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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Monday, January 08, 2001 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALPonca City Church Building Symbol of an Important Era Ponca City Church Building Symbol of an Important EraBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer TULSA — A native rock chapel/church that played a significant part in the African American Community in Ponca City was deemed worthy of saving by Preservation Oklahoma Inc., in ceremonies held Saturday in Tulsa. Ralph McCalmont, president, told The News, “Ponca City is a preservation town. We felt it (the church) should be put on the endangered list because it was part of an important era, about an important cause.” McClamont is “passionate” about preserving history. He says everyone should be “passionate” about something and the passion of Preservation Oklahoma is to save history for future generations. The designation of the Kimbrough Temple/CME Church is particularly significant coming just a week before the celebration of Martin Luther King Day. Bret Carter of the Ponca City Historic Preservation Advisory Panel made the case for preserving the church. In his presentation Saturday at the ceremony in the First Presbyterian Church’s Bernsen Community Life Center in downtown Tulsa, Carter said, “It is one of the few remaining structures in Ponca city’s ‘Dixie Hill’ section, which once was home to a library, school and commercial district for Ponca City’s African-American population before segregation officially ended.” He added, “The threat to the building actually began with the end of segregation as African-Americans increasingly were welcomed into integrated neighborhoods, schools and churches, the need diminished for the buildings originally raised to serve them separately. Ponca City’s Historic Preservation Advisory Panel believes preservation of the Kimbrough Temple will encourage reinvestment in the section of town where it stands.” The building is located at 1029 South Twelfth. Another plus for saving the church structure is that it is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance to Ponca City as a Minimalist Tudor Revival Style rock church and for its role in the community’s ethnic heritage. The church was among 10 other structures or groups of buildings listed across the state. Each designated structure or category was presented by speakers from across the state. Active 6 Month’s for PTC’s MajorBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor It’s been almost six months since Dr. Doug Major took over the superintendent’s post at Pioneer Technology Center. That time has been spent moving forward and forgetting the problems that plagued employees, students and board members a year ago. Major began his duties on July 10, 2000, following superintendent Dr. Sally Downey, who resigned in late April, because of the non-renewal of deputy superintendent Dr. Janet Cox’ contract. “It’s been a good six months,” Major said. “I’ve very much enjoyed my time at Pioneer Technology Center. I’ve met some great people from PTC and the community. They all have great ideas.” During the past few months, Major said he has looked at staff organization and added a few positions. “We added a new teaching position dealing with sophomore students. That position helps our students with their career paths,” he said. Major said he’s gotten great input from the staff, students and community members, which has allowed him to implement a five-year plan. Although taking over during a controversial time, Major said all of that is behind them. “When you change superintendents there’s always a certain amount of uncertainty. I feel the staff has pulled together to focus on our future and the future of our programs,” he said. The board is equally pleased with Major’s sixth months. In fact, Major’s contract is up for renewal during Tuesday night’s regular board meeting. Board president Larry Buck anticipates the renewal of Major’s contract. “In December, the board conducted its annual review of Dr. Major’s performance. In executive session the board discussed with Dr. Major his accomplishments since his employment in July 2000. The board was in consensus that the last six months had been very good months for PTC and a very positive momentum has been established under the direction of Dr. Major,” Buck said. Buck said a strategic planning process has begun and will be completed this spring. “This process will look at all aspects of the school. Some programs will be enhanced while others will have new directions. However, even before this process has been completed under Dr. Major’s guidance the school has added key personnel and already begun to expand services to the Kay