A senior at Coweta High School, Holmes has become a two-sport athlete in football and basketball. Playing for both teams has taught Holmes what it means to be a teammate, even when things aren’t going your way. As a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Holmes has learned the importance of family and remembering the rich history of his people. “I am part of a great tribe with a rich history and a promising future,” said Holmes. “I am from the Wind Clan and my heritage comes from the McIntosh family.”
his past that continues to drive Holmes to be successful on the field and in the classroom. “My heritage has taught me the importance of perseverance; this attribute has followed me into athletics and the classroom. Giving up is not a part of who I am and I believe this was instilled into me through my culture.” Holmes is involved in several activities and clubs at Coweta High School and is a member of the Coweta Tiger Pride Marching Band and the Coweta Wind Ensemble. He’s also a member of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation not only plays a big role in his daily life, but in his future education as well with the Johnson O’Malley Program.
His heritage has taught him many lessons, including some he carries with him “The Creek Nation has helped with my when competing on the football field or the basketball education through the Johnson O’Malley Program, career fairs, scholarships, and court. incentive programs.” “Being a member of the Future plans do include attending college, but Muscogee (Creek) Nation Holmes said he will not forget where he came shows me the importance from and will always remember his time at of overcoming obstacles to Coweta High School. work towards a common goal. This, along with a “I will remember the friendships I have made in solid work ethic, helps me high school more than anything else. Being a athletically.” part of so many organizations has allowed me to meet a lot of great people.” And it’s that connection to
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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, Brandy Moton, Craig Hall – Heavener Ledger, Linda Bighorse, Holly Cooper, Austin Bernard-OKWrestle, Kevin Swanson, Wendy Smith, Von Castor Photography, Ruth Kelly Studios, Bill Powell, Larry Owen – Okmulgee Times, Belinda Wood, Leigh Ann Lessley, Lifetouch Photography, Dean Humphrey, Vian Schools, Stilwell Schools, Sequoyah-Tahlequah Schools, Poteau Schools, Warner Schools, Webbers Falls Schools, Eufaula Schools, Beggs Schools, Vian FFA, Stilwell FFA, Muskogee FFA, Checotah FFA, Fort Gibson FFA . CONTACT INFORMATION • Website: www.VYPEOK.com • Phone: 918.495.1771 • 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.
Combining technique and brute strength, the Indians of Sequoyah Tahlequah and Stilwell claim the top spots at the OFBCA Powerlifting state tournament.
24 | ALL-VYPE The BEST of the Best from winter sports including basketball, wrestling and swimming earn All-VYPE awards.
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| DREAMS OF GOLD Among the 11 teams with tickets to the state basketball tournaments, three do more than dream by playing for a championship.
34 | CHAMPIONS ON THE MAT Wyatt Sheets, Jet Taylor and Malcolm Rodriguez claim gold medals during this year’s OSSAA wrestling championships.
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AUSTIN SKILES - OKAY
CADE FURER - BEGGS
photo by John Hasler
photo by Belinda Wood
photo by Bill Huddleston
VYPE PHOTOGRAPHERS CAPTURED THE SHINING MOMENTS OF THE WINTER/SPRING SPORTS AROUND THE THREE RIVERS AREA!
photo by Vickie Tincher
photo by John Hasler
photo by John Hasler
CAYDEN COCKLE - MUSKOGEE
HANNAH OWENS - PORUM 6 6
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GRACIE FARLEY - HILLDALE LYDIAN FITE - TAHLEQUAH
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JACE PIPPENGER - EUFAULA JOSH HARRISON - ROLAND
photo by Vickie Tincher
GARRETT CARTER - SPIRO
photo by Vickie Tincher
photo courtesy FanZone by Wendy
EASTON CALDWELL - TAHLEQUAH
JACOB BRUCE - HULBERT
photo by Lifetouch Photography
photo Photo by Vickie By John Tincher Hasler
P I C T UFRE EA TTUHRI S E
JUSTIN HOOPER SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH photo by Shawna Smith/Bighorse Photography
TAYLOR STEPHENS WEBBERS FALLS photo by Vickie Tincher
photo courtesy FanZone by Wendy
TREY SEBO - CAMERON
TRISTEN MANN - PORUM
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TRACE JACKSON - STIGLER
photo courtesy FanZone by Wendy
KYLE ENGLAND - VIAN
KYLE DORTCH - FORT GIBSON
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JAYCE MCPEAK - WARNER CONNOR TACKETT PANAMA
VICTORIA UNDERWOOD - STIGLER MARCH 2016 | VYPEOK.COM 7 J AMN U AG U RU A CR S HYT 2 0 1 632 | V Y P E O K . C O M 7
OKMULGEE COUNTY AREA: NEWS and NOTES SPRING FORWARD High school sports swing into spring and the action for baseball and softball seasons promises exciting action. A quick turnaround from the basketball courts to the spring schedules got local teams focusing on success on the dirt of softball and baseball fields including action in the annual Preston Festival.
The Beggs Demons opened the year ranked #2 in Class 3A baseball while Preston earned a #10 spot in the Class 2A polls. The Morris Lady Eagles early success has resulted in the #6 spot among Class 5A teams while Beggs is ranked #8. Preston, competing in Class 4A this spring, is swinging the bats resulting in victories and a #15 spot in the polls. A NEW BEGINNING
The Beggs Lady Demons softball success has opened a new chapter this spring with expectations of continuing their winning ways competing in slowpitch softball. On the heels of a 33-6 state tournament berth in Class 3A fastpitch, Beggs will transfer their talents to the slowpitch game and opened the season ranked among the top ten teams in Class 5A rankings.
Beggs Softball
Joe Martelli
Nicki Freeman
Colby Mason
SUCCESS IS A CHOICE
Beggs freshman Joe Martell III continues to prove to young and old alike that any goal is possible if you’re willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.
For his efforts, Martelli has been named the Section 6 recipient of the National High School Spirit of Sport Award by the National Federation of State High School Associations after the Golden Demons defensive lineman became what many believe to be the first double-amputee in Oklahoma high school football history last season. By wearing prosthetic legs, the inspiration to achieve allowed him to play varsity and junior varsity football for Beggs last season.
“Joe has the heart of a lion,” said Beggs coach Lee Blankenship, “when others would make excuses, Joe makes tackles. Joe inspires his teammates and coaches to have courage, character and commitment to the school that we love on a daily basis. He is our hero.”
Lauren Galindo 8
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Ryan Nuckolls
Ready to Take the Next Step - Beggs Baseball Wants More in 2016
After reaching the state semifinals last season, the Beggs Golden Demons remain hungry to make a return to the Class 3A state baseball tournament this spring. Even though coach Justin Been’s lineup
must replace four starters from 2015 roster, this year’s lineup remains filled with talent and experience. “Pitching and defense will be the backbone of this team early,” said Been. “These guys have a competitive spirit matched with solid baseball talent giving us the opportunity for success early and becoming a team capable of another playoff run by the end of the season.”
