LOCAL

OTA To Target Overweight Trucks
Ponca Playhouse Heads To OCTAFest Competition
State Chamber Group Recommends Mergers
Area Residents Attend OACD Meeting

OTA To Target Overweight Trucks

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Troopers checking tractor-trailer rigs on the state’s turnpike system last month found plenty that were overweight.

Thirty-six trucks were selectively stopped and weight on the turnpikes. They were overloaded by 10,000 pounds to 24,000 pounds.

‘‘Out of the 36 trucks weighed, all of them received either a citation or warning for being overweight,’’ Capt. Ken Reed, turnpike liaison for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, told the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority on Thursday.

Reed said four of 35 trucks pulled over for safety inspections failed and were put ‘‘out of service.’’

Reed said the results don’t mean every truck is overweight or that one out of every nine is unsafe.

‘‘The troopers, in size and weights, are very adept at picking those trucks that they have reason to believe are overweight,’’ he said.

‘‘Out of the 36 trucks weighed, all of them received either a citation or warning for being overweight,’’ Reed said.

‘‘We do feel that we have a problem with some of the trucks.’’

He said trucks were involved in 21 of 63 accidents on the turnpike in February.

George Tomek, spokesman for the Oklahoma Trucking Association, said late Thursday that he would be surprised if one-third of the accidents on Oklahoma turnpikes involved semi-trailer trucks.

He said the trucking industry’s safety record is improving steadily.

Authority Member Albert Kelly Jr. of Bristow said the fact that 36 of 36 trucks were overweight ‘‘is just remarkable,’’ even considering that troopers ‘‘are adroit at determining which ones are overweight.’’

‘‘They’re already coming in at 80,000 pounds, and this truck we found that was 24,000 pounds over that, just imagine what that does to our roadways,’’ Kelly said.

Also Thursday, Transportation Secretary Neal McCaleb said he had formed a task force to develop a plan to avoid closing toll roads in bad weather.

The Turnpike Authority had to be closed during a snowstorm Saturday night after an accident blocked traffic. Fourteen inches of snow piled up in the hour it took to remove the wreckage.

Ponca Playhouse Heads To OCTAFest Competition

Ponca Playhouse will compete in Lawton this weekend at the Oklahoma Community Theatre Association’s OCTAFest festival of plays. The competition will take place in the McMahon Auditorium.

The Playhouse is taking the second act of its recent comedy “The Curious Savage.” A total of eight plays from well-established theaters around the state will also compete. Ponca Playhouse is scheduled to perform Saturday evening.

The festival will began Thursday and continues through Sunday. Theatre workshops are scheduled throughout the weekend and when performances are not being presented.

The cast and crew from Ponca City include, Marlys Sergeants, Don Jorgensen, Tome Foster, Chase Foster, Scott Pittman, Gary Owen, Kris Koenig, Jenny Wilson, Karen Rivers, Linda Cowley, Shawna Rolland, Carol Harris, Michelle Roberts, Matt Cowley, Alana Cervantes, Ron Hernandez, Diane Malone, Loretta Wilson and director Jeff Stephens.

Corporate sponsor of the traveling production is Roy Sullivan, owner of Sullivan Trucking company. In addition to providing financial support, Sullivan is also providing a truck and driver to transport the set of “The Curious Savage,” to Lawton.

The entire OCTAFest ’99 is open to the public and tickets are available for the weekend or individual productions at the door.

State Chamber Group Recommends Mergers

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Merging school districts to save money has been recommended by a research group that compiled a report for Oklahoma 2000 Inc., nonprofit policy group affiliated with the state Chamber of Commerce.

The report, released Thursday, also recommended increased testing; use of charter, magnet and alternative schools; merit pay for teachers, paid partly by pulling back on mandates for lower teacher-pupil ratios; increasing core curriculum and linking school subject matter with workforce needs.

The consolidation proposal would affect 77 percent of Oklahoma’s 547 school districts.

At statehood, Oklahoma had 5,656 public school districts. The number dropped from 604 to 547 after a voluntary consolidation plan was passed as part of House Bill 1017, the reform and funding act of 1990.

The researchers, mostly University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University economic professors, said the Oklahoma’s per capita income is 20 percent lower than the rest of the nation and said education is the key to keeping the state from falling further behind.

Group members said the state may not be able to consolidate sparsely populated districts, but urged merging elementary districts with larger districts.

Area Residents Attend OACD Meeting

OKLAHOMA CITY — U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas addressed a crowd of over 500 during the opening session of the 61st annual state meeting of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts.

Directors and staff from the Kay County Conservation District attended the convention and heard Pearlie Reed, chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Rudy Rice, president of the National Association of Conservation District; and Oklahoma Conservation Commission Executive Director Mike Thralls.

Those speakers and others reflected on Oklahoma’s leadership in the history of conservation and peered into the state’s future role during the meeting, “Visions for a New Millennium-Building on the Past.”

Kay County Conservation District was one of 12 displaying an outstanding exhibit in the Conservation Expo.

Local conservation district directors attending the event included chairman Garold DeWitt and members Milton Lesemann, Rick Jeans, Evelyn Engelking and Joe Caughlin. Staff attending included members Lonnie Stone, Gerell Oestmann, and Hessel Purdy, and NRCS soil conservationist Dick Zetterberg.

The meeting gave conservation district directors and personnel from across the state the opportunity to share their experience and knowledge with colleagues during several breakout sessions and workshops held during the three-day event. The future of traditional programs and current trends in conservation were among the topics covered.

The meeting concluded with an awards luncheon honoring directors and personnel for service. Special awards were presented to individuals who practice conservation on their farms and ranches.

OACD is an independent organization which promotes natural resource conservation through various activities and functions as well as cooperation with legislative bodies at the state and national levels.

For information at the county level, contact Hessel Purdy at the Kay County Conservation District office in Newkirk at 580-362-3362 or 580-362-2438

EDUCATION

OSU Students To Encourage Science, Math Studies in Recruitment Program
Summer School Enrollment Forms Available
Record Levels of Financial Aid Now Available to NOC Students
Dropout Rate Points To Alternative Ed Success
DECA Students Compete in Competition

OSU Students To Encourage Science, Math Studies in Recruitment Program

STILLWATER — A goal of Governor Frank Keating’s new administration is to get more Oklahoma high school students into advanced courses in preparation for college. Some Oklahoma State University administrators believe that scholars currently in college can serve as the most credible advocates for such an effort while helping recruit for the university.

