ARDMORE, Oklahoma — Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby led ground breaking ceremonies Thursday, Sept. 20, to celebrate the start of construction for a new gym and expansion of services.
Located in a place with historic ties to the Chickasaw Nation, the Chickasaw Nation Ardmore Gym will be built at 2225 Robinson St. N.W., on the Chickasaw Nation Ardmore Campus.
“The new gym will be a welcome addition to our Ardmore Campus. It is an area that has a long tradition of serving the education needs of Chickasaws and other Native American children.” Gov. Anoatubby said. “A number of additional services are now available on this campus, which has seen significant expansion of the past several decades.”
Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, center, is joined by tribal dignitaries, Chickasaw citizens and local residents in a ground breaking ceremony for the Chickasaw Nation Ardmore Gym, Sept. 20, at 2225 Robinson St. N.W., on the Chickasaw Nation Ardmore Campus. Construction of the 15,300-square-foot gymnasium will offer a place for Chickasaw citizens and community members to gather for group or individual physical activities. Photo by Marcy Gray.
Construction of the new 15,300-square-foot gymnasium will offer a place for Chickasaw citizens and community members to gather for group or individual physical activities. It will feature a regulation-size basketball court, bleachers for more than 460 spectators, men’s and women’s locker rooms, showers, lobby and concession area.
The addition of a gym on campus will enhance the Chickasaw Nation’s efforts to support an active lifestyle and overall health of Chickasaw people and help fulfill the tribe’s mission, Gov. Anoatubby said.
“Maintaining an active lifestyle positively affects Chickasaws of all ages, from our children to our elders. Located throughout the Chickasaw Nation, our gyms and wellness centers serve a unique purpose.”
Historical Ties
Bloomfield Academy, a Chickasaw boarding school, was re-established on the property in northeast Ardmore in 1917, after a fire destroyed the original facility near Achille. The school was renamed Carter Seminary in 1932 in honor of Chickasaw Charles D. Carter. It served as a center for education and development for Native youth until the Chickasaw Children’s Village was established in Kingston in 2004.
Architect’s rendering of the Chickasaw Nation Ardmore Gymnasium.
Although the school is no longer on the Ardmore property, its original mission of providing education, advancement and opportunity for Native Americas is carried out with the services available there, including the Chickasaw Nation Health Clinic, Child Development Center, Senior Center, Wellness Center, Area Office, Nutrition Center, Community Center and other facilities.
More than 150 Chickasaws citizens, employees, local leaders and residents joined Gov. Anoatubby for the groundbreaking ceremony.
NATIONWIDE –The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), one of the oldest aviation associations in the country, will land in Oklahoma City this weekend as Governor Mary Fallin welcomes them to Oklahoma at the opening session on Monday.
Aviation and Aerospace is Oklahoma’s second largest industry and this annual conference held Sunday, September 23-Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel, promises an impressive agenda featuring aviation professionals from across the country, officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and nationally recognized speakers such as Congressman Steve Russell and former Oklahoma Attorney General, Mike Turpen.
NASAO members are state government officials that oversee their airport systems in their respective states and direct federal and state funding for airport infrastructure projects. The organization represents all fifty state aviation agencies in addition to Guam and Puerto Rico. Oklahoma was one of the founding 16 states of NASAO in 1931.
“Aviation has a rich heritage in Oklahoma. Clyde Cessna started in Oklahoma. Wiley Post was the first pilot to fly solo around the world and he invented the space suit. Two of the first commercial airlines were founded here in the 1930s. Business aviation began here with oilmen like Frank Phillips hiring pilots like Post to fly them to their oil fields. Oklahoma has produced more astronauts than any other state, among them are Gordon Cooper, and Tom Stafford. Parts for every space program have been manufactured in Oklahoma,” said Victor Bird, director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.
