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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Monday, June 22, 1998 LOCALGays Lashing Out at Sen. Nickles For His Stand on Homosexuality Gays Lashing Out at Sen. Nickles For His Stand on HomosexualityWASHINGTON (AP) — A gay rights group is accusing Sen. Don Nickles, the Senate’s second-ranking Republican, of wrongly mixing government and religion in saying a homosexual philanthropist nominated for an ambassadorship is unqualified because he promotes ‘‘immoral behavior.’’ ‘‘This is a perfect example of religious beliefs infringing upon public policy,’’ said David Smith, a spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign, a gay political group. ‘‘In the history of this country, those that have used religion to justify bigotry have been proven wrong. We’ll have to see how all this gay-bashing will play in the November elections,’’ Smith said. The criticism came Sunday after Nickles, R-Okla., denounced President Clinton’s nomination of James Hormel of California as ambassador to Luxembourg. ‘‘He has promoted that lifestyle and promoted it in a big way, in a way that is very offensive,’’ Nickles, the Senate majority whip, said on ‘‘Fox News Sunday.’’ ‘‘One might have that lifestyle, but if one promotes it as acceptable behavior, ... I don’t think they should be a representative of this country.’’ ‘‘I think it’s immoral behavior and I think a lot of other behavior is immoral and shouldn’t be treated as acceptable behavior.’’ Nickles said. While homosexuality is a sin, so is adultery and fornication, he added. A struggle over Hormel’s nomination has been going on for months. Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., has refused to bring the matter to the Senate floor for a vote. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., criticized the delays Sunday. Hormel is ‘‘entitled to his due process,’’ she said on CNN’s ‘‘Late Edition.’’ ‘‘Yes, he happens to be gay. But all men are created equal as a matter of public policy — or should be,’’ Feinstein said. The renewed debate over Hormel followed controversy last week about comments by Lott that homosexuality is a sin. ‘‘You should still love that person,’’ Lott said on cable television’s ‘‘The Armstrong Williams Show.’’ ‘‘You should not try to mistreat them or treat them as outcasts. You should try to show them a way to deal with that problem, just like alcohol ... or sex addiction ... or kleptomaniacs.’’ The comments thrust Lott into the debate of whether homosexuals have chosen their sexual orientation or whether it is biologically predetermined. Afterward, Sen. Alfonse D’Amato, R-N.Y., criticized Lott for refusing to let Hormel’s nomination go forward. D’Amato said Lott’s only reason is that Hormel is gay. But Sen. Tim Hutchinson, R-Ark., said Sunday on CNN that Hormel’s sexual orientation really is not the issue. ‘‘I talked with Jim Hormel myself and asked him to disavow some of the groups that ridicule and disdain organized religion, the Catholic Church in particular, and he refused to do that,’’ Hutchinson said. ‘‘The question is one of suitability and whether he’s sensitive to organized religion. Luxembourg is a country that’s 97 percent Catholic.’’ Nearly NewsEnrique’s Restaurant at the Ponca City Municipal Airport is featured in the July issue of the Oklahoma Today Magazine, according to Missy Morland, coordinator of the Tourism Authority. The title of the article is “Flying High and Eating Low.” Although other restaurants are mentioned Enrique’s is the featured eatery. LettersShelter CriticizedI am writing this to inform everyone who participated in the fund-raising for the Ponca City Domestic Violence Shelter for women. I have been a woman subject to domestic violence in my life. I was in need of shelter, guidance and assistance in my life. The only thing they provided was shelter. I have seen pregnant women in danger kicked out with no place to go, because their 30 days were up. Some got extensions because they were working, but those extensions were no more than a week or so and were given less than 24 hours notice that they would be homeless if they didn’t like their option they were given. When you are in a situation that involves abuse of any kind, most of the counselors tell you that it’s not your fault. Here they give the impression that it is. There are not trained psychologists on staff for the women or the children. Most of the women go back to the batterer because of the finances or lack of support. I have not seen one person