Riley Berry is familiar with hard work and knowing what it takes to achieve a goal. At Henryetta High School Berry was an important part of the team and the overall success, but that attitude comes from a strong family and a commitment taught to Berry from his coaches and peers.
are very important to me. During high school I accumulated a 4.3 weighted GPA, earning the title of valedictorian. I plan to attend the Haskell Indian University to play college basketball and get my degree in business and minor in environmental science,” said Berry.
“I am a proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. My family supports me in everything I do and we have great coaches at Henryetta High School,” said Berry.
The lessons on and off the court will help guide Berry through his next journey. Being Creek has taught him many lessons. Lesson he will use throughout his life.
His work in the classroom is equally as important to Berry. “My academics
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation will play a major role in helping Berry achieve his goals at the next level.
“Being C.reek has taught me to work hard at everything I do. And if I keep this attitude on the basketball court then I will improve my game every day,” said Berry. Besides basketball Berry enjoys playing football and golf. His teammates are important to him and he considers them family. “Teammates are like family to me. We may argue back and forth at times, but I’ve got their back and I know they have mine. We push each other and want the best for one another,” said Berry.
Trinity Media Group, LLC 12330 E. 60th St. STE A • Tulsa, OK 74146 All rights reserved. Publisher: Austin Chadwick • Editorial Director: Brad Heath • Market Director: Bill Huddleston Contributing Writers: Bill Huddleston, Vickie Tincher, Kyle Kendrick, Brad Heath, Rod Coulter, Cal Ross Contributing Photographers: John Hasler, Vickie Tincher, Bill Huddleston, Von Castor Photography, FanZone by Wendy Smith, Sherri Risenhoover Photography, Watson and Payne Photography, Ruth Kelley Studios, Wagoner Schools, Eufaula Schools, Vian Schools, Warner Schools, Sallisaw Schools CONTACT INFORMATION • Website: www.VYPEOK.com • Phone: 918.495.1787 • Fax: 918-495.1778 Advertising: bill.huddleston@vype.com Phone: 918.869.8212 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.
10 | ALL-VYPE – SPRING SPORTS Gold medal winners in track, team champions in golf and softball along with the best of spring sports athletes earn ALLVYPE honors.
22 | WORTH THE WAIT After back-to-back state runner-up finishes, the Fort Gibson Lady Tigers earn the 2016 Class 4A girls golf state championship title.
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| GOLD MEDALS GALORE State record breaking performances as well as gold medal efforts again prove track athletes in Three Rivers are among the best of the best in Oklahoma.
30 | PURPLE REIGNS The Wister Lady Wildcats completed its season long desire capturing the Class 3A slowpitch state championship to reign as the Queens of the Diamond.
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photo by Vickie Tincher
BEN KLUTTS - POTEAU
BRYAR WARD - WISTER
D’INDIA BROWN MUSKOGEE
HEAVENER TRACK 3A ACADEMIC STATE CHAMPS
HOLTON LATTA - STILWELL 6 6
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photo by John Hasler
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RONNIE HALL – CHECOTAH
MAREIKE BRÜMMER – WESTVILLE
KOLTON HACK - PRESTON
photo by Vickie Tincher
photo by Vickie Tincher
Photo By Bill Huddleston
ANDY BURRIS - PANAMA
photo by Bill Huddleston
photo by Vickie Tincher
photo by Vickie Tincher
VYPE PHOTOGRAPHERS CAPTURED THE SHINING MOMENTS OF THE SPRING SPORTS AROUND THE THREE RIVERS AREA!
Photo By John Hasler
photo by Sherri Risenhoover
P I C T UFRE EA TTUHRI S E
TRACE JACKSON T.J. SPEARMAN – STIGLER
WYATT GREEN - WESTVILLE
Photo By Bill Huddleston
R.J. PEARSON - TAHLEQUAH
Photo By John Hasler
photo by Vickie Tincher photo by Jared Porter-Tahlequah Daily Press
MICHAEL EDWARDS - MUSKOGEE
KAYLEIGH SHANKLE – POTEAU
Photo By Bill Huddleston
LUKE FALWELL - WAGONER
TY MEADERS - OKTAHA
photo by Vickie Tincher
photo by John Hasler
JESSICA JOHNSON - KEYS
#JT - RIP JUNE 2016 | VYPEOK.COM 7 JAN UG U J UA N R S EYT 2 0 1 632 | V Y P E O K . C O M 7
Okmulgee Area Instant Replay The abilities of Okmulgee County area talents were easy to find during the spring sport seasons.
Track produced golden memories for athletes as Henryetta’s Daisy VanMeter won three gold medal in distance events while Okemah’s Logan Daily flashed three gold medals of his own in the sprints. Okmulgee hurdler William Shirley’s effort in the hurdles also resulted in a top of the medal stand result. Okemah vaulter Racee Gibson took top honors for a second straight year winning the Class 2A girls competition.
Beggs golfer McKenzie McCoy captured fourth place overall in Class 3A while Henryetta advanced top ten team finish in the Class 2A tournament. Henryetta tennis teams held serve while competing in the Class 4A girls and boys state tournaments with winning results. As expected, Beggs and Preston were among the teams battling the state baseball championships while a young and talented Dewar Lady Dragons reached the Class 2A slowpitch state tournament.
Oren Shaw - Preston Cade Furer - Beggs
Makia Lewis - Okmulgee
Trevor Billings - Okemah 8
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Ted Phillips - Morris
Kristin Scott, Maddy Rector - Dewar
(photos courtesy Watson and Payne Photography – watsonandpayne.com)
KATIE KIRKHART - HILLDALE HIGH SCHOOL Yet, amidst all the attention and expectations for success, Kirkhart’s moral compass doesn’t waiver.
“If there’s a crowd, or one person or nobody watching, Katie will always do the right thing,” said girls golf coach Oren Sikes. “She does things by the book with confidence. Her actions speak much louder than her words. Leadership talents like hers are hard to find.”
Kirkhart admits being a coach’s kid brings its challenges and expectations of others but she cherishes the impact of her dad and mom as role models to follow.
Traits of character are more often defined by actions rather than mere words. And while talents of competitiveness and determination often describe the actions of a champion, for Katie Kirkhart it’s the impact of Integrity that doesn’t waver regardless of circumstances that proves that Character Counts. “Integrity and character go hand in hand,” said Kirkhart, a member of Hilldale High School’s three time state championship golf teams. “It’s easy to do the right thing when everyone’s watching but what you do when you’re by yourself with no one around to ask for direction defines your character.”
There’s no denying the accomplishments of Kirkhart during her high school career. In addition to the three golf team championships, Kirkhart won Class 4A medalist honors as a junior. Kirkhart’s contributions the past four seasons helped lead the Lady Hornets to the Class 4A state basketball tournament the past two seasons. Athletic honors include earning All-State honors in both sports.
“Everyone expects you to know more, to do more but my dad and mom have showed me by example the importance love and integrity being just as important as how to win another game,” smiled Kirkhart. Scott Hensley, girls basketball coach at Hilldale, had nothing but admiration and respect for his four-year starter.
“Katie defines character and the desire to be the best you can be no matter the circumstances. She exemplifies the rewards of hard work on and off the court. Academics, athletics and a will to win drive Katie to achieve what others might not.”
