VISA® Debit

Give back to your school with each swipe.*Bruins Spirit Card

Bartlesville, Oklahoma501 S. Johnstone & 2612 SW Washington Blvd

(918) 336-7662 | (800) 897-6991www.66fcu.org

*See Branch for details

FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA

Get yours today!

VISA® Debit

Give back to your school with each swipe.*Bruins Spirit Card

Bartlesville, Oklahoma501 S. Johnstone & 2612 SW Washington Blvd

(918) 336-7662 | (800) 897-6991www.66fcu.org

*See Branch for details

FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA

Get yours today!

®

Young Athletes Always Remember. Never Ever Give Up! Athletes deal with many disappointments and setbacks so it reminded me of a story I heard about

Winston Churchill.

Mr. Churchill was asked to speak at a high school graduation in England during the heart of WWII. He got in front of the students at Harrow School on Oct. 29, 1941 and gave maybe the shortest graduation speech ever:

“Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up.” The only way you can fail is to quit trying! Athletes, things aren’t going your way?

Work a little bit harder and Never give up!

-Roscoe Migliore

A letter from roscoe miGliore

PregamePregamePregame

Spring sports come to a close and VYPE has all of the action covered. Find out who takes the top honors in soccer, baseball and softball and who made the cut in golf. Also look for tennis and track coverage as we say goodbye to the seniors of 2013.

Next Issue...

27 | Taylor Rodgers The Bartlesville standout takes some time out of her busy schedule to chat with David Crawford about sports, food and heading to South Alabama to play college softball.

15 | Cleveland Baseball With the season beginning to come to a close, the Tigers of Cleveland are focused on finishing strong and picking up a few more wins before regional’s. Coach Childers may have the right formula for success!

21 | Wildcat Soccer The Lady Wildcats got off to a bumpy star start to the season, but now they have found the winning combination and are showing vast amounts of improvement. Get in the middle of the Lady Wildcat huddle and see for yourself never backed down from a challenge.

8 | Slammed Sam Sam Smith is one busy student athlete at Stillwater High School. From his time on the track to playing for the varsity soccer team, Sam Smith keeps a schedule that would make most crumble. Take a close look at Mr. Smith.

Trinity Media Group, LLC 6737 S. 85th E. Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74136 All rights reserved.

Publisher Austin Chadwick

Partner/Editorial Director Brad Heath

Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migliore

Partner/Director of Operations Rod Coulter

Senior Sales Executive Steve Marshall

Partner Mark Rodgers

Graphic Design Austin Chadwick

Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Lynn Jacobsen, Rex Holt, Tiffany Rogers, Joel Hahn

Contributing Photographers Brad Heath, Rip Stell,, KT King, Wes Sharp, Kim Hough, Defininng Moment, Sport Shots OKC, Josh Clough, Michael Mayberry, Brett Rojo, Kirk Wells, Rolf Clements

Contact Information Website: www.VYPEOK.com

Phone: 918.495.1771 Fax: 918.495.1787

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.

A P r I L 2 0 1 3 | V Y P E O K . C O M 5

®

V Y P E O K . C O M | A P r I L 2 0 1 36

Ponca City Senior High School Steppers brought home five National Championships from the American Dance/Drill Team School Competition held in Denton, Texas at the University of North Texas Coliseum, which is the largest national competition in the country. The Po-Hi team was named National Champions in the kick and prop categories. They were third in the military and 4th in the pom categories. The Po-Hi Steppers came in fourth in the large team division (actually only 5 points out of 1st place), and out of all the high school teams that competed, the

Po-Hi Steppers ranked ninth. The Hi-Stepper offices also competed in the officer division of Nationals. They were named National Champions in the kick, pom and military categories and were 4th overall in the large team division. Breonna Sattre was 1st runner-up in the Junior Miss High Kick competition, and Alissa Tapp was 2nd runner up in the Senior Miss High Kick division. The girls have to qualify for this at summer camp, and then all those who qualify will compete at the national level. There were over 100 girls competing for the title of Junior Miss High Kick – for 9th graders and below – and Senior Miss High Kick.

Po-Hi Stepper coach Kristin Smith was named the Outstanding Coach for the third consecutive year. Smith stated, “My girls did an amazing job at the competition and represented Ponca City so well. Everyone at the competition was talking about how amazing their kick was; we considered that such a compliment. The talent we faced was incredibly fierce, but these girls rose to the occasion and gave their best. I am honored to be the coach of the Po-Hi Steppers, and I hope that Ponca City is proud of the team’s accomplishments.”

Ponca city StePPerS:national chamPionS

RCB Bank is proud to support our OCS football state champs and thrilled to offer great products and high-tech solutions.

We’ll provide you with a winning combination. Stop by and see us.

A victory every time.

30 locations and in Edmond at 909 W. Edmond Road

www.RCBbank.com

Mobile Deposit

now available.

