Southwest Oklahoma Jan-Feb 2014 Issue

E

MMUNITY

e another to achieve victory. Arvest is proud

o help support students and teachers. Local

most open 8 to 8!

Chickasha 1927 S 4th Street Walters 924 W Missouri

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Athlete theYear of

S C H O L A R S H I P

J a n u a ry- F e b r u a ry 2 0 1 4 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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Kale Nye Chickasha High School Not many people can let an arrow fly, score a goal, swim laps or balance a chemical equation.

However, if someone is looking for the individual who can do all of these things, then Kale Nye is the guy.

Playing as a mid-fielder in soccer and an individual competitor in swimming and archery, the senior also has plenty on his plate within the classroom. Carrying a 3.4 GPA, Kale’s advanced classes include Honors Chemistry, Honors Physiology, Honors Algebra I, Honors Algebra II and Honors Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus.

When not in the classroom or involved in athletic pursuits, “I work and help my grandparents with their farm,” Kale said.

Upon graduation, Kale plans to attend Oklahoma State University and study animal science.

Pregame A letter from Brad Heath

8 | MacArthur Wrestling The Highlanders are off to an incredible start this year on the mat.

Cole and Colby Powers, Garrett Shaw, Dillon White are all having outstanding seasons as the clock begins to tick closer and closer to the state tournament.

14 | Chickasha Swimming Coach Terri Gallaway and the Chickasha swimmers continue to work hard towards their goal of sending more swimmers and relay teams to the state meet. With new qualifying rules this year and a tough class to compete in, the Fightin’ Chicks could be this year’s sleeper.

28 | Darko Basketball Q&A VYPE’s own Lynn Jacobsen sits down with VYPE 100 basketball player Mykel Shaw to get his thoughts on the state football title, recruiting and his thoughts on Anadarko’s bid for a state basketball title.

30 | Duncan Wrestling VYPE editor Kyle Kendrick breaks down the Duncan wrestling team with a close look at the hopefuls for state and the accomplishments several wrestlers have enjoyed this season.

2014 Off To A Great Start

FIt’s amazing to think how far we have come from that first issue of the Southwest Oklahoma magazine to where we are today. As the magazine continues to grow our need for more information on your student athletes grows as well. I encourage you to nominate your kids for the various awards we have in VYPE by sending us a photo and information to Oklahoma@ vype.com.

In this issue VYPE editor Kyle Kendrick brings you stories on Clinton and Duncan wrestling, an interview with Velma-Alma coach Greg Gothard and a Q&A with Ardmore star Christa Pickens.

Weatherford comes in strong with stories on the wrestling team and the girls basketball team. Also look for the All-VYPE teams from the fall sports and an update on the VYPE Top 100 for basketball.

Lawton, Chickasha, Anadarko, Duncan and Altus are all represented in this packed issue to start the new year. Please send us your comments to Oklahoma@vype.com and follow us on twitter @VYPEOK for updates and news. Thanks for being a part of VYPE Magazine and as always we’ll see you at the game.

-Brad Heath

Trinity Media Group, LLC 6737 S. 85th E. Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74133 All rights reserved.

Publisher Austin Chadwick Partner/Editorial Director Brad Heath Partner/Director of Operations Rod Coulter Editor at Large Kyle Kendrick Partner/Three Rivers Director Bill Huddleston VYPE Oklahoma Senior Writer Lynn Jacobsen Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migloire SWOK Area Sales and Marketing Brian Daffron Partner Mark Rodgers Contributing Writers Austin Chadwick, Jay Hoberecht, Joel Hahn, Tiffany Rogers, Bruce Benbrook, Rod Coulter, Kyle Kendrick Contributing Photographers Brad Heath, Rip Stell, Bluncks Photography, Curtis Allen, Sharp, Kim Hough, Michael Mayberry, Brett Rojo, Tony Lehmer, Susan Glasgow

Next Issue...

We wrap up the winter sports and look ahead at the spring teams in Southwest Oklahoma.

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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. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondences will become property of VYPE.

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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 2013 Mr. Football Oklahoma, Kai Callins of Guthrie. A consensus was taken from coaches and media personnel statewide and Callins won over Landon Nault of Kingfisher and Papi White of Seminole.

1st Kai Callins Guthrie High School 2nd Landon Nault Kingfisher High School 3rd Papi White Seminole High School 4th Cameron Batson Millwood High School 5th RJ Sink Anadarko High School

Kai Callins ATH – 5-10, 180, SR. Guthrie Bluejays

Senior Kai Callins was named the 2013 Shelter Insurance Mr. Football Oklahoma after leading the Guthrie Bluejays to a Class 5A state championship and an undefeated season. Callins was a driving force this season playing multiple skill positions on offense and contributing to the defensive secondary.

“Kai is an outstanding young man and to have the game he had in the state championship after coming back from a knee injury was incredible,” said head coach Rafe Watkins. “Kai was big for us all year.” Callins was named Co-Player of the Year from District 5A-2 after finishing his senior season with 1,736 yards rushing and 31 rushing touchdowns to go with 203 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

For his outstanding season and dedication to being a great player for the Guthrie Bluejays, Kai Callins is the 2013 Shelter Insurance Mr. Football.

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Southwest F E AT U R E

Fall

All-VYPE Football Southwest Oklahoma QB Taylor Townsend Fox QB Dallas Sealey Lawton QB Will Collins Lawton Mac QB Cade Morris Chickasha RB R.J. Sink Anadarko RB Michael Warren Lawton RB Jacob Overton Minco RB Marquiz Simpkins Clinton RB Austin Carrera Plainview WR Gary McKnight Jr. Lawton Mac WR Tyler Bess Hollis WR Garrett Bachand Waurika WR Myykhail Shaw Lawton WR Carter Swanson Ardmore OL Riley Daniel Ringling OL Grant Lee Clinton OL Robbie Decker Elk City OL Brandon French Lawton OL Caleb Kunze Lawton Mac OL Alyx Turner Duncan DL DL DL DL DL DL DL LB LB LB LB LB DB/S DB/S DB/S DB/S

Ivan Thomas Malik Boardingham Sammy Benard Will Estes Michael Moana Oron Bowman Daniel Moore Taylor Wattenbarger Josh Danna Blake Schneberger Brandon Hemingway Kole Trent Mykel Shaw Terrell Williams Jay Penner Evan Whitt

Lawton Anadarko Lindsay Hollis Lawton Ike Chickasha Duncan Lawton Tipton Minco Ardmore Lawton Ike Anadarko Lawton Corn Bible Empire

K/P K/P

Gunnar Ewing Cody Hood

Hollis Duncan

ATH ATH

Jarvis Jackson Carlos Herrera

Lawton Ike Hollis

All-VYPE Fast-Pitch Softball Southwest Oklahoma

Michael Warren Lawton

RJ Sink Anadarko

Amanda Bradford, Chickasha Autumn Parker, Duncan Corrina Rivas, Duncan Elizabeth Leonard, Rush Springs Emily Howard, Frederick Caleigh Clifton, Wayne Michal Hylton, Wayne Jenna Martin, Healdton Jonna Vanderslice, Weatherford Kameron Fisher, Lawton MacArthur Kaykay Williams, Duncan Riley Kinder, Altus Kelsi Gore, Chickasha Kenzie Lobaugh, Hobart Lauren Mason, Cache Layton Reed, Lawton MacArthur Lynnsie Elam, Chickasha Madison Bradshaw, Sterling MiKeala Bray, Frederick Morgan Fletcher, Healdton Paige Ramey, Lawton MacArthur Rachel Chronister, Noble Shaillie Gills, Binger-Oney Shelby Carel, Tuttle Shorty Clift, Chickasha Tawn Neidy, Chickasha Taylor Ledford, Lawton MacArthur

Cade Morris Chickasha

Autumn Parker Duncan

Cody Hood Duncan

Amanda Bradford Chickasha

Coach of the Year V Y P Box Hollis E O K . C O M | J A N U A R Y - F E B R6 UARY 20V 14Y P E O K . C O M 8Reade

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Oklahoma All-VYPE Volleyball Southwest Oklahoma

Madison Eyster, Weatherford Brooklyn Sullins, Cache Samantha Grubb, Elgin Jentry Holt, Elgin Kaitlyn Holmgren, Elgin Chandler Lindsey, Clinton Julia Pack, Altus

All-VYPE Cross Country Southwest Oklahoma

Girls Emily Harris - Fletcher Rylee Rich - Marlow Jaime Alexander - Marietta Abbie Winchester - Marietta Gracye Werth - Kingston Zoie DeFehr - Weatherford Madie Gray - Plainview Kyleigh Norris - Plainview Darian Barnes - Plainview Kassidy Williams - Anadarko Taylor Harrill - Cache Jessica Woods - Plainview Bailey Sutherlin - Plainview Makynna Koper - Weatherford Boys Ty Hobbs - Velma-Alma Walker Clampitt - Duncan Chris Davis - Marlow Justin Brown - Marlow Michael Satepauhoodle – Anadarko Devin Whitewolf - Anadarko

Zoie DeFehr Weatherford

Kassidy Williams Anadarko

Jentry Holt Elgin

Madison Eyster Weatherford

Samantha Grubb Elgin

Canadian Valley Technology Center’s

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EXCELLING ON THE COURT WHILE PREPARING FOR A CAREER “CV Tech has prepared me for college after I graduate high school.

