VYPE Three Rivers Oklahoma June 2014 Issue

Hannah Ward

Cody Shore

Britany Poe

Jake Johnson

Kandace Standridge

Brandon Conrad

Kailey Kilpatrick

Nick Kingfisher

Connors State ern technology, od m d an u on iti tu in the sports yo sizes, affordable u to participate yo With small class ing ow all ile ty. wh your special quality education are sure to find College offers a gree options, you de te cia so as 25 than love! With more rankings, titles, , earning national ive tit pe m co e ar Cowgirl teams The Cowboy and u ready to and more. Are yo trophies, banners xt level? compete at the ne R FTBALL • CHEE SKETBALL • SO BASEBALL • BA OTING SPORTS SHOTGUN SHO OCK JUDGING RODEO • LIVEST TEAM CATTLE SHOW

1 0 0 0 C O L L E G E R D, WA R N E R O K / 9 1 8 . 4 6 3 . 2 9 3 1

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6 | PICTURE THIS The action from the spring sports season including baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, golf and track are all captured through the lens of VYPE photographers.

12 | ALL VYPE 2014 The best athletes from each of the spring sports including baseball, slow-pitch softball, golf, soccer, track and tennis earn the honors of being selected ALL-VYPE.

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| STATE CHAMPS Golf captured the most hardware during the OSSAA state championships including team and individual honors while athletes in the other sports also proved to be the best in Oklahoma.

35 | CHARACTER COUNTS

Cale Wilson is a proven champion. The Sallisaw standout not only has the gold medal credentials in wrestling and football but also takes pride in building community spirit.

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

Publisher: Austin Chadwick Editorial Director: Brad Heath Market Director: Bill Huddleston Graphic Design: Austin Chadwick Contributing Writers: Bill Huddleston, Lynn Jacobsen, Kyle Kendrick, Brad Heath, Austin Chadwick.

Contributing Photographers: John Hasler, Craig Hall-Leflore County Journal, Vickie Tincher, Bill Huddleston, Ben Johnson-Tahlequah Daily Press, Wendy Smith, Troy Littledeer, Brad Heath, Trent Stites, Carrie Rigsby, Ruth Kelly Studios, Vicki Reece-Westville Public Schools, Defining Moments, Michael Mayberry, Kimberly Smith-CK Fine Portraits, Allison Aday-Eufaula Public Schools, Brett Rojo, Josh Clough, Stephen Ward, April Quiett, Wes McMurtrey, Austin Bernard, Blunck’s Photography Studios, Jana Coffee, Marsha Rhoden, Mike Shelton, Jean Oard, Brandon Neris-Lawton Constitution CONTACT INFORMATION • Website: www.VYPEOK.com • Phone: 918-495.1771 • Fax: 918-495.1787 Advertising: bill.huddleston@vype.com Phone: 918.869.8212 Subscriptions: 918.495.1771 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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Tahlequah Tiger Girls Track

Tahlequah Tigers Girls Track The Lady Tigers ha ve performers in com been consistent petition with annu appearances on th al e events. Tahlequa medal stand in various h’s mental training as girls track team includes pa resulting in a com rt of their conditioning bined 3.885 GPA to the Class 5A Acad emic State Cham win pionship.

The 2014 title is the in the last five ye third straight and fourth ars for coach Elzy Miller’s squad.

Tahlequah Slow-Pitc h Softball

Tahlequahftball Slow-Pitch So

field with tellar on the tate s s a w p u e n lass 6A s The 2014 li record and C room, the -6 6 3 ll ra e v ss an o nce. In the cla finals appeara ieved excellence with ch Lady Tigers a 7 GPA to win the Class .8 3 d a combine pionship. The m a h C te ta S 6A Academic e 4th time (Fall/Spring) th honor marks Cloud’s squad to win tt a M h for Coac . the award

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

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F E AT U R E

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Defining Moments

Photo By Vickie Tincher

Alli George - Tahlequah Photo By John Hasler

AJ Deason - Stilwell

Emily Hull - Keys 6

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AJ U AN GU E AS2R T0Y12 402 10 31 2

Ernesto Martinez - Muskogee

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By John Hasler

Cherish Glass - Stilwell

Photo By Bill Huddleston

Derek Altman - Hilldale

Austin Jones - Muskogee

Photo By Michael Mayberry

Photo By Vickie Tincher

VYPE photographers capture the shining moments during Three Rivers action.

Joe Charboneau - Wagoner

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Bill Huddleston

P I C T UFRE EA TTUHRI S E

Paige Grooms Westville

Shelby Kite - Warner

Tramal Ivy Muskogee

Photo By Bill Huddleston

Leah Gragg Hilldale

Photo By Michael Mayberry

Lexi Israel - Muldrow

Shelby Nichols - Fort Gibson

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Vickie Reece

Kanaan Hardaway - Poteau

Photo By John Hasler Photo By Craig Hall-LeFlore County Journal

Kane Kindle - Westville

Photo By Von Castor

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Marea Breedlove

Kadrian Shelton - Fort Gibson

Trey Boshers - Muldrow JAN UG U J UA N R S EYT 2 0 1 432

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WARNER EAGLES ‘Flying High’ EAGLES SOAR AT STATE TRACK Paced by the double gold medal effort of freshman Kailey Kilpatrick, the Lady Eagles finished 5th in the Class 2A team standings at the state Kailey Kilpatrick track & field championships.

Kilpatrick claimed the gold in the 1600m (5:35.17) and 3200m (12:05.67). Mekko Washington raced his way to a bronze medal in the 400m run (50.17).

State Qualifiers/Results 400m Girls: Lessley Davis – 6th place 800m Girls: Brittney Hammans 1600m Girls: Kailey Kilpatrick-1st, Becky Kauffman, Taylor Duerson 3200m Girls: Kilpatrick-1st, Jessica Kauffman

Zac Jones

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100 & 300 Girls Hurdles: Darian Hammans Shot Put: Raven Girty – 6th place Discus: Robin Goodreau 4x800m (Becky Kauffman, Bailey Short, Allie Davis, Kailey Kilpatrick) – 2nd place 4x400m (Brittney Hammans, Short, A. Davis, Lessley Davis) 4x200m (Chelsea Anderson, Morgan Barton, Short, L. Davis) 400m Boys: Mekko Washington – 3rd place 4x200m: (Clint Kite, Dakota Bean, Jacob Crabtree, Mekko Washington) 4x400m: (Kite, Zac Jones, Bean, Washington) – 8th place Zak Rowell 4x800m: (Jeremiah Hart, Jones, Zac Rowell, Washington) – 8th place WARNER STUDENTS GIVE BACK With a spirit of compassion, students at Warner High School continue to meet the needs of the community through their participation in the Food Pantry and Community Clothing Store.

Initiated by 2014 senior Erika Vinson, the food pantry helps provide food for those in need while the clothing store makes clothing available for students

and families alike. The Community Clothing Store will be open throughout the summer.

WE’VE GOT SPIRIT When school begins in the fall, school spirit will be flying high with the help of the 2014-2015 Warner cheerleaders.

Not only will the squad raise the spirit levels at most athletic events, but the group will also compete in the OSSAA team championships.

Seniors: Caitlin Goodson, Kiarrah Pleas, Karis Terrell Juniors: Brook Moses, Kaylee Mathews, Kyla Parker, Kylee Scrapper, Payton Jackson, Timber McKinney, Tristan Roach Sophomores: Kailey Kilpatrick, Lessley Davis, Brittany Lyons Freshmen: Callie Glisson, Jaiden Rogers, Madison Ramming, Miranda Taylor Coaches: Kristi Taylor and Lisa Kilpatrick ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Thirty students from Warner were among the competitors at the 30th annual Interscholastic Championships held at Connors State College. Once again, WHS students proved to be among the best of the best: Erika Vinson – Speech 1st place, Basic Grammar 2nd place Chelsea Anderson – Oklahoma History 1st place Hannah Staton – Algebra II 1st place Cary Hayes – Accounting 2nd place Autumn Lee – Food & Nutrition 2nd place Devon McKay – English 2nd place Nick Hayes – Biology 3rd place

for this summer’s camps across the country. She went through numerous tryouts to earn her spot on staff. She says “I’m getting paid to do what I love while traveling the country.”

Mykala Rich

VIAN BASEBALL MAKES STATE TOURNEY After winning the regional tournament by forcing the “if-necessary” game, coach John Brockman’s squad punched another ticket to the Class 3A state tournament. In a true championship atmosphere, Jon Andrews pitched Vian to a 3-2 victory in the opening round. In a 2013 state finals rematch, Vian was defeated by Verdigris, the eventual state champion 8-3. Vian wrapped up the season with a 33-7 record including winning 17 of its final 20 games.

WOLVERINES RUN AT STATE Mykala Rich captured the bronze medal in the 3200m run and Jennifer Hunter finished 6th to score points while the Wolverines 4x200 relay squad (Trevon Taylor, Terran Moses,

Andre nglish, Eric Casey) captured medals at the Class 3A track & field championships.