Powered By:

A P r I L 2 0 1 3 | V Y P E O K . C O M 7

Such a busy manBy Rex HoltTo say that Sam Smith has been busy this spring would be a massive understatement.This Stillwater High School senior is not only finishing up

his academic requirements in preparation for college next fall, but also happens to be a key performer for the Pioneer soccer team which is scrambling down the stretch to earn a spot in the post-season playoffs.And, oh yeah, Sam Smith is also, at the same time, running track for good ‘ol SHS.“I’ve never done it before because I always had club soccer, but this year I don’t and that has allowed me a little time to do both,’’ says Smith. “Soccer is my first priority but when we don’t have a game or training I get to go run track with my boys over there. I love it.’’When not patrolling the soccer field as the center-back for coach Seth Condley’s soccer squad, Smith has been a member of the Pioneers’ 4-by-400 and 4-by-800 relay teams. He also hopes to run in the open 400 or 800 as an individual for coach Rusty Atkins’ track-and-field crew.“I’ve gotten some of the soccer kids after their season was over, but not during their season,’’ explained Atkins. “He’s obviously in great shape and he’s such a natural athlete that he’s able to come out and train and even compete for us despite the little work he’s had on the track.“He definitely makes a difference for us in our relays and has some of our fastest splits. He could be a big factor in our success at the end of the year.’’Smith just ran in his first meet at

Putnam City on April 5 and had the fastest split in the 4 X 800 with a 2:03, while posting a 53-second split in the 4 X 400.“It looks like there should be no conflicts with the regional or state track meets and it looks like I’ll also get to run in our Stillwater meet (April 25),’’ adds Smith, who also ran a personal best (17:01) at the Class 6A Cross Country Championships for coach Dan Zeroski, helping the team to a tenth-place finish. His classroom work also aided that Stillwater team in capturing the 6A OSSAA Academic State Championship.“I started the year stress fractures but I got over them and was able to run in about six cross country meets and really enjoyed that. I did okay but I really think I’m a better sprinter. Then I went from that right into soccer and now track and field and I’m really enjoying my senior year. I guess you could say I’m very competitive. But it’s been fun too. I just love it.’’Before he concentrates on winning state track titles, Smith and his soccer mates are busy trying to figure out a way to return to the state playoffs.“Things have not quite gone like we hoped so far, but I’m very confident we’re going to win our next four district games and get back to the post-season,’’ offered Smith, a three-year starter with 43 games under his belt for the Pioneers. “We could probably make it if we just won our last three.’’

Stillwater’S Sam Smith iS good at juSt aBout everything he doeS.

A P r I L 2 0 1 3 | V Y P E O K . C O M 9

family practice, pediatrics & obstetrics

Delivering quality healthcare in a respectful and timely manner.

Corby Smithton, D.O., Colbi Smithton, D.O., Frank Evans, D.O., Garrick Shreck, D.O.,

Kelsey J. Smith, M.D.

1921 West 6th Ave. / Suite AStillwater, OK 74074

405-533-2433FAX: 405-533-2434

www.stillwaterfamilycare.com

Smith has already been a part of two playoff squads, including one as a freshman and last season. As of April 10th, the Pioneer soccer team was 3-6 overall and 0-3 in district. “We’ve got four district games left, two at home and two on the road,’’ says Condley, who is in his 10th year at SHS. “Two home games with Bixby and Ponca City and road games with Enid and Midwest City will determine if we advance past the regular season. “If we do it will be because of players like Sam. He’s big, strong, fast and physical and he’s really solidified our back line. He’s never had a lot of chances to score because of what we ask him to do. But he just does it and never complains. He’s always been a very good student and very coachable, but he will go down as one of the

most competitive players that I’ve ever coached. ‘’ Next fall Smith, who does have three career goals and one assist, will take his competitive fire to Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee to continue both his soccer and track and field careers, sports that do not have conflicting schedules on the next level. “I’ve been promised a scholarship there and I’m looking forward to that and being able to concentrate on one sport at a time,’’ he added. “But we still have some work to finish up here. Both soccer and track are headed toward the post season and this is when it really gets fun, the most important time of the year. “I can’t wait to match up with best with everything on the line. That’s what it’s all about. I love it.’’