A member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kirkhart graduates with a 4.22 GPA and will take her talents to the collegiate level on a golf scholarship to Oral Roberts University. She openly admits her competitive nature and passion for making things better fuels her drive for success. “Everyone regardless of your age or talents is going to make a mistake. You just have to stay grounded in your beliefs and try to make the right choice, said Kirkhart. “For me, that’s knowing the
God has a game plan for me that is always better than mine and not just based on the final score.”
During her senior year while taking concurrent college classes, Kirkhart enjoyed the opportunities for community service including involvement in “Hands Halting Hunger” campaign in Muskogee. “That’s the type of young person Katie is, she wants others to succeed and will do whatever it takes to give them a chance,” said Sikes in admiration. “She’s not afraid to live by the result of her actions and live by her faith.”
Hensley agrees that Kirkhart’s efforts are a “working definition” of character for today’s youth to follow.
“Katie will do the little things that make a difference in order to achieve success for her teammates as well as herself,” said Hensley. “She doesn’t just wait to be told what to do, she’s the type of person that will see something that needs to be done and then just go and do it.”
And while the glimmer of medals and trophies will fade or gather dust over time, the impact of making a difference through integrity is what will forever shine thanks to the constant smile and compassion of Katie Kirkhart…and continue to prove that above all things Character Counts.
ALL-VYPE
SPRING SPORTS
ALL VYPE – BASEBALL
Scotty Gibson – Wister Cash Ballentine – Wister Bryar Ward – Wister Ben Klutts – Poteau Roger Barcheers – Poteau Kale Barcheers – Poteau Cameron Highfill – Stigler Kyle Allen – Stigler Wade Henderson – Stigler Zach Evans – Oktaha Brayden Rodden – Oktaha Ty Meaders – Oktaha R.J. Pearson – Tahlequah Cayden Aldridge – Tahlequah Eastun Caldwell – Tahlequah Cade Furer – Beggs Garrett Pendergrass – Beggs Blake Jones – Beggs Zac Pinkston – Preston Devon Shaw – Preston Chase Breshears – Preston Tre` Obregon – Sallisaw Malcolm Rodriguez – Wagoner Javier Ramos – Vian Cody Crase – LeFlore Dillon Jackson – Panama Elisha Allison – Keys Jacob Coldwell – Stilwell Bailey Puckett – Hilldale Dylan Nuckolls – Fort Gibson Andrew Sands – Checotah Bailey Breedlove – Eufaula Alex Demato – Spiro Brady Favre – Central Sallisaw Cayden Cockle – Muskogee Ty Neighbors – Warner Tack Murray – Okemah Nick Jenkins – Porter Ryan Lechner – Haskell
ALL-VYPE Golf BOYS Blake Berry – Tahlequah Jax Johnson – Tahlequah Ty Stites – Sallisaw Nick Pierce – Sallisaw 10
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Grant Sikes – Hilldale Ryan Ward – Poteau Bryson Terry – Poteau Luke Falwell – Wagoner Parker Rose – Stigler Zac Taylor – Checotah Coby Byrd – Gore
GIRLS Hannah Jones – Muskogee Kennedy Payton – Tahlequah Emilee Rigsby – Fort Gibson Shelby Phillips – Fort Gibson Katie Kirkhart – Hilldale Kennedi Puckett – Hilldale Heidi Stafford – Eufaula Melissa Eldredge – Eufaula McKenzie McCoy – Beggs Nicole Robertson – Henryetta Kacie Ashing - Oktaha
ALL-VYPE SOCCER Girls’ Soccer Gabby Escamilla – Fort Gibson Jayme Hayes – Fort Gibson Sunny French – Fort Gibson Kallie Smith – Wagoner Neali Ferrell – Tahlequah Jasmine Scott – Porter Kennedi Mathis – Porter Cheyenne Marshall – Porter Bailey Bates – Poteau Makayla Baker – Westville Kalen Castor – Muskogee Gracie Farley – Hilldale Casey Nolan – Keys Timber Hardbarger – Stilwell Boys’ Soccer Jesse Barnes – Poteau Cuco Bustos – Poteau Connor Matos – Poteau Braylee Garcia – Poteau Marcos Estrada – Fort Gibson Colby Leonard – Fort Gibson Luis Corral – Fort Gibson Nick Young – Fort Gibson Dylan Mayfield – Wagoner Bailey James – Hilldale Phillip Duncan – Muskogee
Nick Carson – Stilwell Tyler Hammer – Westville Trae Hendricks – Tahlequah
ALL-VYPE SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL Kyla Brown – Wister Hunter Gibson – Wister Brittany Beaudet – Morris Kyla Hill - Morris Sooner Vanhook – Wister Carlee Gann – Muskogee Elexis Watson – Muskogee Dee Emarthle – Muskogee Aubrey Johnson – Muskogee Aubree Bell – Fort Gibson Abbie Scott – Fort Gibson Kortney Dry – Tahlequah Lindsay Wade – Tahlequah Erin Dillard – Tahlequah Taten Hyde – Sallisaw Symphoni Shomo – Sequoyah Tahlequah Hayleigh Galvan – Sequoyah Tahlequah Merrisa Smith – Sequoyah Tahlequah Jodie Hill – Heavener Jacee Manley – Heavener Cheyanne Cranfield – Heavener Karyn Atwell – Muldrow Adriana Lee – Muldrow Riley Hughes – Muldrow Kristin Scott – Dewar Savannah Been – Dewar Morgan Britt - Dewar Mikiah McDonald – Roland
Brittany Poe
Gabby Escamilla
Payton Jackson – Warner Kassi Burkhart – Vian Emily Eakle – Porum Nicki Freeman – Morris Kendall Perez – Henryetta Lindsey Springs – Beggs Jordan Ivey – Preston Kayla Broncho – Okemah Maci McMillin – Poteau Brittnie Brassfield – Panama Jalei Oglesby – Howe Madison Phillips – Oktaha Hannah Holt – Webbers Falls
ALL-VYPE TENNIS BOYS Jordan Dotson – Sallisaw Kelton Dearman – Wagoner Brett Drake – Wagoner Jory Brumnett – Wagoner Austin Condict – Wagoner Jarrett Day – Henryetta Tyger Freeman – Henryetta Eli Palmer – Henryetta Colton Wion – Henryetta Kris Mayfield – Okmulgee Phillip Mosquera-Guelpen – Tahlequah Brandon Berry – Tahlequah Rafael Kain – Tahlequah Mason Pack – Tahlequah Jared Grooms – Muskogee Konner Rowan – Muskogee GIRLS Summer Bryant – Henryetta Shelby Gaddy – Henryetta Fallon Rodgers – Henryetta Rachel Montgomery – Henryetta Kenzi Davis – Wagoner
Hannah Jones
Sirvante Knauls
Morgan Randolph – Wagoner Sierra Arnce – Wagoner Aubrey Thompson – Wagoner Abby Wayman – Muskogee Claire Farmer – Muskogee Timberleigh McGee – Muskogee
Lyric Peterson – Tahlequah Emily Basks – Tahlequah Ali George – Tahlequah D’India Brown – Muskogee Jacia Colbert – Muskogee Imari Freeman - Muskogee
ALL-VYPE TRACK
Boys Zach Black – Sallisaw Logan Daily – Okemah Mekko Washington – Warner Sirvante Knauls – Roland Patrick Harris – Stilwell Wyatt Green – Westville Cody Christie – Sequoyah Tahlequah Jeremy Lodgens – Sequoyah Tahlequah William Shirley – Okmulgee Oscar Munchow – Okmulgee Josh Whisnant – Okemah Heath Konsure – Okemah Conner Campbell – Okemah Hunter Webb – Okemah Trevor Billings – Okemah Ted Phillips – Morris Logan Stacy – Morris Tyler Murray – Beggs Ira Blackbear – Beggs Shane Stacy – Beggs Roderick Ricks – Beggs Zach Rowell – Warner Zac Jones – Warner Garrison Blaylock – Warner Kelton Wiggins – Warner Jacob Crabtree – Warner Kirk Washington – Oktaha Jacob Bruce – Hulbert A.J. Freeth – Wagoner Chris Murray – Wagoner Jordan McKee – Wagoner Jarrett Ellis – Wagoner Tyren Collins – Muldrow Trae Davison – Hilldale Trae Mitchell – Hilldale Austin Skelton – Poteau Joshua Dick – Tahlequah Braxton Hood – Tahlequah Seth Martin – Tahlequah Nathaniel Floyd – Tahlequah Dante McDowell – Tahlequah Jamari Davis – Muskogee Tyriq Beasley – Muskogee John Smith – Muskogee