ALL-AMERICAN CHEER School spirit for Vian athletics was loud and proud thanks to the leadership of the four All-American cheerleaders including Kaydi Wingo, Alexus Thornton, DeChayna Bartholomew and Sierra Faust (not pictured). In addition to her college scholarship to St. Gregory’s University, Bartholomew was also chosen to serve as a NCA cheerleading staff member

Kaydi Wingo Alexus Thornton DeChayna Bartholomew

4 x 200m Relay

VIAN FFA HANDS OUT HONORS Members of the Vian FFA were very busy and successful during the 201314 school year resulting in the award of student honors. The Homesite Evaluation team (Chloe Clifton, Hayden Arnold, Chase New and James Cordray) won the state championship and the group of New, James Cordray, Jake Sandlin and Dillon Weer earned Reserve National Champion honors.

Other awards include: Star Discovery – Jaelan Adams Star Greenhand – Hayden Arnold Chapter Star Farmer – Nathan Roberts Star in Ag-Mechanics – Zack Hollenback Hi-Point Jr. FFA Member – Beau Barton Hi-Point Sr. FFA Member – Jake Sandlin President’s Leadership Award – Dillon Weer Outstanding FFA Member – Chris Locust Vian Honorary FFA Member – Gill Risley

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Presented By

IRONHEADS SCORE AT STATE

Heidi Stafford

Luke VanCleave

RUN COLE RUN

Melissa Eldredge

The Lady Ironheads hopes of playing the home course to their advantage came up short of the green at the Class 3A State Golf Championships played at Fountainhead Creek. Led by the play of sophomore Melissa Eldredge second place finish (149), coach Bill Bumgarner’s team brought home the state runner-up trophy to cap another outstanding season that included eight first place finishes in nine events. Heidi Stafford (163) finished 5th while Rachel Donaldson placed tenth. All three plus Laura VanCleave return for next year to give the Lady Ironheads another solid shot at the state title.

Eufaula juniors Luke VanCleave (233), who finished 9th individually, and Mason Dobbs qualified for the Class 3A boys’ state championships played at Dornick Hills Country Club in Ardmore.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

Colin Walch

Dillon Larkin

Trey Moore was chosen as the Heartland Conference Most Valuable Player while teammates Ronnie Hallum, Colin Walch and Dillon Larkin were named to the All-Conference team.

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Cole Montgomery

BEST OF THE BEST

The senior class of 2014 left its legacy as part of the tradition of the Ironheads culminating with graduation exercises. Baylee Curtis and Devon Siers were honored as the Outstanding Senior Ironhead Athletes for the 2013-2014 school year. Curtis was chosen to receive the Sue Ann Saltsman honors while Siers was presented the Junior Golding award.

Other end of school year honors included Conner Sullivan and Madison Newton being chosen to receive the Indian Journal Students of the Year scholarship. Erica Martin and Colton Walker received the Masonic Lodge Students of Today honors while Colleen White and Gary Jones were named Oklahoma Academic Scholars.

WE’VE GOT THAT IRONHEAD SPIRIT

Ronnie Hallum

Led by the play of four all-conference baseball selections, the Eufaula Ironheads once again captured the Heartland Conference title. Coach Victor Paden’s squad ended the 2014 season with a 25-8 record and #10 ranking in Class 3A including winning the district tournament championship.

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Cole Montgomery was once again among the talented field of distance runners at the Class 3A State Meet held at Moore High School. The talented junior proved his endurance recording top ten finishes in his two events. On Friday, Montgomery ran the 3200m in the time of 10:08 and then Saturday came back to run the 1600m in 4:42 to finish 7th overall in both events.

School spirit will again be unmatched whenever the Ironheads are in action led by the high energy of the 2014-2015 Eufaula cheerleaders. Seven seniors including Ashtyn Rea, Shelby Heflin, Brandy Gentry, Riley Atwood, Ashlyn Turner, Tyressa Watts and Ryan Schunk will join juniors Diamond Stanley, Reagan Kerr and Paiten Perry on next year’s squad. Ten sophomores including Sierra Adams, Keylee Hiler, Hope Glover, Lexie Burns, Mariah Williams, Emily Williams, Brianna Crabtree, Kenedee Rittenhouse, Amy Armendariz and Baylee Heflin plus freshman Lacey Leeper complete the team coached again by Lori Curtis.

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Three Rivers Oklahoma F E AT U R E

All-VYPE Baseball

Caleb Knight Checotah

Hunter Wilson Spiro

Jon Andrews Vian

Tom Butler Checotah

All-VYPE Golf

BOYS GOLF JAKE JOHNSON – TAHLEQUAH CODY SHORE – POTEAU SPENCER SMYTHE – MUSKOGEE CHANDLER PUCKETT – HILLDALE WESLEY JACKSON – FORT GIBSON KODY WHITEHEAD – CAMERON TY STITES – SALLISAW LUKE VANCLEAVE – EUFAULA BLAKE BERRY – TAHLEQUAH DALTON RHODES – FORT GIBSON NICK PIERCE – SALLISAW CONNOR WHEAT – POTEAU

PITCHER HUNTER WILSON – SPIRO JON ANDREWS – VIAN JACK CHRISTIAN – CHECOTAH TREY MOORE – EUFAULA CONNOR MANGHAM – POCOLA TYLER MILLIGAN – WAGONER SETH SANDLIN – STIGLER COLBY McGEE – HEAVENER CHASE LONG – SALLISAW CATCHER CALEB KNIGHT – CHECOTAH TANNER FRANCIS – POCOLA DALTON MARTIN – OKTAHA AUSTIN RILEY – TAHLEQUAH KAYDON EVANS – POTEAU

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JAKE JOHNSON – TAHLEQUAH COACH OF THE YEAR: NICK BAKER – TAHLEQUAH

INFIELD WYATT HATRIDGE – CHECOTAH DENVER COFFEE – VIAN RYLEE SIMON – VIAN COLIN WALCH – EUFAULA WYAT GROOMS – WAGONER HARRIS JONES – MUSKOGEE DAKOTA MORSE – MUSKOGEE BAILEY PUCKETT – HILLDALE BUBBA STONE – FORT GIBSON TRISTAN JOHNSON – FORT GIBSON AUSTAN DREWRY – STIGLER AUSTIN TARVER – KEYS ZACH PARISH – SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH QUINTON JOHNSTON – SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH KAYDEN HAMMANS – WARNER A.J. DEASON – STILWELL

GIRLS GOLF HANNAH WARD – POTEAU MELISSA ELDREDGE – EUFAULA EMILEE RIGSBY – FORT GIBSON KATIE KIRKHART – HILLDALE HANNAH JONES – MUSKOGEE JAYLIE ROPER – OKTAHA MICHAELA EARLS – MULDROW MACKENZIE MARTINDALE – CENTRAL SALLISAW HEIDI STAFFORD – EUFAULA SKYLYNN TERRY – POTEAU KADRIAN SHELTON – FORT GIBSON KENNEDI PUCKETT – HILLDALE

OUTFIELD JACE PITCHFORD – POTEAU COLBY DeMATO – SPIRO ALEX WHEELAND – HASKELL DEREK ALTMAN – HILLDALE UTILITY SETH SANDLIN – STIGLER DECEUDA DAVIS – OKTAHA HUNTER COLLINS – CHECOTAH PAYTON YORK – BRAGGS DAKOTA FOUT – PANAMA COLTON GAMBLE – SPIRO JOSH WOOLLY – SPIRO LOGAN HILLEBRAND – TALIHINA PLAYER OF THE YEAR: CALEB KNIGHT – CHECOTAH COACH OF THE YEAR: TOM BUTLER – CHECOTAH

All-VYPE Slow-Pitch Softball RANDEE O’DONNELL – TAHLEQUAH CAITLIN CHUCALATE – TAHLEQUAH ERIN DILLARD – TAHLEQUAH KIRSTEN CHASE – TAHLEQUAH SHAYLEE ROWLAND – MUSKOGEE NIA MAXWELL – MUSKOGEE DEE EMARTHLE – MUSKOGEE CARLEE GANN – MUSKOGEE ALEX BUTCHER – MULDROW KARYN ATWELL – MULDROW ERIN MULDROW V Y P E O K . C– OM 12 EDWARDS | JUNE 2014

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RAE LYNN CALDWELL – POTEAU SUNNIE McCONNELL – POTEAU JORDYN GOTES – POTEAU LEXI MOODY – HEAVENER JAYCEE MANLEY – HEAVENER CHEYANNE CRANFIELD – HEAVENER JODIE HILL – HEAVENER HAYLEIGH GALVAN – SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH MERISSA SMITH – SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH V Y P E O K . C O M

