Sparkman Legacy Began in Jefferson County

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July 6, 2018

When you write about past things, you never know what memories it might invoke in the minds of people.

In a recent article about Waurika track, one of the outstanding athletes mentioned was Hurschel Sparkman, an outstanding hurdler for the Eagles in the 1930’s.

A cousin of Sparkman made a point to reach out and share a few more stories about this family that had deep roots in Jefferson County.

Hurschel was one of two boys born to Frederick and Willie Pearl Glazner Sparkman. The other brother was named Carl, who was born in 1918. The family also had a sister, Theda. They made their home in Ryan, but moved to Waurika at some point before Theda was born in 1922.

All three siblings eventually ended up in Great Bend, Kansas, with the two boys heading there about the same time – probably in the early 1940’s.

The family was known for strict discipline and one summer evening Carl tested that discipline of his father and it resulted in Carl taking off that night and running eight miles in the dark to his grandparents that lived near Ryan.

Carl ended up graduating from Ryan High School. He followed his brother to Great Bend and became a businessman, insurance salesman and entrepreneur having founded Sparkman Aerial Photography.

In 2010, Carl passed away in Hutchinson, Kansas, which had been his home for a number of years. He was less than a month short of his 92nd birthday at the time of his death.

Carl had two sons, Dean and Gene, who is a well-known artist. Gene held art shows up and down the east coast and makes his home in Maryland.

Dean, who currently is a resident of Hudson, Wisconsin was a successful businessman as well, but also served as a lobbyist and worked for Elizabeth Dole lobbying for some of her causes at one time.

Carl, or Sparky as he was known in his younger days, also ran track at Ryan, but results from that time for the Cowboys are scarce.

Hurschel, who carried the nickname “Speedy”, was one of the stars of the Waurika track dynasty in the 1930’s and much of his success is well-documented.

The older Sparkman won both hurdles races at the OU Invitational in 1935 and that was considered the state championship at the time. His time in the 120 high hurdles at the OU meet set a meet record and was the fastest time in the United States that season among high school thinclads.

He also won the 200 yard low hurdles at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) a week later.

In 1936, Hurschel continued to dominate the hurdles’ events. He repeated as champion in the 200 low hurdles and 120 high hurdles at OU and helped Waurika earn the team title that season.

At the 1936 Oklahoma A&M meet, he won the 220 low hurdles and helped the 880 and mile relay teams claim first place.

Later that fall in 1936, Hurschel scored three touchdowns in Waurika’s 71-0 rout of rival Ringling.

Hurschel went on to run track at Oklahoma A&M.

Hurschel was not the only Waurika native that made a mark on track success of Oklahoma A&M. R.V. Wright, also an accomplished hurdler at Waurika, was a star for the Aggies and eventually was named the Aggies’ freshman track coach in 1940 after completing his collegiate career.

One of Hurschel’s dreams was to compete in the Olympics. In 1936, he competed while still a high school student at Waurika in the regional Olympic tryouts and he finished second in the 120 high hurdles. The winner of the race advanced to a semifinal competition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

However, in that day, competitors trying to fulfill that dream had to pay their own way and Hurschel’s dreams were quickly dashed as he could not afford the expense it would take to earn a spot and then actually travel and compete in the Olympics.

When Hurschel made his way to Great Bend, he actually hopped on a freight train that was departing Waurika.

The area was good to Hurschel as he eventually married and had four children – Randy, Tommy, Mike and Carla. He retired as an engineer of the Missouri Pacific Railroad after 33 years of service.

Hurschel was a veteran who served in the U.S. army during World War II. He died in 1983 in Great Bend.

While the Sparkman family made more of a mark in central Kansas, it all started in Jefferson County.

NOTE: Thanks to Waurika News-Journal/The Ryan Leader reader Ramona Bryant who provided some of the information for this article. She is a cousin to the Sparkman boys and resided near Ryan for many years. She is currently a resident of Duncan.

The 80/80/80 Rule in Public Education

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Tom Deighan

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May 29, 2021

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This is first in a series of ten summertime articles mapping the common ground upon which parents, educators, and communities can unite regarding one of the most divisive topics in America: public education.