Pitching, fielding and hitting backed up by a solid defense are key ingredients for victories on the baseball dirt. Preston’s Pirates lineup of talent gives head coach Ryan Hudson plenty of reason for excitement. Taking command on the bump again this spring will be a pair of seniors including righthander Devon Shaw and ace lefty Zac Pinkston with quality support from two other seniors, Kolton Hack and Chase Breshears. When not on the mound the quartet of pitchers will join a fifth senior, third baseman Wyatt Sumner to create a proven lineup especially with a trio of juniors Eugene Kah-
beah, Dakota Ray and Steven Williams that delivers productivity at the plate plus consistent play in the field along with Dylan Hayes. Preston’s batting order combined for a .358 team batting average last year recording a 24-7 record. Freshman outfielder Connor Graham is another threat at the dish. “The versatility of these kids provides flexibility in the defensive lineup while we keep swinging the bats,” said Hudson. “Another plus
Ryan Nuckolls, who produced a 1.83 ERA last season will be one of several strong arms in the Golden Demons pitching rotation including newcomer Cade Furer, Garrett Pendergrass and Jack Schaffer. Senior catcher Blake Jones is a wall behind the plate. With his .978 fielding percentage, second baseman Levi Bouse anchors the middle defense while senior outfielder Garrett Lewis patrols the outfield. With big bat efforts of Furer, Nuckolls, Jones and Lewis producing runs in bunches, no doubt keeping the lights on the scoreboard will be part of the daily routine.
Pirates Set Sail for Springtime Success Experience + Talent anchors Preston’s baseball lineup
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is to our on-base percentage is the speed on the base paths to turn singles into run-scoring positions at second and third.”
WARNER EAGLES ‘Flying High’ Jacob Crabtree “GREAT JOBS” With so many great things going on, we need a place to post some SHOUT OUTS, and give KUDOS to those who are going above and beyond. Go to: www.warner. k12.ok.us and click on the GREAT JOBS link and share your celebration for the continued accomplishments of Warner students.
HISTORY ON THE MAT Warner senior Jeremy Hanger wrote his own chapter in the success of Eagles athletics becoming the school’s first state qualifier in the wrestling. Competing in the 120-pound class at the Class 3A OSSAA
championships, Hanger helped to establish the foundation for the future during 2016 in Warner’s first year of varsity competition.
EIGHT FOR STATE There’s power in numbers and the Warner Eagles’ powerlifting squad earned eight entries into the OFBCA State Powerlifting Championships in Norman. After at 4th place finish at regionals, Jacob Crabtree finished with a total of 1135 pounds to finish fourth among Class A qualifiers. Also earning entries with their performances at regionals were Jeremy Hanger (132lb-3rd place), Bill Kauffman (198lb-4th place), Zach Jones (181lb5th place), plus at-large qualifiers Meko Washington (151lb), Dalton and Dakota Bean (168lb) and Daniel Hamm (Hwt). “PLAY BALL” The umpire’s shout signals the start of the baseball season for the Eagles and coach Dusty Tidwell’s lineup is ready to make a
Jeremy Hanger deep run in the playoffs by season’s end. Warner’s depth on the mound should be a plus including three seniors, Tristen Van Daley, Kayden Hammans and Brandon McKay joining forces with juniors Jace McPeak and Clayton Kilpatrick plus sophomore Ty Neighbors and freshman hurler Dawson Neighbors. Hammans, who will also play shortstop and returns a .457 batting average, gives firepower to the batting order along with the plus .425 on base percentages of Ty Neighbors, McPeak and Kilpatrick. “This is a team that gets better everyday,” notes Tidwell. “By playoff time, I’m expecting these guys to be a tough out.”
Warner Baseball 2016 Apr. 1 vs. Westville Apr. 4 @ Stigler Apr. 7-9 @ Chouteau Tournament Apr. 12-16 @ Central Sallisaw Tournament Apr. 18 vs. Central Sallisaw/Beggs Apr. 19 @ Quinton Apr. 22 vs. Vian Apr. 25 @ Haskell Apr. 28 District Tournament May 5-7 Regional Tournament May 12-14 State Tournament
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Dunn Country Panthers Power STIGLER BASEBALL ROSTER RETURNS EXPERIENCE TO MATCH As the 2016 baseball season opens for the Stigler Panthers, coach Jeff Upton likes what he sees as the Panther return an experienced lineup including the entire pitching rotation that produced a team average 2.38 ERA. A foursome of seniors will take the hill as Kyle Allen returns from a 5-0 campaign last season where the Eastern JC signee overwhelmed opposing hitters with a 1.70 ERA. Cameron Highfill, another Eastern recruit, established a 2.76 ERA while recording
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63 strikeouts. Wade Henderson fanned 53 opposing hitters to establish a 2.36 ERA. Trace Maxwell kept Stigler opponents in check with a 1.87 ERA and holding hitters to an impressive .206 average at the plate.
“The seniors give us the experience and leadership we need to have a successful season,” said Upton. The pitching depth will be a big plus for a deep run in the class 3A playoffs.”
Adam Shouse, who averaged .392 at the plate along with Quontez Jim and Matthew Pearson enter their senior season capable of producing plenty of offense.
Following a fast start to the season, the Panthers are ranked among the top ten teams in Class 3A with a game plan to reach the state tournament in May.
Added pitching strength is available with the return of Trace Jackson, a starter since his freshman season that sat out last year due to a knee injury.
After recording a .462 on base percentage as a sophomore, T.J. Spearman returns to the outfield. The Panthers will also get a boost form a pair of sophomores Colton Sweeden and Garon Mayhall.
Photo courtesy FanZone by Wendy
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TAMEZ NAMED OKLAHOMA PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR The Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals (OASSP) has named Michael “Bubba” Tamez, Principal at Eufaula High School, as the Oklahoma High School Principal of the Year. Tamez has served as the principal of Eufaula High School since 2014. He began his career as a coach at Coalgate, Caney, and Thackerville Schools and spent five years at
Lone Grove as the Middle School principal. “On behalf of the Eufaula School District, we congratulate Mr. Tamez on being selected 2017 High School Principal of the Year,” said Jeanette Smith, Eufaula Schools Superintendent. “It is truly a distinguished honor for Mr. Tamez and Eufaula Schools to have a young, energetic, education minded individual on our staff. He has only been with Eufaula Schools two years, and a high school principal for that length of time, but has made an impact on our school system, especially in the area of technology. We are very proud of him and his achievement.” Tamez makes it a point to be involved in every extracurricular activity involving the students at Eufaula High School. His community outreach has also helped the district to attain technology goals sooner than expected, expand events and sporting facilities, and better support the staff. His wife Amber is a third grade teacher at Eufaula Elementary. They have a son Dane, who is five, and a daughter Blakely, who is four. From these state winners, three finalists are named as contenders for the National Principal of the Year award. The NASSP National Principal of the Year is selected from among the finalists.
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“THE TRADITION CONTINUES” Lady Ironheads golf enters the 2016 campaign with expectations of winning the Class 3A state championship as Eufaula looks to extend its success on the course. After back-to-back state runner-up finishes the past two seasons, coach Bill Bumgarner’s squad seeks to reclaim the state championship trophy the Ironheads won in 2013. A pair of seniors Melissa Eldredge and Heidi Stafford will lead Eufaula’s foursome of golfers. Since their freshmen season where the pair were part of the 2013 championship lineup, Eldredge and Stafford’s results on the links include 22 tournament victories including three Heartland Conference crowns on top of the success in the OSSAA championship tournaments. Eldredge has signed a college letter of intent with Oklahoma City University and Stafford has inked a scholarship with Southern Nazarene University Eldredge has consistently been at the top of the scoreboard including finishing second, third and fifth place individually at the state tournament along with numerous tournament championships including two-time Heartland medalist. Eldredge recently signed a national letter of intent to play golf collegiately at Oklahoma City University. Adding to the talents on the scorecard will be Hope Lasiter and Hannah Sullivan. Entering her junior season, Lasiter is a two-time state qualifier and twice named all-conference while Sullivan returns for her second year as a sophomore coming off a state qualifying performance last season. On the boys side of the course, Eufaula welcomes the return of sophomore golfer Griffin Bradley following an Heartland AllConference campaign as the Ironheads #1 bag while four new names including sophomores Patrick Pebworth, Colton Roberts and Spencer Clark will be joined by freshman Colby Warrior.