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Hannah Ward Poteau

Kirsten Chase Tahlequah

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: HANNAH WARD – POTEAU COACH OF THE YEAR: OREN SIKES – HILLDALE

Shaylee Rowland Muskogee

Cody Shore Poteau

Hayleigh Galvan Sequoyah Tahlequah

KELSEY LEACH – SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH CLARA BROWN – WISTER ASHLYN MEEKS – WISTER KYLA BROWN – WISTER JOHNNA BAILEY – PORUM KATIE McCULLAR – PORUM CALLIE BARNES – OKTAHA KALLEE KING – OKTAHA MIRANDA CHERRY – FORT GIBSON SAGE STOUT – FORT GIBSON J U LY

2 0 1 1

TAYLOR FARLEY – POCOLA RAVEN GIRTY – WARNER PAIGE TAYLOR – HULBERT KRISTA BOLIN – HULBERT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: KIRSTEN CHASE – TAHLEQUAH COACH OF THE YEAR: RODALE SANDERS – HEAVENER

Spring

All-VYPE Soccer

GIRLS JORDAN RAYNOR – FORT GIBSON BROOKE BENHAM – FORT GIBSON SHELBY NICHOLS – FORT GIBSON GABBY ESCAMILLA – FORT GIBSON SARAH PADEN – STILWELL HAILEY COCHRAN – STILWELL LEAH GRAGG – HILLDALE NICOLE WRIGHT – HILLDALE PAIGE LOGSDON – MUSKOGEE MORGAN SPRINGBORN – MUSKOGEE JAYCIE STOPP – KEYS BREANNA SCOTT – KEYS KALLIE JONES – PORTER KENNEDY MATHIS – PORTER SHAYDEN SNYDER – WESTVILLE PAIGE GROOMS - WESTVILLE MIKAYLA TAYLOR - WAGONER TAYLOR DUNCAN – WAGONER MACKENZIE SMITH – TAHLEQUAH RACHEL BROWN – TAHLEQUAH PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JORDAN RAYNOR – FORT GIBSON COACH OF THE YEAR: JAMIE SNYDER – FORT GIBSON BOYS ASHBY CLARK – POTEAU KENDRICK HARDAWAY – POTEAU JESSE BARNES - POTEAU DANIEL MIELNIK – FORT GIBSON ZACH COBLER – FORT GIBSON ZACH PETERSON – FORT GIBSON JOHAN CHAVEZ - FORT GIBSON DAVID ESPINOZA – MUSKOGEE RAMON GUITIERREZ – MUSKOGEE BAILEY JAMES – HILLDALE MICHAEL BRECKON – HILLDALE HUNTER WOODS – HILLDALE SAUL MEDINA – TAHLEQUAH ALBERTO RAMIREZ - TAHLEQUAH MIGUEL ALCANTAR – HEAVENER ROGELIO SERRANO – HEAVENER CAMERON DUMOND – WAGONER JARRETT ELLIS – WAGONER PLAYER OF THE YEAR: ASHBY CLARK – POTEAU COACH OF THE YEAR: NETO SILVA – POTEAU

Callie Barnes Oktaha

All-VYPE Track

Ashby Clark Poteau

Jordan Raynor Fort Gibson

GIRLS SYDNEY LAWRENCE – STILWELL KAILEY KILPATRICK – WARNER LESSLEY DAVIS – WARNER RAVEN GIRTY – WARNER BRITTANY HAMMANS – WARNER MYKALA RICH –VIAN JENNIFER HUNTER – VIAN SHANESSIA WALTERS – VIAN KANDACE STANDRIDGE – POTEAU DEVEN BOND – POTEAU SKYLAR WEBSTER – POTEAU JODIE HILL – HEAVENER JIMMIE POOL – SPIRO KAYCIE PHILLIPS – SPIRO MIRIAH STEELE – SPIRO PHILICEA MACK – SPIRO ALEXA MINER – MIDWAY LEXI LIVINGSTON – PORUM KRISTINE WEST – MULDROW AMY HEMBREE – TAHLEQUAH GRACIE MEDELLIN – TAHLEQUAH MORGAN THOMPSON – TAHLEQUAH LYRIC PETERSON – TAHLEQUAH KEISHA BROWN – TALIHINA BAILEY THOMAS – WAGONER CODESHA HARLIN – WAGONER KYLA MARTIN – FORT GIBSON BRITTANY POE – SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH KAYLA DAVIS – SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH SAVANNAH SMALLWOOD – HOWE ALI ANDREWS – KEYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: KAILEY KILPATRICK – WARNER

BOYS BRANDON CONRAD – TAHLEQUAH ZECH VANFLEET – TAHLEQUAH LOGAN COOK – TAHLEQUAH ERIC GARCIA – TAHLEQUAH BRENT GIRDNER – STILWELL JOSEPH WALKER – HEAVENER BRYCE TOLLISON – HEAVENER NICK KINGFISHER – SEQ. TAHLEQUAH TERRANCE NOFIRE – SEQ. TAHLEQUAH AUSTIN CANTRELL – ROLAND MADISON BUNCH – ROLAND JOHN PRUITT – WESTVILLE COLE MONTGOMERY – EUFAULA CHASE GIRDNER – KEYS ZACH BLACK – SALLISAW SINUE RODRIGUEZ – SALLISAW SKYLAR OREN – SALLISAW LANE BENGE – SALLISAW TANNER CAPEHART – SALLISAW KENDRICK HARDAWAY – POTEAU MASON JONES – POTEAU DREW DAN – CHECOTAH BEN FOWLER – CHECOTAH MCKINLEY WHITFIELD – SPIRO MALIK WALKER – SPIRO TREVON MITCHEM – SPIRO ERIC CASEY – VIAN COLEMAN CRAWLEY – FORT GIBSON RANDELL CORBELL – PORUM MEKKO WASHINGTON – WARNER CLAY SIZEMORE – GANS MARCUS BAKER – TALIHINA HAMPTON GIBSON – CENTRAL SALLISAW JACOB POLK – GORE TERY COOK – HULBERT ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: JOHN PRUITT – WESTVILLE

CONNER FINERTY Muskogee

Kailey Kilpatrick Warner

All-VYPE Tennis

John Pruitt Westville

GIRLS LAURA JARDINE – MUSKOGEE ABBY WAYMAN – MUSKOGEE ALEXIS ROSSON – MUSKOGEE CLAIRE FARMER – MUSKOGEE JENSEN MARTIN – MUSKOGEE SARAH SCHEFELBEIN – TAHLEQUAH KATIE SCHNEIDER – TAHLEQUAH AMANDA MELNICK – TAHLEQUAH DESTINY GUZMAN – TAHLEQUAH

BOYS CONNER FINERTY – MUSKOGEE RYAN PEARCE – MUSKOGEE CONNER NELSON – TAHLEQUAH SKYLAR ABBOTT – POTEAU JORDAN DOTSON – SALLISAW CHRIS LINDSAY – WAGONER TANNER EPPERSON – WAGONER BRETT DRAKE – WAGONER KELLOR DEARMAN- WAGONER

GIRLS PLAYERS OF YEAR: SARAH SCHEFELBEIN & KATIE SCHNEIDER – TAHLEQUAH GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR: APRIL QUIETT – TAHLEQUAH

BOYS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: CONNER FINERTY – MUSKOGEE BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR: RUSTY BRADLEY – MUSKOGEE

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POWERED BY BRADLEY FUNERAL HOME

F-C-A Athlete

of the Month SYDNEY LAWRENCE Stilwell High School

An injury filled season would dampen, and often destroy the spirits of many athletes. Despite the unknown cause of pain while running for the Stilwell track team, Sydney Lawrence never lost sight of the ultimate prize, a result of her relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Not knowing what was going to happen every time I ran was frightening,” said Lawrence. “It was my faith in Him that got me through the challenges.”

Known for her constant smile, Lawrence also welcomes the challenge to maintain a Christ-filled witness daily.

“It can be really hard to always walk in Christ’s footsteps when the chips are down,” admits the Stilwell junior. “And knowing that my witness for Christ is always on trial, I’ve leaned on Him for strength, especially considering that everything I do might be a stumbling block to another person who is looking for an answer to their trials. Just knowing the peace that only Christ can give is empowering for me everyday. And, having that confidence is the reason I can smile everyday. Realizing the blessings God has given me is awesome and my talents are a gift from Him.” Colossians 3:15-17 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

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While waiting on Checotah’s game to begin at the Class 4A state baseball tournament, VYPE caught up with Jack Christian of Checotah High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting his answers, we posed the questions to Jack’s dad, Randy Christian, for his evaluation and then presented the challenge to Tom Butler, head baseball coach of the Wildcats. Who has the best game plan?

The ace of the Wildcats’ pitching staff, Jack Christian is a 2014 junior at Checotah High School. A three year starter in baseball at shortstop and on the mound, Christian recorded a 10-1 record and 2.1 ERA while helping guide the “Blue Crew” to the school’s first ever appearance in the state baseball tournament. Known to his teammates as “Poseidon”, Christian expects to be calling signals at quarterback for Checotah’s football team this fall.

Jack Christian Checotah Baseball

Jack’s favorite subject in school?

Wildcats’ Coach

Randy Christian Jack’s Dad

History

Biology

History

June’s Chicken (Chicken Strips & Fries— Everyday!)