It has also taught me skills I can use in life.”

Clay Chaney Ninnekah High School CV Tech Program:

Auto Service Technology

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The new state-of-the-art event center community and will attract many eve

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For more than 100 years, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has hosted some of the most memorable moments in the history of the state. Hundreds of thousands have attended campus events to watch generations of Bulldogs compete, participate and honor the university. The construction of the new Event Center is a historic undertaking for SWOSU and is an integral step in propelling the campus to its rightful position among the regional universities and to the top of the Division II athletics programs. It promises many benefits for not only the athletics department, but also for SWOSU, the city of Weatherford and all of Western Oklahoma.

“When we thought about what we wanted for this new facility, we envisioned something that was not just a gym, but an allencompassing, multi-purpose event center that would bring students, the community and student-athletes alike to one facility,” SWOSU Director of Athletics Todd Thurman said. “It’s VYPEOK.COM

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what everybody needed. We hope it will be the pride of Western Oklahoma and keep people coming back to our community and University.”

Pioneer Telephone Cooperative has been developing some of its properties throughout much of Western Oklahoma and the division of Pioneer Cellular saw this as a great opportunity to help with the branding of the new event center. The official name is the Pioneer Cellular Event Center.

“We were approached at the beginning of 2013 and this was an opportunity that looked to be such a great fit,” said Mike Dobrinski, Pioneer’s President of the Board of Trustees.

“With our

Pioneer Cellular development in the I-40 area of Weatherford, Clinton and Elk City, this allows us to really get involved and help the university with the naming and branding campaign of the new event center. We are very excited.”

The project broke ground in December 2011 and will now be open for SWOSU athletics and community events. The first SWOSU basketball game played in the facility was Saturday Jan. 25 against rival Northwestern

in Weatherford will be a staple in the nts for the area for years to come.

Oklahoma State University. The women’s team was triumphant in the debut.

“A lot of people worked to get this project done,” said SWOSU President Randy Beutler. “We were in a situation where our old facility, Rankin Williams, had some age on it and the students had voted to either renovate Rankin or to build a new facility. We also hadn’t been drawing the high school playoff basketball games that we used to and we wanted to have a chance to do that again. We started talking to the city and there was a onepenny sales tax coming up so we decided to propose a event center layout that could host other events besides basketball and we were able to add the new facility to the ballot in April 2010 and it passed with better than a 60-percent vote.”

For those who haven’t seen it, it is absolutely stunning. The Pioneer Cellular Event Center is 93,000 square-feet, with a seating capacity in the arena of around 4,000. Everyone has a piece of this venture as the facility was partially funded by city of Weatherford sales tax ($7 million), university students ($7 million) and the University ($7 million). In addition, the University has secured more than $90,000 from past students for an alumni center within the Event Center.

“We can host a lot of different events. We can accommodate all kinds of meetings. We have a large

lobby area and an event room upstairs that could hold virtually any type of meeting. SWOSU and the city also envision events like trade shows being hosted and we also could have the possibility of hosting large-scale concerts and are hoping to have some musical and comedy acts come in and perform,” Beutler said.

The event center rests adjacent to the football complex and will provide additional suite and bathroom facilities during football games. The pride and joy of the facility is the top floor VIP suite, which will look over both the football field and the arena. It will be used to entertain donors, hold meetings and be used as a multifunctional suite for gameday and events. The facility also will include new locker rooms, coaches’ offices, a film room, training room and a number of multifunctional rooms that can be used for athletics matches.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with what the university has accomplished in the new facility,” said Dobrinski. “To be a part of it is a special arrangement. The naming and branding rights of the facility is a long-term project that we are excited to be a part of. It will be amazing to see what the event center will bring to the city of Weatherford and surrounding areas.”

For those who have not seen the new facility yet, we encourage you to stop by or attend an upcoming SWOSU athletic event or community event. You will absolutely be impressed with the state-of-the-art facility. Schedule of events can be found at www.

SWOSU.edu/resources/eventcenter

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OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS

Player of the Month These players bring the energy to their team! asha

Chick – m a h t a L h s Jo

Chickasha wrestler Josh Latham is the Southwest al Region Oklahoma Natur Gas Male Athlete of the n Month. A state champio on, as se t at 182 pounds las Latham has helped Chickasha to a No. 12 ranking in Class 5A and re looking for more hardwa n wo this season. Latham the Anadarko Christmas at 225 pounds, pushing Tournament this season m place team finish. Latha Chickasha to a second unds k Tournament at 225 po also won the Deer Cree sses the step up in weight cla de ma s ha he t tha ing prov seamlessly.

Hannah High – Wa

lters

Walters Lady Blue Devils sophomore guard/forward Hannah High is the SWOK Oklahoma Natural Gas Fe male Athlete of the Month. So far this season High has complet ely stuffed the stat sheet av eraging 13.2 points per game, six rebounds per game, 4.5 steals per game and 2.5 assis ts per game. Overall High’s eff orts have helped the Lady Blu e Devils to a 5-4 overall rec ord as of Jan. 13. High said the Lady Blue Devils are co ntinuing to improve with several players still adjusting to roles the y aren’t familiar with.

“We are a very young tea m with lots of people ha ving to play positions and roles they haven’t had to play before. We are continuing to make steady improvement an d are looking forward to the playoffs,” High said.

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School Lawton Mac High

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Bentley Bross

Paj Jackson

Paj Jackson

Lawton MacArth ur

High School Senior Paj Jackso n is our Lawton ar ea Female Academ Athlete of the Mon th ic include an averag . Her accomplishments on the co urt e of 28 minutes pe r all-tournament te am selections. Pa game and several j was also select a First Team All-A ed as rea player in 2013 . When not trainin for basketball, sh g e runs track in th e sp In the classroom, Paj carries a 3.67 ring.

GPA and is a mem of the Key Club, St be ud German Club. Whe ent Council, Partner Club and the r n not in the classr oo hanging out with friends and family m, Paj enjoys . Her plans after graduation includ e attending colle ge and majoring education. in

Lawton IKE High Sc

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BentleyHighBrScohosols Lawton Ike

Male our Lawton area is s os Br y le nt Junior Be Starting at e of the Month.

Academic Athlet gridiron, Bentley threw for the quarterback on ven TDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, with an average of se d an for the 1098 yards ntley also starts Be e. m ga r pe s ard.

122 yard etball team at gu Eisenhower bask ts inside the classroom are en His accomplishm ree-point line. This includes th e th e urses in way outsid ed placement co the nc va ad d an A ber of a 4.0 GP d Science. A mem English, Math an t Council, his plans are to en ic career in Lawton Ike Stud emic and athlet ad ac s continue hi college.

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

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Lawton area wrestlers gear up for a run into state.

VYPE: How long have you wrestled and what got you started in the sport?

Dillon White Ranked No.2 in Class 5A in both wrestling and duals, MacArthur has talent throughout their lineup. Cole Powers (120) and Colby Powers (126) placed third and second respectively at the Geary Invitational. Dillon White is another state hopeful who brought home the silver at Geary. White is considered the top ranked wrestler at 160 pounds, while Garrett Shaw is the No.1 guy at 220 pounds. Senior Broc Williams is another ranked wrestler with the ability to place at state this season. At 145 pounds Colton Jump is one of the top juniors in the class.

Following a fifth place team showing at the Geary Invitational, VYPE caught up with Garrett Shaw, Colton Jump, Dillon White and Broc Williams.

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White: I started when I was five, took a break and started back up my sophomore year at MacArthur. My dad got me started in wrestling.

Jump: I started wrestling in the 2nd grade. All of my friends were wresters.

VYPE: What’s one thing people don’t understand about wrestlers?

White: People don’t understand that wrestlers are Gladiators!

Jump: People don’t know that as wrestlers we are always injured.

VYPE: How do you motivate or focus yourself before a bout?