I know it sounds crazy, but I contend that common ground on the issue of education not only exists, but that it may be the only remaining common ground in American culture. I am not dreaming the nostalgic myth of a lost Atlantis or the elitist dream of the flying island of Laputa. On the contrary, most public schools are practical, functioning, and redeemable places where parents, educators, and communities work together every day, regardless of differences. These islands function because 80% of parents and 80% of educators actually agree on 80% of the issues. (The 80/80/80 rule.)

I confess that this does sound a little crazy, even as I write this. Wherever I turn, public education is either extolled or demonized, and when extremes are our only options, everyone is forced to become an extremist. Despite the rhetoric, however, I have met few extremists. I see signs of them on social media and in news clips, but I cannot ever recall meeting one at the supermarket, at church, or in the drop-off line at school. Nevertheless, our national discourse is increasingly controlled by trolls behind keyboards and ogres on parade. In such a culture, anyone who rejects any element of our orthodoxy is no longer human. At least that’s what the trolls and ogres on my cable news channel tell me!

No subject illustrates this more than the topic of public education. We are told to choose between either rabid resistance to any change in public schools (except for more public funding) . . . or rabid commitment to dismantle public schools (while using the same public money). When such false choices wholly dominate national media, no wonder so many people naturally assume that their local public school is a boiling cauldron of controversy and contention. Far left and far right social engineers are surely battling it out in our hallways and classrooms, using our children as human shields. Judging by the national narrative, 80% of educators are evil, 80% of students are delinquents, and 80% of parents don’t care. If only God or the Government would save us!

So when I propose the 80/80/80 rule, I understand why you might think I am crazy, but think about it. Virtually all parents want their children to one day graduate, earn a living, and be part of a community. Educators want the same, and despite what you see on the interweb, few educators entered this profession because they hate children or parents. Sadly, the national media have 10/10 vision; they focus on the 10% of radical left issues and the 10% of radical right issues, painting everyone with these wide brushes. Your neighborhood school certainly includes these perspectives, but they make it work, because 80% of parents and 80% of educators agree on 80% of the issues. When they don’t, they have the capacity to disagree amicably and to work together. Otherwise, our schools would all be on fire.

I know the 80/80/80 rule seems preposterous to many, but I understand. Some subjects are easy, like career-ready graduates, safety, and security. Others, like school choice and faith, are a little more complicated, but the 80/80/80 rule applies even to tough topics. Next week, we will start off with the most revolutionary of ideas – that the parent is the most important educator in any child’s life. This ideal is the bedrock upon which our entire system depends, and believe it or not, most parents and most educators agree on this issue. Please join me this summer as we explore this elusive common ground. If my instincts are correct, we will discover it is bigger than ever imagined. Heck, even those searching for schools on Atlantis and Laputa might discover real estate they can share, even if they do choose to live on opposite sides of the island.

Tom Deighan is a public educator and currently serves as Superintendent of Duncan Public Schools. He may be reached at deighantom@gmail.com

Round Ryan October 11 2018

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Mollye Compton

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October 12, 2018

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If you haven’t noticed by now, my last two articles failed to include the usual conclusion of praying for rain. He has blessed us nearly beyond measure with the answered prayer for our much needed rain. I am not going to pray that He turns it off by any means, either. I can’t even keep track now of how much or when we have received our rains over the last 2 weeks. We are getting more rain as I am writing this article. We are heading for lows in the 40s over the coming week. Highs are predicted in the 70s and a couple of days in the 60s. Enough about the weather. Thank the Lord for providing for us,weather and otherwise.

I went and picked up Brionna this past Friday evening in Bowie. We missed the ballgame, but, saw the final score of 84 to 38 in Ryan’s favor. I bet that was quite a game! Brionna, Kim and I went to the horse show Saturday morning at the Crossbrand Cowboy Church in Waurika. Brionna participated in one of the events. She showed Ruffy Tuffy in the halter show. She got a ribbon for showing. Kim participated in 3 events and got ribbons for all of the events she participated in, too. It was a fun time and we got to meet some new people and we also got to see Mary Elizabeth Pierce from the Whispers of Hope Horse Farm. She had 6 horses and a group of riders that all had a good time, too. They travelled from Wichita Falls, Tx.

This coming Saturday, starting at 3:00pm, there will be the Fall Festival in the Ryan park across from City Hall. There are several activities planned for that day, so, be sure to work it into your calendar. Have your money with you, too, so that you can make purchases and donations to the Ryan Community Regeneration.