V Y P E O K . C O M | A P r I L 2 0 1 310

Stillwater High School head baseball coach Tony Holt knew the 2013 season would be a challenge.After all, the fifth-year Pioneer boss would have to replace five graduating starters, including two NCAA Division I recruits in Parker Zimmerman (Wichita State) and Corey Hassel (Oklahoma State). Then last June Holt and SHS said goodbye to what was regarded as the top junior player in the state in shortstop/pitcher Ryder Jones.The unexpected departure of the Jones, whose father Billy left his post as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State to become the head coach at Appalachian State in Boone, N.C., left Stillwater with just three returning regulars. Without Jones’ proven middle-of-the-lineup power and his 92-mile-per-hour fastball, the Pioneers had to have new stars emerge in a hurry.“You lose good kids every year, but that was an exceptionally talented senior class with Hassel and Zimmerman and the others, like Jerame Littell,’’ explained Holt. “Then you lose the best junior in

the state and one of the best in the country in Jones, who was your top hitter and pitcher …… well, we knew it would be tough.“We did return some good kids, but they hadn’t really been tested.“We also had a lot of kids with equal ability and it took us a little while to figure out where everyone belonged and what their roles would be. We were horrible defensively in the pre-season but the kids have worked hard and now we’re pretty good with the glove and our pitching and our offense has started to come around.“To this point we have been a little up and down, but fortunately, it’s been more up than down.’’As of press time, the Pioneer baseballers were sporting an overall 13-9 record, but they were second to perennial state powerhouse Owasso in the all-important District 6A-3 standings with an sterling 6-1 record. Finishing in the top two would give SHS a chance to host and possibly return to the 6A State Championships, where it lost its opener to Edmond Santa Fe and

first-round Major League Baseball draft pick Ty Hensley in Claremore.“We only have three starters back from that team, but we believe we can get back to state if we stay locked in and keep getting better,’’ adds Holt.Of those returnees junior Jon Littell was coming back from a shoulder injury that left him only being able to contribute as a designated hitter last season and senior third baseman Taylor Throne was trying

On The DiamondPioneersPioneers

On The Diamond

Sam Kraybill

A P r I L 2 0 1 3 | V Y P E O K . C O M 11

to return to health after suffering a torn ACL in his knee at the state tourney. But Littell is now 100 percent and handling the shortstop position and Throne is completely recovered and back manning the hot corner.The other returning starter is senior Nathan Jolliff, who has impressively handled the move from left field to center field this season.Littell, who has already verbally committed to play baseball at OSU, currently leads the Stillwater High offensive attack with a lofty .443 average and 17 runs-batted-in, while Throne is hitting a solid .341. Jolliff is also toting an impressive .351 average and leading his team in runs scored.Senior Will Pendleton (.423) has also been a major offensive contributor.Currently spearheading the Pioneer

pitching rotation are juniors Carson Teel and Sam Kraybill. Both hurlers were credited with 4-2 records as of April 15 with Teel posting a stingy 1.93 earned-run-average and Kraybill logging a 3.43. Will Fowler, only a sophomore, has also chipped in with a 2-1 mark.

“We’re still young in a lot of areas and we’re still a work in progress, but these kids have stepped up,’’ says Holt. “We still got seven games left and they’re all district games, including games with the two favorites Broken Arrow and Owasso. But we’re confident that if we don’t make a bunch of mistakes that we can play with those people and beat ‘em.“We control our own destiny.“It’s not like football where you’re overmatched by some of the big schools, this is baseball and we can win every game. But we can also lose every game so we have to be playing our best here down the stretch and I think we will. Our goal has always been to get back to the state tournament and win it. That’s our goal every year and this group of kids believe they can do it.’’

Carson Teel

V Y P E O K . C O M | A P r I L 2 0 1 312

Character is a combination of qualities that distinguishes one person or group from another. Hideaway Pizza celebrates achievements of local high school athletes by presenting the monthly “Character Counts Award.”

The senior captain of the varsity soccer team, Olivia Staubus keeps busy with several activities in and out of school. Olivia is an excellent example of a student-athlete who can balance sports, studies and life and make it look easy. As a varsity soccer player Olivia was named captain before the season started, a role she takes very serious, “My teammates mean the world to me, they are my family and win or lose I am always proud of them.” The senior is a member of the Beta Club and Student Council. In her free time Olivia volunteers at the Humane Society and works the summer camps at Stillwater High School for young kids. Olivia loves art and loves to paint. For her commitment to community and Stillwater High School, Olivia Staubus is the Hideaway Pizza Character Counts award winner for April 2013.

Olivia Staubus

A P r I L 2 0 1 3 | V Y P E O K . C O M 13

Head coach Taylor Brinker and the Oilton Panthers faced a daunting schedule this season, but have taken on all challengers and have come away with some success. Big wins over Pawnee, 8-4 and Class B Frontier, 13-0 gave the Panthers some early season swagger.With the bats coming to life Oilton was able to string together a couple of wins in late March as they defeated Davenport, 7-4

and Coyle, 3-1 in the Cimarron 7 Conference Tournament. Big games against Olive on the road and Agra at home will serve as measuring sticks as district play begins in late April. For more information on the Oilton varsity baseball team visit them online at www.oilton.k12.ok.us. The Spring 2013 OilTOn panTher BaSeBall playerS:Devin Walbridge- Sr. Samuel Reams- Sr. Chris Wesley- Soph. Gerad Poole- Jr. Cody Brown- Sr. Eric Baumgarten- Sr. Bryce Brinker- Fresh. Barkely Rogers- Fresh. Wyatt Humble- Soph.Hilario Zavala- Soph. Noah Bridwell- Soph. Braxton Zavala- Soph. Coach- Taylor Brinker and Earl Madison.