Graylen Fletcher WOLVERINES TAKE THE MAT AT STATE Following a Class 3A semifinal round appearance at Dual State, coach Jason Adams wrestlers totaled enough points to finish 7th among the team points at regionals earning three individual state qualifiers. With a 4th place finish at regionals, junior 145 pound grappler Graylen Fletcher grabbed a repeat trip to state while a pair of freshmen including Whitt Fletcher and River Simon, who reached the round of eight at state. Simon won the regional gold medal at 170 pounds while Whitt Fletcher took the silver at 152 pounds. (Wrestling photos by LeeAnn Lessley) WORKS OF ART The 2016 JOM Cherokee Art Competition had over 741 pieces of artwork entered this year and Vian was rewarded with 2 winners. William Christie won first place in photography with his work, GWY Tsalagi. Cristin Terrell won a second place with her acrylic painting, Creator - Son. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Twenty-one seniors top the list of 49 students selected for National Honor Society at Vian High School. Officers include President Josh Peoples, VicePresident Noah Craighead, Secretary
River Simon
will be sophomore pitcher Javier Ramos, who produced a 7-0 mark and 1.21 ERA last season. His battery mate Graylen Fletcher returns at catcher bringing a .370 batting average to the lineup along with Josh Bolin at first base. “We’re young with just three kids with varsity experience,” said head coach John Brockman, “but we’ve got a group of kids that understand what hard work and winning is about at Vian.” (Photo by Vickie Tincher @VYPELady)
Mikayla Noisey, Treasurer Bailey Slape and Nathan Roberts, historian. NHS membership requires outstanding academic achievement. Chapter members include 2016 seniors Jonathon Arnold, Natalie Bobbitt, Kassi Burkhart, Cassidy Criddle, Ariel Dickerson, Belle Dickerson, Zachary Hopkins, Morgan Kizzia, Jocelynn McIntyre, Desiree Moon, Natalie Myers, Mykayla Rich, Jordan Sovo, Jacob Tincher, Alex Thornton and Garett Willis. Junior representatives include Hayden Arnold, Brooke Boydston, Kelsi Clifton, Emilee Edwards, Addison Elbon, Graylen Fletcher, Mattie Parks, Hannah Risley, Britney Slape, Cresha Taylor and Hanna Vickers. Sophomores with membership William include Jaelan Adams, Grace Bane, Beau Barton, Chloe Clifton, Christian Crist, Kaleb Glass, Shandria Jackson, Madicynn Keaton, Deanetta Moon, Leslie Perkins, Javier Ramos, Destany Schielke, Morghan Taylor, Tyrus Wells, Jeremiah Young and Leina’la Young. WOLVERINES TAKE TO THE DIAMOND Despite the loss of nine seniors from last year’s 28-4 Class 3A state quarterfinals teams, Vian chases another trip to the state tournament this spring. Leading the cast of talent
Christie – Cristin Terrell
SALLISAW BLACK DIAMONDS Nothing Brighter...Nothing Finer
Jet Taylor DIAMONDS WRESTLING SHINES AT STATE The future of wrestling remains bright as Sallisaw junior Jet Taylor became the schools 11th individual state champion capturing his second straight gold medal at 120 pounds while senior teammate Woody Click earned silver at 145 pounds plus freshman Hunter Williams took the mat at 126 pounds during action at the OSSAA championships. Taylor is a three time state qualifier and enters next season in search of a three-peat championship season with a career mark of 99-16. Click wrapped up his career with two state qualifying seasons. TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME On the heels of a Class 4A semifinal campaign, the Black Diamonds baseball team is ready to chase another state tournament berth in 2016 as five seniors are among the six starters returning to the lineup for coach Darren Briggs.
Woody Click
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Tre O’Bregon, Braden Likens, Cooper Carr, Hunter Capehart, Blayke Haggard and Theron Merrill don the orange and black in the starting lineup again this spring. Adding to production will be Landon Bailey, Jordan Oliver and Zach Gish. “With the six starters returning, we have a nucleus to continue the success,” said Briggs referencing last year’s 28-11 record. “We can produce runs with the top of the order taking advantage of speed and I expect solid performance from our four man rotation on the mound. With a couple of kids stepping up to contribute, we can have another good year.” IN SEARCH OF GOLD ON THE LINKS Experience will be a plus for Black Diamonds boys golf team as Sallisaw chases the Class 4A state title this spring. “We were 7th in 2013, 5th in 2014, and 3rd place last spring,” notes coach Dale Tounzen. “With a squad that won five tournaments last spring returning intact, our goal is to jump two more spots on the leaderboard and win state this spring.” Senior talent leads the charge as Nick Pierce, who signed with UCO, and Ty Stites, a Cal State signee, will once again carry 1-2 bags while
Dalton Jasna will play from the number four position. Sophomore Alec Dominic will be joined by Jason Bartel in the five player rotation. The girls hopes on the links will rely upon the play for Cailin Shafer and Katie Scott.
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As the 2016 state wrestling tournament concluded, VYPE caught up with Trey Ivey of Wagoner High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting his answers, we posed the questions to Trey’s dad, Chuck Ivey, before presenting the list of questions to Trey’s teammate, Jory Brumnett. Dad or friend – who has the best takedown for the win? The 138-pound junior wrestler for the Bulldogs, Trey Ivey completed a second straight state qualifying campaign with a record of 29-8 by picking up a bronze medal finish in the Class 4A championships. Described by his coach, Micco Charbonneau, as a gamer on the wrestling mat, Ivey’s athleticism gives him an advantage against his opponents. Inquiring minds want to know if during the offseason Trey is considering a run at the skateboarding competition of the X-games? One things for sure, Ivey’s training remains focused on standing on top the medal stand as a state champion before continuing his talents on the mat in college.
Trey Ivey
Wagoner Wrestling
Trey’s Dad
Jory Brumnett Wrestling Teammate
Trey’s favorite subject in school?
English
Math
Science
Homework – early takedown, last minute reversal, or sudden-victory in OT?
Win in OT
Early Takedown
OT-Sudden Victory
Trey’s favorite food?
Pizza
Cheeseburgers
Steak
Trey’s favorite sports team?
Dallas Cowboys
Carolina Panthers
Dallas Cowboys
Trey’s locker aka bedroom is clean & neat, organized chaos or disaster zone?
Clean AND Neat
Diaster Zone (I know for sure!)
Clean & Neat
Trey’s go-to-move on the wrestling mat?
Duck Under
Duck Under
Duck Under
Trey’s Crush? (Dream Date)
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Selena Gomez
If he could be any person in the world, Trey wants to be?
Fat Tony
Cam Newton
LeBron James
Something Trey is afraid of?
Spiders
Spiders
Skydiving
Trey’s dream job?
Sports Medicine PT
Sports Medicine
Professional Skateboarder
3 out of 10 (Nice Try Dad!)
5 out of 10 (Back points for the win!)