“Today, Oklahoma is one of the seven centers in the world for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft (MRO). Tinker AFB is the world’s largest military aircraft repair facility. The American Airlines Maintenance Base in Tulsa is the world’s largest commercial aircraft repair facility. AAR Aircraft Services, the world’s largest third-party provider of MRO has one of its largest facilities at Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City. Military aviation, the 108 airports in the Oklahoma Airport System and the over 400 businesses on the airports, and the 870 off-airport aviation and aerospace businesses produce almost $44 billion in annual economic activity making Aviation and Aerospace the second largest industry in the state. The industry supports 206,000 jobs with an annual payroll of $11.7 Billion and an average salary of $73, 300,” added Bird. The theme of this year’s annual convention is “Oklahoma—Aircraft Repair Capital of the World.”
For 87 years, state aviation officials have hosted the annual convention in many states and addressed best practices in capital planning and programming to ensure safer and more efficient airports, aviation workforce challenges, airport funding from the FAA, zoning to protect airports and airspace, air traffic management, aviation education, and many other important issues for the aviation industry. This year, attendees will hear sessions regarding the reauthorization of the FAA and its airport improvement program, additional federal funding of $1 billion for airport funding, best practices of several states, state aviation taxes and public-private partnerships to fund needed infrastructure improvements at airports.
Over 47 exhibitors are slated to fill the Grand Ballroom of the Skirvin, one of the state’s most luxurious and historic hotels. The over 275 attendees will enjoy the best of Oklahoma City’s renewed downtown attractions including lunch at Vast. Excursions will take attendees to the National Cowboy Western Heritage Museum and to dinner at the Oklahoma History Center. Spouses of conference attendees will also enjoy an afternoon at the Pioneer Women Mercantile in Pawhuska.
The 87th Annual NASAO Convention and Trade Show has previously been held in Oklahoma three times, 1944, 1967, and 1997. As the host state, the staff of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission helped organize the event, develop the sessions, and along with employees from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will volunteer throughout the conference. Bird, director of the Aeronautics Commission since 2002, and chairmen of NASAO in 2010, noted that he had always wanted to host a NASAO annual convention and that he was proud to show off our capital and aviation industry to his colleagues from around the country. Find more information at http://www.nasao.org/2018/.
The Waurika City Council held it’s September meeting on Monday the 10th at 6:00 pm at Waurika City Hall.
The minutes from the August 13, 2018 Meeting were approved.
Members of the City Commissionapproved the Capital Improvement Plant (CIP) for the Fiscal Year 2018-19. The plan simply states what some of the cities future needs may be.
Waurika will be applying for a REAP Grant for up to $45,000.00 to enable them to work on the former DOC project building and to advertise for bids to install wiring and HVAC (Phase II), with the right to accept bids for all or partial work.
Susan Howard has been appointed by the Governor to head up a study about children.
The “Estimate of Needs” for the Fiscal Year 2018-19 was approved.
Ordinance No. 09102018-02 was approved. It amends Chapter 2, Alcoholic Beverages, in its entirety to conform with updated state laws; providing for effective date of October 1, 2018; declaring repealer; providing for sever ability thereof; and declaring an emergency.
Waurika’s City Commissioners also approved the adoption of Ordinance No. 09102018-03, amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Waurika by adding a new Chapter 21, pertaining to Medical Marijuana; providing for legislative intent and purpose; adopting definitions; adopting regulations of the Oklahoma State Department of Health Title 310, Chapter 681 pertaining to medical Marijuana; requiring commercial marijuana permits; establishing regulations pertaining to operations, locations, facilities and permittee restrictions; establishingregulations for marijuana cultivation; regulating advertisements; providing procedures for revocation of permits; providing for prohibited acts; providing for penalties; declaring repealer; providing for savings; providing for sever ability thereof; and declaring an emergency.
Departmental Reports:
Brad Scott, acting city manager, reported that Waurika Police Chief Gary Whittington had submitted his resignation. He also announced that Justin Winslett is the new Police Chief.
Michael Bryant reported that he had posted on four different properties and then four more two weeks later for Code Enforcement reasons. One of the properties has been improved (corner of 8th and D Street). He also reported that citizens are beginning to clean up their own properties. Slowly but surely properties are coming into compliance with the city codes.
It was suggested that a community meeting be held to remind citizens of the city ordinances when it comes to maintaining property within the city limits.