rOBerTS and OilTOn rOBOTicS TakeS 1ST place aT STaTe! Cassie Roberts is a Junior at Oilton High School and a student in the Pre-Engineering Program at Central Technology Center. Cassie is also on the Robotics Team that placed 1st at the state competition in Oklahoma City on March 30th, 2013. Central Tech’s team will compete in the worldwide FIRST Robotics Competition Championships in St. Louis, MO on April 24-27th.

oilton high SchoolBaseball and robotics

Powered By:

Devin Walbridge

V Y P E O K . C O M | A P r I L 2 0 1 314

In baseball wins can come in chunks and they did just that for Cleveland in March. A seven-game winning streak helped fuel this team to a 13-9 record as of April 11th. Wins over Cushing, Bristow, Glenpool and Pawnee were huge for the Tigers. Head coach Chabon Childers has the Tigers improving as the end of the

season gets closer, but getting tough wins over top five ranked

teams has eluded them. That hasn’t

effected the teams overall

approach taking things one game at a time. “I am proud of the team. We swept the series

with Mannford and it’s good to get Zach

Bishop back.

Our hitters do a good job when we have runners in scoring positions,” said Childers.During the Seminole Wood Bat Tournament the Tigers went 2-2 overall with wins against Holdenville, 5-2 and Checotah, 2-1. The Tigers were beating Meeker, 3-1 before the game was postponed due to rain. “I was proud of Ty and the defensive support he received. We did a good job on not allowing the rain to disrupt our overall goal; get the win against a well-coached Meeker squad,” said Childers. Players like Chas Stallard, Brock Norton, Tyler Myles, Shannon Carroll and Austin Brownell have stepped up for coach Childers and are giving them a chance to make some waves in regionals. “Keith McCullough did a great job on the hill against Bristow. We need to be ready for the district tournament coming up,” said Childers.

As the season begins to come to an end the Tigers are looking at a tough run to finish regular season play. Games against Glenpool on the 15th, Pawnee on the 22nd and Sallisaw in pool play of the Tahlequah Classic on April 20th are all going to be important games for the Tigers as they look to finish strong and put themselves in the state tournament.

cleveland tigers Baseball Stepping up

Chas Stallard

Member FDIC

GO TIGERS!

Chris Pierce

V Y P E O K . C O M | A P r I L 2 0 1 318

THE Community Bank.580-718-9990 | 580-718-4100 | 580-362-2511

“It’s not the will to win that matters – everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” Paul “Bear” Bryant

Eastman National Bank is committed to helping prepare our young scholar athletes to win as vital members of our community!

Improving teams are measured in many ways. Some are measured by wins and others by the final score. The Ponca City Lady Wildcats are improving and the proof is in the scores they are posting. Early in the season the Lady Wildcats lost three straight games to Bartlesville, Owasso and Jenks going scoreless in all three. That run in March was tough to swallow for head coach Stephan Engster, but the team responded and have performed

at a much higher level since. During the Stillwater Cup the Lady Wildcats defeated Verdigris, 4-0 who at the time were the No.2 team in Class 4A and a team that features several club players and players with state tournament experience. Next on the list after Verdigris was Owasso (No.9 in Class 6A), a team who blanked Po-Hi earlier in the season. This would be a much different game with a 1-1 tie for most of the contest, then taking Owasso to a shoot-

Ponca city Lady WiLdcat Soccer

Alissa Tapp

Brianne Cherry

Brennyn Thorpe

A P r I L 2 0 1 3 | V Y P E O K . C O M 19

out was a small victory for a fairly young team despite losing the game. The final game for Po-Hi was against Enid who picked up the win, 1-3, but the Lady Wildcats would avenge that loss a few days later by defeating Enid, 1-0 in district play.

Another big win against Moore, 6-2 in district is setting

them up for a run late in the season. The

improving Lady Wildcats are finding their rytheme

making them a scary team to face this late in the season. Seniors

Rebecca Jones, Stephanie Engster, Miranda Horton, Allyson Howey and Christina Hernandez are big reasons this team has made those improvements. 2013 PoNCA LAdY WILdCAT RoSTERTommie Beard Brennyn ThorpeRebecca JonesAlissa TappKristin HolleYeritza PandoStephanie EngsterMiranda HortonTatum McDonaldBrianne CherryCheyenne HullCarsyn HillAllyson HoweyKaylee HailKatie Strait Christina HernandezBrenda Garcia Devon Randall

Head Coach Stephan EngsterAsst. Coach JB Bohon

Allyson Howey

OKLAHOMAFARM BUREAUINSURANCE

darren dyer - 1312 Princeton ave. Ponca city, oK 74601 - 580-762-5497

A P r I L 2 0 1 3 | V Y P E O K . C O M 21

Po-Hi BaSeBaL:Movin’ on UP

the wildcatS are Playing their BeSt Ball of the SeaSon, juSt in time for tournament Play.