get any kind of reassuring on what they have done (The decision to leave an abusive situation). You the community raised the money for the shelter. Why? So you wouldn’t have to see women beat up and bruised, or did you want a shelter to help, support and counsel women so they can change the pattern in their lives. That would be what my intention. People who have involvement need to check into what is really happening with their money because it’s not going for the benefit of the victim. The victim is just as much a victim here as they were at home. Rhonda C. Smith Tobacco Bill, RIPI commend the U. S. Senators (especially Senator Nickles) who had the courage to kill a bad tobacco bill. It is just gratuitous hogwash for the democrats to be indignant about not getting to vote on this bill when they have used procedural methods to kill bills many times. That is the way our legislative system works and they know it. The President as usual used the “for the children” attack, one he uses to justify everything. He suggested the Senate should have voted for children — what he feels is best for our children, but the best vote for children is to stop the government takeover of business and the erosion of our rights, so future children will have a free country with a free enterprise system. We should always remember that our government was not founded to protect the individual from himself, that the overriding concern of most of our founding fathers was to protect the individual’s rights from government. I would be more confident about the future of America if we heard as much talk about freedom and individual rights as we hear about smoking. Dave White Double Standard?We tell our children about the Biblical David. Don’t we? We teach them David was brave, godly and a great leader. Don’t we? David killed a lot of people. Didn’t he? David sent one of his soldiers, Uriah, to certain death in battle, so he could have his beautiful wife, Bathsheba. Didn’t he? David already had a wife. Didn’t he? President Clinton hasn’t killed anyone. Has he? President Clinton hasn’t stolen anyone’s wife and had her husband killed. Has he? Well … Why is David held up as a great, historical hero and leader, while President Clinton is relentlessly attacked? There seem to be multiple standards for morality, religious values and family values. Aren’t there? Lowell Betow City Cheerleaders Earning Praises Again This YearBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Four cheerleading squads from the Ponca City schools attended a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Summer Camp in Stillwater May 31-June 3 at Oklahoma State University. Varsity squad members from Po-Hi received superior ribbons for cheer and chant evaluations. Squads that receive superior ribbons display strong technique, lead the crowd well, and perform with no noticeable mistakes. The squad also received a Spirit Stick, which is presented to the squads showing the most sincere spirit and enthusiasm for the day, while taking into account attitude during classes, promptness, cooperation, relationships with other squads, leadership, etc. The squad received the Herkie T.E.A.M. Award which is an award given to squads that show true team work. Eleven Po-Hi varsity members were named All-American Cheerleaders. They were: Shea Conner, Romi Foreman and Whitney Frederick, seniors; Eric Chambray, T.J. Dancey and Erin Shaw, juniors; and Amber DeWeese, Jenni Nimmo, Amie Patterson, Jacee Shepard and Kristen Young, sophomores. Six other members (including the 11 All-American Cheerleaders) were named All-American Nominees. They were: Katie Hampton and Melissa McCoy, seniors; Shannon Mersman, junior; and Jennifer Niemann and Clair Didlake, sophomores. Romi Foreman and Whitney Frederick received invitations from NCA to join the staff, and Cheryl Kinkaid received a Coaches Award Certificate for the fourth level. The squad was awarded Technique Certificates for jumps and motions, was named a Top Team Finalist, and received a bid for the NCA National Competition in Dallas, Texas. The bid was based on the home cheer evaluation. Trophies for the Champion Chant Award and Superior Award were awarded to the squad. The Champion Chant Award is awarded to teams that present a chant they learned during the week. Technical skills, as well as the ability to lead the crowd, were judged to select the winner. The Superior Award is awarded to the squad that stands out as being superior in all areas: having superior technical skills, great attitudes and