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| GOLD-SILVER & MORE The Fort Gibson girls with “the shot that rocked the Big House win the Class 4A girls championship again while Stilwell boys claim the silver ball to wrap up another season of hoops action.
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Athletes from the winter sports including basketball, wrestling and swimming earn All-VYPE honors for their performances.
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32 | PAR FOUR State champions Melissa Eldredge of Eufaula and Katie Kirkhart of Hilldale match answers with state qualifiers Spencer Smythe of Muskogee and Hilldale’s Chandler Puckett about their games of golf.
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CONGRATULATIONS SAVANNAH GRAY! CLASS 4A 2014 STATE CHAMPIONS
Fort Gibson Lady Tigers Basketball
2001 N York St • Muskogee, OK 74403 • (918) 687-6569
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F E AT U R E
Photo By Bill Huddleston
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VYPE photographers capture the shining moments during Three Rivers action.
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A.J. Rodriquez - Vian
Elisha Allison - Keys 6
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Denver Coffee - Vian High School Character is like a diamond that scratches every other stone to achieve its own brilliance. Hall of Fame coach John Wooden once said “sports don’t reveal character, they build it.” Upon these principles, Vian high school junior Denver Coffee steps to the plate accepting opportunities for himself while simultaneously helping those around him to succeed. “Character and integrity go hand in hand,” said Coffee, a three sport athlete at Vian. “It’s about who you are, what you do and how you act in every situation especially when no one else is looking.” The starting second baseman for the Wolverines’ baseball team and member of the basketball and football teams, Coffee acknowledges success doesn’t come without commitment. “Hard work is the key,” Coffee admits. “Anything of importance requires your best everyday. In sports, academics, and family, success doesn’t just happen. Many times you have to be willing to sacrifice yourself for the good of everyone else.” Coffee credits his father as his inspiration to do your best. “My dad has always been my example of hard work and encouragement,” said Coffee. “Through his actions and his love for family and friends, dad taught me the value of helping others.” Vian head baseball coach, John Brockman, welcomes Coffee’s influence as a consistent role model for others. “From the classroom to the ball field, Denver always gives you his 100%,” notes Brockman. “He’s a yes sir, no sir type of young man. His honesty and work ethic stand out above all else. Denver sets the example for others to follow.”
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“I try to lead by my actions, not just words,” Coffee said, “never ask someone to do something that I’m not willing to do myself.” In a small town like Vian, Coffee also understands that someone is always watching. “You have to be accountable for every thing you do, or even think about doing,” admits Coffee. “Denver knows others are watching his every move,” said Brockman, “especially the little kids. He brings his twin brothers (Brooks & Jake) to the ball park and takes time to help them along with my son (Jacob) who is just a fifth grader. Denver is always taking time to watch them play games and play catch with the young guys.” From encouragement to his teammates to offering a smile of enthusiasm to fellow classmates or setting aside time to help younger kids in town, Coffee’s impact for helping others is apparent to many. “Denver is a positive role model for everyone, young and old alike,” said Richard Mosley, principal at Vian High School. “He knows his actions reflect upon his family, his teammates and his school. Denver’s efforts of honesty and work ethic are always encouraging others to do their best.” In addition to sports, Coffee acknowledges his love for science that perhaps explains his commitment to success. “I want to know what’s beyond the corner,” said Coffee, whose future plans include a career in medicine. “Why things work and not just taking things for granted.” With his eye toward the future and his focus upon today, Denver Coffee builds his own character of success while shaping the opportunities of others to do the same.
A junior for the Poteau Pirates golf squad, Cody Shore continues to stand atop the leaderboard. In the first three tournaments of the season, Shore has captured medalist honors in two events while completing 36-hole play at Glen Rose, Texas at 2-under par (7469-143) to claim a third place finish. Shore won the first place gold medal at McAlester (75) and the Fort Gibson (70) tournaments. “Cody plays within himself,” said Pirates golf coach Mike Thomas. “His iron play and short game is phenomenal. He works daily to improve his game 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Consistency should be his middle name.”
A three-year varsity golfer, Shore finished in fourth place at the Class 4A state championships last season as a sophomore.
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As the spring sports season begins, VYPE caught up with Raven Girty of Warner High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting her answers, we posed the questions to Raven’s mom, Paula Girty, for her answers and then presented the challenge to Dusty Tidwell, fastpitch softball coach of the Lady Eagles. Who has the best game plan? A four sport standout, Raven Girty is a 2014 senior at Warner High School. Known to her friends as “Ravo”, Girty is the starting shortstop on this spring’s softball team and has been in the starting lineup on Warner’s fastpitch, slowpitch and basketball teams plus the track team all four years. Girty, who admits she enjoys time in the classroom, maintains a 3.9 GPA and was chosen by the student body to serve a senior class president. Girty’s game plan for the future includes college with an eventual career as a softball and basketball coach.