TOTAL POINTS: 10 18
Chuck Ivey
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VYPE Sequoyah-Tahlequah Indians
MEN OF STEEL SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH AND STILWELL EARN OFBCA POWERLIFTING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS Competing in eight different weight divisions against a total of 64schools from 3A-6A, Sequoyah Tahlequah and Stilwell displayed brute strength to lead their respective teams to a state championship at the Oklahoma Powerlifting State Championships presented by the Oklahoma Football Coaches Association. Sequoyah’s “Indian Iron” picked up a total of 5 individual medals including silver medals totals from Jake Sevier (123lbs), Justin Hooper (157lbs) and Dakota Kahbeah (168lbs) plus a pair of 5th place finishes by Logan Bush (168lbs) and Tyler Barnett (198lbs) to combine for the
overall Class 3A top score of 52 points, the most by any school competing in the large school competition. Sevier, including his deadlift effort of 405 pounds topped the scales in all three parts of the competiton while Kahbeah outperformed the field in deadlift competition with a burst of strength to push up 510 pounds as Coach Shane Richardson and Brad Jones’ athletes won the school’s first-ever Powerlifting title. Hilldale and Heavener tied for 4th place with 20 points. The Hornets got a pair silver medal efforts from Bernabe Tapia (220lbs) and Jack Pevehouse (275lbs). Heavener got a runner-up 2nd place performance from Bryce Tolleson (242lbs) and 6th place effort from Jack Ducheul (123lbs) plus a top-10 effort from Joey Ibarra (181lbs). Eufaula’s Colton Roberts captured 3rd place points at 145 pounds whileTyresse Collins finished 4th while competing at 198 pounds.
Presented by Stuteville Ford of Tahlequah
division. Senior lifter Brent Girdner’s 1420 pound total earned Stilwell 4th place in the heavyweight race while another pair of seniors Joseph Simmons (157lbs) and Haze Poor (181lbs) picked up points in 5th place while Chad Hendricks (275lbs) added to Stilwell’s total with a top ten finish. Poteau with a gold medal winning lift by Austin Archey that totaled 1,440 pounds and third place finish by Matthew Alvarado (HWT) to secure the second place point totals in Class 4A when including top 10 results from Roger Barcheers (181lbs), Dalton Smith (275lbs) and D.J. Hart (HWT). Fort Gibson’s Evan Michael (220lbs) also scored a top ten finish. Against schools from Class 2A-B, Warner picked up 14 points with a 4th place total from Jacob Crabtree (168lbs) and bonus points from Zack Jones (181lbs)
Jose Lopez of Stigler gained a top ten finish at 242 pounds while Mike Mackenski of Keys finished 6th overall at heavyweight.
h
bea Dakota Kah
Stilwell continued its lock on Class 4A powerlifting championships including back-to-back titles and three of the last four crowns totaling 34 points while Poteau lifters took home second place among Class 4A schools with 24 points. Coach Josh Eubanks team picked up four medals paced by a gold medal effort from Stilwell junior Daniel Tavarez whose total lift of 1,000 pounds won all three areas of competition including squat, bench and deadlift against the 123 pound
Stilwell Indian
s
CAREERS START HERE Taking It to the House
basic carpentry because all you have to work with is a speed square, hammer and a skill saw.” By winning the state competition, Stewart would be eligible to go to SkillsUSA Nationals, set for June in Louisville, Kentucky.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see Otis win the state championship,” said Stewart. “He’s a competitor who excels once the lights go on. His ability to see the situation and then complete the assignment is exceptional.”
Indian Capital’s Construction Trades Program Offers Students A Winning Game Plan As a wide receiver for Central Sallisaw’s football team, Otis Stewart welcomed the chance to get his hands on the football and turn quick out route receptions into six points on the scoreboard. As a student enrolled in the construction trades program on the Sallisaw campus of Indian Capital Technology Center, Stewart continues to find ways to win. “We learn by doing and that’s a perfect fit for my learning curve,” admits Stewart, who also displays his speed as a member of Central’s track team. “My dad was a carpenter and I thought it was really cool how he could build anything he wanted.” The two-year high school program offers students a game plan to succeed. “You can compare it to a football game where you play four quarters, said pro-
gram director Kurt Henry while drawing a comparison to sports. “The construction trades program provides the basics in four areas including carpentry, electricity, plumbing and masonry in a nontraditional classroom program where learning is achieved through a hands-on experience.”
The blue-collar real world environment of the program is something that appeals most to Stewart as well as an opportunity to compete by using his hands in carpentry skills. After finishing third in the SkillsUSA regional competition, Stewart continues to train and study a game plan prior to a state championship competition in Tulsa.
“At regionals, I tried to just out work everyone by going as fast and as hard as I could,” admitted Stewart. “In preparing for state, we’ve got a game plan plus we’re developing my cut list. But once the competition begins, it’s still old school
Now in his fifth year directing the program in Sallisaw, Henry agrees with Stewart, the construction trades program provides opportunities for life. “The kids learn the basic building blocks plus they get their OSHA and NCCER certification which gives them an advantage in the workforce,” said Henry. “Students like Otis will make a career out of it while some students will take the talents learned and save a lot of money by doing the work themselves.” Traditional education has the three R’s… reading, writing and arithmetic. ICTC’s construction trades program provides one more R for today as well as tomorrow.
“This program gives me a chance to prove myself and sets me on the road to that next letter…R as in results,” said Stewart with a smile. Hands on learning, learning by doing through classes at Indian Capital Technology Center provides something for everyone by doing things you enjoy while changing your future success.
Careers Start Here Indian Capital Technology Center Muskogee: 800-375-8324
Full Time | Short Term | Online | Business & Industry Services
Sallisaw: 800-340-9119
Stilwell: 866-696-3111
Tahlequah: 800-340-2594
www.ictctech.com
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of SUCCESS
Paying it back as well as forward…for Okay High School basketball coach Chad Clark, the success of the Mustangs last two seasons including a berth in the Class A state finals in 2016 continues to bring things full circle. A 1998 graduate at Okay, Clark still recalls his days as a member of the basketball and baseball teams playing for current school superintendent, Charles McMahan. “Coach Mac instilled a sense of pride and responsibility with all of his players,” recalled Clark. “He taught us the values of hard work and dedication. It’s something I try to instill in my kids today.”
And until the 2015 Class A state tournament appearance for Clark’s team, the personable coach of #StangNation was the last team from Okay to play in the state tournament. “I think that’s why I’m so happy for the opportunity to coach here at Okay,” Clark confirmed. “These kids are walking the same halls where I went to school. I was
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fortunate to have so many people help me and now it’s my opportunity to pay it back as well as forward.”