County area,” he said. “We are very pleased with Dr. Major’s leadership and look forward to a great year at Pioneer Tech,” Buck added. Major came to Ponca City from Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater were he was assistant superintendent. Band Trip NewsTeam Radio is proud to announce that their fund raisers for the Ponca City High School Big Blue Wildcat Marching Band were a big success on Saturday. Between the fund raiser, where the band took over stations KPNC and KLOR and the fund raiser at Jack Bowker Ford, where people dropped off change and also bid on a Bob Stoops autographed football, more than $12,000 was raised. This brings the total raised to $60,000 according to Mark Casperson, band director. -—— In the challenge department, the faculty and staff of Washington Elementary became the first school to join the campaign. They raised $220 and challenge other schools’ staffs and faculties to pitch in and help out. -—— The Po-Hi Class of 1947 has joined the Challenge of the Classes to donate to the Big Blue Band’s Inaugural Parade fund-raiser. The class donated $250 and urged all other Po-Hi classes to join in the effort. -—— The Ponca City Soccer Goal Kick Club has contributed $250 to the band for the upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. The organization is issuing a challenge to other parent athletic booster groups to match the donation. -—— Outstanding Citizens Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce has collected $750 to date to help the Big Blue Band of Ponca City High School go to Washington, D.C. for the Inaugural parade. The committee is composed of members who have been selected over the years as citizens who have made significant contributions to the community in terms of public service. Dr Martin Luther King Jr Tribute Set For Poncan Theatre Saturday Night“Celebrate the Legacy.” a tribute honoring slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be held at the Poncan Theatre, 104 East Grand Avenue, Saturday at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the city-wide celebration. The event is free to the public. Members of the 2001 MLK Committee invite citizens to join them in celebrating the 72nd birthday of Dr. King, the Baptist preacher, who was thrust into national prominence in the 1960s for his nonviolent struggle for racial injustice. Dr. Darnell Williams, of Langston University, will be the keynote speaker. Entertainment will be provided by Conoco/Community Choir, directed by Rev. R. J. Petties Jr. Additionally, special excerpts from Dr. Kings speeches will be shared by Shawna Rolland. Some say the Martin Luther King holiday, held the third Monday in January, is a time for the nation to remember Kings fight for freedom, equality and dignity of all races and peoples. According to Diane G. Anderson, chair of the MLK Committee, Dr. King worked for all mankind. Anderson said, “His dream was far-reaching, that, all God’s children, black men and white, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will join hands together. May we all continue to not only remember the dreamer, but also to live the dream into the new millennium.’ Anderson challenges the community to celebrate the legacy by living it. Second Celebration A second tribute will be held at Conoco on Monday, Jan. 15, at 11:45 a.m. The public is invited to join Conoco employees in reflecting on Dr. King and his works, said Anderson. Rev. Dr. Timothy Jackson, of Bartlesville, will be the guest speaker. Jackson presently serves as senior pastor of The Greater First Baptist Church. He received his M.A. in systematic Theology and International Theological Seminary. In addition, he holds a ThD in Theology. Admission to this program is also free. The public should enter the Conoco complex through Gate F, from South Avenue. Security at Gate F will direct attendees to the celebration location. Dressage Club Starts New YearWhen people think of horseback riding, they usually think of either English or Western riding. Because of our ranching heritage, many of us grew up riding cowhorses. As the large ranches diminished and transportation became efficient, the shift from working horses to pleasure and sport horses occurred. Oklahoma has seen a recent rise in the popularity of English riding including Dressage. Dressage literally means “training” and is one of three riding disciplines included in the Olympics. Originally developed as a military discipline, it is now become the standard flatwork for educating both horse and rider. Beginning work establishes balance and training, while working through the levels, transitions, communication and cadence are accomplished. Ultimately, in the higher levels, harmony between horse and rider are exhibited by performing classical