Then, Sunday, there is a benefit dinner at the Ryan Senior Citizen Center for Sammy Overstreet. Sammy has been diagnosed with cancer. Please get out and support him by attending this benefit dinner. The food will be great, too.

There is a wedding shower for Shaylee Kimbro and Ryan Chester this Sunday at 2:00pm at the First Baptist Church in Ryan.

This last Saturday, we lost another resident just outside of Ryan. Nam an Mendoza, from Sugden, passed away and they are having his service this week. Prayers to Barbara and their family during their loss.

Kim’s news for this week:

At the Cowboy Church Horse Show, Ruffy Tuffy won 4 ribbons and Foxy won 1. Brionna got to show Ruffy Tuffy for me. It was a no wreck day and everything went okay.

Everyone have a blessed week. Please pray for each other.

Eagles Host Southwest Covenant in Playoff Grid Opener

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Trey Smart

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November 10, 2022

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After last season’s injury problems that hampered the Waurika Eagles throughout the 2021 season, Waurika finds itself in a familiar position in recent years – the post-season.

The opening game of the Class B playoffs for the Eagles will be Friday when Waurika will play host to Southwest Covenant. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Norman West Field.

The last playoff victory for Waurika came against Southwest Covenant in 2020. The Eagles fell in the second round of the playoffs that season.

Last year, the Eagles suffered through a bevy of injuries that resulted in a 3-7 record and no post-season activity in 2021.

The 2022 season has been an exciting one for the Eagles as they have compiled a 6-3 mark against another tough schedule.

Two of the losses came at the hands of traditional Class B powers Laverne and Seiling and the other loss was to district foe Velma-Alma.

In the six victories, the Eagles were rarely tested.

The Eagles have used a powerful rushing game to earn the runner up position in District B-4 and host a first-round playoff game.

Treyton Torrez, the veteran Waurika quarterback has been the ringleader of the offense with over 1,400 yards rushing in the nine-game season. Torrez has rushed for 21 touchdowns and has tossed 13 touchdown passes.

Complementing Torrez in the backfield has been Jake Smart, another senior who played with Temple the last three seasons. Smart, who missed a couple of games because of injury, has 597 yards rushing for the season on 67 carries – just under 10 yards a carry.

You should not let the Patriots’ 5-4 record deceive you. Southwest Covenant competed in a tough district and three of the four losses have come to teams ranked in the top 10 among Class B schools.

The Patriots will also bring a potent offensive attack to the first-round playoff game. They have scored 50 or more points in three of their last four outings.

The winner of this first-round contest will face the winner of Oklahoma Bible and Balko-Forgan one week from Friday.

If Oklahoma Bible wins, they will host the winner of Waurika and Southwest Covenant. If Balko-Forgan upsets Oklahoma Bible and Waurika wins its first round game, the game would be played at Balko.

Here’s a preview of tomorrow night’s contest:

SW Covenant at Waurika

Time and Place: Friday at 7 p.m. at Cy Sloan Stadium

Ticket Information: Tickets are available for $7 plus $1.35 service fee at gofan.com. You can pay cash but the tickets are $10. Veterans and one guest will be admitted free to the first round of the playoffs.

Records: Southwest Covenant is 5-4 on the year following last week’s loss to Seiling; Waurika brings a 6-3 record into the game after a 36-8 victory over Cyril last week.

District Standing: Southwest Covenant is the third place team from District B-3, while Waurika was the runner up in District B-4.

State Rankings: Neither team is ranked.

Coaches: John Jensen is in his second year at the helm of the Patriots and has a record of 8-10; Joe Allen has been the Eagles’ mentor for five seasons and is 39-17. Allen will not be on the sideline for this game after last week’s ejection against Cyril.

Series History: Waurika leads, 1-0.

Last Meeting: The only meeting with the Patriots was a 58-36 victory by the Eagles in the second round of the 2020 Class B playoffs.

Playoff History: Southwest Covenant is making their ninth appearance in the post-season and the Patriots have a 6-8 record in playoff action. The Patriots have advanced to the state championship once – losing to Tipton. Southwest Covenant has made one other appearance in the semifinals.

Waurika will be making its 30^th appearance in the post-season and has a record of 30-28-2. Waurika has one state title and has made a total of five appearances in semifinal action. The Eagles are 1-3-1 in those games.

