Local News and Sports

From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday, October 10, 1996

LOCAL
Nearly News
Firefighters Will Now Have Thermal Imaging Helmets
Po-Hi Celebrating Homecoming Week
Chamber News
Little Eagles of Siberia Coming For Community Concert Sunday
Chamber Orchestra Year Begins Tuesday
Correction
Train-Vehicle Collisions Target Of Railroad, Police Training
Festival of Angels Calling For Community Volunteers
Fire Damages Kitchen of Home
Letters Say:

NEWS BRIEFS

DEATHS
Helen Margret McGee
Services Pending
Shirley Wilkinson

SPORTS
Shakeups Also Hit In Po-Hi Line
Area Slate Kicks Off Tonight in Tonkawa
6A-4 Evenly Divided By Haves, Have-Nots
Local Rider Claims First in ESPN Series
Sports Notes
PC Ninth Grade Falls to Jenks

LOCAL

Nearly News

Mike Boettcher of NBC News called just before press time today to let The News know that the Ponca City profile slated for showing today on NBC News has been moved to Friday at 5:30 p.m., because of the fire at Rockefeller Plaza, where NBC studios are located. Boettcher and a film crew was here earlier this week shooting footage for the show.

Passersby have noticed that several Canadian geese have moved into the pond area at the new Standing Bear Memorial Park - and the open house hasn't even been held yet. Gives some merit to the saying "build it and they will come."

Despite what you may read in today's News about the Homecoming pep rally, it will not be held this afternoon. The annual Homecoming rally, with a parade to follow, will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, so that the adrenaline pumped up by all the excitement will carry over into Friday's 7:30 p.m. game with Bartlesville at Sullins Stadium. Join in on the activities.

County Candidates To Be Featured With District 37 Candidates at Forum
Candidates for Kay County Commissioner, Kay County Sheriff and District No. 37 State Representatives will all be featured at the Second Friday Forum.
The event is sponsored by the Legislative Review Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce.
The event is set for 8-9 a.m., Friday at Pioneer Technology Center. Questions and comments will be heard from the audience.
County Commissioner candidates are incumbent Wayne Leven (Democrat), and Marvin Johns (Republican). Running for sheriff are James Henley (Democrat) and incumbent Marion Van Hosen (Republican).
State Representative candidates are Jim Newport (Republican) and Bernie Jackson (Democrat). Jackson and Newport are vying for the seat being vacated by Jim Holt.

Firefighters Will Now Have Thermal Imaging Helmets

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The latest in fire technology arrives in Ponca City within eight weeks. Ponca City Firefighters will be the first in Oklahoma or Kansas to have thermal imaging helmets, according to Donna Jeffries-White, president and general manager of 101 Beverage, who ordered two of the helmets Tuesday in behalf of the Ponca City Fire Department.
With the local firefighters' support, 101 Beverage, has been raising funds for the purchase.
"We have eight weeks to raise the remaining $6,000 needed to pay for the helmets," White confirmed.
Currently, 57 fire departments in the United States have 67 of the Cairns Iris Thermal Imaging helmets, according to Kerry W. Gordon, product manager at Cairns Iris.
Gordon, who has had 300 hours of physical use of the system, indicated that the imaging does not distort distance. However, it takes at least an hour's worth of use to become accustomed to it, he confirmed.
The public received an invitation to participate in a hands-on demonstration of the new technology Wednesday at the Hutchins Memorial. Citizens experienced first-hand what firefighters face in searching for victims in a smoke-filled room.
The state-of-the art helmets allowed the participant to see how thermal imaging helps firefighters find their way through smoke-filled rooms. Sources of heat appeared to glow through the display. Once the helmet-mounted display was lifted up from the field of vision, the viewer became engulfed in smoke and left in the dark.
The sensor's advanced electronics are 10 times more sensitive to detect the smallest temperature variations. Firefighters can even observe wiring within the walls during a structure fire.
Additionally, firefighters can tell whether a victim has recently been in a chair or bed, for example, because a glowing image remains for 10 to 20 minutes afterwards. Children typically hide from firefighters, but this technology will alert firefighters that a victim remains nearby.
"If we have the chance to save one life with these helmets, it would be well worth the investment," stated Gary Reed, PCFD training officer.
"This is a project that benefits the entire community," Fire Chief Larry Mulliken noted.
White initiated the venture and explained that $6,000 must be raised to buy the helmets. Donations can be sent to 101 Beverage Company, 800 North First Street, Ponca City. Checks should made out to the Ponca City Rotary Foundation, Inc. (memo-thermal).