White: Last year we were facing Noble and some of their parents were saying I was tired. I just laughed at them then pinned the kid.

Jump: I heard someone say, “I wanna go home!”

VYPE: If you could be any other person for one day who would you be and why?

White: If I could be one person for a day I would be coach Holt because he’s a good man and one hell of a coach.

Jump: I would want to be coach Holt so I could have a chest full of hair!

White: I really don’t do anything special. I just listen to music.

Jump: Before a match I just try and clear my head and get in a good mood.

VYPE: Now lets have some fun with these questions. What’s the funniest thing another wrestler or fan has said to you during a match?

Colton Jump

Lawton area Swimmers jump in and get after it. the 100 Free.

Joslin has a first place and second place finish and is a strong competitor in the 100.

Kimberly McGuirk from Eisenhower has the talent to place this year in the 100 and has shown she can be a top five placer at several events.

Lawton Ike Swimming Area swimmers from Lawton, MacArthur and Eisenhower have made major progress in turning these schools into swimming powerhouses. With the state meet just around the corner we thought it would be good to list a few swimmers we think could make headlines this year.

Girls

200 Freestyle Lawton’s Shannon Jordan has recorded several first place finishes in the 200 including wins against teams like Altus, MacArthur, Eisenhower, Moore and Westmoore.

MacArthur’s own Ashleigh Lyman has come on strong as of late with a big win against the Putnam City schools and a second place finish against Altus. A long shot may be Kimberly McGuirk from Eisenhower who also swims the 100 Free.

50 Freestyle Is there another swimmer on fire more than Karen Chao from MacArthur? Chao has won at least three 50 Free events this season and has times that should put her on the podium. Teammate Sierra Joslin is another 50 Free swimmer that has an opportunity to shave some time and add to the medal count.

100 Freestyle Joslin may make the most noise in

500 Freestyle For the second time Shannon Jordan makes the list. Jordan has won three meets including a win over the Moore schools and Shawnee. Katelin Clark of Eisenhower may compete in the 500 as well.

100 Backstroke Rumors of Chao being a Leprechaun swirl about as her collection of gold continues to increase with every meet. Chao has wins against Moore, Westmoore, Putnam City, Shawnee, Lawton and Eisenhower.

100 Breaststroke Eisenhower’s Ruby Hill has impressed everyone with her season in the 100 breaststroke. Hill has two second place finishes and three first place finishes. Hill is a big part of the relays teams for Ike. Relays The MacArthur 200 Medley Relay team is one to watch this year. With Karen Chao, Ariel Hill, Ashleigh Lyman, Sierra Joslin and Renee Lurker all teaming up to make this one of the best 200 relay teams in the class.

Boys

200 Freestyle Competition levels are high in the

boys 200 freestyle. Corey Grochow of Lawton and Stuart Miller of Ike are serious competitors in the 200.

Also look for Grant Patrick from Lawton.

200 IM Speaking of Grant Patrick, the 200 IM may be his best event. With a first place finish against other Lawton area schools, Patrick may be the guy, but don’t count out Isa ValleQuinones from MacArthur. With a couple of third place finishes and a proven record, ValleQuinones may be a threat in this event.

50 Freestyle In the Lawton area is there anyone better at the 50 free than Chase Maudlin from MacArthur? Look for Maudlin or possibly Julian Tabor from Lawton to compete in the 50 and the 100 free.

100 Butterfly Corey Grochow makes the list again in the 100 butterfly with Gerard Peacock from Eisenhower. Peacock has a second place at Lawton and a first place win against Shawnee.

100 Backstroke Isa ValleQuinones has been a consistent finisher in the 100 backstroke and could be one of the favorites this year. Also look for Patrick Coneghan from MacArthur who placed third earlier in the season. Coneghan’s best event may be the 100 breaststroke. He has two wins; a second place and third place finish this year.

Relays The Lawton boys 200 Medley with Timon Schaefer, Grant Patrick, Corey Grochow and Julian Tabor is one of the top relay teams in the class. The Eisenhower team of Walter Galie, Stuart Miller, Gerard Peacock and Michael Bannon is one to keep an eye on at state.

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Basketball a Release for Holt’s Competitive Side really athletic. Things come somewhat easy.”

But basketball is clearly the family sport.

“We watch March Madness.

We go to games for fun.”

Early on, it was epic driveway battles with her Dad that brought out the competitive nature in Holt.

“He was a good defender,” she said. “He never took it easy on me. I consider myself a gym rat. The gym is my home away from home.”

Whether it’s basketball, track or checkers, Jentry Holt will bring it.

The Elgin junior is that competitive.

“Is there such a thing?” the VYPE Top 100 player asked when quizzed as to her competitive nature.

Holt got her start in basketball in a church league and at times, found her competitiveness a little overwhelming for her teammates and opponents.

“I was kind of aggressive for the type of ball they wanted to play,” she admits. “They tried to reign me back. My mom would tell me I had to share the ball and that I couldn’t play so rough.”

She comes by her athletic talent naturally.

Her mother (LaRhonda) was an allstate basketball player at Bethel and her grandmother earned all-state honors in 1953. Even her Dad (Gary) played football in high school in Georgia.

“I try to be an all-around athlete,” she said. “As far as athletics go, our family is

Holt ended speculation early as to her college destination, giving a non-biding verbal commitment to Oklahoma State after attending a couple of camps following her sophomore year.

a new coach (Brad Crace). He really challenges us in practice every day. I’m getting more consistent on the small things.”

She averages around 18 points a game but is quick to credit others for her success.

“I wouldn’t be averaging that if my teammates didn’t get me the ball,” she said.

“We all work together.”

Asked why she prefers basketball, Holt said, “It’s a contact sport. It is my outlet for frustration. I also like the finesse part of the game.”

Active in Crossroads Baptist Church, Holt is mindful of her God-given talent.

“I wouldn’t be in this position if not for Jesus Christ,” she said.

“It was a good fit for me,” she said. “I’ve always been a fan of OSU. My aunt (Rita Story-Schell) coaches at Seminole State College and she knows the Oklahoma State staff very well. I love the facilities, the program, what they are about. They were my No. 1 choice and I decided to tell them I wanted to be part of the program.”

A 4.0 student, Holt placed third last spring in the USAO Anatomy and Physiology Academic Contest.

“I’m drawn to math and science,” Holt said, “but my major is pretty wide open.

Maybe some type of science, perhaps engineering.”

This focused teen has her sights set on a state championship right now.

“Our team really meshes well,” she said.

“There’s no drama. A lot of us have played together since the fifth grade. We have

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Cache Girls Hitting Post Season Stride good shooter.

Other big victories for the Lady Bulldogs include wins over Altus and Lawton MacArthur in Class 5A and Moore in Class 6A. All four the team’s losses have come against ranked opponents.

Cache was slated to play Anadarko on Jan. 31 followed by a pair of games with Elk City in February along with showdowns with Clinton, Woodward and John Marshall. He is hopeful the team’s tough schedule will help when decisions are made for upcoming playoff pairings.

In his first year back as head coach at Cache, Kenny White has the Lady Bulldogs on track for a potential playoff run in Class 4A. At midseason Cache was ranked 14th with key victories over No. 3 Mt. Saint Mary and eighth-ranked Elgin.

“We’re starting to play our best ball now,” said White, who previously coached six seasons at Cache before a four-year stint at Tipton.

“We’re young, we don’t have any seniors.”

Go-to scorers for coach White are junior forward/post Chelsea Heidebrecht and sophomore point guard Jamie Bonnarens, who are averaging better than 15 points a game.

“Chelsea scores in double figures nearly every game,” White said.

“Jamie (5-foot-11) could play post.

She’s a really good player.”

White said Bonnarens is already drawing the attention of college coaches.

Other key players for the Lady Bulldogs include juniors Mia Niedo and Amanda Rhodes and sophomores Nautica Butler and Maci Fox.

“Mia plays the two-guard and is a good defender and a very smart player,” White said. “Amanda is real aggressive and a workhorse on defense. She loves to play defense. She routinely draws the opponent’s top scorer.

“Weatherford, Anadarko, Elgin and Mt. Saint Mary are all highly ranked,” he said. “Hopefully we all won’t end up in the same region should one of those teams drop in the rankings. Weird things can happen when highly ranked teams drop in the rankings. I would like to see (the OSSAA) split us up and maybe send some teams North and East. Nearly all of our opponents have been ranked.”

“Nautica is a very good 3-point shooter and is good at driving to the basket. She’s probably our best overall athlete on the team. She’s also capable of scoring in double figures on any given night.

Maci is a good deep 3-point shooter.

