VYPE Three Rivers June 2012 by Austin Chadwick

Pregame

A letter from Bill Huddleston

4 | Picture This VYPE photographers capture the shining moments of high school sports action in Three Rivers with action from the baseball and softball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts and track championships.

8 | Play Ball Hilldale, Spiro, Oktaha and Wister were among the teams competing in the State Baseball Tournaments. And, at the final out, the Hornets are the champions.

20 | Solid Gold The lineup of teams competing for the slow-pitch softball state championships included a total of six teams from Three Rivers. Hulbert, Oktaha, Heavener, Muskogee, Tahlequah and the Class 5A State Champion—Sequoyah Tahlequah Lady Indians.

Solid Gold Spring What a finish for the 2012 spring sports season. Athletes and teams from Three Rivers once again demonstrated their talents proving to be among the state’s best by capturing state championships. Among the best individual efforts were the double gold medal performances by Sydney Lawrence of Stilwell and Andi Gourd of Central Sallisaw. Both won the 1600m and 3200m run at the state track meet. Beware, both return to the track again next year. The team efforts were obvious as Hilldale battled the top three ranked teams on way to the Class 4A baseball title while Sequoyah Tahlequah proved their prowess in Class 5A slow-pitch. Poteau girls won the Class 4A golf championships with just one senior! Check out VYPEOK.com! Our new website features day to day sports highlights along with live-stream broadcasts of sports action including baseball, slow 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

Bill Huddleston

26 | Par For the Course Paced by the play of sophomore standout Hannah Ward, the Poteau Lady Pirates won the Class 4A girls golf championship—the first girls’ state title for Poteau in 33 years.

30 | Distance Dominance Track and field competition at the State Track Meets included outstanding performances in the distance events. Sydney Lawrence of Stilwell and Andi Gourd of Central Sallisaw won a pair of gold medals while Sinue Rodriquez of Sallisaw also stood atop the medal stand.

Next Issue... “Family Tradition” -Jarrard Poteete of Hilldale joins his dad and grandfather in the family tradition of winning baseball state championships.

Graphic Design Leah Weigle Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Bill Huddleston, Ben Johnson, Austin Chadwick Contributing Photographers John Hasler, Curtis Allen, Ruby Dean-Captured Memories Photography, Rhonda Hansen Photography, Bradley Cox & Anna Newton-Eufaula Schools, Mecie Gauntt Photography, Vicki Reece-Westville Schools, Rip Stell, Brett Rojo, Craig Hall, Bill Huddleston, Ben Johnson-Tahlequah Daily Press, Erin Parks, Michael Mayberry, Kevin Bishop,Hilldale Athletics, Von Castor, Blunck’s Photography, Ron Goad Photography.com, Michael Mayberry. 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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Hornet Faithful

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F-C-A Athlete

of the Month TAYLOR JORDAN Midway High School

Taylor Jordan knows a lot about winning. The Midway High School senior just completed an undefeated 29-0 season to claim the Class 4A #1 Singles State Championship. Yet, for the ever smiling Jordan, every day is a victory because of her faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.

“It’s my driving force for everything I do in life,” said Jordan, about her relationship with Jesus Christ. “I want everyone to know that I don’t just believe but I follow His plan for my life.”

“It’s easy to say you are a Christian,” nodded Jordan, a member of the FCA group at Midway. “But for me, it’s more important that I show others through my actions on and off the court and then support those around me through their challenges.”

Crediting her parents influence, Jordan says it’s got to be an everyday, every thing way of life. “My mom and dad have had lots of talks with my sister Charley and me about knowing God,” said Taylor. “In Romans, the Bible teaches that we’re all blessed with talents and that we should use them to influence others to discover His love.” Because I know Him as Savior,” said Jordan, “I try to honor Him as Lord. And that makes everyday a good day, win or lose.” John 3:16 (NIV): For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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VYPE caught up with Jarrard Poteete of Hilldale High School just before the Class 4A State Championship baseball game to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting his answers, we posed the questions to Hornets baseball coach Darren Riddle before heading to the stands to ask Jarrard’s mom, Tobi Poteete, for her answers. Who has the best game plan? Hilldale High School senior Jarrard Poteete is a member of the Hornets‘Class 4A State Championship baseball team. A solid force at catcher as well as a “big stick” at the plate, Poteete was one of the guiding forces in Hilldale’s championship season. Poteete was also a talented receiver in football that propelled the Hornets to the Class 4A playoffs last fall. After graduation, Poteete will continue his baseball career either on the collegiate level or a possible selection in the Major League draft.

