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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Monday, October 09, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALFirefighters Tote Safety Message To Local Schools Firefighters Tote Safety Message To Local SchoolsBy JEFF POLITTE News Staff Writer Ponca City Fire Department officials will be holding fire prevention programs at local elementary schools this week in recognition of Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme for the national awareness week, “Fire Drills: The Great Escape,” is part of a three-year public safety campaign designed to help families prepare to survive a residential fire. The goal of the campaign, one of many sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) founded in 1920, is to emphasize awareness of fire safety through prevention and education. “We go to the schools several times a year,” said fire chief Gary Denny. “This week we are focusing on fire prevention with special emphasis on fire drills, because we feel this is an area that needs special attention,” he explained. The program, geared toward kindergarten through third graders, will be held at all nine public elementary schools and the three private elementary schools in Ponca City. “We focus on this age group because this is the age group that experiences the highest number of fire-related deaths,” indicated fire marshal Billy Bridges. “If we looked at any age group we could make the most positive impact on, it would be this age group,” agreed Denny. “We can hold their attention with this type of a program ... and because they are the most at risk.” During the programs, firefighters will interact with the students using clowns, puppets and skits. “Within the skit, we educate the students on fire prevention safety — specifically what they should do if they find a lighter or matches. Or, if their clothes were to catch on fire, how to escape from a fire, and what a smoke detector is for,” cited Bridges. This year, according to Bridges, firefighters will place special emphasis on fire drills. “Fire drills need to be practiced more than once a year in a home,” he cautioned. The fire marshal’s advice is strongly supported by NFPA statistics. They show in 1998 74 percent of all structure fires occurred in residential properties — 55 percent in one and two family dwellings. Four out of five fire-related deaths were recorded in these fires. Most of the fires started in the living room, family room or den and while occupants were sleeping. Downtown Business Hit by FireFor the second time in recent weeks, Ponca City was faced with a structure fire in the downtown area. This time, the fire gutted a new business in the 100 block of East Oklahoma Avenue. It was reported at 2:33 a.m. Monday morning. The business, a used clothing store located in the damaged structure, was slated to open in the next few weeks. All of the store’s inventory was lost during the blaze. The fire is currently under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office. “We will probably have the state fire marshal’s report by the end of the day,” indicated Ponca City fire marshal Billy Bridges. He said when firefighters arrived, the structure was approximately 40 percent involved. “When they arrived flames were coming out of the front of the building,” Bridges explained. He also said even though the building was gutted, it was “structurally still sound.” “Around 33 men responded to the blaze,” he noted. This included four engines, one command vehicle, unit one, a ladder truck and two ambulances from the Ponca City Fire Department. “Anytime we have a two-story structure on fire, we’ll bring the ladder truck,” he said. In other news, the department also battled a residential fire early Sunday morning in the 200 block of South Perry Street. The fire, reported at 6:25 a.m., was electrical in nature and started in the kitchen in a toaster. The home received smoke and heat damage throughout its interior. Total damages are estimated at around $15,000. Everyone made it safely out of the residence. All stations responded to the scene. This included 15 personnel, four engines, command one, rescue one and two ambulances from the Ponca City Fire Department NOC To Dedicate New Wellness Center at Tonkawa Campus Oct 16TONKAWA — Northern Oklahoma College will dedicate the new Wellness Center on the Tonkawa campus at a grand opening Monday, Oct. 16. The public is invited to view the building and its top of the line equipment from 7 to 9 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. Dr. Joe Kinzer, Northern president, will welcome visitors. Scheduled for brief remarks following the welcome are State Sen. Paul Muegge, Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents chair Keith James and athletic director Mick Weiberg. Visitors may tour all the college wellness facilities, including Foster-Piper Fieldhouse, which houses the swimming pool, racquetball courts, basketball court, sauna and hot tub. Demonstrations and