displaying squad unity. Po-Hi Junior Varsity The junior varsity squad received seven Superior ribbons for the squads accomplishment of perfecting new material each day. The girls also received the “original” Spirit Stick each evening and one the last day. The Stunt Smart Award was awarded to the squad. The award is given to the squad that demonstrates excellent NCA safety standards and stunting/spotting techniques when working together in class. Other awards received were the Jump Award, which is presented to one squad for displaying skills in jumps during the home cheer, and the Herkie T.E.A.M. Award, which is given to squads that show true team work visible to other squads and to the NCA Staff. The junior varsity squad competed the final day in the Champion Chant run-off and the Top Team run-off and won both trophies in the JV division. All-American nominations were awarded to: Syndi Smith, Bryanna Cobb, Nikki Stuemky, Aubrey Kelly, Aubry Clark, Megan Potter, Natalie Holmes, Tara Nelson, Ali Walston and Lindsay Baird. Nominations are awarded to members for superior talent in jumps, tumbling, stunting, crowd skills, motion, technique, leadership and dance. Those selected for the All-American Team were: Bryanna Cobb, Aubry Clark, Natalie Holmes, Tara Nelson and Ali Walston. Lanita Aldrich, sponsor and coach, received a Coaches Award for completing the NCA Level 4 certification. Mid-High Varsity The Mid-High varsity squad received superior ratings throughout the week in cheer and chant, a Spirit Stick, a finalist for the Top Team Award, the Herkie T.E.A.M. Award, the Stunt Smart Award and received a bid to the National Competition in Dallas. All-American Nominees were: Darlin Kinkaid, Anna Stalcup, Christi Rutledge, Jennifer Stone, Jamie Prado and Alisha Dewberry. Girls that made the All-American Team were: Laura Murray, Morgan Mongold, Lacy Cobble and Desiree Franseen. Jana Gardner received a Coaches Award for completing Level I. Mid-High Junior Varsity The junior varsity squad received superior ratings in cheer and chant during evaluations, received a Spirit Stick and received a bid to the National Competition in Dallas. Merita Colaw received the Coaches Award for completing the Level 1 certification. All-American Nominees included the following: Lacey Close, Brittany Cook, Amber Irwin, Jennifer Kiser, Lindsey Mersman, Michelle Rutledge and Katherine Roland. DEATHSMary Choat Mary ChoatMary Choat, Ponca City resident, died Saturday morning, June 20, 1998, at Tender Heart Nursing Home. She was 89. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. The Rev. Steve Harden, pastor of Southside Baptist Church, will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Truman Fisher. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Tuesday. Mary (Loveall) Choat was born Feb. 18, 1909, near Greenfield, in Dade County, Mo. She was the daughter of Albert and Eppie (Johnson) Loveall. She attended school in Lockwood, Mo. She moved with her family to Lawton in the early 1920s, where she met and married her future husband Oscar Choat. The couple married on Jan. 3, 1926, in Lawton and made their home in the Perry and Red Rock areas from 1926 to 1943. Mrs. Choat was employed as a cook at the Perry Hospital and cafes in Perry during that time. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1943, when Mr. Choat began employment with Continental Oil Co. Mrs. Choat was employed as a cook in the Conoco cafeteria from 1944 until her retirement in 1974. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church and enjoyed growing flowers. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Barto (Melba Lee) Logan of Ponca City; one sister Zetta Snadon of Lockwood, Mo.; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1959; her parents; one brother; and one niece. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Choat’s name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union Street, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Research, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. The family will be at 2609 Rice Ave. ObituariesAlfred CarelOn June 21, 1998, Alfred “Pete” Carel passed away at his home after a short illness. Pete will be remembered for the love, courage, and dignity that he showed to his family and friends before and, especially, during his illness as he thought of others before himself. He will also be remembered for the determination and fortitude with which he pursued his education and career. Pete enjoyed hunting, gardening, amateur weather forecasting, debating issues (new or old), golfing with his friends and catching most of the fish in the area lakes. But he thought he might have missed a few fish here or there. Alfred “Pete” Carel was born Sept. 22, 1928, on a farm near Union City, Okla., to William and Catherine (Heutges) Carel. He graduated from Union City High School with six classmates in 1946. Pete attended El Reno Junior College and Central State College while working full-time. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1956, he joined Continental Oil Company as an assistant research scientist. He retired as a senior research associate after 36 years with Conoco. Pete amassed 13 patents and had 37 technical papers published in various scientific journals during his career. Pete and Joyce Ann Johnston were married on Nov. 17, 1956, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City. Survivors include his beloved wife, Joyce, of the home; his favorite sons, Mark W. Carel of Ponca City and Dr. Scott M. Carel of Oklahoma City; his wonderful grandson, Joshua B. Carel of Ponca City; four brothers, Cecil Carel of Okarche, James “Jim” Carel of Allen, Texas, Bob Carel of El Reno, and Lawrence Carel of Union City. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Oliver Carel, Ralph Carel and Hubert Carel. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 1998, at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Laurie Hyde officiating. A private family committal will be held at a later date. Arrangements are made under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. Friends may call pay their respects at the funeral home until 8 p.m. on Monday, June 22. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pete’s memory to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK, 74601 or to the First United Methodist Church of Ponca City, Sixth and Central, Ponca City, 74601. Pete’s family will be at the home at 1621 Meadowbrook. They each extend special thanks to all those who offered friendship, help, support and prayers during a difficult time. paid obituary Perry L. EalickPerry L. Ealick, Ponca City resident, died late Wednesday evening, June 17, 1998, at his home. He was 61. A graveside service was to be held at 1 p.m. today, June 22, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ponca City. A memorial service was to follow at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Kent Dorsey, pastor and the Rev. Chuck Heyer, associate pastor, officiating. Services are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Perry was born on Jan. 24, 1937, in Ponca City to Adah (Arft) Ealick Faubion and Harold Ealick. He attended schools in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School. Perry was later selected to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduation from the academy he went on to serve in the United States Navy for four years. He was later employed as a communication engineer for NASA in Houston, Texas. He moved back to Ponca City after his retirement to be close to his family. Perry was a member of the First Christian Church were he sang in the choir. His hobbies included singing and his love for boats. He is preceded in death by his mother Adah Faubion and stepfather Wayne Faubion. Survivors include his father Harold Ealick of Ponca City, two sons, Greg Ealick of Baltimore, Md., and Wayne Ealick of Webb City; one sister, Ann Crowder of Rock Island, Mich.; one brother, Gary Faubion of Ponca City; one half-brother, Steve Ealick; and two half-sisters, Marilyn Wise and Beverly McCormick. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Legion Children’s Home, 1300 Summers Place, Ponca City, OK 74604. The family is at 1933 Mary Street. paid obituary Services PendingCecil D. SneedCecil D. Sneed, former Ponca City area resident, died Sunday, June 22, 1998, at the Hospice of St. John in Lakewood, Colo. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home in Ponca City. NEWS BRIEFSPrimeTimer Picnic — A PrimeTimer picnic is scheduled Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge. Games, food, music and prizes are being offered. Call Kate Morton, 762-5651, for more information. Golden Villa Fund Raiser Set — Golden Villa and El Chico will join forces on Tuesday for a fun fund raiser evening from 5 to 10 p.m. at 900 East Prospect, where Tex-Mex began. Ponca Citians are urged to join with Golden Villa for a good time, good eating and financial boost. Knife Assault — At 6:18 a.m. Saturday a woman in the 300 block of South Peachtree Street called police after receiving knife wounds from a woman who’d threatened her. An officer was assigned. Vehicle Vandalism — At 8 a.m. Saturday police were notified of two incidents of vandalism to vehicles, one at Oklahoma Casting, 2501 North Ash Street, and one at 2201 North Ash Street. Reports were taken. Minor Accident — A minor accident in the 100 block of South Second Street was reported to police at 9:27 a.