OSU’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology has initiated the Collegiate Recruiting for Engineering Architecture and Technology Excellence (CREATE) program. Students from the college participating in the endeavor visit Oklahoma high schools to discuss education and career opportunities in the aforementioned fields. In describing their own experiences, CREATE team members talk about the rigors of challenging degree programs and how success therein demands prospective students take math and science classes in high school beyond those required for graduation.

“We’ve been trying to find a way to start recruiting students earlier in high school because when they become seniors, if they haven’t taken more than just core courses, it is often too late,” said Dr. Virgil Nichols, director of the college’s student services office. “We hope to get students thinking about high-paying, well-rewarding careers and motivate them to select the right courses so that they are not at a disadvantage when they come here.”

According to Nichols, CREATE, which was modeled after a similar program at Iowa State University, allows the college to send out its best people to disseminate that message. Students possess not only real, first-hand knowledge of life at a large university, but also have the ability to relate well to those in high school.

“When we recruiters go out and visit, students see us as older adults and they hear the same things that mom and dad, their high school counselors and teachers tell them every day,” Nichols said. “If they here it from someone their own age who they can identify with and might even call a friend, the message is all the more believable.”

“We have felt all along that by talking about their own positive experiences, our students can be our best recruiters,” he said.

CREATE team member Jill Long said she will draw on memories of recently being a high school senior with a strong academic record but little direction.

“I had no clue what I wanted to do, but I liked science and math,” said Long, a freshman from Midwest City. “It was through talking to people in engineering that I learned I wanted to major in it.”

“I would like to help people in the same place because you have to start making decisions early,” she added. “If I had not taken all the chemistry classes and the math in high school, I’d be behind right now.”

CREATE was also designed to appeal to students from groups that historically have not been well represented in the fields of engineering, architecture and technology.

“With at least two minority students and two women per team, we want students to see that engineering, architecture and technology need not be white male dominated,” Nichols said.

Kenneth Fullwood, a mechanical engineering sophomore from Del City, said minority recruiting is the primary reason for his interest in participating in CREATE.

“I would like students to know how well structured the Minority Engineering Program is here and the number of scholarships and activities that await them if they take the right courses in high school,” Fullwood, who has served an internship as a financial analyst at MidFirst Bank said. “They need to hear that if you have the math and science background and the will, you can succeed in this college and do anything you want to do.”

In the coming semester, each of the seven CREATE teams will visit three Oklahoma high schools to speak with student groups such as science and math clubs and the National Honor Society. Although the participants are recruiting and will talk about their decision to come to OSU, Nichols believes guidance counselors and teachers will welcome them.

“We want students to know what earning a degree from our college can do for them in terms of what they will get to do, the starting salary they can anticipate and other incentives like the opportunity for global travel,” Nichols said. “But the real mission is to get them on the right path now so that they will have more opportunities for scholarships, etc., when they graduate high school.”

“We think high school teachers will respond favorably to CREATE because our students will be saying the same things they’ve been trying to tell their kids the past three years,” he said.

Summer School Enrollment Forms Available

Pre-enrollment for summer school at Ponca City Senior High is currently taking place. Pre-enrollment forms can be picked up in the counselor’s office or the main office at the Mid-High School located at Sixth and Grand, or in the Howell Building at the Senior High School.

Class dates, times, fees, and other information will be given on the pre-enrollment forms. Driver Education classes will be held at the Senior High School also. Pre-enrollment is very important for regular summer school classes and mandatory for driver education classes.

Eighteen students must be enrolled in a class (that does not include driver education) for the class to be offered during the summer months. Classes with low pre-enrollment may be dropped before enrollment. It may be helpful for students to consult a school counselor before enrolling in summer school.

For more information regarding summer school for secondary students call 767-9500, ext. 142, or Peg Jordan, Summer School Administrator, at 767-9513.

Record Levels of Financial Aid Now Available to NOC Students

TONKAWA — A record level of financial aid was available to Oklahoma college and university students last year, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education announced.

Regents also reported that the largest percentage ever of Oklahoma college and university students received aid in 1997-98.

According to an annual student financial aid report, state colleges and universities distributed 250,970 financial aid awards and loans valued at more than $487.4 million to 106,225 students in 1997-98. Northern Oklahoma College distributed 2,782 financial aid awards and loans valued at more than $3.8 million to 1,924 students in 1997-98.

The total amount awarded is more than double what it was at the turn of the decade when 175,776 awards totaling $241.3 million was distributed to 78,631 students.

In addition, more than half of all Oklahoma college and university students received some type of financial aid in the 1997-98 school year, compared to slightly more than one-third of the student body in 1989-90.

A record $229.8 million in free financial aid — or money that does not have to be repaid — was available to students in the form of grants and scholarships and through student employment on college and university campuses in 1997-98.

Of the total amount of free financial aid awarded, grants comprised $150.4 million, up 66 percent from $90.7 million in 1989-90.

Statewide, scholarships totaled $35.9 million last year, an increase of 95 percent from $18.4 million in 1989-90. Northern Oklahoma College provided scholarships to 154 students totaling $87,977 in 1997-98. Additionally, student employment on campus provided $43.5 million in 1997-98, a 34 percent increase from $32.4 million in 1989-90. On Northern’s campus, student employment provided $323,219 to 264 students in 1997-98 compared to $13,714 to 25 students in 1989-90.

Regents also reported that another $257.5 million in student loans was awarded 1997-98, up from $99.8 million at the turn of the decade.

Of the total amount of financial aid awarded, minorities received approximately $126.9 million or 26 percent. That is up from nine years ago when minorities received 20 percent of the financial aid total.

“Oklahoma colleges and universities have some of the lowest tuition rates in the nation. However, Oklahoma higher education is sensitive to the pressure that college costs may place on some students and their families and have made more financial aid available than ever before,” said Chancellor Hans Brisch, noting increases in financial aid have far exceeded increases in tuition and inflation.

Since the turn of the decade, tuition has increased 27 percent at Oklahoma two-year colleges and 33 percent at four-year universities. During the same time, inflation increased 32 percent.

“As in years past, Oklahoma higher education will continue to look for ways to help all qualified Oklahomans — regardless of their financial situation — achieve their educational goals,” said State Regents Chairman John Massey.

For more information about financial aid opportunities at Northern Oklahoma College, contact the financial aid office at (580) 628-6273 or (580) 628-6274.

Dropout Rate Points To Alternative Ed Success

By SANDY GARRETT

State Superintendent

Oklahoma’s dropout rate is on the decline and remains below the national average. The state rate dipped from 5.6 percent to 5.5 percent for the 1997-98 school year; the national rate is 5.7.

In particular, the dropout rates of our metropolitan districts have seen significant decreases. The state’s largest school district, Tulsa, reduced its rate to 8.6 percent from 9.9 percent, and Oklahoma City reduced its to 11.8 percent from 13.9 percent.