Financial claims in the amount of $21,045.88 were approved.
The financial report from RS Meacham was approved.
According to the report there was an increase in cash of about $9,400.00 over last month. Unrestricted Cash, however, was a little down. Sales and Use tax was up by about 5 percent. For instance, the August report for this fiscal year was $38,606.00. The sales and use tax receipts for August from the previous year was only $34,515.00.
New to the library’s collection is James Patterson’s “Home Sweet Murder”.This Large Print edition includes two true-crime thrillers as seen on Investigation Discovery’s Murder is Forever TV series.
HOME SWEET MURDER. Lawyer Leo Fisher and his wife Sue are a sixty-one-year-old couple enjoying a quiet Sunday dinner at home. Until a man in a suit rings their front door claiming to be an SEC agent. By the end of the evening, two people will be shot, stabbed, and tortured. And two others will fare worse…
MURDER ON THE RUN. The middle-aged housekeeper found dead with a knife in her throat was bad. But the little boy was worse. After a bloody double homicide that puts Omaha, Nebraska, on the map, Detective Derek Mois promises the boy’s parents he will catch the killer, no matter how long or far he runs.
Last week’s article incorrectly stated the date for The FRIENDS of the Waurika Public Library Fall Used Book Sale.The correct date for the sale is Saturday, Oct 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..The Used Book Sale will be held at the annex across from the library.We’ll have lots of books to choose from at great prices.Don’t miss it!
“Our Day at the Zoo” is a story about children that visit and imitate a variety of animals on a trip to the OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden.The book is available for check out at the Waurika Public Library and patrons that check out “Our Day at the Zoo” will receive one free voucher good for general admission for four people to the Oklahoma City Zoo good through March 31, 2019.
Story Time is held every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. for children and toddlers.Each week we read stories, and have games and puzzles for the children to play with after reading.
This past week has been a very eventful week around here. It was homecoming week for our Ryan School.
On Wednesday, if you were on Washington Street, at about 9:15am, here came a little crew from the school. It was Heidi Townsend and TJ Dewbre, and 8 little preschoolers, walking to the drug store to get a tasty treat of an ice cream cone. They each one held onto a rope and walked in an orderly fashion, nearly a mile, to get to town. There were some dressed in a costume to go along with the week’s event.
It seemed like they all had a really good time. We had a table and chairs fixed up for them when they came.
On Friday, there was a good crowd to attend the homecoming football game. There was a special half time honoring Phil Elerick and the 1988 Ryan football team. Most of the men on the teamfrom that time period were there for this. We had a parade downtown before the game and saw some very good looking floats. Our Cowboys won that game 30 to 14. Holland Carter was crowned Homecoming Queen at the game.
Saturday, Macie and Austin exchanged their wedding vows. It was a very pretty setting for their wedding. They were married just up north and east of Duncan at Kendall’s View venue.
Sunday, there was the Indian Taco dinner to raise money for the Ryan Beautification Group.It was a very good meal. I hope they raised a good bit of money so that it can be used in different ways to benefit the community.
I have not yet been able to find a buyer for the pharmacy. I keep extending my date of closure, thinking that something good will happen and the store will be able to stay open.
Tuesday afternoon, Robin told us that Ricky’s mom had passed away. Prayers to Ricky and his family during their time of loss.
This coming Saturday is the 4th Saturday of the month and the food commodities will be distributed at the Ryan Food Bank.
Kim’s news for this week:
On Sunday, once again, Dustan gave Ruffy Tuffy a trim and Penny was with him. On Monday, I was glad, I had lunch at Circle Dee’s with my dad. Foxy couldn’t go, she was sad.
Everyone have a blessed week. Pray for rain and each other, please.
It was quite a show of offense last Friday night at Bob Givens Sports Complex by Ryan and Maysville.
It just did not result in a lot of points.
The Cowboys, however, had just enough firepower to record a 30-14 victory over the Warriors in Ryan’s homecoming game.
Photo by Sheree Hanson
Now the Cowboys hit the road for the third time in four games as they travel to Caddo tomorrow night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Caddo is 1-2 on the year.