Team Capsules: Southwest Covenant has rebounded from last year’s 3-6 mark to get into post-season for the first time since 2019. The Patriots will bring a high-powered offense to Waurika as they have scored 50 or more points in four of the five victories. The biggest threat for the Eagle defense will be receiver Gabe Ross, who also has a number of carries rushing. Another receiver, Trace Brunk, has eight catches for 219 yards on the year. The Patriots have struggled a bit on defense as they have surrendered 40 or more points four games.

Waurika’s season has gone just about by the script that could have been written before the season. The Eagles’ offense is led by a trio of talented runners Torrez, Smart and Trent Arellano. Smart and Arellano are also threats catching the ball along with receiver Isaac Camarillo. Smart has been an excellent addition to the Waurika offense and Torrez has rebounded from a serious injury he suffered a year ago. The offensive line has been a strength for the Eagles all season. The defense for Waurika has also been steady throughout the season and will have to be performing at a high level to halt the Patriots’ offensive threat.

Outlook: The key to this game will likely be the play of the defense. Whichever team can stop the other will have a great advantage. It is likely the scoreboard will be lit up and certainly both teams will have to avoid giving extra possessions on turnovers. A special teams score or big play will likely be a factor during the game. Look for the Eagles to advance to round two if they can dominate the game on the defense.

Patriots’ 2022 Results

Ok. Bible 48, SW Covenant 20

SW Covenant 36, Alex 8

SW Covenant 70, Summit Chr. 40

Davenport 20, SW Covenant 18

Cov.-Douglas 50, SW Covenant 14

SW Covenant 52, Okeene 28

SW Covenant 54, Canton 52

SW Covenant 52, Waukomis 14Seiling 54, SW Covenant 8

Dave Says

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Dave Ramsey

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June 29, 2021

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Bless them, don’t enable them

Dear Dave,

My husband and I are both teachers, and we’re on Baby Step 7. We’re struggling with things where our wills are concerned. Three of our four adult children aren’t being wise with their money, and my husband and I disagree on how to talk to them about it and how it may affect us re-structuring our wills. We don’t want to be judgmental, but at the same time we agree something needs to be said or done.

Danielle

Dear Danielle,

Let’s say someone is working at my company, and taking my money in the form of a paycheck. Let’s also say this person isn’t doing a good job. If I don’t talk to them about their performance because I don’t want to be seen as judgmental, I’m not doing my job. I owe them the feedback necessary for them to become a good team member. Otherwise, they could just get fired one day without really knowing what happened because I refused to “judge” them.

You’re supposed to judge people. The idea that you’re not supposed to is ridiculous. But you don’t have to be a jerk about it. There’s a big difference betweenjudging people and being judgmental. But it’s unkind not to share insights or suggestions for a better way of life with those you love most. Holding back and telling yourself the way someone behaves is just the way they’re made is wrong in most instances. Overspending and not saving money aren’t character traits—they’re decisions.

They’re adults now, and they’re going to do what they want. They don’t have to understand or support your ways of handling money, but you and your husband have every right to tell them they have to start behaving in certain ways if they expect to receive your money when the time comes. If they’re misbehaving, and you give them money, you’re funding that bad behavior. That’s not love, that’s enabling. And a big pile of money isn’t going to heal the bad things—it’s only going to magnify them.

Sit down with your kids, and have a loving, clear discussion about the situation. Remind them that they’re adults, and you and your husband are no longer able to tell them how they have to live. But let them know in no uncertain terms, gently but firmly, they will not receive your money if they continue to behave in ways you both consider foolish or unreasonable. Let them know they’ll always have your love, just not your money, unless they begin behaving more intelligently and maturely with their finances.

You can’t make them do anything, Danielle. But you can ensure they understand you two won’t be sharing your wealth with people who can’t handle it and use it wisely.

—Dave

* Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. Hehas appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

Officiating Concerns Brought to Light in Recent Game at Ryan

By

Trey Smart

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October 26, 2018

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Before we get to the information in this column, allow me to make a few disclaimers.

Officials in any sport are human. They can make mistakes and often do. It is unfortunate, but that is reality and since we are all human, there should be some level of understanding of this when there are bad decisions made in a game by officials.

Another issue in today’s high school sports arena is a critical shortage of officials to call the games at the high school and junior high level. Why is this? We will discuss some of those reasons further in this column.