While we will not be satisfied until we have no dropouts, we are encouraged this news as it indicates our state’s alternative programs and their dropout-prevention efforts are having a positive impact.

State law requires all school districts to have alternative education programs in place by 2000. Such programs are aimed at students who are at-risk of dropping out of school or are disruptive in the classroom.

The programs allow more one-on-one instruction, and classes are often held during the evening and on weekends to accommodate at-risk students’ schedules.

Many such students are wage earners for their families or unwed mothers and hold daytime jobs that prevent them from attending traditional schools. That is why the flexibility of our alternative programs keeps many of these students headed toward graduation.

I thank lawmakers for acknowledging the need for alternative programs early on and, in turn, providing the resources to fund them. I receive calls every week from people in other states who are interested in creating the type of alternative education system that Oklahoma is building.

In just five years, we have gone from a few alternative programs to several in every county, and from $3.8 million appropriated for such programs to $21.3 million this school year.

DECA Students Compete in Competition

TULSA — Several students from Ponca City High School recently competed at the Oklahoma DECA State Competition in Tulsa.

Students receiving awards include Chris Keim, first place in the Food Marketing Management Level; Brooke Burries, sixth place in the Food Marketing Associate Level; Marcus Pugh and Ashley Anderson, seventh place in Hospitality Services; Amber Raffelson and Bryant Ferguson, sixth place in the Learn and Earn Project; Mindy Sattre, first place in the DECA Sales Promotion and sixth place in the Public Relations Project; and Kim Moore, Lacy Weaver, Amy Davidson and Annette Puba, fifth place in the DECA Quiz Bowl.

Courtney Fredericks, Jamie Price and Rachel White interviewed in the program of work where they received a gold, the highest level a chapter can receive.

Because of their first place finishes, Chris Keim and Mindy Sattre qualified to compete in the National DECA Competition in April in Orlando, Florida.

DEATHS

Pauline Small
Valerie Denise Adams
E. Lorene Hess
Betty Mae Shafer
Albert Homeratha
Lola Irene Thomson
R. Arlene Walker
Mildred S. Perry
Virginia E. Byers
D’Arcy A. Shock

Pauline Small

TULSA — Pauline (Powelson) Small, former Blackwell resident, died Thursday, March 18, 1999, in Tulsa. She was 77.

The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at Moore Funeral Home, Eastlawn Chapel, 1908 South Memorial Drive, in Tulsa. Burial will be in Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow.

Pauline Powelson Small was born April 3, 1921, in Blackwell. She was married to Carl Small on Oct. 7, 1942, in Tucson, Ariz.

Survivors include her husband Carl of Tulsa; one son, Richard Small of Fort Worth, Texas; one daughter, Pat Hite of Collinsville; one brother William Powelson of Ponca City; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Bernice Roberts; and one grandchild.

Valerie Denise Adams

BLACKWELL — Valerie Denise Adams, Blackwell resident, died late Tuesday evening, March 16, 1999, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 45.

No local services will be held, but friends may visit at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday. Following cremation, Mrs. Adams cremains will be returned to Muskegon, Mich. for burial in the Fruitland Township Cemetery. Local arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Valerie Denise Adams was born March 17, 1953 in Muskegon, Mich., to Virgil and Donna Tyres. She grew up and attended schools in Muskegon.

In 1969, she was married to Richard Adams and the couple made their home in Muskegon. Mrs. Adams was a homemaker. In 1955, she moved to Blackwell to make her home.

Survivors include one daughter, Amanda Adams of Blackwell; three sons, Richard Adams of Blackwell and Erik Adams and Matthew Adams, both of Whitehall, Mich.; her parents, Virgil and Donna Tyres of Ravanna, Mich.; two sisters, Dawn Stevens and Sandy McMillen of Ravanna, Mich.; and four grandchildren.

E. Lorene Hess

E. Lorene Hess, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday morning, March 18, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 75.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 22, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Tom Estes, Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery.

E. Lorene (McMahan) Hess was born July 10, 1923 in Welch, the daughter of Earl Ellis and Pearl (Wilson) McMahan. She received her early education in Burbank and Ponca City schools. Mrs. Hess was a member of the Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, where she kept the nursery for many years. She enjoyed fishing, camping, knitting, and reading.

Survivors include two sons, Ron Hess and Shawn Hess, both of Ponca City; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Jan Renee Baylor; three sons, Chris Allen Hess, Randy Eugene Hess and Richard Dean Hess; her parents; and three brothers, Leroy, Paul and Marvin McMahan.

Casket bearers will be Ron Hess, Shawn Hess, Casey Hess, Bruce McMahan, Joe McMahan and Kenny Tidwell.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Hess’ name may be made to the Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, 139 Victory Street, Ponca City, OK 74604.

Betty Mae Shafer

FAIRFAX — Betty Mae Shafer, Fairfax area resident, died Thursday morning, March 18, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 77.

A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home Chapel in Fairfax. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at the Fairfax Cemetery with Father Ken Lewis officiating.

Betty Mae (Adlum) Shafer was born Aug. 9, 1921 in Pawhuska, the daughter of Wilford and Romanza May (Ducotey) Adlum. She graduated from Fairfax High School in 1938.

She was married to Clyde Joseph Shafer on June 11, 1939, in Rogers, Ark. Mrs. Shafer was a homemaker and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Survivors include her husband, Clyde of the home in Fairfax; three daughters, Mary Romanza Spess of Mannford, Jacqueline Ruth Chalfant of Cleveland, Okla., and Patricia Ann Shafer of Phoenix, Ariz; one brother, Wilford “Jack” Adlum of Denver, Colo.; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant son Clyde Joseph Shafer Jr. and her parents.

Albert Homeratha

RED ROCK — Albert Homeratha, former Red Rock resident, died Tuesday evening, March 17, 1999. at the Green Valley Nursing Home in Perry. He was 88.

An evening prayer service will be held at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City at 7 p.m. today. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 19, at the funeral home. Browning Pipestem of Norman, and Toby A. Blackstar, minister of the Greater First Deliverance Temple in Oklahoma City, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cemetery at Red Rock, with flag folding detail performed by American Legion Post 38, White Eagle.

Albert Homeratha was born Nov. 12, 1910, in Red Rock to Horton and Lizzie (Robedeaux) Homeratha Sr. He was a proud member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and a member of Bear Clan. He received his education in the Red Rock schools and attended Haskell Jr. College in Lawrence, Kan.

