead Clinton to some exciting finishes. Finch said the most exciting moment didn’t come in a victory, but rather in a defeat. It was a learning experience and an opportunity for his team to mature.

“The last match in the Vinita dual was pretty exciting,” Finch said. “We were down 31-30 wrestling a heavyweight, who placed at last years state tournament. We got a takedown and put him on his back, but we couldn’t hold him there. We didn’t win the dual but it taught us a lot.” The goal for the postseason hasn’t changed for Finch since the season started. He wants to get as many of his guys to the state tournament as he can. After that, he hopes his team will wrestle its way to victory. As the postseason approaches, keep an eye out for Clinton wrestling in Class 4A.

Clinton entered the Class 4A dual field as #4 seed from the west. they upset #1 East seed Fort Gibson in the opening round; and then #3 east seed Wagoner in semis.

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Weatherford baseball players Rhett Barber, Jay Whitson and Brooks Pond give fans a look inside the dugout. Whitson: Definitely Derek Jeter. He is a class act and the best shortstop in Yankees’ history.

Pond: My favorite MLB player is Dustin Pedroia because he isn’t the biggest, strongest guy on the field but he does everything he can to win. VYPE: Who is your favorite team to play against and why?

VYPE: What can fans expect to see from Weatherford baseball this year? Barber: We expect to continue a winning tradition and hope to reach our ultimate goal of a state championship. Whitson: You can expect some hard-nosed players and a lot of wins. Pond: You can expect to see a group of nine guys working to-

gether; doing whatever it takes to win. We don’t necessarily have any guys who can take over a game but it will be a gritty, scrappy team that wants to win every game we play. VYPE: Who is your favorite MLB player and why?

Barber: Lorenzo Cain, because I like how he never gave up and has come out of nowhere to stardom in the last couple of years.

Barber: Tuttle. They are always a solid team; and how could you not look forward to playing the defending champs. Whitson: Clinton, because they bring their game and we bring ours every time we meet. Pond: My favorite team to play against is Tuttle. There’s just a different mindset you have to bring to that game. That’s the game we all want to win every single year.

VYPE: Who is the funniest guy in the dugout? Barber: Braden Ivins. He may be

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dugout is Braden Ivins. You can always count on him to lighten the mood.

Barber: Being a Weatherford Eagle is a privilege many people don’t get to experience! The best part is being instilled with a hard working and winning attitude.

Barber: Anything that has to do with baseball. I could sit and watch those all day.

Pond: The best thing about being a Weatherford Eagle is the pride you play with. You know about the heritage of Weatherford baseball and all of the great players who played before you and accomplished what we strive for every single day.

VYPE: What is the best movie you have seen in the last year?

Brooks Pond the funniest person I know.

Whitson: Definitely Braden Ivins, he’s goofier than a ran over dog.

Pond: The funniest guy in our

Whitson: The Interview

Pond: The best movie I have seen this year is Unbroken. Great story and really inspiring.

Whitson: The best thing is the tradition and being the team that everyone wants to beat.

VYPE: What’s the best thing about being a Weatherford Eagle?

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Go Eagles!

Cooper Morlan - Weatherford High School attending Oklahoma State University but is still undecided on what he would like to major in.

For his effort to become a well-rounded studentathlete Cooper Morlan is the Weatherford Academic Athlete of the Month.

Cooper Morlan gets big minutes for the Weatherford Eagles basketball team in the winter as a player who can play either the power forward or center spots. After basketball season Morlan can be found throwing the disc for the Weatherford track team. Outside of athletics though Morlan is just as strong. The senior carries a 4.0 grade point average in the classroom and challenges himself by taking several AP classes including AP Biology and AP English. When asked about what his favorite class is Morlan said it would probably have to be his AP Biology class. After high school Morlan plans on

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Quade Cummins - Weatherford High School Weatherford golfer Quade Cummins knows his fair share about excelling in athletics. Back in 2013 Cummins won the Class 4A individual golf title as a sophomore after he shot 15 under par in 54 holes at Lake Hefner’s North Course. Then in his junior season last year Cummins finished three under par in 54 holes to finish in third place overall in Class 4A.

Now this season Cummins said he has been working on hitting as many fairways as possible in order to make his senior season the best it can be.