Po-Hi Celebrating Homecoming Week

By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
During the past week, students at Ponca City High School have celebrated the spirit of Homecoming Week. Whether it be dressing up to mourn the Bartlesville Bruins or wearing pajamas to school, the students have shown support for their school.
Friday at 9 a.m., students at the high school will be holding lawn activities outside. Some of the events tomorrow include an eight legged race, hula hoop pass, egg toss and tug of war between the classes. The students have also been collecting money in a jar. Pennies represent positive points and bills represent negative points. Whichever group receives the most positive points will have to kiss a pig during the activities Friday morning.
Starting at 4 p.m. today a pep rally will be held downtown to fire up the team for the football game. Also held directly after the pep rally will be a parade.
The Hi-Steppers will host a homecoming dinner at 5 p.m. Friday at the high school cafeteria to raise money for their national competition in December.
Activities will culminate at 7:30 p.m. with the Wildcat football team taking on the Bruins from Bartlesville. The Homecoming queen will also be announced during halftime entertainment at the football game.

Chamber News

By APRIL JOHNSON KINZIE
Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce
The Leadership Ponca City class completed its second full day Wednesday. The session was titled Motivation/Delegation/Organization and built upon what they had already learned about themselves and their classmates from their Ropes Session. Guest speakers for the day were Jessie and Charlie Baker, of Baker and Associates. The chair for the day was Jim Newport. They all did a fantastic job of facilitating the day.
The day's session concentrated on the different roles that people occupy in leadership, understanding your strength, the working of all strengths, and building a community through conflict, chaos, anger/hurt and the different leadership styles.
The day certainly gave the class a number of new ideas. They have began to learn how to work with one another and appreciate everyone's different strengths. Leadership is diversity. Everyone's ideas are valued and important
The class is looking forward to their next session on Nov. 13 with the day featuring Cultural Affairs.
Ribbon Cutting
Ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday to honor the new location of Bonnie Dickinson's Amazin' Hair at 108 North Fifth .You are cordially invited to attend.
Leadership Alumni
It's time for the "Fall Fling" for Leadership Ponca City Alumni The event is to be held Saturday, Nov. 2, 7-10 p m. in the American Legion Ball Room. The evening promises to one filled with karaoke, food, drink friends, and fun. For their listening pleasure, Mr. Dave May and his "Class Act" will be providing a variety of music The cost for this event is $12 Space is limited, so R.S.V.P. early to Annette Hunt, social chair, at 762-1002.

Little Eagles of Siberia Coming For Community Concert Sunday

By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Ponca City Community Concert members are looking forward to the first concert of the 1996-97 season, Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Hutchins Memorial. Membership tickets were mailed to all enrolled members last week.
The unique and fascinating program, "Little Eagles of Siberia," comes to Ponca City from the city of Krasnayarsk, in the distant reaches of Central Siberia, 3000 kilometers east of Moscow.
The 28 young singers and musicians, ranging in age from 11 to 19, "rekindle human faith in music and youth," say reviewers across the U.S.
Under the baton of Ludmilla Stebnjkova, who founded the choir in 1971, the nine-weeks tour in the U.S. will cover 12,500 miles, with performances in 44 cities in 17 states.
In addition to performances in the U.S., the "Little Eagles" have been enjoyed by audiences in Canada, Poland, Rumania, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Mongolia and well as throughout their Russian motherland.
The programs regularly feature Siberian songs and instrumental works as well as representative works from other Russian Republics and great Russian and Western international classics.
Brilliant and colorful national costumes have been designed and created for them by artists of the world-renowned Krasnayarsk Ballet and Opera.
Their program will include instrumental works for balalaika accordion (the traditional Russian Bayan) and piano. The choice of repertoire and the polished choral arrangements by Stebnjkova, range from Glinka to Gershwin.
Traveling with 28 Siberian teenagers poses unique logistical problems for tour-organizers for hotel, meal arrangements and trying to bridge the culture gap for the youths, says Stephanie Conroy, company manger.
In addition to enchanting concert-goers with an incredible purity of sound and excellent musicianship, perhaps the most important part of such a tour is the cultural exchange and goodwill that can be created between the youngsters and the audiences for whom they perform, says Impresario George Zukerman.
"We certainly hope that many of the local community groups will take the opportunity to show these musical ambassadors from Siberia a touch of life in the USA," he said.
Pianist Vladimir Potapov; interpreter Larissa Stebnjkova and company doctor, Ludmilla Bogdanova, assist Stebnjkova and Zukerman with the chaperoning of the young singers.
Stebnjkova was born in Siberia and is recognized throughout Russia as a leading choral conductor and musical pedagogue. She was recently named "Representative worker of Russia" and has participated in world-wide Choral symposiums in Moscow, Slovenia, St. Petersburg and most recently in Sydney, Australia.
Many of her arrangements and transcriptions are included in the "Little Eagles" programs and she has collaborated with well known Russian composers in the creation of new works for the choir. She also frequently appears as guest conductor with the State Symphony Orchestra of Krasnayarsk.
The Siberian industrial city of Krasnayarsk, with a population of just over a million, lies far beyond Novosibirsk on the time-worn route to Chermkhovo, Irkutsk and Lake Bakal. Nearer to Mongolia and neighboring China than to the heart of the Russian Motherland and the European influence of Moscow, Krasnayarsk reflects the new emerging image of Russian culture from the far-flung reaches of a vast unfolding nation.
In the 16th century, Krasnayarsk (the name means "red clay") was a Cossak fort, defending the junction of the rivers Yensey and Kacha from invading Tartar hordes. Today, Krasnayarsk is a modern city in the center of a new awakening Siberia, home of the "Little Eagles."
The program by the "Little Eagles," will include works by Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakof, Humperinck, Hassler, Telemann, Saleri, Mozart, Kodaly and Gershwin, as well as characteristic Siberian and Russian works.

