Back row: Falyn Durbin, Turner Mora, Bobby Aldape, Seth Waid, Aiden White
Middle row: Jordan Wadsworth, Riley Cronin, Madison Roberson, Gatlin Black, Landry Forsyth, Karlee Brinson, Kylie Waters
Front row: Olivia Ralls, Niecsa Camarillo, Alayna Stallcup, Aubree Showalter, Corley Coffin, Lexie Streeter
Not pictured: Gavin Torrez, Trish Julian, Hunter Hester(submitted photo)
Joe Allen was selected recently as the 38th head football coach in school history at Waurika High School.
Allen will not only be the grid mentor, but will also serve as the head baseball coach for the Eagles next spring.
“I am really excited about coming to Waurika not just because of the job opportunities, but because my wife teaches at Waurika, we live here and my kids go to school here,” said Allen in a recent interview.
Allen, a 2009 graduate of Cameron University and a 2004 Ryan High School graduate, is looking forward to the challenge of continuing to build on the success Waurika has had in football the past couple of years.
For the past four seasons Allen has been the head baseball coach and assistant football coach at Walters High School. He guided the Blue Devils to one district title in baseball in the four seasons.
“The big selling point for the job was of course my family, but also the kind of athletes they had coming up at Waurika,” said Allen. “I was happy at Walters, so it had to be the right job for me to leave there.”
Allen began his coaching career as a lay coach for the Duncan High School baseball team for two years.
He became the head baseball coach at Rush Springs for two seasons before moving to Temple in 2013 to become the head football coach and head baseball coach for the Tigers.
It was his only season as a head football coach and he guided the Tigers to a 4-5 mark before the opportunity came to move over to Walters.
“Football and baseball were always neck and neck for me even when I was a little kid,” noted Allen when asked which sport was his favorite.
Allen has not yet had an opportunity to meet with the football team, but is looking forward to getting together with them in the near future.
“Being in the area and living here in Waurika I have known the kind of athletes they have,” said Allen in reflecting on his new challenge.
“They have been really competitive in junior high and what I have been impressed with is they have a number of athletes that I have heard are willing to work hard to improve,” said Allen.
While the timing of his hiring did not allow him to get involved with Waurika’s summer league baseball team, he did see the squad in action in their final summer league game at Comanche.
Allen will take over for former Waurika football and baseball coach Glenn Howard, who moves over to Wilson to become an assistant for the Eagles.
“I was glad they had a team because it is hard to get a team together in many of the smaller communities around,” Allen said
Allen was an outstanding athlete during his high school career at Ryan. He excelled in football, baseball and track.
In the 2003 season football season Allen was the starting quarterback on the Cowboys’ semifinal squad that finished 9-4. He threw for 1,113 yards and connected for 11 touchdowns. He also contributed 553 yards rushing.
During his junior season for the Cowboy football squad Allen snared seven interceptions, which was the third most in the state among eight-man schools. He was also named to The Duncan Banner’s all-area football team.
Allen was a ringleader on the 2003 baseball squad that earned a district title – one of only three district titles for the Cowboys since 2000.
In track, Allen was a state track meet qualifier in the high jump in both 2003 and 2004 and was the Southern Eight Conference high jump champion in 2004.
Allen is married to the former Magen Wright of Ryan and she is currently a teacher in the Waurika Public Schools. They have three children with the oldest entering first grade at Waurika this fall.
Spring is officially here, and, plants and trees are really beginning to show their awesome beauty around here. I went over to my peach tree (I think) and wanted to smell the blooms to see if there was an odor to their blooms. There is. There was also a honey bee headed into one of the blooms that I was about to stick close to my nose. I let him have it. We also still have those bugs that look like lady bugs, around town in great numbers. I’ve seen them in peoples homes as well as outside. They are some sort of a Japanese beetle, from what I’ve heard. I do believe they will bite a person, if you are so inclined to pick them up to hold them.
We were blessed with a little bit of rain after church service was over Sunday afternoon. It began a very fine mist as I was going to church at about 9:15am and wound up raining before the sun came out and displayed its’ beauty Sunday afternoon. We welcome any and all precipitation around here. We are still in great need of precipitation. We are in a burn ban, so, be very careful if you strike a match outside your home or in pastures or fields around Jefferson county.
I went to Duncan Saturday afternoon and while I was there, it began to get really cloudy late in the afternoon. It began raining there as I was leaving out around 5:00 in the early evening. We weren’t as fortunate to have been blessed by that same rain system.