At the start of the 2013 baseball season Ponca City had a few unanswered questions, but shortly after a 16-0 win over U.S. Grant some of those answers began to surface. Head coach Jared Freeman found a winning formula with players like Dalton Mazurier and Chase Kurtz. Others such as Josh Evans and Skyler Edens have contributed to the 19-7-1 record as April came to a close. Pitching is always a key to victory and Po-Hi has relied on a few guys to get the job done. Reliever Cash Young has settled into the role nicely for the Wildcats. Capable of starting, Young has come in and closed out several games including a recent win over Bartlesville, 7-4. Kyle Barrick and Joey Furber are in the rotation and

giving coach Freeman some quality outings. Mazurier and Evans are two players in the pitching rotation capable of picking up wins.Freshman Brian Wicker has been a pleasant surprise for the Wildcats coming in and playing

good defense and getting the job done at the plate. Case Jenkins is another slugger whose bat has come alive this season. Both Wicker and Jenkins are excellent hitters who battle at the plate. Other players having excellent seasons include Robert Nanni, Travis Nichols, Blake Shepard, Austin Emmel, Sam Raglin and Bleau Stopp. April will close out with back-to-back games against Tulsa Union, then two road games against US Grant and Collinsville. On April 26th the Wildcats will close out the regular season against Guthrie at home. This young, talented squad will lean on its senior leadership and big bats to get the job done if they are going to make the state tournament. Anyone who has watched this team in 2013 knows anything is possible with this group of ball players.

Kyle Barrick

Josh Evans

V Y P E O K . C O M | A P r I L 2 0 1 322

StarS Starting to SHine for Po-Hi track

Three athletes on the Lady Wildcats track team are shinning bright as the season begins to come to a close. Sierra Gray has two 1st place finishes this season in the 1600 meters and the 3200 meters. At the Ponca City Meet Gray finished the 1600 meters in 5:31.49 and the 3200 meters in 12:11.88. Gray also placed third in both events at the Deer Creek High School Invitational. Jacye Grimm took top honors in the shot put with a distance of 39-07.00 at the Ponca Meet and 36-08.00 at the Deer Creek meet. Long jumper Kendall

Dunn placed 2nd at Deer Creek with a leap of 15-06.50, but has jumped over 16-feet this year. For the boys, Jeremy Stein recorded a 2nd place finish at his home meet with a toss of 138-04 in the discus. Matthew Vaughan had an excellent meet at Deer Creek with a 2nd place finish in the 200 meters with a time of 23.75 and a 4th place finish in the 400 meters at 52.13. The boy’s 4x800 relay team has stepped up this season with a 2nd place finish at Ponca City with a time of 8:49.12.

SUcceSS tiMeLy for deWey BaSeBaLLAfter a 12-12 season a year ago, Dewey has turned the corner and looking ahead to a bright future.In his sixth year as head coach, Eddie Herchock’s squad is 19-5 and ranked 16th in Class 4A.“I had an idea we had the ability to be pretty good,” Herchock said. “Last year we lost some close games, then kind of got our feelings hurt in districts. I knew if our pitching would hold up, we had a chance to do some big things.”So far so good.Junior right-hander pitcher Carson LaRue, who has verbally committed to Oklahoma State, already has 95 strikeouts to go with an 8-1 record and 0.62 earned run average. At press time, he had allowed just 12 hits all season.

Senior right-hander Jimmy Marsh, a four-year starter, is 5-2 with a 3.20 ERA with 29 strikeouts. Chase Culver, a junior right-hander, has really come into his own this year, Herchock said. He boasts a 4-1 record with a 1.17 ERA. Jesse Murguria is a reliever with a 2-0 record and 2.23 ERA.“Our biggest thing we have done this year, we throw strikes,” said Herchock. “We’re not overpowering, except for Carson who throws around 92 mph. The other three do a good job of pitching, not just throwing.”Cody Robinson brings nifty glovework to the infield at second base. The senior has just one error all year. He also bats leadoff and is hitting .315.

Junior catcher Trevor Hudgens is hitting .358. Herchock said he also does a good job behind the plate.Junior Trenton Keene, who plays third base and outfield, is hitting .357. Sophomore first baseman Lane Donoho leads the team in hitting at .438. Senior centerfielder Michael Sanders is batting .290.“Our seniors are good leaders,” Herchock said. “They are calm guys who lead by example.”Herchock likes what the future holds for Dewey.“We’re building momentum for the future,” he said. “You can see the interest rising. We have 31 seventh and eighth graders playing baseball.”