June’s

June’s (Frequent Diner Member)

Jack’s favorite type of music?

Christian Rap

Hip Hop

Christian Rap

Jack’s locker room (aka bedroom) is clean & neat, organized chaos or tornado alley?

Organized Chaos

Organized Chaos

If Jack is trapped in high school forever, who would he choose to stay with him?

Cody Cox

Cody Cox

Hunter Collins

Jack’s favorite athlete?

Derek Jeter

Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan

Facebook, Instagram or Twitter?

Instagram

Twitter

Instagram

Jack’s Dream Job?

Pitcher in Major Leagues

Pitcher in Major Leagues

Pitcher in Major Leagues

Something Jack is afraid of?

Heights

Failure

His Dad

Would Jack rather give a speech, sing a song or read his text messages aloud?

Sing A Song

Sing A Song

Sing A Song

5 out of 10 Good try coach.

Way to go Dad!

Jack’s favorite place to eat?

TOTAL POINTS: 10 16

Tom Butler

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Tornado Alley (He can’t find anything!)

6 out of 10

crops _________

sweat ________

pride ________

commitment ______________ passion ___________

tough _________

THE ALL-NEW VIKING™ EPS 4X4.

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of SUCCESS

Today’s society has many definitions of success. In coaching, most measure success through wins and championships. For Oren Sikes, girls’ head golf coach at Hilldale High School, success is more than the score of the game.

“Success for me is what you can do to help someone else achieve their goal,” smiled Sikes. “As a coach, I’ve always tried to create opportunities for my players to succeed.”

A 1975 graduate of Muskogee High School, Sikes was a member of the Roughers’ state championship baseball team coached by John Leafer, who Sikes gives credit for influencing his coaching style.

“Coach Leafer taught all his players how to combine hard work and have fun at the same time,” recalled Sikes. “Leafer’s humor kept us on our toes. He definitely taught me the importance of caring for kids and their lives as much as about winning games.”

Respect is another important ingredient that Sikes enjoys sharing with today’s student athletes.

“My dad and mom (Oren, Sr. & Delphia) taught me by their example the importance of having respect for others, no matter who it is or whatever the case might be.”

After graduation from Northeastern State University, the ever smiling Sikes got his first job in 1982 as an elementary PE teacher at Hilldale.

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And, while the trail of success includes coaching a variety of sports, Hilldale High School Sikes feels lucky to have done it all smiles as his Hilldale Lady Hornets all at one school, proudly wearing the have won the Class 4A girls golf state Hornets’ red and white. championships.

“I’ve coached pretty much all of the “It’s really special to see the girls sports here,” Sikes recalled, “baseball, accomplish their goals,” said Sikes. softball, football, basketball and now golf. I’ve loved it from day one to today. “The Powerade water jug shower is worth it all. They caught me by I guess you’d call me a players’ coach.

I’ve always tried to make sure my kids surprise this time and turned my white shorts to my favorite color, red.” know how much I care about them.

I’m not the rough and rugged type but And, while winning the two state titles more the coach that knows when to be is proof of being the best, Sikes also firm and how to have fun too.” notes the comeback words of thanks After 32 years as a coach and educator received from former players are also confirmation of success. all at Hilldale, Sikes values the opportunity to be a role model.

“Pierre Ngo is one of my former players who is now the strength “Kids today need a role model,” said coach for the New York Jets,” said Sikes. “Sometimes that’s as simple as Sikes. “His email said thanks coach being an encourager, building them for your inspiration. I’ve kept it on my up when things are a little bumpy.

They need your love and trust that you computer. It gives me a boost to try to do something special everyday for believe in them no matter what.” someone else.”

Sikes and his wife Judy have three sons Success in life is the result of a including twins Cameron and Kyle combination of experiences. And along with their youngest, Grant, a there’s no doubt that Oren Sikes sophomore at Hilldale. knows how to make the best of every “It’s much harder being a dad than situation and make it better for those coaching any sport,” admits Sikes who around him. enjoys time spent watching his son play golf for the Hornets. “Sometimes, I just have to look the other way.”

The past two seasons, Sikes has been

Oren Sikes

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BACK – TO – BACK CLAS 2014 RESULTS

Tournament Location Result Wagoner Invitational Western Hills GC 1st Place Oktaha Invitational Fountainhead Creek GC 3rd Place Coweta Invitational Golf Club of Oklahoma 4th Place Hilldale Invitational Cobblestone GC 3rd Place Liberty Invitational Clary Fields GC 1st Place Cushing Invitational Cushing GC 1st Place Poteau Invitational Wolf Ridge GC 4th Place Verdigris Valley Conf.

Shangri-La GC 1st Place Pryor Invitational Pryor Creek GC 1st Place 4A Regionals Clary Fields GC 1st Place 4A State Tournament Lake Hefner GC 1st Place

Katie Kirkhart

Paige Snyder

Kennedi Puckett

ATEM CASH

CONGRATULATES THE HORNETS!

SS 4A STATE CHAMPIONS Katie Kirkhart – Sophomore Paige Snyder – Junior Kennedi Puckett – Sophomore Shelby McGlothlin – Freshman Zoe Jones – Sophomore Oren Sikes – Head Coach

Shelby McGlothlin

Zoe Jones

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a seventh-place tie. Hunter Pennington (232, 73-7980), Blake Cochran (244, 85-77-82) and Kyler Arnall (249, 83-83-83) rounded out the rest of Tahlequah’s scores.

Team Standings: 1.

Tahlequah 912 2.Shawnee 913 3. Bishop Kelley 939 TAHLEQUAH AND HILLDALE - STATE CHAMPS 4. Edison 943 5. Deer Creek 945 Top Individuals: 1. Jake With the drama of Amen Corner, high school golf Johnson, Tahlequah 215 2. Trent Miesel, Lawton state championships created heart throbbing Mac 216 3. Mason Keller 218 4. Brady King, emotions as teams from Three Rivers took “dead Bishop Kelley, 219 5. Cody Burrow, Chickasha aim” in quest of the top prize.

220 Tournament play for the men included 54 Class 4A Boys holes of stroke play while the women’s teams combined two day 36-hole totals to decide the Heritage Hall set the pace in round one and 2014 OSSAA State Championships. When all the never let up en route to the 4A boys crown as scores were posted, the Tahlequah Tigers (5A the Chargers, playing with four sophomores Boys) and Hilldale Hornets (4A Girls) captured and a freshman posted a team total 885 to earn team titles. The “green jacket”, a symbol for a 16-stroke margin of victory. Fort Gibson, individual medalist honors, would require paced by the play of Wesley Jackson and Dalton dramatic efforts to win the gold medal.

Rhoden, took second place honors with a 54-hole team score of 901.

Class 5A Boys The chase for individual honors literally came The dreams of the Tahlequah Tigers golf team down to the final shot for Poteau junior Cody and head coach Nick Baker came through in Shore. Stepping to the 18th tee on the Lake dramatic fashion with a 1-stroke margin of Hefner North course, Shore needed a birdie victory to capture the 5A boys’ title. With a on the par-5 501 yard hole just tie Hilldale combination of scores from all five players over senior Chandler Puckett, whose final round 73 the two days of action at Fort Sill Golf Course produced a 211 total in the clubhouse. After near Lawton, Tahlequah proved the best of the reaching the green on his second shot, Shore field with rounds of 300-303-309 totaling 912 thrilled the crowd by rolling in a 20-foot putt for to edge second place Shawnee (913) by a single an eagle and the one stroke margin of victory. shot.

“After hitting one of the only two trees on the “When you realize that literally every single shot hole off the tee, I used a 7-iron to reach the made a difference, the rush of emotions was green,” Shore recalled. “But when the putt incredible,” said Baker, who has been involved dropped for the eagle, I was speechless. But after with all of the golfers since their youth golf days. it all sunk in, it’s taken two weeks for my heart to “Since we first started playing together at Cherry stop pounding.”

Springs (now Cherokee Springs), you hoped this day would eventually come.

Shore won medalist honors in seven of 11 tournaments this spring.

Tiger senior Jake Johnson posted scores of 7071-74 for a 54-hole total score of 215, 1-under Team Standings: 1. Heritage Hall 885 2. Fort par to capture 5A medalist honors by one Gibson 901 3. Cascia Hall 911 4. Poteau 918 5. stroke. Johnson, who will play collegiately at Sallisaw 928 Northeastern State, didn’t want to take his hand Top Individuals: 1. Cody Shore, Poteau 210 off the trophies.

2. Chandler Puckett, Hilldale 211 3. Quade “Winning the medalist honor made up for last Cummins, Weatherford 213 4. Logan Gore, Elk year,” notes Johnson referencing a 3rd place City 215 5. Tripp Harris, Heritage Hall 219 6. finish in 2013. “But, to be able to win the team Wesley Jackson, Fort Gibson & Chase Turner, title is a dream come true for all of us. We’ve Metro Christian 220 8. Dalton Rhoden, Fort worked together as a team to make this happen.

Gibson and Ty Stites, Sallisaw 221.