Hilldale Baseball

Darren Riddle

Hilldale Baseball Coach

Tobi Poteete Jarrard's Mom

What is Jarrard's favorite subject in school?

Science

English

What is something Jarrard would never eat?

Celery

Sushi

Black Olives

Who is Jarrard's favorite athlete?

Chris Ianetta

Albert Pujols

Yadier Molina

Who is Jarrard's favorite music entertainer?

George Strait

Jason Aldean

Who is Jarrard's dream date?

Erin Andrews

Beyonce

Jessica Alba

Is Jarrard's bedroom clean & neat, organized chaos or disaster zone?

Disaster Zone

Organized Chaos

DISASTER ZONE! (Without A Doubt!)

What reality TV show would Jarrard win?

The Bachelor (I'm A Winner No Matter What)

Survivor

Does Jarrard prefer cookies, cake or ice cream?

Cookies (Peanut Butter)

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

Last Minute

Always Late

Last Minute

If Jarrard wasn't playing baseball, he would do what?

Trading Horses

Horses

Sleep

2 Correct Out of 10 Coach - Back to the Batting Cage!

3 Correct Out of 10 Mom Picks Up the Win!

TOTAL POINTS: 10

Jarrard Poteete

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JANUARY 2012

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JANUARY 2012

F E AT U R E

3001 S. Muskogee Tahlequah OK

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.” “Don’t Worry…Be Happy…” are the words to the song that gained popularity nationwide. And evidenced through her ever present smile, the phrase best describes the daily life example of Sydney Lawrence of Stilwell. Despite standing just 4-foot-9 inches in height, Lawrence stands above the crowd through her efforts of encouragement. “Everything I’ve ever had or done, I’ve had someone encouraging me,” Lawrence said with confidence. “I know that just a little bit of encouragement can help someone enjoy their circumstances and be better at whatever they do.” "It’s very important for Sydney to make those around her better,” confirmed Pete Overman, track coach at Stilwell. “She has that something special trait to be the best at whatever she’s doing by helping others.” What’s the key to Sydney’s success? “One word, respect,” said Overman. “Sydney’s smile is ever present and radiates inspiration to others. She’s not shy about making eye contact with everyone. And, then, win your heart with her smile.” “I just try to help those around me find something to be happy about,” admitted Lawrence. “Some young people today will try to get away with what they can,” said Overman. “Sydney’s the person that you can count on to do whatever is asked and work to inspire everyone else to do the same.” “Sydney will stop whatever she’s doing to help somebody,” said Overman. “If you drop something, Sydney will stop and pick it up rather than just walking by.” A freshman on the Lady Indians track and cross country teams, Lawrence recently won both the 1600m and 3200m gold medals at the Class 4A State Track Championships. In the tent after the race, Lawrence offered encouragement to the other runners. “That’s Sydney,” said Overman. “She’s just that type of person that wants everyone else to be a winner. It’s one of the aspects of her life that Sydney takes seriously no matter the situation.” “My mom and dad (Pam and Larry Lawrence) are my role models,” nodded Lawrence. “Through their lives, they showed me and my sisters how to be a good example, not to blame someone else or to feel sorry for yourself.” It’s no surprise to people who know her that Lawrence aspires to one day be a missionary and possibly a coach or personal trainer. Initiative, Sensitivity, Gentleness, Gratefulness and Humility are words with plenty of meaning. Each of the words displays qualities of success in life. And for those who run the race alongside Sydney Lawrence, the words take on life in motion thanks to the example she demonstrates everyday.

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APRIL 2012

F E AT U R E

hen the umpire yelled “Play Ball” the field of teams competing for State Championships in high school baseball included four teams from Three Rivers. Defending Class 2A champion Wister and Oktaha were among the eight squads chasing gold while Spiro (3A) and Hilldale (4A) entered the final week of the 2012 season playing for the title.