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned. Vehicle Fire — Fire units responded to a vehicle fire in the 700 block of North Lake Street at 9:55 a.m. Saturday. The fire was extinguished. Break-In — At 11:32 a.m. Saturday a break-in at Fort Knox Mini Storage, 1301 East Prospect Avenue, was reported. An officer was assigned. Accident — A minor accident in a parking lot in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported at 12:04 p.m. Saturday. A report was taken. Juvenile Shoplifter — At 1:16 p.m. Saturday police were advised that a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody in the 2800 block of North Fourteenth Street for petit larceny. Accident — Police were called to the scene of a accident at North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue at 1:33 p.m. Saturday. A report was taken. Ladder Theft — At 1:48 p.m. Saturday a man in the 2200 block of Garden Street reported a stolen ladder. An officer was assigned. Possum Dip — A possum was reported in a children’s swimming pool in the 400 block of East Brookfield Avenue at 2:26 p.m. Saturday. Accident — At 2:49 p.m. Saturday an accident at West Otoe Avenue and South Washington Street was reported at 2:49 p.m. Saturday. Boat Fire — At 4:22 p.m. Saturday a boat reportedly exploded at McFadden Cove Marina, throwing five people into the water. An ambulance responded however no one was taken to the hospital. Garage Fire — Fire units responded to a fire in a garage in the 1200 block of West Hazel Avenue at 5:29 p.m. Saturday. The fire was extinguished. Peeping Tom — At 6:15 p.m. Saturday extra patrol was requested in the 100 block of West Albany Avenue due to a window peeper. House Fire — A house fire in the 1900 block of Mary Street was reported at 8:16 p.m. Saturday. The fire was extinguished. Accident — At 8:54 p.m. Saturday a two-vehicle accident in a parking lot in the 2500 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Arrest — Police arrested a 38-year-old man at 9:12 p.m. Saturday from the 300 block of South Ash Street for tampering with public utilities. Accident and Arrest — A 76-year-old woman was arrested from the scene of an accident in the 800 block of North Osage Avenue at 10:36 p.m. Saturday. Assault — At 12:59 a.m. Sunday police were called to the 500 block of South Tenth Street where a man and his wife were reportedly assaulted. An assault and battery report was taken. House Destruction — Police were called to the 700 block of Marland Drive at 2:47 a.m. Sunday after a woman called to report that her house windows and vehicle windows and windshield had been broken. A destruction of private property was taken. Beer Theft — At 5:30 a.m. Sunday police were notified that a 12-pack of beer had been stolen from the Citgo at South Fourth Street and East South Avenue. A report was taken. Burglary — Police were notified at 7:20 a.m. Sunday of an auto burglary at Jay’s Auto, 1114 North Waverly Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Gas Drive-Off — At 5:10 p.m. Sunday police were advised of a $13 gas drive-off at Conoco, 3305 North Fourteenth Street. A report was taken. Rocks Thrown — At 6:43 p.m. Sunday police received two calls of children throwing rocks at vehicles at East South Avenue extension and Pecan Road. An officer was assigned, the kids were located and then warned against throwing rocks. Bike Theft — A woman in the 1000 block of South Fifth Street called police at 9:32 p.m. Sunday to report a bike theft. An officer was assigned. Business Vandalism — At 10:20 p.m. Sunday police took a destruction of private property report after being notified that a trash can had been thrown through the window of Skaggs Rental, 202 North Pine Street. Arrests — Police arrested a 38-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman at 3:07 a.m. Monday from the 2200 North Fourteenth Street for domestic assault and battery. LIFESTYLESCouple Marks 50 Years Couple Marks 50 YearsMr. and Mrs. Edwin D. Williams, 1612 Trio Lane, will be honored June 27 on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They are celebrating 50 years along with Israel, which