Girls Kaici Phillips – Spiro Jimmie Pool – Spiro Hannah Tobler – Spiro Abena Sey – Spiro Miriah Steel – Spiro Jentry Brown – Howe Racee Gibson – Okemah Kenzie Bean – Okemah Madeline Coon – Okemah Jodie Hill – Heavener Daisy VanMeter – Henryetta Brittany Poe – Sequoyah Tahlequah Allison Foster – Sequoyah Tahlequah Taiah Sanders – Beggs Brianna Merchant – Beggs Dominic Kennedy – Beggs Michelle Sevenstar – Muldrow Brittney Hammans – Warner Tonja Goodreau – Warner Mickayla Lawson –Warner Lessley Davis – Warner Jessia Duerson – Warner Kailey Kilpatrick – Warner Brooklyn Herriman – Warner Jasmine Scott – Porter Kaitlyn Coleman – Porter Cheyenne Marshall – Porter Shandell Brown – Porter Mikayla Rich – Vian Kandace Standridge- Poteau Kayleigh Shanke – Poteau Makia Lewis – Okmulgee Alex Jones – Sallisaw Auri Sparks – Sallisaw Dani Tice – Fort Gibson Cailey Cunningham – Fort Gibson Dzarya Penney – Wagoner Codesha Harlin – Wagoner Aliza Farbes – Wagoner Shayna McNack – Wagoner Arizona Hummingbird – Wagoner
Diante Crutchfield – Muskogee Michael Edwards – Muskogee JUNE 2016
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IRONHEADS EARN ALL-STATE HONORS After four seasons on the scorecard for the Lady Ironheads golf team, 2016 seniors Heidi Stafford and Melissa Eldredge were selected to the East squad to compete in the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State games. The contest will be played in July at Cherokee Hills in Catoosa as part of the OCA Coaches Clinic. The pair were among the top ten on the leaderboard at the 3A state championships with Stafford taking third place while Eldredge tied for seventh place. STATE AGAIN The success of the Lady Ironheads golf program continues to stand strong qualifying again for the Class 3A state tournament. Playing on the Cherokee Springs course in Tahlequah, coach Bill Bumgarner’s foursome of Heidi Stafford, Melissa Eldredge, Hope Lasiter and Hannah Sullivan earned the bronze medals finishing third in the team race. The Lady Ironheads the past four seasons have recorded a state championship (2013) along with back-to-back state runner-up finishes (2014 – 2015). On the boys side, Eufaula’s Griffin Bradley played his way into the Class 3A state tournament field that battled wind and other weather conditions during the 54-hole event at Lincoln Park West in Oklahoma City.
ON THE PODIUM AT STATE TRACK MEET Qualifying for two field events at the Class 3A state track meet wasn’t enough for Eufaula junior Mike Tillotson. With timing and strength Tillotson’s throw of 151 feet earned a fourth place finish and a trip to the awards podium. Tillotson also recorded a top ten finish with his efforts in the shot put event. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME IRONHEAD FOOTBALL? Eufaula graduate Jake Hunn kicked off the 2016 Lake Eufaula Area All-Star football classic to officially signal the start of the 2016 high school football season. Ironheads will begin preparations for a successful season with summer team camp prior to the official opener of the year with an August 26th encounter on Paul Bell Field hosting Henryetta
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Melissa Eldredge
Heidi Stafford
EHS FOOTBALL 2016 Aug. 19 vs. Morris (Scrimmage) Aug. 26 vs. Henryetta (Zero Week) Sept. 2 vs. Vian Sept. 9 at Hartshorne Sept. 16 at Checotah Sept. 23 at Spiro (Homecoming) Sept. 30 at Heavener Oct. 7 vs. Muldrow Oct. 21 at Stigler Oct. 28 at Idabel Nov. 4 vs. Roland (Sr. Night)
IRONHEADS FOOTBALL – ALL TIME BEST? Lucious-Leroy-Dewey Selmon…J.C. Watts…who else should be named to the “ALL-TIME” Eufaula Ironheads football team? No doubt, there are plenty of choices for this elite group of gridiron stars. Email your nominations to bill.huddleston@vype.com. This list will be included in the Oklahoma Football Preview. To the Class of 2016 Ironheads – Thanks for the Memories! #IRONHEADPRIDE
Griffin Bradley
Jake Hunn
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SALLISAW BLACK DIAMONDS Nothing Brighter...Nothing Finer
Alex Jones
Nick Pierce
A NEW STATE RECORD BELONGS TO SALLISAW With a long and fluid stride and calculated running strategy every time he steps on the oval, Zach Black left his mark in the record books of Oklahoma high school track establishing a new all-time best result in the 1600m run with a time of 4:09.74 while competing in the “Meet of Champions”. Black also establish a new Class 4A state meet record while running to a gold medal finish in the 3200m run with a 9:15.89 as well as winning gold in the 800m. Also among the field competing in the Class 4A state track meet Lady Diamonds Alex Jones in the 800m and 1600m plus Auri Sparks in the 300m hurdles.
ALL STATE TO THE SEVENTH POWER Sallisaw’s senior class continues the tradition of the Black Diamonds as the number of Oklahoma high school All-State selections totaled seven after completing the spring sports calendar. Those 2016 seniors included among Oklahoma’s best include Zach Black from track, Tre Obregonbaseball, Ty Stites and Nick Pierce-golf, Jordan
Ty Stites
Dotson-tennis along with Quint Scoufos-football and Michael Evans-cheer. Thanks seniors for continuing the pride of the Black Diamonds on and off the field.
TOP OF THE LEADERBOARD Paced by the play of seniors Ty Stites and Nick Pierce, Sallisaw battle windy conditions and another strong field of competition to wrap up its 2016 season earning a 16th consecutive berth in the state tournament and finishing with a second straight third place finish. Also part of five tournament team championships this spring were Dalton Jasna, Jason Bartel and Alec Dominic.
Tre Obregon Sallisaw during the OCA All-State football game this summer.
BLACK DIAMONDS FOOTBALL – ALL TIME BEST? Steve Davis, Derek Fine, Garrett Gladd…who else should be named to the ALL-TIME Sallisaw Black Diamonds football team? Who should be the coach? No doubt, there are plenty of choices for this elite group of gridiron stars. Email your nominations to bill.huddleston@vype.com. This list will be included in the Oklahoma Football Preview.
