VYPE Three Rivers March 2012 by Austin Chadwick

Pregame

A letter from Bill Huddleston

4 | Picture This

Spring Forward

VYPE photographers capture the shining moments of high school sports action in Three Rivers with action from the basketball hardwoods, baseball and softball diamonds, soccer fields and Powerlifting Championships.

11 | Character Counts Whitney Miller. She brought her smile, sportsmanship and 100% get it done attitude the same way everyday. And, Whitney made us all better because of it.

18 | March Madness The journey of high school basketball teams that began last November came down to a final seven teams from Three Rivers in search of gold at the State Championship tournaments.

Spring forward…as the clocks leap forward and the extra daylight shines on the field of competition, athletes from Three Rivers put the final shining moments into March Madness.

From the swimming pool to the wrestling mats, the championships of winter sports were loaded with athletes and teams from schools throughout Three Rivers battling for the right to be called State Champion. And when all was finished, there was a pocket full of gold discovered in victory.

And, like the sparkle of a diamond, young and old alike continue to gain success because of the influence of one athlete in Three Rivers. Whitney Miller’s smile and approach to life everyday brought a shining light for others to follow.

Got VYPE? If you’re an iPhone user, then you’ll want to download the easy to use VYPE application to keep up to date with the latest in high school sports including schedules, scores and more. Check out VYPEOK.com…Our new website features day to day sports highlights along with live-stream broadcasts of sports action including basketball, football, fast pitch softball and much more. It’s just one more example of our efforts to bring the VYPE nation the most comprehensive coverage of high school sports in the Oklahoma. Visit us at www.vypeok.com.

We’re in the Game

22 | Wrestlemania

Bill Huddleston

Wrestlers from teams in Three Rivers battled their way through the competition at the recent state tournaments with four individuals standing atop the medal stand as Oklahoma’s best.

25 | Back-2-Back Fort Gibson’s girls delivered their fastest times of the year to provide the margin of victory as the Lady Tigers won the Class 5A State Swimming Championship along with the Academic State Championship for a second straight year .

Next Issue... Next Month: Par For the Course...Golfers in Three Rivers take to the links in search of pars, birdies and eagles…and to sign the scorecard as State Champion.

Graphic Design Leah Weigle Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Bill Huddleston, Ben Johnson, Austin Chadwick Contributing Photographers John Hasler, Ruby Dean-Captured Memories Photography, Rhonda Hansen Photography, Bradley Cox & Anna Newton-Eufaula Schools, Von Castor, Mecie Gauntt Photography, Vicki Reece-Westville Schools, Rip Stell, Brett Rojo,Kevin Bishop, Bill Huddleston, Ben Johnson Tahlequah Daily Press, Michael Mayberry, Ron Goad Photography.com, Hilldale Athletics, Blunck’s Photography. Contact Information Website: www.VYPEOK.com Phone: 918.495.1771 Fax: 918.495.1778 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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VYPE photographers capture the shining moments during Three Rivers action

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AUstin Jones #10 - Muskogee Chris Sommers #6 - Muskogee

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PICTURE THIS

Jarrard Poteete - Hilldale Dylan Cantrell - Wagoner

Coco Epps - Muskogee Brenna Vise - Poteau

Hilldale High School Class 4A State Champion Powerlifting MARCH 2012

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The crack of the bat…the ball popping in the leather glove…the umpire’s call…”Safe”…the sights and sounds of spring sports around the baseball and softball fields. It’s time to throw out the first pitch…VYPE Three Rivers presents this month’s VYPE FAB FIVE as we rank the top five baseball and softball teams in search of a state championship.

The VYPE Fab Five ranking may well see some changes as the season continues and local teams settle the question of which teams are the best choice for a solid gold “championship season.” You can be a part of the VYPE Fab Five rankings by submitting your vote by email: editor@vype.com.

1. Eufaula -The Ironheads pitching staff is even stronger than last year’s Class 3A state finals squad with Brady Colbert, Daniel Salters, Dylan Helms and Saylor McLish on the mound with offensive firepower to match at the plate.