Three—Two—One… not the countdown to action but rather the ranking of the teams that coach Darren Riddle’s Hilldale Hornets would encounter in Shawnee in search of the Class 4A championship.

ler

On day one, Hilldale’s opponent was the #2 ranked Byng Pirates. With their ace on the mound, the Hornets got a complete game 2-hit effort from junior

Photo By John Has

Colby Mullins Hilldale

right-hander Hunter Harrison. After building a 3-0 lead in the first three innings, defensive highlights bolstered Hilldale’s opportunities for the win as Bryatt Alexander fired a bullet to third baseman Dalton Cunningham to cut down a Byng baserunner in the fourth inning while Jarrard Poteete also nabbed the Pirates stolen base efforts at third to smother a rally in the fifth. Final score: Hilldale 3 Byng 1 Day two action presented Hilldale with two foes, third-ranked Anadarko and Mother Nature as rained threatened to wash out play at Memorial Park in Shawnee. Trailing 5-2 going to the final three outs in the seventh, the Hornets loaded the bases with no outs to score three runs and force extra innings. With Cunningham keeping the Indians scoreless in the top of the 8th, the “Comeback Kids” once again loaded the bases with no outs setting the stage for Miles Jackson’s walk-off base hit, a shot down the first base line, to score Matt Bargsten for the win. Final score: Hilldale 6 Anadarko 5 In the finals, Hilldale faced top-ranked Berryhill, who had beaten the Hornets 6-0 earlier at the Nike Pro-Nine Classic. Hunter Harrison returned to the mound on one day’s rest. After the Chiefs scored in the bottom of the first, Harrison was in total command of his pitches keeping Berryhill from advancing another runner to second base until the seventh. Playing in the championship game for just the second time in school history (2004), Hilldale tied the game in the second when Scott Rodden scored on a wild pitch. Loading the bases in the top of the 5th, the Hornets gave Harrison the lead, again thanks to a M AY 2 0 1 2

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Photo By

John Has

ler

Hunter Harrison Hilldale wild pitch allowing Dakota Holmes to race home from third.

With defensive plays including a diving catch from Rodden to silence the Chiefs rally, Harrison went the distance, using 110 pitches, including a wicked curve ball and change-up to produce eight strikeouts, to preserve the victory. When shortstop Colby Mullens squeezed the pop-up off the bat of Dyce Applegate, Hilldale had 10th win in a row and its first ever boys state title. The Hornets capped the season with a 27-7 record. Final score: Hilldale 2 Berryhill 1 14

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Final score: Verdigris 1 Spiro 0

Coach Darr n Frisby en Riddle

In Class 2A, Wister and Oktaha squared off in day one action at Dolese Park. After a single tally in the first, the Wildcats generated a 5-run outburst off Tigers’ starter Jordan Webb in the second frame including a 2-run single by Colby Turnipseed followed by RBI-singles by Clint Crane and Cody Luman.

Back to back doubles by Dalton Flock and Caleb Shoemake gave Oktaha its first run in the second followed in the third by Darius Bartosovsky’s run scoring double. Wister put the game on ice with three runs in the seventh. Final Score Wister 9 Oktaha 3

John Has Photo By

In Class 3A, the Spiro Bulldogs first round opponent was the defending state champion Verdigris Cardinals. Head coach Paul Croft tossed the ball to Quaylon Griffith and the steady sophomore once again showed no fear keeping the Cardinals in check. Spiro had its chances to score loading Scott R the bases in the first and Hilldaleodden fifth innings only to leave runners on base. The defending champs took the lead in the bottom of the sixth on a leadoff double and a two-out single for the only run of the contest. In the top of the seventh, Spiro’s hopes were fueled after Tyler Didway’s leadoff double. Yet, once again the Bulldogs were unable to score and stranding a total of 12 Coach Nath baserunners. a

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The Hilldale Hornets Celebrate!