A P r I L 2 0 1 3 | V Y P E O K . C O M 23

By David Crawford

“I would say energy…I’m really high energy.” That’s what Taylor Rodgers says is her greatest asset she brings to a sporting event. The Bartlesville senior will take that energy to South Alabama University as a member of the Jaguars softball squad this fall. The daughter of Paula and Doug Rodgers has set some big goals as she prepares for college. Rodgers is quick to point out that the Jaguars are currently ranked 23rd and have

some impressive wins over some top 25 teams. With two pitchers returning next year, Taylor is anxious to join the team. “I really think we could make it to Super Regionals and maybe the World Series,” said Rodgers. Rodgers maintains a 3.9+ GPA and plans on majoring in mechanical engineering. “I want to be an aeronautical engineer, I think that would be really cool, I’m intense so that would be cool. I’m going to start out mechanical engineering and if I really like it then I am going to stay all four years but if not then I’ll do mechanical engineering for my first two years then aeronautical for my second two,” says Taylor. With her senior year winding down, Taylor is enjoying the last few weeks as a Bruin. Working out, going to church, and hanging out with friends, are important to Taylor. The prom was held recently and when asked if she was a good dancer Taylor responded with a chuckle, “I’m alright…I wouldn’t say great but I’m OK.” Although she couldn’t pinpoint a favorite dance, Taylor can say country music is her favorite. She is a fan of Brantley Gilbert. “A lot of the girls make fun

of me because like even to work out or to get pumped up, I’ll listen to sad country music…so I don’t know, that’s sort of weird,” Rodgers says again with a chuckle. As a break from year round softball, Taylor played basketball her senior season for the Bruins. As a younger athlete she also could be found playing soccer. “I’m probably better at soccer than I am at softball, but I like softball better.” Taylor says Jessica Mendoza is a favorite softball player of hers, but without hesitation points to her own team mates as being a great influence on her. “My freshman and sophomore years I had a really good class that was two years above me and I really learned a lot from each of them.”Perhaps the fastest answer Taylor provided was when asked what her favorite food is. “Steak,” says Taylor, “medium with mashed potatoes, maybe a baked potato every now and then.” Do you use any kind of steak sauce Taylor? “Oh ranch…steak and ranch, I’ll eat a $70 steak with ranch.”After a summer of competitive softball for a Tulsa team, Taylor Rodgers plans on being a utility player for the South Alabama

Jaguars for coach Becky Clark. Coach Jimmy Kolaitis from South Alabama recruited Taylor. Taylor Rodgers will be missed on the diamond and in the gym at Bartlesville High School and let’s hope South Alabama has plenty of ranch dressing.

rodgerS Leaving BartLeSviLLe, ready for a neW cHaLLenge her heart will alwayS Belong to BartleSville, But her talentS are headed to South alaBama

Member FDIC

GO bruins!

V Y P E O K . C O M | A P r I L 2 0 1 326

The Lady Bruins finished the year 20-4 after a 54-50 loss to Broken Arrow in the Area consolation finals.Already, coach Terry Rogers is looking ahead to next year.At the forefront is replacing seniors Katie Keleher, Taylor Rodgers, Sierra Crow and VYPE 100 and Oklahoma Coaches Association all-stater Paige Wilson, who averaged 17.3 points per game.“It’s going to be tough to replace them,” coach Rogers said. “But we have played five other kids since they were freshmen and they will be juniors next year. We will be better defensively.“We had a great run with Paige and Si and all the others. But our kids have been there. They understand what it

takes. We could be a better team.”The nucleus of returnees include seniors Olivia Culver and Julie Denyshek, juniors Hailey Tucker, Gabby Culver and Rachel Bahar and sophomore Madi Kent.Olivia Culver has started since her sophomore year and returns the backcourt alongside Denyshek, who started her sophomore year then missed a portion of her junior season with a knee injury.Tucker, at 6-foot-2 brings size to the team. Listed as a forward, Tucker is an excellent ball handler capable of playing any position on the court, Rogers said.Gabby Culver will take over the point guard duties.“Hailey has started since her freshman year and she was our second leading scorer this year,” Rogers noted. “Gabby is a true point guard. She will look to distribute the ball.”Bahar might be the team’s most athletic player, Rogers said.And Kent, logged a lot of playing time as a sophomore this year despite missing some games due to illness. “I like this nucleus,” Rogers said. “This past year with the seniors was great,

the camaraderie, the closeness of the players. They really liked each other and so does the group that returns. I think they spend every day together.”Rogers will take a break from summer workouts to coach the Large School East All-State team in late July.“I’m very excited to be named head coach of the All-State game,” he said. “It’s an accomplishment that a lot of coaches would love to do. I’ve been an assistant coach on the Oklahoma-Texas game and the girls all-state game. Now, I’m head coach of All-State. All my buddies are boys coaches and they talk about how great this (All-State) game is, I can’t wait.”Rogers hopes to stay around Bartlesville to coach his daughter Neely, an eighth grader.“I would really like to stick around,” he said. “This past year was so much fun, winning 20 games, watching the kids grow and learn and achieve things we haven’t achieved in the past. It was really great. “We set a record for most victories in a season with 12. That was big. Our kids were very excited and happy about the little things. We didn’t always have that joy the first few years here.”