The Cowboys rolled up 453 total yards in the game but turnovers and the inability to convert two-point conversions kept the Cowboys from lighting up the scoreboard.
The Cowboy defense came up with a few big plays to thwart a number of Maysville scoring threats to help Ryan earn its third victory of the season.
Photo by Sheree Hanson
The Cowboys scored on their opening drive of the game marching 70 yards on seven plays. Skyler Parkhill covered the final four yards for the score. The two-point conversion failed, but Ryan held a 6-0 lead with 9:34 left in the first quarter.
Maysville threatened to answer the Cowboys’ score, but the Warriors’ drive bogged down after a delay of game penalty and a nine-yard loss on a quarterback sack by Parkhill on a fourth down play from the Ryan 28.
The Cowboys took over at their own 37 and it took Ryan only two plays to score. Parkhill picked up seven yards and then sophomore quarterback Grayson Tomberlin had a nifty 56-yard run for the score. The two-point conversion failed, but Ryan held a 12-0 advantage with 3:51 to play in the first period.
On the ensuing kickoff the Cowboys perfectly executed an onside kick as Andrew Villerreal combined to kick the ball and recover the onside kick giving Ryan possession at midfield.
It took Ryan seven plays to drive to the Maysville 33 and that is when the game’s momentum slipped from the grasp of the Cowboys. Talented Maysville quarterback and defensive back Gunner Aprill picked off an errant Tomberlin pass and returned the interception 41 yards to give Maysville possession at the Ryan 48.
Ryan HS Cheerleaders Photo by Sheree Hanson
The Warriors drove the ball deep into Ryan territory, but Tomberlin picked off a pass in the end zone to keep the Warriors off the scoreboard.
The Cowboys turned the ball back over the Warriors just two plays later on a mishandled exchange and this time Maysville took advantage. On the first play of the drive, Aprill scampered 24 yards for the touchdown and also ran for the two points to cut Ryan’s lead to 12-8 with 7:30 left in the first half.
Ryan answered the score with a seven-play, 63-yard scoring drive. The big play of the drive was a 42-yard completion to Parkhill that gave the Cowboys a first-and-goal at the Warrior seven.
Photo by Sheree Hanson
After a loss and a 10-yard penalty, Kalen Weldon picked up 16 yards on a counter and then Tomberlin found Parkhill across the middle of the end zone for a four-yard touchdown pass. Again the Cowboys failed to convert the two-point try, but led 18-8 with 3:33 left before intermission.
Maysville answered the Cowboy score quickly. A 25-yard kickoff return put the Warriors in business at the Ryan 45 and in just three plays went the distance for the score. Aprill found Damon McCallister behind the Cowboy defense for a 47-yard touchdown pass. The try for two failed, but with 2:02 left before the half the Warriors had trimmed the lead to 18-14.
The Cowboys threatened to score again by driving to the Maysville 25, but the Warriors intercepted another pass in the end zone to turn back the Cowboys and the half ended with Maysville running out the remaining seconds.
Photo by Sheree Hanson
On Maysville’s opening drive of the second half Aprill took the Warriors from their own 36 to the Ryan 32 as he carried the ball on every play with the exception of one pass incompletion. Ryan stopped the Warriors on fourth down and took the ball over on downs.
The Cowboys took 11 plays to move 72 yards with Weldon’s key 21-yard spectacular catch keeping the drive alive on a fourth down. Parkhill went around left end for the final 12 yards and Ryan held a 24-14 lead with 4:03 left in the third quarter.
Maysville went on another long drive and moved the ball to the Ryan 23, but on fourth down Villerreal chased down Aprill for a six-yard loss that gave the Cowboys the ball on downs.
On the third play of the drive Tomberlin found Parkhill open on the left side and after the Cowboy senior dodged a couple of tacklers, he sprinted 71 yards for the score with 9:00 left in the game. The run for two points failed again, but Ryan was in front, 30-14.
Two of Maysville’s final three drives resulted in the Cowboy defense getting key stops on fourth downs to help preserve the victory.