explanations of the weight training and cardiovascular machines in the Wellness Center are planned. Wellness memberships will be available for purchase by persons 18 years of age and older, and refreshments will be served during the evening. The Wellness Center, one of most modern and well-equipped in the area, will be open for use beginning Oct. 17 but will be closed for fall break Oct. 19 and 20. The 175- x115-foot building, located north of Foster-Piper Fieldhouse, is totally air-conditioned and fully complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. A rubberized multi-lane indoor walking/jogging track, carpeted weight and cardiovascular areas and an aerobic dance and exercise room will provide opportunities for exercise in a safe, supervised environment the year round, according to Weiberg. Other amenities include a large multi-purpose area, an aerobic dance and exercise room, an all-purpose classroom, a vending area and men’s and women’s locker rooms, each equipped with two single showers. The weight area contains Cybex free weight benches for upper body workout which are adjustable to an individual’s height and have safety racks for leg presses, leg extension and leg curl machines, pull-down and rowing machines, and machines specifically for developing triceps, biceps and shoulder muscles are available, as well as inclined and flat benches and dumbbells. Universal weight machines are also available. The cardiovascular area features recumbent bicycles, treadmills, stair climbers, sit-up boards and the latest in Stairmaster Freerunner elliptical trainers and total body cross trainers. Two Scifit bicycles can be adapted for use by the physically impaired. The parking lot north of Foster-Piper Fieldhouse has been extended to the south side of the Wellness Center. Entrance to the lot is now at the southeast corner with the exit at the northeast corner. A pedestrian walkway extends from the center to the fieldhouse. Director of the Wellness Center is coach Michael DuRoy, assisted by coach Mike Riley, a certified national strength and conditioning specialist. Upon request, Riley will show individuals how equipment can be used to design a personal workout program. All wellness facilities will be closed during times when college classes are not in session and are subject to closing for college events. A schedule of hours when the facilities are open and information about their use is available from the Wellness Center director or from the Registrar’s Office. Memberships are $60 per semester for fall and spring sessions and $25 for the summer session. Rates for senior citizens (65 and older) are $30 per semester and $15 for summer session. Northern students enrolled in a minimum of nine hours, faculty and staff have access to the facilities at no charge. Nearly NewsOpen House — The Marland Volunteer Fire Department extends an invitation to attend its open house at the Marland Fire Station, 7th and Antelope, in Marland tonight from 7-9 p.m. DEATHSNo Deaths No DeathsServices PendingIva ColeSHIDLER — Iva Cole, resident of Shidler, died Monday morning, Oct. 9, 2000, at her home. She was 97. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. Clois C. CobbBETHANY — Clois C. Cobb, former resident of Ponca City, died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2000, at her home. Arrangements are with Mercer Adams Funeral Service of Oklahoma City. Leota VeachLeota Veach, resident of Ponca City, died early Sunday morning, Oct. 8, 2000, at the home of her daughter, Tami Link. She was 85. Services are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. FuneralsTuesday Charles Gouert DeMossCharles Gouert DeMoss — Graveside service 2 p.m. in the Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. NEWS BRIEFS-- Election Called — The Ponca Tribal Election committee advises Ponca Tribal members of a meeting to be held Saturday Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be at the Ponca Tribal Affairs building, to elect two new members to fill vacancies on the board, according to Sim Warrior, chairman. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv. Salad Luncheon — Albright United Methodist Church’s annual Fall Salad Luncheon and Bake Sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Luncheon tickets are available at the door, 128 South Palm; $5 for adults and $2 for children. The public is invited. Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv. Open House — The Marland Volunteer Fire Department extends an invitation to open house at the Marland Fire Station, 7th and Antelope, in Marland tonight from 7-9 p.m. Sunday’s Ponca City News article failed to mention that the reason for the article was to publicize the open house. Refrigerators, Ranges, etc. Scratch and dent sale. Copeland’s 315 East Grand. adv. Burglary — Someone in the 1000 block of South Fourteenth Street reported a stereo/CD players had been stolen out of a vehicle to Ponca City police at 8:05 a.