BartLeSviLLe girLS Looking to next year

Hailey Tucker

Gabby Culver

A P r I L 2 0 1 3 | V Y P E O K . C O M 27

coPan’S andreW rodgerSdoeS it aLL

By David CrawfordCopan senior Andrew Rodgers runs for distance and certainly has a list of awards that will out distance most athletes. Andrew owns state championships in cross country and one mile and two mile events and that’s just scratching the surface.Andrew has participated in cross

country, track, football, and basketball during his years at Copan, and has the following for his trophy case; All-District honors as a kicker in football in 2009, ‘10, ‘11, and ‘12, All-District tight end in 2011 and 2012, and All-District honors in basketball for 2012-13. Rodgers won the 2010 Class A State Championship in the 1600 and 3200 meters, a runner up finish in 2011 in the 3200 meters, and then the 2012 State Championship again in the 1600 and 3200 meters. Andrew also claimed the 2012 Class 2A State Championship in cross country.Andrew is quick to point to his coaches as being instrumental in his success, Rick Martinez, Brad Rodgers (Andrew’s dad), and Chris Tanner who serves as principal at Copan. Andrew still has found time to

participate in DECA Marketing while at Tri County Tech in addition to the FCA at Copan and has served on the student council as treasurer.Rodgers is taking his running abilities to Pitt State this fall and plans to major in Business Administration and Marketing Management. Andrew would like to end up in banking eventually.Andrew is in the Marketing-Management Program at Tri County Tech and is taking courses to help his collegiate preparation.

V Y P E O K . C O M | A P r I L 2 0 1 328

Athlete of the MonthAthlete of the MonthAthlete of the MonthCharacter CountsCharacter CountsCharacter Counts

conocoPhillips is proud to highlight the great student-athletes who uphold the fabric of character on and off the field and court.

Stephen Cochran Bartlesville High School

Same values.Same name.

Local pride.

© ConocoPhillips Company. 2012. All rights reserved. www.conocophillips.com

At ConocoPhillips, we’re building on our SPIRIT values – safety, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and team-work – to create a company like no other. A company with global reach and strong ties to the local communities where we operate. With more than 1,500 employees in the community, ConocoPhillips is proud to call Bartlesville home.

As an industry leader exclusively focused on exploration and production, we are pioneering a new standard of excel-lence. But even as we embark on this new journey, the way we do business, our pride as a Bartlesville citizen – our spirit – is staying the same. It’s just a part of who we are.

Stephen Cochran is a senior at Bartlesville High School where he plays varsity football and basketball. Stephen has signed his letter of intent to play football at Drake University next fall. When Stephen isn’t on the football field or the basketball court you can find him volunteering his time with Bruin Buddies, a program he helped resurrect. Bruin Buddies are varsity football players who go to local elementary schools and read to students during football season. Stephen will also volunteer his time at the QB camp in Bartlesville.

“I have enjoyed my time as a Bruin and I feel it is the best high school in the nation. I’ll miss all of my teammates that I’ve played with throughout the years. I can’t wait to get to Drake and meet new friends and start a new chapter in my life,” said Cochran.

For his commitment to the community of Bartlesville and his dedication to Bartlesville High School and his teammates, Stephen Cochran is the Conoco Phillips Character Counts Award winner for April 2013.

A P r I L 2 0 1 3 | V Y P E O K . C O M 29

Athlete of the MonthAthlete of the MonthAthlete of the MonthCharacter CountsCharacter CountsCharacter Counts PaWHUSka UPdate:

HUSkieS raiSing tHe BarLAdY HUSkIES PRImEd foR THE fUTUREAmong the 21 varsity soccer players for the Pawhuska girl’s team is 10 freshmen, six who start for head coach Gary Hughes.After losing a pair of all-state soccer players in 2012, the program’s first year in the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association, Hughes expected somewhat of a rebuilding year.“It’s kind of a rebuilding year,” Hughes said. Still, the Lady Huskies are off to a 4-2 start with three matches remaining before the playoffs. The team is 0-1 in district play after falling 2-0 to Verdigris.The Lady Huskies opened the season with a 4-0 start including victories over Hale (2-0), Bristow (2-0), Victory Christian (7-0) and Oologah (1-0) before dropping a 3-1 match to Skiatook.Leading the way is attacking center mid Morgan Waddle, senior outside mid Jeni Hendricks, senior forward Hunter Sutherland and senior defender Stormee Avalone.“Morgan, Jeni and Hunter have all played competitive soccer for years,” Hughes said. “Stormee just started playing soccer in eighth grade, so she’s had some catching up to do.”Junior Carlie Culver scored the team’s only goal in the loss to Skiatook on a direct soccer kick.“I’ve only seen a handful of those,” Hughes said.Sophomore Andie Sweeden is making a name for herself in goal, Hughes added.“I expect her to be an all-stater,” he said. “Last year after every game coaches would ask me ‘Is she just a freshman?’”The future seems bright with so many young players.“We’re pretty well set with that many freshmen,” said the coach. “They will go