The competitive depth of our team kept everyone Class 6A Boys on top of our game.”

Edmond North continued its dominance of Class Blake Berry carded a 73 in the final round and 6A golf winning the state title for a record setting finished with a 223, which was good enough for 10th straight year by a 57-stroke margin over

Jake Johnson 22

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Cody Shore

Chandler Puckett

second place Edmond Memorial.

Huskies’ freshman Austin Eckroat used a final round 1-under par 71 to win medalist honors by a single stroke over teammate Hayden Wood.

Muskogee senior Spencer Smythe totaled 54 holes at 228 for a fourth place finish among medalist honors while Harris Jones and Connor Scott also represented the Roughers competing at Karsten Creek in Stillwater.

Team Standings: 1. Edmond North 900 2.

Edmond Memorial 957 3. Owasso 964 4. Jenks 965 5. Norman North 967 Top Individuals: 1. Austin Eckroat, Edmond North 223 2. Hayden Wood, Edmond North 224 3. Thomas Johnson, Norman North 227 4.

Spencer Smythe, Muskogee 228 5. Nick Heinen, Edmond North 229 Class 3A Boys Playing in the comfort of their home course at Lakeview in Ardmore, Plainview placed three of its five players among the top five scores to win the 3A crown by 20 strokes over second place Pauls Valley. Rain on the first day of play extended the round to the second day as golfers fired at the pins over 54 holes.

Zac Schaeffer won in a playoff over Matt Henry of Pauls Valley for the medalist honors. Eufaula’s Luke VanCleave finished in a tie for 9th overall at 233.

Team Standings: 1. Plainview 907 2. Pauls Valley 927 3. Oklahoma Christian 955 4.

Tishomingo 964 5. Marlow 978 Top Individuals: 1. Zac Schaeffer, Oklahoma Christian 220 2. Matt Henry, Pauls Valley 220 3. Nate Hoben, Plainview 221 4. Cooper Little, Plainview 227 5. Carson Seals, Plainview 228 Class 2A Boys Battling the conditions on the Oakwood Country Club layout in Enid, Laverne produced a team total 54-hole score of 954 to win the 2A championship while Rejoice Christian finished in second place Brad Dalke of Hobart built a 7-stroke lead on day one and then managed his game to earn a 2-stroke margin of victory over Mason Overstreet of Laverne for medalist honors. Cameron’s Kody Whitehead combined rounds of 71-78-78 to claim a fourth place finish.

Team Standings: 1. Laverne 954 2. Rejoice Christian 985 3. Chisholm 1001 4. Christian Heritage 1016 5. Oklahoma Bible 1025.

Top Individuals: 1. Brad Dalke, Hobart 212 2. Mason Overstreet, Laverne 214 3.

Brandon Strathe, Rejoice Christian 220 4. Kody Whitehead, Cameron 226 5. Austin Hamilton, Stroud 229.

Dalton Rhoden

Ty Stites

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Spencer Smythe

Luke VanCleave

Class 4A Girls The challenge to defend its 4A crown brought pressure for Hilldale, whose scorecard of players included one junior, three sophomores and a freshman. Despite trailing by six strokes in the team totals after day one, the energetic Lady Hornets totaled a final round of 351 team number to total a 36-hole score of 698 to win a second straight championship by three strokes over Fort Gibson (701).

“Repeating as champions feels really good,” admits head coach Oren Sikes. “We had to wait out the rain delay and then keep our focus in the final stretch for the win. I’m so proud of the girls for staying calm under pressure.”

Katie Kirkhart’s opening day round of 78 was the low round on the Hornets two-day scorecard but the combined efforts of Kirkhart, Kennedi Puckett, Shelby McGlothlin, Paige Snyder and Zoe Jones were balanced enough for the back-toback three stroke margin of victory.

“We’re going to chase a three-peat,” smiled Kirkhart, just a sophomore, acknowledging all five players return next season.

Poteau senior Hannah Ward captured her own three-peat by winning the Class 4A medalist award after winning the last two years. Playing through the discomfort of a wrist injury, the Arkansas-Little Rock signee overcame a twostroke deficit following day one to post a 1-overpar 73 to claim the top spot with a 36-hole score of 149, two strokes better than Emilee Rigsby of Fort Gibson (151).

“For some reason, I was really nervous going into day one,” Ward admitted after a first round score of 76. “But on the final nine holes on day two, I put together a string of birdies that put me in control. It’s an awesome feeling to win three in a row.”

Poteau golf won both the 4A medalist titles with Ward and Cody Shore taking the 2014 titles.

“We live on the same street,” chuckled Ward.

“Cody and I have worked endlessly to win it. I guess there’s something in the water.”

Team Standings: 1. Hilldale 698 2. Fort Gibson 701 3. Clinton 702 4. Poteau 705 5. Cache 705 9. Muldrow 779 12. Wagoner 813 Top Individuals: 1. Hannah Ward, Poteau 149 2. Emilee Rigsby, Fort Gibson 151 3. Paige Neidy, Clinton 158 4. Katie Kirkhart, Hilldale 159 5. Kelsi Wilson, Elk City 162 6. Kadrian Shelton, Fort Gibson 164 7. Michaela Earls, Muldrow 168 Class 3A Girls The familiarity of Fountainhead Creek was the prize awarded to the defending 3A champions as Eufaula sought to repeat its team title from last year on their home golf track. Coach Bill Bumgarner’s four player lineup was poised to repeat heading to the final round in second place three strokes behind Purcell as the Lady Ironheads totaled a season best 18-hole score of 326.

After waiting through a morning rain delay, the Dragons kept Eufaula in the rear view mirror

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Hannah Ward

Katie Kirkhart

to win the 3A team title with a 36-hole team total of 649 and a 10-stroke margin.

Eufaula sophomore Melissa Eldredge entered the final 18 holes of play tied for the individual lead posting an opening day 1-over-par 73 along with the defending 3A medalist Ali White of Idabel.

The Warriors’ senior all but settled the contest recording a hole-in-one on the par three third hole on the Fountainhead Creek course. White’s pitching wedge resulting in the ace proved to be the right shot to give her a two-stroke win over Eldredge.

“Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don’t,” smiled Eldredge. “I made a comeback on the back nine to get within one. We’ll have everyone back next year with another year experience to chase the team title again.”

Heidi Stafford (81-82 163) earned a top five finish while Rachel Donaldson (84-83 167) finished seventh. Hope Lasiter’s 36 hole score totaled 180 for the second place Ironheads.

Team Standings: 1. Purcell 649 2. Eufaula 659 3. Idabel 674 4. Plainview 5. Henryetta 731 Top Individuals: 1. Ali White, Idabel 147 2.

Melissa Eldredge, Eufaula 149 3. Ashton Nemecek, Purcell 151 4. Katelyn Walker, Plainview 162 5. Heidi Stafford, Eufaula 163 Class 6A Girls Union’s command of 6A girls golf continued at Ponca City Country Club as the Lady Redskins won their fourth consecutive team title with a 36-hole total 626 to outpace the play of second place Broken Arrow (644).

Muskogee returned to the state tournament field with sophomore Hannah Jones leading the scoring for the Lady Roughers with a two day total 167 for a 15th place individually.

Bishop McGuinness’ Alexis Sadeghy followed her opening round 71 with a 74 to earn low medalist honors (145). Broken Arrow sophomore Taylor Dobson finished second with a two-day 150 total 150.

Team Standings: 1. Union 626 2. Broken Arrow 644 3. Bixby 683 4. Jenks 686 5.

Edmond Santa Fe 693 10. Muskogee 732 Top Individuals: 1. Alexis Sodeghy, McGuiness 145 2. Taylor Dobson, Broken Arrow 150 3.

Trudy Allen, Union 153 4. Anna Kim, Union 154 5. Marla Souvannasing, Union 156 Class 5A Girls Duncan competing on its home course at Duncan Golf & Tennis Club, picked up its second title in three years as the Demons, who were led by state runner-up Kayla Witt (156), rallied from five strokes back to win.

Durant’s Sydney Youngblood made it two in a row winning the tournament with 148 score to lead the Lady Lions to a 2nd place finish. Deer Creek finished 3rd behind Emily Folsom’s 157 for 3rd individually.

Team Standings: 1. Duncan 678 2. Durant 691 3. Deer Creek 693 Top Individuals: 1. Sydney Youngblood,

Durant 148 2.

Kayla Witt, Kody Whitehead Duncan 156 3.

Emily Folsom, Deer Creek 157 4. Whitney Hall, Duncan 161 5. Liz Hargis, Ardmore 162 Class 2A Girls The Lady Falcons of Turner found the Trosper Golf Course to its liking by posting a first day 32 stroke lead led by the play of Perri and Andi McGill en route to the eventual Class 2A team championship.

Shelbie Black of Nowata was consistent posting rounds of 73-73 (146) to claim the tournament’s top individual prize by two strokes over Addison Losornio of Claremore Christian (148). Oktaha’s Jaylie Roper watched numerous putts lip out over the two days en route to a 155 total for a 6th place finish.