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer in the 800 block of North Osage Street reported a 49-year-old man was taken into custody on a Kay County warrant after a complaint call at 8:34 a.m. Saturday. Accident — A man in the 700 block of East Albany Avenue reported a hit-and-run accident to Ponca City police at 1:20 p.m. Saturday. Someone had hit his vehicle while it was parked in front of his residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Fire Run — A grass fire in the 4000 block of South Union Street was reported to the Communications Center at 3:54 p.m. Saturday. Unit one and command one from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of West Broadway Avenue and North Pine Street reported a 17-year-old boy was taken into custody for possession of a concealed weapon after a complaint call at 4:08 p.m. Saturday. Fire Run — A small grass fire three miles west of South Waverly Street on U.S. 60 was reported to the Communications Center at 5:17 p.m. Saturday. The Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene. Accident — Someone reported seeing a vehicle strike a second unoccupied vehicle in the 900 block of Monument Road to Ponca City police at 5:34 p.m. Saturday. The vehicle then left southbound on Monument. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The officer advised the parked vehicle had a broken mirror and a scratch on its side. A note was left for the owner of the vehicle to call the police department. Accident — A resident in the 1900 block of Cedar Lane reported an accident to Ponca City police at 6:48 p.m. Saturday. A vehicle had driven away after hitting a gas meter at the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of East Central Avenue and South Fourteenth Street reported at 16-year-old boy was taken into custody after a traffic stop for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia at 9:38 p.m. Saturday. Subject Held — An officer in the 600 block of West Highland Avenue reported a 24-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under intoxication and failure to yield at 10:13 p.m. Saturday. Burglary — Someone reported seeing two males at the back of a business in the 3500 block of East U.S. 60 trying to remove something from behind a fenced area to Ponca City police at 10:48 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Intoxicated Subject — Someone advised Ponca City police at 1:04 a.m. Sunday an intoxicated male needed to be removed from behind the VFW, 3001 block of East Prospect Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report taken. A 29-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication. Subject Held — An officer in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a 34-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under intoxication and speeding at 2:32 a.m. Sunday. Fire Run — A brush/trash fire one mile south of the railroad crossing on U.S. 177 was reported to the Communications Center at 5:01 a.m. Sunday. The Kay County Sheriff’s Office and unit one with the Ponca City Fire Department were advised. Fire Run — A small grass fire one-half mile west on U.S. 177 on Kay North was reported to the Communications Center at 12:52 a.m. Sunday. The Marland Volunteer Fire Department was advised. Theft — Someone in the 400 block of Fairview Avenue reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 1:29 p.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was left to be filled out by the caller. Accident — A man reported seeing two woman in a vehicle hit his and his neighbor’s mailboxes to Ponca City police at 2:12 p.m. Sunday. The vehicle reportedly had a flat tire, so the women pushed it out of the West Central Avenue and South Washington Street intersection for repair. One of the women then called police to report the accident. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Burglary — The neighbor of a man in the 3600 block of B Street reported someone had come into the man’s residence and assaulted him to Ponca City police at 3:52 p.m. Sunday. A description was given of the suspect. The man was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. A first degree burglary report was taken. Fire Run — A grass fire at the intersection of Riverview Drive and Union Street was reported to the Communications Center at 4:25 p.m. Sunday. Rescue one from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. Fire Run — A small grass fire in the back yard of a residence one mile south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177 was reported to the Communications Center at 5:08 p.m. Sunday. Engine one from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. Firefighters advised it was a small storage shed and the grass around it. Burglary — A woman in the 1500 block of Riggs Drive reported to Ponca City police at 8:11 p.m. Sunday someone had entered a window in her son’s bedroom and stole some money while they were gone. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Stephens Street reported a 30-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under intoxication and speeding at 10:31 p.m. Sunday. Burglary — A man in the 1500 block of North Seventh Street reported to Ponca City police at 6:55 a.m. Monday that someone had broken into his vehicle and stolen his CD player, amplifier, several CD’s and his wallet. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. - LIFESTYLESXi Beta Tau Members Meet Xi Beta Tau Members MeetMembers of Xi Beta Tau Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Sept. 25 in the home of Sammie Coats. Jan Ellison, president, called the meeting to order and led the group in reciting the Opening Ritual. June Miller, recording secretary, read the minutes and Cindy Wardlow, treasurer, gave the financial report. Plans were finalized for a couple’s barbecue social at the Wardlow home, and the Preferential Tea Oct. 15 was discussed. It was also announced that KIXR had been booked as entertainment for the Valentine’s Dance Feb. 10 at the American Legion. The traveling basket was presented to Cindy Wardlow by June Miller. The mystery gift was won by Lois coats. Terri Buesing will be the hostess for the Oct. 9 meting with Cindy Wardlow as food hostess, and JoAnn Ferguson as cultural hostess. Ms. Wardlow presented a cultural program and showed members how to makes a variety of crafts, including a candleholder from cinnamon sticks. Little NewsSteven and Kim Wedel of Ponca City announce the birth of a daughter at 9:04 a.m. Oct. 2, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Amanda Mae Wedel weighed 8 pounds, and measured 19 inches long. The baby has a brother, Alexander, and a sister, Sara. Maternal grandparents are Mike and Donna Hager and paternal grandparents are Doyle and Beverly Wedel. Great-grandparents are Neal and Dean Strain and Dan Wedel. Announcing the birth of a daughter are Todd and Cheryl Thornburgh of Cypress, Texas. Gabrielle Elise Thornburgh was born at 5:12 p.m. Sept. 19, 2000. she weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces, and measured 19 3/4 inches long. The baby has two sisters, Chelsea and Nicole. Maternal grandparents are Ray and Phyllis Kellenberger of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Jack and Jean Thornburgh of Kansas City, Mo. Wood Family Reunion Held At Sun ‘N FunThe descendants of the late Floyd and Hattie Wood Sr., held their second annual reunion during Labor Day weekend at Sun ‘N Fun. Those attending from Ponca City were Ronald, Rose, Val, Joseph and Kelly Wood; Kim, Jeff, Nathan and Ashley Sattre; Jana Wood; and Jennifer Sattre. Jeff Sattre, Fred and Pam Smothermon, Lila and Bob Sattre were in attendance from Newkirk. Chuck, Barbara and Lovenda Wood; Kirk Nesbit; Mr. and Mrs. Coon; and Paul and Viv Wood attended from Tonkawa. Those from Blackwell were Derry, Kendal and Payte Owen. Joyce, Danny and Amanda Thomas; and Earlene, Bill, Ian, Casey and Kelli Johnson attended from Duncan. Steve, Laura, Parker and Payton Randels; Floyd and Sharon Wood Jr.; and Shelly, Dustin and Lauren Crowley were in attendance from Blanchard. Those attending from Oklahoma City were Gene Wood, and Jr., Julie, Jay, Ashley and Kim Scott. Jeanie, Tom and Karen Blake; Ronnie, Jerrod and Noah Ornelas attended from Wichita, Kan. Attending from Sharon, Kan., were Phyllis and Bob Randels; and Tony, Herbie, Kristine, Herbie III and Heath Landwehr. Pam, Tom, Kristi and Kyle Larson were in attendance from Derby, Kan. Attending from Towanda, Kan., were Cathy and Nicole Wood; Curt, Stacy, Travis, Matt and Megan Wood; Norma and Barbara Mathhe; and Sean, Brenda, Amber and Austin Larson. Jay, Jodie, Blake, Brooke and Brock Randels were attending from Leoti, Kan., and Lindsey Gates and Aaron Mattox attended from Erie, Kan. From Medicine Lodge Kan., were Steve, Becky, Colt and Taylor Catlin; and Casey, Brandee and Garrett Randels. Ponca City Police Foundation Trust Program Topic for LionsWhen the Noon Lion’s Club met Oct. 4, Pixie Rowland and Larry Bittman from the Ponca City Police Foundation Trust gave the program. According to Bittman this trust is organized and administered by citizen volunteers elected to the Board of Trustees. It is funded by individual contributions, community sources, business donations, corporate gifts, grants, and fund raising projects. The Trust does not replace municipal funding, but supplements it in an effort to develop and participate in approved activities which are not covered in the annual budget. Trust funds are protected by covenants established in the by-laws of the organization. The Trust intends to be financially self-sustaining, no matter who is in charge, to benefit the entire community and to help keep Ponca City a safe and secure community. The Ponca City Citizens Police Academy, The Youth Police Academy and the Westside Project are just a few of the most visible projects supported in part by the trust. The Foundation is currently holding a drive for charter members. To become one, a donation of $100 is required. For applications call Larry Bittman, 762-4100 or Pixie Rowland, 762-9488. Rowland and Bittman told about an