She’s a part-time starter and a very

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Jacob Hoffman Jacob Hoffman is the Weatherford area Male Academic Athlete of the Month. Jacob, a junior, is a multi-sport letter winner, participating in football and baseball. On the football field, Jacob plays running back on offense and middle linebacker on defense. On the diamond, he plays all positions in the outfield, but prefers centerfield. He usually hits in the 3 or 4 hole. In the classroom, Mr. Hoffman carries a 3.85 GPA and his favorite class is chemistry. When he isn’t hitting opposing football players, the books or the baseball, you may very well find him hunting or fishing. Only a junior, a college hasn’t been decided upon yet, but Oklahoma State is high on his list of schools he would be interested in attending.

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Rylie Torrey Rylie Torrey is the Weatherford area Female Academic Athlete of the Month.

Rylie, a junior, is a three-sport athlete, participating in cheer, basketball and track. Rylie’s main love is basketball, where she is averaging 16 points per game and 4 assists from her guard position. She also was on the state qualifying cheer team and is part of the 2-mile and 1-mile relay team as well as the open 800 and 400. Last year she placed 7th in state in the 800, with hopes of improving on that spot this year. She carries a 4.0 GPA and her favorite subject is math. Riley already has plans to attend ORU in the fall of 2015 to play basketball and study Sports Medicine.

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.”

Jordan Caulkins is this month’s Weatherford Character Counts Female Athlete of the Month. Jordan, a junior, is a two-sport athlete, participating in Track and Cheer. In track, she is a member of the 2-mile relay, the 1-mile relay and the high jump. Last year she placed 5th in state in the high jump Jordan Caulkins and hopes to improve on that Weatherford High School placement this season. She also was able to participate at state as part of the cheer team. In addition to being a successful athlete, she carries a 4.0 GPA. She is on Student Council, National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was actively involved in the Jar Wars Fundraising this year and is an active member of the First Baptist Church. She enjoys hanging out with her friends and watching old comedies.

Cooper Morlan is this month’s Weatherford Character Counts Male Athlete of the Month.

Cooper, a junior, is a twosport athlete. He is a power forward on the basketball team and throws the discus for the track team. He keeps very busy off the field, cracking the books enough Cooper Morlan to carry a 4.0 GPA. He is a Weatherford High School member of the FCA and STUCO. Cooper participates in the early bird reading program where he reads to first graders and the student led Too Much To Lose program, where the focus is on educating their peers on the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle and the dangers of alcohol use. In his free time, Cooper enjoys watching movies and his favorite athlete is Larry Bird.

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Weatherford Wrestling Player Spotlight: Jacob Hoffman & Ben Ervin Sophomore Jacob Hoffman and junior Ben Ervin took some time away from the mat (not much time) to visit with VYPE about what it means to be a wrestler, their take on the season and who they think is the toughest opponent they have faced on the mat.

VYPE: So how would you say your season has gone up to this point?

Hoffman: To this point I’m 10-4 on the year. It was rough starting out because I was recovering from foot surgery the first few weeks.

Ervin: The season has been good so far. I really can’t complain.

VYPE: Tell us who on the Weatherford team should we be looking out for this year and in the future?

Hoffman: Jose Cueves has started the year really well. Our heavyweight coach has been working with him a lot the past year and it is paying off.

Ervin: All three of our seniors work really hard and have been showing it on the wrestling mat this year.

VYPE: What is the funniest thing you’ve ever heard during a match? Either from your opponent or someone in the crowd?

Hoffman: Last year in a dual my brother quoted “Win, Win” as I was walking on the mat he said, “take this punk out.”

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about to wrestle asks you how long have you been wrestling.

VYPE: We like to throw out some fun questions when we do these interviews. If you could be any person for one day who would you pick and why?

Hoffman: Kevin Durant. It would be awesome to be a professional athlete of his caliber. The man is

a beast.

Ervin: Our ladies basketball coach, Dusty Torrey, aka Dustbowl. Seems like he has a pretty good job and he knows how to win.

VYPE: What’s the toughest thing about being a wrestler?

Hoffman: The toughest thing is, you have to have tremendous

self-discipline. For four months you have to become a figure of self-discipline, which means watching what you put in your body and doing a little extra on your own when nobody is looking.

Ervin: The pressure of nobody having your back on the mat. If you make one mistake it could cost you the whole match.

VYPE: Who is the toughest opponent you have ever faced?

Hoffman: Ethan Walker

Ervin: Any of my big brothers.

They all get the best of me.

Ben Ervin

VYPE: Tell us one thing people don’t know about wrestlers?

Hoffman: Wrestling is the toughest sport on the planet.

Many unseen hours are put in inside and outside the wrestling room just to prepare

for a six-minute fight. Most people that come out of this sport are some of the hardest workers you’ll stumble across. “Once you’ve wrestled,

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Ervin: It’s not all about cutting weight.

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Weatherford senior C.J. Davis – a three-sport star in football, basketball and baseball – has flown under the radar throughout much of his high school career. he’s suited up at wide receiver/cornerback in football, guard in basketball or centerfield for the baseball team, Davis has all the right moves, not to mention some serious hops! VYPE caught up with Davis for a Q and A session.

VYPE: You are a three-sport star, do you have a favorite sport?

Davis: Probably basketball. I think it is my best sport. But I like all three sports.

If you want a sense of the athletic ability of the 6-foot-2, 170-pound Davis, check out his Hudl video highlight from football. Whether

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VYPE: So if a scholarship came along in any of those, you would consider that sport for college?

Davis: Yes. Definitely. I’ve talked with Redlands about baseball. I

haven’t had any offers for football or basketball yet.

VYPE: How was this season in football and what made it different from previous years?

Davis: It’s my senior year and the last time I would ever play high school football. I wanted to have a good senior year.

VYPE: You played both wide receiver and cornerback. Which position do you enjoy most and why?

Davis: Wide receiver. I get to show some moves (laughs).

VYPE: As a wide receiver did you follow the style of anyone?

Davis: Yes. Kenny Stills. For two years straight I had his hair (style).

VYPE: Are you enjoying your senior year of high school?

Davis: Yes. It’s great. It’s going by really fast. I’m enjoying it but I wish it would slow down a little.

VYPE: You have some serious

hops.. Do you spend much time working on your vertical?

Davis: I spend some time working on it but a lot of it is God-given ability. It helps that I’m 6-foot2.

VYPE: Do you have a favorite player in any of your sports?

Davis: In basketball I would say Michael Jordan for my all-time favorite. I also like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. In baseball, I’ve always like Derek Jeter.

He’s an infielder and right-handed and I’m neither of those. I also liked Chipper Jones, because my Dad grew up in Atlanta.

VYPE: Do you have favorite teams?

Davis: I follow players more than teams but I like the Atlanta Braves because my Dad grew up in Atlanta, the Thunder and I guess the Philadelphia Eagles because of DeSean Jackson.

VYPE: Playing three sports doesn’t leave you a lot of free time. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Davis: I like to play Xbox Call of Duty, hang out with my friends. Typical stuff.

VYPE: So among your buddies, who is best at Call of Duty?

Davis: Probably me. I get beat sometimes but most of the time I end up on top.

VYPE: Any idea what you want to study in college?

Davis: I think maybe either physical education or something in health sciences, possibly physical training. I became interested in that when I sprained my ankle last year. I found it interesting when I went for treatments.

VYPE: Any long-range plans?

Davis: I want to start my career, start a family and live a wonderful life.

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Red Tornadoes Looking to Restore the Tradition Clinton has always been a very stout wrestling program but the Red Tornadoes haven’t had a state champion since 2010.

This year the team is looking to buck that trend and is well on its way to achieving that goal. The Red Tornadoes won each of their first five duals of the season and are ranked No. 10 in Class 4A. Clinton has also done very well at the Weatherford and Deer Creek tournaments this year.

At Weatherford senior Ryan Williams won the 113-pound division and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. Also winning championships at Weatherford were juniors O.T. Turtle and David Flores. Turtle won the 106-pound title while Flores took home gold at 160.

The team also had multiple second place finishers at Weatherford. Junior Bodhi Hines took second at 126 while sophomores Seth Glance (126), Luis Martinez (132) and Jordan Metheny (145) all also brought home silver. Freshman Daniel Lopez also earned a second

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place finish at 152.

Josh Ortiz (126) and Abel Gutierrez (182 took third at Weatherford while Grant Lee (285), Enrique Pina (113) and Luis Hernandez (120) all earned fourth place finishes.

Also placing in the top six at Weatherford was Brandon Izaguirre (120), Flavio Deavila (182), Sergio DeLeon (220) and Cameron Herrerra (220).

