From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
July 24, 1997
LOCAL
EDF Board Dissolving As Contract Expires
Writing Class Set Saturday At Mansion
Police Busy From String Of Thefts
Woman Out On Bond
Chamber News
Ponca City Elks Honored During National Convention
101 Wild West Rodeo Retains Pro Announcer
Letters
Services Friday For Stillwater Publisher
Continue Using Fire Department Numbers
DEATHS
Melvin Leon Scott II
Eunice Lee Kihega
Obituaries
Sarah Elizabeth Daily
Services Pending
Aletha Campbell
NEWS BRIEFS
GARDENING
Garden Guide
SPORTS
District Legion Playoffs Begin Tonight
Final Regular Season PC Legion Leaders
8-Under Softball Tourney Starting
Golf Notes
Relatively Speaking
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Ponca City Economic Development Foundation (EDF) this morning unanimously voted to dissolve. The former officers are to act as a part of a transition team to smoothly dispose of the assets and work with the City and the Chamber on other details.
The action came about due to the combining of resources by the City of Ponca City and the Chamber of Commerce to hire an executive director to head both economic development and the Chamber. Jan Jarrett, formerly of Stillwater, has been hired to fill this position.
Pat Mulligan, who has chaired the EDF the past year, told The News, "The important thing in our total focus is making sure that we have a clear transition so that the ball will not be dropped with the companies we are working with to develop additional jobs, whether they are existing industries or new industries that are continuing to look at Ponca City."
Mulligan added, "So in that transition, the Economic Foundation has authorized the officers to act as a transition to determine what we do with the assets of the foundation so we can transition to the new organization without the ball being dropped."
The executive officers in addition to Mulligan are Barry Bickle, George Paczkowski and Tom Quillin.
It appears likely at this point an economic development advisory committee will be appointed. Members of existing advisory boards of the City are appointed by the mayor.
Jarrett, who was in attendance, will be meeting with the EDF transition committee to help determine the steps to be taken to dissolve the foundation. He will also be meeting with City Manager Gary Martin to develop a "game plan." Jarrett, Larry Felix (Chamber chairman), and Bill Rodgers (interim EDF director), met earlier in the week with the City Commission for input.
Members of the board at the time of dissolution were Mulligan, Bickle, Paczkowski, Quillin, Linda Brown, Clement Collogan, Rodgers, and Gary Martin. Ex-officio members were Mayor Marilyn Andrews and City Commissioner Dick Stone. Martin, Andrews and Stone were absent. As of June 30 the contract between the City and EDF expired.
Assets of EDF include the TIMI corporation, which has been used for tax purposes. There was a suggestion this could perhaps be transferred to Pioneer Technology Center. Other assets include a fund balance of $66,885, of which $16,000 is listed as "non city monies."
The City signed an agreement with the Chamber for $115,000 for economic development operations, which includes a portion of the director's salary. Patti Lowther of the EDF staff was recognized for her work with EDF for the past five years. She was presented a plaque by Mulligan. Lowther has accepted a position elsewhere.
Rodgers, a retired banker who has been serving as an interim director for EDF since Don Wood, former director left, reported on prospects.
He told of the contacts with a Kansas company that would employ between 80 and 100; the ongoing contact with a firm that would employ about 200 at the space available at Conoco and another firm looking at the Whirlpool property. He praised Bill Lundeen at Conoco for his work in promoting the use of the available space at Conoco.
Rodgers also presented a letter to send to John Sykes of Sykes Enterprises Incorporated for locating a second site here. The value of the incentives - including land, tax abatement, permit waivers, the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Act, CDBG grant, and the TIPS program at Pioneer Technology Center - have a value of more than $5 million. Sykes had requested $2 million in upfront money, which is not forthcoming.
"Business is good in Ponca City," Rodgers said as he related calling on several established industries with each of them having some type of expansion or other need that could benefit from EDF assistance.
Carolyn D. Wall, writing instructor at the current Arts Adventure workshop at the Marland Estate is offering a class to local writers Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost for the workshop is $42. Pre-enrollment to assure a place in the class may be made by calling Suzanne Robinson at 765-4169.
"How to Write What You Feel," will be the theme of the workshop. According to Wall "Writing is a matter of heart. It gets in the bloodstream, it gnaws at the belly sometimes, like Rapunzel, it hides in the tower or is banished to a desk drawer. This is your opportunity to take it out, shake it out and grow as a writer or a teacher of writing."