Chad Clark
Following high school, Clark Okay High School played college baseball at Carl higher level everyday.” Albert State College before wrapping up Clark also welcomes the advice of his team’s his college degree from Northeastern State followers. University. The past 12 years, Clark has cherished the opportunity to continue to “The success of the past two years belongs wear the orange and black of his alma mater. to the people of Okay,” said Clark. “It’s brought this community together with a “It’s a dream come true,” smiled Clark. “Just sense of pride. Jim Hancock, who coached like coach McMahan did when I was in here, Mike Lassiter who played here along school, I spend as much if not more time with coach McMahan will watch game film with the players on my team that I do with with me, send me text messages of support my own family. You want to see these young before, during and after every game. people make a name for themselves and for Okay High School. That’s why almost Our fans do the same no matter if we’re at everyone one of my players is part of my home or on the road. You look in the stands baseball team. We’re and you can’t miss that sea of orange and together year round black. It puts a charge in you to give it your as a family.” best, win or lose.” As for his coaching And for Clark, there’s always another cause style of success, for his spirit of success when he walks Clarks admits it’s through the door at home. pretty simple. “My daughter Mylie runs to give me a hug,” “We hold each other smiled Clark, “just ahead of my son Chase accountable, players and my wife, Makyla. Just like most coaches, and coaches alike,” I spend more time with my players than I said Clark. “Do what do at home. So when all three of them smile you’re asked to do and say good game Dad, it brings a tear to and leave things your eye and a smile to my face.” better than when you first arrived. I’ve The journey for Clark and his Mustang basketball team is far from finished. But coached this year’s with four starters returning, StangNation is group of players on the right path making things better than since the seventh grade. I think they’re the day before. Add it all together, Chad Clark is continuing showing a desire to live the dream and continues to create a to raise the bar of Spirit of Success day by day. expectations to a
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F E AT U R E
THREE RIVERS BASKETBALL
GIRLS 1st Team Aaliyah Wilson – Muskogee Jada Ford – Muskogee Katie Kirkhart – Hilldale Zoe Shieldknight – Fort Gibson Amber Cookson – Sequoyah Tahlequah Jordan Ivey – Preston Jalei Oglesby – Howe Raven Blackbear – Beggs Erin Gray – Eufaula
Aaliyah Wilson Muskogee
2nd Team Trena Mims – Muskogee Kenzie Mize – Hilldale Kabree Edgmon – Fort Gibson Mikiah McDonald – Roland Madison Nickens – Westville Braden Dorsey – Howe Jakkie Wright – Sequoyah Tahlequah Desiree Moon – Vian Carleigha Thompson – Spiro
Erin Gray Eufaula
Honorable Mention Lindsay Wade – Tahlequah Armahni Shields – Preston Chelsea Anderson – Warner Shauntey Hays – Stigler Brianna Merchant – Beggs Cheyanne Marshall – Porter Chandler Jarrard – Webbers Falls
Jace Welch Keota
Katie Kirkhart Hilldale 24
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Koby Goodman Preston MARCH 2016
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Kyle Dortch Fort Gibson |
J U LY
2011
BOYS 1st Team Darrius Riggs – Okay Austin Skiles – Okay Jadon Huffman – Preston Koby Goodman – Preston Kyle Dortch – Fort Gibson Jace Shepherd – Fort Gibson Tyeus Daugherty – Sequoyah Tahlequah Jace Welch – Keota Tavian Davis – Muskogee 2nd Team Caleb Riggs – Okay Elan Eagle – Sequoyah Tahlequah Sequoyah Sanders – Poteau Gaven Brown - Howe Jimell Tate – Okmulgee Ricco Ybarra – Fort Gibson Mason Fielden – Hulbert Trey Reeves – Muldrow Heath Konsure – Okemah Honorable Mention Khalil Morris – Roland Zac Pinkston – Preston Ira Blackbear – Beggs Micah Bell – Inola Parker Taylor – Hulbert Kolbee Miller – Haskell Grant Sikes – Hilldale
Zoe Shieldknight Fort Gibson
Darrius Riggs Riggs
WINTER WRESTLING
First Team 106 – Levi Harris, Wagoner 113 – Tate Brumnett, Wagoner 120 – Jet Taylor, Sallisaw ** 126 – Ryan Waltman, Fort Gibson 132 – Jory Brumnett, Wagoner 138 – Woody Click, Sallisaw 145 – Luke Murphy, Fort Gibson 152 – Sam Shore, Poteau 160 – Wyatt Sheets, Stilwell **** 170 – Brad Bell, Okmulgee 182 – Malcolm Rodriguez, Wagoner * 195 – Sammy Sanchez, Fort Gibson 220 – Dustin Hicks, Tahlequah 285 – Michael Rosales, Fort Gibson **** – 2016 State Champions Wrestler of the Year: Wyatt Sheets, Stilwell Coach of the Year: Micco Charboneau, Wagoner Second Team 106 – Cade Waltman, Fort Gibson 113 – Cameron Martin, Fort Gibson 120 – Jeremy Hanger, Warner 126 – Hunter Williams, Sallisaw 132 – Tate Medlin, Tahlequah 138 – Trey Ivey, Wagoner 145 – Graylen Fletcher, Vian 152 – Whitt Fletcher, Vian 160 – Josh Barrett, Inola 170 – River Simon, Vian
182 – Justin Cates, Fort Gibson 195 – Julio Reyes, Wagoner 220 – Noah Wilson, Sequoyah Tahlequah 285 – Eric Stepp, Wagoner
Honorable Mention 106 – Dakota James - Poteau, Julien Brownfield – Tahlequah 113 - Bryson Terry – Poteau, Jakob Lyons – Tahlequah 120 – Kyri Beasley, Muskogee 126 – Quentin Johnson, Wagoner 132 – Austin Cowett, Fort Gibson 138 – Jonathan McGowan – Hulbert, Daniel Sides – Fort Gibson, Tristan Shireman – Wagoner 145 – James Current, Wagoner 152 – Pablo Nava, Tahlequah 160 – Roderick Hornbuckle, Poteau 170 – Bryce Brown – Wagoner, Dakota St. Pierre – Stilwell, Kobe Morris – Tahlequah 182 – Blain Buchanan – Checotah, Kaleb Aguila – Inola 195 – Nick Sam, Stilwell 220 – Mateo Pena – Wagoner, Logan Enger – Fort Gibson 285 – Gabe Scott –Hulbert, Carlos Aispuro – Tahlequah, Warren Long – Stilwell
SWIMMING
GIRLS: Charee Graham – Henryetta Caprice Graham – Henryetta Catie Sain – Fort Gibson Delainie Terrell – Fort Gibson Abby Reel – Fort Gibson BOYS: Connor Schapp – Fort Gibson Kobe McElmurry – Fort Gibson Jacob Martin – Fort Gibson Wade Glover – Fort Gibson Tallon Wall – Fort Gibson Swimmers of the Year Charee Graham – Henryetta Connor Schapp – Fort Gibson
Caprice and Charee Graham Henryetta
Catie Sain Fort Gibson
Dustin Hicks Tahlequah
Jet Taylor Sallisaw
Connor Schapp Fort Gibson MARCH 2016 |
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KANDACE STANDRIDGE - Poteau Lady Pirates As the spring track season opens for 2016, Poteau senior Kandace Standridge is ready to return to her favorite position standing at the top of the medal stand by winning yet another gold medal. In the Lady Pirates first action of the year at the Alma AR relays, “KandyKane” took first place in the 800 and 1600m run as well as running anchor Poteau’s gold medal finishes of the 4x400 and 4x800m relays. In the 4x800 relay running with teammates Madison Williamson, Kaylee Shankle and MacKenzie Williamson, the 2016 senior took the baton in second place trailing the leader by more than 100 meters only to equal a personal best time of 2:20 in order to overcome the margin of distance and continue Poteau’s gold medal streak of winning the 3200m relay. “Kandace is a competitor in the truest sense of the word,” said Poteau coach Billy Bond. “She simply refuses to lose in everything she does.” In addition to success on the track, Standridge is a straight-A student in the classroom and signed a letter of intent to run track at Oklahoma Baptist University.
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FORT GIBSON TIGERS
Arvest Bank School of the Month returning, 6-2 junior Kyle Dortch, coach Gary Hendrix put the right pieces together for much more than a winning season.