movements, such as the Piaffe, Passage and flying lead changes. The North Central Chapter of the Oklahoma Dressage Society was formed in 1997 and activities include riding clinics, shows, networking and education for anyone in North Central Oklahoma and Southern Kansas interested in horses. Members range from Juniors through Vintage, and horses include all breeds, sizes and ages. Last summer the Junior Team won their division at the Region 9 Junior Dressage Championship. Lauren Hadley won High Point Award in her division. Other members have won local and state awards. Upcoming events include Schooling Shows, Fun Shows, and Scavenger rides, plus educational demonstrations. The club makes sure its ultimate goal is having fun and networking with other horse people. Neither riding Dressage style or owning a horse is a prerequisite. If you like horses, you are invited to attend the awards meeting, Monday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. at Dougan’s BBQ in Ponca City. For information call 580-362-3228 or 580-362-2177. DEATHSGary Dean Moore Gary Dean MooreBLACKWELL — Gary Dean Moore, resident of Blackwell, died Friday, Jan. 5, 2001, at his home. He was 64. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the James W. Roberts Chapel in the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Joe Burger of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Blackwell officiating. Burial is under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Gary Dean Moore was born June 17, 1936, in Blackwell, the son of Dave M. and Sally L. Moore. He attended grade school in Blackwell before moving with his family to Oklahoma City, where he graduated from Northeast High School. He then attended Oklahoma University for one year. He entered the United States Air Force in 1955 and served in France. He trained as an air traffic controller while in the Air Force, and, following his discharge in 1964, he began his employment with the Federal Aviation Administration. His job moved him around to various states while with the FAA. He married Guadalupe A. Moore on June 17, 1973, in St. Joseph, Mo., where they settled. After 23 years as an air traffic controller, he retired, and they moved to Blackwell in 1981. He was a member of the American Legion in Blackwell and the Blackwell Elks Lodge where he served as the past exalted ruler. Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, DeRonna Rae Moore and Denice Maness, both of Augusta, Kan.; a son, Gary Dean Moore Jr. of Deer Lodge, Mont.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David L. Moore. ObituariesRhoda HobbsRhoda Hobbs, resident of Ponca City, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2001, at her residence. She was 85. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001, at Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are with the Trout Funeral Home. Rhoda Ruth Jantz was born Sept. 16, 1915, in Las Animas, Colo., to Jacob Peter Jantz and Edith (Voth) Jantz. She was born at home and delivered by her grandmother, Eva Voth. She moved to Isabel, Okla., as a small child and was raised on a farm with eight brothers and sisters in Isabel and Gotebo. When she was 18, Rhoda moved to Hobart and was a housekeeper and nanny for a family for seven years. Later, she moved to Altus with her daughter, Ruth Anne Huggins, where she worked as a cook and a waitress. On October 13, 1951, Rhoda married Forest Hobbs, and they moved to Ponca City. Rhoda was a homemaker and did baby-sitting in her home. Rhoda was an avid gardener and enjoyed working in her garden and yard. Rhoda enjoyed reading, and, before the death of her husband, she loved to travel and camp. Rhoda leaves behind one daughter, Ruth Anne Capehart of Ponca City; one granddaughter, Debra Anne Mullins of Lafayette, La.; two grandsons, Christopher Dale Capehart of Ponca City and Joseph Lee Capehart of Lafayette, La.; five great-grandsons, Jon Capehart, Justin Capehart, Keary Mullins, Kord Mullins and Paul Mullins; one great-granddaughter, Jessica Anne Capehart; two brothers, Dewey Jantz of Hobart and Doyle Jantz of Chickasha; one sister, Bertha Smith of Chickasha; brother-in-law and his wife, James and Nadine Hobbs of Ponca City; sister-in-law Edith Hobbs of Ponca City; sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Russ Woodard of Jefferson, Iowa; stepson, Rex Huggins of Wyoming; and many nieces and nephews, to include Jerry Jantz and his wife Marilyn of Ponca City. She was preceded in death by her husband; granddaughter, Kandy Kay; parents; four brothers; and one sister. Rhoda’s nephews will be recognized as honorary casket bearers. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. paid obituary Services PendingNina B. BurgertNina B. Burgert, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2001, at her home. She was 85. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Charles Wayne MosesBLACKWELL — Charles “Chuck” Wayne Moses, longtime resident of Blackwell, died Sunday morning, Jan. 7, 2001, at his home. He was 39. Services are pending with Hackler Funeral Home. FuneralsTuesday Doyice Sumner CrawfordDoyice Sumner Crawford — Funeral at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Roberts Funeral Home in Blackwell with burial to follow in the Blackwell Cemetery. NEWS BRIEFSAccident — An accident in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 9:21 a.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. New Ownership-Dave’s Tire and Auto is under new ownership. We offer Goodyear and other brands of tires, along with friendly and complete auto care. adv. Theft — A woman in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a license plate was stolen from her vehicle to Ponca City police at 10:06 a.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv. Accident — An accident in the 3400 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 2:48 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. RL Photography now open. Call this month to find out about a free Glamour Shot and Senior Specials. Contact Tammy Ross. 767-1648 or 716-0171. adv. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T No. 3, 720 South Waverly Street, reported a gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 3:01 p.m. Saturday. A description was given of the suspects and vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Domestic — A woman in the 300 block of West Gary Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 4:52 p.m. Saturday her boyfriend, who was intoxicated, had hit her. Two officers responded to the scene. A 54-year-old man was taken into custody for domestic assault and battery. Burglary — A woman in the 2000 block of North Fifth Street reported to Ponca City police at 5:28 p.m. Saturday someone had taken a vehicle they hadn’t paid for. An officer was assigned, and advised it was a civil matter. An auto burglary report was taken. Disturbance — Someone reported to Ponca City police at 3:44 a.m. Sunday two men were in the front yard of a residence in the 300 block of West Emporia Avenue and one of them had a knife. Three officers responded to the scene. A 28-year old man and a 34-year-old man were taken into custody for public intoxication. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of North Ash Street and West Broadway Avenue reported a 32-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under suspension and on a city warrant at 9:40 p.m. Sunday. Theft — A man in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue reported a stolen cell phone to Ponca City police at 9:58 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Accident — A two-vehicle, injury-accident at the intersection of Copperfield Avenue and Pecan Road was reported to Ponca City police at 9:58 p.m. Saturday. Rescue one, engine four and two ambulances from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. Three people were taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries. A 39-year-old man was taken into custody by Ponca City police for driving under intoxication, reckless driving and no insurance. Theft — A woman in the 600 block of North Osage Street reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 7:52 p.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The bicycle was later recovered, but the wheels were missing. Stalled Vehicle — A man reported to Ponca City police at 7:23 p.m. Sunday a low rider pickup was high centered at the intersection of North Elm Street and West Overbrook Avenue. An officer was assigned and the situation was handled. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of South Fifth Street and East Oklahoma Avenue reported a 42-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under intoxication at 3:16 a.m. Sunday. Molestation — A woman in the 1300 block of North Oak Street reported to Ponca City police at 9:30 p.m. Sunday her daughter had been molested the night before. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Fire Run — A man in the 700 block of South Fifth Street reported his stove was on fire to the Communications Center at 9:33 p.m. Sunday. Ponca City Fire Station No. 1 handled the call. Child Abuse — A woman in the 3500 block of C Street reported to Ponca City police at 9:44 p.m. Sunday her daughter had been molested while sleeping at a friends house the night before. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer reported a 42-year-old man who was in a vehicle parked behind Triple T No. 3, 720 South Waverly Street, was taken into custody for actual physical control of a motor vehicle while intoxicated at 1:33 a.m. Monday. LIFESTYLESSheri Culwell, Harold Houk Are Married in Washington Sheri Culwell, Harold Houk Are Married in WashingtonSheri Culwell and Dr. Harold Houk were united in marriage Dec. 27, 2000, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Edmonds, Wash., a suburb on Puget Sound, north of Seattle. Officiating at the nuptial mass was the Rev. Kenneth Haydock. The bride is an administrative director for a private medical school in Seattle. Dr. Houk has been a physician practicing in Ponca City for 40 years. Dr. and Mrs. Houk will reside in Ponca City. A reception in their honor is being planned for Jan. 21. SPORTSNext Match Could Determine State Entries Next Match Could Determine State EntriesBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor Ponca City wrestling coach Todd Steidley didn’t quite get the results he was hoping for in the Jenks Tournament over the weekend. But he is optimistic the Cats can come through Tuesday as they travel to Tulsa East Central for their most important dual meet so far this season. The Wildcats and Cardinals clash in what will probably be the dual to determine the district entry in the Dual State Championship. “This is for the district,” Steidley said of the meet, “East Central has already beaten Jenks and Stillwater. “I feel we have a pretty good chance,” the coach added. “We won four of five head-to-head matches in the Jenks Tournament. “I understand East Central will have some wrestlers it didn’t have for the tournament and since they left here last season a little unhappy about the way they were treated by our fans and by the officiating, I am sure we’re in for some home cooking and will face a hostile crowd. But that is something you have to expect on the road.” The Cats are struggling to get to the weight Steidley is looking for and the coach said he will probably do some juggling of his lineup for East Central and at Bartlesville on Thursday. But he expects his lineup to be set in the Sand Springs Tournament Friday and Saturday. “Some of the young kids are having trouble with their weight,” the coach said. “But we have to have them certified by the 15th. “We are a pretty decent team at these weights, but if we can get down to the proper weights I feel we can be a real strong team. If we can’t, we may have to just continue to be a decent team.” The Wildcats placed three in the top four at Jenks Saturday and six overall. They were ninth in the team standings, somewhat below Steidley’s hoped-for top five finish. “Mimi Miller had a phenomenal tournament,’ Steidley said of his 125-pound champion. “His weight was loaded.” Miller had to beat two defending state champions to gain the title, including an overtime 5-3 win over East Central’s Lawley. “Mimi now has a target on his back,” the coach said. “Before this people though he was pretty good. Now they know it. They will be aiming for him. He’s going to have to be ready.” Shawn Lee dropped from 130 pounds to 119 for the Jenks Tournament and placed third at that weight. He lost to a state champion in the semifinals but came back to top Dunlap of Putnam City West, 8-6. Matt Littleton took fourth at 140 pounds, losing in the third-place match to two-time state champion, Kidd of Skiatook, 6-5. Toby RedLeaf and Jasper Lockett finished fifth at 152 and 160, respectively. Steven Windler was sixth at 135 pounds. There were a number of surprises in the team scoring. Perry won its first major regular season tournament title in recent years, finishing with 221 points. Sand Springs was second with 156 while Jenks shocked the field by finishing third (144 points), ahead of Yukon (140), Edmond North (135), East Central (124) and Muskogee (107), Skiatook was eighth with 97 points, just in front of Ponca City, which had 91.5. In the 20-team field, Stillwater was 10th with 69.5 points while Bartlesville was 12th with 55. OSU Wrestlers Continue To Hold Down No. 1 Against MinnesotaOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Daniel Cormier’s takedown of Damion Hahn in the third period put Oklahoma State on the road to a 25-12 victory in a wrestling meet on Sunday in Minneapolis. Cormier, ranked No. 3 in the 187-pound category, just missed pinning Hahn at the end of the second period and then had four takedowns the following period. The 19-7 major decision brought the score to 10-9 and Oklahoma State (7-0) never looked back. “It was a good win,” head coach John Smith said. “When you are in an environment like it was today, with almost 10,000 fans, it feels great to go home with a win.” Oklahoma State’s Mark Munoz, ranked second in the 197-pound division, pinned Eli Ross in 5:30 for a win and then heavyweight James Huml pinned Mike Flanagan of Minnesota in 2:24. Matt Brown, ranked 11th