WE ARE – SALLISAW Four members of the 2015 Sallisaw football team were among the athletes competing in the Lake Eufaula All-Star football contest. Carrying the pride and talents of the Black Diamonds are Kyle Glander, Dillan Morse, Dalton Jasna and Cooper Carr. Quint Scoufos is scheduled to represent
Zach Black Jordan Dotson
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Kyle Glander – Dillan Morse – Dalton Jasna – Cooper Carr
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Mikayla Rich RUNNING STRONG Vian senior Mykala Rich wrapped up her high school career with a bronze medal finish in the 3200m event at the Class 3A state track meet. Rich was a triple state meet qualifier by also earning a spot in the field of the 800m and 1600m events. Rachel Finney’s time in the 100m hurdles at the regional qualifier also earned a ticket to the 3A state meet. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE With a young but talented lineup
Eufaula All Star Football
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Javier Ramos of talent, Vian baseball is already beginning its preparations for the future after reaching the finals of the Class 3A regional tournament. Coach John Brockman’s squad earned a top 15 finish in the 3A rankings and finished the season with a 21-14 record. READING COUNTS In a program sponsored by the Vian High School library, students in grades 9-12 were championed for their accomplishments in the school-
wide Reading Counts program. Top students in each grade were awarded a cash prize including Vian senior Noah Craighead, junior Summer Wells, Chris Kosterlitsky from the sophomore class and freshman Justin Armer. Students were given a list of books based upon reading levels and interests. The top ten in each grade were awarded also awarded a pizza party.
FRIDAY NIGHT GRIDIRON HEROES Eight members of the 2015 Wolverines football team represented the Purple and Gold for a final time playing in the Lake Eufaula All-Star Football clash. Players carrying the Vian banner included Ty Andrews, Daylon McWaters, Trinidy Teehee, Dakota Brown, Jakeb Curry, Garrett Willis, JoJo Crocker and Jacob Tincher.
WOLVERINES FOOTBALL – ALL TIME BEST? Kenyatta Wright, …who else should be named to the ALL-TIME Vian Wolverines football team? Who should be the coach? No doubt, there are plenty of choices for this elite group of gridiron stars. Email your nominations to bill. huddleston@vype.com. This list will be included in the Oklahoma Football Preview.
WARNER EAGLES ‘Flying High’
EAGLES TRACK – “FLYING HIGH” The future of the Warner boys and girls track program is now and on flight for tomorrow. Picking up one Gold, one Silver, three Bronze plus another three trips to the medal stand podium, members of the Warner Eagles and Lady Eagles track team wrapped up another successful season at the Class 2A state track meet. With his time of 49.75, senior Mekko Washington made it two in a row by winning the 400m gold medal for a second straight year. Joining fellow seniors Jacob Crabtree, Zac Jones and Zack Rowell the quartet earned a bronze medal reward by placing third in the 4x400m relay. Washington, Rowell, Jones and freshman Garrin Blaylock captured third place in the 4x800m event. Coach Paul Whitley’s list of qualifiers also included Anthony Davies (800m) and Jake Perryman (3200m) as the Eagles 34 points placed sixth in the team title chase. With no seniors among the nine state qualifiers for coach Mindi Peters, the Lady Eagles scored silver medal honors in the 4x800m with a time of 10:03.84 as the quartet of Mickayla Lawson, Kailey Kilpatrick, Jessica Duerson and Britney Hammans stepped to the honors podium. Lawson, a sophomore, aslo scored a bronze medal finish in the 800m run. Lessley Davis joined Kilpatrick,
Lawson and Hammans on the podium finishing fifth wile Tonja Goodreau also reached center stage with a 5th place finish in the 300m hurdles along with Brooklyn Herriman finishing fifth in the discus. Others competing included Cheyenne Miller (4x200m) and Triston Potts in the shot put as the Lady Eagles set their expectations for the future with this year’s experience totaling 30 points against the Class 2A competition.
WARNER FFA EARNS HONORS AGAIN Chosen from a group of more than 8300 students nationwide, Danielle Sellars of Warner FFA was chosen to receive scholarship awards from the National FFA organization and foundation. Sellars earned the Build Ford Tough/James Hodge FordLincoln $1,000 scholarship. Recipients, which totaled almost 1,800 across the country, were required to pursue two or 4-year degrees or vocational programs following graduation. SAVING SOLES ONE FOOT AT A TIME Thanks to the efforts of Warner senior Payton Jackson, local children can now walk for miles
wearing shoes donated through a program started by Jackson two years ago. “After seeing younger kids with shoes that either didn’t fit right, too big or too small, I just started asking people to help,” said Jackson, who will attend Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond pursuing a degree in Pharmacy. A member of Warner’s state champion cheer squad, was a 4-year starter on the Lady Eagles softball teams. Jackson’s sole-saving efforts earned the 2016 graduate the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award, presented to students with more than 1,000 hours of community service. President Barack Obama also sent Jackson a letter of congratulations praising her volunteer efforts. Jackson said shoe sizes range from infant to big kids and currently fill shelves at the Warner Elementary for anyone in need. Saving Soles will continue as the Warner Elementary Leadership Program will take over the project.
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Panthers Reach Finals
Presented by Dunn Country AutoGroup Spring sports success was well documented for the Stigler Panthers as baseball plus boys and girls golf teams advanced to the championship tournaments. Coach Kevin Wilkett’s baseball team, reaching the Class 3A state tournament for the first time since 1999, used a strong pitching performance from Cameron Highfill for a 2-1 win over Wister in round one and wrapped up the season in a semifinals loss to the eventual Class 3A champion Verdigris Cardinals. Stigler finished the season with a 31-5 record. Paced by the play of freshman Parker Rose who earned a sixth place medalist position, the Panthers finished the Class 3A tournament in eighth place as the team of Robbie Turner, Tyler Edge, Baily Jordan and Shayne Quick battled windy conditions on the Lincoln Park West course. Led by the top 25 finish of Brooklyn Olzawski, the Lady Panthers were among those chasing the Class 3A state title at Cherokee Springs in Tahlequah. Also competing were Hannah Hurst, Cass Jordan, Paige Risenhoover and Jacy Ward.
Parker Rose
Wade Henderson
Brooklyn Olzawski
Jared Grooms – Konner Rowan
Competition on the courts at the OKC Tennis Center brought about dramatic finishes in determining which teams would claim state championship crowns.
Center Court
The Class 4A boys title came down to the final serve at #2 doubles as Ada’s Hunter Frazier scored the winning point giving the Cougars a share of the title with Riverfield. Sallisaw senior Jordan Dotson won all three matches on Championship Saturday to rally to claim the consolation championship at #1 singles. Dotson will also compete this summer in the OCA All-State games. Playing at #2 singles, Colton Wion of Henryetta advanced to the semifinals to bring home a fourth place finish while the Knights #1 doubles team of Jarrett Day-Tyger Freeman finished in eighth place. Wagoner’s #2 doubles tandem of Jory
Henryetta Girls Tennis
Brumnett-Austin Condict reached the round of eight while #1 doubles Kelton Dearman-Brett Drake made the consolation quarterfinals.