One other disclaimer – I would never want to be an official. I will admit, however, to expressing frustration as a fan when officials make a bad call.

However, when there are repeated mistakes that are relatively obvious in a game, it is fair to bring those issues to light.

Last Thursday night at Ryan, I witnessed what was one of the poorest officiated games I have ever seen. I have been to a few in my 61 years – about 500 games.

Most of the time fans complain of the officiating when their team loses, but this time Ryan rallied for a last-second 78-74 win over Bray-Doyle.

The discrepancy in the number of penalties against each team in this game was mind-boggling. Ryan was flagged 24 times (not counting one penalty on an extra-point try), while Bray was whistled for only six penalties.

To be perfectly clear, Ryan was guilty of many of those penalties and must find a way to have more discipline during a game if they are to close out the current season with success.

Most of the critical calls came in the second half when the game became close.

Two pass interference calls, which are some of the most difficult to make in football, went against Ryan. One the Bray-Doyle receiver clearly pushed off the Ryan defender, but interference was flagged against Ryan.

The second missed call was actually a no-call as a Ryan receiver was streaking down the right sideline and was bumped by a Bray-Doyle defender keeping the Ryan receiver from reaching the ball.

Probably the worst call of the night came when Ryan coach Tony Tomberlin was giving a defensive signal. The referee blew his whistle and signaled timeout. The Ryan players and coaching staff were bewildered and when discovering none of the players called timeout, the referee was asked who called the timeout.

The referee informed Coach Tomberlin that he called it and when an explanation was given the referee refused to rescind the timeout. In my opinion, that was an easy fix. Simply call the teams back to the field and resume play.

Late in the game when Ryan was trying to drive for a clinching score and run out the clock, a Ryan player lost the ball after being tackled. The film is a bit inconclusive, but it appeared he was down before the fumble, but the officials gave the ball to Bray-Doyle and the Donkeys eventually scored the go-ahead touchdown with 43 seconds to play in the game.

One other call in the fourth quarter that impacted the game was a targeting penalty called against Ryan’s Skylar Parkhill that results in an automatic ejection.

The film was sent to the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association. It was ruled not to be targeting and the ejection was rescinded so Parkhill will be eligible to play in Ryan’s contest with Wilson tomorrow night.

A few other calls were certainly questionable throughout the game.

This officiating crew must have had an off night. They are regarded as one of the best crews in this area and are usually found officiating at larger schools on a weekly basis.

One of the real issues with officiating in all sports is the lack of numbers of officials in Oklahoma.

As current officials are growing older and eventually hanging up their whistle, younger people are not stepping in to take on the job.

The shortage is real. Just a quick scan of the internet produced articles from Muskogee and Lawton that have been written in the past couple of years about the shortage of officials.

Games have even had to be rescheduled to a different night because officials could not be found to work a particular game.

Now in defense of the people that are not stepping up, it is a greater challenge to officiate games of all sports because kids are bigger and faster than they used to be. In football and basketball in particular the game is faster than ever before.

Many times people are not joining the officiating ranks because they do not want to put up with coaches and fans that at times can be irate and irrational. The abuse they some times take is often excessive. And some sports such as basketball and baseball, the officials are not far from the fans.

And there are a growing number of student-athletes that come with less than the best attitudes and when a call doesn’t go their way, the attitude of the player comes out. This is often detrimental as officials that are human take notice of this and often begin to look at that player a bit unfairly or with more scrutiny.

Players, coaches and fans need to be held accountable for some of the problems with the shortage of available officials.

But, the need for officials is real. Local organizations in Lawton, Duncan and Ardmore are actively searching for new people to join the ranks to call games in baseball, softball, soccer, wrestling, football and basketball.

If you are interested in becoming an official, go to the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association’s website (ossaa.com) and register. There is a fee and there is a lot of preparation involved to eventually become an official.

The pay level is not great, but if someone needs a little extra cash, you can make up to $1,000 a season and if you can call more than one sport, the figure will increase.

So if you can weather the criticism and you want to be involved at some level with young men and women, you are urged to take the appropriate steps and become an official.

More numbers usually results in a higher quality of product and it is no different with officials. The need is real and the issues are real, but they can be solved.