The intense workshop will cover journaling, beginning and intermediate fiction, feature writing, personal experience, travel and how-to articles. Also marketing, including the latest markets, publications, competitions, time lines, payscales and editors' expectations.
Other items to be discussed include "What Do I Mean and How Do I Say It?" "How Journaling Can Lead to a Dozen Types of Non-fiction" "What Good Fiction Is and Where it Comes From," "Characters, Settings, Trouble, Trouble, Trouble," "How To Get Started, Keep Going, and Finish Every Time," "Who's Buying What, When, From Whom, and What Are They Paying?" and writer's support, talent, style, titles, pen names and more.
Wall is a full-time freelance writer and photographer in Oklahoma City where she teaches Short Story Writing I and II, Feature Writing and How to Write What You Feel classes. She is also on staff and writes regularly for the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in their publications "Persimmon Hill," "The Ketchpen" and "Howdy Pardners." Wall is co-author and editor of "Braced Against the Wind," about the Murrah Building bombing.
Wall will also critique written manuscripts for those who want to bring them to the workshop. Wall charges $8 for the service. Interested writers should also bring a SASE with the manuscript, so the copy may be returned to the author at a later date. For more information about manuscript critiques call (405) 848-3096.
Enrolled students should bring a notebook and pencil to the workshop. Coffee and donuts will be served and worksheets and informational handouts will be distributed.
The Ponca City Police Department has been busier than usual lately due to a string of both business burglaries and auto thefts that have occurred throughout June and July.
In the past week police have responded to a series of business burglaries in the 600 block of East Brookfield Avenue and the 700 block of East Hartford Avenue that resulted in losses of both cash and inventory. All occurred within four days of one another.
No arrest have been made in the burglaries. "These burglaries may or may not have been committed by the same person or group of people," Ponca City Police Chief Raymond Ham said.
And although police have solved the majority of the recent string of vehicle thefts they continue to occur. According to Ponca City police detective sergeant Richard Brown the vehicle thefts are being reported mainly on the west side of town.
Recently nine vehicle thefts have been solved with the arrest of five juveniles ages 13-17. Police also recovered the vehicles involved. Over one third of them sustained damage.
The police department requests that anyone having information regarding any of these crimes to contact crime stoppers at 762-5100.
PAWHUSKA - An Osage County woman arrested Tuesday on murder charges has been released on a $25,000 bond.
Christine Scott, 9701 East US 60, was arrested and booked into Osage County jail on first degree murder, charged with the shooting her husband, Melvin Scott, Jr.
According to Ponca City police reports the woman first said she was "just playing around" and then changed her story saying that her husband had threatened to hit and shoot her so she took the gun and shot him.
Osage County Sheriff Russell Cottle said that his office received a 911 call from the Ponca City Police Department around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday reporting a shooting eight miles east of Ponca City. When police and rescue units arrived at the home Scott was dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
According to Wes Penland Chief Deputy of the Osage County Sheriff's Department the Osage County district attorney had requested a $100,000 bond be set for Scott but the judge set bail at $25,000.
Scott is scheduled for formal arraignment on Friday at the Osage County Courthouse and has retained her own lawyer.
Public Relations Workshop Set
Have you ever had a tough time figuring out how to promote your special events? You've thought about using a P.S.A., but you weren't sure what it was. And, the pictures you take at your meetings and activities are fuzzy and unusable.
Well, the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce has the solutions to these problems and other useful information about public relations.
The "Media Blitz" workshop, sponsored by the Communications Committee of the Chamber, is scheduled for Aug. 6 at the Marland Estate Conference Center Chapel. The workshop is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and will give information on how to write news releases and public service announcements (P.S.A.s) as well as list helpful tips about how to take photographs. Other topics related to public relations will also be discussed, including advertising in the newspaper and telephone books and getting your information on the Internet.
This event is designed to help non-profit organizations, small businesses, civic organizations and other groups get ideas about how to promote the many activities scheduled throughout the year.
Lunch will be provided and there is no registration fee for Chamber members (non-member cost is $50).
After lunch, a panel discussion will be held featuring local newspaper, radio and other media representatives. The panel will be discussing what they look for when deciding what news to cover. A question and answer session with panel representatives is also scheduled.
The workshop is scheduled to conclude by 3 p.m. Please call Lisa Coy at 765-4400 to make your reservation by noon on Monday, Aug. 4.