Raven Girty Warner Softball
Lady Eagles’ Coach
Paula Girty Raven’s Mom
Raven’s favorite subject in school?
Math
English
Math
Something Raven will NEVER eat?
Sushi
Sushi
Liver
Country
Country
Raven’s favorite pre-game music?
Country (Warm up with the King – George Strait!)
Raven’s locker room (aka bedroom) is clean & neat, organized chaos or tornado alley?
Tornado Alley
Tornado Alley
Organized Chaos (Only Raven can find something though!)
Raven’s favorite athlete?
Kevin Durant
Michael Jordan
Kevin Durant
Facebook, Instagram or Twitter?
When I’m with my friends, its: Superbad, South Park or Big Bang Theory?
Big Bang Theory
Big Bang Theory
Big Bang Theory
Raven would rather write a term paper, sing a song, or give a speech?
Give a speech
Term Paper
Term Paper
Something Raven is afraid of?
Fish
Spiders
Heights
Raven is—Class Clown, Class President or could be the coach?
Coach
Class President
Coach
5 out of 10 Not bad Coach!
5 out of 10 Congratulations Mom!
TOTAL POINTS: 10 10
Dusty Tidwell
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POWERED BY BRADLEY FUNERAL HOME
F-C-A Athlete
of the Month
GRACE PARKER Fort Gibson High School
In sports, for most people, winning is everything. For Grace Parker, a junior at Fort Gibson High School, Influence for God is what matters most.
“Influence is something that everyone has and how you use it is what matters most,” said Parker, a member of the Lady Tigers basketball team that won the state championship for a second straight year. “I try my best to be an influence for Jesus Christ; not by what I say but how I live my life everyday in every way for Him giving God all the glory, no matter the outcome.” Parker knows making the right choice is hard for everyone, no matter your age.
“There are so many challenges to do what’s right,” said Parker. “It’s super hard for young people today to know what’s the right path to follow when making decisions and facing their options.”
Yet, when faced with tough choices, Parker is all smiles when she thinks of God’s love for her. “What keeps me going is knowing that God is always there,” said Parker, “no matter what happens good or bad. You can keep your confidence in God and know that you can always trust Him no matter the circumstances because His game plan is much stronger that what we could ever imagine.”
Just like in sports, Parker accepts the fact there will be mistakes and knows it’s those challenges are what makes her relationship with God even stronger. “Everyone is going to make mistakes, none of us are perfect yet God still loves us,” said Parker. “I know that I’m going to mess up but God is faithful to forget when you honestly ask His forgiveness.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has conceived what God has planned for those who love Him.”
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BEST of the Class
Dakota Eads, Mason Kittrell, Kaydi Wingo and Braxton Worley have earned Valedictorian honors for 2013-2014. Academic excellence by the foursome will be celebrated during graduation ceremonies in May. Andre English receives Salutatorian honors for the Class of 2014 seniors.
Jake Sandlin finished second and third respectively. At the Eastern Oklahoma FFA Interscholastic event in Wilburton, the Wolverines won first place in both the Senior and Junior land contest competition.
Cheering for the Purple & Gold School spirit will continue strong thanks to the efforts of the 2014-2015 Vian High School cheerleaders. After tryout competition, coach Teresa Stewart announced that 18 girls will lead the rally cry for the Wolverines next school year
FFA Bring Home Honors
Vian Cheerleaders 2014-15
Members of the Vian FFA land judging teams proved to be the best during competition at the Will Rogers Classic event in Claremore. The four member team of Chase New, James Cordray, Jake Sandlin and Joey Kelley claimed first place honors with the team including Nathan Roberts, Trayton Roberts, Christian Crist and Josh Bolin finished second. Cordray was named High Individual while Nathan Roberts and
Pictured above: Adrianna Elbon, Baylee Stites, Catie Kisselburg, Shalen Presley, Emily Buttery, Jordan Sovo, Mimi Noisey, Bailey Slape, Alexus Thornton, Jade Jumper, Britney Slape, Mattie Parks, Rachael Finney, Sista Moses, Jaelan Adams, Ariel Davis and Jamie Johnson. Not pictured – Kayla Christie.
Wolverines Baseball 2014 Date Opponent Time 4/17-19 @ Stilwell Tournament TBA 4/21 @ Stigler 4:00 4/22 Eufaula 4:00 4/24 Sallisaw 4:30 4/25 @ Haskell 4:30 4/28 Panama 4:00 5/1-2 District Tournament TBA 5/8-10 Regional Tournament TBA 5/15-17 State Tournament TBA Ready for the Postseason Lady Wolverines slow-pitch softball prepare for the playoffs with Lance Winan’s squad recording victories on the diamond.
2014 Vian Slow-Pitch Softball Date Team Time On the Road To State April 17 Hulbert 4:30 Success on the diamond keeps Vian April 21 Muldrow 4:30 baseball ranked near the top of the Class April 22-26 District Tournament TBA 3A polls. The lineup of seven starters May 1 Reg. Tournament TBA continues to deliver timely hits and May 6-7 State Tournament TBA solid pitching as the playoffs approach.