became a nation on the day the couple wed: May 14, 1948 at the Wesleyan Methodist Church. A reception, hosted by the honorees’ children and grandchildren, will be held 2-4 p.m. at the Ponca City Cultural Center. An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend the event. Williams retired from Conoco in 1985 after 39 years of service. He enjoys working with his cattle and riding his horse. He toured Israel in January. Mrs. Williams, a 1945 graduate of Ponca City High School, retired from Norman L. Shaffer and Company in 1993. She enjoys sewing and crafts. The couple also enjoys traveling. Their children and families are Gloria and Steve Shelley, Mark, Brian and Laura of Houston, Texas; Doug and Melody Williams, Heidi, Douglas and Nathan of Enterprise, Ore., and Craig and Annette Williams, Lee, Abigail and Kelly of Ponca City. Bottoms-Pressnall Wedding May 30Alysa Kay Bottoms and Darren Pressnall were married May 30, 1998 in a 2 p.m. ceremony at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. The double ring vows were solemnized by the bride’s grandfather, the Rev. Lester Lee Bottoms of Wagoner. The bride is the daughter of Carl and Carol Bottoms, 508 Wren Drive, and the bridegroom is the son of Rick and Paulette Cross, 1931 Turner Road, and Wilbur and Sharon Pressnall, 1110 Young Avenue. Grandparents of the bride are Lester and Verna Bottoms of Wagoner and Vivian Conaway of Aline. Nettie McCluskey of Tulsa is the bride’s great-grandmother. In information received by the News the bridegroom’s grandparents were listed incorrectly. Apologies to those special people in the groom’s life. His grandparents are Paul and June Hutson of Cherokee, Richard and Vivian Cross of Ponca City and Leslie Pressnall of Mooreland. Rowe Reunion At Ponca ParkThe descendants of Levi Calvin and Jennie Rowe met at a Lake Ponca Park shelterhouse for a reunion June 6. Attending were Wilma and Everett Rowe of Naples, Fla., Nancy Whitworth of Austin, Texas, Deanna Kroeger of Boulder, Colo., Martha and JoAnn Rowe of Burbank, Carol Ann Rowe of Ponca City and Richard and Ruth Rowe of Corpus Christi, Texas. Also Homie, RaeLynn, Corey, Cole and Richard Rowe of Lake Jackson, Texas, Jerry, Adrina and DeWayne Rowe of Austin, Texas, Carl and Molly Fisher of Breckenridge, Colo., Gina and Erica Comeaux of Freeport, Texas, Vickie and Dennis Poulson, Tex Rowe, Mildred Rowe, Clifton and Evelyn Rowe, all of Ponca City. Also Jared and Astrid and Michael Rowe, Thomas, Cathy and Christopher Painter of Austin, Texas, Stephen and Karen Painter of Dallas, Texas, Jon and Marie Rowe of Broomfield, Colo., Chris Rowe of Los Angeles, Calif., Jenifer Nichols of Tampa, Fla. Visitors were Doris Mires of Ponca City, Insa Jurgsties of Heddersheim, Germany, Jeanette Hales of Cleveland, Texas, Eric Taylor of Freeport, Texas. Two Recognized For MembershipLaureate Mu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met recently for a supper at the Slief home, 2412 Wildwood. This was the last meeting of the chapter year. Meetings will resume in September. Those present were Pat and Wayne Smith of Kaw City, Edna Borrer, Lyndall Kanelakos, Mary Thiessen and the Sliefs. Edna Borrer was honored with a certificate from International recognizing her 64-year membership in Beta Sigma Phi. Mary Thiessen had received her 64-year membership recognition at the Founder’s Day Banquet in April. Both were charter members of the first Ponca City chapter, which was organized in 1934. Little NewsJerry and Lorri Patterson, Wichita, Kan., announce the birth of a son, Silas Quentin, at 3:55 a.m. June 22, 1998, in Wichita’s ViaChristi Medical Center, (St. Francis Hospital). The boy weighed 7-pounds, 6-ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. Grandparents include Saul and Carroll Kreutzer, Great Bend, Kan.; Elwyn and Evelyn Hammerschmidt, Hoisington; and Bob and Sue Patterson, Ponca City; and a great-grandmother Mildred Patterson, El Dorado, Kan. Silas Quentin has a sister, Marleese Hope, 18 months. Silas Quentin was actually delivered by his father in the parking lot of Wichita Fire Station District No. 3, 32nd Street and Broadway, en route to the hospital and mother and newborn were transported via ambulance to ViaChristi said proud grandfather Bob Patterson, City Editor of The Ponca City News. An interview with the couple was shown on Channel 12. Jerry Patterson is music minister at Riverlawn Christian Church. SPORTSMonday Evening Quarterback Monday Evening Quarterbackby FRED HILTON Sports Editor Ponca City Kids, Inc., completed