Tahlequah singles ace Phillip MosqueraGuelpen won three times on the final day to claim the Class 5A #1 singles consolation championship while the Tigers’ #1 doubles Rafael Kain-Mason Pack advanced to the consolation quarterfinals along with #2 singles entry Brandon Berry. Heritage Hall placed three of four in the title match as the Chargers won the Class 5A team crown. Muskogee’s #2 double team of Jared GroomsKonner Rowan were among the players in action on the final day in Class 6A where Edmond Memorial won the team title. On the girls side of the net, Ada won the Class 4A crown again winning three championship matches. Henryetta took home fourth place
honors with 11 points as the doubles teams of Summer Bryant-Shelby Gaddy and Kelsey BrittNatalie Smith won fifth place points. Rachel Montgomery reached the consolation semifinals at #2 singles while #1 singles Fallon Rodgers advanced to the final day. Wagoner’s duo of Kenzi Davis-Morgan Randolph reached the medal stand winning fourth place after reaching the semifinals at #2 doubles while Sierra Arnce-Aubrey Thompson advanced to the #1 doubles consolation quarterfinal round. Cascia Hall reached the championship round in every event to claim the Class 5A girls crown with Edmond North moving to the finals in three events to win Class 6A girls. 6A title where the field included Muskogee’s Timberleigh McGee at #1 singles and #1 doubles of Abby Wayman and Claire Farmer.
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2016 Fort Gibson Girls Golf Mar 18-19 Glen Rose TX Invitational 1st Place Mar 29 Roland Invitational – 2nd Place Mar 30 Oktaha Invitational – 3rd Place Apr 5 Hilldale Invitational – 2nd Place Apr 11 Cushing Invitational – 1st Place Apr 13 Verdigris Valley Conf @ Shangri-La 2nd Place Apr 18 Class 4A Preview @ Lake Hefner 1st Place Apr 21 Pryor Invitational – 4th Place Apr 26 Class 4A Regional @ Cushing 1st Place May 4-5 Class 4A State @ Lake Hefner 1st Place
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 ! JUNE 2016
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Emilee Rigsby
Abby Psomas
Shelby Phillips Powered by Marvin’s Mowers & Outdoor
Worth the Wait Fort Gibson Lady Tigers Claim State Championship After back-to-back state runner-up finishes, the Tigers of Fort Gibson were determined to prove that 2016 would be something more. Posting consecutive team scores of 325-325, coach Gary Hendrix five member squad was all smiles at tourney’s end posting a 14-stroke advantage over Hilldale to claim the school’s first ever girls golf state title. The team’s lone senior, Emilee Rigsby carded rounds of 74-74 to finish second in medalist honors. Highlighted by a final round hole-inone on Lake Hefner’s par-3 17th hole, Shelby Phillips’ total of 151 resulted in fourth place. Another member of the Tigers fivesome, Abbie Psomas finished tenth overall.
team total 316 and completed the 36hole event with a team score 664 for runner-up honors. Kennedi Puckett, Katie Kirkhart, Kenzie Kirkhart and
Shelby McGlothlin finished in the top ten on the Class 4A leaderboard
Hilldale, trying to make it four in a row, finished day two scoring with a
Purcell made it a three-peat in Class 3A as the Lady Dragons posted a 29-stroke margin of victory while Plainview and Eufaula finished second
Shelby McGlothlin | JUNE 2016
McKenzie McCoy
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and third respectively. Heidi Stafford paced the Lady Ironheads scoring (7678) for a third place medalist finish while Melissa Eldredge finished in eighth place. McKenzie McCoy of Beggs 36-hole score of 156 earned the Lady Demons’ junior fourth place overall. The Keys Cougars, playing at home on the Cherokee Springs course in Tahlequah along with Stigler were among the teams to qualify in Class 3A. Henryetta, paced by the scoring of Nicole Robertson, entered the Class 2A field where Mooreland (786) edged Tishomingo by one stroke for the championship. Oktaha’s Kacie Ashing took home a 10th place finish individually. Muskogee, led by senior golfer Hannah Jones made it three years in
Melissa Eldredge
Hannah Jones
Grant Sikes
a row to qualify for the Class 6A field where Owasso outpaced the field by 17 strokes for the team title.
with Poteau led by Ryan Ward’s 12th place score while Checotah’s Zach Taylor posted a top 20 total.
Tahlequah junior Kennedy Payton earned an individual berth in the Class 5A tournament where the Durant Lions roared to a 16-stroke victory as Sydney Youngblood became on the third women’s golfer in Oklahoma history to win four consecutive individual championships.
Stigler freshman Parker Rose continued his stellar season posting a final round 71 for a 36-hole total score
On the boys side of the links, the Sallisaw Black Diamonds, paced by the All-State performances of Nick Pierce and Ty Stites challenged the weather conditions and stiff competition and returned home with another third place finish in Class 4A as Cascia Hall built a commanding 16 stroke advantage after day one to win the title. The Commandoes used a team low round of 279 to finish ahead of Heritage Hall and Sallisaw. Among the other teams competing on the North course at Lake Hefner, Hilldale paced by Grant Sikes 11th place effort, finished sixth in a tie
Zach Taylor
Ryan Ward
individual finishes among the Class 5A competition playing at Shawnee Country Club where the Tigers senior Blake Berry fired a round of 72 on the final 18 holes to finish in third place while teammate Jax Johnson round of 73 resulted in a 7th place score on the individual leaderboard. Bishop McGuiness steady play over the two days resulted in an 11-stroke margin of victory for the team crown. Coby Byrd carried the hopes of the Gore Pirates by qualifying for the Class 2A tournament where Mooreland won the team title.
Ty Stites of 219 to earn sixth place honors as the Panthers as team finished in eighth place. Christian Heritage totaled a 26-stroke advantage for the Class 3A team title over second place Plainview. Inola’s Longhorns, paced by the 54hole score of Austin Hale (238), scored a top ten finish in ninth place in the team race.
After missing out for the Class 6A crown for the first time in nine seasons last year, Edmond North built a 4 stroke advantage after the first day and the Huskies claimed the championship by the same margin over Owasso and Edmond Memorial who tied for second place.