WARNER EAGLES ‘Flying High’ We Are The Champions
Coach Jon Eddy’s slow-pitch softball team appears ready for the postseason playoffs. The Lady Eagles soared to the Twin Rivers Shootout championship going undefeated in the event. The Lady Eagles prowess at the plate and consistent defense have them peaking as the playoffs begin at the end of April.
Warner baseball continues preparations for the upcoming playoffs as coach Dusty Tidwell’s squad seeks to make a deep run into the postseason.
Running Strong To The Finish Line Warner track squads continue their push toward the upcoming regional and state
track meets. Coach Paul Whitley’s boys squad performed well at Vinita as Mekko Washington took 1st place in the 400 yd run and the 800 meter relay foursome including Clint Kite, Dakota Bean, Jacob Crabtree, Mekko Washington captured the gold medal. In the 1600 relay, Erik Wiggins joined Kite, Bean and Washington for 3rd place while Wiggins ran with Zach Rowell, Zach Jones and Jeremiah Hart for the bronze in the 3200 meter relay. Girls coach Mindi Peters’ squad, complimented by members of Warner’s cross country state championship team, will mix talents in the running and field events to finish atop the medal stands.
their local chapters and then are entered in numerous state competition event categories. Warner FCCLA entered projects in six event categories. Devon McKay, Justin Rogers, and Kim Wells were the state winners for their “Obseussed with Reading” Focus on Children project. Tristen Roach and Payton Jackson placed 3rd in their category, Chapter in Review “Just Do It!” Allee Lyons placed 3rd in the state in Fashion Construction. Justina Read also placed 3rd in “New Member Facts.” Kylee Scrapper placed 4th in the state with her project “Promote and Publicize FCCLA.” Amanda Goosman, Autumn Lee, and Stevana Marshall did an awesome job with their Community Service Project, “Junior Fire Marshal”.
FFA Achieves Recognition
Member of the Warner FFA chapter achieved recognition while recently competing in the Connors State College Aggie Days event. The junior division squad finished 14th out of 80 teams from across Oklahoma in competition and the senior division ranked 21st out of 71 teams. Junior members include Nick Hayes, Brooklyn Herriman, Brian Wiggins and Timber McKinney. Senior team members are Taylor Duerson, Bobby Pilkerton, Erik Wiggins and Ryan Boyd.
FCCLA Win Awards At State
Warner FCCLA traveled to Stillwater competing in the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) state Star Event competitions. FCCLA members from across Oklahoma plan, carry out, and participate in various projects throughout the year for
Devon, Justin, and Kim will be taking their project to compete for a gold medal at the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas in July.
Academic Pursuit Team Earns
Honors Andy Hayes and Jake Perryman, 8th grade students from Warner Middle School, both qualified for the Oklahoma Tournament of Champions. Competitors had to place either first, second, or third in an academic area to qualify for the TOC. Perryman was able to place in Language Arts, Social Studies, and Mathematics while Hayes was able to place in Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Humanities. Hayes, who qualified in four academic areas and competed as a Scholar, was required to complete all six academic tests at the TOC. He completed all six tests in a four hour time frame and placed 5th overall with 444 points, just two points behind the 4th place winner. Perryman completed all of his tests 50 minutes per test and placed 16th out of 76 in Language Arts, 26th out of 83 in Mathematics, and 8th out of 74 in Social Studies.
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Presented By
IRONHEADS GOLF ATOP THE LEADERBOARD
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME The signs of spring include the winning scoreboard for Eufaula baseball as coach Victor Paden’s lineup continues its climb up the Class 3A polls. Casey Pryor, Collin Walch, Ronnie Hallum, Bailey Breedlove, Dillon Larkin and others continue their winning ways (15-1) heading into the final month of action on the road to the Class 3A State Tournament. Eufaula Ironheads Baseball 2014
The winning ways for the girls and boys golf teams continue as Eufaula captured a sweep of the Heartland Conference tournament. Luke Van Cleave, Ethan White and Mason Dobbs finished 1-2-3. The Lady Ironheads won for the fourth time as Melissa Eldredge captured another medalist honors while teammates Rachel Donaldson, Heidi Stafford and Hope Lasiter claimed 2-3-4 spots on the scoreboard. Coach Bill Bumgarner’s Lady Ironheads also won team titles at Verdigris, Oktaha and Hilldale.