Homeratha enlisted in the U.S. Army in Tonkawa on Sept. 17, 1940, at age 29. While in the service he served as a laborer. After his honorable discharge on Aug. 12, 1946, he returned to Red Rock, where he worked as a truck driver. He was a member of the Otoe-Missouria First Born Church. In later years he enjoyed riding to Perry and visiting with his many friends.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews, including Mrs. Sheryl Seidner of Midwest City, and his grandson, George Alexander of Ponca City, who were his caretakers; and other relatives and friends.

Casket bearers will be George Alexander, Thomas Butler, Russell Gilfillan, David Seidner, Francis Shawnee Jr., and David Wise.

Lola Irene Thomson

WICHITA, Kan. — Lola Irene Thomson, former Ponca City resident died Wednesday, March 17, 1999, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. She was 91.

The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at Central Community Church in Wichita. Burial will be in Old Mission Cemetery under the direction of DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary, Wichita.

Lola Irene Thomson was born May 16, 1907, in Mulhall. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include two sons, Vaden Thomson of Derby, Kan., and Norris Thomson of Wichita, Kan.; one daughter, Eddyth Feder of Wichita, Kan.; 11 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Thomson’s name to Central Community Church, 6100 West Maple, Wichita, KS 67209.

Obituaries

R. Arlene Walker

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — R. Arlene Walker, mother to Patty Doughty of Ponca City, died Wednesday, March 17, 1999, at the William Newton Memorial Hospital in Winfield Kan. She was 63.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at the Arkansas City First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Guy E. Rendoff and Mr. Ron Fleig will officiate. Burial will follow in the Parker Cemetery in Arkansas City under the direction of Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, Arkansas City.

R. Arlene (Gilmore) Walker was born Oct. 28, 1935, in Silverdale, Kan., to Charles A. and LaVaun (Lowrie) Gilmore. She grew up and received her education in Arkansas City, graduating from high school there in 1953. She married Richard Purvis.

She later married David W. Walker on August 30, 1963. Mrs. Walker had been employed with Southwestern Bell, Boeing, Rodeo Meats, Cowley County Community College and Glass Trucking through the years. At the time of her death she was employed with Gordon-Piatt. She was a member of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, Rodeoettes and the Heart Menders at William Newton Memorial Hospital.

Survivors include her husband David of Arkansas City; one daughter Patty Doughty of Ponca City; step-children Janet Burg of Tulsa and Dave Forhmals of Illinois; five grandchildren. Jennifer, Kayla, and Meghan Doughty of Ponca City, and Chris and Andrew Forhmals of Illinois; two sisters, Donna Brown and Betty Harper, both of Arkansas City; one brother, Jim Gilmore of Oklahoma City; her mother, and LaVaun Gilmore of Arkansas City. She was preceded in death by and an infant son, Michael Purvis; her father; and one brother Paul Gilmore.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Walker’s name to the American Cancer Society or Hospice Inc., c/o Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 756, Arkansas City, KS 67005.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Mildred S. Perry

Mildred S. Perry, longtime Ponca City resident, died early this morning at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after a short illness. She was 88. Survivors include a daughter Millicent. Service arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later.

Virginia E. Byers

BLACKWELL — Virginia Evelyne Byers, Blackwell resident, died this morning, March 19, 1999, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 75. The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, at Hackler Funeral Home Memory Chapel in Blackwell. Other arrangements will be announced later.

Funerals

Saturday

D’Arcy A. Shock

Funeral at 2 p.m. at Grace Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery.

NEWS BRIEFS

Extra Patrol — A woman in the 900 block of South Twelfth Street requested police patrol at 7:42 a.m. Thursday after someone attempted to break into her vehicle.

Jim Bowen Construction - Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077.

Arrest — At 10:49 a.m. Thursday a 35-year-old man was arrested on a Kay County warrant for failure to appear.

Lets Play pool at the Blue Lite. Sat. 20th, 7 p.m. Martha will guarantee $100 pay out with 10 or more players. $5 entree.

Grass Fire — Fire engines responded to a report of a grass fire in the 2000 block of North Sixth Street at 11:15 a.m. Thursday.

Her Review. Now accepting women’s spring/summer consignments.

Break-In — At 12:32 p.m. Thursday police were contacted after a man caught a juvenile breaking into a house in the 300 block of South Elm Street.

Bamm Bunnies. Super bowl legends, Young, Elway, Favre and Davis Bammers are here! Carla’s Hallmark, downtown. 765-3094.

Arrest — A 37-year-old man was arrested at 12:33 a.m. Friday from North Ash Street and West Hazel Avenue for driving under the influence, driving under suspension and no insurance.

Burglary — At 3:07 a.m. Friday a man in the 600 block of North Lake Street reported that his home had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a second degree burglary report was taken.

Arrest — An 18-year-old man was arrested at 2:56 p.m. Thursday from Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for petit larceny.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979.

Juvenile Shoplifters — At 5:09 p.m. Thursday a clerk at Sav-A-Trip, 501 West Highland Avenue, reported two juvenile shoplifters in custody. An officer was assigned.

This & That going out of business sale. The entire store is on sale! 35% off the entire store, excluding Carmen’s candles.

Domestic Assault — Police were informed at 5:38 p.m. Thursday of a domestic assault and battery that occurred in the 100 block of North Seventh Street. A report was taken.

Kids Review accepting spring/summer items.

Assault — At 6:32 p.m. Thursday a man in the 600 block of North Sunset Street reported being assaulted in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue.

The Ponca Tribe will be distributing garden seeds and potatoes starting Friday, March 19, 1999. At a later date tomato and pepper plants will also be distributed. Participants will be asked to sign for any seeds or plants. One set of seeds and plants per household. Ponca Tribe Affairs building.

Minor Accident — An accident in a parking lot in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue was reported to police at 8:04 p.m. Thursday.

Downsizing Auction 1301 Bradley, Elks Lodge. Sunday, March 21, 1999. 1:00 p.m.

Egging — A woman in the 400 block of South Eleventh Street called police at 1:21 p.m. Thursday requesting extra police patrol due to her house being egged.

Spring Trades! Back on The Rack.

Vehicle Burglary — At 9:48 p.m. Thursday a woman in the 700 block of East Grand Avenue reported that her vehicle had been burglarized.

15% Off silver jewelry and prints. Now have in new tapes, Toas moccasins. And Pendleton blankets. Also three sets of Teeny Beanie Babies. 762-2225.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West

Broadway.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable, local phone, and utilities. Please

call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

Like To sing? Come try your luck with us at the Blue Lite. Karoke starts at 8 p.m. Monday evening. Lots of fun! See you there!