Tahlequah scored a pair of top ten
Blake Berry – Jax Johnson
Coby| Byrd VYPEOK.COM
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Runners to Your Marks..... Set...GO for GOLD!!! The need for speed‌was an obvious trait for the competitors on the oval at the OSSAA track and field championships. From the smallest schools in Class A to the largest schools in Oklahoma in Class 6A, athletes displayed their talents with gold medal results. With only five girls to carry the torch, Spiro sprinted to a golden finish in three relay events include establishing new state meet records in the 4x100m and 4x200m events to come within an eyelash of the Class 3A team title with 86 points and the state runner-up trophy. Kaici Phillips, Jimmie Pool, Hannah Tobler and Abena Sey set the new standard of 48.68 in the 4x100 while Miriah Steele joined Phillips, Pool and Tobler to break
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the finish line in a time of 1:43.14 for a new meet record in the 4x200. Steele, Pool, Sey and Tobler completed the sweep in the 4x400 event. Individually, there were two local athletes winning triple gold. Logan Daily of Okemah captured three gold medals winning the 100m, 200m and anchoring the 4x100 relay. Daily’s time of 10.66 in the 100m and 21.62 in the 200m set new Class 2A state meet records. Daisy VanMeter of Henryetta returned to the top of the medal stand in three events capturing gold in the Class 3A 800m, 1600m and 3200m events. Double dip gold medal winners included Zach Black of Sallisaw
set a new meet record winning the 3200m in the time of 9:15.89 as well as taking first place in Class 4A 800m plus a fourth place finish in the 1600m run. Sirvante Knauls of Roland picked up a pair of gold medals by winning the 200m and 400m sprints in Class 4A along with a bronze in the 100m. Jentry Holt of Howe sprinted to gold in Class 2A girls 100m and 200m events. Mekko Washington of Warner was one of the repeating state champions by capturing first place in Class 2A 400m while Racee Gibson of Okemah won the Class 2A gold medal in pole vault after winning the same title in Class 3A a year ago. Altogether, athletes from Three
Daisy VanMeter – Henryetta Rivers’ track teams combined to 3200m (3A) win gold medals in 17 events as well as 14 silver medals and another Spiro Girls 4x100 relay (3A) 17 bronze medal efforts along with Spiro Girls 4x200 relay (3A) multiple personal record efforts. Spiro Girls 4x400 relay (4A) Sirvante Knauls – Roland 200m (4A) Jentry Brown – Howe 100m (2A) Sirvante Knauls – Roland 400m Jentry Brown – Howe 200m (2A) (4A) Race Gibson – Okemah Pole Zach Black – Sallisaw 800m (4A) Vault (2A) Zach Black – Sallisaw 3200m Logan Daily – Okemah 100m (4A) (2A) William Shirley – Okmulgee 300 Logan Daily – Okemah 200m hurdles (4A) (2A) Mekko Washington – Warner 400m (2A) Okemah Boys 4x100 relay (2A) Jodie Hill – Heavener 100m (3A) Okemah Girls 4x100 relay (2A) Daisy VanMeter – Henryetta 800m (3A) Warner Girls 4x800 relay (2A) Daisy VanMeter – Henryetta Josh Whisnant – Okemah 100m 1600m (3A) (2A)
GOLD
SILVER
Heath Konsure – Okemah Long Jump (2A) Okemah Boys 4x200m relay (2A) Brittany Poe – Sequoyah Tahlequah Shot Put (3A) Brittany Poe – Sequoyah Tahlequah Discus (3A) Beggs Girls 4x200 relay (3A) Beggs Girls 4x400 relay (3A) Beggs Boys 4x800 relay (3A) Michelle Sevenstar – Muldrow Long Jump (4A) A.J. Freeth – Wagoner 110 hurdles (4A) Patrick Harris – Stilwell 3200m (5A) Tahlequah Boys 4x800 relay (5A)
BRONZE
Jasmine Scott – Porter 100m (2A) Mickayla Lawson – Warner 800m (2A)
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Kaitlyn Coleman – Porter 100 hurdles (2A) Porter Girls 4x100 relay (2A) Conner Campbell – Okemah 300 hurdles (2A) Warner Boys 4x400 relay (2A) Warner Boys 4x800 relay (2A) Jimmie Pool – Spiro 200m (3A) Hannah Tobler – Spiro 400m (3A) Mykala Rich – Vian 3200m (3A) Cody Christie – Sequoyah Tahlequah 800m (3A) Beggs Boys 4x400 relay (3A) Sirvante Knauls – Roland 100m (4A) William Shirley – Okmulgee 110 hurdles (4A) Lyric Peterson – Tahlequah Shot Put (5A) Braxton Hood – Tahlequah 800m (5A) Joshua Dick – Tahlequah 1600m (5A)
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CONGRATULATIONS ZACH BLACK! Sallisaw Black Diamonds Track 2001 N York St • Muskogee, OK 74403 • (918) 687-6569
www.yorkstreettire.com
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Hunter Gibson – Wister
Erin Dillard - Tahlequah
Shelby Hensley - Tahlequah
Purple Reigns Wister Wins Class 3A Title While Muskogee Picks Up Silver OSSAA softball state championships returned to its old stomping grounds as ASA Hall of Fame Stadium played host to the slowpitch state tournament as six teams from Three Rivers were among the teams on a mission chasing gold. Wister came to Oklahoma City seeking to redeem a piece of silver earned last fall in fastpitch as the Class A state runner-up for a state championship in Class 3A slowpitch competition. After crushing its opponents 65-10 to reach the final eight teams, the Lady Wildcats combined all parts of the game for three victories. Timely hitting plus smothering
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Merissa| JSmith U N E 2 0 1 6– Sequoyah Tahlequah VYPEOK.COM
for a seven run outburst on its way to a 17-9 verdict and dog pile celebration as the Class 3A champions wrapping up the season with a 32-10 mark. The lineup of teams in Class 6A included Tahlequah and Muskogee, whose motto #WTFD was put to the test. The #15-ranked Lady Tigers of coach Matt Davis drew the short straw in the brackets facing top ranked Southmoore in the opener where Tahlequah dropped a 20Wister 10 verdict to wrap up the year at 19-14. evident in the semifinals as the Muskogee, with coach Keith ‘Cats ousted Central Marlow 23-7 to advance to the title game. Coleman making his final trip to ASA Stadium as coach of Down 4-0 after the top of the Lady Roughers, had won the first inning, Wister rallied defense gave coach Kristie Morgan’s squad a 5-1 victory over Navajo in the opener. Wister’s offensive firepower was
Hayleigh Galvan – Sequoyah Tahlequah
Tessa Johnson – Muldrow Cheyanne Cranfield – Heavener
Elexis Watson – Muskogee
Keith Coleman – Muskogee
22 of its last 23 games to reach the Class 6A championships. With plenty of pop in their bats, Muskogee eliminated Broken Bow 20-13 to give Coleman his 500th win as softball coach at Muskogee. Familiar foes squared off in the semifinals as the Lady Roughers faced Broken Arrow and scored a 12-8 decision to advance to the title game. In a matchup of one versus two, Southmoore, who with power and pop in their stick scored 45 runs in the three game tournament, defeated Muskogee 15-4 in the finals leaving Coleman and the Lady Roughers with a 37-4 record and the Class 6A state runner-up trophy. Three local squads reached the field of teams in the Class 5A bracket as top ranked Sequoyah Tahlequah along with Heavener and Muldrow. The Bulldogs, ranked #12 in the final polls squared off against #4 ranked
Heavener in the opener. After the Lady Wolves took a 2-0 lead, Muldrow cashed in on a barrage of hits for a 15-2 win advancing to the semifinals before dropping an 11-1 decision to Chandler.
Amari McCoy – Muldrow
Emily Yandell – Heavener
Kyla Brown - Wister Heavener also took home the Class 3A Academic State Championship. The Lady Indians of Sequoyah Tahlequah, playing with passion and pride in memory of assistant coach Jacob Tanner, walked arm-in-arm on to the dirt at ASA stadium for a first round outing
Aubrey Johnson – Muskogee
against Berryhill where with long-ball power and suffocating defense, the Lady Indians scored a 13-0 victory. In the semifinals, Valliant would turn the tables taking a 13-7 decision to leave coach Jeff Turtle’s squad with a 33-8 record. Chandler won the Class 5A title in extra innings 1110 over Valliant. Despite a youthful roster including only one senior and seven freshmen, the extra effort talent earned Dewar Lady Dragons a spot in the field of Class 2A. Davenport scored 15 of its 36 runs in the tournament defeated Binger-Oney 15-6 in the final day. Familiar names raised the state champion trophy in the other classes as Red Oak claimed the Class B crown while Davenport won Class A and Dale returned to the throne in Class 4A.