Upcoming Events
10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30 - R & R Spirits Ribbon Cutting, 3517 Lake Road
Noon Tuesday, Aug. 5 - Health & Medical Meeting, SJRMC Conference B
8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, "G.P.T.B.", Chamber Conference Room
11:45 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 - Education Meeting, Chamber Conference Room
The Ponca City Elks Club was recently honored at the 133rd National Convention of the BPO Elks of the U.S.A. held in Chicago, Ill.
According to Bill Hansch, spokesperson for the group, the total value of the Elks' philanthropic works was $133 million and includes youth athletic and drug education programs, aid for people with disabilities, college scholarships, cancer and transplantation research and veterans service. Ponca City Elks annual contribution is in excess of $2,500 each year, said a local officer, Red Coatney.
A highlight of the convention was an address by Gen. Barry R. McCaffrey, director of the White House Office of National Drug control policy, who praised the efforts of the Elks.
Also speaking to the conventioneers was overall winner of the Elks National "Hoop Shoot" free throw contest Leon Lopez, age 9, of Santa Fe, N.M. and Amber Langston, 12, of Tampa, Fla. More than three million kids from 8 to 13 participated in the 1997 program. Also on the program where the top two winners in the Elks National Foundation's "Most Valuable Student" scholarship contest. Each student will receive a four-year $20,000 scholarship. The Foundation annually awards, $2.1 million in college scholarships based on academics, leadership and need.
Throughout the convention the 2,200 local lodges were hailed for their support of the Order's national programs, as well as their own local programs. "Our goal this year is to continue strengthening America," said national leader Carlon O'Malley. "The 1.3 million members of our local lodges, led by their exalted leaders will be our bricks and mortar."
Ponca City lodge treasurer Red Coatney said, "We have always been proud to support the programs of the National Order of Elks and will continue to contribute to those vital programs."
The BPO Elks of the USA is headquartered at 2750 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago Ill, 60614-1889 and their web site address is http://www.elks.org.
Here's a switch.
During the week, he calls the shots in the tense, sterile arena of a hospital operating room.
But on weekends, Dr. Lynn Phillips trades his stethoscope and surgical greens for a silver hat, a silver belt buckle and a silk bandana and picks up a microphone as a professional rodeo announcer.
The weekly switch in professions comes as naturally to him as the switch from his Okla-Tex drawl to the resonating tone of the man on the 6 o'clock news that brings a sellout rodeo crowd to its feet.
Phillips is the announcer for the 101 Wild West Rodeo coming up Aug. 13-16 in Ponca City.
Remembering Charles Kuralt
Charles Kuralt
He was given many awards and sheaves of accolades in great halls resplendent in shimmering silk, glittering diamonds and echoing of fine crystal but he kept us reminded of how this land really dresses and still uses a tin cup to drink from. He was America's tour guide to the finest places on forgotten roads and cul de sacs of American life. He traveled slowly, stopped frequently and saw the art, music and poetry we all live among. In this coast to coast mural outside our doors he talked with us about this wonderfully metaphoric life we share, from our children at play to our oldest citizen's still bright aspirations. He reminded us of life's plain song and told us of people who knew some verses to it that we haven't heard or have long forgotten. He met folks who invent things people need point out things we've always wanted to see and others that just lend a hand to people who need help.
He was admired by many and will be missed from Beacon Hill to Knob Hill, from Sweet Home to Bugtussle
Whether or not we can afford to travel the roads he travel led he has made us richer by taking us to an overlook to a most profound truth. The condition of the road we're on matters little, it is our view that makes this a good life.
Robert McClung
Supports Board Decision
I am so tired of reading the put-down letters to The News about our school system not having Driver's Education anymore. I feel we need to understand why. At least we were one of the last ones to give it up.
I would bet that all these people complaining would also be the same ones that would not be willing to do fund raisers, as does the football team, band, etc. Why? Because it is a one-semester class. Right?
If one wants to complain, make suggestions instead of putting other classes down. Can you imagine a school without a band? Without a football team? Without a baseball team? I don't think so. We, as parents, can teach our children the rights and wrongs of driving, but we cannot teach them a sport like a school can.
I had to write and support the school board's decision.
I would have to say, we, as parents, have a whole lot of other important things to worry about. Let's give the board a break. Thank you.
Kendal Hunter
STILLWATER (AP) - Services will be held Friday for Rick Bellatti, associate publisher of the Stillwater NewsPress.