Team Standings: 1. Turner 630 2. Mooreland 686 3. Latta 697 4. Chisholm 746 5. VelmaAlma 771 Top Individuals: 1. Shelbie Black, Nowata 146 2. Addison Losornio, Claremore Christian 3.

Kate Goodwin, Riverfield Co. Day 149 4. Perri McGill, Turner 150 5. Sierra Holden, Fletcher 151 6. Jaylie Roper, Oktaha 155.

All-State Golf Seven area golfers earned All-State honors and will compete at the Oklahoma Coaches Association All State games on July 28th. AllState golf will be played at Cherokee Hills in Catoosa.

Hannah Ward – Poteau Kadrian Shelton – Fort Gibson Spencer Smythe – Muskogee Jake Johnson – Tahlequah Chandler Puckett – Hilldale Wesley Jackson – Fort Gibson Kody Whitehead – Cameron

Emilee Rigsby

Melissa Eldredge

Heidi Stafford

Hannah Jones

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Tahlequah Tigers

TOURNAMENT LOCATIONS March 12 McLain Invitational March 24 Coweta Invitational April 1 Claremore Invitational April 7 Metro Lakes Conference April 14 Ada Tournament of Cha April 15 Union Invitational April 21 Grove Invitational April 28 Bartlesville Invitational May 5 Class 5A Regional Tourn May 12-13 Class 5A State Tournam

Downtown Historic Tahlequah Lake Tenkiller Office 201 South Muskogee Ave. Corner of Hwy 82 & Indian Rd. (918) 458-5888 (918) 201-0007

Congratulations Tigers Class 5A State Champions 26

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igers GOLF – 2014

RESULT

Forest Ridge GC 1st Place

Golf Club of OK 2nd Place

Heritage Hills GC 1st Place e Patricia Island GC 2nd Place ampions Oak Hills CC 5th Place

LaFortune GC 1st Place

Patricia Island GC 1st Place

Adams GC 3rd Place nament McAlester CC 1st Place ment Ft. Sill GC – Lawton 1st Place

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WRITING HISTORY

Checotah Makes First Trip, Vian and Spiro Return To State

Checotah Wildcats The long and winding road to reach the OSSAA State Baseball Tournament is something that every team strives to achieve each spring. The 2014 championships found familiar names such as Vian and Spiro returning to the Class 3A championship field while the Class 4A port of call was a maiden voyage for the Checotah Wildcats.

CLASS 4A The “Blue Crew” earned their way to the final eight teams competing for the Class 4A crown with a balanced combination of solid pitching and timely hitting, using power and small ball when needed.

In the tourney opener, Checotah, ranked 18th in the final poll, would match up against tradition rich # 6 ranked Byng, a school that plays baseball in the spring and fall seasons. The heartbeat of the Wildcats was steady as junior right-hander Jack Christian held the Pirates’ bats in check allowing just one hit through five innings. After scoring the go ahead run in the second, Wyatt Hatridge continued doing his talking with the bat going 3-3 including a 2-RBI single scoring Christian and Cody Cox to put the ‘Cats on top 4-1 in the fourth. Tom Butler’s squad wrote school history by not only making

Wyatt Hatridge

the tournament for the first time but also getting the 5-2 win to advance to the semi-finals.

While senior classmates were at home walking through graduation exercises, five seniors including Caleb Knight, Jimmy Eddy, Wyatt Hatridge, Mark Miles and Justin Rhodes were poised to move to the 4A championship as Knight’s pitching held Dewey batters at bay while the ‘Cats bats built a 3-1 lead. Needing just three outs to make the finals, Checotah’s Cinderella season came to an end as #3-ranked Dewey took advantage of scoring chances with 7 runs in the top of the seventh to gain an 8-3 decision. A season to remember, Checotah finished the year with a 29-8 record.

In the finals, Dewey surrendered a 3-0 lead to Tuttle in the middle innings as #1-ranked Tigers claimed the 4A championship with a 4-3 victory.

CLASS 3A When the pairings for Class 3A were released, Vian and Spiro had punched their ticket to the final eight team list and would square off against each other for the third time this year.

Spiro, ranked #5 in the final poll, had won the two previous meetings during the regular season against the #6 ranked Wolverines.

The final game of the opening round was a championship atmosphere with Hunter Wilson on the hill for the Bulldogs facing Vian lefthander Jon Andrews in a pitchers battle.

With base runners a premium, Vian created a 2-out scoring chance when A.J. Rodriguez

Caleb Knight

Jason Hickman

delivered a 2-run RBI single in the sixth inning to give Vian the lead going to the final frame.

With the game hanging in the balance, Wilson, who allowed just three hits on the mound, came through at the plate with a run scoring triple to leave the game tying run 90 feet away from the plate. Andrews battled Spiro senior Colby DeMato in the next at bat before the lanky lefthander induced a fly ball to left for the final out. The well-known adage it’s hard to beat a team three times proved true as Vian advanced with a 3-2 win. Spiro, making a third straight trip to the Class 3A state tournament, closed the year at 24-9.

The semi-finals would be a rematch of the 2013 finals as the Wolverines would meet Verdigris, the defending champion. Vian skipper John Brockman gave the ball to A.J. Rodriguez to take the mound and the crafty lefthander worked out of jams while helping his own cause with the bat by producing three RBIs to take a 3-2 lead to the seventh inning while teammate Eric Cartmill went 2-for-3 scoring twice.

Needing just 3 outs to reach the championship for a second straight year, Vian surrendered six runs in the top of the final frame as the Cardinals garnered the 8-3 decision. Vian, with only 3 seniors on its roster, ends the year at 28-11.

Top ranked Verdigris (31-6) would win its fourth straight 3A crown with a 2-0 win over Kansas.

State Champions 6A: Stillwater 5A: Carl Albert 4A: Tuttle 3A: Verdigris 2A: Dale A: Binger-Oney B: Red Oak

Josh Bolin

A.J. Rodriguez

Careers Start Here Indian Capital Technology Center Muskogee: 800-375-8324 28

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Full Time | Short Term | Online | Business & Industry Services

Sallisaw: 800-340-9119

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www.ictctech.com

Drive and determination are only two words to describe the talents of Hunter Wilson of Spiro.

In the Bulldogs drive to the Class 3A state baseball tournament, Wilson continued to be the sparkplug of success.

During the 2014 season, Wilson topped the charts whether at the plate, on the mound or defensively at shortstop.

His .561 batting average led the team including 42 RBI, 8 home runs, 3 triples, 12 doubles as well as a perfect 25-25 stolen base attempts. Wilson’s .693 on base percentage results from 105 at-bat appearances.

On the mound, Wilson was 7-2 on the year with a 1.19 ERA recording 65 strikeouts in 58.6 innings. When not on the hill, Wilson was a defensive gem playing at shortstop with a fielding .915 fielding average.

A 2014 Spiro graduate, Wilson’s next stop will be at Division-I Stephen F. Austin on a baseball scholarship.

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Gold-Silver-Bronze

Ca Indian Capital Technology Center

Track & field efforts deliver state’s best results.

Muskogee: 800-375-8324

Photos By Defining Moments

Kandace Standridge Poteau

Nick Kingfisher Sequoyah Tahlequah

Poteau 4x800

Sequoyah Tahlequah 4x800

Sydney Lawrence Stilwell

Terrance Nofire Sequoyah Tahlequah

Zech VanFleet Tahlequah

Track & field efforts deliver state’s best results.

In all classes of competition, athletes from Three Rivers again proved to be among the top performers during the OSSAA State Track Championships.

Medals of gold, silver and bronze were placed around the neck of the top finishers for their efforts including many personal best results in the spotlight of statewide competition.

GOLD MEDALS Brandon Conrad – Tahlequah, Sr. (Class 5A High Jump: 6’ 06”) Kandace Standridge – Poteau, So. (Class 4A 800m: 2:20.61) Skylar Oren – Sallisaw, Jr. (Class 4A 200m: 22.23) Austin Cantrell – Roland, Jr. (Class 4A Shot Put: 55’ 03”) Brittany Poe – Sequoyah Tahlequah, So. (Class 3A Shot Put: 37’ 05”) John Pruitt – Westville, So. (Class 3A 300 hurdles: 39.42) Nick Kingfisher – Sequoyah Tahlequah, Sr. (Class 3A High Jump: 6’08” Kailey Kilpatrick – Warner, Fr. (Class 2A 1600m: 5:35.17) Kailey Kilpatrick – Warner, Fr. (Class 2A 3200m: 12:05.67) Keisha Brown – Talilhina, Sr. (Class 2A High Jump: 5’ 0”) SILVER MEDALS Sydney Lawrence – Stilwell, Jr. (Class 5A 1600m 5:28.96) Lyric Peterson – Tahlequah, Fr. (Class 5A Shot Put 38’ 09”) Poteau Girls – Class 4A 4x800 relay: 9:41.69 Drew Dan – Checotah, So. (Class 4A 200m 22.52) Sinue Rodriguez – Sallisaw, Sr. (Class 4A 800m 1:55.35) Zack Black – Sallisaw, So. (Class 4A 3200m 9:56.77) Jodie Hill – Heavener, So. (Class 3A 100m 12.68) Jodie Hill – Heavener, So. (Class 3A