“…Tigers race the ball up the court, Calavan looking to make the pass, pivots delivers the ball to Rico for a three…YES…Tigers get the win and knock out the top seeded Panthers 46-44 to survive and advance to the Big House…” To all the doubters, Fort Gibson boys basketball undeniably proved worthy of a trip to the Class 4A state championship game including the last second win in round one against top ranked Harrah coupled with a semifinal 53-48 victory over #6 Anadarko to make it to championship Saturday at the Big House. On the heels of last year’s 27-2 and loss of four starters to graduation, some wondered if the Tigers would be successful in 2016; many except for the players and coaches on this year’s team. With only one starter
“The kids played with a lot of heart,” said Hendrix. “They believed in themselves and our game plan. They were determined to prove they could play with the best in our class.”
While Dortch led the team scoring 16.6 points per game, 6-0 sophomore Jace Shepherd added 13.7 points per contest while Rico Ybarra, a 6-0 junior guard and sophomore point guard Carson Calavan guided the attack including 8.5 points per game. When you add the inside presence of 6-8 senior Cole Hamilton inside, the Tigers had the necessary pieces for success. Three other seniors made the puzzle
fit together including Scott Garrett, Austin Gassaway and Coy Pendergraft.
And while the silver ball wasn’t exactly the color desired, this year’s Cinderella campaign has set the stage for another quest for gold next year. “It’s unbelievable to get to the state championship game with any team,” said Hendrix. “We have kids coming back next year and we should be as good and if not better than we were this year. But you never know if you get these opportunities again. “This is my second trip to the finals, the first coming 31 years ago. You never know.”
One thing for certain, never look past the eye of the Tiger. And you can take it to the bank the 2016 Tigers have made believers out of everyone.
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DREAMS OF GOLD Fort Gibson Tigers Eleven Three Rivers’ teams advance to state with three playing for championship. Basketball’s road to a championship is often filled with detours and sudden stops. The ultimate prize of winning the gold ball is the hope of every team but in order to play on Championship Saturday, girls and boys basketball teams must first reach the elite eight in their respective class of competition. So was the journey for 11 teams from Three Rivers including seven girls squads plus another four boys teams that advanced to the state tournaments including a trio of schools that tried on the silver slipper in an attempt to complete a dream come true season.
Tigers made their 12th consecutive appearance and were joined by the Lady Hornets of Hilldale, who entered the state tournament for a second year in a row. A fast start in the first eight minutes against Plainview would lift coach Scott Hensley’s group to a 57-48 victory and a dance in the semifinals for the first time in school history against Harrah. The Panthers win over Hilldale advanced Harrah into the championship game
where Newcastle would lift the gold ball to the tune of We Are the Champions. Fort Gibson, without a senior on their roster entered the tournament with a 27-0 campaign before the bubble burst on the Diaper Dandies in a first round setback against Broken Bow. Class 3A Tradition continued in the boys and girls brackets as the Sequoyah Tahlequah Indians and Lady Indians returned to their annual spots playing in the state tournament.
Class 4A Perhaps the biggest surprise to play their way into the championship game resulted from the determination and talents of the Fort Gibson, who entered the 4A boys field as the #8 seed and matched up against top-ranked Harrah in game one. Coach Gary Hendrix’ team surprised everyone but themselves with a 46-44 win over the Panthers as Rico Ybarra’s trey just before the buzzer proved to be the game winner. Following a semifinal win over Anadarko, the Tigers reached the state finals for just the second time in the 31-year coaching trail of success for Hendrix. Fort Gibson, who carried home a silver runner-up trophy following a loss to Douglass in the finals, will no doubt have everyone’s attention in 2016-17 as four starters return from a 24-7 season. Among the eight teams in Class 4A girls, undefeated and top ranked Lady 28
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Okay Mustangs
Preston Pirates
Hall in the finals.
Aalilyah Wilson Jay Herrin’s boys team advanced from the Area consolation championship with a 22-7 record and #7 ranking where the Indians would meet the Wampus Cats of Atoka, ranked number three in the final 3A polls, who claimed a hard fought 71-67 win over Sequoyah. Atoka would meet the eventual 3A champion Verdigris in the semifinals as the Cardinals celebrated the 3A crown with a victory over the defending champion Heritage
The Lady Indians, whose season began with one of those unexpected detours when Cenia Hayes sustained a season ending knee injury prior to the start of the season, proved the determination and hard work will make a difference as coach Larry Callison’s team came into the final weekend with a 22-5 record and ranked #5 in the final 3A coaches’ poll. The defending champions hopes for back to back titles ended in the opening round in a 42-38 setback to top ranked Washington. The Lady Warriors were turned away in the final as Alva won its third consecutive state championship with a 43-39 victory. Many of the so-called experts questioned the makeup of the Beggs Lady Demons in 2016; however with a youthful lineup filled with talent and spirit, coach Bunyan Johnson’s squad reached the state tournament for the first time since 2005 and just the fifth time in school history. Entering the 3A girls bracket ranked #4 with a 26-2 record, the Lady Demons dreams for gold were quenched in a first round 43-38 setback to Comanche.
Darrius Riggs
Jada Ford
Jadon Huffman
Taiah Sanders Cheyenne Johnson
Rico Ybarra
Kabree Edgmon
Katie Kirkhart
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The Lady Pirates overcame the effects of a season ending injury to KiEssence Shields to advance to the state tournament for a 27th time including four in a row with a 23-7 record ranked number five. Coach Jeff Weedn’s squad lost in the opening round action to the eventual 2A state champion Fairview.
Amber Cookson Class 2A Preston girls and boys basketball teams annually secure early reservations with expectations of reaching the Fairgrounds arena playing for state championships. Both teams entered Oklahoma City looking to exchange their two pieces of silver from 2015 for gold and the school’s 161st state tournament appearances. The Pirates, ranked number one all season long, entered the championship event with a 24-6 mark trying to win Preston’s sixth gold ball. Following victories over Carnegie and second ranked Pawnee, coach Dirk Walden’s senior laden lineup moved into the Big House against the Wewoka Tigers in a rematch of last year’s finals. Despite a determined effort, Preston exited the Big House with the runner-up trophy for the fourth time in school history as Wewoka won the crown for a second straight season.