1. Tahlequah—The Tigers have the right combination…Offense— Defense—Pitching—Attitude. Jenna Reed, Jessica Blalock, Randee O’Donnell, Marissa Girdner and Whitney Whittmore are just part of the batting order top to bottom that’s hard to retire.

2. Hilldale -The Hornets pack plenty of punch in their bats with Jarrard Poteete and Dalton Cunningham plus on-base speed from Miles Jackson and Hunter Harrison that make Coach Darren Riddle’s team tough to beat.

2. Sequoyah Tahlequah—Lady Indians boast the talent of Saharra Henson, Kelsey Leach and Megan Towie in the lineup that will certainly have plenty of offense to produce victories.

3. Vian -The Wolverines return eight starters to the lineup card including Shawn Troutman and Landon Decker that provide pitching, hitting and defense certain to deliver wins. 4. Haskell - Left handed pitching from Luke Livingston and Dalton Cefalone plus power from Dace Gragg and Tyler Enkey has the Haymakers ready to put victories on the scoreboard. 5. Fort Gibson - Coach Randy Smith rebuilds a pitching staff while Kevin Cook, Bubba Stone and Cody Beaver head the lineup in the Tigers’ hopes to return to the Class 4A state tournament.

3. Muskogee—Power at the plate includes Shaylee Rowland, Coco Epps, Jessi Venable and Paige Gann to provide offense as a youthful infield gains experience. 4. Fort Gibson—A suffocating defense is ever present with Kirby Parnell and Cheyenne Johnson while Sky Wildcat delivers at the plate . 5. Oktaha—Bailey Masterson and Lauryne Dester look to continue the Tigers’ winning ways after a state runner-up last fall on the fast-pitch diamond. Outside Looking In Vian-Warner-Muldrow-Haskell-Sallisaw

On Deck Oktaha-Poteau-Sallisaw-Stilwell-Spiro

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2012

Baseball & Softball teams in Three Rivers Territory…are built TOUGH… Just like the Ford F-150 truck from Stuteville Ford in Tahlequah

MARCH 2012

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EUFAULA IRONHEADS

The winning tradition of the Ironheads continues Eufaula High School athletes head outdoors for the start of the spring sports competition. With the change of seasons brings the beginning for the Ironheads baseball, softball, golf and track seasons.

STUDENT -ATHLETIC TRAINERS

TEE IT UP FOR THE IRONHEADS As the clock “springs forward”, members of the Eufaula High School golf teams are busy preparing for the 2012 season.

Eufaula High School Student-Athlete Trainers traveled to Stillwater to participate in Oklahoma State University’s 6th annual Athletic Training Day. High school trainers received training on techniques and applied medical skills through hands-on activities that will continue to improve the future health of Eufaula’s athletes.

Lady Ironheads Golf 2012 (L-R) Rachael Marlar, Taylor O’Brien, Taylor Scott, Hanna Bischel, Kenzie Daniel, Faith Lasiter, and Hannah Rippy

Eufaula Ironheads Golf 2012 Ironheads trainers attending include Kyla Aday, Kenzie Daniel, Jordan Medlock, Taylor O’Brien, Taylor Scott and Celia Silk.

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(Back Row) Chris Rhodes, Mason Dobbs, Calahan Henry, Mason Gawf (Front Row) Braxton Henderson, Chris Johnson, Douglas Gray, Ethan White and Luke VanCleave