Chamber Orchestra Year Begins Tuesday

The Ponca Area Chamber Orchestra will present its first free concert of the 1996-97 season at 8 p.m. Tuesday, at the new Northern Performing Arts Center on the Northern Oklahoma College campus, Tonkawa.
The concert will feature two Northern vocal students, Marie Beyer from Ponca City and Molly Hall from Edmond.
The concert will begin with the Overture to "The Impresario" by W. A. Mozart. Second will feature the string section with "Interlude" by M. L. Daniels. "Interlude" was originally the second movement of a symphony for full orchestra entitled 'Fanfare Symphony' and has been described by reviewers as being "like tears falling from the sky, and it's like they went over the rainbow and can't get home to someone they love - and it really hurts on the inside."
Third on the program will be an arrangement of Franz Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" by Owen Goldsmith. Fourth on the program will feature soprano Marie Beyer with the aria "Vedrai, Caring" from W.A. Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni."
Beyer is a sophomore vocal performance major at Northern Oklahoma College. She began her training at the conservatory of music at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. While there, she sang with the Heritage Chorale under the direction of internationally known conductor, Eph Ehly.
Byer is also a member of the opera chorus for the conservatory production of Strauss' "Die Fledermaus." She transferred to Northern in the fall of 1995. Last year, Beyer graced the stage as the screaming teen, Ursula in NOC's production, "Bye Bye Birdie," along with the black market saleswoman, Bloody Mary, in "South Pacific."
Along with these, Beyer could have also been seen in the Ponca City Playhouse production of "Company" as the hippie, Marta. Beyer will graduate and transfer at the end of this school year.
Both Beyer and Hall are students of Mariann Priboy, Northern faculty. Fifth on the concert will feature soprano Molly Hall on the aria "Deh Vieni Non Tardar" from W.A. Mozart's opera "The Marriage of Figaro."
Hall is a freshman from Edmond, majoring in music with an emphasis on voice. This year at Northern she is a member of the Roustabouts and just finished as a leading player in the "No Frills Revue."
While in high school, Hall was honored as a member of the All-OMEA All-State chorus for two years and was an active member of the Edmond North vocal music program. While at Edmond she performed roles in "Godspell," "Bye Bye Birdie," and "Once Upon a Mattress." Sixth on the program will feature Beyer on the aria "Batti, batti, o bel Masetto" from W. A. Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni."
Seventh on the program will feature Hall on the aria "Mein Herr Marquis" (the Laughing Song) from the Johann Strauss opera "Die Fledermaus." The final selection on the program will feature the orchestra on an arrangement of Franz Liszt's "Les Preludes" by Vernon Leidig.
The 8 p.m. performance will be conducted by Dineo Heilmann, Fine Arts Division chair at Northern Oklahoma College.

Correction

Due to a clerical error by a News reporter an incorrect charge was listed on page 8A of Wednesday's News concerning Kevin Scott Gelino of Ponca City.
Gelino has not been charged with lewd molestation as listed in the District Court column.
The News regrets any embarrassment, confusion, or misunderstanding that may have resulted from this publication.