Kailey Kilpatrick Warner

200m 25.58) Spiro Girls – Class 3A 4 x 200 relay: 1.46.80 Spiro Boys – Class 3A 4 x 200 relay: 1:32.38 Warner Girls – Class 2A 4 x 800 relay: 10:22.47 Tery Cook – Hulbert, Sr. (Class 2A Discus: 146’ 04”)

BRONZE MEDALS Sydney Lawrence – Stilwell, Jr. (Class 5A 800m 2:24.67) Amy Hembree – Tahlequah, Jr. (Class 5A 1600m 5:34.94) Sydney Lawrence – Stilwell, Jr. (Class 5A 3200m 12:05.31) Bailee Thomas – Wagoner, Jr. Class 5A 100 hurdles: 16.66) Poteau Girls – Class 4A 4 x 400 relay: 4:04.58 Sallisaw Boys – Class 4A 4 x 100 relay: 43.37 Fort Gibson Boys – Class 4A 4 x 400 relay: 3:29.83 Jimmie Pool – Spiro, Fr. (Class 3A 100m 13.04) Mykala Rich – Vian, So. (Class 3A 3200m 12:17.42) Spiro Girls – Class 3A 4 x 100 relay: 51.25 Terrance Nofire – Sequoyah Tahlequah, Jr. (Class 3A 1600m 43.03) John Pruitt – Westville, So. (Class 3A 110 Hurdles 15.61) Spiro Boys – Class 3A 4 x 100 relay: 44.21 Chase Girdner – Keys, So. (Class 3A Long Jump: 20’ 95”) Joseph Walker – Heavener, Sr. (Class 3A Discus: 141’ 04”) Savannah Smallwood – Howe, Sr. (Class 2A Shot Put 37’ 08”) Mekko Washington – Warner, So. (Class 2A 400m 50.17) TEAM CHAMPIONS 6A – Jenks (B), Edmond Memorial (G) 5A – Deer Creek (B), Deer Creek (G) 4A – Anadarko (B), Plainview (G) 3A – Marlow (B), Henryetta (G) 2A – Millwood (B), Millwood (G) A – Cherokee (B), Texhoma (G)

Jodie Hill Heavener

Eric Garcia Tahlequah

Sallisaw: 800-340-9119

Amy Hembree Tahlequah

Bailee Thomas Wagoner

Drew Dan - Checotah Oren Skylar - Sallisaw

John Pruitt Westville

McKinley Whitfield - Spiro

Brandon Conrad Tahlequah

Brittany Poe Sequoyah Tahlequah

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CHASING GOLD ON THE PITCH Three Rivers’ Soccer Teams Battle In The Playoffs

Braylee Garcia Poteau Photos By John Hasler & Craig Hall OSSAA soccer championship brackets were once again filled with teams from Three Rivers. Muskogee boys made a return to the Class 6A postseason while Tahlequah’s Lady Tigers entered the Class 5A field. Five boys squads and five girls team dotted the lineup of soccer action on the pitch in Class 4A in search of gold.

Class 4A After winning the district title, the top ranked Poteau Pirates received a first round bye while Wagoner, Heavener, Stilwell and Fort Gibson played their way into the championship field with the Tigers advancing to the round of 16.

Poteau and Fort Gibson would continue their trek toward a potential showdown as both teams advanced to the semi-finals on opposite sides of the bracket.

The Pirates eliminated Riverfield 4-1 before posting a quarter-final home field 1-nil shutout of Verdigris to set-up a rematch of last year’s championship thriller on the road at Santa Fe South. Ashby Clark, Kendrick Hardaway and Jesse Barnes battled end to end before dropping a 3-1 loss to Santa Fe. Fort Gibson posted a 7-0 shutout over

Ashby Clark Poteau 32

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Cushing earning the right to advance by going on the road to record a 2-0 shutout at Victory Christian. Coach Todd Friend’s squad displayed confidence in front of the home crowd with a 3-2 victory over Oologah to final four. With Daniel Mielnik in goal along with Zach Cobler and Zach Peterson controlling tempo, the Tigers search for gold ended with a 2-0 setback to OC Southeast in the semi-finals.

After coming up short the last two seasons in the state championship game, the Santa Fe South Saints capped a 16-1 season with a 2-0 shutout over Southeast to win the 4A title. Santa Fe ended the season on a 12-match win streak.

After reaching the 4A girls final last season, Jamie Snyder’s Lady Tigers of Fort Gibson wanted another shot on goal for the state title. A district championship allowed the Tigers to wait as Wagoner, Keys, Westville and Hilldale battled through play-in contests.

Only the ‘Jackets of Westville and Lady Hornets of Hilldale would move on.

With a 5-0 shutout of Miami, Shayden Snyder and Paige Grooms would lead the Westville hopes on the road at Fort Gibson before being eliminated 7-2. Coach Brent Breckon’s Hornets got started with a 4-3 home field win over Claremore-Sequoyah to move to the round of 16 going on the road at Glenpool. Despite the energetic efforts of Leah Gragg and Nicole Wright, Glenpool stopped Hilldale by a 6-1 count.

In the quarter-finals, Fort Gibson would once again meet the Cardinals of Verdigris.

Jordan Raynor, Brooke Benham, Gabby Escamillia and Shelby Nichols efforts to upset the defending 4A champ would come up empty in a 3-0 match.

No. 2 Verdigris defeated top-ranked Glenpool 4-2 to win the 4A girls title for a 4th straight year..

Class 5A

Zach Cobler Fort Gibson

Grace Farley Hilldale

Brooke Benham Fort Gibson District play by the Lady Tigers placed Tahlequah among the teams seeking a state championship. With Mackenzie Brown and Rachel Brown leading the charge, Tahlequah lost in the play-in game at Claremore. The 5A girls championship would be won by Deer Creek with a 4-1 win over Carl Albert to give the Lady Antlers a third straight championship.

On the boys pitch, Heritage Hall completed a second straight undefeated season posting a 17-0 record with a 6-1 win over Skiatook as the Chargers’ claimed the 5A crown for the second year in a row.

Class 6A Bolstered by the play of 10 seniors, Muskogee joined the teams seeking the boys crown as the Roughers returned to the postseason for the first time since 2011. Ramon Gutierrez, David Espinoza and Johan Chavez would lead coach Shawn Riley’s crew against no. 3-ranked Jenks, where the season would end in a 5-1 setback.

Norman North would win the 6A boys crown with a 2-0 shutout of Owasso in the title match.

The Lady T-Wolves would match the efforts of the male counterparts winning the Class 6A girls crown with a 3-nil blanking of Edmond Memorial in the finals.

ROAD TO STATE

Slow-Pitch Softball’s Best Converge On Firelake

Lexi Watson Muskogee While the venue was different, the high intensity action of the OSSAA Slow-Pitch State Championship remained at a feverish pitch. The Ballfields at Firelake hosted this spring’s two-day affair with teams from Three Rivers among the six classes of play.

CLASS 6A Tahlequah and Muskogee once again were among the eight teams chasing the 6A crown. The Lady Roughers started fast and finished strong in round one taking an early 6-0 advantage over Moore with Shaylee Rowland, Dee Emarthle and Kaitlin Kaiser leading a 10-hit barrage. After the Lady Lions rallied to tie the game, Nia Maxwell’s RBI double scored Carlee Gann as Keith Coleman’s squad scored the 10-6 victory. In the semis, Muskogee used a pair of home runs from Lexi Watson and tworun shot from Rowland to take a 10-5 lead over Southmoore before the Sabercats used their balance hitting attack to capitalize on scoring chances plating 8 runs in the fifth to oust Muskogee 13-11, who finished the season 28-11.

Tahlequah scored early and often in its opener used long ball power from Kourtney Dry and Bub Peters to support solid pitching from Erin Dillard en route to a 10-1 victory over Tecumseh. In the semi-finals, the Tigers sent 14 batters to the plate who delivered three home

Kortney Dry Tahlequah

Emily Coleman Muldrow

Savannah Steelman Heavener

runs including grand slams by Kourtney Dry and Randee O’Donnell in the first inning as Tahlequah would advance to the championship with a 16-2 victory over Westmoore.

In the finals, Tahlequah seniors Whitney Wright and O’Donnell would generate a single tally in the first only to have Southmoore hammer out base hits leading to a five run first and never looked back as the Sabercats (32-5) claimed the title. Tahlequah (366) was also awarded the Class 6A Academic State Championship with a 3.85 team GPA.

shutout against Dale.

Class 3A The 19th ranked Wildcats of Wister would join the lineup of talent chasing the Class 3A title. Defending champion Barnsdall ousted the ‘Lady Cats 5-0 in round one. Joe Gilbert’s club would repeat the shutout performance in the semis with a 9-0 win over Mooreland. However, in the championship tilt, Hinton would deny Barnsdall Ashlyn Meeks a repeat title taking a Wister 6-4 victory for the 3A championship.