Celebrating Hard-Working Teenagers This Labor Day

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Tom Deighan

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September 3, 2021

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I have observed literally thousands of teenagers during my career, especially as a high school teacher and principal, in addition to raising two of my own. I can generally spot kids who either have part-time jobs or who are constantly involved in activities like sports, Ag and Fine Arts. They often stand out in overall maturity, for they know the value of hard work, teamwork, and time-management. On the other hand, I have also noted that teenagers with too much time on their hands and/or too much easy money tend to get into mischief. My guide to raising teenagers, therefore, is relatively simple: Keep ‘Em Busy and Keep ‘Em Poor!

I am not sure if you noticed, but the number of high schoolers working in part-time jobs jumped this past summer. I first noticed at local drive-thrus as students asked me questions about the start of school. Employers recruited a lot of teenage labor during the recent labor shortage. COVID benefits did not extend to teenagers, so many of them seized the opportunity for a higher-paying summer job. Who says our kids aren’t smart and entrepreneurial!

Teenagers with after-school or summer jobs are rarer than in previous generations for a variety of reasons, and that is unfortunate because nothing prepares a youngster for the real world like a real job. They learn about things like FICA, customer service, and work ethic at a formidable time. I have hired a lot of brand-new college graduates, and those who had part-time jobs were usually miles ahead of those who did not. Showing up on time, working a full shift, and smiling when you feel like cussing are all skills learned on the job. When someone’s first job is a full-time job, they usually struggle.

After-school and summer jobs are not the only “labor” that counts, either. Many teenagers also work for family businesses or even start their own businesses. Teenagers that are busy in activities like sports and fine arts learn the same lessons. And nothing is more real-world than having an Ag animal project; those kids (and parents) work hard! The skills of dependability, punctuality, and teamwork matter as much in these situations as they do in a job. I do not personally think teenagers should work a lot, but a few hours a week teaches them more about the real world than just about any other activity. The value of sweating for a buck cannot be underestimated.

In this case, I would not use myself as a good example, for I probably worked too much as a teenager. My first job was at 12, washing dishes in Woodward, Oklahoma, and I have had a job ever since. By the end of high school, I was a master short-order cook, car-washer, and a decent construction worker. By the end of college, I added truck driver, farm laborer, and horseshoer to the list. Those jobs taught me common sense and work ethic. I am not bragging, however, for I have forgotten every one of those skills, especially horseshoeing and hay hauling, so if this superintendent gig ever dries up, I am in trouble.

The remarkable thing about after-school and summer jobs is how much they truly give people an edge later in life. I know of people who landed corporate-level positions, not based on their degree but on the insight or experience gleaned from being a camp counselor or leading Vacation Bible School. We never know when past knowledge will come in handy. I read somewhere not to despise small beginnings. Curiously enough, that author was familiar with carpenters’ tools, too.

So, for this Labor Day, hats off to all the hard-working teenagers! You have mad respect from me and other old folks, and you instantly give us hope. This Labor Day, be sure to pat your hard-working teenagers on the back. Of course, they are probably working or practicing this weekend, but they will surely appreciate being seen and welcomed into the fellowship of hard work.

Tom Deighan is currently the superintendent of Duncan Public Schools. He may be reached at deighantom@gmail.com You may read past articles at www.mostlyeducational.com

Coaching Changes Approved For Waurika Softball, Girls Basketball

By

Trey Smart

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May 23, 2022

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A couple of changes in coaching responsibilities were recently approved by the Waurika Board of Education.

Kassie Bohot, who has been a teacher at Waurika Elementary and the head coach of the powerlifting program will add fast-pitch softball to her responsibilities at the school.

Garret Bachand, the boys’ basketball coach for the past three seasons, will take on the girls’ basketball program as well for the coming year.

Bohot replaces long-time athletic director and fast-pitch softball coach Everett Hodges.

Hodges compiled a 27-52 record over the past three seasons of fast-pitch softball for the Lady Eagles. This came after a two-year period where the team only won a total of four games.

Bohot is excited about the added coaching responsibility and is looking forward to her first season after serving as the top assistant the past few seasons.

“This group of seniors if the first group I coached at Waurika,” said Bohot. “I know the girls and their abilities.”

Bohot noted the improvement of the girls she has helped with over the past few seasons.

“I am excited to see this come full circle,” Bohot added. “I can’t wait to have a good year.”

Bachand is also excited about the opportunity to take on the reins of the girls basketball program at Waurika.