Date Opponent Time April 17-19
April 21
@ Stilwell Tournament
Red Oak (Senior Night)
TBA
4:00
April 22 @ Vian 4:00 April 24
@ Wilburton
4:30
May 1
District Tournament
TBA
April 28
@ Stuart
May 8-10
May 15-17
Regional Tournament State Tournament
4:00 TBA TBA
IRONHEADS BAND IN SEARCH OF 8th STRAIGHT SWEEPSTAKES The 76-member “Band from E-Town” will participate in the State Championships in Ada on April 21-22 in search of an unprecedented eighth consecutive OSSAA Sweepstakes trophy. Director of bands Tad Clark has fine tuned the band to capture top honors after winning marching and concert superior ratings already this year. RUNNING FOR GOLD Ironheads track teams continue to run toward the upcoming regional and state track meets. Eufaula Track 2014 Date
Ironheads Golf 2014 Schedule April 17 Hilldale Boys Inv. April 22 3A Girls Regional Qualifier April 28 3A Boys Regional Qualifier April 29 3A Girls Regionals May 5 3A Boys Regional May 7-8 3A Girls State Tournament May 12-13 3A Boys State Tournament
April 18
Fountainhead G.C. TBA TBA Scissortail G.C. Scissortail G.C. Fountainhead G.C. Dornick Hills, Ardmore
April 25
May 3
May 9-10
Location
@ Checotah
@ Muskogee
Class 3A Regionals
Class 3A State (Moore)
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BACK – TO – BACK CLAS FOrt Gibson Lady Tigers
10th STRAIGHT STATE TOU
NO. Name HT Class 00 SAGE STOUT 5-6 SOPH 5 KABREE EDGMON 5-6 FRESH 10 TAYLOR OSBORN 5-6 SOPH 11 SAVANNAH GRAY 5-9 SR 12 ALLIE GLOVER 5-7 JR 15 IZZY HUBBERT 5-7 JR 20 JAYME HILL 5-10 JR 21 MADISON SPYRES 5-6 JR 22 CAILEY CUNNINGHAM 5-9 FRESH 23 GRACE PARKER 5-6 JR 24 JAYME HAYES 5-7 SOPH 25 DESIREE PHIPPS 5-9 JR 30 AALIYAH DAILEY-LEE 5-10 SOPH 32 CHEYANNE JOHNSON 6-0 JR 44 SUSIE KILPATRICK 6-3 JR ALI CHRISTIE Head Coach: Jerry Walker Assistant Coach: Chuck London Assistant Coach: Denise Gray
STATE CH 201 201 20 STATE FI 201 200 200 200 199
Managers: Fairon Beyers, Alley Wimmer, Gabbie Little, Becka Johnson Water Girls: Baylee London, Kynzi London Scorekeeper: Pat Orman
CLINKENBEARD AGENCY 100 South Lee / Fort Gibson, OK 74434 Business (918) 478-3051 Fax (918) 478-4952 TOLL FREE 1-800-248-3051
WAY TO GO LADY TIGERS !
SS 4A STATE CHAMPIONS
URNAMENT APPEARANCE
HAMPIONS 14 13 011 INALISTS 12 08 07 06 91
FOrt Gibson Schedule 2013-2014
12/10 Pryor @ Inola Tournament 68-31 Win 12/12 Inola @ Inola Tournament 64-49 Win 12/14 Siloam Sp.@ Inola Tournament 49-43 Win 12/17 Wagoner 65-34 Win 12/20 Hilldale 65-40 Win 1/03 Locust Grove 58-54 Win 1/09 Dewey @ Oologah Tournament 82-28 Win 1/10 Seq. Claremore @ Ool. Tourn. 68-28 Win 1/11 Inola @ Oologah Tournament 63-39 Win 1/14 @ Wagoner 69-25 Win 1/17 Keys 68-40 Win 1/20 Oologah @ Old Fort Classic 65-40 Win 1/23 Sand Springs @ Old Fort Classic 58-31 Win 1/25 Muldrow @ Old Fort Classic 63-38 Win 1/27 @ Sallisaw 60-41 Win 1/31 @ Keys 53-32 Win
2/01 Sallisaw 75-41 Win 2/07 @ Catoosa 65-31 Win 2/11 @ Locust Grove (OT) 59-55 Win 2/13 @ Hilldale 69-44 Win 2/14 Catoosa 72-21 Win 2/17 Vinita 58-51 Win 2/18 @ Jay 67-42 Win 2/22 Wagoner (4A District) 65-25 Win 2/27 Sallisaw (4A Regional) 61-55 Win 3/01 Poteau (4A Regional) 75-35 Win 3/07 Ada (4A Area) 30-33 Loss 3/08 Hilldale (4A Area) 42-27 Win 3/13 Elgin (4A State Quarters) 61-45 Win 3/14 Vinita (4A State Semis) 45-38 Win 3/15 Anadarko (4A State Finals) 50-47 Win
Record: 30 Wins 1 Loss
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Allie Glover’s Long Range Three Gives Fort Gibson Girls Class 4A Crown
Allie Glover
Stilwell 4A Boys Runner-Up
The “shot heard round the world” is a phrase referring to several historical incidents, including the opening of the American Revolutionary War in 1775. In sports, the phrase is known by baseball enthusiasts as the 1951 walk off home run by Bobby Thomsen of the New York Giants to win the National League pennant. But, for the fans of Fort Gibson Lady Tigers basketball, history will forever document the “shot that rocked the Big House.” When Allie Glover’s 27-foot attempt was on target with only three seconds to play, the topranked Tigers completed a dramatic 16-point second half come-frombehind effort to win the Class 4A State Championship with a 50-47 heart-stopping win over Anadarko.