Bellatti, 46, died Tuesday of an apparent heart attack. He collapsed after getting out of his car to take a picture of children at a youth shelter.
Bellatti was the son of newspaper co-publisher J.R. ''Jim'' Bellatti and the nephew of co-publisher L.F. ''Chub'' Bellatti.
His funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater.
Due to the recent move of Ponca City fire department personnel the city clerk's office is apparently receiving phone calls intended for the fire department.
According to a fire department secretary departmental phone calls are being made to the city clerk's office instead of the non-emergency fire department phone number.
All phone calls regarding non-emergency departmental matters should be
made to 767-0361.
DEATHS
Melvin Leon "Mel" Scott II, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, July 22, 1997, at his home. He was 33.
The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the Trout Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. John J. Michalicka, pastor, St. Mary's Catholic church, officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.
Melvin Leon "Mel" Scott II was born May 30, 1964, in Duncan, the son of Melvin Leon and Lonnie Ruth "Ginger" (Pryor) Scott Sr. He attended school in Oklahoma and graduated from high school in California.
He was married to Christy Coffelt in Miami, Okla., in August 1996. Scott was an equipment operator for CMS construction Co. He was an active member of the American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, the Moose Lodge, and the Professional Rodeo Circuit Association.
Survivors include his wife, Christy, of the home; one son, Daniel and one daughter, Jacquelyn Scott, both of Jacksonville, Fla.; one step-daughter, Duan McEnany of Ponca City; his parents, Melvin L. and Jean Anne Scott Sr. of Ponca City and Ginger and Bobby Devin of Azusa, Calif; one brother, David L. Scott of Ponca City; two sisters, Gina Cruz of Somis, Calif., and Annette Newcomb of Ulysses, Kan.; a maternal grandmother, Mary Biocca of Somis, Calif.; and step-grandparents, Mel and Lenora Crisp of Ponca City.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Bruce Ty Wayne Scott; paternal grandparents, Bert and Lola Scott; and maternal grandfather, L.D. Pryor.
Casket bearers will be Ryan Scott, Kirby Abney, Jim Richardson, Rick Shoemaker, Mark Richardson, and Tony Shoemaker.
Eunice Lee (Roy) Kihega, longtime Ponca City area resident, died early Wednesday morning, July 23, 1997, at her home. She was 57.
A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. today at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. A traditional Indian feast will be held at the church at noon Saturday, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. The Rev. Ted Freeman, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Eunice Lee (Roy) Kihega was born Jan. 2, 1940, in Pawnee, the daughter of Louis and Angeline (Makes Noise) Roy Sr. She attended Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kan., before returning to Ponca City to graduate from the Ponca City High School in 1957.
On Oct. 17, 1970, she was married to Ron Kihega in Salem, Ore. Mrs. Kihega was employed by the Ponca Tribe and as a teacher's aide for the Marland Schools for several years. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed sewing, beading and spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Ron Kihega of the home; her daughter, Marian LeClair of Marland; two sisters, Barbara Rhodd of Ponca City and Almeda Harris of Stroud; three grandsons; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, one brother and one granddaughter.
Casket bearers will be Vernon Rhodd Jr., John Thorton, Joseph C. LeClair and Richard Goulden.
Sarah Elizabeth Daily, 2204 John, died Monday, July 21, 1997, 9:27 p.m. at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after enjoying an evening of dancing with her friends. She was 91.
The funeral service will be Friday, 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Monty Fey, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born Jan. 20, 1906, at Newkirk, she was the daughter of William Eddward and Louisa Behara Andrew. She attended Newkirk schools, graduating from high school there.
On March 1, 1927, she married E.C. (Bill) Daily at Newkirk. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1934 when Mr. Daily came to work for the Midwest Creamery. He later retired from Conoco as plant foreman in the refinery. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary prior to his death on March 26, 1992.
Sarah, a homemaker, was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed quilting, making and collecting antique clocks and dolls, flower gardening, and dancing with the Seniors Club.
Survivors will include two sons, Donald E. Daily, Ponca City, and Charles "Toby" Daily, Broomfield, Colo.; six grandchildren, Cynthia Lee Daily Schwartzman, Aurora, Colo., Cathleen Louise Daily Stirewalt, Ponca City, Chris Edward Daily, Aurora, Colo., Joy Daily Chitwood, Fallon, Nev., Joni Daily Bettge, Broomfield, Colo., and Kimberly Daily Matagora, Eugene, Ore.; 11 great-grandchildren; her brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Helen Andrew, Zionsville, Ind.; and a sister-in-law, Wilma Andrew, Arkansas City, Kan. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Charles and Walter Andrew.