important member of the police force, Rocky, the drug dog. His trainer is Fred Landis. Rocky takes his commands in Dutch and he improves the efficiency of the police force and is really a lifesaver to the officers, said the spokesperson. Rowland also told of an upcoming community event. Frank W. Abagnale Jr. known as the “world’s Greatest Imposter” will be at the Ponca Theater Tuesday, October 10 at 7 p.m. He was a career criminal who from the age of 16-21 impersonated a Pan Am pilot, flying free all over the world, impersonated a pediatric surgeon at a major hospital took the bar exam in Louisiana to become an assistant attorney general. He has since served prison time in France, Sweden and the US. He travels around the country educating law enforcement and the general population in the ways of con men. He has appeared on network TV. Student Leos present were Amanda Lewis, club treasurer, and Mindy Gray, club secretary. Guests were Burnard Simpson and Don Mieir. Vic Andrews gave the invocation, and Ted Matson was song leader. Final plans were made for diabetes screening and cookbook sales at Oktoberfest. Lion members were screened for diabetes at the noon meeting. Noon Lions Club meets every Wednesday at noon at the American Legion on South Avenue. The members are businessmen and women in the community who have a desire to help and serve others. The motto is “we serve.” They are known worldwide as Knights of the Blind and the focus of Lions International is prevention of blindness and providing eyeglasses and other vision aids for needy individuals along with promoting diabetes awareness. Prairie Chapel Homecoming HeldThe annual Homecoming was held Sept. 24 at Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church with 62 people attending. The Rev. Don Martin, pastor, conducted the morning worship service. Camille Sneath led the singing, accompanied by Willa Mae Overman, organist. A basket dinner was served at noon. During the afternoon service, Harlan Overman led in congregational singing, and Alicia Allen played a piano solo. The church history was read by Marcina Overman. Communications were read from Garrah and Carole Muret, Jim and Lou Ann Shmidl, Bob and Jane Ferguson, Rev. Robert and Mary DeMoss by Thelma Padgett and Karen Overman. Keith Padgett from Denver, Colorado and Dwight and Mary Mitchell from Springdale, Arkansas came the farthest. Pearl Sprow was the oldest (95) to attend. MacKinzie Overman and Courtney Padget were the youngest. The afternoon program concluded with the group singing “God Be With You” and the benediction given by the Rev. Don Martin. Those attending were Keith Padgett, Denver, Colo.; Dwight and Mary Mitchell, Springdale, Ark.; Hazel Fern Mitchell, Karen Fern Crawford, Arkansas, City, Kan.; Walter and Lavina Padgett, Esther, Abigail, Anna, and Courtney Padgett, Ada; Gene and Lolly Strange, Bob Strange, Wichita, Kan.; Gerald and Marquita Spengler, Winfield, Kan.; Jennifer Pameticky, Oklahoma City; Betty Case, Newkirk; Rev. Don Martin, Jerry and Marilyn Johnston, Braman; Clyde and Marilyn Robins, Jessie Smith, Esther Mitchell, Doris Beoyles, Mariah Laughlin, Ponca City; Thelma Padgett, Blackwell. Those attending from the Prairie Chapel community were Mildred Pameticky, Betty J. Klusmeyer, Sue Allen, Lacey and Alicia Allen, Harlan and Karen Overman, Bryan Overman, Evelyn Johnson, Pearl Sprow, Marcina Overman, Larry and Camille Sneath, Gene and Joe Ann Guyer, Jeff and Glenda Pameticky, Eddie and Myra Manley, Joan Hendrickson, Scott and Michelle Overman, MacKinzie Overman, Rick and Earla Sue Alley, Shawn and Jessie Alley, Earl and LaVerne Byler, Evelyn Waggoner, Dustin Waggoner, Willa Mae Overman. SPORTSMonday Evening Quarterback Monday Evening QuarterbackBy Fred Hilton News Sports Editor New head football coach Frank Piccirillo knew part of the problem with the Wildcat football program when he signed on. Now he knows the rest. Friday night’s second half collapse by the Cats is just the latest evidence that the problems are deep seated and will take some time to iron out. “It has taken 14 years for the program to get in this shape. It is going to take more than six weeks to fix,” Piccirillo said before Friday’s 32-14 loss to Edmond Memorial. In the first half it appeared some of the problem had been solved. The Cats nearly had that perfect game Piccirillo said the Poncans must play to win at this level. Then came the second half. “As good as we played the first half, that was how bad we played the second half,” the coach said afterwards. Why? “I have no idea,” admittedPiccirillo, who has been a head coach for 17 years and has success at two other programs, “We just didn’t tackle anyone.” Playing a tough schedule, the cold, hard facts of life are that Ponca City will never have the numbers or the talent pool of Union, Jenks and Broken Arrow. That does not mean the Wildcats can’t be competitive. They have been in the past with numbers no larger than they are now. Almost everyone agrees that at this point, the Wildcat problems