The victory capped a 30-1 season as coach Jerry Walker’s team not only repeated as state champions but won the Class 4A gold ball for the third time in the past four years. Adding icing to the celebration cake was the win over Anadarko, whose win in the 2012 finals is the only thing standing in the way of the Tigers having won four in a row. The Tigers’ lone graduating senior, Savannah Gray, completed a four year career with a 115-4 record.
Desiree Phipps
Matt Lea
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The Tigers shining moments at the Big House included wins over Elgin (61-45) and Vinita (45-38) in the first two rounds.
The Class 4A boys field included the Stilwell Indians and Fort Gibson Tigers, who ironically matched up
in round one. With 6-8 center Matt Lea’s 31-point effort leading the way, coach Ron Dunaway’s squad advanced to the semi-finals with a 63-44 victory.
Stilwell Crashes Finals Party Playing with a feverish determination, the Stilwell Indians battled their way to the Class 4A boys tournament finals. The eight team field included a first round matchup between the Indians and Fort Gibson Tigers.
The Indians would continue their march to the Big House with a 49-44 semi-finals verdict over Mannford to set up a regional tournament finals rematch against the Douglass Trojans, the only blemish for Stilwell in 15 previous games. In
Dalton Cunningham
Fort Gibson 4A Girls State Champions APRIL 2014
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Jada Ford
Anthony King
Audrey Ballou
the championship contest, Stilwell’s dream season ended with a silver ball state runner-up finish as the Trojans won the Class 4A title for a fifth consecutive year with a 7850 victory against Stilwell, as the Indians completed a 25-6 campaign.
Quinton Johnston
Double dates were common in Class 6A and 3A state tournament fields as the Muskogee Roughers, SequoyahTahlequah Indians and Spiro Bulldogs advanced both the girls and boys teams. In Class 2A, the Lions of Howe roared loudly on the courts to earn their spot in the boys field of eight teams while in Class A girls, the Mustangs of Arkoma advanced to the Big House for the first time since 1992. 2014 STATE CHAMPIONS Class 6A Boys – Union Girls – Broken Arrow
Sarika Willis
Class 2A Boys – Latta Girls – Preston Class A Boys – Glencoe Girls – Pond Creek-Hunter Class B Boys – Forgan Girls – Okarche
Chesly Hall
Class 5A Boys – Tulsa Memorial Girls – Deer Creek (Edmond) Class 4A Boys – Douglass Girls – Fort Gibson Class 3A Boys – Okemah Girls – Alva
Knifeis Carter
Rosa Orpo
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Three Rivers F E AT U R E
All-VYPE Basketball Three Rivers Oklahoma
Aaliyah Wilson Muskogee
Savannah Gray Fort Gibson
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Player of the Year: Savannah Gray – Fort Gibson Coach of the Year: Jerry Walker – Fort Gibson
Stephen Helmandollar Howe
2nd Team Payton York – Braggs Mason Fielden – Hulbert Chase Littlejohn – Stilwell Dustin Leach – Oktaha Knifeis Carter –Spiro Tramal Ivy – Muskogee
Kelsi Johnson Arkoma VYPEOK.COM
Matt Lea Stilwell
2nd Team Kaitlan Standridge – Poteau Sara Fountain – Stilwell Nese Walters – Vian Jada Ford – Muskogee Katie Kirkhart – Hilldale DeNora Wheeland – Haskell
Boys First Team Matt Lea – Stilwell Caisen Green – Sequoyah Tahlequah Stephen Helmandollar – Howe Jordan London – Fort Gibson McKinley Whitfield – Spiro David Beasley – Muskogee
Philicea Mack Spiro
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Girls 1st Team Aaliyah Wilson – Muskogee Desiree Phipps – Fort Gibson Savannah Gray – Fort Gibson Audrey Ballou – Sequoyah Tahlequah Kelsi Johnson – Arkoma Philicea Mack – Spiro
Player of the Year: Matt Lea – Stilwell Coach of the Year: Ron Dunaway – Stilwell APRIL 2014
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V Y P E O K . C O M
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J U LY
David Beasley Muskogee 2 0 1 1
Caisen Green Sequoyah Tahlequah
Oklahoma
Winter
All-VYPE Swimming Three Rivers Oklahoma
All-VYPE Wrestling Three Rivers Oklahoma