Photo By John Hasler

F E AT U R E

Seth Boling Hilldale

Colby Mullins Hilldale

Final score: Silo 7 Wister 5

Photo By Wes Sharp

Seeking a repeat trip to the finals, Wister faced Silo in the second round contest. Leading 1-0 until the fourth, the Wildcats surrendered six runs as Silo took the lead for good.

Photo By Wes Sharp

Photo By John Hasler

Colby Mullins Hilldale

2012 STATE CHAMPIONS Class 6A: Edmond North

Class 2A: Dale

Class 5A: MWC Carl Albert

Class A: Rattan

Class 4A: Hilldale

Class B: Red Oak

Class 3A: Verdigris

Clint Crane Wister

Photo By John Hasler

DAniel Hayes Oktaha

Photo By Bill Huddleston VYPE Sports

Colby Demato Spiro

Victory Dog Pile For the hornets! M AY 2 0 1 2

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hree Rivers sent a total of six teams to the Slow-Pitch State Championship tournaments at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City in search of gold. Muskogee and Tahlequah were among the state’s best in Class 6A while Oktaha and Hulbert joined the Class 4A bracket. In Class 5A, Sequoyah Tahlequah and Heavener made the final field of eight teams. Of the group only one, the Lady Indians would leave with gold medals around their necks.

Ninth-ranked Sequoyah Tahlequah (27-11) captured its first slowpitch title with a 5-1 victory over No. 2 Morris. The Indians lost three of their last four regular season games but got on a roll in the playoffs. The championship game featured a rematch of regional opponents Sequoyah and Morris. The same two teams had met in last fall’s fast-pitch tournament as well.

SAHARRA HENSON EQUAH SEQUOYAH TAHL 18

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Courtney Jones allowed just one run and scattered six hits for the victory. She was aided by some nifty defensive play with a pair of double plays. The Indians went down in order in the first three innings before scoring three runs in the fourth and two in the sixth. Outfielder Saharra Henson had a two-run double in the fourth and singled and scored on Megan Towie’s two-run single in the sixth. “At first we started out a little rocky, a little

slow, a little unsure,” Henson said. “In districts and regionals we finally got going.”

Morris scored its lone run in the first. But the Eagles got going late, scoring three runs in the fourth and two more in the sixth.

Sequoyah Tahlequah coach Larry Grigg told the players to stay the course in the early innings. “I didn’t think one run was going to win it,” Grigg said. “We were a little nervous. Both teams were. We just kept saying look down the barrel of the bat and get some runners on. It just kind of worked out.” “We hit the ball really well during districts then hit a lull in regionals. We lost to Morris 2-1. After that, I changed our lineup and that really helped us. We went to the semis all four years in fast-pitch and now they see they can get over the hump. Of our 11 losses, 10 were to 6A teams.” Three Rivers also placed several players on the Oklahoma SlowPitch Coaches Association 2012 All State teams. A total of 14 players were selected for the contests to be played June 12 at the University of Oklahoma in Norman.

Middle East

Bailey Masterson-Oktaha Chelsie Drew -Vian Brooke Stidham-Warner Lauryne Dester-Oktaha Makayla Young-Hulbert

Large East

Sahara Henson-Sequoyah Tahlequah Jessica Blalock-Tahlequah Jenna Reed-Tahlequah Whittney Whittmore-Tahlequah Co-Co Epps-Muskogee Natalee King-Poteau Kaila Teehee-Muldrow Logan Hinds-Heavener Cheyenne Johnson-Fort Gibson Coach: Matt Cloud-Tahlequah

ALEAH YOUNG Hulbert

Lauryne Dester Oktaha

THE SCOREBOARD... Class 6A First Round Semi-Finals Westmoore 13 Tecumseh 9 Westmoore 12 Moore 0 Moore 16 Southmoore 1 Union Broken Arrow 1 Broken Arrow 22 Muskogee 15 Union 12 Tahlequah 5 Championship Westmoore 18, Union 7 Class 5A First Round Semi-Finals Morris 15 Chandler 4 Morris 6 Blanchard 3 Blanchard 26 Heavener 13 Sequoyah Tahlequah 10 Purcell 7 Purcell 8 Bethel 4 Sequoyah Tahlequah 9 Washington 3 Championship Sequoyah Tahlequah 6 Morris 3