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Character is a combination of qualities that distinguishes one person or group from another. Yates Auto Mall celebrates achievements of local high school athletes by presenting the monthly “Character Counts Award.” Many words are often spoken to define character. And then, there’s one name that consistently exampled the importance of character…Whitney Miller…an outgoing young lady that daily established a road to victory for others to follow. “Whitney enjoyed helping everyone, young and old alike,” said David Vinson, principal at Vian High School. “Whitney’s smile shows the joy in her life. She was always happy and outgoing while refusing to be drawn into the drama of a high school student.” “Whitney was the ultimate teammate,” confirmed Vinson. “Whether it was basketball, softball, cheerleading or academics, she never sought out the glory for herself but rather for everyone else. Whitney’s work with the young kids at our elementary school always made her smile. The young kids loved Whitney because she showed them how to have fun and be a positive influence at the same time.” “Whitney brought everyone together no matter what the situation,” said Jaden Bolin. “Whit knew how to take things seriously but also knew how to make them fun.” “Whitney was our leader,” said John Mays, who coached Miller for three years in basketball and softball. “She did it by example with hard work, hustle and confidence. Whenever Whitney said something, people listened. She did all the little things that make a difference.” A popular student at Vian High School, Whitney Miller was a member of the basketball and softball teams as well as a cheerleader for the Wolverines. She was chosen as Basketball Queen this year. “Whitney always knew when and how to cheer me up,” said Malarie England. “She’d say something funny that would always help me whenever I had a bad day.” “Whitney was friends with everyone,” noted Joehanna Morris. “She could always spot someone that wasn’t being noticed and make them feel special.” “Character is being the same person, on and off the court,” said Mays. “That’s Whitney. She brought her smile, sportsmanship and 100% get it done attitude the same way everyday. And, Whitney made us all better because of it.” Webster defines character as the qualities built into an individual’s life that determine his or her response, regardless of the circumstances. And, like the sparkle of a diamond, the life of Whitney Miller not only has enhanced the path of everyone she met, but helped those who ever met her reach their full potential.

VYPE caught up with Dustin Leach of Oktaha High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting his answers, we posed the questions to Tigers head basketball coach Jim Glover before asking Dustin’s mom, Darla Capps, for her answers. Who has the best game plan? Oktaha High School sophomore Dustin Leach is a member of the starting lineup for the Tigers basketball team, who made a “trip to the Big House” to compete for the Class 2A state championship. Following high school, Dustin plans to go to college to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice as he chases the dream of becoming a U.S. Marshall.

Dustin Leach Oktaha Basketball

Darla Capps Dustin's Mom

What is Dustin's favorite subject in school?

Computers

Lunch?

History

What is something Dustin would never eat?

Spinach

Snails

Spinach

Is Dustin a comedian or politician?

Comedian

Who is Dustin's favorite music entertainer?

Lil Wayne

Jay-Z

Lil Wayne

Who is Dustin's dream date?

Carrie Underwood

Meagan Fox

Carrie Underwood

What is something Dustin is scared of?

Drowning

His big brother (Shane's a tough hombre)

Wasps & Bees

What reality TV show would Dustin win?

Wipe Out

Survivor

Fear Factor

Does Dustin prefer cookies, cake or ice cream?

Ice Cream

Does Dustin do his homwork every night, last minute or always late?

Last Minute

Would Dustin rather give a speech, sing a song or dance?

Speech

Dance

Sing (the boy can rap!)

3 Correct Out of 10 Coach G - Needs Practice!

5 Correct Out of 10 Way to Go Mom!

TOTAL POINTS: 10

Jim Glover

Tigers' Head Coach

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MARCH 2012

JANUARY 2012

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B a n k in g L o a n s I n v e s t me n ts T r us t s

of SUCCESS

Muskogee

“I was totally green at first,” admitted Dean. “I’d been a lifeguard and ran the pool, but I’d never coached competitive swimming. I went to a lot of clinics, swim camps and read any book on swimming I could get my hands on. And, I was fortunate to have a lot of people help me.”

“Swim coaches are a pretty tight knit group,” Dean confirmed. “So many were willing to share their knowledge and help me out. I learned everything starting out from coach Wise, he was my mentor. Charles Kerber from Oolagah, Guy Wirth at Harrah and Barbara Herzog at Jenks offered me a lot of help. I also had Harold Newcombe, USA swimming coach, take me under his wing.”

Photos by Rip Stell

uccess is measured in many different ways. For Connie Dean, swimming coach at Fort Gibson High School for the past 12 seasons, success is a lifetime achievement.

“I grew up playing basketball and running track and got to play both sports while attending college at Northwestern State in Alva,” recalled Dean. “Basketball was my passion.” “I started here helping with the middle school basketball program and was an assistant for Ray Wise, who started the swimming program at Fort Gibson in 1997,” said Dean. “When coach Wise retired, I just stepped into the position.”