1st Team 106 Jett Taylor – Sallisaw 113 Ryan Waltman – Fort Gibson 120 Devin Anderson – Poteau 126 Will Tiger – Sequoyah Tahlequah 132 Zech VanFleet – Tahlequah 138 Wyatt Sheets – Stilwell** 145 Mitch Sellars – Tahlequah 152 Dawaylon Barnes – Muskogee** 160 Jacobe Smith – Muskogee** 170 Malachi Wood – Stilwell 182 Cale Wilson – Sallisaw** 195 Jadon Davenport – Sallisaw** 220 Bryson McGowan – Hulbert 285 Mickey Brown – Stilwell 2nd Team 106 Bradley Davis – Sequoyah Tahlequah 113 Ben Matthews – Wagoner 120 Xavion Taylor – Muskogee 126 Trenton Miller – Wagoner 132 Malcolm Rodriquez – Wagoner 138 Chance Blount – Sallisaw 145 Gabe Taylor – Sallisaw 152 Hestin Lamons – Tahlequah** 160 Seth Fritts – Keys 170 Zach Peterson – Fort Gibson 182 Roman Rodriguez – Wagoner 195 Dominick Shett – Talihina 220 Hunter Collins – Checotah 285 Adonis Cole – Muskogee
Girls
Dawaylon Barnes Muskogee
Jacobe Smith Muskogee
Cale Wilson Stilwell
Leslie White – Fort Gibson Sara Nichols – Fort Gibson Whitney Stroup – Fort Gibson Lauren Martin – Fort Gibson Audrey Ross – Fort Gibson Kyla Martin – Fort Gibson Delainie Terrell – Fort Gibson Boys
Myles Wood – Fort Gibson Dalton Martin – Fort Gibson Connor Schapp – Fort Gibson Jordan Diebold – Fort Gibson Brandon Walker – Fort Gibson James Huggins – Fort Gibson Wyatt Moore – Fort Gibson Swimmer of the Year: (Girls) Leslie White – Fort Gibson (Boys) Brandon Walker – Fort Gibson
Hestin Lamons Tahlequah
Wyatt Sheets Stilwell
Coach of the Year: Connie Dean
** – Denotes 2014 State Champion Wrestler of the Year: Lower Weights: Wyatt Sheets – Stilwell (20-1) Upper Weights: Jadon Davenport – Sallisaw (31-0) Coach of the Year: Michael Delk – Sallisaw
Jadon Davenport Sallisaw
Leslie White Fort Gibson
Dalton Martin Fort Gibson APRIL 2014
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Presented by
®
The crack of the bat…the ball popping in the leather glove…the umpire’s call…”Safe”…the sights and sounds of spring sports around the baseball and softball fields. It’s time to throw out the first pitch…VYPE Three Rivers presents this month’s VYPE FAB FIVE as we rank the top five baseball and softball teams in search of a state championship.
The VYPE Fab Five rankings may well see some changes as the season continues and local teams settle the question of which teams are the best choice for a solid gold “championship season.” You can be a part of the VYPE Fab Five rankings by submitting your vote by email: Oklahoma@vype.com
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Lineups loaded with pitching, hitting and defense, baseball fever is running at a high rate as the playoffs are just around the corner.
Long ball threats add to the lineups filled with defensive heroes in a chase for top of the slow-pitch rankings.
1. Spiro
1. Heavener
2. Eufaula
2. Tahlequah
3. Poteau
3. Muskogee
4. Vian
4. Oktaha
5. Muskogee
5. Vian
On Deck: Checotah Oktaha Fort Gibson Hilldale Wister Wagoner
On Deck: Fort Gibson Poteau Porum Sequoyah Tahlequah Warner Wister
Baseball & Softball teams in Three Rivers Territory…are built TOUGH… Just like the Ford F-150 truck from Stuteville Ford in Tahlequah
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A GALAXY of STARS
Slow-pitch softball once again produces champions on the diamond. Photos by: John Hasler A galaxy of stars is a massive gravitationally bound system amongst the solar system. Galaxies, each containing a varying numbers of stars can be easily compared to the collection of talent found on the softball fields this spring during the slow-pitch season in Oklahoma as local teams dot the top ten rankings in every class. With a collection of offensive and defensive skills, this galaxy of stars will create its own meteor showers of success while chasing the ultimate goal of a state championship.
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Shaylee Rowland Muskogee 5’5 Sr. Pitcher Shaylee throws right and bats left with authority whether in the circle or at the plate. A fast-pitch AllState selection this season for the Roughers of coach Keith Coleman, Rowland has signed with Northern Oklahoma to play softball in college. Rowland’s .710 average and 1.097 slugging percentage is evidence of the power she brings to the Roughers lineup while challenging opposing batters when pitching. VYPEOK.COM | APRIL 2014
Aubrey Johnson Muskogee 5’6 Soph. Second baseman In her very first high school game, Johnson proved her prowess at the plate with a home run. The talented sophomore currently has a .450 batting average and .700 slugging percentage while matching her offensive talents with solid defense at second base keeping opposing runners off the base paths and sitting on the bench.