Albertson’s Is offering free membership in their video department. Sign up today and recieve a free movie rental.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $6.95. 4-8 p.m. 1217 East Prospect.

Shoe Shine by Leroy. 117 North 3rd. Barney’s.

Pauline's Shrimp peel. All you can eat, $11.95, Friday the 19th. For reservations, call 765-5460.

Parkside Bicycle. Bike repair for all brands. 715 East Harford. 765-3230.

Trees, Plant now. New shipments of Chinese pistache, lace bark elm, oaks, maple and many more. Now open Sunday 1-5. Keathly Nursery, 2448 Bridge

Avenue. 762-2922.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Saturday special 4-8 p.m. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979.

LIFESTYLES

Couple United in Marriage At Sunset Baptist Church
Happy Hilltop Homemakers Give Donations
Friendship Feast Program Topic For Mother’s Club
Event To Honor Johnstons
Pre-School Unit Elects Officers
Community Concert Captains Meeting Sunday To Begin Membership Drive
Dance To Honor Lucille Feathers

Couple United in Marriage At Sunset Baptist Church

Brandi De’Ann Montgomery and Jose Torres were married recently in a 5 p.m. ceremony at Sunset Baptist Church officiated by the Rev. Ron Ledbetter. Pink and Hunter green bows decorated the pews. The musical program was a taped rendition of “From This Moment” with Shania Twain.

The bride is the daughter of Brennan and Cheryl Montgomery, 8476 East 80 Road, and the bridegroom is the son of Jose and Julia Torres of Mexico. The bride is the granddaughter of Ephriam Jordan of Ponca City, Farena Montgomery of Ponca City, the late Carol Jordan and the late John Montgomery. Great-grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Jordan of Enid.

Matron of Honor was Brandy K. Kirtley. She carried a bouquet of white roses, pink and Hunter green rosebuds with matching color ribbon streamers. Juan Mendoza served as Best Man.

The bride carried a bouquet similar to the honor attendant. Tied into the bouquet were wedding rings belonging to the bride’s late grandparents, along with a picture of the bride’s two nephews and a niece who were unable to attend the ceremony, and a blue ribbon. For something old, the bride carried a prayer book that was carried by her mother and paternal grandmother in their weddings. Something new was a pearl necklace given to the bride by her brother, Mikel Montgomery; and something borrowed were jade earrings from an aunt, Brenda Stinson.

Randi Higgins and Misti Robbins hosted the reception in the church parlor. They were assisted by Brenda Stinson. The couple resides at 829 1/2 North Pine. The bride is employed at the Ponca City Nursing Center.

Happy Hilltop Homemakers Give Donations

The Happy Hilltop Homemakers met for a luncheon and its regular meeting March 10 at the Western Sizzlin’ with Nancy Challis as hostess. NaDean Thomas read the creed. For the devotions, the hostess read two poems, — one from the pamphlet “Bits and Pieces” and one entitled “the Man in the Glass.” Ten members answered roll call.

Irene Harden read the minutes and correspondence, including a thank you note from the VA Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. for the valentines sent by the group, and a note from Pearl Roland with Garfield Academy for the club’s contribution toward the purchase of books.

Ditty bags were collected for donation to Peachtree Landing. Cleaning supplies for the shelter were also donated. Loma Smith and Della Daniels each provided a helpful household hint. Vivian Scott won the hostess gift, and Nancy Challis was in charge of the program. The April 14 meeting will be hosted by Betty Wilson.

Friendship Feast Program Topic For Mother’s Club

Alpha Gamma Mother’s Club met in the home of Leslie Hoover on March 8. Billie Stepken served as co-hostess. Pat Koehler led in the reading of the Collect and Aims, and eight members answered roll call. Jean Hess, chaplain, gave the devotional from the book “From the Proverbs.”

Bob Corbin with the Friendship Feast gave the program. He stated that the event was begun in 1990, and 60-90 people are served each night, Monday-Thursday, 5:15-6:15 p.m. It takes 300 volunteers each month to accomplish the tasks. The Friendship Feast is held at the First Christian Church, 210 North Fifth.

The Oklahoma Association of Mothers Clubs bulletins was read and the friendship basket was won by Pat Koehler. The next meeting will be in the home of Karen Yost on March 22. Deborah Cordes will be the co-hostess.

Event To Honor Johnstons

On Saturday, March 20, a reception will be held 2-5 p.m. at the Kaw City Community Center to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the marriage of Cloise Johnston of Grainola and the former Frances Owens of Webb City. An open invitation to attend the event is extended to family and friends, and the couple requests there be no gifts.

Hosts for the occasion will be their children, Mr. and Mrs. C. G. (Leta) Epperson of Edmond; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Johnston of Newkirk; and Mr. and Mrs. Garland (Sharon) Helems of Ponca City.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were married March 20, 1939, at the First Christian Church in Ponca City. They made their first home at Grainola and later lived in Arkansas City area, where he was employed at Mauer-Neuer. In 1950, Mr. Johnston went to work for Continental Oil Company, and the family moved to Ponca City in 1951.

Mr. Johnston retired from Conoco in 1978 after 27 years of service. Mrs. Johnston worked for GHR Manufacturing for 17 years. The couple has resided in their present home for 36 years. They attend the Brookfield Avenue Wesleyan Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have eight grandchildren, Larry and Lisa (Helems) Pruitt of Drexel, Mo.; Ron and Sherron Helems, and Jeff and Shannon Johnston, all of Ponca City; Sonya Epperson of Edmond; Karen Sue Sac of Locust Grove; Keith, Steven and Doug and Amy Johnston, all of Newkirk. They also have seven great-grandchildren.

Pre-School Unit Elects Officers

The March 12 meeting of the Pre-School Unit of the Ponca City Mother’s Club was held in the home of Mrs. Heather Johnson. Co-hostesses were Mrs. Jennifer Neisen and Mrs. Polly Wilson.

Announcement was made that the spring luncheon will be held May 7 at the Ponca City Country Club with Alda Ellis as speaker. The unit picnic is slated for April 18 at a Lake Ponca shelterhouse.

Elected as new officers for the group were Polly Wilson, president; Lynda Banwart, vice president; Natalie Hiatt, secretary; Lynn Bowker, treasurer; Pam Schwager and Deanna Carter, hospitality; Sandy Lake, historian.

Community Concert Captains Meeting Sunday To Begin Membership Drive

Captains for the Ponca City Community Concert membership drive will meet at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1904 North Pecan, on Sunday, March 21, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Leslie Rardin, membership chairman, will instruct captains, who will then convey the information to their team worker volunteers.