The Lady Lions of Howe were living out what some termed destiny to reach the state tournament by playing for a bigger purpose than just wins and losses as coach Chris Brown’s up-tempo aggressive minded lineup sought to win the school’s fifth state championship, the last occurring in 2009. After winning the 2A Area in convincing fashion, the Lady Lions roared into the state tournament with a 25-4 record before encountering a season ending roadblock against the state runner-up, Cashion, in a 48-42 decision. Class A A season ago, Okay was happy to have finally made it to the Class A state basketball state tournament for the first time ever in school history. The 2016 campaign was much a different story as #StangNation roared into the State Fairgrounds Arena with more than just a dream of playing for gold as coach Chad Clark’s Mustangs entered the field of eight ranked second with a 26-3 record. With a barrage of three point baskets at the Big House, Okay advanced to the dance floor on Saturday with victories over Velma-Alma (68-47) and Pond Creek-Hunter (78-69). The Class A finals would be a matchup of 1-vs-2 as Okay would meet Fort Cobb-Broxton as the Mustangs of the West would win a second straight state championship, including the 2015 Class B crown. Class 6A
Jordan Ivey
The Muskogee Lady Roughers began this season ranked number one in the Class 6A girls polls with four of five starters back from the 2015 state runnerup lineup. Coach Doyle Rowland’s lineup boasts three Division I athletes including McDonald’s All-American Aaliyah Wilson, Jada Ford and Trena Mims. The Lady Roughers, entered a highly competitive field of eight teams with a 23-2 record ranked number two in the state. Muskogee displayed its
Elan Eagle Kyle Sanders athleticism in round one with a 58-46 win over Edmond Santa Fe to advance to the state semi-finals for a third straight season, this time against the Lady Bombers of Midwest City. In a dramatic double overtime contest, Muskogee would leave the ORU Mabee Center empty handed suffering a 74-67 loss to the eventual state champion Lady Bombers who would defeat Owasso for the state title. The Wilson-Ford era at Muskogee ends without the gold ball while recording a 72-12 three-year record. STATE CHAMPIONS Class 6A: Girls – Midwest City Boys – Putnam City West Class 5A: Girls – Woodward Boys – Carl Albert Class 4A: Girls – Newcastle Boys – OC Douglass Class 3A: Girls – Alva Boys – Verdigris Class 2A: Girls – Fairview Boys – Wewoka Class A: Girls – Seiling Boys – Fort Cobb-Broxton Class B: Girls – Lomega Boys – Red Oak
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CONGRATULATIONS JET TAYLOR! Sallisaw Black Diamonds Wrestling 2001 N York St • Muskogee, OK 74403 • (918) 687-6569
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VYPE Malcolm Rodriguez – Wagoner Presented by
Champions On The Mat The best of the best wrestlers in Oklahoma converged on the State Fairgrounds arena to due battle on the mat searching for individual and team championships in four classes of competition. Top grapplers from schools in VYPE Three Rivers territory made their way to the medal stand including a trio of gold medal winners in Class 4A while five more athletes picked up silver medals plus an additional five wrestlers claiming bronze. The team race in Class 4A was lopsided with Tuttle picking up an eighth consecutive team title crowning 6 champions while Cascia Hall edged Wagoner for second place. 34
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With the determination of a champion, Wyatt Sheets of Stilwell wrapped up his high school career with a fourth consecutive gold medal. Trailing 3-1 going into the final period, Sheets turned the tables on Dayton Garrett of Tuttle for a 4-3 decision to claim the 160 pound title and a 39-1 record this season. In accomplishing the rare feat as a four-time champion, Sheets also earned All-State honors. The Stilwell senior will take his talents to the college level next fall after signing a national letter of intent with Oklahoma State University. Sallisaw’s Jet Taylor became the Black Diamonds 11th state champion in school history using a 10-6 decision over Noah
McQuigg of Tuttle to pick up the gold medal and end the year with a 38-6 record. The talented junior was named Class 4A Most Outstanding Wrestler for his efforts in the state tournament. After leading the Bulldogs to the Class 4A state football title in December, Wagoner junior Malcolm Rodriguez(29-3) won an 8-4 decision over Justin Cates (40-10) of Fort Gibson for the 182 pound gold medal in Class 4A. Among the five wrestlers earning Class 4A silver medals, Levi Harris of Wagoner picked up the second place finish at 106 pounds while Sallisaw’s Woody Click, a two-time qualifier wrapped his career with a
second place finish at 138 pounds. Wagoner, which qualified 11 wrestlers for the Class 4A tournament, gained added team points with a pair of bronze medal finishes including junior Trey Ivey at 138 pounds and Bryce Brown at 160 pounds. One of the six Tigers earning state qualifying spots in Class 4A, Fort Gibson’s Sammy Sanchez (195 lbs) joined Poteau’s Sam Shore (152 lbs) as bronze medal winners in Class 4A.
the finals to pick up the silver medal and wrap up his junior season with a 32-3 record. Inola senior Josh Barrett wrapped his career with a 37-4 record this year including a Class 3A silver medal at 160 pounds. Checotah’s Blaine Buchanan reached the medal stand with a bronze medal third place finish against the Class 3A field at 182 pounds.
The team title in Class 3A came down to the wire as Plainview edged Perry for the team title. Defending champion Brad Bell of Okmulgee narrowly missed a back to back gold medal performance dropping a sudden-victory decision against T.J. Lodiemier of Hinton 6-5 in
Jeremy Hanger of Warner became the first ever state qualifier for the Eagles’ program which completed its first season against varsity competition. OSSAA State Champions Class 3A: Plainview Class 4A: Tuttle Class 5A: Collinsville Class 6A: Choctaw
Jory Brumnet
Justin Cates
River Simon
Jet Taylor
Dustin Hicks
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Halie Brasuell – Faith Treadwell – Raychel Harris – Jordan Turley – Brittany Baer - Webbers Falls High School FFA Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve… these 12 short words define the FFA motto and for five members of the Webbers Falls FFA chapter, they’ve become life changing moments for success…today and in the future.
“Growing up I had no clue what FFA was, the only team I ever knew was my summer league softball team. Standing in front of everyone saying that I am the President of the Webbers Falls FFA Chapter is something that I never thought nor had the desire to do until my first day in that AG classroom. FFA has broken down so many walls for me. It has established the desire to work towards something bigger than myself in my heart. Never in my life did I think I would be talking in front of strangers, directing chapter meetings, going to Alumni Camp or even showing livestock. I can honestly say that FFA has changed my life for the better and that I would be lost if I had not made the choice to become a member of this amazing organization.” -Halie Brasuell
“Becoming part of FFA has helped me in my life in so many ways; it has made me more outgoing, given me the opportunity to meet people from across the state and has given me the opportunity to raise and show pigs. FFA is an amazing organization that helps so many students across the United States! After high school I plan to be a lawyer or counselor but I’ll always treasure my life changing experiences through FFA.” -Faith Treadwell
“Being involved in FFA has provided me with many opportunities and given me many life-long friends. Going into my eighth grade year at a new school I had no clue what I was going to do to meet friends. FFA has helped me break out of my shyness, and if anyone knows me they would say I am VERY shy. FFA has taught me how to speak in front of people and big
crowds. I have learned many skills such as respect, leadership, dedication, people skills and responsibilities. I am so thankful for having the opportunities to be in such a great organization that has provided numerous life-long lessons that will better me as a person.” -Raychel Harris
“Being in FFA has changed my life in many ways. It has brought me out of my shell and taught me that it’s okay to reach out of my comfort zone. Giving speeches and being on our OC team has made me reach out to strangers and shown me there is more to FFA than just livestock showing. Growing with my officer team has taught me many lessons about being a leader.“ - Jordan Turley
“FFA has taught me many things about life, showing livestock has taught me responsibility. Being part of the officer team and going to leadership conference have taught me how to step up and be a leader. The FFA has also taught me how to be hard worker. These qualities are something I can use throughout my whole life and these qualities will help me become successful.” -Brittany Baer
CHECOTAH FAA
CHECOTAH Checotah FFA recently finished a 10-week run of continuous livestock shows. Members of the Checotah FFA Chapter had champion animals at the Muscogee Creek Nation All Indian Show, the Choctaw Nation Show in Wilburton, the Wister Jackpot, Poteau Jackpot, Coalgate Jackpot, Tishomingo Jackpot, Norman Jackpot, Stigler Jackpot and Holdenville Jackpots. Along with the Checotah Local Show, the McIntosh County Show, the Muskogee Regional Show where the Robison Family continued their family tradition of having the Grand Champion or Reserve Grand Champion Doe Goat at the Muskogee Regional Show for the 8th year in a row. Checotah FFA students are leaving for a 9-day span to the Oklahoma Youth Expo while other kids are living it up during spring break. The Checotah skeet shooting team had 11 students compete in the Midway USA District shoot at the Coweta Gun Club on the first day of the Muskogee Regional Show. Checotah FFA also has four 1 ton creep feeders on wheels being manufactured in the welding shop that will be available for purchase at the end of the school year. Checotah FFA continues to host a monthly poultry auction every fourth Friday at the Checotah Agricultural Center. The February sale started at 6pm with an estimated 1800 lots and ended at 3:30AM on the morning of our County Livestock Show. Checotah FFA also hosted the Checotah Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet during one of those weeks and is already prepping the soil for the Summer Community Garden Program. Checotah FFA will have 6 State FFA Degree Students recognized at the State Convention in April along with 14 students who will receive Career Tech Passport recognition. Checotah FFA will also be recognized as one of the Top 6 FFA Chapters in the state of Oklahoma for their Chapter Development Program.