Train-Vehicle Collisions Target Of Railroad, Police Training

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Ponca City police officers take a no-tolerance approach to vehicles that maneuver around railroad crossing gates, according to Capt. Clayton Johnson.
Six officers participated in a Grade Crossing Collision Investigation Course sponsored by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Tuesday and Wednesday. The information allows them to manage a vehicle/train accident investigation in Ponca City.
Officers obtained a new perspective of the need for enforcement of vehicles that fail to yield at railroad crossings. Johnson confirmed that officers do cite drivers who illegally drive around road crossing barriers.
Additionally, the class reviewed and learned how to remain safe around railroad equipment as well as how to identify railroad cars carrying hazardous material.
The session included a train ride to Newkirk, officers observed a "full blown emergency stop."
"We were traveling 55 miles per hour, when the train attempted to stop. I was shocked to realize how long it takes a train to stop," Johnson stated. "It took the engine at least one-half a mile to halt. If cars were attached, the train could need as much as a mile to make an emergency stop," he emphasized.
According to Randy Valencia, a presenter and train engineer for BNSF, the weight ratio of a train to a vehicle is 4,000 to one. For example, the impact of a train colliding with a vehicle is comparable to a vehicle hitting an aluminum soft drink can.
Valencia reported that 5,000 collisions with trains occur throughout the United States each year. Of those, 2,000 result in injuries and 600 result in death. Twenty-five percent of the cars drive into the train, Valencia stated.
"Drivers need to look, listen and live," Valencia emphasized.
Look, listen and live at all highway-rail grade crossings is the motto of the free Operation Lifesaver program sponsored by BNSF and available to interested groups and organizations.
Valencia commented that trains cannot stop quickly or steer out of the way, however, drivers can.
Anyone wanting to schedule a Operation Lifesaver program should contact Valencia at (316)442-2593.
Officers received 16 hours of CLEET certified training credit for completing the course.

Festival of Angels Calling For Community Volunteers

The Festival of Angels Committee is sending out "help wanted" messages to the community for volunteers to help with the 1996 Festival to be held Nov. 24-Dec. 28.
"Since many of the exhibits will be moved to Lake Ponca Park this year, there are many more lights to be strung, many more trees to be wrapped with lights, and more volunteers are needed to help," said Kathy Adams, chairman of the Festival of Angels committee.
Groups are needed to be a part of the "light brigade" during the first four Fridays and Saturdays in November, she said. Some assignments will take only three or four hours, others may take longer. Helpers may participate only one of the designated days, or all eight if they wish.
At Lake Ponca Park, groups are needed to build a pole tree, decorate the shelterhouses and playground, create a waterfall, and build and place luminaries around the driving area and ponds. Additional volunteers are need to decorate the porches and wrap trees at the Cultural Center.
"Several organizations are being contacted to participate, but individuals are encouraged to volunteer, as well," said Adams. People wishing to help should contact Pat Hand, Festival of Angels volunteer coordinator, at 762-3537.

Fire Damages Kitchen of Home

No injuries resulted in a kitchen fire that occurred in the 3500 block of Springwood at 12:31 p.m. Wednesday, according to Ponca City Fire Department Capt. Bruce Williams' report of the incident.
Fifteen firefighters and four engines responded within four minutes to an apartment where oil, left in a pan, caught fire on the stove. The report indicated the fire burned the vent hood and scorched the wall.
Damage was confined to the kitchen area. Estimated loss is $500.

Letters Say:

(Letters appearing in The News do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of The News. Letters will be accepted only when they are signed and include addresses and phone numbers of writers. Unsigned letters will be discarded. All letters submitted become the property of The News. No letter will be returned. We reserve the right to reject or to correct letters considered unsuitable. Letters may be edited to conserve space. We specifically decline letters for or against candidates for office.
Editor, The News:
On behalf of Bluestem Girl Scout Council I would like to first thank the Ponca City community for purchasing roses during our annual Girl Scout Rose Sale. Secondly, I would like to extend my sincere apologies for the poor quality of the flowers this year.
We are aware that a number of individuals were disappointed with the roses, as they are normally high in quality. Some of the dozens were beautiful, however, we realize the majority were not. We also were disappointed and have taken this matter up with our supplier. We will in all likelihood look towards pursuing another fund raising avenue in 1997.
On the positive side, as an adult generated fund-raiser, the project did raise over $3,500 for programming in Bluestem Girl Scout Council. I also would like to thank the many volunteers who took time out of their busy day to help sell the roses.
Once again, Bluestem Girl Scout Council appreciates the generous support this community gives to Girl Scouting and it is my hope that you will continue .
Lari L. Lowe
Communications and Fund
Development Director
Bluestem Girl Scout Council

Editor, The News:
This letter was written by my brother, Jim, and his wife, Ann, of Salina, Kan., but I wanted everyone here to know that it works the same way in Ponca City.