Tomberlin and Parkhill accounted for most of the 453 total yards on offense for the Cowboys.
Parkhill set the school record for most yards receiving in a game with 189 yards on just seven receptions. He also rushed six times for 30 yards.
Tomberlin finished with 151 yards rushing on 19 carries. He was 12 of 20 passing for 249 yards, but he did have three interceptions.
On defense, Tomberlin and Parkhill played big roles. Tomberlin was in on 17 tackles on the night, while Parkhill added nine stops. Villerreal, who had 11 tackles, and Parkhill put pressure on the Maysville quarterback much of the night.
COWBOY CORRAL: The win broke a two-game losing streak in homecoming games for Ryan not including last year’s homecoming game with Grandfield which Ryan won by forfeit…..Ryan now leads the short series with Maysville, 4-2….This was the first meeting between the two schools in an eight-man game….The last time Ryan played Maysville was in 1975 with the Cowboys coming away with a 9-6 victory….Tomberlin’s passing performance was the sixth most yards passing by a quarterback in school history….It was also the sixth most passing yards by a Cowboy team in school history….The 12 receptions in the game ties for the ninth most in a single game in school history along with the 12 receptions in a 1940 contest with Grandfield…The 30 points scored by Ryan is the second most in the series with Maysville just behind the 34 points scored in a 34-0 victory by the 1974 squad….The 1988 Ryan Cowboys, the first Ryan football team to play for a state title, were introduced at halftime along with coaches Phil Elerick and Gordon Garner.
Game in Figures
MHS RHS
First Downs 1414
Yards Rushing 49-218 29-204
Yards Passing 77249
Passes 2-6 12-21
Passes Int. By31
Fumbles, Lost2-0 1-1
Punts 00
Penalties6-35 6-45
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Maysville01400–14
Ryan12666–30
FIRST QUARTER
RYAN – Skyler Parkhill 4 run (run failed), 9:34
RYAN – Grayson Tomberlin 56 run (run failed), 3:51
SECOND QUARTER
MAYSVILLE – Gunner Aprill 24 run (Aprill run), 7:30
RYAN – Parkhill 4 pass from Tomberlin (run failed), 3:33
MAYSVILLE – Damon McCallister 47 pass from Aprill (run failed), 2:02
THIRD QUARTER
RYAN – Tomberlin 12 run (run failed), 4:03
FOURTH QUARTER
RYAN – Parkhill 71 pass from Tomberlin (run failed), 9:00
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
MAYSVILLE – Rushing: Aprill 35-166, Bentley Stevens 3-22, Junior Simmons 6-12, Luke Dobson 2-9, Jacob Owen 1-7, McCallister 2-2; Passing: Simmons 0-2-0-0; Aprill 2-4-77-1; Receiving: McCallister 2-11.
The Junior Float won 1st Place
Photo by Sheree Hanson
Here are pictures from the Ryan Homecoming Parade:
The Sophomore Float Photo by Sheree HansonFreshman Float won 2nd place. Photo by Sheree HansonEighth Grade won 3rd Place Photo by Sheree HansonPreK & Kindergarten won 3rd Place Photo by Sheree HansonFirst and Second Grade Float Photo by Sheree HansonThird and Fourth Grade won 1st Place Photo by Sheree HansonFifth & Sixth Grade won 2nd Place Photo by Sheree HansonSenior Float Photo by Sheree HansonThe Junior Float won 1st Place Photo by Sheree HansonThe Seventh Grade Float Photo by Sheree HansonRyan High School Cheerleaders Photo by Sheree HansonRyan High School Cheerleaders Photo by Sheree HansonTonya Bryant on Sports Day Photo by Sheree HansonDanielle and Mrs. Rhoades on Sports Day Photo by Sheree HansonPhoto by Sheree HansonPhoto by Sheree HansonPhoto by Sheree HansonPhoto by Sheree Hanson
You might expect when a sports writer is asked to write a tribute to someone the focus would be on that person’s accomplishments as a coach or player.
But, this article will be focused more on the person than his accomplishments.