“I would like to hit more fairways,it’s just a lot easier from the fairway. I’m a good scrambler but hitting more fairways means more opportunities to hit it closer with my irons and wedges,” Cummins said.

After high school Cummins plans to attend the University of Oklahoma to further his golf career. For his effort to become the best golfer he can on the course Quade Cummins is the Weatherford Athlete of the Month.

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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.” Baylor Watkins is a two-sport star for the Weatherford Eagles. In the fall, Watkins played fullback and middle linebacker for the eagles and this spring Watkins will be Weatherford’s starting catcher. Last Baylor Watkins season Watkins Weatherford High School hit .379 with 27 RBI’s for the Eagles and will be expected to be a big run producer again this year. Outside of sports though Watkins is also involved in the youth group at the First Baptist Church of Hydro. Baseball coach Todd Gaunt also praised Watkins as a “high quality kid who is also a very good baseball player.”

After high school Watkins

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said he plans to continue his baseball career at the college level. For his dedication and character both on the diamond and off it Baylor Watkins is the Weatherford Character Counts Athlete of the Month.

Braves look to take experience into postseason.

Riverside basketball coach Patrick Moore has his team sitting at eighth in the Class 3A rankings with a 19-3 record. When the season started, Moore knew he had the pieces to see some success. He wasn’t sure how much success, but he knew that the success would be there. “I knew we had the pieces to experience some success. We played some pretty good teams early and got to see that we could play with just about anybody,” Moore said. “It is a long season though and I wasn’t sure how we’d handle it all. We’ve played more

road games than usual and were able to add a couple games due to being a nonfootball playing school. With so many returning I felt like it was only going to make us better though. I have a group of kids who have really worked hard for the past 2 years and have been through a lot together on and off the court so expected those things to help us.”

Moore has a few guys who have been around the program since he became the coach three years ago. Junior Draven Hickman has been Riverside’s best player in that time period. He’s always had a knack for scoring the basketball, but now, Moore says he has developed into an all-around player. Senior Keaton McMillan is one of the hardest working individuals on Moore’s roster. He has been consistent since day one. He and Hickman have started nearly every game in Moore’s three-year tenure. McMillan is a tremendous leader and he

sets the tone each day. Tommy Whatoname is the defensive stopper. He always takes the toughest defensive assignment, and with pleasure.

Moore said he wants his team to be the best defensive team each time they take the floor. Throughout the season, improving on the defensive end has been the primary focus for Riverside. As the postseason approaches, being sharp on the defensive end will help the Braves win close games. With the postseason tournaments only a few short weeks away, Moore will have his team mentally prepared to make a run.

“I tell my guys all the time that we just want to feel like we did the best we could when it’s all over,” Moore said. “We don’t look too far down the road; we just try to get better each day. Last year we didn’t make it out of regionals so we’d like to experience the next round of course and everyone wants to play in that last game. We just take things game by game and try to prepare the best we can for whoever our next opponent is.”

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Lady Warriors are ranked No. 2 in Class 4A and just hitting their stride. Warriors are again near the top of the rankings sitting at No. 2 behind familiar foe Ft. Gibson. With just two losses on the season however and 12-straight wins in their pocket the Lady Warriors are peaking at the right time according to their head coach Jeff Zinn.

Ashley Beatty The Anadarko Lady Warriors won the Class 4A state title in 2012 by beating Ft. Gibson in the title tilt. Last season the Lady Warriors made it back to the championship game and looked to be poised to claim yet another gold ball. Fate, however had a different plan as Anadarko watched their 16-point lead slowly slip away then watched Ft. Gibson bury a 25-foot threepoint shot at the buzzer to send the Lady Warriors home heartbroken. Fast-forward to this season and the Lady

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“I think we are sitting pretty good right now. I scheduled us pretty tough at the start of the season, not starting until December 9 then only having one game before the Edmond Tournament and then going to the Bertha Teague Mid America Classic over Christmas, but I think we are really starting to click now,” Zinn said.

point guards in the state,” Zinn said.

Zinn added that post player Aaliyah White has also been key this year by giving the Lady Warriors a true presence in the paint.

One thing is certain, with such a talented roster the scariest thing for opposing teams across the state is that the Lady Warriors are gaining speed, not slowing down as they make their run for gold.