Up to a few weeks ago, if someone used the term "Hospice," we would think of a group of people meeting to talk about an upcoming death and to prepare the family to handle it. Did we ever have our eyes opened.
A short time ago, my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. We had always told her she would not have to go to a nursing home, and this was a promise we were going to keep. We did not know how we were going to accomplish taking care of her at home, but we were going to try. One morning the phone rang and the social worker from the hospital told me that a lady from Hospice wanted me to call her. She asked that my wife and I come to her office.
When we left her office, we felt as if someone had lifted a great weight off our shoulders. Everything we needed to attend to Mom's needs at home was put at our disposal. We met our nurse, and our social worker. Later we met the minister, and the lady from the health department who came and gave Mom her baths.
Not only were they concerned about Mom, but were just as concerned about the family. They came to the house and showed us how to make sure she had the medication she needed to make her pain-free and as comfortable as possible until the time of her death. They took complete charge of directing her medical needs with the doctor. When she passed away, they took complete charge of the immediate arrangements that needed to be made.
If anyone asks me if there are "Angels on Earth," I can tell them they work at (1904 North Union in Ponca City). We asked that memorials be sent to Hospice. We wanted to make sure that the next family that needed Hospice would have them around. I know for a fact that each dollar sent to them stays in the area to help the patients and families in this area.
Bill and Judy Coddington

NEWS BRIEFS

Burglary - A resident in the 900 block of North Fifth Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 7:08 a.m. Wednesday to report burglary of a vehicle. An officer took a report.

Stolen - An employee of Albertsons, 2500 Industrial Blvd., reported a ring stolen from his desk. A Ponca City police officer took a grand larceny report at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Fire Alarm - The Ponca City Fire Department responded to a fire alarm in the 700 block of East Central Avenue at 2:06 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters confirmed it was a false alarm.

Fire - Two Ponca City firefighters extinguished a vehicle fire 3.5 miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177, a quarter mile east and quarter-mile south at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. According to the fire report, firefighters were unable to determine the area where the fire originated. The vehicle was considered a total loss.

Missing - A resident in the 1700 block of Leslie Lane advised the Ponca City Police Department at 6:11 p.m. Wednesday that a wallet was missing. An officer took a report.

Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 25-year-old man at West Chestnut Avenue and North Pine Street at 10:42 p.m. Wednesday for driving under suspension.

Subject Held - A 25-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at 12:55 a.m. Thursday for driving under the influence and failure to stop for a stop sign.

In Custody - A Ponca City police officer took a 37-year-old man into custody in the 200 block of West Grand Avenue at 1:54 a.m. Thursday for attempting to elude an officer, driving under suspension, driving under the influence, no insurance and a warrant for failure to pay.

Softball Tryouts - Tryouts Saturday (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2-4 p.m.) at the Lady Wildcat Softball Field (Middle School) for girls 14-and-under fast pitch traveling team. For further information, call 765-4289.

Family Swim - Kids, bring your parents to the Community Pool Fridays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a splashing good time! Cost is $3 for families or free to YMCA members. For details, contact the YMCA, 765-5417.

Dance Canceled - A free public dance with the County Line Music Players and the Country Music Makers, originally scheduled for Saturday in Blackwell, has been canceled.

Drill Team Dinner - The Po-Hi Steppers Drill Team Homecoming Dinner, catered by Head Country Barbecue, will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. in the Ponca City High School Cafeteria. The event, a fund-raiser to help pay for the expenses of Nationals competition, is open to the public. Cost is $5 per person.

DEATHS

Helen Margret McGee

BLACKWELL - Helen Margret McGee, former Blackwell school teacher, died Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 9, 1996, at the McAfee Living Center in Blackwell. She was 92.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Blackwell First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Geoffrey Pfaff, First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.
Helen Margret (Ambrose) McGee was born March 7, 1904, in Purdy, Mo., the daughter of Ed P. and Mabel Clare (Archibald) Ambrose. She grew up and attended schools in Purdy, where she graduated in 1921. She attended Missouri Wesleyan College in Cameron, Mo., for one year then moved to Columbia, Mo., where she graduated in 1925 with a bachelor of arts and science degrees with an emphasis in liberal arts. After graduation she began her teaching career in Blackwell Public Schools where she taught for 22 years.
In March 1948, she was married to Reese McGee in Blackwell and the couple made their home in Lamar and Colorado Springs, Colo. They returned to live in Blackwell in 1956, and after her husband's death on June 23, 1958, she moved into her mother's home.
Mrs. McGee was a member of the Oklahoma Education Association, National Education Association, AARP and the Blackwell First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was also a 50-year member of Chapter AB of PEO Sisterhood, While living in Colorado she attended the Episcopal Church.
Survivors include one sister, Virginia Savage of Blackwell; one stepdaughter, Carla Marie Parrish of Vero Beach, Fla.; two stepsons, Charles McGee of Sun City, Fla., and Pete McGee of Elgin, Neb.; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Ambrose, and one brother, Dr. Ed P. Ambrose II.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. McGee's name to American Parkinson Disease Association, c/o Don Moore, 3220 South Peoria Ave., Tulsa, OK 74105-2099.