through high school sticking together. They’ve played together since they were five.”PAWHUSkA TRACk RAISING THE BARTimmy Wann and Zak Stone are taking the Pawhuska track program to new heights – literally.The two seniors continue to set new personal bests.Wann already has cleared 14-feet in pole vault and Stone has eclipsed 6-feet, 8-inches in high jump – at the Ponca City Meet.“Timmy is the top 3A jumper,” Pawhuska track coach Mark Frye said. Zak is ranked first in 3A in high jump. Our pole vault coach, Wade Rogers, really pushes Timmy and Zak. We feel like Zak could be a really good long jumper.”On the girls side, freshman Hailey Mouser placed third in the Pawhuska meet in the high jump with a leap of 5-foot, 2-inches.“Hailey is only 5-foot-1 so it’s quite amazing when she jumps,” Frye said. “The funny part is that she passes up to 4-foot-10 on the bar then jumps.”A strength for the girls program has been its success in the relay events.

Currently, Frye has 10 sprinters vying for relay spots.“We’ve run two teams in some meets and even the B team has placed,” said the coach. “We’ve been in the state finals in the 4 x 100 in each of the last 12 years. That’s kind of the push again this year after we lost our best legs to graduation.”Heading into the stretch run, the A team 4 x 100 includes sophomore Andie Sweeden, freshman Keylee Kirk, junior Whitney Cotton and sophomore Kourtney Barnhart. Pushing those four are senior Hunter Sutherland, freshmen Sarah Philippi and Denae Laird and sophomore Skyla Graham.“It’s a wonderful situation to be have,” Frye said the competition. “Most of our main kids are also soccer players, so we work together with the soccer program to benefit both sports.Freshmen Genie Herren, Hailey Mouser, Kailey Hambright and Karissa Hughes comprise the 4 x 800 relay team.“They are pushing to get on the podium at state,” Frye said.

Kelsey Cotham Ponca City High School

What are your goals for this year? Last year in golf I made steady improvement as the season went on. I finished really strong by tying my personal best up to that point at Regionals. I helped my team place 4th at Regionals and qualify for the State Tournament. My goals for this year are to make it to the State Tournament and finish in the top 15 individually. I want to be shooting high 70’s by the end of the season. I plan to achieve these goals by getting stronger so I can hit further and have a greater chance to hit more greens in regulation. Another goal of mine is to be more confident.

What is your plan for next year? My plans for next year are to attend Oklahoma Baptist University majoring in Pre-Physical Therapy.

Why do you like FCA? I enjoy the fellowship with other believers in Christ and the chance to grow with each other. It’s great to have somewhere to go that is fun and a safe environment.

What effect has FCA had on you? FCA has effected my personal life by providing me encouragement weekly. It’s comforting to know you’re not alone and you have people that are praying for you. I really like it when college athletes or guest speakers come and share their testimonies because it shows you that even they have their struggles and go through things we do.

We are Phillips 66, and we’ve been part of the energy industry – and a proud citizen of Bartlesville – for more than 100 years. Today, as a leading downstream energy company, we remain committed to the community that we’ve called home all these years. We are intent on continually earning your trust

See what else is behind the shield, at www.phillips66.com.

with the highest levels of safety and integrity. The more than 1,500 Phillips 66 employees who call Bartlesville home are a talented, dedicated group of people who go to work every day because we believe we can make life better through energy.

®Phillips 66 Company. 2012. All rights reserved.

®

We are proud to be a part of the Bartlesville community.

Award-Winning Healthcare Is Closer Than You Think.

It might sound simplistic but it’s true.

580-765-3321poncamedcenter.com

1900 N. 14th St. Ponca City, OK 74601

By focusing on quality care for patients and doing what’s right, we have received national recognition. The Joint Commission recognizes Ponca City Medical Center for achieving excellence in performance on its accountability measures during 2011 for Pneumonia and Surgical Care.

So what does our being a top performer in using evidence-based care mean for you? Peace of mind in knowing that our local care is tops in the nation.

Find out more at our website: www.poncamedcenter.com

Out of the more than 3,400 eligible accredited hospitals reporting accountability measure data to The Joint Commission, our hospital is one of only 620 hospitals to earn the Top Performer distinction for 2011.

This is the second year in a row Ponca City Medical Center has been recognized as a Top Performer. Ponca City Medical Center is one of only 244 hospitals that achieved the distinction two years in a row.

2010

2011

We Are Top Performers on

Key Quality Measures TWO YEARS IN A ROW!

Thank you for your support.

PneumoniaSurgical Care Pneumonia

Surgical Care