At the Deer Creek Tournament Williams again won gold at 113 while Lopez won 152. Hines earned another second place finish at 120 and Flores took home fifth at 160.

While Clinton has truly turned some heads this year, the Red Tornadoes are continuing to look forward though, not back at their previous accomplishments according to Hines.

“I think the season is going great. We are currently undefeated and we won the District Duals to make it to dual state. We’ve been working hard everyday in the room and hope to continue to. We are

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looking forward to the rest of the season,” Hines said.

The Red Tornadoes will get one more final test before both dual state and the state tournament when they dual Class 5A No. 3 Altus on February 11. If the team can continue to stay healthy and excel through a difficult end of the season fans can definitely expect the Red Tornadoes to be right up at the top of Class 4A.

David Flores

Grant Lee

Jevin Jefferson Clinton high school athlete Jevin Jefferson has been nominated for Academic Athlete of the month.

Although saying that Jevin is an athlete would be a drastic understatement. Jevin is a triathlete, playing as a running back in football, a shooting guard in basketball and a forward in soccer. When asked what his goal was this year, Jevin said, “I want to be a leader by example in practice and games and bring some experience to the team from playing last year.” After he graduates high school, Jevin is aiming to go to Southwestern Oklahoma State for his freshman year then attend the University of Central Oklahoma to pursue a career in radiology. When he isn’t on the field, he volunteers by reading to elementary kids during the week. He also likes to just hang out with friends and family, watch TV, and listen to music.

Haley Adams Shooting guard Haley Adams is the Clinton High School Academic Athlete of the month. Known for having a perpetual smile on the sidelines, Adams believes her biggest contribution to her team is through encouragement. “The biggest contributions I can give to my team are a positive attitude and encouragement whenever someone needs it.” After she walks for graduation, Haley plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy at the University of Oklahoma this fall. In her spare time, Haley volunteers for the local Kiwanis Pancake Day and helps Pre-K kids create books E-books about their families. When she just wants to be a normal teenager, she loves to listen to music and chill with friends.

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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.”

Stephanie Estala has been selected as Clinton High School’s Character Counts Athlete of the Month. For those who believe they are football fans, Stephanie can say she is a fan of both kinds of football. Along with being a forward for the Clinton Tornadoes Soccer team, she is pursuing her passion for physical therapy as a trainer for the football team. Estala says Stephanie Estala that by having a positive attitude, working hard and encouraging Clinton High School others to do so are a large reason for her success. In her spare time, Stephanie babysits and acts as a teachers aide in Sunday school for her church. “It feels great to give back to my community and I love being involved and helping with the development of small children.” After high school, Stephanie plans on pursuing a bachelors degree in athletic training and physical therapy.

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Shooting guard Sam Davis has been elected as Clinton High School’s Character Counts Athlete of the month.

On the court, Sam takes the responsibility of being a leader by example for his teammates.

“I would like to help my teammates grow as basketball players while leading my team to a successful season.” In his spare time off the court, Davis Sam Davis feels a responsibility to help his peers academically as well as being a positive example.

Clinton High School Sam volunteers for his church and engages in tutoring students who are struggling with their classes.

“Because I have been blessed with a comfortable life, I volunteer to give to others that have not had the same opportunities that I have.” After high school, Sam plans to attend the University of Oklahoma to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering and a Master’s of Business Administration.

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Elk City Male Academic Athlete of the Month

Destry Kelley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Basketball NiKyla Clinton â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Basketball Elk City junior basketball player Destry Kelley is the Elk City Male Academic Athlete of the Month. The 6-4 Kelley is nearly impossible to defend on the floor due to the fact that he is a tenacious rebounder and a very capable scorer who can pour in buckets given the chance.

While Kelley is turning more and more heads on the hardwood he also takes care of business in the classroom. Carrying a 4.0 grade point average Kelley challenges himself by taking advanced placement classes in Chemistry, English and Government.

After high school Kelley plans to attend college and hopefully play basketball.

Elk City senior basketball player NiKyla Clinton is the Elk City Female Academic Athlete of the Month. On the hardwood this year Clinton has helped the Elkettes to a 10-6 record as of Jan. 26, including a big win over Class 4A No. 10 ranked Classen back on Dec. 16.

Excelling on the basketball floor is just one trick that Clinton has up her sleeve. The senior also takes AP Chemistry and AP English along with Pre-AP Math Analysis.

Even with the daunting course load Clinton still carries a 3.9 grade point average.

After high school Clinton plans to go to Oklahoma State University and major in Biochemistry followed by going to veterinary school.

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Fighting Chicks Working Hard for State Madison Rivas and Marlie McKnight Q&A VYPE: What events are you swimming for Chickasha?

Last year the Chickasha swim team qualified just two relay teams for the state meet. This season head coach Terri J. Gallaway is hopeful the team has improved enough to send the relay teams as well as a few individuals. “Our kids are doing quite well. We sent the girls and boys 200 freestyle relay teams last year and we have high hopes to match that plus some this year,” Gallaway said.

Coach Gallaway mentioned Kale Nye as a strong swimmer for the boys team and has come on real strong in the latter half of the season. The senior finished 2nd in the 200 Free and 2nd in the 100 Breastroke at the Chickasha meet in early December.

Andrew Ross is another senior that placed 2nd in the 500 Free helping the boys finish third behind two Class 6A schools. “One sophomore, Dale Courtney is much faster than

last year and should help a great deal,” said Gallaway.

The girls are strong as well according to coach Gallaway, “sophomore Caitlin Critchfield is much more experienced than last year. We have five senior girls, but three are beginners so they are just working hard in trying to help the girls get a relay to state. With this new qualifying method this year, I think I have a lot to learn as a coach…just hoping I can be of help to my swimmers. We are a positive group in search of good things.”

Madison Rivas is another powerful swimmer looking to make it to the state meet. Rivas is teamed with Critchfield, Marlie McKnight and Erin Chambers on the girls 200 Freestyle Relay, another team coach Gallaway would like to see make the state meet.

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Rivas: I swim the 500 freestyle mostly, but I also swim the other freestyle races. Improving your time is very difficult, but I’m motivated to cut time off my 50 Freestyle for our relay races.

VYPE: You’re involved in the Graphic Design program at Canadian Valley Tech, what got you into the graphic design field?

Rivas: The counselor at Canadian valley recommended it for me. I was unsure at first, but now I love it. The program is phenomenal and I love my instructor, Mrs. McNeff.

VYPE: Would you recommend Canadian Valley to other students who are considering one of their programs?

Rivas: I would definitely recommend it. The staff is wonderful at giving kids the skills and opportunities that many high schools don’t have. It’s the right start for any teenager’s future.

STAR ATHLETES

EXCELLING IN THE POOL WHILE PREPARING FOR A CAREER “CV Tech is preparing me for a career that pays well and will help me work my way through college. My tech center and college educations will help me get to where I want to be in the future!”

Marlie McKnight Chickasha High School CV Tech Program:

Graphic Design

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Dominique Golight ly is the Chickasha Academic Athlete of the Month. On ly a sophomore, Do minique is alread VYPE Top 100 sele ya ction. As a freshm an guard during la season, she aver st aged 13.1 points and 7.5 rebounds game. per Yet Dominique do es not only excel on the hardwood. the classroom, Do In minique carries a 3.73 GPA, and he advanced classes r include English I and II. Outside of school , Dominique gets extra time on the court with AAU Ba sketball. She is al so community outre ach through the 1s involved in t and Georgia Chur of Christ Youth Gr ch oup.

After graduation, Dominique plans on playing collegi basketball and m ate ajoring in either el ementary educat or sports training. ion

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thlete of the ha Academic A as ck hi C s e’ su is etball and Levi Kell is this baseball, bask in er ay pl t or acker include sp ents as a lineb Month. A threehm is pl m co ac s for loss. nior’s and two tackle football, the ju s, st si as le ck ts just s, 17 ta his assignmen s 24 solo tackle le ck ta vi Le ude sroom, ed classes incl nc va Within the clas ad s hi , , Honors a 4.0 GPA Honors Biology , ry as easily. With et m eo G s n not in I, Honor .S. History. Whe of the U P A Honors Algebra d an ry World Histo a member Chemistry, AP s community as hi es rv se vi , Le ssadors, church the classroom s, Royal Amba te le th A n tia is Chr Fellowship of ll. d AAU basketba University of an p ou youth gr attending the e ud cl in s an n pl Levi’s graduatio meteorology. y ud st to Oklahoma

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

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Chickasha Wrestlers Climbing Ranks undefeated season was recently ended at the Carl Albert tournament, but the one loss only makes me hungrier for the state title, Hill said.