Serving as captains for the drive are Joy Asbury, Marsha Baldridge, Mary Jane Barraclough, Barbara Brown, Mary Sunshine Cogman, Mary Lou Ferguson, Helen H. Hester, Susan Hill, Stan Hoffmeyer, Richard Jacobsen, Marta Marial, John Minor, Roberta Motz, Robert Nesselrode, Mary Lois Nield, Betty Sandy, Mark Southard, Charles Thompson, and Virginia Starks.

According to Rardin, more volunteers are needed for the drive and anyone interested in volunteering may call her at 765-3791 or Mary Lois Nield at 762-5156.

Current PCCC members will receive their 1999-2000 season’s artist brochures with membership forms this month, says Rardin. The 1999 PCCC concert stage will host six concerts including pianist Jan Gottlieb Jiracek; a string and piano trio, Galaxy Trio; vocalist Roslyn Kynd; a New York Dance Company Taylor 2; baritone vocalist Douglas Webster, a brass quintet, Boston Brass; and SoloMania, featuring cello, piano and mezzo-soprano.

Rardin said, the SoloMania concert to be presented on April 8, will be an added bonus concert for all new members who are joining PCCC for the 1999-2000 year season.

Dance To Honor Lucille Feathers

An 80th Birthday Dance has been scheduled in honor of Lucille Feathers on Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m. at White Eagle Cultural Center.

Supper is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. The head staff will include the Rev. Thomas Roughface as master of ceremonies; the Rev. Abraham Jackson, head gourd dancer; Eli Warrior, head singer; Cameron Page, head man dancer; Marcie Hudson, head lady dancer; Georgia Gibson, head little girl dancer; Gilbert Cole, head little boy dancer and Danny Page, water carrier.

Co-hosting will be Wah-hun-thinga. Everyone is invited and should bring their own chairs and dishes.

RELIGION

Baptists Present Annual Easter Pageant
Annual ‘Fling’ Set for March 27
Interview with Justice ... As Jesus
Resolve to Study the Lord’s Prayer

Baptists Present Annual Easter Pageant

First Baptist Church, Ponca City, will present the annual Easter Pageant at Hutchins Auditorium March 25-28. Once again four performances will be offered to accommodate the expected crowds, it was announced.

Admission for these 7 p.m. presentations is free, but tickets are necessary for admission. Each ticket will be good only for one particular night. Tickets may be secured through First Baptist church, KLVV Radio, The Masters Touch in Ponca City, Lyall Insurance in Tonkawa, Eastman National Bank in Newkirk, Ruth’s Christian Book Store in Enid, and The Christian Book Store in Stillwater.

This year’s pageant, entitled “Miracle of Love”, will offer new script, music and new scenes that tell the timeless story of Jesus Christ’s miraculous birth, life, death, resurrection and return to heaven’s throne. Many have compared this pageant favorably to the “Great Passion Play” in Eureka Springs. A cast of over 150 will be assisted by a host of crown bearers, banner bearers, technicians, ushers, and stage crew members.

The pageant producer is Pastor Hance Dilbeck; the pageant director is Larry Masters, Minister of Music; administrative assistant is Marcella Johnson and co-drama directors are Carol Green and Mark Love.

Scenes for this year include the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, the calling of the disciples, the foot washing of the disciples by Jesus, and a spectacular heaven scene using angels, saints, crowns and herald trumpeters.

Song titles included in this year’s pageant will feature “Wonderful Counselor”, “The Lord is With You”, “Rome Wants to Know”, “All These Things”, and “A Savior is Born” all composed by the team or Chris Machen, and Richard Kingsmore.

Other new titles include the music of contemporary composer Robert Sterling. “Watch the Lamb” a long time favorite by Ray Boltz will return this year by popular request, and “‘Celebrate Jesus/Jesus Is Alive” will be an inspiring, spirited finale as the angels, the heavenly host, and the entire cast celebrate together.

Playing the role of Jesus again this year is Bill Justice. Bill is making his ninth consecutive appearance as Jesus in the Greater Ponca City Easter Pageant. David Devorss will play the part of Old John (the narrator) that ties everything together for the audience. Other lead roles will be: Larry Masters as Simon Peter; Guy Lyall as Andrew; David Myers as John the Baptist.

Supporting the 100-voice choir will be soloists Sean Love, Shannon Mair, Doug Thompson, Stephanie Council, Jennifer Long, David Myers, Larry Masters, Guy Lyall, Doyle Brewer, Susan Smith, Bill Justice, D.H. Dilbeck, Charlotte Smith, Behren Smith, Tom Short, Terry Driesel, Jerry Winkle, Barbara Masters, Judy Burnette, Lois Lyall, Mary Jane Barraclough, Doyle Brewer, Bradley Council, and Craig Myers.

Forty-three people were recruited to serve as coaches, crew members, choreography, audio, make-up, costume, prayer campaign, counseling, ticket distribution and ushers for the production.

The greater Ponca City Easter Pageant is constantly being upgraded with new, fresh and exciting ways to present an accurate portrayal of the biblical gospel message. That’s why people come back year after year to see it again, it was noted.

For information about "Miracle of Love”, call 405-765-4427. KLVV 88.7 Christian Radio will re-broadcast “Miracle of Love” Easter Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Annual ‘Fling’ Set for March 27

The annual Spring Fling Craft Show to be held at Unity Gym, Saturday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will benefit Child Development Center, a child-care facility for low-income and special-needs families. The Craft Show is sponsored by Church Women United of Ponca City. Admission is free.

According to organizers, a wide variety of items will be available for sale, including Beanie Babies, hand-crafted wood items, silver jewelry, ceramics, birdhouses, homemade bread and much more.

“Collectibles and Antiques” are also included in the show with many vendors donating door prizes.

Shoppers can enjoy fast foods at the snack bar through the day. It will be manned by board members of the Child Development Center.

“All proceeds from the booth rental and snack bar will benefit the Child Development Center, a United Way agency,” says Eloise Palmer, President of CWU. The Child Development Center, 344 South Elm, was organized by Church Women United several years ago to provided quality day care services at a reduced rate for low-income families or families with special needs.

For further information about CDC or Spring Fling, call Mary Bates at 718-0019.

Interview with Justice ... As Jesus

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

“I give God all the credit for making it possible for me to play the character of Jesus in the Ponca City Easter Pageant each year,” said a very humble Bill Justice, during an interview this week. Justice has played that role every year since the pageant’s first presentation in 1991, and will play it for the 9th time at the Hutchins Memorial this year March 25-28.

“I believe each person’s talent can be used in the best way, if he/she will just let Christ lead. He will place a believer where he can do the best job for Him. I cannot take any credit for this role or for any successes with it,” Justice continues. “I believe this is where God placed me.” Justice admits that he is human though, and always worries a little during each pageant — wondering if God is pleased with the outcome. The drama is viewed by up to 5,000 area citizens annually.