Last week a large crowd gathered at Ryan’s First Baptist Church to say goodbye to legendary Ryan coach and principal, Raymon West.
Most anyone that has been under the instruction of Mr. West would probably choose to focus on the man because
his contribution to the lives of people went farbeyond the football field, basketball court or baseball diamond if they were tasked with writing a tribute.
As Bro. Mark Kunkel, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Terral, said numerous times while conducting the service, everyone was mostly there to honor the man Mr. West and not Coach West.
However, well over half the crowd identified themselves at one point in the service as having been coached by Coach West.
And certainly his coaching ability is not to be overlooked, but each person who has come under the influence of Mr. West would probably be quick to agree with Bro. Kunkel and this writer that his greatest achievements were what he poured into our lives.
You see the goal of Mr. West was not really to produce great athletes – although that did happen. His goal was to prepare high school students for life.
And, for the most part he was a master at teaching life lessons.
Mr. West was tough. He was a disciplinarian. However, he correctly knew that making life a bit difficult in the athletic arena would serve each person well when they began to tackle life as a young adult.
And, some of those lessons not only served us well as young adults, but throughout our life time.
As was noted in the funeral service, Mr. West cared deeply for people. He endeared himself to most every athlete he ever coached and those he taught.
The compassion Mr. West had for people carried over to his retirement years as he served people through his church and was frequently present when a need had to be met in the community.
Everything Mr. West did was with great passion – his family, ranching, teaching and coaching.
Mr. West’s accomplishments in the coaching profession should not go without mention. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988. Most everyone knows he coached the 1965 Cowgirl squad that won the Class B state championship – the only state title in school history. He coached the Cowgirls for a total of 13 seasons.
He coached the Cowboy basketball team for 15 seasons and took the 1962 squad to the state tournament – one of only two boys’ teams to advance into the state tournament.
Mr. West’s contributions to the football program are more notable than most people might think. He coached football on three different occasions – in 1958, 1962-1963 and 1977-1980. The 1962 squad just missed out on a district title and finished 8-2 which tied the 1929 football team for the second most wins in a season up to that time.
It is likely that one of the key decisions made by Mr. West while serving as principal and head football coach at Ryan was moving from 11-man football to eight-man football following the 1977 season. The decision probably saved the football program and he coached the Cowboys to the playoffs in the first year of eight-man football.
Mr. West also coached baseball in the early years at Ryan.
In the four sports coached by Mr. West, he led squads to 14 conference championships, three county championships, seven bi-county championships, 10 district titles, three regional crowns and one state championship.
No tribute, however, would be complete without personal stories because Mr. West had a profound impact on my life.
Late during my eighth-grade year and Mr. West’s first year back at Ryan after having coached at Burkburnett, Texas and Duncan, he noticed right away that my athletic genes were just about non-existent.
Mr. West came to me and asked me if I would be interested in being the student trainer, which I did after football season that year. He sent me that following summer by bus to Baylor University to attend the National Athletic Trainers Association annual convention.
I was definitely way out of my league (can you imagine a kid who just completed eighth grade going on a trip like that alone?), but I learned a few things and spent the rest of my high school days helping with all sports. Mr. West saw potential in me that I did not see in myself and giving me that responsibility helped me stay connected to sports.
As you can imagine we spent a lot of time together during basketball practices. During that time I learned a lot about basketball, but did not fail to pick up one or two life lessons along the way.
One of those came one afternoon after Ryan had suffered a loss in a game that was not well-officiated. And, as I have a tendency to do even today, I was griping about how poorly the officials called the game the night before.
I suppose Mr. West had heard enough and he looked at me and said, “You worry about the things you have control over. We have no control over the officiating.”
That little tidbit has remained with me through the years and has been invaluable in my life’s journey.
In the years following whenever I would make my way to Ryan I would try to make sure I came in contact with Mr. West.
A side note – most anyone coached by Mr. West were all afraid to ever call him anything but Mr. West or Coach West. It was always difficult to address him as “Raymon.” But, that is the kind of respect he commanded and deserved.