Last year the Fightin’ Chicks watched twotime state champion Jacoby Brown go 40-0 at 285 pounds winning his second straight state championship. Brown may be one of Chickasha’s greatest wrestlers of all-time, but this year’s team is loaded with multiple wrestlers looking to add their name to that same list.

Early in the year the Fightin’ Chicks placed five wrestlers on the podium at the Deer Creek tournament. Triston Hill and Josh Latham won their weight class while Lamar Neff and Riley Williams placed third. Hill would go on to win the Anadarko Christmas Classic and recently placed third at the Malcolm Wade Invitational held at Carl Albert High School. “I feel great so far by the way this season is going for me. My

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Josh Latham is the defending state champion at 225 pounds and hasn’t shown any signs of letting up this year. “People should keep an eye on senior Josh Latham who’s is looking to win his second state championship,” Hill said. Latham has ripped through the competition with numerous first place tournament finishes and dual wins.

Head coach Chad Randle has sophomore Dakota Resendez wrestling at 126 pounds this season after a freshman campaign at 113 and a trip to the state tournament.

Resendez won the Anadarko Christmas Classic and has impressed his teammates with his work ethic. “The team as a whole is very young, but most of the young pups show a lot of promise to build on a better program for Chickasha wrestling.

Sophomore Dakota Resendez shows great promise. Another one to watch is junior

Josh Latham Riley Williams,” said Hill.

Other wrestlers having outstanding season include Brett Stone, J. Willits, A. Scallion and TJ Wicks.

The regional wrestling tournaments begin on February 21-22 with the state tournament beginning on February 28th.

For more information on dual state or the state wrestling tournament, visit www. ossaa.com and for more info on Chickasha High School visit www.chickasha.k12. ok.us.

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.”

ing back Alex Scallion - Chickasha High School my way aying Giving backGiving back is my way is my way ” ank you.

Payton Hammons - Chickasha High School

Payton Hammons is our Character Counts Female Athlete of the Month.

Alex Scallion is our Character Counts Male Athlete of the Month.

First, the senior cheerleader excels in the classroom with a 4.08 GPA The senior is a three-sport athlete whose career includes a threeand advanced courses such as Honors and AP English, AP U.S. History, year starting line position in football and heavyweight division AP World History, Honors Algebra II, Honors Chemistry and Honors wrestling, as well as the track and field events of discus and Trigonometry. shotput.

In school, her club memberships and leadership roles include Senior Within the classroom, Alex carries a 3.13 GPA with advanced Class Vice-President, Student Council Secretary, National Honor classes such as Honors Algebra I and Algebra II, English I, AP Society Treasurer, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Yearbook, World History, AP US History, and Honors Trigonometry. His club Homecoming and Prom Committees, National Society of High School memberships also include the Chess Club, Multicultural Club and Scholars and Oklahoma Honor Society. the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. in this together .the Chickasha community.

Payton also takes her leadership roles into This includes being a member of the First Baptist Church Youth Group Alex also finds the time to volunteer as a member of the Southern m® has a and volunteering with Make Promises Happen Camp, Southwest Youth Oaks Church of Christ Youth Group and enjoys mission work withlong and Family Services, and Christmas Angel Project. When not volunteering, of hisbeing there.

That’s Michael Day Ins Agcy Inc church whenever the opportunity arises.

Michael We’reDay allInsinAgcy thisInctogether.

We’re all in this together.

Payton works at a local snow cone stand.

Mike Day, Agent Mike Day, Agent on Uponwhy I’m proud to Chickasha, OK 73018 graduation, Alex’s plans include attending the University ofState Chickasha, OK 73018 Farm® has a long After graduation, Payton’sState plans include attending University of Farm® has athelong 405-224-1968 Fax:or 405-222-4320 Bus: 405-224-1968 Fax: 405-222-4320 Central Oklahoma to majorBus: either in education biology.

Student Athletes!!!.

Central Oklahoma to major in forensic science and criminal justice. Her tradition of being there.

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of saying of saying Givingyou.” back “Thank you.”

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tradition of being there. That’s goal is to be an investigator for reason the FBI or why OSBI. I’m proud to one reason why I’m proudone to support Student Athletes!!!.

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State Farm® has a long Bus: 405-224-1968 Fax: 405-222-4320 of being ®there. That’s Get to www.mikedayagency.com a better State®. Get totradition a better . proud to one reason State why I’m support Student Athletes!!!.

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1211004 State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1211004 State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support Student Athletes!!!.

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Holten on the verge of taking the Warriors to a whole new level.

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After seven seasons with the Anadarko wrestling team head coach John Holten has experienced the highs and lows of being a wrestling coach, but he is focused and determined to make the Warriors a powerhouse on the mat.

Entering the 2013-14 season head coach John Holten knew this could be a difficult season due to the numbers being down. But in typical wrestling fashion coach Holten viewed this as a challenge and with a few adjustments the Warriors have enjoyed some success in duals and tournaments. “We have nine wrestlers on the roll and took seven guys to Madill for a dual. I told them they would need to score first and get pins to win. They worked hard that night and did just that,” Holten said.

Two seniors have really stepped up for the Warriors this season. At 182 pounds Tristan East won the Anadarko Christmas Classic and has made the cut to possibly compete in the 182-weight class at state.

“Tristan has done a great job for us this season. He’s probably a 195 guy, but we felt he could have more success at 182,” said Holten. Faron Apauty is the other senior coach Holten talks about. Apauty moved up to heavyweight despite being a natural 220-pounder.

“Faron is really a 220 pound wrestler, but during our Christmas tournament we felt moving to heavy would give him the best chance at success and he won. He also took first at Pauls Valley,” Holten said. Apauty is quicker than most heavyweights and he’s known for being a thrower.

Wade Williams is another senior coach Holten mentioned. “Williams has been with us since his freshman season. He knows it’s his senior season and he’s come out and worked harder than he ever has.”

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shape. We have to wait for other sports to finish, then with the weather delays, it’s put us behind. But we’re confident that we can finish out with a few duals left on the schedule and tournaments in Piedmont and Clinton and be ready for regionals,” Holten said.

A group of sophomores will carry this team until an excellent class of seventh graders makes it to high school. Leading the way is Tre’ Pederson at 145 pounds and Michael Anderson at 138 pounds. Both guys worked hard this offseason and coach Holten has high expectations for their futures. Sophomore Braden Jones wrestles 152 with junior Brandon Ataddlety.

Eventually coach Holten said one would need to move to another weight, but this season they will rank to see who goes to regionals. Also look for Bradyn Laferr at 106. Coach Holten said the sophomore has the talent to shock the class and make a name for himself in the sport.

Anadarko wrestling has tremendous potential and could quickly become one of the top programs as younger wrestlers mature and the junior high and youth teams continue to funnel talent to the high school wrestling room.

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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Shaw and the Warriors are ready to duplicate title in basketball.

Shaw: I just bugged her until she finally agreed. My cousin (Malik Boardingham) was playing and I wanted to play. My grandma (Barbara Boardingham) helped me talk my Mom into letting me play.

VYPE: You were a VYPE 100 player in basketball. Is that your favorite sport?

Shaw: My favorite is probably football. I just like the hard work. It teaches you a lot about life.

VYPE: Is Anadarko’s success in football and basketball like hitting the high school lottery?

Shaw: Kind of. We’re hoping the success we had in football will roll over into basketball.

VYPE: You played in three state championship games, does that seem as it has become the norm?

Shaw: (Laughs) Yes. We had a lot of talent on the football but we all work hard. Talent will fail you if you aren’t hard workers. But we were all hard workers.

The team before us showed us how far hard work will take you.

After helping Anadarko win the Class 4A state football crown – literally – 5-foot-10 Mykel Shaw has his sights set on duplicating the feat in basketball. In the Warriors’ 45-0 win over Poteau, Shaw had an interception for a touchdown, recovered a fumble on defense and caught a touchdown pass on offense. The three-sport star sat down with VYPE to talk about his high school career, favorite memories and what lies ahead for him following graduation.

VYPE: You were a human highlight reel in the state championship game. Talk about your big day.

Shaw: It was just everything we had practiced every week. You have to make it a habit in practice to make it happen (in games). It just happened to be the state championship game where almost everything I did was right.

VYPE: You say you got a late start in football. When did you begin playing?

Shaw: I think it was third grade. I was probably a year behind. My Mom (Ebony Miller) didn’t want me to play.

I was littler than everyone and she thought I would get hurt.

VYPE: How did you change her mind?

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VYPE: Who is recruiting you?

Shaw: Northwestern Oklahoma, Southwestern, NSU, UCO, Langston and Southern Nazarene.