Class 4A First Round Semi-Finals Dale 11 Wayne 6 Dale 20 Davis 2 Latta 11 Oktaha 0 Latta 7 Colbert 2 Davis 14 Tushka 12 Colbert 10 Hulbert 4 Championship Dale 13 Latta 2

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F E AT U R E

Amber holt's Homerun Welcome! Heavener

THE SCOREBOARD Continued... Class 3A First Round Semi-Finals Wilson 17 Pioneer 5 Rattan 14 Wilson 4

Randee O'donnell Tahlequah

Fairview 13 Fairview 1 Rattan 7 Navajo 3 Dewar 11 Rock Creek 6

Fairview 7 Dewar 6

Championship Rattan 6 Fletcher 4

Class 2A First Round Semi-Finals Fort Cobb-Broxton 6 Soper 4 Fort Cobb-Broxton 10 Stonewall 3 Roff 15 Pond Creek-Hunter 3 Roff 8 New Lima 3 New Lima 11 Binger-Oney 3 Stonewall 3 Sentinel 2 Championship Fort Cobb-Broxton 13 Roff 3

Class A First Round Semi-Finals Red Oak 13 Maud 0 Red Oak 18 Asher 0 Leedey 11 Indiahoma 10 Leedey 11 Bennington 3 Bennington 12 Hammon 8 Asher 8 Arnett 7 Championship Red Oak 8 Leedey 6 20

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Sophomore sensation Hannah Ward led the charge as Poteau captured the school’s first golf title with a whopping 21-stroke advantage. Ward fired rounds of 76 and 74 for a 36-hole total 150 to win 4A medalist honors. Her teammate Addie Guthrie’s top 10 finish along with play from Cathleen Manlove, Skylynn Terry and Paitton Callery was more than enough to outdistance

“We’re very excited,” Poteau coach Randall Wheat said. “This is the first team title for any girls sport in 33 years. And, the future looks good as four of the girls will be back next year.”

Photo By

the field as the Lady Pirates opened the two-day tournament with a 356 team score then added a 364 on Day 2 to clinch the team title with a 720. Courtney Cunningham’s 6th place finish lifted Hilldale to a third place finish while Fort Gibson landed in the 6th place position.

Von Cas

tor

olfers from Three Rivers topped the leaderboards during the 2012 state tournaments including a Class 4A State Championship for the Poteau Lady Pirates.

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Von Castor

F E AT U R E

Hanna Poteauh Ward

Muskogee senior Catrina Pearson, competing for a 4th consecutive season in the Class 6A state tournament was part of Muskogee’s team chances as the Lady Roughers entered the field in the team race for the first time since 2004. Pearson fired the low round of the two-day event at Muskogee Country Club with a 1-under par round of 70 while earning Class 6A All-State honors.

Catrina Pearson Muskogee 22

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In Class 2A, Oktaha was going for its fourth straight title, but fell three strokes shy as Hinton eked out the title with a 699 team score. The Lady Tigers 2nd place finish was highlighted by the play of Kailey Campbell, Madyson Fox and Jaylie Roper. Campbell, last year’s individual champion, finished in third place for medalist honors while Fox placed fifth.

Photo By Von Castor

Zac Oliver of Checotah traversed the Dornick Hills layout in Ardmore playing his way to a 5th place medalist honor and earning Class 3A All-State awards. Stigler finished in 8th place as Oklahoma Christian won the team title.

Cameron golfer Kody Whitehead made school history with a top 15 finish as the Leflore County school’s first ever golfer to qualify for the Class 2A state golf tournament. Rejoice Christian won the team championship.

On the boys side of the course, Stephen Allen of Muskogee was back among the 6A field for third straight season along with teammate Spencer Smythe playing at Karsten Creek. Edmond North won the team title for a 9th straight year.

Jake Johnson of Tahlequah finished 7th overall in Class 5A medalist honors while the Tigers battled their way to a 9th place spot in the team title chase won by Tulsa Bishop Kelley as the Comets edged out Shawnee in a playoff.