in the 125-pound category, went into the match an underdog against Minnesota’s third-ranked Leroy Vega but won a 4-3 decision in the end. “I’m very proud of Matt Brown,” Smith said. “He had a little cut over his eye, and he came over to the side and said he was going to get it done — and he did.” In one of their losses, top-ranked Johnny Thompson fell to sixth-ranked Chad Erikson in the 133-pound category. The Gophers (5-1) jumped out to a 3-0 lead when Erikson decisioned Thompson 13-7. No. 2 Reggie Wright scored a last-second takedown for a 9-6 victory over No. 3 Jared Lawrence. But Oklahoma State’s next two matches ended in defeat for the Cowboys. Minnesota had a 9-3 lead when OSU’s 13th-ranked Tyrone Lewis decisioned Matt Kraft 9-4 in the 174-pound category. OSU lost another in the 133-pound category after building a comfortable lead. OSU Officially Opens New GIA Tonight Against Iowa StateSTILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma State didn’t have a whole lot of trouble winning its first game in the newly expanded Gallagher-Iba Arena. Winning on the night of the official grand reopening will take a lot more work. The Cowboys play host Monday night to No. 23 Iowa State, which swept both games against Oklahoma State a year ago and comes to Stillwater riding high after a 100-80 victory over No. 15 Oklahoma on Saturday. The Cyclones, defending Big 12 champions, are 13-1 and showed a nice shooting touch by making a dozen 3-pointers against Oklahoma. They boast one of the best point guards in the nation in Jamaal Tinsley, who sank five 3s and scored 17 on Saturday. “They have an advantage every night they play,” Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson said. “Whoever they play against, they have the best player on the floor in Tinsley.” He had help in shooting down the Sooners. Kantrail Horton scored a career-best 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and freshman Jake Sullivan scored 17. Oklahoma State opened Big 12 Conference play Saturday night with a 78-71 loss at Texas. The Cowboys (8-3) have an outstanding guard of their own in Maurice Baker, who scored 26 points but fouled out with 5:16 remaining. Baker picked up his fourth foul a minute into the second half, with the score tied at 41. With him on the bench, the Cowboys were outscored 13-1. “I was very disappointed that we didn’t step it up without him,” forward Fredrik Jonzen said. “We’re a very young ball club, but those things are going to happen.” Coach Eddie Sutton said he wasn’t disappointed with his team’s overall play. “We just have to go back and try to eliminate some of the things that don’t let you win on the road against a good team,” he said. The Cowboys opened play in the new Gallagher-Iba — which now holds 13,611, compared with 6,381 previously — on Dec. 19 with a 70-60 victory over Arkansas-Little Rock. They have played two other games at home since, against Lamar and Texas-San Antonio. Doors to the arena will open at 6 p.m., 30 minutes earlier than usual. Among the ceremonies planned are an invitation-only reception in the building’s new O-Club Room, the releasing of “the spirit of Gallagher-Iba Arena” back into the new building, and a special recognition of the contribution to OSU athletics Oklahoma State students from all generations have made. Monday Evening Quarterbackby Fred Hilton News Sports Editor On a very personal note: For years I’ve preached that sports — especially at the grade school, junior high and senior high level — are “just a game.” However, I have been just as guilty as many fan of losing sight of that truism. I, too, have gotten caught up in wins and losses, in the number of touchdowns, goals, RBIs, etc. Last week I was forced to realize what is really important when I suddenly lost my wife of over three decades. When we first met, Darlene was as far from being a sports fan as anyone I’ve known. We had totally different interests and tastes. But something clicked between us, She later admitted that she was at first just curious about what this rather tall, thin guy with the funny walk alone in a strange town was all about. But somehow the attachment grew. The divorce rate among newspaper people — as a group — is high because of the weird hours we work and because often the job is sometimes almost an obsession. But instead Darlene decided to join in. She decided to go to the various games with me. She even later brought our two children. That last decision may have been something she later regretted. Following the unintentional lead of his father, my son got involved in sports at an early age. He played football, basketball and baseball — especially football. My daughter was slightly less interested, but she too couldn’t avoid joining in, playing soccer, softball and