Sunday the first of five “National Invitational Tournaments,” continuing its efforts to give local, area, state and even national age bracket softball and baseball teams a wholesome environment for competition. The NIT 10-and-Under Girls Class B Fast Pitch Tournament ended a four-day run at the Ray Lessert Field complex with Oklahoma teams dominating the 18-team field. The Country Sluggers of Henryetta took first place in the double elimination tournament with the Broken Arrow Angels second and the Oklahoma Stars of Edmond third. The Manford Fireballs won the consolation bracket with the Attitudes of Midwest City taking the runner up trophy. Ponca City had one entry in the tournament, the Angels With an Attitude. “This tournament is for teams which have players who are just starting to play softball,” Marry Miller, American Softball Association District 4 Commissioner, explained. That is the premise Kids, Inc. was built upon — giving youngsters a place and a good atmosphere in which to compete. It is somewhat different that what the organization started out to be, according to Miller. “We were incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1964,” Miller notes. “But there was baseball being played there even before that. “Ray Lessert donated the land for the field on which a Ponca City semipro team could play.” While the semipro team is long gone, Kids, Inc., has developed into one of the premiere age bracket organizations in the state. It offers softball and baseball for players age 5 through 16. In the recreational leagues that fill the several fields at the complex during the summer, there are eight 5-6 age bracket boys coach-pitch baseball teams, six 7-8 baseball teams, five girls’ 8-and-under coach-pitch softball teams, 10 girls’ 10-and-under fast pitch teams and five boys’ 10-and-under teams (which also draw teams from Fairfax, Shidler, Tonkawa and Blackwell). There are seven 12 and under fast pitch teams and seven 16 and under fast pitch teams. With at least 12 players per team, a quick exercise in addition shows there are 53 teams giving over 600 kids a chance to play. “We try to limit the number of players on each team to 12,” Miller says, “because in the recreational leagues all of the players get equal playing time. But we will not turn away a player.” New this year is a 13-16 age slow pitch coed softball league. It has four teams, but is expected to grow quickly. “That (coed) league is a hoot,” Miller explains. “The kids are really having fun. We plan to offer the league again in the fall and feel like there should be several more teams then.” A quick look at the active age bracket teams shows a gap in players in the 11 to 16 age boys. That is a major concern for Miller and Kids, Inc. “Kids that age need to be involved in sports,” Miller says. “It keeps them out of trouble. Most of the boys in that age group who play now go over to the Junior Baseball leagues “It is a problem having two organizations and so few kids that age who will play. That is one of the reasons we started the coed league for those kids.” It is also a concern for high school coaches who see a loss of players and playing time for youngsters just before they hit the high school and American Legion teams “We are going to try to get more boys in that age bracket involved. They need to be playing,” Miller promises. The recreational leagues run from May to about the first of July. There are also several competitive traveling team — two in the 10-and-under age group, two (one from Blackwell) in the 12-and-under play and a new 14-and-under team. The other NIT events scheduled for Ray Lessert Field are 10 and 12 and under baseball tournaments June 26-28. An 8-and-under Control Pitch Baseball Tournament is set for July 10-12. The fourth annual ASA 8-and-under Control-Pitch Softball National on July 23-26 . “We are a volunteer organization,” Miller stresses. “We have a lot of parents — and a lot of adults who don’t have kids playing — who are out there as coaches and officials. They make this thing work.” Legion Routs Another FoeBy MATTHEW KOENIG News Sports Writer ARKANSAS CITY — Short but sweet, that’s the way they like ‘em. The American Legion majors team added another abbreviated run-rule win to their record, Sunday, blasting past the Wichita Bluejays, 11-2, in six innings. After slumbering through a 5-2 loss to Chanute, Kansas, in the morning, the decisive win gave the Royals an impressive third place finish in the Ark City Tournament. Though the loss ended their win-streak at five games, the