This Saturday is the food bank distribution at 10:00am. Also at 1:00 in the park there will be the Easter egg hunt.
Joe Turner is in the Jefferson County Hospital for a little while. Prayers for him as he is in the healing process and for Fern as she travels daily to be with him. Wayne Harrison, Linda’s husband, is in need of our prayers as he recuperates from having had surgery to repair an aneurism. They were unable to make the repair as he sustained a heart attack during his surgical procedure. Linda says that he is doing much better now, though. That is good to hear.
I haven’t spoken about the casino in Terral, since they opened. Brionna, Jim, and I went up there to check it out on the night they opened on March 1. None of us got back what we put into the machines. That seemed to be what was happening with everyone we spoke to that went that day. There has been one lucky individual that got quite a jackpot of nearly $1 million.
The Ryan Family Clinic hosted a party for Brenda Johnson last Friday, as she is nearing her retirement this month. I am not sure if Brenda is looking forward to this occasion or dreading it since all she has ever done in her life is work. Bless her as she begins a new chapter in her life. Her kids and grandkids and siblings will keep her busy, I’ll bet.
Kim’s news for this week:
I enjoy talking to Ron and Traci, I do. Especially about their pet rooster, LaRae.
What a blessed week, I can’t complain. Praise God for the rain.
Everyone have a blessed week. Keep praying for rain and for each other and have a Happy Palm Sunday this coming weekend.
QUOTE OF THE DAY- “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above Yourselves.” Romans 12:10.
TERRAL ANNUAL FIREWORKS – The Terral Board of Trustees has voted to have the annual
Fireworks Display on Saturday, June 3oth, 2018 in downtown Terral. Kids will be allowed to pop fireworks from 6-9 p.m. and after the City Display, in the middle of the Apache. The City
Fireworks will begin at dark approximately 9:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the fun.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH – VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL is set for July 16-20. Our theme this year is “Game ON”. Buses will run nightly. Theme Verse: His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3.
FBC GIRLS IN ACTIONS – Special Thanks go out to Jan Camsey for being our bus driver, Valton Gambill for being our helper and handy man in all things we need and also our alternate bus driver, just know you are appreciated. Mary Alice Kunkel thanks so much for your help in the classroom and your support and wisdom as we plan our missions, lessons and crafts.
Hope to see you all next year for an even greater year.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU – Valton A. Gambill will celebrate “19” years on the 22nd. Fulton
Villarreal will party on the 23rd. Keylan Rodriguez will eat cake on the 24th. Angela Rodriguez will celebrate on the 27th. May God Bless you with many more!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY – Joseph and Whitney Pollan will celebrate on the 23rd.
COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST – The family of Robert Harnois, Tony Rodriquez, Brenda Bryant, Archie Fulton, Scotty Day, Tom Baysinger, Sue Linton, Martin Villarreal, Sr., Joe Martin, Adam
White, Mary Loo Duke, Florita Villarreal, Glen Martin, Esther Grimes, Marie Pollan, Virginia
Tanner, Darlene Hall, T.K. Delaney, Manuel Villarreal, Shana Reed, Hardy Johnson and our military stationed around the world. May God Keep you in His loving care.
The Chickasaw Arts Academy is taking applications for the 2022 summer session. This unique academy emphasizes Chickasaw and other Southeastern First American cultures and tribal aesthetics through the fine and performing arts. Applications can be found at Chickasaw.net/ArtsAcademy.
Applications must be submitted by May 25. Eligibility requires participants to be between the ages of 8-18 by July 9, Chickasaw or dependent of a Chickasaw citizen or previous attendee.
The Chickasaw Arts Academy is an intensive exploration of various artistic fields, career preparatory programming and student-oriented skill development. Participants gain experience in 2D and 3D visual art, culinary art, musical theater, dance, vocal music, instrumental music and composition, photography, theater technology, video production, fashion and accessory design, costume design, special effects and makeup, and much more.
2022 SUMMER SESSION
Students are divided into the following programs to accommodate specific ages and skill levels:
Starting Arts Rotation (STAR) (ages 8-10)
Orientation for students, parents and faculty is July 9. The academy begins July 11 and lasts through July 15. The one-week experience will culminate with an arts gala highlighting student work and a performing arts showcase Friday, July 15, at East Central University (ECU), located at 1100 E. 14th St., Ada, Oklahoma.