Lexi Moody -Heavener 5’4 Jr. Catcher/3B Rock solid is the best way to describe Moody’s play at the hot corner—third base. When stepping to the dish, Moody hits for power and results by producing 35 RBIs in 54 appearances. Loo-Loo’s numbers include 9 doubles and 8 home runs while drawing 10 walks resulting in a 1.259 slugging percentage and .611 batting average for the Lady Wolves of coach Rodale Sanders. Johnna Bailey - Porum 5’6 Sr. 3B/SS With a pre-game combination of sunflower seeds and Gatorade, Bailey continues to terrorize opponents at the plate with a .676 batting average for the Lady Panthers. In the first 15 games this year, Bailey, a 3-time All-Conference fastpitch selection, has 25 hits in 37 at bats including 10 RBIs while taking away would be hits from opponents while splitting time at shortstop and third base. Raven Girty – Warner 5’9 Sr. Shortstop A four sport standout for the Lady Eagles, Girty continues to be the spirit of coach Jon Eddy’s club with a .771 batting average including a .795 on-base percentage. With 27 hits in her first 35 times at the plate, Girty has produced 18 RBIs while scoring 19 runs. With a dependable glove at shortstop, the senior infielder continues to take away would be hits from opponents.
Mattison Place -Heavener 5’2 Soph. Leftfielder The talented outfielder for the Lady Wolves admits she likes to hunt. That perhaps explains her success on the diamond snagging would be hits for outs while playing left field or hunting down pitches for 36 hits in her first 64 trips to the plate resulting in a .562 batting average and .859 slugging percentage as the Lady Wolves opened the season with a perfect 21-0 record, winning all but one game by run-rule margins.
Kelsey Leach – Sequoyah Tahlequah 5’6 Sr. Shortstop A four-year starter, Leach will lead the Lady Indians race to the state tournament this spring. Tabbed as the heart & soul of the defense, Leach strong arm continues to put out runners with a .730 fielding ratio. At the plate, Leach is productive with a .727 average in action to date including 14 RBIs. Leach will continue her softball career on the collegiate level after signing a letter of intent with the UMKC.
Katie McCullar - Porum 5’2 Soph. Pitcher/SS The phrase that dynamite comes in small packages is certainly true when describing McCullar’s impact in the circle or at the plate. In the Lady Panthers first 15 outings, McCullar has 11 roundtrippers while leading off the batting order. In 39 appearances, Katie Mac’s batting average has climbed to .595 with 25 RBIs including 5 doubles and 8 intentional walks.
Tristan Potts – Warner 5’10 Fresh. Pitcher/1B The impact of the Warner freshman is opening opposing coaches’ eyes as Potts has stepped into the lineup with power at the plate. In spite of her admitted fear of heights, Potts’ numbers continue to skyrocket producing a .645 batting average including 12 home runs in 31 trips to the plate resulting in a total of 24 RBIs. Hayleigh Galvan – Sequoyah Tahlequah 5’7 Soph. 3B/Outfield A long ball threat at the plate and a strong arm at third or the outfield, Galvan will be a force for opponents to handle. In action this spring, the talented sophomore has hammered out a .818 batting average including 11 RBIs while handling the hot corner at third with a .750 fielding percentage. In the words of her coach, Larry Shade, softball is Hayleigh’s game.
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Paige Taylor – Hulbert 5’2 Jr. Second Baseman The talented infielder for the Lady Riders creates opportunities at the plate whether its reaching base or driving in runs. During the early season action, Taylor with a 1.204 on-base plus slugging percentage including 12 RBIs in 24 official at bats. Taylor’s play at second base is key to the defensive success of the Lady Riders coached by David Young. After high school, Taylor plans for a pre-med career as a dermatologist.
Krista Bolin -- Hulbert 5’6 Jr. Pitcher Whether pitching from the circle or creating offense at the plate, Bolin is an energizing force for Hulbert’s softball success. In the first 9 games of the season, Bolin .931 fielding percentage continues to limit opponents from reaching base along with well placed pitches keeping batters at bay. When at the plate, Bolin’s timely hits have produced an RBI for every two trips to the plate.
Callie Barnes – Oktaha 5’2 Sr. Pitcher/Catcher Described as the coach on the field, Barnes is the force behind the play of the Oktaha Lady Tigers. After signing a college letter of intent with Connors State in softball, Barnes gets things started from her leadoff position in the order with a .607 batting average plus a .750 slugging percentage. With her red bandana always in her back pocket, Barnes keeps opposing batters guessing dropping pitches in the bucket from the circle.