Casket bearers will be Don Hammett, Cecil Robinson, Leonard Zemp, Lloyd Stoops, Tom Cleveland, and Bill Carmichael.
Honorary casketbearers will be Omer Bottrell, Charles Bussey, Darrell Dorman, Velta Miller, Jim and Maxine Morgan, Bernard Behara, Andy and Lois Clark, Guy and Eileen Prather, Elsie Timmons, and members of the Senior Dance Club.
Memorials may be made to Golden Villa Center, 615 W. Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 2405 Robin Road.
paid obituary
Aletha Campbell, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, July 23,
1997, at Edmond. She was 71. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial
Chapel, Ponca City.
NEWS BRIEFS
Authors to Meet - Meet and learn from area authors at a special celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Brace Books and More. Northern Oklahoma Wordsmiths writing club is sponsoring the special celebration of local authors, who will sign copies of their books and provide information about publishing their books and other writing tips.
Williams Does Internship - Karen Williams, a Sociology major at Oklahoma State University, is completing her internship requirement by volunteering at the Northern Oklahoma Youth Services and Birth Choice this summer. Karen has only good things to say about the valuable knowledge she is receiving at both places, and points out their dedication is a benefit to everyone. Both agencies provide beneficial services to Ponca City, Karen points out. She is planning a career in the area of counseling after graduation in December.
Senior Citizens Dance Set - A Senior Citizens dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City. The Pete Coli Country Band will be playing for dancing, and all seniors in the area are invited to attend and bring a favorite snack to share.
Burglary - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was stopped in the 400 block of North Lake Street at 7:21 a.m. Wednesday where he took a burglary report that 15-20 CDs and two speakers were missing.
Theft - A man in the 300 block of South Washington reported to the communications center at 7:38 a.m. Wednesday that a tire had been stolen.
Burglary - The communications center received a call at 8:29 a.m. Wednesday reporting that a basement storage area in the 900 block of East Grand Avenue had been burglarized.
Assault - At 9:19 a.m. Wednesday a man reported to the communications center that he had been assaulted. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vandalism - Hastings, 2101 North Fourteenth Avenue, called the communications center at 9:36 a.m. Wednesday reporting that something had been thrown through a window. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Theft - A resident in the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue called the communications center at 9:56 a.m. Wednesday reporting stolen computer software.
Stolen Gun - A resident in the 100 block of East Park Avenue reported a stolen gun to the communications center at 9:56 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - The communications center received a call at 12:04 p.m. Wednesday reporting a non-injury accident at North First Street and Highland Avenue. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - An officer was assigned to an accident in the 3500 block of North Fourteenth Street at 12:49 p.m. Wednesday. A report was taken.
Arrest - At 1:53 p.m. Wednesday police arrested a 20-year-old man on a Kay County warrant.
Theft - The communications center received a call at 2:16 p.m. Wednesday regarding stolen property at Miller Law Office, 120 North Second Street. An officer was assigned.
Stolen Checks - Stolen checks were reported to the communications center at 2:17 p.m. Wednesday by a resident in the 400 block of South Elm Street.
Accident - Police responded to a non-injury accident at the water treatment plant at 2:35 p.m. Wednesday.
Accident - A two car non-injury accident was reported to the communications center at 3:13 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned a report was taken.
Hit and Run Arrest - The communications center received a call at 10:35 p.m. Wednesday regarding a hit-and-run accident in a parking lot in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. Four police units responded and located the vehicle involved. Police arrested a 22-year-old man on a city warrant for failure to pay, driving under suspension and leaving the scene of a property accident.
Vehicle Rollover - Police and ambulance and rescue responded to a vehicle rollover on Oklahoma 11 at 10:41 p.m. Wednesday.
Curfew Violation - At 1:15 a.m. Thursday police found two juveniles in a parking lot in the 700 block of North Union. One was apprehended and burglary tools were found in his possession. He was issued a citation for curfew violation and released to his parents.
Vandalism - The communications center received a 911 call at 5
a.m. Thursday from a resident in the 300 block of Sunset Street reporting
vandalism to their vehicle. Two officers responded and a destruction of
private property report was made.