The one-two punch of guards Ashley Beatty and Tandra King have led the Lady Warriors this year. Both Beatty and King have improved their game in different ways this year according to Zinn.

“Ashley’s scoring numbers are a little down this year but that’s because she is doing a little bit of everything for us, including getting everyone else involved. Tandra on the other hand has improved her scoring and is now averaging 12-14 points a game along with being one of the absolute quickest

Tandra King

The Anadarko Warriors enter the 2015 baseball season loaded with lowerclassmen. Coach Jim Pahcoddy has only three upperclassmen on his roster: senior Brandon Pollard, junior Kaden Jackson and junior Dawson Alley. Pollard has the most experience of the group. He is a four-year starter for Pahcoddy, and he is also the starting quarterback for Anadarko’s football team. Pollard is a tough, competitive player who will be Pahcoddy’s go-to pitcher. Alley is a two-year starter as a utility player in the infield and outfield. Jackson batted .298 last year, and will see most of his time on the corner infield positions. These three players will be the leaders for Anadarko. They will be expected to set the example for the freshmen and sophomores on the team. Pahcoddy knows his young guys will have to learn at a fast pace. “Our team will be very young and will have to learn at a quick pace

to compete in our class,” Pahcoddy said. “Our schedule is extremely tough and each member of our team must accept whatever role they have and do the little things to help us compete.”

Sophomores Dayton Moser and Dace Granger will be asked to help lead the younger guys as well. Both Moser and Granger started last season as freshman. They are aware of what kind of work it takes to make an impact as a freshman. That will be extremely helpful to Pahcoddy and their upperclassmen teammates.

With such a young roster, there will be plenty of challenges facing Pahcoddy’s team this season. For Pahcoddy, it’s simple; get better each time they take the field. “The biggest challenge for my team this season will be, how can we improve every time we play,” Pahcoddy said. “We will find a way to compete for 7 innings.” With the season on the horizon,

time for offseason training is running out. The offseason is an important time for a coach to focus on improving certain facets of the game. Pahcoddy said his teams always focus on pitching and defense. They are the backbone of a successful baseball team.

“The main focus for my baseball team has and always will be pitching and defense,” Pahcoddy said. “We spend a ton of time learning how to pitch developing pitching instead of just throwing. In the class we play in, and the teams we have to play, we must posses the ability to pitch and play defense in order to compete.” The baseball season is approaching quickly, which means clear skies and sunny days are on the way. Keep an eye out for Anadarko baseball as the season begins at the beginning of March.

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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!

Wichita Gaming Commission Wichita Industries Wichita Tax Commission

Wichita Travel Plaza

The Chickasha girls track team returns several state qualifiers and head coach Nancy Waters is excited to see what they can do in 2015. Joining Neidy is fellow senior Tania Davis who will run the 400 relay and the 1600 relay. Davis brings a high level of athleticism to the track and her senior leadership will only help this team moving forward. Hanna Fergason is the returning state champion in the long jump. Only a junior, Fergason is looking to repeat as champion this season. Another junior back for a shot at gold is Ivy McPherson. McPherson is a state qualifier in the 400 relay giving the Lady Chicks an excellent shot at being one of the top relay teams this season. The athleticism doesn’t end with the upperclassmen. Sophomores Jaycie Brown and Shantel Hayden are both state qualifiers in the 400 relay.

Shantel Hayden When you look at the roster for the Chickasha girls track team you notice they have talented in multiple events and grade levels. Leading the way is senior Tawn Neidy. A state qualifier in the 100 and 400 relays, Neidy is the type of athlete every coach wants on their team. Her list

of accomplishments on and off the track are numerous and her leadership on the team is immeasurable. Neidy is the 2015 class Valedictorian and was named to the All-State softball team this year. She’s also a state qualifier in track for the last three years giving her a wealth of experience to draw from.

“We’re really excited about this track season. We have a lot of girls who were in the state finals last year and we return lots of speed a long with some good middle distance girls,” said coach Waters. The future of the program could be in the hands of freshman Tamia Murray. Murray, an excellent long jumper, has tremendous speed and an exciting future in track at Chickasha.