VYPE: Have you taken any recruiting trips?

Shaw: No. I’m too busy with basketball right now.

VYPE: What is your favorite high school sports moment?

Shaw: Probably this past state championship game.

VYPE: Finish this sentence, In five years I would like to…

Shaw: Be playing professional football in the NFL. VYPE: Are there players in the NFL similar to your height/style that you watch?

Shaw: Yes. Tavon Austin (St. Louis Rams) and Tyrann Mathieu (Arizona Cardinals). Those are the two main guys I follow.

VYPE: Do you do spring sports?

Shaw: Track. I run mid-distance, track - 200, 400 and 1,600 relay. It helps me with my speed and endurance in football.

VYPE: Anything you want to add?

Shaw: God is good. That’s it.

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Demons Heating up the Mat on Their Way to State when the state tournament gets underway.

Gray said this season has been challenging this year but that he believes in his team and still has goals he wants to accomplish this year.

Jett Gray The Duncan Demons wrestling team is currently ranked No. 11 in Class 5A and will be in the hunt for a good amount of hardware once the state tournament rolls around in late February. Last year the Demons finished eighth as a team at the 5A state meet and had five state qualifiers. This season though only two of those qualifiers, Jett Gray and Connor Kelley are back.

Meanwhile the team will be trying to replace Christian Carnahan who took second at 152 pounds, Markwae Sanders who took third at 113 and Cameron McGill who qualified at 220.

Gray and Kelley are two team leaders the Demons are relying on this season along with Dustin Chase, Tyler Hicks and Hunter Kelley. At the Malcom Wade Invitational held at Carl Albert Gray and Hunter Kelley led the way taking second at 120 pounds and 145 pounds respectively.

Connor Kelley placed third at the tournament at 152 pounds while Hicks took fourth at 158 while Clark placed fifth at 113.

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The Demons also competed in the very challenging Geary VYPEOK.COM

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Tournament this year with schools from across several states. At Geary, Gray and both Hunter and Connor Kelley won at least two matches. Hicks meanwhile went 1-2 at the tournament.

The Demons have two big duals left on their schedule this season as they are slated to square off with Class 4A No. 1 ranked Tuttle and 3A No. 3 ranked Plainview early in February. After those two duals the biggest date on the schedule will be February 28,

“I feel like it’s been a rough season so far. We have had some major ups and downs. My main goal for the team is to work really hard and to make sure everyone gives it everything they have,” Gray said. “Our team is made up of sophomores, and it’s tough being so young, but I expect them to be one of the best teams we have ever had in two years.”

With solid leadership coming from the few upperclassmen on the roster the Demons have a great chance to not only achieve Gray’s goals but to also make some noise at the state tournament.

Hunter Kelly

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Mom of the

Month

Patty Kaspereit - Duncan Mom Mother of Duncan athlete Taber Kaspereit Whether it’s watching her sons run long distances, step up to home plate, dribble on the hardwood or tee up, Patty is usually there to root for them. It is for these reasons that Patty Kaspereit is this issue’s Duncan Mom of the Month.

“I’m quite surprised,” the small business owner told VYPE. “I’m honored. Sports plays a big part in my kids’ lives.”

Currently, Patty has two boys with Duncan Demon athletics.

First, her son Taber, a senior, is on the cross country and track teams. Her younger son Colin, a freshman, is on the basketball and golf teams.

In addition to attending games, Patty is also a member of the Tip In Club for basketball boosters and serves as an officer for baseball boosters. She also helps with the local cross country meets and with Project Graduation, which provides a safe environment for graduating seniors.

Furthermore, Patty attends football games on Friday nights, even though neither of her sons are in the program. She encourages all within the Duncan area to come out and watch all teams within Duncan athletics.

“Duncan’s a great community,” Patty said. “It has a great school. I’m proud that my kids are a part of it.”

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<--Taber Kaspereit & Aubrey Mouser-->

Taber Kaspereit

Aubrey Mouser

Daniel Moore

Duncan High School

Taber Kaspereit Duncan High

School Taber Kaspereit is ou Month. As a cross r Duncan Male Academic Athlete of -country runner, his personal record the include 13:17 in 3200 meters and times 18:15.39 in 5000 In the spring, Tabe meters. r trades in his run ning shoes for a glove and plays in baseball the outfield.

In the classroom, the senior hits a home GPA and advanced classes such as tri run with a 4.0 also a member of gonometry. Taber Key Club, Nationa is l Honor Society an Superintendent’s d Advisory Council.

Outside of the cla Taber is a part of ssroo the Group, Spokes for Tanglewood Bible Fellowship Youth m, Hope and has be en a mission parti Red Mesa, Arizona cipant to .

Taber plans to att end the University of Oklahoma and Health and Exerc study ise Science upon graduation.

ouser AubreyHiM gh School Duncan

e Month. ic Athlete of th Duncan Academ es aces both on and off e th is r se ou M rv Senior Aubrey is team, she se es concurrent the varsity tenn vanced coursework includ Co-captain of ad r glish Comp I, he En , A, gy a 4.0 GP story, Psycholo Hi S. U. the court. With a, br ge work in Al college course inside the ment. come into play II, and Govern p m Co ish gl En nnis court also Club editor, National Honor te e th on s ill sk Key Her leadership brey serves as etes vice-president and alls, where Au , tian Athl ris Ch high school w of of Rotary Club ip sh ary, Fellow so a member Society secret etary/treasurer. Aubrey is al t Council, Superintendent’s cr en senior class se Destructive Decisions, Stud ng of Fire Pep Club. t Ri ns d ai an Ag ip ts sh This en er Stud , Lead ide of school. cil, Green Club lunteering outs p, Don’t Text and vo e Advisory Coun tim r he of akes use Youth Grou Aubrey also m , First Baptist Auction, Jills Social Club Society, annual Christmas Lion’s Club e includes Jolly , an tre m ea Hu Th ty e ttl un Li Co an Drive, Stephens , Christian Concerned, Dunc Caring. of op Duncan Toy Sh r Hope, and United Way Day fo Rodeo, Spokes

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

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Givens, Duncan Growing Together learning them and they are learning you. Once you get past that point, things start coming together. We’re starting to get there. The girls were so excited to get that first win.”

It wasn’t so long ago that Duncan was challenging for a state tournament berth.

There’s always a learning curve that comes when a program hires a coach.

For Duncan seniors Rainy Sanford and Tania Elix multiply that equation times three. The duo is in their third head coach in three years.

For Grant Givens, this was a homecoming of sorts. Givens grew up in the Duncan area, even attended Duncan as a junior before graduating from nearby Empire High School.

Givens coached on the boys staff before taking the Frederick job two years ago. And when the opportunity to return presented itself, he jumped.

And after a rough start, the team picked up its first victory on Jan. 24 in the Little Axe Tournament.

“It’s been a learning experience for the girls and for me,” he admitted. “There is always that time where you are

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“Really last year was the only bad year,” Given said. “It’s tough on kids to go through so many changes. Every coach has his own way of doing things, different language and different philosophy. They’ve bought in and that’s the first thing. You can’t take a job thinking oh well I’m here. The kids will see right through that.”

Givens has found a nucleus of players in which to turn around the program.

In addition to Sanford and Elix there is juniors Jordan Byrd and Maddie Bacon. Byrd plays post and is capable of moving to the four spot as well.

Bacon plays the three spot and is just now getting past an ACL injury from a year ago. Givens expects big things from Bacon next season as she continues to overcome her injury.

Sanford, a shooting guard, is the team’s second-leading scorer while Elix is capable of playing either the small or power forward spot and comes in off the bench.

Sophomore Paitlyn Bower, a twoguard, is a good shooter, Givens said. Delany Mitchell, also a junior, is the jack of all trades, is close

to averaging double figures, said the coach.

Freshmen Kennedy Stewart and Sallon Howell have both figured prominently in the mix as well. Both start, Stewart at point guard and Howell at post.

“Kennedy is athletic,” Givens said.

“She’s not tall but she makes up for it in work ethic. She’s a little mighty mouse. She pushes herself to the extreme.

“Sallon is a physical presence in the post. She battles.”

In essence, Givens’ life has come full circle.

“There was a point in time where I didn’t think I would ever coach girls basketball,” he admitted. “I got a phone call from Frederick to coach girls and I took it. Now, I’m back here, back home.

It’s nice to look up in the stands and recognize faces. I enjoy coaching girls basketball. The girls work hard, they want to please.”

Former Duncan star excels on and off the court at USAO With the Drovers, Carr leads the team in rebounds per game with an average of 5.6 in 10 games played this season for the Drovers.