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of SUCCESS
Coaching success…in today’s environment of what have you done for me lately, success is too frequently measured by wins and loss or the number of championship rings you can put on your hand. And while his teams at Sequoyah Tahlequah have an impressive win-loss record, for Lady Indians softball coach Jeff Turtle, success is attained through his players opportunities to achieve victories in life.
Growing up in Kansas, Oklahoma Turtle began his trail to the winner’s circle as a multi-sport athlete playing football as a linebacker/fullback as well as playing catcher in his first loved sport of baseball. The reserved 23-year veteran coach credits the lessons learned in his youth for shaping his approach to the game.
“My mom and dad (Mary and Henry Turtle) along with my uncle (Thomas Gourd) taught me to be accountable for my actions. They were the first to example to me the value of hard work. They were always at my games no matter where we or when we played. They proved to me the value of commitment to a task.” Like so many athletes, Turtle had a dream of one day playing major league baseball recalls early conversations with his football coach Jon Hanna about what it would take for that kind of success. “Coach Hanna was straightforward and told me and all his players boys you can’t substitute desire in place of hard work. He’s a Hall of Fame coach that did things the old fashioned way by outworking your competition.”
Summertime experiences of playing American Legion
baseball and winning a state championship against teams from bigger cities gave Turtle a value of teamwork.
JEFF TURTLE
“We were just a group of players from Oaks, Salina, Locust Grove and Kansas who played all for one and one for all. When we won the state title, I understood more about the value teamwork and unity and how little school players can play with anybody. It’s the same approach we take to our schedule today here at Sequoyah,” Turtle said.
reverting to his “old school” frame of mind on the field, Turtle says helping his players learn how to face life’s challenge is as important as any scouting report on the next team.
“Unlike today’s high profile signing events, Connors State baseball coach Perry Keith came to Pryor and we set on the back end of the truck where I signed my scholarship,” smiled Turtle. “Coach Keith accepted no excuses. He expected you to be your best everyday no matter what.”
Crediting another influence, Turtle acknowledges the impact of his assistant Jacob Tanner, who passed away just prior to this year’s slowpitch state tournament, as how a calming voice can make tough times good again.
Sequoyah Tahlequah Softball
Turtle’s personal recruiting experiences further entrenched his beliefs of hard work brings rewards.
Following his time behind the plate for the Cowboys, Turtle continued his college career at Kansas State University before getting his chance to live his childhood dream with minor league baseball stints with the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals organizations.
“Coach Hanna and Coach Keith always said if you have the talent and will work hard, the big boys would find you. But remember, hard work comes first,” said Turtle Following his dream chasing baseball travels, Turtle returned to his alma mater for his first coaching position at Kansas High School before making the move to Sequoyah in 1996. After working with the Indians football and baseball teams, Turtle turned to his mentors about coaching girls when the opportunity came his way. “Coach Hanna told me to coach the girls just like you coach the guys. Treat them like an athlete with respect and show them how to become a first class person. Work hard and have some fun,” recalled Turtle.
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And while at times he admits to
“It’s not about the wins on the field but it’s all about the wins in life and doing whatever I can to help today’s kids understand how to handle adversity and enjoy success along the way,” Turtle replied.
“Coach Tanner always seem to make things go right,” said Turtle. “A lot of times we were the good cop/bad cop duo. He knew when to be hard and when to have some fun. His love for his players and students always came first. He always encouraged our kids to make a difference. I guess that’s why his slogan…the only difference in Champ and Chump is U…will always be a part of my game plan.” Recently named the Region 3 Softball Coach of the Year, Turtle’s teams have reached the fastpitch finals or semifinals every season from 2008-2015 including state runner-up seasons in 2012 and 2013. The past 10 seasons, Turtle’s fastpitch teams have recorded 30-plus victories every year while his slowpitch teams have enjoyed similar success. Yet still amidst all the wins and trophies, Turtle measures his own accomplishments by the current and future victories of his players. “My win-loss record in games doesn’t really matter to me because any success I’ll attain is only achieved through my players victories, on and off the field. I just hope they’ll always strive do their best and at the end of the day remember I’ll always be there in their dugout ready to help.”
And as this spring’s season ends and a new campaign begins with summer ball, there’s no doubt that many more wins will come for Jeff Turtle and the Lady Indians of Sequoyah Tahlequah through a combination of hard work and teamwork first in order to enjoy the Spirit of Success.
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WISTER LADY WILDCATS CLASS 3A SLOWPITCH STATE CHAMPIONS #MissionAccomplished…after a runner-up finish last fall in the Class A fastpitch state championships, the Lady Wildcats were focused to achieve their goal and left no doubt among competitors Wister is the best in Class 3A slowpitch softball. Coach Kristie Morgan’s lineup outscored district and regional opponents 65-10 to reach ASA Stadium.
Wister used a 5-1 win over Navajo followed by a 23-7 crushing of Central Marlow 23-7 to reach the championship game. Trailing Mangum 4-0, the Lady ‘Cats scored 7 runs in the bottom of the first en route to a 17-9 victory and the 3A slowpitch state championship. Solid defense and timely hitting, Wister concluded the championship season with a record of 32-10. The only two seniors on the squad, Kyla Brown and Sooner Vanhook were also named to the Slowpitch All-State team. 00 Kenzie Wood Fresh. Rover
12 Paityn Weaver Fresh. Outfield
8 Hunter Gibson Jr. 3rd Base
28 Bailey Baldwin Fresh. Catcher
3 Kyla Brown Sr. Pitcher
4 Kati Patterson Soph. Outfield
9 Cailey Yochum Soph. 1st Base
10 Sooner Vanhook Sr. 2nd Base 11 Katie Foster Jr. Outfield
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15 Justyn Lynn Soph. Shortstop 25 Ally Davis Soph. Centerfield
30 Tristin Hagelberger Jr. Rightfield 33 Stevee McMillin Jr. Leftfield
44 Kim Carpenter Fresh. Outfield
Coaches: Kristie Morgan, Stacey Gibson
Take Me Out to the Ballgame OSSAA state baseball tournaments produced plenty of excitement as seven local teams competed in various classes for a state championship.
on before losing in the semifinals to Silo. Christian Heritage put the icing on the cake of a 34-3 season with a 8-1 victory in the finals.
The Class 2A tournament, played in Shawnee, included a threesome of Three Rivers talent as Wister, Oktaha and Preston reached the field of eight teams. Preston,
The Beggs Golden Demons and Stigler Panthers carried local hopes in the Class 3A tournament. Ranked #2 in the final polls, Beggs entered the tournament by winning 26 of its previous 27 games only to see their hopes for gold dashed 2-1 by Kingston leaving Beggs with a 27-3 season.
ranked #6, entered the tournament winning 11 of its last 12 games while #5 ranked Wister had rallied through the consolation rounds at regional to advance. Oktaha, ranked #4 in the final 2A polls outscored opponents 48-4 in the regionals to reach Shawnee. Day one matchups allowed only Wister to move
Stigler, reaching the tournament for the first time since 1999 advance to the semifinals with a 2-1 win over Salina. The Panthers, ranked #4 in final polls, saw its exciting season end with a 11-1 setback to the eventual champion Verdigris as the Cardinals beat Metro Christian 11-3 in the championship. Tabbed as “the Brethren�, Poteau entered the Class 4A tournament unranked but determined to make its mark. Trailing 9-0, the Pirates refused to give up the ship scoring six runs late in the loss to topranked Tuttle and end the year at 18-16.
of Deer Creek. The Class A crown saw Binger-Oney take an extra inning 3-1 decision over Roff for the title. Red Oak won the Class B spring title for the 5th time in the last six seasons outscoring opponents 25-3 including a 10-1 victory over Fort Cobb-Broxton
in the final game at Bricktown Ballpark. Among the players receiving AllState honors are Sallisaw catcher Tre Obregon, Oktaha infielder Zach Evans and Preston lefty Zac Pinkston chosen as the designated hitter. Kevin Rodden of Oktaha will coach the small East team in the summertime classic.