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Over the past 12 seasons, Dean has coached several outstanding swimmers including 12 Oklahoma AllStaters. “Carly Miller was an All-American,” recalled Dean about the former standout at Rice University. “There’s so many girls and guys that made my job so rewarding. Cassie Freeling, Kendra Dean, Brandi Kennicutt were strong swimmers. And now, Hannah Cantrell and Leslie White are making their place in the record books.” “Success in swimming is more than just winning medals,” said Dean. “If you’re continually improving your time, that’s success. Swimming also helps to develop a student’s social traits too.”

“Tyler Yaussy started with me in Tiger Sharks,” smiled Dean. “As an autistic child, Tyler used his swimming talents to also help him develop socially at the same time. That’s a champion to me.” “If you’re motivated enough to become a strong swimmer in the pool, most of the time you’re also driven to succeed in the classroom,” said Dean. “I’ve

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Roland

Sallisaw Tulsa

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always emphasized to my swimmers the importance of their academics as much as we train to be a winner in the pool. That’s why I’m so proud of the back to back Academic State Championships too.” “Look at Lauren Dean,” pointed out Dean. “She’s continually improving her times in the water and she’s outstanding in the classroom. Lauren is a National Merit Scholar. She’ll go as far as she wants to go.”

Dean was recently selected by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association as one of eight finalists for the 2012 National Swimming Coach of the Year in addition to be named Class 5A Swim Coach of the Year.” Those awards are really nice. But it’s because of what my kids have done,” said Dean humbly. “I’d rather my kids get all the glory.”

“I believe it’s my reward to see the kids grow up and become successful in life,” smiled Dean. “Not just great swimmers but become a winner in whatever they do. My victories are achieved when they come back and say…Coach, I knew I could accomplish anything because of what I learned while in your swimming program.”

“If you prepare kids for life’s challenges and help them get ready to succeed, I’m doing my job. That’s what I call success.” The walls of the swimming pool at Fort Gibson are loaded with school records and the names of former students that achieved victories in the pool. State champions, Academic Champions, All-Staters are posted everywhere. And, quietly in her office with a smile on her face, remains Connie Dean cheering on each student to strive to get better everyday.

M arch 2 0 1 2

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F-C-A Athlete

of the Month HANNAH KINDLE Stilwell High School

INFLUENCE…for high school students, it’s not always a something that is considered when making decisions. Yet, for Hannah Kindle, a member of the Stilwell High School soccer team, INFLUENCE is more than just a thought. “God’s word tells all of us to be witnesses,” said Kindle. “And a lot of times in high school, you forget about the fact that everyone is always an influence to someone else. Not just to the people on your team or the opponent, but to the little kids too. My decisions don’t just affect me, but a lot of other people also.” “I think most young people today always want to be popular,” said Kindle. “And sometimes that’s doesn’t always lead toward a Christ-like life. You just have to maintain a balance and always have your priorities based on the right things.”

“Because in the heat of the moment,” nodded Kindle, “it’s hard to choose right from wrong. That’s why I always try to pre-determine what God wants me to do. And, know that God will get me through any situation.” “With Jesus Christ as my influence, and the support of my real friends, I look forward to everyday.”

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV): 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

The Muskogee Lady Roughers advanced to the Mabee Center in search of the Class 6A state title. Big moments from Bethany Hall and Chelsie Keys during the regional and area tournaments combined with the team effort from Morgan Walker, Kelsey McClure, Alexus Wilson, and Toree Walker resulted in coach Doyle Roland’s talented

Photo By Von Castor

A total of seven teams from Three Rivers successfully reached the championship event. Six of the qualifying teams, including Muskogee girls (6A), Fort Gibson girls and Roland boys (4A), Keys and Haskell boys (3A) and Oktaha girls (2A) punched their tickets to the “Big Dance” advancing through of the winner’s bracket. Oktaha’s boys team proved they belonged among the final eight teams in Class 2A by winning in the Area consolation finals.