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Chickasha Athlete of the Month Sophomore Brock Henderson is the Chickasha Athlete of the Month. Henderson is 6-foot-1, and he plays both basketball and baseball at Chickasha. On the basketball court, he has been having a tremendous season. He is averaging 20.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Henderson often draws the opponentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best defensive player. He can score in bunches, but he affects the game in multiple ways. Henderson is a leader for his younger teammates, and he is always working

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hard to push himself to excellence. On Feb. 3, in a matchup against Duncan, Henderson sparked a second quarter run that helped Chickasha get out in front and never look back. Henderson finished with 18 points and three assists. After high school, Henderson plans on playing baseball at the University of Oklahoma. He has already made his verbal commitment to do so. For his hard work, Henderson is the Athlete of the Month.

Brock Henderson

Brooks Bush – Chickasha High School Brooks Bush is a baseball player for the Chickasha Fightin’ Chicks. Last season, he was hitting the ball as well as anybody. He finished with a .392 batting average and a .536 on base percentage. He hit three doubles, finished with 19 RBIs and scored 33 runs. He is a tremendous leader for Chickasha. What many might not know is, Bush is in the HVAC program at the Canadian Valley Technology Center. Bush is learning to design, install and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigerator systems, among other tasks. In this

Canadian Valley Technology Center’s

program, Bush can complete two of the three years that are required for a Journeyman’s license. This is Bush’s first year in the program. For his hard work and dedication too not only becoming a better baseball player, but secure his future, Brooks Bush is the Canadian Valley Tech Athlete of the Month.

STAR ATHLETES

EXCELLING ON THE COURT WHILE PREPARING FOR A CAREER Dontavis Ware “CV Tech is preparing me for a career that pays well and will help me work my way through college.”

Chickasha High School CV Tech Program:

Heating and Air

Cody Clem Am-Po High School CV Tech Program:

Service Careers

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with junior Charles Espinola,” Bowers said. “AJ Stewart is also a state qualifier in the 100-meter freestyle.”

As he enters his third season as Duncan swim coach, Andrew Bowers’ team has grown significantly in size. Although he is only returning four swimmers from last year’s team, his team has doubled in size. Last season, he had nine total swimmers. Now, Bowers has 20 swimmers currently on the roster. This gave Bowers plenty to be excited about heading into the season. “We were a very young team this year,” Bowers said. “But expectations are still high as this is the most athletic and deepest team that we have had in a long time.”

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With a young and inexperienced roster, Bowers relies on a couple of swimmers who he considers his best. Junior Charles Espinola and sophomore AJ Stewart are his top boy swimmers. For his girls’ team, he relies on sophomore Alex Turkett. These swimmers are tremendous teammates and leaders. They are consistent, and Bowers is confident in their ability. He relies on them in certain situations.

“Our relays have always been our strongest events, but this year we have one of the best butterfly and backstroke in the state

With Espinola leading the charge, Bowers’ team has been consistently improving. His boys’ team finished fifth at both the Regional swim meet, as well as the Putnam City Invitational. Bowers said that was the best his team has swam all season. On the individual level, Espinola has been swimming as good as anybody in the state. At Duncan’s conference meet, Espinola broke a 15-year-old Southwest Conference record in the 100-meter backstroke. As the postseason approaches, Bowers is getting his team prepared for the State tournament. He understands how important this tournament is to his swimmers, and the Duncan community. Keep an eye out for Bowers and the Duncan swim team during the postseason.

“We certainly have high expectations going into the State meet,” Bowers said. “We have a chance to make a lot of history as this is the most boys that we have taken to state in my tenure.”

Dylan Zawicki

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Falon Howell

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Dylan Zawicki

Duncan High Sc hool Senior Dylan Za wicki is one of se ve n for coach Highto returning starte wer and Duncan rs baseball. Zawic a pitcher, who al ki is so sees some ac tion at first base year, he finished . Last with a 5-2 reco rd. Zawicki is on Duncanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader e of s, and he is ofte n counted on in games. In the cl the big assroom, he is ju st as reliable. Za has a 4.0 GPA. He wicki is in AP Calculus , and he also pa pates in FCA an rticid NHS. Zawicki dedicates his tim the field to beco e on ming a better pi tcher and leader classroom, he st . In the rives to be the be st student he ca while inspiring n be, those around hi m to be better. Fo dedication, Dyla r his n Zawicki is the Academic Athlet Month. e of the