Many others and in particular his family could share similar stories about how Mr. West impacted their lives. I am just fortunate I had the opportunity to be the one to write this article.
I believe it is pretty easy to come to one conclusion – there will never be another Raymon West.
Sam Brown and Holland Carter
Photo by Sheree Hanson
Ryan celebrated Homecoming Friday evening. Holland Carter was crowned Homecoming Queen by Sam Brown (King).
Also during the evening the 1988 Ryan Cowboys were honored.
(l-r) Raesh Barrett, Alyssa Tags, Skylar Wickware, Liberti Sewell, Mike Regehr, Skyler Parkhill, Samantha Good, Sam Brown, Holland Carter, Travis Fristoe, Lily York, Pacen Weist, Kalen Weldon, Tawny Vanover, Justin Williams, Carson Cooper, Libby Carter, Caleb Perrin Front Fow: Zayden Alexander and Melanie Villarreal Photo by Sheree HansonLEFT TO RIGHT: ALYSSA TAGS 7TH GRADE CANDIDATE, LIBERTI SEWELL 9TH GRADE CANDIDATE, SAMANTHA GOOD 11TH GRADE CANDIDATE, HOLLAND CARTER HOMECOMING QUEEN, LILY YORK CANDIDATE AT LARGE, TAWNY VANOVER 10TH GRADE CANDIDATE, LIBBY CARTER 8TH GRADE CANDIDATE. FRONT ROW CROWN BARER ZAYDEN ALEXANDER, FLOWER GIRL MELANIE VILLARREAL. Photo by Sheree HansonHolland Carter and Sam Brown were the ring bearers for homecoming when they were in Kindergarten. This past week they were honored as this year’s King and Queen of Homecoming. Congratulations!
(l-r) Destiny Barnes, Madison Roberson, Madison Christian, and Olivia Ralls
Photo by Tonya Forsyth
by Katelyn Washburn and EagleTalk staff
WHS Senior softball players played their last home game Tuesday, September 11 against the Ryan Cowgirls.While the game ended in a loss for the Lady Eagles, the team still celebrated by recognizing its four senior players:Destiny Barnes, Madison Christian, Olivia Ralls, and Madison Roberson.
Barnes has played softball for WHS since she was a freshman, and has mixed emotions about the season coming to an end. “I am happy it is our last home game and upset we lost.I’m kind of sad that it is over.”Christian agreed, stating “I’m happy that it was the last home game, but sad we lost, and [the season] is almost over. The game didn’t go as well as we wanted.”
As is true with most events during a senior year, senior Lady Eagles girls had mixed emotions about the season wrapping up.Olivia Ralls was also happy that it was their last home game, but added, “I’m sad knowing that I will never be able to play again.”
Madison Roberson summed it up best, saying, “It was sad, but a good night. We may have lost, but we all were in high spirits and that’s really all that matters to me in softball.”
Head softball coach Sloan Roberson spoke fondly of the four Lady Eagles who will be leaving WHS after this school year.“Our last home game was awesome,” Coach Roberson stated.“We honored four seniors for their hard work and dedication during their years of softball.”
Two of the seniors, Madison Roberson and Destiny Barnes, were career Lady Eagles.“Madison Roberson was a 4 year starter for the Lady Eagles and a huge asset to the team. She held pitcher, catcher 3rd base, 2nd base and short stop duties throughout her career. She also had the one of the highest batting averages on the team for each of the four years.
Destiny Barnes was also a 4 year starter for the Lady Eagles. She was a huge asset on the mound. She was penned the name ‘Hoover’ for her amazing skills at 3rds base as well,” Coach Roberson stated.
Roberson also spoke well of the two seniors who came to WHS in the middle of their high school softball careers.
“Madison Christian played for the Lady Eagles for 3 years. She was always there to root for her teammates and did anything and played any position she was asked. She was an amazing center fielder and was always there with a positive attitude.
“Olivia Ralls was a 2 year Lady Eagle softball player. She came to us from Texas and was always willing to give 110% every time she stepped on the field. We will miss her enthusiasm and team spirit”