Wesley Jackson’s play lifted Fort Gibson to a 9th place finish in the Class 4A team championship as the Chargers of Heritage Hall garnered first place. Poteau finished 11th overall while Hilldale sophomore Chandler Puckett was among the 4A field of golfers.

Photo By Kevin Bishop

Chandler Puckett Hilldale

Photo By Bill Huddleston VYPE Sports

Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Kevin Bishop ler Photo By John Has

Stephen Allen Muskogee

While Comanche won the Class 3A team title, Eufaula’s Faith Lasiter battled the Fountainhead Creek course to finish in 9th place lifting the Ironheads to a top 10 finish while Katie Lemler propelled Keys Lady Cougars into the top 10 teams. Tahlequah’s Emily Pippin competed individually in Class 5A earning a top-20 finish as Duncan claimed the overall team championship.

Spencer Smith Muskogee M AY 2 0 1 2

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Athlete of the

Month

HANNAH WARD Poteau High SChool

Taking it to the next level, Hannah Ward captured medalist honors while leading the Poteau Lady Pirates to the Class 4A Girls Golf State Championship. With rounds of 76-74 on the Lake Hefner golf course, Ward’s 36-hole total 150 was strong enough to overcome the playing conditions and the tourney field for an eight stroke victory margin. Ward’s efforts along that with her teammates gave Poteau its first team state championship since 1979 by winning the 4A State Championship by 21 strokes. runne After finishing as a runner-up for the top prize in Class 4A golf a year ago as a freshman, Ward used the 2012 sophomore season to capture the top prize in eight of 11 events and finishing second in the other three tournaments.

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Are You Ready for Some Football? As the 2012 school year closes, optimism runs wild surrounding Ironheads football this fall. Larry Newton returns to his alma mater to become the new head football coach. Newton, a 1989 Eufaula HS graduate, has spent the last 14 years at Skiatook where he was defensive coordinator and associate head coach in addition to his duties as head track coach. Newton was selected by the OCA as the 2010 East All-State coach.

Katie SMith Larry Newton

Coach Newton and the 2012 edition of Ironheads football kickoff the season at Sperry on August 31 and return back to Paul Bell Stadium for the home opener on September 7th hosting Vian.

Ironheads Show Well at State Playing on their home course, Fountainhead Creek, the Lady Ironheads served as the host Faith Lasiter school for the Class 3A Girls State Golf Tournament. Paced by the 9th place finish of Faith Lasiter, Eufaula completed the 36hole competition in 8th place overall. Other team members include Hannah Rippy, Taylor Scott, Rachael Marlar and Taylor Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien.

Cole Montgomery

The Ironheads track teams sent two runners to compete in the Class 3A State Championships in Ardmore. Katie Smith competed in the 800m and 1600m events while Cole Montgomery ran the 3200m race.

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION OV. 13 STATE TBA 2012 PLAYOFFS Ironheads football schedule DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME AUG. 17 MORRIS (SCRIMMAGE) HOME 7:00 AUG. 23 WILBURTON (SCRIMMAGE) AWAY 7:00 AUG. 31 SPERRY AWAY 7:30 SEPT. 7 VIAN HOME 7:30 SEPT. 14 KEYS AWAY 7:30 SEPT. 21 IDABEL AWAY 7:30 SEPT. 28 STIGLER (HOMECOMING) HOME 7:30 OCT. 5 SPIRO HOME 7:30 OCT. 12 VALLIANT AWAY 7:30 OCT. 18 ROLAND HOME 7:30 OCT. 25 CHECOTAH AWAY 7:30 NOV. 2 HEAVENER HOME 7:30 NOV. 13 STATE PLAYOFFS TBA

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SPOTLIGHT

Zac Robinson Sequoyah Tahlequah

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Mikel Smith Muskogee

he roads to the State Track Meets for athletes from Three Rivers were well traveled. The Class 6A-5A meet was held in Yukon, while the 4A-3A event ran in Ardmore and the 2A-A championships took place at Midwest City Carl Albert. Ironically, it was the distance runners from Three Rivers that topped the performance results.