Duncan High Schoo

Falon HghoScwhoeolll Duncan Hi

can in starter at Dun l is a varsity el owell is H ow e, H m n ti lo er Sophomore Fa ll and track. In the summ l H y age, owel ftba . From an earl basketball, so am ng te ki ll or ba W . ft eling so in her hand part of a trav ant ll or softball rt ba po et im sk y ba el a d trem has always ha athlete are ex as ming a better as important co lly be d ua an eq is rd m ha oo alsr ch as n cl ke e s in th d has ta to her. Succes s a 3.8 GPA, an ell ld ow ho H e e, Sh m ti n. Falo In her free h. is gl athletics for En d P A etball, an at ses such as Thunder bask r ty lenging cour Ci he a r Fo om . ts ah ing Okl ng even enjoys watch ahoma sporti kl ed O ct of le y se it rs en nive l has be tending the U , Falon Howel d dedication an k . or th w on rd ha the M mic Athlete of as the Acade

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

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Duncan Area SMILES

Schreiner Dentistry Proudly supporting our local athletes."

Dr. Terry J. Schreiner 2035 West Elk Avenue Duncan, OK 73533 580-255-4880 www.schreinerdentistry.com 38

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Mom of the

Month

Jeanine Hightower Duncan Mom Jeanine Hightower, wife of Duncan baseball coach Tim and mother of Duncan baseball player Mason Hightower, has been a major influence to both Tim and her son. Mason, who is a senior this season, batted .430 last season and maintains a 4.0 GPA. When asked why his mom should be Mom of the Month, he had nothing but high praises for his mom. “My mom deserves to be Mom of the Month because she does anything se can to make me into the best player I can be. She’s always there for me and is my biggest fan. She is a part of the booster club and lives the hard life of being the head coach’s wife.” Dedication to helping her son and husband be the best they can be is why Jeanine Hightower is the Mom of the Month.

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Two trips to the semifinals are nice, but the Marlow Outlaws are not satisfied and want more in 2015. Head coach Jeff Brewer and the Marlow Outlaws have reached the semifinals the last two seasons and had their third consecutive appearance in the state tournament last year. But despite the success of the program, there is a feeling of wanting more from the players and the coaching staff. With six returning starters from a semifinal team last year, coach Brewer has high expectations for the Outlaws.

Senior pitcher Beau Meshell will play a big role in the push for a state title. Meshell went 8-5 last year and has the schools only two wins in the tournament in school history. Meshell picked up wins over Kingston, 9-7 in 2013 and Cascia Hall, 4-2 in 2014. That tournament experience will go a long way down the stretch. Meshell finished the 2014 season with an ERA of 3.50. Senior pitcher Brady Melton finished last year with an ERA of 2.50 and a record of 8-3. Melton can contribute from the mound and the plate. Last year he hit .385 with 30 RBI’s. Add senior Logan Knox and junior Anthony Green to the lineup and you have three hitters capable of punishing opposing pitchers. Knox hit for .340 and 20 RBI’s, while Green had a batting average of .360 and added 18 RBI’s of his own. Together they combined for 35 stolen bases with Knox accounting for 20 of those bags. If it’s defense you like then look to second baseman Kyle Seeley. Seeley is a

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salty infielder that rarely makes a mistake. He’s joined by Green at catcher and Devin Crawford at first base. Meshell will see time at shortstop, while Knox and Melton will play in the outfield.

Big games loom on the schedule with early contests against Cache, Elgin and Jones on the schedule. The Outlaws are also set to play in the Sulphur Tournament and the SOI Tournament in early April.

The Outlaws have the pieces to make their fourth consecutive trip to the state tournament, but the big questions is can they put those pieces together and bring a state title to Marlow for the first time in school history? Photo By Robert Yates

Maintaining the Tradition

Brandon Benson is entering his first season as coach of Duncan’s wrestling team. Coming into the season, Benson had lofty expectations for his new team. His expectations stemmed from the tradition that Duncan’s wrestling team has established.