Services Pending

Shirley Wilkinson
Shirley Wilkinson, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Oct. 10, 1996, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Survivors include her husband, Jim, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

SPORTS

Shakeups Also Hit In Po-Hi Line

By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Wildcat offensive lineman Jason Fowler was at left tackle against Enid and will be at left tackle against Bartlesville Friday.
He may be the only Po-Hi offensive lineman in his usual spot this Friday.
In an effort to get a little more power in the offensive line - and to fill in some holes left by injuries - head coach Rick Sodowsky is trying to move some people around.
Right tackle David Newland and right guard Aaron Kreger were originally scheduled to switch positions.
"That is an effort to get a little more quickness at the pulling guard and at the same time have a big (264 pounds) player blocking down," Sodowsky said.
But that plan ran into a snag as Kreger's injured knee has not responded and he may not play Friday.
Center Steven Bogadi was also scheduled to switch with left guard Jason Shelton.
"That will give us someone at center who can get to the linebacker a little quicker and a somewhat stronger guard," the coach said.
But that move was also left in doubt as Sodowsky surveys his dwindling number of experienced linemen.
In addition, Ryan Chapman is penciled in to start at tight end in an effort to improve the blocking.
All that may help the running game, but it won't solve the Poncans' biggest problem - the ability to pass.
"We have got to be able to throw and catch the ball," offensive coordinator Terry Henderson said. "And we're working with a bunch of kids who have never done that on the varsity level."
The Poncans have completed just 8-of-46 pass attempts. They had no completions against Enid and had just one against Stillwater a week earlier.
With the opposition not having to worry about the pass they can stack the line against the run.

That is not unexpected. It has happened all season. The Cats have been able to run some anyway.

But lately the running game has also bogged down. The Poncans had 109 yards rushing in 39 attempts against Stillwater but much of that came late in the game. They managed just 55 yards on 41 carries against Enid's 4-3 defense.

"We are still making too many mistakes," Fowler said. "But the mistakes we're making are correctable."
Fowler also admits that two straight lopsided losses have dented the players' confidence. But he looks to Bartlesville to be a cure for that.
"We have to get our confidence back," he said. "Bartlesville is not a bad team, but they are definitely not Stillwater or Enid.

"But we can't go in thinking we'll win easily. Last year's game with Bartlesville was close until the fourth quarter when we scored 17 unanswered points (for a 34-14 win)."
Fowler also feels that playing Bartlesville for Homecoming can be a two edged sword.
"We'll be pumped up playing before a big crowd," he said. "But Homecoming can be a distraction that might take away from our performance."

The weather for the game is forecasted to be cool but dry.

But it matters little to Fowler if the game is played in good weather or bad.

"After all, I'm a hog," he says proudly.