Fort GIBSON FFA
FORT GIBSON The focus of the all members of Fort Gibson FFA has been in preparation for success at local shows. The hard work paid huge results as a total of 29 members reached the premium sale a s the Muskogee County and Regional show. Jake Parker won Grand honors in the swine show while Cole Cobb achieved Grand Champion Market goat and Kennedy Lockhart winning Supreme heifer. Thirty-five chapter members also enjoyed spending Spring Break in competition at Oklahoma Youth Exposition (OYE) in Oklahoma City including Megan Greathouse winning Grand Champion Wether goat honors. STILWELL
Stilwell FFA recently participated in the Oklahoma scholastic regional trap shoot at oil capital gun club in Coweta, ok. The Team placed 1st and qualified for the state shoot to be held in April. Individually Terin Fletcher placed 2nd in the high school girls, while Chad Workman placed 4th in the high school boys division. Other team members include, Delaney McGee, Kimber Miller, Morgan Kirkland, Chloe Brown, Karley Roberts, Matt Catron, Tim Kelsey, Josh Hammons, Chad Hendrix, Tanner Fletcher, Rhett Meyer, Wyatt
Stilwell FFA
MUSKOGEE FFA
Catron, Brent Girdner, John Hudgins, Austin Colvin, and Logan Stephens. The Chapter also had success at the Muskogee regional livestock show, where 3 member made the premium auction exhibiting market goats, Kylee Vaughan, Reserve hwy division Champ, Kenna Knight reserve light weight division Champ, and Terin Fletcher with a Class winner. Kylee Vaughan and Terin Fletcher were also scholarship recipients at the Muskogee regional show. MUSKOGEE
Action and results have been busy and exciting for member of the Muskogee FFA chapter. At the Muskogee County Livestock and Regional Livestock Shows, six students including Riley Foster, Susan Oehlschlager, Madison Seth, Natalie Daniels, Kerston Richardson and Quentin Richardson took part in competition. Spring break was the time for Madison Seth and Susan Oehlschlager to take part in the Oklahoma Youth Exposition. Seth took part in the pig shows while Oehlschlager competed in goats. Congratulations Susan O…for reaching the premium sales at the County and Regional Livestock events.
VIAN FFA
EUFAULA Congratulations to the Eufaula FFA Trap Shooting team on placing 4th on March 1st at the Northeast District scholastic shooting competition hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and the Midway Foundation. Ridge Dotson was the High Male Shooter Individual and Ashley Laughlin was 4th High Female Individual. Ridge and Ashley automatically qualify for the state contest in this event! Team members were Ashley Laughlin, Tala Joyner, Baylee Heflin, Ridge Dotson, Bailey Breedlove, Clay Henley, Payton Crawley, Griffin Henley, Jaden Hoffman, Christian Nester, Levi Jackson, CJ Hendrix, and Kaden Farrow. This team success was made possible by contributions from the National Rifle Association grant program and the Midway Foundation endowment program. These two contributors continue to supply materials and funds to purchase practice equipment for our team’s success.
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KALEN CASTOR yourself and to your principles of life by her truthfulness and her sense of humor that calms any situation.”
Managing the demands of a busy schedule including daily attention to her grades while playing soccer along with a full-time job are important to Castor, who welcomes the challenges to be a positive difference maker.
“Success is a choice,” smiled Castor. “And many times it’s taking time to offer encouragement to someone that will lift their confidence and change their day. Something a simple as a smile makes things better.” It’s Castor’s actions that speak just as loud as her words that impress Muskogee soccer coach Curt Denton.
“Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you”…the Golden Rule. Sounds simple but living it everyday requires more than just reciting a few words every morning. And, while the pace of today’s world often forces quick decisions, it’s the Golden Rule that Kalen Castor examples step by step.
“What you do and how you treat others regardless of the circumstances is what defines character,” admits Castor, a senior at Muskogee High School. “For me that applies to every person I meet in addition to my family, friends and teammates.” “Kalen lives by example,” confirmed Castor’s U.S. History teacher Jack Reavis. “She defines all the traits of character including being honest with
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“I have a saying…don’t let your talent take you farther than your character can keep you,” Denton said, “that’s a perfect description of Kalen in all aspects of her life. Her leadership abilities are by example as she strives to make things better through positive reinforcement.
Castor is quick to acknowledge her oportunities to be a role model come from the examples shown to her that have left lifelong impressions and the inspiration to succeed. “My mom (Katrina Castor) has shown me the clear path to follow,” Castor said with a smile on her face and gleam in her eye. “She works so hard to hold everything together no matter the situation. Her example has left footprints in the sand for me to follow everyday.”
And according to Reavis, it’s footprints for success that Castor creates for others to follow. “Kalen’s sense of fairness to everyone sets her
apart,” said Reavis. “She can read both sides of the coin and confidently state her opinion without being offensive to anyone. Kalen is able to complete the circle as the final link in the chain and make everyone around her feel comfortable.” With her talents on the soccer field, Castor has earned a college scholarship to play at Oklahoma City University where she will pursue a pre-Med degree in molecular biology. As she approaches graduation with a 4.5 GPA, Castor’s passion for helping others remains at the top of her heartfelt desires. “I just pray that what I do can be a positive influence to help others achieve success,” said Castor.
And with by her smile and living a life by the Golden Rule, Kalen Castor continues to leave footprints in the sand for others to follow as proof that above all…Character Counts!
TTCU
Academic
ATHLETE of the MONTH
MADISON Westville Lady Yellowjackets DylanNICKENS Simmons Holland Hall A four-year starter on Westville’s basketball team, Madison Nickens wrapped up her senior season with a team high Olorepro torio te82 maio que probaskets et hit autendis eosant quidus, sunt volorerum sitas 19.3 scoring average including three-point and a 43.2% average from beyond the arc. In eostisto addition to leading volesequi quam doluptas molorrunti disciendic te estrum ex excearum quatus eum liquiat esti the Yellowjackets scoring totals, Nickens sets the standards academically maintaining a 4.06 GPA while completing AP and Honors Classes including English, World History and Anatomy. sus, secuptaquo venisqui dem quatia verita volupta tempore pliquunt eos. Olorepro torio te The ever-smiling Nickens is ahit member of eosant the WHS Student Council, National Society and Fellowship of maio que pro et autendis quidus, sunt volorerum sitasHonors eostisto volesequi quam dolupChristian Athletes as well as D-Fy and Bleacher Creatures. tas molorrunti disciendic te estrum excearum quatus eum. Nickens combination of athletic and academic achievements and determination for success will continue on the college level after recently receiving a NCAA scholarship to play basketball at East Central University while pursuing a biology major on the road to a career in physical therapy.
The unbank. Submit your nominations for the TTCU Academic Athlete of the Month to: Oklahoma @VYPE.com
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