He has been the Eagle roundball coach for the past three seasons and has a 33-36 record.

Bachand’s first two seasons produced a winning record, but this past season the squad struggled because of injuries.

However, the 2022 version of the Eagles made the first regional tournament appearance under Bachand, who is a graduate of Waurika High School.

Bachand will also be no stranger to the girls as he was the top assistant under Kalee Baxter during the 2022 campaign when the Lady Eagles fashioned a 20-7 record.

“I’m really excited to become the next head coach for these girls,” Bachand said. “I have talked to them and they are stoked and ready to work.”

The Lady Eagles have had strong seasons the past few years, but faltered in the post-season.

“Obviously these girls have done some really good things in the regular season,” Bachand noted.

“Most of those girls that are returning have some unfinished business from the last two years in the postseason,” Bachard added.

It will be a big goal for the veteran boys’ coach to push the girls to new heights particularly in the postseason.

“I can’t wait to get to work and see what we can do this next season,” Bachard said.

In addition to his basketball responsibilities, Bachand serves as an assistant to Joe Allen in both football and baseball.

Dave Says

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By

Dave Ramsey

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April 7, 2021

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Obstacles and answers

Dear Dave,

In your mind, what are some of the biggest mental and emotional obstacles preventing people from addressing their financial problems?

Roger

Dear Roger,

This is a great question! There are always circumstances beyond our control that can put us in a bad place, financially or otherwise, for a season. But to change your situation when it comes to money, you have to be willing to step back and honestly look at the overall picture of what has and hasn’t been working—and why. You need to be willing to admit you might have been wrong about a few things, and be open to learning and trying new ways.

Myths about money and debt are definitely near the top of the list of things messing people up when it comes to their finances. I’ve heard it said if you tell a lie often enough and loudly enough, that lie will become accepted as a fact. Repetition, volume, and longevity will twist and turn a myth, or a lie, into a commonly accepted way of doing things. Debt is so ingrained into our culture, and has been marketed to us so aggressively, that most Americans can’t envision a car without a payment, a house without a mortgage, or a college student without a loan. We’ve also bought into the myth that we can get rich quick. We’re living in a microwave society, but living right financially is a crock pot concept. It takes time.

Some people are afraid of change. Change can be painful, and many simply won’t change until the pain of where they are exceeds the pain of change. When it comes to money, where you are right now is a sum total of decisions you’ve made to this point. If you don’t like where you are, you have to admit changes need to be made in order for you to achieve your dreams.

Finally, a lot of folks simply haven’t been taught the proper way to manage money. Ignorance is not lack of intelligence, it’s a lack of know how. There’s a big difference between the two. Admit, even if it’s just to yourself, that you are not a financial expert. Read about money, talk to people who have been successful with their finances, and begin a life-long quest to learn as much as you can about money and how to manage it wisely. What you don’t know about money will make you broke, and keep you broke!

*Dave Ramseyis a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listeners each week. Hehas appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

Westbrook Nursing Home News

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By

Patty Bryant

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May 23, 2022

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We had a wonderful Mother’s Day. On Friday we enjoyed our annual Mother’s Day party. Each lady received a beautiful flower and we presented certificates to our oldest Ethel Anthony (Pictured above), Youngest Minia H., and Mother with the most children Lupe R., A very special thanks to our CDM Cora Bailey, The Local Flower Shop/Tina Morrison and everyone who helped make this day so special for our ladies.

Last week was nursing home week. Each day we dressed up and had special foods. We had pajama day and enjoyed donuts. We had cowboy day with a cookout, grilled hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans and cobbler. It was delicious. We had a cow chip throw and Ronnie won that. We enjoyed Hawaiian day with delicious fresh fruit and dip served in pineapples. On Friday we enjoyed Rootbeer floats and had karaoke. Then we had a drawing for wonderful door prizes. A special thanks to these wonderful merchants for donating door prizes for our residents and staff. Thanks to action fitness, addington station and antiques, Beaver Creek Lumber, Bills Fish House, Dees restaurant, Eagle Nutrition, Eck Drug, Markette, QuikMart, Sheltons, and Sonic, we really appreciate you all. A special thanks to our CDM Cora Bailey and maintenance Eric Bailey for all the cooking. Also thanks to our residents and staff for a fun week. Have a blessed week.

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Meet the Candidates for Waurika City Commission

John William Henderson