Area Slate Kicks Off Tonight in Tonkawa

By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
The area football slate kicks off a day early this week as Tonkawa hosts the Ponca City JV tonight at 7:30.
In Friday's games, every team will by vying in district action and several of those are crucial contests.
The area slate has Blackwell hosting Cleveland, Woodland hosting Mounds, Pawnee hosting Metro Christian, Newkirk at Kiefer, Morrison at Yale, Shidler at Welch, Deer Creek-Lamont at Covington-Douglas and Billings at Pond Creek-Hunter.
The News' featured Week 6 games are Pawnee-Metro Christian, Woodland-Mounds and Blackwell-Cleveland.
Tonight
Ponca City JV at Tonkawa, 7:30
"This is a good break for our team," Tonkawa head coach Steve Love says. "We've had a tough early schedule in a our district and went 4-0. This is a nice time to take a break and get ready for the second half of the district season."
Love scheduled the Poncans to avoid having to travel halfway across the state for a game with another varsity club.
"Ponca City was nice to give us the game," said Love. "This could be a good game for both teams to have in regards to bringing in a lot of people."
Love said his 4-1 Bucs are healthy and want to stay that way.
"We are concentrating on execution and getting the job done, but we don't want to get anyone hurt," said Love.
Friday
Metro Christian at Pawnee, 7:30
The Black Bears have saved their best for the District 2A-5 wars. After an 0-3 start, Pawnee has defeated two of the better teams in the district in Perkins and Hominy. Now the Bears can help solidify their standing atop the district with a win over a quality Metro Christian club this week.
Metro Christian comes in with a 2-3 overall record and is 1-1 in the district with a 15-10 over Nowata last week.
"They are an exceptional team," Pawnee head coach Bobby Miller says of Metro. "They kind of got the season off to a slow start but have come on the last two weeks with their win over Nowata and a close 13-6 loss to second-ranked Berryhill."
Metro's starting quarterback is Kyle Largent, son of former NFL great receiver Steve Largent. The elder Largent is currently a U.S. congressman and will speak following the game at a fifth quarter celebration which will be held at the field.
Cleveland at Blackwell, 7:30
First-year head coach Mike Monroe admits he saw a little overconfidence in his players as they built a 4-0 record to start the season.
That was taken care of last Friday when McLoud upset the Maroons 28-25.
The question now is how will Blackwell respond to that first loss.
"The kids have responded real well, we've had real good practices this week," said Monroe. "We just have to stay focused. It's Homecoming, but the kids here have always played well on Homecoming. We still have a chance to be district champs if we beat Cushing here at home."
As for this week, Monroe said the Maroons will play without starting linebacker Brian Coons who will be out a couple weeks with a sprained knee. Starting in his place will be either junior Larry Ewy or senior Micah Harris.
Mounds at Woodland, 7:30
Third-ranked Woodland has gotten off to a 3-0 district start but this is the first game in a crucial four-game stretch that features 4-1 Mounds, Barnsdall, Newkirk and Tonkawa.
Those four schools and Woodland were all picked in the preseason as possible playoff teams and Tonkawa, Woodland and Mounds are atop District A-5 now. Tonkawa is 4-0, Woodland 3-0 and Mounds 3-1 with its only loss coming to Tonkawa.
"They have a new coach, Max Caldwell, who's doing a good job. They've put in a lot of offense in a short time. I really don't know how they've done it," Pascoe said of this week's opponent.
As for keys, Pascoe said his Cougars must avoid giving up the big play to the Mounds offense and special teams play needs to be a factor for Woodland.
"Special teams could win the ball game for us," said Pascoe."
Woodland defeated Mounds 14-7 last season. That game was also in Fairfax.
Newkirk at Kiefer, 7:30
The Tigers of Newkirk are now in a must win situation with a 1-2 District A-5 record after falling 14-6 to Tonkawa last week. Overall, Newkirk is 2-3.
"We can't afford to lose another game," admitted head coach David Caffey. "I told my team we need to win out."
Kiefer comes into the contest struggling, according to Caffey. The Trojans are 1-3 in the district and 1-4 overall.
Making Newkirk's job tougher will be an injured Andy Ring. Ring, a standout runner for the Tigers, sustained a cracked rib against Tonkawa and was originally thought to be lost for two weeks. But Ring now has a doctor's release to play.
"I'm not sure if he'll play or not right now," said Caffey. "He's a real tough kid and he wants to play. So we'll wrap it and get him some protection and see how he feels at game time."
Morrison at Yale, 7:30
Coming off their first shutout loss since 1983, the 4-1 Morrison Wildcats did get good news when it was found out that leading rusher Bobby Berkenbile did not sustain a broken foot in the 22-0 loss to Christian Heritage. Berkenbile, who has rushed for 771 yards in 100 carries, did break a blood vessel, though, and that has slowed him this week in practice. But he will be ready to go.
"They are a top-10 team," head coach Joe Sindelar said of Yale. "They run the ball hard. They don't have a fancy offense but they have big, strong runners and a big, strong line.
"They recognize this is their chance to beat us. They're coming in 5-0 and have scored a lot of points and haven't given up very many. So this is a big game. We are going to have to get our kids to rise up."
After Morrison's loss last week the Cats slipped to fifth in this week's AP poll.
Shidler at Welch, 7:30
These two teams are on the wrong end of the District C-4 leaderboard. Both were picked to contend for the district title but both are 0-2 and both have been beaten by surprising Bowlegs.
"We need this win," said Shidler head man Matt Holland. "But it's going to take a complete game. The kicking game has to do much better. We're 5-0 if our kicking game doesn't cost us. We just can't keep having breakdowns in that area."
Welch, 1-4 overall, features an offensive line that has a 222 pound center and guards that weigh 230 and 300.
"They're huge," said Holland. "And they have good quickness."
DCLA at Covington-Douglas, 7:30
If the Eagles are going to make any noise in District C-3 this season this is the week to start. Both DCLA and Covington-Douglas enter the game with identical records of 0-2 and 2-3.
Covington would have to rank as the favorite with homefield edge and the Wildcats are averaging 7.2 points more per game than the Eagles while giving up nearly 8 fewer points per game.
Billings at Pond Creek-Hunter, 7:30
Pond Creek-Hunter is flying high with a 5-0 record and No. 2 ranking in Class C. The Panthers are also 2-0 in District C-3 while Billings is 0-2, 1-4 overall.
The Panthers are averaging nearly 33 points per game while opponents have averaged 39 points per game against Billings this season.
For the Bulldogs to have any hope at the upset the defense will have to shore up.