are mainly psychological. The favorite answer is the players have forgotten how to win. “Coaches will tell you it’s always hardest to get that first win,” said athletic director Rusty Benson, who has also been on the coaching scene for a number of years,. “That second win comes a lot easier.” “You can’t fault the players,” assistant coach Terry Henderson insists. “It’s hard to rebuild a program where the kids haven’t won in so long. It’s hard to get to the next step.” With four head coaches in the past five years, there is also the idea that the players have had to adjust to a new system so often, it has left them confused and uncertain of what they’re doing. But even Piccirillo said at this point, the Wildcats have the system down on the practice field. They just haven’t transferred that to the playing field. Nor have the Ponca City players been able to transfer the success they’ve had as eighth and ninth graders to that next level. The earlier opinion has been that the eighth and ninth grade teams played an easier schedule. “The eighth and ninth grade teams have been playing Enid — when it was divided into three junior high teams — Ark City, Stillwater and Woodward,” Benson points out. “They are not as tough as the teams the high school plays.” That is changing, and will change even more next year. After seven years of trying, Ponca City — and Stillwater — will join the Ark Valley Conference next year. The Ark Valley is the junior high equivalent of the Frontier Conference. That will mean tougher competition. The eighth and ninth graders will be playing Union, Jenks, Broken Arrow, and others. But that changeover is already in progress and still the freshmen and eighth graders have had success. Currently, the freshmen are playing Broken Arrow North and South, Edmond Santa Fe, Jenks, Sand Springs and the combined Enid team. Just over halfway through the season, the freshmen are 5-0, having beaten Edmond, Broken Arrow South, Jenks, Sand Springs and Enid. The Ponca City eighth grade team likewise is 5-0, with wins over two Sand Springs teams, Jenks, Ark City and Enid. While it is true that many of those junior high opponents will be stronger at the high school level — Broken Arrow has five junior high teams, Union three and Jenks two — the fact is the Ponca City players can play with the “big boys.” Ponca City athletes have facilities that are as good or better than any in the state. They have — and have had — some of the better coaches in the state. Now it is up to the players to adjust the helmet, head gear, basketball shoes, a little tighter and say “enough is enough, we can and will win.” Sooners Hurt Texas BadlyAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas coach Mack Brown blames himself for one of the most embarrassing defeats in Longhorns history. His job now is to rebuild his team — emotionally and physically — after Saturday’s 63-14 loss to rival Oklahoma in Dallas. The game was billed as the revival of the Red River Shootout, a century-old regional battle that has been played by several teams that have gone on to win the national championship. But only one team came out strong this time, and the Sooners’ victory hurt Texas badly. The Longhorns’ defeat ranks with the 66-3 loss at home to UCLA in 1997 as one of the worst for a school that started playing football in 1893. The 1997 loss knocked Texas out of the AP Top 25. Voters took pity on the Longhorns this time, keeping Texas in the poll at No. 25. Texas went into both games ranked 11th. ‘‘For a football team to play this badly, it’s got to come back to me,’’ Brown said after watching the game film on Sunday. ‘‘Who knows why we would play that poorly? I’ve got to look at changes that will make a difference.’’ Oklahoma so dominated Texas that the Sooners held a 42-0 lead in the second quarter. By halftime, the Sooners had more touchdowns (six) than the Longhorns had first downs (five). Sooners quarterback Josh Heupel beat up on the Texas secondary for 275 yards and one touchdown. Oklahoma rushers pounded out 265 yards and seven scores. And it could have been worse. With the score getting out of hand, the Sooners threw just 10 passes in the second half. Oklahoma president David Boren was so happy he made the call from his booth at the game to cancel Monday classes. ‘‘It doesn’t get any worse than this,’’ said Texas quarterback Chris Simms, who threw an interception that was returned for touchdown. Brown must find some answers on offense. The rotating quarterback system with Simms and Major Applewhite was supposed to feature the one playing the best. But with the wind blowing and a drizzle falling in the Cotton Bowl, both were cold enough to send shivers up any UT fan’s spine. The pair completed 20 of 41 passes for 161 yards, with two interceptions and one touchdown. Texas failed to score an offensive touchdown in the first quarter for the eighth straight game. The Texas running attack, which seemed to find itself with its first 100-yard rusher a week earlier, was held to minus 7 yards. A bright spot? Try special teams. The Longhorns punted eight times without getting one blocked. It probably would have been more except that Oklahoma held onto the ball for 34 minutes and kept the Texas offense off the field. ‘‘We’ll definitely go back and look very closely at what we’re doing,’’ said Brown, who considered not showing his team the game film. ‘‘I had to sit there and watch it, I think I’ll make them watch it today.’’ But as bad as it looked, Texas isn’t necessarily out of the race for the Big 12 South division title. The win bumped Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0) up to No. 8, but the Sooners still play No. 2 Kansas State and No. 1 Nebraska in their next two games. Of the remaining conference foes on Texas’ schedule, only Texas Tech and Texas A&M have winning records. Any recovery will have to be quick. A week ago, the upcoming game at Colorado looked like a sure win. Now, after such a shocking loss and the Buffaloes’ first victory at Texas A&M, nothing can be taken for granted. ‘‘We’re far from out of anything,’’ Brown said. ‘‘It was just a very, very poor performance. We’ve got to be tough.’’ Kaw Lake Hosts State Sailing EventKAW LAKE — The San Juan 21 Oklahoma State Championship Regatta will be Oct. 21-22 at Kaw Lake.. “The San Juan 21 is a light weight 21-foot swing keel cruiser/racer sailboat designed to be sailed by a crew of two or three,” explained Ben Sanders, regatta chairman. “They carry 265 square feet of sail in a sloop rig. An additional 285 square feet can be hoisted in a spinnaker. Many of the best crews in the San Juan 21 racing fleets are families, This is a great opportunity for sailing enthusiasts to enter or just come out and watch. The races start at 1 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. Best viewing on Saturday will be from the Pioneer Beach, just south and east of Kaw City. Sunday the boats will sail around the area near the Hwy 11 bridge just east of Kaw City, another great opportunity to view the boats. Racers may register in advance by completing the registration form at the race website, www.sanjuan2Imidwest. org., and mail with check to Ben Sanders, P. 0. Box 4, Kaw City, Ok., 74641. Regular registration for racers will be Friday evening from 6-9 p.m. at the Kaw City Community Building followed by a hamburger cookout at the Pioneer Cove Marina. A brief skipper's meeting will be held by the Principle Race Officer at 7 p.m. Registration will resume Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Community Center. Saturday race will last about an hour to an hour an a half, according to Sanders. Weather permitting on Saturday the racers will sail upwind, turn to port (left) and sail to a powermarker, sail around it to a second marker, around it and back to the finish line making a triangle. Sunday's races will be similar, only longer, going along the Pioneer Beach and out to the towers near the Kaw City bridge. These will be approximately two hour races. For information on the regatta contact Ben Sanders at (580) 269-2630 or e-mail him at benj9@hit.net. Or contact the Kaw Lake Association, 580-762-9494 or e-mail kawlake@kskc.net. PC Country ClubPonca City Country Club Senior Club Championship 50-58 1 — Ron Locke 73-74—147 2 — Clark Nickles 80-67—147 3 — Tom Green 72-76—148 Low Gross — Ron Locke 76-77—153 60-68 1 — John Counter 75-67—142 2 — Bob Anthony 69-73—142 3 — Ben DeLaPaz 76-69—145 Low Gross — Bob Anthony 81-85—166 70-Over 1 — John Minor 72-67—137 2 — Tony Wyatt 67-72—139 3 — Paul Jackson 74-68—142 Low Gross — Tony Wyatt 82-87—169 Senior Club Champion Paul Locke Lone Star ConferenceNortheastern St. blanks Oklahoma Panhandle 59-0 DALLAS (AP) — In the Lone Star Conference on Saturday: — Northeastern St. scored on eight-of-10 possessions and rolled past Oklahoma Panhandle St. 59-0 in Tahlequah, Okla. — The 16th-ranked Redmen controlled the game from the outset and scored on their first six possessions en route to a 38-0 halftime lead. — Southwestern Oklahoma awoke in time to take a 27-21 victory from visiting Central Oklahoma. The Bulldogs trailed 14-0 midway through the second quarter only to erupt for 24 unanswered points in the second and third quarters. — Texas A&M-Kingsville limited Texas A&M-Commerce to just 162 yards of total offense on its way to a 7-0 shutout in Commerce, Texas. — Kingsville got a 16-yard scoring toss from Abel Gonzales to Robert Walker for the game’s only score on the Javelina’s opening possession. — Southeastern Oklahoma needed five tries but finally won its first game of the 2000 season with a 14-13 victory at Abilene Christian. — Midwestern St. limited East Central to 211 yards of total offense and forced four turnovers as they blanked the Tigers, 20-0. — Eastern New Mexico got three field goals from Mike Trimble and defeated Angelo St., 18-8, in San Angelo, Texas. Trimble kicked field goals of 25, 35 and 40 yards as the Greyhounds squared their record at 3-3 on the season.
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