Royals — still two games off the .500 mark at 12-14 — showed their winning ways are far from over. “This was a great, great tournament for us,” said coach Jack Shears. “These kids are really coming around. They’re learning what it takes to win. We didn’t wake up there this morning and we made a few mental errors, but they did a good job of coming back.” With just four hits in the morning game — three of those coming off the bat of third baseman Jason Neff — the Royals took the afternoon off and came back with a fury, getting 14 hits from all but one in the line-up. A clutch performance by Toby Red Leaf completed what was a string of impressive outings by Ponca City pitchers in the tournament. Red Leaf gave up nine hits to the Bluejays, but struck out eight and walked just two. A bases-loaded strikeout to end the third inning and two consecutive bases-loaded strikeouts to end the fifth were among the Ponca City hurler’s accomplishments. For the game, the Bluejays stranded a total of 10 runners on base. After taking a tenuous, 5-2 lead after five innings, six of the Poncans’ 14 hits resulted in six runs in the top of the sixth inning to make the run-rule possible. In that inning, after Red Leaf got on with a fielders’ choice, an error to Justin Thomas by the Wichita shortstop put two men on. Neff then forced another error by punching a ball between the shortstop’s legs to send in Red Leaf, and a rip to left field by first baseman Dean Hemenway loaded the bases. Second baseman Wes Murrie then came through by dropping a shot into right field for an RBI. Left fielder Marc Smith kept things rolling by sending the first pitch from Wichita reliever John Daily up the middle to score another, and centerfielder Daniel Denny — who finished the game 3-for-4 with 4 RBIs — blasted one to left field to add two more. An RBI single by pinch hitter Evan Rupp at the bottom of the order gave way to Spears, who slammed a ball straight into the third baseman’s glove. The third baseman then picked off Rupp for the double play. That ominous end to the inning would come to naught, however. After a strikeout by Red Leaf, a base hit by Wichita lead off hitter Glen Miller led to a double play on two-hole hitter Eric Swan to end the game. Other than Denny, Smith went 3-for-4, while Hemenway went 3-for-3 with an RBI. In the morning game, though Chanute got just six hits off pitcher Hemenway — who struck out seven — the Poncans’ couldn’t keep up. After Chanute upped the ante to 5-0 in the top of the sixth with two runs, the Royals seemed to wake up — or, at least, Neff woke up. A walk to Red Leaf put one on base, and Neff — who went a perfect 3-for-3 — responded with a 2 RBI, into-the-wind home run over the left field wall. Hemenway then got a bases-loaded strikeout in the top of the seventh, but the Poncans couldn’t make the come-back, going 3-and-out to end the game. The Royals continue their campaign to even their record on Wednesday, traveling to Putnam City for a double header. Chanute 5, Ponca City 2 Chanute 210 002 0 — 5 6 1 Ponca City 000 002 0 — 2 4 1 Lucke and Alonzo; Hemenway and Spears Ponca City 11, Wichita Bluejays 2 Ponca City 014 006 — 11 14 1 Wichita 002 000 — 2 9 5 Red Leaf and Spears; Koehn, Dailey (6) and Spears. Golf NotesWLGA The Wentz Ladies Golf Association will hold Guest Day Tuesday. Participants will meet at 8 a.m. and tee off at 8:30. Last week’s Winners were: Championship — Montala Renfro President’s — Irene Heppler A — Georgia Bratcher C — Joy Asbury Low Putts — Heppler PCCC-WGA The Ponca City Country Club Women’s Golf Association will hold Ladies Day play Tuesday. In last week’s Guest Day play: 1 — (60) Ruth Lyhane and Bonnie Waltrip 2 — (61) Fay Johnson and Doris Langley 3 — (61) Betty Wyatt and Jeri Barnes 4 — (64) Carolyn Renfro and Phillis Potter Closest To Hole No. 6 — Bonnie Waltrip Straightest Drive No. 10 — Frosty Erkenbeck In the Wednesday Playday Low Net on Even Holes: 1 — Lana Jones 2 — Cheryl Fletcher PCCC Scotch Foursome 1 — (32) David and Diana Mills 2 — (33) Don and Carol Bouldin 2 — (33) Barbara and Ted Impson 4 — (34) Barbara and John King 4 — (34) Lu and Frank Reyher 4 — (34) Rilla and Charlie Cobb Closest To Hole No. 6 — Carol Bouldin Wentz Dream Drive Scramble 1 — (117) Pete Robyler, Paul Taylopr, Stan Bowman, L:oren Rucker 2 — (117) Phil Carey. Dennis McCeary, Carl Reutter, Dale Sligar 3 — (119) Aaron Gard, Jack Stanger, Tony Underwood, Ron Mersman 4 — (120) John Clarkm Russell Shupe, George Mefford, Steve McConnell Copyright © Ponca City News, 1998 |