Stilwell freshman Sydney Lawrence earned double gold medals winning the Class 4A girls competition in the 1600m (5:27.01) and 3200m (12:21.52) races. Andi Gourd of Central Sallisaw made it a double gold medal effort winning the 1600m (5:32.37) and 3200m (12:10.90) races in Class 2A girls. Sallisaw distance runner Sinue Rodriguez picked up a gold medal in the Class 5A boys 1600m (4:30.07) and silver by placing second in the 800m run. Kayla Davis of Sequoyah Tahlequah captured the gold medal for the Lady Indians with a first place finish in the Class 3A 400m (58.99).

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Wagonerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kevin Peterson made a repeat solid gold performance by winning the Class 5A 200m dash (21.47) while taking the silver medal in the 100m. The Bulldogs stepped up a division this spring after competing in Class 4A last year. Class 6A

Girls 400 relay: Muskogee (3rd) 800 relay: Muskogee (5th) Boys High Jump: Mikel Smith, Muskogee (6th) Long Jump: Victor Williams, Muskogee (3rd)

SPOTLIGHT Class 5A Girls Shot Put: Kacie Elliott, Tahlequah (6th)

Lindsey chaffin Tahlequah

Sydney Lawrence Stilwell

Greydon elrod Sequoyah Tahlequah

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Kacie Elliot Tahlequah

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Xandrea Maxwell Muskogee

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Photo By Michael Mayberry

Boys 300 Hurdles: Dakota Clark, Poteau (5th) 1600m Relay: Stigler (4th) 110 Hurdles: Dakota Clark, Poteau (4th)

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Class 4A Girls 200m: Kaylnn Gladney, Roland (4th) 1600m: Sydney Lawrence, Stilwell (1st) 3200m: Sydney Lawrence, Stilwell (1st) Lillian Bear, Fort Gibson (6th) 3200m relay: Poteau (4th)

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Boys Discus: Sklas Sloan, Tahlequah (6th) 100m: Kevin Peterson, Wagoner (1st) 200m: Kevin Peterson, Wagoner (2nd) 800m: Sinue Rodriguez, Sallisaw (2nd) 1600m: Sinue Rodriguez, Sallisaw (1st)

Photo By John Hasler

Class 3A Girls 400m: Kayla Davis, Sequoyah (1st) 1600m relay: Sequoyah (6th) Long Jump: Bailey Ratliff, Sequoyah (5th) Boys 200m: Zac Robinson, Sequoyah (2nd) Tyh Hawkins, Spiro (6th) 1600m relay: Sequoyah (2nd) Spiro (4th) Vian (5th) 400m: Preston Releford, Keys Parkhill (6th) 110 Hurdles: Tyler Stroth, Sequoyah(2nd) Todd Whitfield, Spiro (3rd)

Andi Gourd Central Sallisaw

400m relay: Sequoyah (2nd) Keys-Parkhill (4th) Long Jump: Shaun Bradley, Heavener (3rd) High Jump: Hershell Gifford, Westville (5th) Shot Put: Greydon Elrod, Sequoyah (3rd) Rob Boyd, Vian (5th)

Class 2A Girls 1600m: Andi Gourd, Central Sallisaw (1st) 3200m: Andi Gourd, Central Sallisaw (1st) Boys High Jump: Jacob Johnson (2nd) Class A Girls 100 Hurdles: Ayanna Holtz, Gans (3rd) 300 Hurdles: Ayanna Holtz, Gans (6th) Boys 110 Hurdles: Austin Hampton, Central (2nd) 300 Hurdles: Austin Hampton, Central (3rd)

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Fort Gibson Lady Tigers

By CRAIG HALL, LeFlore County Journal

Emily Goodwin fired all three scores between the posts in the victory.

t’s hard to win on the road in the regular season in any sport. And, to win on the road in the playoffs is even more difficult. Somebody forgot to tell the Poteau boys and Wagoner girls soccer teams as both schools used dramatic road victories en route to the state semifinals in Class 4A soccer.

Going on the road in the quarterfinals, Wagoner recorded a second straight upset of a higher ranked opponent as Goodwin delivered the winning goal for a 2-1 double overtime win over #3 ranked and previously unbeaten Fort Gibson.