Class 5A Heavener, Muldrow and Sequoyah Tahlequah made up three of the eight teams chasing gold with the Lady Indians the lone survivor of first round action. Trailing 6-2, Hayleigh Galvan’s grand slam and a 2-run shot from Kelsey Leach started the Indians rally cry en route to an 18-6 win over Chandler. Sequoyah’s firepower started early in game two taking a 9-1 advantage on Galvan and Leach homers on the trail to a 14-4 run rule win over Cache. In the 5A finals against Bethel, Galvan delivered a 3-run blast, her 5th home run of the tournament, to give Sequoyah a 5-0 first inning lead. However, the Lady Wildcats answered with four runs in the first and eight more tallies in the second on its way to a 20-10 victory to claim the Class 5A crown.

Class 4A Washington all but shut out the 8-team field as the Lady Warriors allowed just one run in three victories. Washington blanked Wyandotte 2-0 before eliminating Okemah 11-1 to reach the championship game. The defense remained solid in the title game as Washington won the 4A title with an 8-0

Class 2A Number 12-ranked Rock Creek hammered out 41 runs in its first two games of the day to reach the finals then survived an 8-7 nail-biter over Binger-Oney for the 2A championship.

Class A

Class A #5-ranked Shattuck proved to have the best of the field with three victories including Bowlegs (11-8), Tupelo (9-4) and Arnett (6-5) to claim the championship to cap a thrilling 30-7 campaign.

Hayleigh Galvan Sequoyah Tahlequah JUNE 2014

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SERVE and VOLLEY FOR GOLD

Classic Matches Determine State Tennis Championships the state tourney courts qualifying again this season at No. 1 doubles.

Victories over Shawnee and McAlester advance the Lady Tigers duo to the championship semifinals where the pair would drop a 6-4, 6-3 decision to the eventual champion team from Cascia Hall. Schneider/Schefelbein would finish in fourth place.

Conner Finerty Muskogee The Oklahoma City Tennis Center once again was the site for the OSSAA State Tennis Tournaments where Three Rivers best on the court would seek a trip to the medal stand in boys and girls action.

Class 6A

The Roughers of coach Rusty Bradley were in the lineup for state at No. 1 and No. 2 singles. Conner Finerty entered the 1-singles as the seventh seed.

Following a straight set 6-0, 6-0 win to open the tournament, Finerty upset #2 seed Mitchell Worley of Jenks 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the winner’s semifinals.

With a controlled serve and return ground game, Finerty scored a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Blake Langston of Ponca City. Three time champ David Hager of Edmond North won the crown 7-5, 6-0 giving Finerty the silver medal and All State honors.

Conner Nelson Tahlequah crown.

Class 5A Tahlequah qualified both doubles teams on the girls bracket along with Conner Nelson earning a state tournament berth at No. 1 singles on the boys side of Class 5A play.

Nelson, seeded 6th picked up an opening round win to move to the quarterfinals against Jackson Fine of Metro Christian. The Patriots 7-5,6-2 victory over Nelson vaulted Fine to the No. 1 singles title while Nelson would finish fourth overall.

Heritage Hall would win the 5A boys title.

In girls action, Katie Schneider and Sarah Schefelbein were at home on

Destiney Guzman and Amanda Melnick also qualified at No. 2 doubles for the Lady Tigers.

Cascia Hall won the 5A girls state title.

Class 4A

Among the boys bracket were players from Wagoner, Sallisaw and Poteau.

In No. 1 singles play, Poteau’s Skylar Abbott advanced to the winners bracket semi-finals with an eventual fourth place finish against the field including Jordan Dotson of Sallisaw and Chris Lindsay of Wagoner.

The quartet of Bulldogs at state would also include Tanner Epperson at No.2 singles and the No.2 doubles pair of Brett Drake and Kellor Dearman.

With a sweep of both doubles titles, the Byng Pirates won the school’s first ever boys tennis championship.

On the girls ladder, Ada was dominant winning three of four gold medals to secure the 4A crown.

Ryan Pearce was the Roughers entry at No.2 singles picking up two wins in 4 matches.

Edmond North won the 6A boys crown.

The Lady Roughers entered the ladder at No. 2 singles with Jensen Martin, No.1 doubles Claire Farmer/ Alexis Rosson and No.2 doubles Laura Jardine/Abby Wayman. Clayton Blevins watched as only Jardine/ Wayman advanced to day two play recording a 4-1 win over Choctaw in consolation round play.

The 6A girls crown would be shared as Jenks and Edmond North tied for the

Tahlequah Girls Amanda Melnick – Destiney Guzman – Sarah Schefelbein – Katie Schneider

3001 S. Muskogee Tahlequah OK

918-456-2541

800-456-2555

Cale Wilson - Sallisaw High School When success comes in life there’s always one common core trait. Hard work pays off. For Sallisaw High School senior Cale Wilson, hard work is his only way of life, the character trait that makes the difference.

“You can be anything you want if you’ll put in the time,” said Wilson. It’s all about hard work.

There’s no substitute to achieve real success.”

From his daily chores working on the horse ranch with his dad (Brian), to endless hours training in the Black Diamonds wrestling room, Wilson is the ultimate warrior proving that hard work pays off. His senior year, the talented and personable athlete was named to the All-State football team while also capturing a second straight gold medal as a state champion wrestler.

“Cale is someone that’s all in no matter what he does,” applauded Mikel Delk, head wrestling coach at Sallisaw. “A person’s character is defined whenever you say you’ll will, you do it no questions asked. And that is Cale Wilson.”

A 2014 graduate at Sallisaw, Wilson is quick to credit everyone that influenced his development as an athlete and a person.

“Working on the farm with my dad taught me that you have to keep going no matter what,” notes Wilson. “On the ranch nothing is ever finished. You can’t stop because if you do you fall behind.”

Wilson’s success in life and sports is the product of the influence of others according to the two-time state champion.

“My coaches and my teammates taught me that through hard work you’ll never disappoint yourself,” said Wilson.

to experience the same. He’ll go out of his way to help the younger kids in our program by showing them the little things that make a difference. And, he’s their biggest fan.”

“High school athletes have a responsibility of being a good role model,” Wilson said. “I enjoy going to all the youth league events to root for them the same way they’ve cheered for me.”

The result of his Oklahoma state championships in wrestling, Wilson qualified for the NHSCA Senior Nationals in Virginia Beach, VA where more than 600 of the nation’s top wrestlers would compete. To no one’s surprise, Wilson won the gold medal at 170 pounds by winning five matches including the finals against Nathan Merrick of Southmoore.

“I wanted to win this for our town and our wrestling program,” notes Wilson. “I wanted to show the true meaning of being a Black Diamond. We’re hard nosed people that never back down, give 100%, determined to be a winner.”

“Cale Wilson is the ultimate Black Diamond,” Delk commended. “Not just as a wrestler but also as a person that always wants to make things better for everyone.”

“I want to be known as a champion, a hard working person and someone that will go out of his way to do anything to help everybody be a winner too.”

Wilson’s journey of success is set to continue including a wrestling career at the University of Oklahoma. With his true grit and commitment to hard work, the future will no doubt remain filled with victories for Wilson and everyone he meets.

“Cale is a champion because of his hard work,” said Delk. “Even more, he wants others

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CONGRATULATIONS JAKE JOHNSON! Tahlequah Tigers Golf 5A State Champions!

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OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS

Player of the Month

These players bring the energy to their team!

Kailey Kilpatrick Warner Track

The Oklahoma Natural Gas Female Athlete of the month was one of the best distance runners in Class 2A this year, winning a pair of gold medals at the state meet in the m (12:05.67). Her 1600m (5:35.17) and 3200 lows a Class 2A state outstanding performance fol l. Her first-place finish title in cross-country this fal m championship. led the Lady Eagles to the tea

Kendrick Hardaway Poteau Soccer

A multi-sport standout for the Poteau Pirates, Kendrick Hardaway is this month’s Oklahoma Natural Gas Male Athlete of the Month.

He continues to deliver in athletics and the classroom. After a stellar senior season as a wide receiver and kick returner for the Pirates, Hardaway continued to show his skills on the basketball court averag ing 16.2 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per contest. For his skills, Hardaway was nam ed to the Oklahoma Basketbal l Coaches All-Star team that will compete June 6-7 in Shawnee. With a 4.0 GPA and a 32 on his ACT, he was als o chosen to the OBCA Super 5 Academic All-State team.

This spring, Hardaway was the lea ding scorer for the Pirates soccer team, recording 15 goals for the top-ranked tea m and defending Class 4A state cha mpions. He also qualified for the Class 4A state track meet in the long distance events.

Get up to $200 in rebates when you purchase and install a new natural gas range.

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TAHLEQUAH DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING 1400 East Downing • 918.456.0641 • www.tch-ok.org 64-Slice CT with cardiac • MRI • Digital X-ray • Full range of diagnostic imaging

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