Academy activities for this age group take place during the day. Housing and transportation are not provided.
Intermediate (ages 11-13) and Majors (ages 14-18)
Orientation for students, parents and faculty is July 16. The academy begins July 18 and lasts through July 22. The summer session will conclude Friday, July 22, with an arts gala to share student work with visual art pieces, culinary creations and a showcase incorporating all of the performing arts disciplines into a final production at ECU.
Transportation is not provided. Intermediate academy sessions take place during the day.
Ages 14-18 may stay overnight on campus. Housing is provided for students ages 14-18. To attend the majors academy, students must be age 14 by July 16.
Attending the summer session of the academy is a prerequisite for the fall session, spring session and any additional session of the Chickasaw Arts Academy.
If accepted, students must be willing to commit to the entire length of the session. Students should have appropriate communications skills respective to their age, based on standard educational training.
To best serve the needs of students, please disclose any pertinent developmental and/or behavioral conditions so that accommodations or arrangements can be made prior to the academy.
For more information, contact the Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities office at (580) 272-5520 or email ArtsAcademy@Chickasaw.net.
Five students from the Waurika Band recently qualified for the OSSAA State Solo and Ensemble contest. These High School students, along with 3 other middle school students, all made Superior ratings on their solos or ensembles at the District contest held February 17th at Lawton MacArthur High School.
Riley Hobbs and Michael Bryant, WHS Seniors, both played solos from memory and got Superior ratings. Hope Cummings, Regena Bradley, and Brooklyn Barnes, all freshmen, played a Clarinet ensemble and also made a I rating. These will play at Stillwater in April at the State contest.
In addition, seventh grader Karlee Brinson made a Superior on a bells solo. Mallory Adkins, on flute, and Chloe Adkins, on trumpet, also made Superior ratings. Kaytlyn Williams, an 8th grade flutist, Mackenzie Horton, and Hannah Lamons, 7th grade trumpet players, made Excellent ratings.
Band Director Everett Hodges, in his 11th year at Waurika Schools, said, “Five making it to State is our biggest number in several years. These students all put in extra work and it shows what that can bring as a result.”
Quote of the Day- “Never get tired of little things for others, sometimes those little things occupy the biggest parts of their hearts.”
Terral School– Menu for the week- Tuesday Breakfast- Biscuit, gravy, fruit, milk & juice. Wednesday Breakfast- Poptart, Yogurt, Fruit, Milk & Juice. Lunch- Fish Sticks, Potato wedges, salad, fruit & milk. Thursday Breakfast- Egg, ham, biscuit, fruit, milk & juice. Lunch- Chicken Strips, okra, fries, fruit, bread & milk. No School Friday.
FBC Girls in Action – School is almost out and we will be out for summer also. We are gearing up for our Mother’s Appreciation Breakfast on May 11th. We will be finishing up our study of Super Hero’s soon. We made enough money from the Bake Sale on Saturday for our End-Of-The-Year Pool Party to be announced as soon as scheduled. Special thanks to everyone who supported us at the bake sale.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt– We had a good turn out for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Terral Baseball Field. I would like to send out “Special Thanks” to everyone who donated candy, prizes, and helped by working a table to stuffing the eggs. It is not possible without the help of others. Just know you are very much appreciated! The winners by category Walking to Three years old- Girl with most eggs- Lillahna Landis, Boy with most eggs- Harlen Orten, and winner of the rocking horse(donated by Barry Alsup) Gauge Koetter. Four to Six years old- Girl with Most Eggs- Piper Kirkpatrick, Boy with the most eggs- Gunner Nunley and winner of the bicycle with training wheels was Damien Pruitt(Donated by the Terral Volunteer Fire Department)ven to nine year olds- Girl with most eggs- Jasmarie Cruz, Boy with the most eggs- Braden Sandfur and winner of the Bicycle was Oat Wyler(Donated by the Terral Volunteer Fire Department) Ten to Twelve year olds- Girl with the most eggs- Skye Lyons, Boy with the most eggs- Kolton Rodriguez and winner of the Kick Scooter (donated by the FBC GA’s) Angelina Hyde. Thanks to the persons who manned the tables- You are so appreciated!
Happy Birthday To You– Codi Bauer & Devin Behm Celebrated on the 16th. Andrew Villarreal will party on the 20th. Jordan Garcia will turn “9” on the 23rd. Kasen Rodriguez will celebrate on the 23rd also. Carrie Villarreal will Praise the Lord on the 27th. Rachel Sain will have cake on the 29th. Congrats and May God Bless you with many more.