“I expected us to go to dual state and make a push for six to seven qualifiers for the state tournament,” Benson said. “Duncan has a storied tradition that’s expected to be upheld.” Luckily for Benson, he has a few state qualifiers returning to his roster. Juniors Hunter Kelly, Connor Kinnaird and Jon Gomez returned to Duncan this season. Each of them qualified for the state tournament last season, before Benson arrived. Kelly weighs in at 152 pounds, Kinnaird at 170 and Gomez at 285. Kelly has been having a successful season so far, and Benson often looks to him when the team needs a win.

fully having our community behind us will propel some kids who are on the boarder in to the state tournament,” Benson said. “Once you get to the State Tournament, anything can happen.”

As the postseason tournament approaches, keep an eye out for Duncan. They will be aiming to win a title, and continue to build on an already storied tradition.

“At 152 pounds, we have junior Hunter Kelly who has been consistent, for the most part, throughout this whole season,” Benson said. “He has a very good chance at winning the regional and putting himself in great position to make a run at a state title.” So far this season, Duncan holds an 8-2 record. Not a bad start for the beginning of Benson’s tenure. This season hasn’t come without excitement. Duncan has already participated in some big matches and tournaments, and the postseason hasn’t even arrived yet. Whenever the postseason rolls around, expect Benson to have his team ready.

“Beating Western Heights to qualify for Dual State was exciting for the kids,” Benson said. “Western Heights beat us last year, so it was redeeming win of sorts. We wrestled the best we had all year that night, so that made it that much sweeter.” Benson expects his team to qualify at least the same amount of wrestlers as they did last year. However, it will not be an easy task considering how challenging the region is. Benson talked about his expectations for the postseason. “It helps us having the Regional Tournament at home, so hope-

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The Duncan Baseball team is gearing up for another successful season and we caught up with head coach Tim Hightower VYPE: What are your goals for this season?

Hightower: Our major goal is to compete for a district title. That’s pretty challenging because Carl Albert has been on top of that and really all of Class 5A. Plus Chickasha, Altus and Lawton Mac are all district contenders in there too. For us though our district games are the most important games on the schedule because in order to be where you want come postseason time you have to finish well in district play. Our other goal then would be to make it to the state tournament. I’m a graduate of Duncan high and when I played here we made it two out of three ears, then in my first coaching stint here from 04-06 we went all three years.

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We need to get back to where we belong this year…at the state tournament.

VYPE: Who are some players to watch at Duncan this year? Hightower: First off we have seven seniors, four of which are returning starters for us. Our catcher Mason Hightower is our captain and a playmaker and in my opinion one of the best prospects in the state at his position. Then we have Bryce Byford who is a utility player for us that can play all over the field along with being a left-handed hitter that will either hit leadoff or in the twohole for us. The other two returning senior starters for us are Dylan Zawicki, our leader on the mound, a winner and an absolute competitor, and then Scott Cooper who is our top choice in relief and a utility player who can play either infield or outfield. Our other seniors are Kolby Sylvester, Matt

Ramsey and Blaine Shockley and we expect big things from them as well. Juniors Aaron Haley, Mason Rogers, Collin Killingsmith and Connor Kinnard are all also key players to watch for us. VYPE: What games outside of district are you looking forward to this year?

Hightower: We open with Midwest City on March 7 and anytime you can play a quality 6A school like them you are excited and look forward to it. We also have games against the OKC Broncos, Binger-Oney and Southmoore. Plus we will be going to the Catoosa Tournament, hosting our SOI with Marlow, which is a tournament with a good mix of big and small schools and finally the McAlester Tournament which kind of has a pre-state tournament feel to it.

Second-year wrestling coach Craig Roark has seen his team improve dramatically since he took over as the coach. The year before he arrived, the Tigers finished 1-9. His first year, they finished with a 2-10 record. Now, in his second year, his team is starting to find its stride. He set lofty goals for his wrestlers because he believed his team had what it takes to succeed. “My goals for the season were for us to reach 200 individual wins as a team and so far we have 247 wins,” Roark said. “We also had a goal of having eight dual wins and we finished the season with nine. Heading in the right direction, no doubt!”

In the midst of all the success, there has been plenty of adversity. Roark lost his two best wrestlers to injury for the rest of the season. Two steps forward, one step back. Junior Clay Atwood, who wrestles at 170 pounds, had an impressive 26-0 record before he hurt his knee. The injury ended his season.