GARDENING
Cut back exhausted annuals and remove old flower stalks of perennials.
Shear hedges where necessary.
If spring-flowering bulbs that need division and replanting have not be attended to, do it now.
Chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) may appear on plants or in lawns in summer. It is caused by excess alkalinity. Apply an iron chelate to soil and apply to foliage as a spray.
Shear off ground covers that are setting seeds.
Give a final "pinch" to dahlias, hardy asters and chrysanthemums.
Mulching and ground covers protect plants from hot wind and sun.
SPORTS
Ponca City Majors Face Guthrie in Opening Tilt
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
Despite winning more regular season games than any team in club history, the Ponca City American Legion Majors still have a big task ahead of them - winning the district tournament.
The 35-18 Ponca City Royals open district play tonight against the host team, Guthrie. The 6 p.m. game features Enid (27-27) vs. Woodward (50-14) and then Ponca City and Guthrie are scheduled to take the field at 8:30.
Ponca City's task was made tougher Wednesday evening when No. 1 pitcher Rocky Hughes, an all-stater, was barred from playing in the district tournament in a vote by his teammates. The vote was taken as a result of Hughes missing the regular season finale at Bartlesville Tuesday. It was the sixth game this season that Hughes had skipped.
Earlier this season against Perry he was benched for missing the previous game.
Should the Majors win the tournament Hughes, who was 11-5 with an ERA of 3.00, could play in the zone tournament if he attends all the district games. Hughes was also a major threat at the plate, hitting .387 and leading the team with 42 RBIs and 16 doubles.
"It was a difficult decision for the players but I think it was the right decision," said head coach Jack Shears of the team vote.
The last Ponca City Majors team to win a district tournament was the 1977 squad that ended the year with a 28-27 record. The 1975 team (36-12) also won the district tournament and then followed that up with a zone tournament championship and a berth in the state tournament. Those two teams are the only Ponca City district tournament winners in the past 31 years (records before 1967 have not been researched).
This team seemed to have the weapons to join those other two clubs with Hughes in the lineup. Without him, several others will have to step up their play a notch.
Even without Hughes, 8 Royals are batting over .300 and three are hitting over .360. Pitching-wise, Chris Koenig (7-1, 2.04 ERA) and Jay Bentley (4-4, 2.88 ERA) are the top two starters now and they have performed well.
Bentley is expected to start tonight's game against Guthrie with Jason Ross (3-2 with 2 saves) in reserve. Matt Holland (4-3, 2.30 ERA) and Dean Hemenway (3-2, 3.88 ERA) round out the staff.
First baseman Josh Shafer, Ponca City's leading hitter with a .402 average, is expected back after missing the last three games with a shoulder injury.
"We feel like we can win this tournament," said Shears. "We like the draw and expect to do well."
Ponca City went 3-0 against Guthrie this season with two run-rule victories.
Following is a list of Ponca City American Legion Majors leaders in several statistical categories through 53 games.
Ponca City American Legion Majors
Team Leaders
(End Regular Season)
BATTING
(minimum 75 at-bats)
Batting Average - Josh Shafer, .402; Rocky Hughes, .387; J.R. Fry, .383; Michael Quick, .367; Justin Thomas, .333; Jason Ross, .331; Marc Smith, .327; Jason Neff, .319; Chris Koenig, .302; Doug Scott, .298; Jay Bentley, .253.
Base Hits - Fry, 69; Hughes, 55; Smith, 55; Shafer, 51; Thomas, 50; Neff, 44; Ross, 43; Quick, 40; Scott, 34; Koenig, 29.
Runs Batted In - Hughes, 42; Quick, 39; Fry, 32; Shafer, 32; Thomas, 30; Ross, 28; Smith, 24; Neff, 24; Koenig, 21.
Home Runs - Quick, 4; Shafer, 3; Hughes, 2; Koenig, 2; Smith, 2; Fry, 1; Neff, 1; Thomas, 1; Bentley, 1; Kevin Reusser, 1.
Triples - Bentley, 2; Fry, 2; Hughes, 2; Smith, 2; Scott, 2; Quick, 2; Thomas, 1.
Doubles - Hughes, 16; Thomas, 14; Fry, 11; Quick, 10; Smith, 8; Shafer, 8; Neff, 7; Koenig, 5; Ross 4; Scott, 3.