tennis. Darlene became a soccer mom, going to Rose’s game even when I couldn’t. She may not have known a soccer ball from a basketball, but she was there on the sideline to lend support. But Darlene’s shining moments came when Rocky caught the sports bug in a major way. She chauffeured him and his teammates to practices and to games. Later she was up late at night to drive him home when the bus rolled in from away games. When he got banged up in football or hit by a baseball, she cringed, but was supportive and was back for the next game despite her fears that grew as he moved from grade school to junior high to high school sports. She was in the stands for home or away games. But how much of the game she saw was in debate. Every time Rocky touched the ball she looked away or buried her glance in an ever present book or magazine. When her two children finally outgrew the active participation in sports — for the most part — Darlene finally gave up on the long hours on the road and the crowds she was uncomfortable with. She limited her sports watching to television — mainly to spend more time with her sports junky husband. But later she found herself on the sidelines again, even though her health had started to fail, when her grandchildren took to the field. But in more recent years she had to pass on that, too, and be content to games retold by the second generation. Unable to follow her husband to games any longer, Darlene was forced to do the thing she hated most — sit and worry as I spent long hours on the road to cities she felt were more and more unsafe. But she was there when I struggled home and sometimes only a little mad when I was late checking in after a game. In the past few years, as the undiagnosed disease started to take its toll, she showed the toughness that would have made an all-star linebacker proud. For a short period, she was in a wheelchair but soon found that too restricting and forced herself to get where she wanted to go with only the use of a cane. Not all heroes are on the playing field. Although her illness was disabling, it was not thought to be life threatening. But on New Years’ eve her body gave up even when her spirit wouldn’t. Dinky, for the best 30-something years of my life, Thank You. ——— Another personal note: To all the family, friends, associates, coaches and players who have been so very kind. A heart felt Thank You. Cold Second Quarter Costs Lady BucsCHEROKEE — A cold shooting second quarter cost Tonkawa’s girls during the second round of the Cherokee Tournament Saturday. The Lady Buccaneers managed just five points in that chilly period against Ringwood and fell into a 25-15 hole at halftime. Behind Lacy Clabaugh and Hauli Warrior, Tonkawa came back to trim the lead to 34-29 in the third quarter, but that was as close as the Lady Bucs could get, losing 50-38. Clabaugh finished the game with 15 points and Warrior had 11. The Lady Bucs never got untracked against Medford in the opening round of the tournament Friday, losing 53-37. Medford built a 31-19 halftime lead and held off Tonkawa down the stretch. Clabaugh has 12 points for the Lady Bucs in that game while Keyonna Hornbuckle was also in double figures with 11 points. Zachery and Turney paced Medford with 19 points each. The Tonkawa girls join the Buccaneers in hosting Newkirk in a Kay County shootout Tuesday in Tonkawa. The girls’ game starts at 6:30 p.m. with the boys’ contest to follow. Frontier Ladies Defeat PawneeRED ROCK — The Frontier Lady Mustangs defeated the Pawnee Lady Black Bears 40-42 Friday. It took an extra period and all 13 Frontier players to determine the winner. Alicia Petty hit a three and Robin Pratt put in a jumper with less than two minutes remaining to erase a four-point Pawnee lead. Senior Robin Pratt blocked nine shots and scored 24 points, but it was freshman Jessica Case who held up under pressure to throw the game into overtime. In the final minute, the Lady Black Bears regained the lead by two points and had the game won as the clocked ticked down to the final seconds. Basketball is sometimes a cruel sport. With six seconds remaining, Pawnee made a mistake by fouling Jessica Case in the act of shooting. Basketball is sometimes merciful. The freshman held up under the pressure and made both shots to send the game into overtime. “I was so happy or her,” coach Greg Jackson said. “Not that we got a second chance to beat Pawnee, but for a young player in that situation to come through like that. “That’s what it’s all about.” Jackson said the defense made some key stops in overtime that allowed the Lady Mustangs to take a five point advantage. The Lady Black Bears hit a late 3-pointer, but the game was essentially over by that time.
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