Final score

Midwest City 50 Muskogee 34 The Fort Gibson Lady Tigers carried the number ranking all season long. After winning the “Gold Ball” in 2011 with an undefeated 28-0 season, coach Jerry Walker’s squad returned four starters including Julia Hill, Jodi Glover, Kirby Parnell and Taylor London along with an experienced squad including Savannah Gray, Brooke Palmer and Taryn Dunn. After losing just one game in the finals of the Tournament of Champions in December, the Tigers record remained perfect and entered the Class 4A tournament at the “Big House” as the number one team in the state. A pressure style defense and perimeter scoring attack gave Fort Gibson wins over Piedmont (63-49) and Perkins-Tryon (48-42) and a berth in the finals opposite Anadarko. A repeat championship was not in the cards leaving this year’s senior class with a combined four year record of 104 wins and 9 losses, four trips to the tournament including a State Championship and Runner-Up finish.

Photo By Von Castor

After a three month regular season schedule, teams in the seven classifications of girls and boys basketball entered the playoffs with every team focused on the same destination…a trip to the State Tournament. There are no “automatic qualifiers” for the post-season, no at-large berths extended to certain power conferences. High school basketball in Oklahoma requires one thing…just win and advance.

squad achieving a 20-win season, including a 10 game winning streak on the road to state. Making their first trip to the tournament in more than a decade, Muskogee matched up against Midwest City, a team that has been in the 6A championship the past three years in a row in the opening round contest.

Photo By Von Castor

he road to a championship in Oklahoma high school basketball is a journey filled with defending champions, top ranked teams and those teams with Cinderella seasons.

Final score

Anadarko 46 Fort Gibson 37

MARCH 2012

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Photo By Von Castor

Photo By John Hasler Photo By Von Castor

Photo By John Hasler

F E AT U R E

Photo By Von Castor

Photo By Darren Stephens

Photo By Von Castor

Final score

Photo By Von Castor

Anadarko 64 Roland 60

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The 2011-2012 season was near perfect for the Lady Tigers of Oktaha as Chester Pittman’s squad roared into the Class 2A state tournament with the school’s first undefeated season. With a trio of seniors including three-year starters Whitney Brown, Hali Logan and Pete Douglas leading the effort, Oktaha completed a 22nd consecutive season with 20-plus victories. Jaylie Roper and Lanessa Grayson completed the starting unit giving fans of the Lady Tigers dreams of the school’s third state title entering the “Big House” as the number three ranked team and the only unbeaten team among the Class 2A girls field. The opening round matchup, Oktaha

MARCH 2012

vs. Fairview, was the classic “tall vs. small” encounter. And when the dust settled, the dreams of the Lady Tigers turned to tears as Fairview proved why it would be the eventual state champion.

Photo By Darren Stephens

The Runnin’ Rangers road to the state tournament was filled with fast paced offense and end-to-end pressure defense as Roland raced to the top of the Class 4A polls throughout the regular season. With just two seniors on the roster, coach Ed Lewis’ squad entered the final eight teams in the field with a 26-1 record as Seth Youngblood, Brooks Robertson, Kaleb Parman and Corey Meadors energized the attack. Roland took advantage of its opportunities to defeat McLain in the first round (69-47). The semi-finals, Roland vs. Anadarko, was a matchup of two squads with a never-say-die approach to the game that came down to the final moments before a winner was for certain.

Final score

Fairview 65 Oktaha 54 After years of seasons of disappointment by exiting the playoffs in the Area tournament, the Cougars of Keys proved to the basketball experts that rankings don’t win you a trip to the state tournament and coach Duane Jones squad earned the school’s first ever state tourney berth as Trevor Eubanks, Dylan Girdner, Peyton Ragsdale and Mason Turman “keyed” the way with heart-stopping victories in the regional and area tournaments. Perhaps those narrow victories helped to prepare the Cougars for their first round opponent in the Class 3A boys state tournament, defending champion Oklahoma Centennial. In what may have been the most dramatic finish in all classes, Keys and Centennial needed two overtimes before the eventual state champion Bison would end the hopes for the Cougars for a big gold ball.