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PAR FOUR
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With the high school golf season underway, VYPE stepped to the first tee to talk with four of the local stars of the links. Katie Kirkhart, a sophomore at Hilldale, returns to the lineup as the Lady Hornets chase a repeat state title in Class 4A. Eufaula sophomore Melissa Eldredge continues to be a driving force for the Lady Ironheads search to repeat as Class 3A state champions. On the boys side of the course, 2014 seniors Chandler Puckett of Hilldale and Spencer Smythe of Muskogee, state qualifiers last spring, will VYPEOK.COM
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once again lead their teams to the top of the leaderboard. 1. What’s your favorite course to play? Kirkhart: Lake Hefner South, we won the state championship there. Eldredge: Fountainhead Creek, my home course where I shot my lowest round (72). Puckett: Shangri La on Grand Lake, it’s beautiful course that fits my game. Smythe: Karsten Creek, a challenging course that will test
all your abilities. 2. What’s the strongest part of your game? Kirkhart: Distance – I can hit it long and strong. Eldredge: Putting – I’ve been on a hot streak that’s lowering my score. Puckett: Wedge game – I feel comfortable from 100 yards in. Smythe: Short game – Getting up and down is how you score. 3. What your favorite club in your bag?
Chandler Puckett
Katie Kirkhart
Kirkhart: 4 iron – I trust it the most. Eldredge: 7 wood – It’s my “go-to club” especially if I’m not driving the ball well. Puckett: Driver – It’s the most consistent part of my game in any conditions. Smythe: Driver – I can hit it far which then compliments my short game. 4. Who is the toughest competitor you’ve played against so far? Kirkhart: Hannah Ward of Poteau – she’s a stud. Eldredge: Hannah Ward – her game is solid from tee to green and defending Class 4A champion. Puckett: Quade Cummins of Weatherford – last year’s state champ who strikes the ball very well. Smythe: Taylor Moore of Edmond Memorial – at the time he was the #1 junior golfer in the U.S. 5. Who is your favorite pro golfer?
Melissa Eldredge
Kirkhart: Bubba Watson because he hits it far and plays for Jesus. Eldredge: Annika Sorrenstam & Phil Mickelson—they’re classy and respectable. Puckett: Tiger Woods – he makes the game of golf better and fun to watch for everyone. Smythe: Tiger Woods – his appearance alone makes the game of golf what it is today. 6. Let’s have a little fun…would you rather stand in front of your student body and sing a song or have your text messages read aloud over the microphone all day? Kirkhart: SING A SONG ‘nuf said! Eldredge: It would be nerve wracking at first but definitely sing a
Spencer Smythe
song. Puckett: Read my text messages, it would give everybody a good laugh. Smythe: Sing a song, because I wouldn’t want to be without my phone all day!
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OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS
Player of the Month These players bring the energy to their team! Houston Gladd Tahlequah baseball
Tahlequah Tigers second baseman and pitcher Houston Gladd is the Oklahoma Natural Gas Athlete of the Month. Tahlequah’s success on the baseball diamond has continued to feed off the energy of Gladd. The right-handed senior has effectively mixed his four ing and is the ace on pitches to keep batters guess When at the plate, Gladd, the Tigers’ pitching rotation. at Eastern Oklahoma State who signed to play baseball rage while batting third College, maintains a .410 ave in the Tigers’ lineup. ious,” said coach Nick “Houston’s energy is contag example, on and off the Zodrow. “His leadership is by ticeable in the classroom field.” Gladd’s efforts are no a 4.0 GPA. as well where he maintains
Jodie Hill Heavener Track
Coming off a freshman season in which she placed third in the 100-meter dash, fifth in the 200-meter dash and third in the 100-meter hurdles at the Class 3A state meet Heavener’s Jodie Hill is already making an impact this season. At the Poteau meet earlier thi s month Hill placed first in the 100-meter hurdles, sec ond in the 100-meter dash and third in the 200-meter dash. Hill’s winning time in the 100-meter hurdles wa s 15.59, nearly two full seconds ahead of the secon d place finisher. A versatile athlete who has already made an impact at the state level Hill is sure to be a strong contender for gold in all three events this year. Hill also compliments the talent and success for the Lady Wolves softball teams
Get up to $200 in rebates when you purchase and install a new natural gas range. OklahomaNaturalGas.com/rebates
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rdine Laura JaSchool
Muskogee High
Laura Jardi Muskogee H
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ol While com peting on the courts Roughers te fo the lines. nnis team, Laura Ja r the Muskogee Lad rdine keep When it co y s m achieveme nt, Jardine es to the 2014 senio it between in the clas erases all r sro the bound ’s academic aries with Ranked #2 om. excellence in her gra d GPA while enrolled in uating class, Jardine U.S. Gover maintains Honors An nm a with pre-A ent & Politics, AP atomy and Trigonom 4.708 L P Europea iterature & etry, AP n National H onor Socie History. Other scho Composition along ol activitie to serving ty, MHS Stu s a of the MH s president of Youn dent Government in include g Democra S Science Clu ts and vice addition The three -time state b. -president q accomplis hed music ualifier in tennis, Ja ian with p rdine is an and pipe o roven skil rg ls playing Still consid an. the piano e eventual c ring her college des areer in m tination, Ja edicine. rdine will pursue an Submit your nomination for the TTCU Academic Athlete of the Month to: Oklahoma@VYPE.com
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