Atwood also starts at quarterback for Ardmore football, and plays catcher for Ardmore baseball. He had beaten many state qualifiers, as well as state champions from other states.

part of exciting matches and tournaments all season. When asked about the most exciting moment of the season up to this point, the answer was pretty simple for Roark.

“Both Clay and Devin, in my opinion, would have for sure been state qualifiers and probably state placers at the least,” Roark said. “Of the ones I have left, my 120 pounder Rodney Seaton, 132 pounder Derek Goff, and 126 pounder Lamir Archibald I feel all have a chance to be qualifiers if they wrestle well.”

The growth of Roark’s younger wrestlers will be something to keep an eye on, especially with Atwood and Westbrook injured. Roark still expects to have three or four wrestlers qualify for the state tournament, although they will need to wrestle to the best of their abilities. With top programs such as Macarthur in the district, Ardmore will need to be ready once the postseason rolls around.

Alongside him, 182-pounder Devin Westbrook had an 11-3 record before his season ended due to a torn labrum. Despite the talent of those two wrestlers, Roark has faith in his other guys.

Overall, Ardmore has an individual match record of 247-126. Their dual record is 9-7. Outside of the injuries to key wrestlers, there has been plenty to be excited about this season. Ardmore has been a

“Probably our 31-30 duals win over McAlester,” Roark said. “They were ranked #7 in 5A at the time and it was just an exciting match.”

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Indians in search of first team championship in program history.

Last season the Plainview Indians were semifinalists at the Class 3A dual state tournament. The team that knocked off the Indians? Perry. Then at the state tournament later in the year Plainview finished seventh as a team. The team that took home the title? Perry.

The Indians took it all in stride though. Took it and learned from it, they did what they had to, they got better. Now the Indians are ranked No. 1 in the state and a favorite to win both dual state and the team title at the state tournament in March. The Indians and head coach Rocky Atencio aren’t getting ahead of themselves though. They know

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they still have a big mountain to climb if they want to dethrone Perry and win their first state title in program history.

“It’s kind of a sore subject with our kids. They take it pretty personal when you bring up Perry because I have used them as an example for so long,” Atencio

Zach Atencio

we are just blessed to have the group of guys we have,” Atencio said.

Several wrestlers that have stepped up to fill big roles for the Indians throughout the year have been Dylan Lucas, Ty Lucas, Zach Atencio, Bodie Davis, Tanner O’Neal, Josh Walls, Ruston Duke and Dorian Fagan. Also at 170 is Eli Paul. Both Lucas brothers are new to the Plainview program after moving back to Oklahoma from Florida however both are extremely talented with Dylan signing to wrestle for the University of Oklahoma next year. Meanwhile Atencio, O’Neal, Davis and Fagan were all state qualifiers last year. Atencio and Fagan both found themselves on the podium last year with Atencio taking first place at 113 and Fagan bringing home fourth at 285. When asked about his personal goals for the season Dylan Lucas had a simple answer.

Dorian Fagan said. We have beaten them at a few big tournaments this year but we know that the only tournament that matters is state and you know those guys are going to be well coached and we know that in order to be the best you have to beat the best.” Atencio added that he feels like it’s important to approach Perry with just the right attitude. “You have to give them respect because of who they are and

what they have done but you can’t give them too much respect,” Atencio said.

When asked who have been the leaders on his team this year coach Atencio had a hard time singling anyone out.

“My goals for this season are to go undefeated, win dual state and then win state individually and as a team,” Lucas said.

With a whole team full of kids who won’t be satisfied with anything less than gold it is clear to see that the Plainview Indians are ready to make some noise in 3A wrestling.

“Honestly we are just a team. We are strong top to bottom and have had so many guys step up. We have four or five guys ranked number one and the rest of the team is in the top four. Honestly F e b r ua r y - M A R C H 2 0 1 5

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Stay in touch.

Taking you forward. It’s not about the towers, the data, the unlimited texting, the crystal-clear reception. You expect those things. No, it’s about the connection—the reassuring text from your spouse, “Home soon.” The photo from your son: “Elizabeth Grace was born today, 7 lb. 3 oz. All are healthy.” The midnight phone call from your sister to talk about your aging mother. It’s human connection. We didn’t invent it, we just help it along.

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