Justice, who has also played in Ponca Playhouse productions and in other musical and theater groups in the area, says playing the part of Jesus in the annual Ponca City Easter Pageant is quite different from other theatrical endeavors.

“I never do this part for any personal recognition of any kind,” he said. “This production is for the glory of Jesus Christ alone.” He prefers that people do not even know who he is in the drama. However, Bill chuckles and admits it’s hard to do when he starts growing his annual set of whiskers. Many people will point him out - and even though they don’t know his name - will say, ‘there goes that Jesus guy!’”

When asked if playing the role of the Savior of the World has changed his life, Justice hesitates and thoughtfully says, “Yes, it has made me look at many things in life through the eyes of The Christ, who is to be our role model.”

Contemplating on the intricacies of the character, Bill says, “As I play the different scenes, I cannot help but wonder what went through Jesus’ mind as he experienced the traumatic events during the Passover — His trial, betrayal, death on the cross, resurrection and ascension. Even though I could never possibly know what He was thinking, I try to portray in the drama the emotion I believe He felt at each stage of the emotional events of those last days.”

Bill says, “Perhaps the hardest time to imagine what Jesus was thinking, is when He is in The Garden just before His arrest - when He could have chosen not to become the sacrifice on the cross for human sin.” Another especially difficult time for Bill to portray is the moment on the cross when God turned His back on His Son. “I cannot possibly experience what He felt at those moments,” said Justice.

I can easily share some of the joy Jesus felt for His friends and loved ones as He healed, and raised their loved ones from the dead. I also believe He felt a joy and sorrow mix when He was about to return to Heaven and leave the disciples behind. Perhaps that sorrow was mixed of great joy to be going to His real home in Heaven and sitting at the right hand of His Father.

Asked about his favorite scene, a quick smile comes to Bill’s face and he doesn’t hesitate as he answers “The children’s scene! It is the most relaxed scene in the program and I can almost feel the parents and grandparents in the audience smile as they enjoy the quiet tender moments between Jesus and the children.”

When asked about some humorous events in earlier productions Justice grins and tells about the time Satan failed to make a cue. Bill had to improvise and cast demons out of the whole crowd. Another time, someone forgot to remove the plastic wrap from the bread for the Last Supper, and he had to discreetly peel it off under the table; and when someone had put cold water (instead of warm water) in the pan to wash the Disciples feet and the actors were hard-pressed to keep a straight face.

Our director always adds some new scenes to keep the pageant fresh and new, yet keeps the entire production exact with the Scriptures, says Justice. This year several new scenes have been added and Justice will sing new songs. Included is a scene in the temple with the money changers. One of his favorite solos has been returned to this years script, “Closer Than a Heartbeat.”

In closing, Justice thoughtfully says, “It is a great privilege and joy to stand up for Jesus Christ in public and be a witness for Him in front of thousands of people. It is more than I have every dreamed I could do for Him.”

Resolve to Study the Lord’s Prayer

By George R. Plagenz

If you didn’t make a New Year’s resolution before the old year expired, there is still time.

Frances Hayward, an octogenarian in my congregation in Boston, coined the adage, “If you can’t begin in the beginning, begin in the middle.” She would have said that January, or even February, is a perfectly good time to make a New Year’s resolution if you let Dec. 31 slip by without getting it done.

If you can’t come up with something to resolve for 1999, a good resolution would be to study the Lord’s Prayer, that old standby of prayers, as a year-round project.

“Oh, I know the Lord’s Prayer backward and forward,” you are probably saying. “I can rattle it off without thinking.”

Which, of course, is the trouble. I have the feeling that most people, when they mumble the Lord’s Prayer in unison in church, are not paying much, if any, attention.

This does not necessarily make the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer a wholly futile endeavor. For most of us, the prayer has hallowed associations that are evoked whenever we say it.

Still, if we can find a deeper meaning in the words of the Lord’s Prayer, this can make the prayer much more powerful.

The meditations that follow are not my own. They were written, as I recall, by the Rev. Walter Bowie, rector of Grace Episcopal Church in New York, and the Rev. Theodore Ferris, rector of Trinity Church (Episcopal) in Boston.

OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN

Help me to believe this day that there is a Presence to lift me up which is stronger than all the things which hold me down.

HALLOWED BE THY NAME

May I become more aware of the beauty of thy holiness and the holiness of all things that come from thee, by thinking only on such things as are true, honest, pure, lovely and of good report.

THY KINGDOM COME

Help me to be quick to see, and ready to encourage, whatever brings the better meaning of God into that which otherwise might be the common round of the uninspired day.

THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

Help me to realize that there is a higher will than mine and that my life will never be what I want it to be, or what it can be, until I bring myself to say, “Not my will but thine be done.”

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD

Open the way for me to earn an honest living without anxiety but help me never to seek to have and to own more than is needful, so that I may never use my gifts as a means of power over others. Make me want only that benefit for myself which will also be their gain.

FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US

Make us sympathetic and patient with the shortcomings of others, especially of those we love, and keep us sternly watchful only of our own sins. Help us to remember the many blessings of this life which we can never pay for. May we receive them with thanks and, mindful of the debt they represent, may we pray humbly, “Forgive us our debts.”

AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL

Let me not go carelessly this day within the reach of any evil which may capture and conquer me but if in the path of duty I must go where temptation is, then give me thy strength so that I might meet it without fear.

FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.

And so in my heart may I carry the knowledge that thy greatness is above me and around me and that thy grace through Jesus Christ my Master is sufficient for all my needs. Amen.

SPORTS

Cat Golfers Get Down To Business
OSU Grapplers Drop to Second With Upset of No. 1 Mark Smith
Former OU Quarterback Speaks Here March 26 at Teen Meeting

Cat Golfers Get Down To Business

BROKEN ARROW — Instead of whooping it up in a tropical oasis — like some of their classmates — the Wildcat golfers were all business at the start of their own spring break week.

The Cats took ninth place out of 16 teams in the Tulsa Union Invitational at the Indian Springs Windmill course on Monday, with a 319 stroke total. Sapulpa won the event with a 304, followed by Owasso and Bishop Kelley with 306 each.

After not practicing for several days due to snowy conditions, the so-so finish was about what Ponca City coach Dan McGregor expected from his team.

“I was amazed we got to play at all (after the snow),” he says. “But the course was pretty clear. We just had a hard time warming up.

“We didn’t do real well, overall, but we had a couple of kids do all right.”