6A-4 Evenly Divided By Haves, Have-Nots

By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
After the second week of district play, District 6A-4 is evenly divided between the haves and have-nots. Four teams are 2-0, four are 0-2.
That will change dramatically this week as the "haves" battle each other for front running spots while the "have nots" clash to avoid the league cellar.
Stillwater and Washington, the two preseason favorites and so far 2-0, square off at S.E. Williams field in Tulsa, while the other 2-0 teams, Enid and Sand Springs, vie at Sand Springs.
Looking for the middle ground, Ponca City plays host to Bartlesville while winless Shawnee visits struggling Sapulpa. The Chieftains were ranked in the top 10 early in the season, but have run into the heavy hitters early.
Sapulpa fell to Tulsa Washington 20-9 in the district opener and then lost 24-21 to arch rival Sand Springs last week.

Sand Springs, with a trio of sophomore stars leading the way, dominated Sapulpa in the statistics, gaining 451 yards rushing and racking up 30 first downs.

But Sapulpa got help from four Sandites turnovers and 106 yards in penalties against Sand Springs to stay in the game.
Sophomore tailbacks Padro Negron had 156 yards rushing while alternating with another sophomore, Marc Brown.
Stillwater quarterback Matt Holliday, who threw five touchdown passes against Ponca City two weeks ago, hit for three more in the Pioneers' 48-13 win over Bartlesville last Friday. In that game, he hit on 9-of-11 attempts for 161 yards while only playing the first half.
Holliday, who is nearing the school record for TD passes in a season, now has 17 touchdown passes in five games.
Tulsa Washington QB B.J. Tiger had four touchdown passes, - also in one half of play - in the Hornets' 42-15 win over Shawnee. Aaron Lockett, cousin of former Wildcat Tejuan Lockett, had three TD receptions and also intercepted two passes.District 6A-4
Standings
Dist. All
School W-L W-L PF PA
Stillwater 2-0 5-0 179 74
Sand Springs 2-0 5-0 177 35
Washington 2-0 4-1 136 95
Enid 2-0 3-2 117 85
Sapulpa 0-2 3-2 140 72
Ponca City 0-2 3-2 57 100
Bartlesville 0-2 1-4 64 128
Shawnee 0-2 0-5 57 162
Week 5
Enid 31, Ponca City 0
Sand Springs 24, Sapulpa 21
Stillwater 48, Bartlesville 13
T. Washington 42, Shawnee 15
Week 6
Bartlesville at Ponca City
Stillwater at T. Washington
Enid at Sand Springs
Shawnee at Sapulpa

Local Rider Claims First in ESPN Series

Arthur Thomason of Ponca City recently won first place overall in the expert division of ESPN's Destination Extreme 1996 Bicycle Freestyle Flatland National Competition.
Thomason gained this overall title by earning the most points in four contests held in 1996. About 20 freestyle bikers competed in the expert division of each contest. The contests were in New York City (2nd), San Diego (3rd), Padre Island (4th), and Chicago (5th). The professional competitions are televised on ESPN and ESPN2. Thomason says he plans to compete in the professional competition next year.
Thomason has been performing and competing in bicycle flatland for 10 years and started when he was 12. In Ponca City he performed in parades, Octoberfest, and in the Ponca High Panic. After graduating from Ponca City High School in 1993, Thomason spent the summer performing with Ride-N-Grind bicycle stunt riders at state fairs and festivals in Chicago and the Great Lakes area. He worked part time with Ride-N-Grind in '94 and '95. He continues to practice every day.
Thomason is a senior physics major at Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., where he is an honor student. This past summer he participated in an undergraduate research program in physics at Oklahoma State University.
Thomason plans to enter graduate school in physics after he graduates from Hendrix in June of 1997. Arthur is the son of Drs. Bill and Jane Thomason, 61 Stoneridge.

Sports Notes

Softball Tryouts - Tryouts will be held Saturday (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2-4 p.m.) at the Lady Wildcat Softball Field (Middle School) for a girls 14-and-under fast pitch traveling team. For further information, call 765-4289.
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Softball Scramble - The Ponca City Softball Association is hosting its first Snowball Scramble softball tournament Saturday at Willow Springs.
All-men and co-ed teams will be in separate brackets. Teams will be chosen randomly from those entered. Cost to enter is $8 per team, per person.
For further information call 765-0970 after 5 p.m.

PC Ninth Grade Falls to Jenks

Ponca City's ninth grade varsity football team was handed its first loss of the season at Jenks Tuesday, losing 21-0 to fall to 3-1 on the year.
Jenks went to the air to record its first score in the second quarter and then added a rushing touchdown to go up 14-0 at the half. The Trojans then scored once more in the fourth, also on the ground.
"We made a couple of mistakes," said head coach Keith Chronister. Their second touchdown came after they recovered an onside kick following the first score. The kids played hard, though. We'll bounce back."
Ponca City gets that chance this evening as the varsity hosts Enid Waller. The ninth grade JV team is at Enid Emerson today.