Community Prayer List – Jan Campsey, Gary Bussey, A.R. and Martha Jane Goates, Wayne Wyler, Pat Bussey, Tony Rodriguez, Scotty Day, Tom Baysinger, Sue Linton, Martin Villarreal, Sr., Joe Martin, Adam White, Mary Loo Duke, Esther Grimes, Virginia Tanner, Darlene Hall, T.K. Delaney, Manuel Villarreal, Shawna Reed, Hardy Johnson and our military stationed around the world. Our Prayer is for God to keep you in his loving care.
Terral Homecoming Court
King – Braden Sandfur, Queen – Hanna Spence
The Homecoming Court – Reagan White, Sophia Covington, Tristynn Lawson & Ashtynn Lawson
This has been a productive season for Ryan cross country. The young runners in Jr. High School show improvement constantly and the High School boys seem to shave time off with each passing meet, but the High School girls have taken cross country to a new level here in Ryan. This last week the Cowgirls have won their third team title in a row, Lilybet Harmon won her third individual title in a row and the Cowgirls have had five of the top ten finishers for the third time in a row. Next weekend the cross country team will be competing at regionals. At 12:30 this Saturday, we will all have the opportunity to watch this team in action at Waurika. Basketball season will be starting soon. To be honest, I have never really followed the sport. I’m short, slow and uncoordinated, so it is easy to figure out why it’s not my sport. In an effort to be fair I may give it a try this season, if nothing else it will give me a chance to see the new/old gym. The football game this week will be against long time rivals Waurika Eagles. This rivalry spans many decades and having witnessed it from both sides, I am glad to see that the modern version is much more genteel than it was in the old days. Come out to the game and see some good football. Game time is at 7:30 friday night at the Bob Givens Sports Complex. If you play your cards right you might be able to get some supper as well.
This next Sunday, October 20th from 11:00-2:00 there will be an Indian Taco dinner to raise funds for some of the community projects that are happening around Ryan. It will be at the Sr. Citizens Center and the cost will be donations only. I understand that they still need desserts if you would like to donate some sweets. Take outs are available and Heather Casebolt guarantees that the food will be delicious.
If you have been paying attention, you will have noticed that dirt work is going on out on the highway across from the football field. They are coming along with the future home of the next dollar store for this area.
Fall weather is finally upon us and it is wonderful. Not to appear ungrateful but we could have done without that freeze the other night. Ah well we have to take the bad with the good. I am starting to see mums and pumpkins around town, decorating street corners and porches. With the fall colors a, pumpkin flavored everything and the cool air, it seems that the main part of football season is here. GO IRISH!!!
Christmas On the Trail is coming up and we will be having another meeting on the 25th of this month. If you are interested, you can attend or you can call or come see us with your ideas. We are still looking for vendors and volunteers. We are adding games and activities every week.
I am sitting here listening to Adele sing about setting fire to the rain. I’m not sure the lyrics make a lot of sense but she sure can sing. Until next week.
Boys from Waurika Cub Scout pack 4460, recently participated in Mountain Man Day hosted by Cub Scout leader Alan Harper. 17 kids participated in the event, and over 40 people were in attendance for the day. Committee member Clay Carter, Den leader JJ Edwards, and other parents and adults helped the boys participate in the event.
They began the day eating breakfast and learning about cooking in Dutch ovens with Chris Harper. Chris is the Scoutmaster of Troop 49 in Nelson, Missouri, and he has held this position for 34 years. He also serves as the B.S.A. District Executive for the Osage Trails and Kinderhook districts of the Great Rivers Council. After breakfast they divided up into groups for the trapping, leather working and blacksmithing stations. Roy Himebaugh taught the boys about different trapping techniques and why it was an important survival skill for a mountain man to know. He also showed them how he set his traps when he used to run his trap line. Michelle Dyer, pack 4460’s Webelos Den leader, taught the boys about leatherworking. At this station, they were able to design, dye, and stamp their own leather belt to keep. Alan Harper taught the boys about blacksmithing and the importance of blacksmiths in frontier towns. With the help of an adult, and while wearing safety equipment, the boys made a hat/jacket hook for their home. The day ended with eating some Klondike chili and cobbler made by Chris. Everyone enjoyed the day, and leaders are already planning next years activities!