The Tahlequah Tigers made its first trip to the state tournament since 2003 reaching the Class 5A field after knocking out Collinsville on the road in regional play. Their reward was to face defending champion Shawnee in game one where the Tigers saw its season end with a record of 21-11 in a 10-1 setback to the eventual 5A champion. In class 6A, Edmond Memorial allowed only 3 runs in winning the championship with a 2-0 shutout JUNE 2016
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After turning in textbooks for her senior cap and gowns, VYPE caught up with All-State second baseman Aubrey Johnson of Muskogee High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting her answers, we posed the same questions to Aubrey’s teammates and friends, Carlee Gann and Dee Emarthle. Which of the two best-matched answers with their All-State teammate? Aubrey Johnson, Carlee Gann and Dee Emarthle guided the Lady Roughers to the Class 6A slowpitch state tournament championship game and all three earned All-State honors in both slowpitch and fastpitch seasons. The talented trio has signed college softball scholarships with Johnson… aka “Aubs” headed to Division I Central Florida as a middle infielder, while Gann (“C-G”) will go to Northeastern State University as a shortstop or third baseman. Emarthle (D-D), who set a new school record with 31 home runs this spring, will take her talents to play softball at Rogers State University.
Aubrey Johnson
Dee Emarthle
Muskogee Third Base
English
English
English
Oysters
Oysters
Chinese Food
Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram?
Snapchat
Aubrey’s favorite food?
El Charro Quesadillas
Quesadillas
Pizza
Aubrey’s locker aka bedroom is clean & neat, organized chaos or disaster zone?
Organized Chaos (I can always find things)
Clean and Neat
Organized Chao (She’s Got A Place for Everything)
Aubrey’s Favorite TV show?
Gray’s Anatomy
Gray’s Anatomy
Gray’s Anatomy
Something Aubrey is afraid of?
Snakes
Spiders
Snakes
Aubrey’s Favorite Athlete?
Eric Hosmer
Eric Hosmer
Derek Jeter
Aubrey’s Man Crush? (Dream Date)
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber
Dream Job?
Surgeon
Anesthesiologist
Nurse Practitioner
6 out of 10 (Nice Job Carlee!)
5 out of 10 (Way to Go Dee!)
Aubrey’s favorite subject in school? Something Aubrey would never eat?
TOTAL POINTS: 10 36
Carlee Gann Muskogee Shortstop
Lady Roughers Softball
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Car Indian Capital Technology Center
Soccer: Plenty of Talent on the Pitch Muskogee: 800-375-8324
Hannah McCollough – Porter Katie McCroskey – Fort Gibson The OSSAA soccer championships were filled with talented players and emotion packed action. For some it was the thrill of sudden victory while for others the heartbreak of defeat in overtime for the eight teams taking the pitch from Three Rivers.
regular season between the two rival squads, the quarterfinals would need more than two extra time periods before the Lady Tigers ending the match with a shootout goal for the 2-1 decision. Porter closed the year with a 14-3 mark.
Class 4A girls postseason play was filled with emotions at feverish levels. Wagoner and Poteau met in the opening round as the Lady Pirates hosted its first ever playoff game only to have the visiting Lady Bulldogs score a 3-1 verdict and advance to the round of 16 and another road trip traveling to Verdigris where the Cardinals would protect their turf in a 2-0 decision.
The semifinals would be Fort Gibson’s turn to travel if they would return to the championship match as they did in each of the past two seasons. A shot at gold wouldn’t happen for the Lady Tigers dropping a 2-0 decision at Harrah. Fort Gibson seniors concluded a three-year run of success including two state runner-up trophies plus a semifinal appearance and a 14-3 record in 2016.
Porter hopes of a shot at the championship was a long and winding road as the Lady Pirates scored opening round victories over Regent Prep (3-2) and Summit Christian (2-0) to advance to the quarterfinals to meet the Lady Tigers of Fort Gibson, who by virtue of its district championship would be on its home turf after a 4-2 win over Claremore Sequoyah.
Harrah won the 4A title with a 2-0 verdict over Verdigris.
Like the earlier meeting in the
The Class 5A girls title went to Claremore who allowed just 4 goals in four matches to claim the title. Class 6A was more of the same success for Union winning its 36th match in a row with a 4-1 decision over Owasso. On the boys side of the pitch, familiar and new faces were among
Sallisaw: 800-340-9119
the class brackets as district champion Poteau and Fort Gibson return to the 4A playoff picture along with Hilldale while Tahlequah jumped into the Class 5A competition. Hilldale, making a second straight entry to the postseason, dropped a 4-2 play-in round decision at Catoosa. After scoring a 3-2 decision over Tulsa Rogers, Fort Gibson saw its season end in the round of 16 with a 2-1 road loss to the eventual state champion Verdigris. District championship play afforded Poteau a home field match in the first round only to have the Miami Wardogs end the Pirates’ playoff journey with a 5-4 victory. Tahlequah’s return to the Class 5A soccer competition required the Tigers to travel in the play-in round of 16 dropping a 3-1 decision to Bishop Kelley. Heritage Hall would win the 5A crown with a 4-1 verdict over Bishop McGuiness Edmond North outlasted Union in an overtime contest that was halted by severe weather before the Huskies scored the golden goal for a 2-1 win.
Careers Start Here Indian Capital Technology Center Muskogee: 800-375-8324 38
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Full Time | Short Term | Online | Business & Industry Services
Sallisaw: 800-340-9119
Stilwell: 866-696-3111
Full Time
Tahlequah: 800-340-2594
www.ictctech.com
St
TTCU
Academic
ATHLETE of the MONTH
WAGONERDylan BOYSSimmons TENNIS ClassHolland 4A Academic State Champions Hall Service aces and backhand winners were just a couple of reasons for success of the Wagoner High School boys tennis Olorepro torio te maio que pro et hit autendis eosant quidus, sunt volorerum sitas eostisto team. The six-man team not only excelled on the courts but stands head and shoulders against all challengers as volesequi quam doluptas molorrunti disciendic te for estrum ex excearum quatus eum esti4A coach Zach Ange’s team combined individual classroom grades an overall team 3.94 GPA to winliquiat the Class sus,Championship. secuptaquo venisqui dem quatia verita volupta tempore pliquunt eos. Olorepro torio te Academic State maio que et hit autendis eosant quidus, volorerum eostisto dolup2016 Salutatorian andpro National Merit Scholar Brett Drakesunt along with threesitas other seniorsvolesequi includingquam Jory Brumnett, molorrunti te estrum excearum quatus eum. Kelton Dearman and DeAndretas Hodnett joineddisciendic sophomores Austin Condict and Brayden Taylor on the medal stand at the OSSAA State Tennis Championships for their excellence in the classroom.
The unbank. Submit your nominations for the TTCU Academic Athlete of the Month to: Oklahoma @VYPE.com
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