Matt Ellis and Louie Girardi led the Cats with a pair of 78’s. Matt Waddell had an 81, Aaron Sattre finished with an 82, while Aaron Hill shot an 86.

Owasso’s Aaron Lee won the event with a 69.

“There’s out-of-bounds on both sides of about 15 fairways down there,” McGregor continued. “So it’s pretty easy to get in trouble. You have to be hitting the ball fairly straight to have a good day.”

The Po-Hi coach also notes that the Conference tournament will be played at the Windmill course, later in the season, and says the Cats’ experience there should come in handy.

“We’re gonna get there,” McGregor concluded. “We’ve got about seven or eight pretty good kids, and they’re all working hard. We just have to figure out who our top 5 are on any given day.”

The Cats’ varsity will continue their season on March 29, playing in the Enid Invitational.

Results

Tulsa Union Invitational

1 — Sapulpa 304

2 — Owasso 306

2 — Bishop Kelley 306

4 — Broken Arrow 308

5 — Tulsa Union 309

6 — Jenks 310

6 — Bartlesville 310

8 — Enid 314

9 — Ponca City 318

10 — Kelley B 321

11 — Broken Arrow B 325

12 — Union B 326

13 — Sand Springs 330

14 — Pryor 332

15 — Tahlequah 346

16 — Enid B 356

OSU Grapplers Drop to Second With Upset of No. 1 Mark Smith

By DAVID KINNEY

Associated Press Writer

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — For N.C. State’s Kevin Boross, it was a coming-out victory — with a twist of revenge. For senior Mark Smith, it was the devastating end of his quest to join three older brothers as national champions.

Boross, an unseeded sophomore at 174, escaped Smith’s hold late in a second round match, stunning the No. 1 seed from Oklahoma State, 3-2, in the biggest upset of the first two rounds of the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.

‘‘Here’s the significance in this whole matter,’’ Boross said later Thursday night, recalling one encounter with Smith’s brother, Oklahoma State coach John Smith, in 1997. ‘‘In the high school nationals, he came up to me and he was playing around, saying, ‘Should I give him a full scholarship or not?’’’

Was this payback? ‘‘I don’t know if I want to call it that,’’ Boross said with a smile.

The real significance was on the other side: Lee Roy Smith won one national title, John won two and Pat was the only wrestler to win four. Mark Smith came in fourth the last two years, then entered this tournament with a top seed and lots of family pressure.

‘‘I had nothing to lose,’’ Boross said. ‘‘He’s No. 1. He had a lot of pressure on him — with the Smith name. He’s the first one who’s not going to be No. 1. ... It’s a step for my college career. I had to come out of the dark.’’

Said John Smith: ‘‘It was the worst two hours of my life. You just can’t stand around and expect to win. When Smith went down, it took a lot of wind out the team. We’re going to have to have a long discussion, obviously.’’

Smith said his wrestler thought the match was tied in the final seconds.

‘‘He didn’t know the score,’’ he said. ‘‘I was screaming and yelling, ‘You’re behind! You’re losing!’’’

The top-ranked Cowboys had five other wrestlers fall in the first two rounds and finished the day second in a very tight race.

Iowa, the defending champion, had a 30-29 1/2 lead over their archrivals. Minnesota was third with 29 points, followed by Oklahoma (28), Cal State-Bakersfield (25) and Iowa State and Penn State (23 1/2 each).

Iowa, trying to win its fifth straight national title, saw T.J. Williams, No. 1 at 149, Eric Juergens, No. 6 at 133, Doug Schwab, No. 3 at 141 and Lee Fullhart, No. 3 at 197, all advance.

Two other Hawkeyes lost in the first round, and seeded wrestlers Jamie Heidt at 157, Gabe McMahan at 174 and heavyweight Wes Hand lost in the second.

The Cowboys’ defending champions, Teague Moore at 125 and Eric Guerrero at 133, had no trouble moving on to Friday’s quarterfinals. No. 2 Reggie White at 149 also advanced. But Jimmy Arias, No. 7 at 157 and fighting a cartilage tear in his ribs, and Mark Munoz, No. 7 at 184, both lost.

Minnesota heavyweight Brock Lesnar manhandled his way into the quarterfinals with a pin in 22 seconds against Bronson Lingamfelter of Brown. He continues on a collision course with defending champion Stephen Neal of Cal State-Bakersfield, who pinned his two opponents in a total of 2:15.

No. 2 Chad Kraft at 157, No. 1 Tim Hartung at 197 and No. 4 Josh Holiday at 165 also moved on for Minnesota. Three Gophers wrestlers lost in the first round, including No. 4 Troy Marr.

Coach J Robinson said all of the team’s potential finalists advanced.

‘‘In any tournament, you have upsets,’’ he said. ‘‘Marr has been having a great year. He just went out there and did some things he shouldn’t have done. Other than that, the guys we wanted to win, won. The three guys who lost, they were wrestling scared. They weren’t wrestling to win.’’

Oklahoma has four quarterfinalists and Iowa State has five, including two top seeds, Joe Haskett at 165 and Cael Sanderson at 184, and a No. 2 seed, Cody Sanderson at 133.

The other top seeds to fall on Thursday: No. 3 Oscar Wood of Oregon St. at 149, who lost 6-4 to Marc Hoffer of American University; Boise State’s Larry Quisel, No. 4 at 157, lost to Cory Wallman of Wisconsin; and Northwestern’s Mark Bybee, No. 4 at 174, lost 7-6 to Perry Parks of Iowa State.

Former OU Quarterback Speaks Here March 26 at Teen Meeting

Eric Moore, former 1996-97 OU quarterback, will be at Word of Life Christian Center, 3401 North Union, on Friday night, March 26 to meet with teens, it was announced this week. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

A talented leader, both on and off the field, Eric is from Dallas, Texas and one of the main characters in the Sooners three-quarterback system in 1996-97. He finished the ‘97 season as OU’s third-leading rusher with 265 yards and tied for second on the squad with five touchdowns.

On the field, his leadership skills and scrambling abilities were easy to take note of. Off the field, Eric’s relationship with Jesus Christ is obvious to all as he candidly shares his source of strength and inspiration. He shares a message that meets teens right where they are, addressing relationships, dating, leadership, and character. Eric speaks of his struggles and victories that will leave teens touched to the heart.

Youth groups, athletes, and students are encouraged to attend the Friday night meeting.

Art Colum of Word of Life Christian Center urges teens to come and experience the church’s awesome teen room. It has all of the latest video games, neon lights, and a hot sound system, all in a teen friendly environment where teens can be teens.

Don’t miss this opportunity, call Colum at 762-4376 or 765-4439 for further details.