Walks - Ross, 26; Fry, 19; Hughes, 19; Quick, 18; Thomas, 17; Smith, 15; Scott, 13; Shafer, 12.
Runs Scored - Fry, 74; Smith, 52; Scott, 35; Hughes, 34; Shafer, 33; Ross, 32; Quick, 31; Koenig, 26; Neff, 26; Thomas, 25.
Hit By Pitch - Koenig, 14; Smith, 11; Fry, 7; Shafer, 7; Neff, 6; Holland, 3; Scott, 3; Thomas, 3.
PITCHING
(minimum 11 innings)
Record - Rocky Hughes, 11-5; Chris Koenig, 7-1; Matt Holland, 4-3; Jay Bentley, 4-4; Jason Ross, 3-2; Dean Hemenway, 3-2; Jason Neff, 2-1.
Saves - Ross, 2; Hemenway, 1.
ERA - Koenig, 2.04; Holland, 2.30; Bentley, 2.88; Hughes, 3.00; Hemenway, 3.88; Ross, 6.05; Neff, 8.03.
Innings - Hughes, 9523; Bentley, 5813; Holland, 4523; Koenig, 4423; Hemenway, 4313; Ross, 3913; Neff, 1113.
Runs Allowed- Hughes, 64; Ross, 43; Bentley, 42; Hemenway, 41; Holland, 25; Koenig, 23; Neff, 13.
Earned Runs Allowed - Hughes, 41; Ross, 34; Bentley, 24; Hemenway, 24; Holland, 15; Koenig, 13; Neff, 13.
Hits - Hughes, 78; Bentley, 53; Ross, 49; Hemenway, 45; Koenig, 36; Holland, 34; Neff, 14.
Strikeouts - Hughes, 111; Bentley, 56; Koenig, 31; Ross, 23; Holland, 22; Hemenway, 21; Neff, 14.
Walks - Hughes, 87; Bentley, 41; Hemenway, 41; Koenig, 22; Ross, 15; Holland, 15; Neff, 9.
Hit Batters - Holland, 15; Hemenway, 7; Koenig, 5; Hughes, 2; Neff, 2; Ross, 1.
Twenty-seven teams from five states are due to start filtering into Ponca City this evening for the Kids, Inc., third annual National ASA Invitational Control Pitch Softball Tournament for 8-and-under girls.
The tournament at Ray Lessert Field starts in earnest Friday afternoon with full days of play scheduled Saturday and Sunday. The tournament is double elimination.
Play will start Friday at 3:30 p.m. with the official opening ceremonies scheduled for 8 p.m. at the Ray Lessert complex.
The action starts at 8 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
The Ponca City Coyotes will be the host team and one of 16 Oklahoma teams in the tournament. There will be seven teams from Arkansas, two from Kansas and one from Texas.
The "most traveled" team is Theodore Girls Softball from Mobile, Ala.
The Oklahoma teams are from Broken Arrow, Edmond, Meeker, Moore, Sapulpa, Miami, Blanchard, Cameron, Sand Springs and Drumright.
The Arkansas teams come from Cavot, Greenwood, Fort Smith, Lonoke, North Little Rock and Van Buren.
Both Kansas teams are from Arkansas City while the lone Texas entry comes from Highland.
The visiting teams will be treated to a picnic and water slide party this evening with the official sign-in Friday at 10 a.m.
Weekend passes for the tournament are $10 and will be sold at the opening ceremonies. Day passes are $6. Fans 14 and under will be admitted free.
Reservations Needed - Reservations are required for participants in the Wentz Parent-Junior Golf Tournament, which will be held Sunday with a shotgun start at 5 p.m.
The deadline for entries is this evening at 8:30 p.m.
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PGA Junior Tournament - Ponca City's Brad Whitsett placed second in the South Central PGA Junior Tournament in Arkansas City Wednesday,
Whitsett, playing in the 12-13 age division, shot an 83 in only his second tournament of the summer.
Beth Wigley of Edmond, granddaughter of Ponca City's Paul and Sally Northcutt, was a member of the national championship AAU basketball team.
Air Sooners won the AAU girls basketball national title in a tournament held in Orlando, Florida. Wigley was a point guard.
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Piper Lee, grandson of Ponca City's Janet Lee, is a member of the Tucson Amigos, a semi-pro soccer team now in the USISL Premier League playoffs.
Lee will be a forward when the Amigos play San Gabriel, Calif., in the first round of the playoffs Saturday.