Final score

Centennial 50 Keys 47 (2OT) On the other side of the Class 3A bracket, the Haskell Haymakers made the most of its athleticism in 2011-2012. Coach Steven Goss’ squad used its up-tempo approach to the

Photo By Darren Stephens

Photo By Von Castor

F E AT U R E

Photo By Darren Stephens

Photo By Von Castor

F E AT U R E

Haymakers’ advantage. Following a playoff run through the winners side of the bracket, Dalton Cefalone, Alex Wheeland, Jeffrey Hull and Michael Love entered the final eight team field with an 18-8 record following a dramatic victory over Sperry in the Area tournament to earn their trip to the “dance.” Haskell’s opponent in round one would be the Falcons of Millwood, a perennial state tournament entry. The battle would be high energy for four quarters before Haskell’s Cinderella dream season would end.

Final score

Millwood 74 Haskell 62 The Oktaha Tigers boys’ team had something to prove in 2011-2012. Coach Jim Glover’s squad wanted opponents in Class 2A to know the Tigers were back in the hunt. Following a 2-year absence from the championship tournament, this year’s lineup including Blake Pittman, Dustin Leach, Daniel Hayes, Ross Ogden and Devon Fry wouldn’t be denied their ticket to Oklahoma City by capturing a “must win” contest over Porter in the Area Tournament consolation finals. Entering the final eight team bracket with a 24-6 record, the Tigers faced topranked Northeast Academy in round one. The Vikings, state runner-up a year ago, proved why they would become this year’s Class 2A state champion with a victory over the Tigers.

Final score

OC Northeast Academy 75 Oktaha 49 The seven teams that made the state tournament gave each team’s fans plenty of “shining moments” and left everyone anxious to turn this season’s experiences into victories again in 2013. One Shining Moment…left players, coaches and fans with a lifetime full of memories. MARCH 2012

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Vian put a total of five wrestlers into the medal round in Class 3A. Landon Decker claimed the gold medal at 160 pounds while teammates Syngent Childress at 106 pounds and Tre Locust at 285 pounds earned the silver medal. Rylee Simon won the bronze medal at 152 pounds and Cale Mayes competed as a consolation finalist. Vianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team points secured a 4th place finish.

Photo by Kevin Bishop

Class 4A wrestling produced three gold medals at the state tournament championships in Oklahoma City. Tyler Tustin of Poteau made it back-to-back state championships at 132 pounds. Logan Byrd of Stilwell dominated his opponents in the 220 pound division winning all three matches by fall in the first period. Jadon Davenport of Sallisaw continued a family tradition as the 195 pounder earned the gold medal. Black Diamonds senior Jett Shell captured a silver medal at 113 pounds while teammate Ty Martinez finished fourth at 138 pounds. Sallisawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point total was enough for a 4th place finish.

Photo by Kevin Bishop

old medals were the final results from the state wrestling championships involving individuals and teams from Three Rivers. A combined total of four individuals claimed first place finishes along with five wrestlers earning the silver medals during the OSSAA sponsored championships.

Photo by Kevin Bishop

F E APowered T U R E By

Photo by Kevin Bishop

In Class 6A, Lukas Etchison of Muskogee narrowly missed a repeat state title at 120 pounds while Roughers teammates Jakobee Smith at 138 and Chetan Munsell at 152 pounds claimed bronze medal finishes.

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Photo by Kevin Bishop

Photo by Von Castor

F E AT U R E

Two schools, Sallisaw and Vian earned the right to compete in the Dual State wrestling championships. Coach Darrell Humeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s squad advanced to the semi-finals with a convincing first round victory over Clinton 63-18 before being eliminated in the semifinals by Blackwell.

Photo by Kevin Bishop

In Class 3A, coach Jason Adamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team from Vian qualified for a second straight year for the Dual State competition. The Wolverines were eliminated in the opening round by Comanche.

MARCH 2012

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Leslie White, Hunter Jaynes, Kyla Martin and Hannah Cantrell Photos by Michael Mayberry

wice is nice…especially when it comes to swimming at Fort Gibson High School. The Lady Tigers won the school’s first state championship in 2011 realizing a long awaited dream. But a repeat in 2012…was even more exciting. “After losing five seniors plus the addition of Stillwater dropping down from Class 6A to compete in 5A,” said Connie Dean, coach of the Tigers in a voice of concern, “I knew it was going to be really tough just to have a shot at it. Then to do it again, including winning the Academic State Championship a second time, that’s what makes it really special.”