The quarterfinal game was a rematch of a regular season contest won by the Wolves, 3-2, in double overtime. Heavener came into the game undefeated in the Wolves’ first trip to the playoffs in the five years the school has competed in soccer. After a 1-1 tie at the half, Poteau outscored the Wolves 3-1 in the second half of the quarterfinal game to end Heavener’s 12-game winning streak.

Despite out-shooting their opponent 13-4, the Bulldogs had no answer for Bethany’s defense in a 1-0 loss to finish the season 12-4.

Poteau’s Road Warriors opened the playoffs with a 7-1 win at Catoosa. The Pirates then went to Oologah and won, 2-1, in the first round before making the short trip down Highway 59 to play conference and county rival Heavener.

l LeFlore County

l LeFlore Cou Photo By Craig Hal

nty Journal

Journal

The Pirates missed two golden opportunities to score in the game, despite outshooting the Rockets 20-11. Neither team could score in regulation, or overtime. The Rockets drilled three goals in a oz in EDWIN ESp the shootout while keeping the heavener Pirates from scoring to take a 1-0 win in the semifinals and bring an end to Poteau’s magical run.

Verdigris defended its championship from a year ago claiming the 2012 state title with a 4-1 win over Bethany.

Jesse Wo Poteau odson

Photo By Craig Hal

The Pirates would have finally gotten to play at home if OC Southeast could repeat its regular-season win over Mount Saint Mary, but naturally that didn’t happen. So, Poteau loaded up in its well-traveled bus once again to make a trip to Oklahoma City for the semifinals.

Goodwin’s goal in the final minute of regulation pushed the Bulldogs’ quarterfinal fray against Claremore Sequoyah to another overtime thriller. The talented senior chipped in the game winner for the 2-1 victory while sophomore keeper Mikayla Taylor was solid in the net boosting the Bulldogs to the semi-finals.

Mount Saint Mary defeated Santa Fe South, 2-1, in the finals to win the state championship.

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Jonica M Wagoner itchell

Hasler

Lillian Bea r Fort Gibson

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Mikayla Wagoner Taylor

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Blake William poteau

The Lady Bulldogs began their Cinderella run with a 3-1 upset of #6 ranked Glenpool in the opening round making use of its 20-7 shots on goal advantage. Senior forward

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Tahlequah Lady Tigers

ractice makes Perfect…that was the motivating force behind Midway senior Jordan Taylor en route to capturing the gold medal in Class 4A girls #1 singles. Hours of early morning runs and practice sessions and late night classroom studies resulted in Taylor’s undefeated season 29-0 as well as gaining Valedictorian honors with a 4.0 GPA.

of Duncan (6-4, 6-1) for the bronze medal. The Lady Tigers #2 duo of Karson Heist/Anne Linebarger picked up a pair of wins before finishing in 4th place. Sarah Schiefelbein battled through the consolation bracket to win the 7th place points by defeating Madison Murray of Claremore (6-3, 6-3). Emily Linebarger earned an 8th place finish at #1 singles.

Tahlequah’s girls tennis team won all four first round matches. #2 double pair of Madison Carey and Katie Schneider claimed a 3rd place finish by defeating Kelsey LeValley/Britton Scott

In Class 5A boys, Tahlequah’s #2 singles entry, Lain Wright won his first match by turning back Garrett Hadley of Shawnee (6-3, 6-2). Coach Tyler Ashley’s doubles combinations of #1 Spencer Risenhoover/Conner Nelson and #2 Philip Halpern/Wyatt Jones were victorious in opening round action.

The top-seeded Taylor defeated Jobie Burks of Oolagah (6-1, 6-0) and Paige Anderson of Piedmont (6-0, 6-0) to advance to the semi-finals. In the winner’s bracket, Taylor advanced to the finals with a win over Lauryn Sullins of Perry (6-1,6-4) and claimed the top prize besting #2 seed Reynolds Chew of Metro Christian (6-4, 6-1) in Class 4A #1 singles.

On the boys side, Muskogee’s Conner Finerty (#1 singles) and Shan Bradley (#2 Singles) advanced to the championship semi-finals with a pair of first day victories. The pair earned the Roughers fourth place points.

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