She also forces several turnovers and ranks No. 39 in NAIA Division I with 2.20 steals per game.

Along with her numbers on the court, while attending USAO she was named to the 2012-13 All SAC Conference Academic Team for her efforts inside the classroom.

In a tough Sooner Athletic Conference, the Drovers currently sit in eighth place with the remainder of the schedule being conference play.

Rashelle Carr With Rashelle Carr entering her final season as a collegiate player, the Duncan native plays a vital role for the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma’s women’s basketball team.

It was her foundation at Duncan High School where she grew to her vital role as she averaged 11.5 points per game and seven rebounds per game.

Carr was also a force at the three-point line and proved it by winning the threepoint shooting contest at the Southwest All-Star game while playing for the Demons.

USAO.edu (405) 224-3140

with a 12.4 points per game average.

Carr continues to break personal records set in her junior season, while being one of the team leaders for the Drovers.

Carr is a physical education senior and will be graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in the summer of 2014, she has enjoyed her time with USAO while playing hoops for a Drovers team, and looking to make the conference tournament.

“I like the atmosphere, (Assistant) Coach (Leandra) Johnson she was a great help to me and I got to go around campus with another player and enjoyed the campus,” Carr said.

With a lot of conference action left to play, Carr believes expectations are high for the Drovers.

“I think if we continue to work, we can win some games,” Carr said.

“If everyone continues to work hard and push themselves, while doing what coach says, I think that is what we can expect.”

Carr has scored in double digits in eight of the 10 games with her high of 20, which is also a career high coming in the first conference game of the spring trimester.

Carr is in her second season with the Drovers after coming from Western Oklahoma State, a two-year institution out of Altus.

In her two-year stay with USAO, Carr is averaging six points per game, with her 2013-14 totals helping bring the total up

Rashelle Carr in a game against Northwood University looks to pass to an open Drover player in a win at USAO Fieldhouse. (Jessica Jackson/USAO Sports Information)

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A Look Into the Mind of Velma-Alma Head Football Coach Greg Gothard Velma-Alma?

VYPE: Did you always want to coach?

Gothard: As long as I can remember that’s what I wanted to do. It’s been so long ago now but at least by my freshman year I knew I wanted to coach.

VYPE: What path did you take to

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Gothard: I started at my alma mater Kingston in 1985 when I was hired by my former coach Glenn Pool. He came to Kingston in 1978 then we were state champions my senior year in 1980. After I graduated from Southeastern I came back home to coach.

Glenn left and came to Velma in 1989 and after my superintendent at Kingston told me I should grow and go with him I did. My wife wasn’t thrilled when we moved and when we drove into town I told her we would be here only a year or two, look up 25 years later and we are still here. Both my kids graduated from here. It’s been a great place.

It’s been home.

VYPE: Every coach has guys that that they played for or coached with that they take philosophies from. Who are some coaches that you have taken the most from?

Gothard: Coach Pool was by far the biggest influence in my coaching career because I played for him and coached under him for so long.

I was also really influenced by Harold “Bulldog” Henry my junior high coach and Milton Cooper at Madill. I really could go on and on.

I have a lot of good friends in this business. I heard somebody say once that “90 percent of my friends have the first name, coach.” And that really is true of me too.

VYPE: What do you feel like is the most rewarding thing about being a coach?

Gothard: There are so many things, but the first thing that comes to mind is when a guy you coached that has now graduated comes back or calls you on the phone and says “coach I love you.”

I really don’t know if it gets any better than that, I really don’t.

Chase Garrison Chase Garrison is this issue’s selection for the Altus Academic Athlete of the Month.

On the field, the senior is a three-year letterman in football, including a selection as an All-District 5A-1 offensive lineman.

Chase’s athletic pursuits also include baseball and tennis.

Chase is also an academic letterman, carrying a 4.26 GPA with AP courses that include Psychology, Chemistry, U.S. History, Calculus, English IV, Biology and Government. This level of academic achievement has earned Chase the Superintendent’s Honor Roll all though high school, as well as honors from the Oklahoma Honor Society through his junior year. In addition, Chase’s artistic merits have gained him recognition, with first place winnings in the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma’s Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest and Main Street Altus Walkin’ on Chalk competitions.

Outside of the classroom, Chase is also a leader in school organizations. This includes serving on the Student Council as the 12th Grade Class President, ParliamentarianTreasurer for the National Honor Society, and President of the Blue Crew Spirit Squad.

Chase is a member of many other clubs, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Altus Student Education Association, and the all-school production of Shrek.

When Chase isn’t studying calculus or blocking the pass rush, Chase also finds ways to give back to the Altus community. This includes serving as an event assistant for the Kiwanis Little Olympics, tutoring at-risk students, Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity, Sheridan Sunshine Foundation, and the World Relief Mission Event. Chase has also served as a lifeguard with the Quartz Mountain Waterslide.

Ashley Hughes Ashley Hughes is our Altus Female Academic Athlete of the Month. The senior is a member of the AHS cross country, basketball and track teams.

Her career includes a first place finish in the OU Jacobs Invitational 300m Hurdle and a third place finish at the Oklahoma 5A State Meet. Ashley’s accolades span the globe, where she has been named a first team All-European and Oklahoma All-Region for her track & field accomplishments.

Similar to her athletic endeavors, Ashley’s education spans the globe to include Afnorth International School in Brunsuum, Netherlands, where she made the Principal’s High Honor Roll. In Altus, Ashley has also earned both the Principal’s and the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, with a current GPA of 3.96. Her Honors classes include Pre-AP Calculus, Spanish I, English III-IV, Biology, Government and Spanish Literature.

When not in the classroom, Ashley serves as a referee with the Altus Soccer Club, a LINK crew leader, an American Women of Geilenkirchen babysitter, a volunteer with the Altus concession stand, and as a member of the National Honor Society.

Ashley’s plans after high school include a choice between two schools: the marine biology program with Texas A&M—Corpus Christi or the wildlife biology program at Oklahoma State University.

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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.”

Brandon Lundmark is this month’s Altus Character Counts Male Athlete of the Month. The junior member of the Altus swim team has placed in events that include the 200m freestyle, 200m freestyle relay, 100m butterfly and the 400m freestyle.

Carsyn King is this month’s Altus Character Counts Female Athlete of the Month.

Carsyn King Altus High School

Carsyn’s athletic accomplishments include being a two-year starter for the Lady Bulldogs’ softball team, earning all-district honors this past season. The junior has also started for the girls’ basketball team for the past two years and was selected to the Altus Lady Bulldog Classic AllTournament team. On the tennis court, she helped take the Altus tennis team to state in #2 doubles.

Brandon Lundmark

“Brandon is an exceptional young man in the pool and out of the pool,” said Brandon’s coach, Linda Wiginton. “He is respected by his peers. He is always very upbeat and strives to do his best every single day. He NEVER cheats on a set, and I know I can count on him to give me the correct number of

Altus High School “[Carsyn] is very involved in several extracurricular activities at school while maintaining a 4.0 average,” said the Lady Bulldogs basketball coach, laps we have done.”

Stacie Terbush. “She is very active and dedicated to her church, and always In the classroom, Brandon carries a 4.0 GPA, with classes that include Bioputs the feelings of others before her own. She is a leader in a very special Med, AP History and AP English III. When not swimming laps, Brandon way, by being positive and encouraging.” serves his community as a member of the National Honor Society and as an The advanced classes on Carsyn’s transcript include Pre-Calculus, Pre-AP usher and youth group member with the St. Francis of Assisi Military Catholic English and Pre-AP Biology. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Community.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, Cosmotology, Kay Club and Brandon plans to major either in petroleum or mechanical engineering upon the FBC Youth Club. graduation.

After graduation, Carsyn’s plans include attending college to major in fine arts or design.

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Five Fun Questions With Ardmore Lady Tigers Freshman Phenom Christa Pickens

VYPE: Which would you rather do, lock down the other teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s star player or lead your team in scoring?

Pickens: I would rather lock down their star player.

VYPE: Do you have any pregame rituals? If so, what are they?

Pickens: My pregame ritual is that I listen to music before I play.

VYPE: Who is your favorite team to play against and why?

Pickens: Deer Creek, because they are a good basketball team and they work together, which makes me work hard.

VYPE: What is the funniest thing you have ever heard on the court?

Pickens: I have heard a lot of funny stuff, but the one thing I did before when I was in 5th grade was I ran the wrong way so it was backcourt.

VYPE: If you could meet anyone in the world who would you choose to meet and why?

Pickens: Candace Parker would be my choice because she is very good. She can shoot the three-ball and penetrate. She can even dunk! One day I would like to be just like her.

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