“I told the girls going in they would have to swim their best,” admitted Dean. “The combined effort of each of the girls was the key to our success. Every event and every point counted for something. First, second and third place finishes were important, but the consolation championship finishes all added up here and there and made the difference. They all swam their fastest times in the finals.”

Hannah Cantrell (50yd Freestyle) and Leslie White (100yd Breaststroke) captured individual gold medals while the 200 Freestyle Relay team including Kyla Martin, Hunter Jaynes along with White and Cantrell claimed the first place finish. “We own the state record in the 200 free relay,” smiled Dean. “We believe that event belongs to us. These girls put a lot of focus to touching the wall first.” The seven competitors wearing the Ft. Gibson colors combined to earn a total of 276 points to secure the back to back State Championship.

“All of the girls work hard in practice. I also believe that our boys’ team presents the girls competition in the pool that makes them better,” admits Dean. “They all want to swim in lane 5 everyday in our workouts.”

The championship efforts in the water matched their performance in the classroom. The Lady Tigers composite 3.983 GPA earned the school a repeat Academic State Championship. The Tigers boys team also had six swimmers in the pool at the State tournament held at OCCC Aquatic Center in Oklahoma City.

Class 5A Girls Team Results Ft. Gibson 276, Stillwater 265, Harrah 165.

200yd Medley Relay - Fort Gibson - 2nd (Kinsey Cook, Leslie White, Whitney Stroup, Hannah Cantrell) 200yd Freestyle - Hunter Jaynes - 4th,Hali Martin - 6th 200yd IM - Leslie White - 2nd 50yd Freestyle - Hannah Cantrell - 1st (25.68), Kyla Martin - 9th 100yd Butterfly - Whitney Stroup - 5th 100yd Freestyle - Hannah Cantrell - 2nd, Kyla Martin - 8th, Hunter Jaynes - 9th 500yd Freestyle - Hali Martin - 6th 200yd Freestyle Relay - Fort Gibson - 1st 1:48.49 (Kyla Martin, Hunter Jaynes, Leslie White and Hannah Cantrell) 100yd Backstroke - Whitney Stroup - 6th 100yd Breaststroke - Leslie White - 1st 1:09.78 400yd Freestyle Relay - Fort Gibson - 3rd (Kyla Martin, Hunter Jaynes, Hali Martin, Whitney Stroup) MARCH 2012

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F E AT U R E

Class 5A Boys Team Results

Bixby 375, Harrah 319, Altus 154, Ft. Gibson (8th) 128. 200yd Medley Relay - Fort Gibson - 9th (Myles Wood, Dalton Martin, Derek Cookson, James Huggins) 200yd Freestyle - Brandon Walker - 7th, Chris Huggins - 8th 200yd IM - Derek Cookson - 14th 100yd Butterfly - Chris Huggins - 13th 100yd Freestyle - Brandon Walker - 7th 500yd Freestyle - Dalton Martin - 11th 200yd Freestyle Relay - Ft. Gibson - 6th (Derek Cookson, James Huggins, Chris Huggins, Brandon Walker) 100yd Backstroke - Myles Wood - 12th 100yd Breaststroke - Dalton Martin - 12th 400yd Freestyle Relay - Ft.Gibson - 6th (Derek Cookson, James Huggins, Chris Huggins, Brandon Walker)

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MARCH 2012

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KEVIN GROVER

“Where customers send their friends.” • Over 10,000 Vehicles Sold To Thousands of Completely Satisﬁed Customers Over The Last 22 Years! • Buy With Conﬁdence “In Wagoner”

Kingston says “Come see my Papa!”

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1440 S Dewey • Highway 69 South in Wagoner • 918.485.2188 • 1.800.375.9464

www.grovergm.com

MARCH 2012

VYPEOK.COM

F E AT U R E

VYPEOK.COM

JANUARY 2012