From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Monday, October
28, 1996
LOCAL
Nearly News
Rezoning Request on Agenda For Board of Commissioners
Toys Party Tuesday for Domestic Violence
Young Adult Section Has Ten New Books
WWII Paratroopers Gather Here for Reunion
DEATHS
Frank A. Anderson
Raymond H. Byers
Gertrude U. Bennett
Services Pending
Harold E. Ginger
NEWS BRIEFS
FAMILY LIVING
Fall Bazaar
Xi Delta Chapter Hosts a Surprise Grandma Shower
SPORTS
Poncan Third at International Event
Po-Hi Harriers Take Second in Regional
Ninth Grade Varsity Footballers Win Big
Top PGA Titles Still On Line
Poncan Places in Tulsa Run
LOCAL
Nearly News
Michael O'Rear, a fourth grade student at Trout Elementary, was glad that
his mom, Carol, insisted on shopping in a Tulsa Dillard's this weekend,
despite her family's objection. Fellow shopper Nick Faldo (a world famous
golfer in town for the Tour Championship) was happy to give the young fan
his autograph.
Michael and his mom were accompanied by his dad, Charlie, and brother, Kyle.
Guess Mom really does know best.
----
Rick Vanater, an ambassador for Promise Keepers, says, "Hundreds of
men in the area went to Texas Stadium last weekend for the Promise Keepers
Conference. Those men are welcome to call in to 88.7 FM (767-1400) Tuesday
afternoon from 5 to 6 p.m. to share live over the air what they experienced."
Rezoning Request on Agenda For Board of Commissioners
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The Ponca City Board of Commissioners will consider rezoning property in
the Brodbal Addition during this afternoon's meeting at the Public Safety
Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, at 5:30 p.m.
The Planning Commission recommends rezoning the property from residential
to office district to permit a parking lot for Jim Lee's insurance agency.
In other new business, the final payment request to Sober Brothers Inc.
in the amount of $35,979.10, has been submitted for approval on work completed
on the Fifth Street water line project.
Additionally, the Planning Department recommends the commissioners approve
a 10-foot pipeline right-of-way and a 10-foot temporary construction easement
for a treated water transmission line for the Braden Water District. The
line would extend from the Water Treatment Plant east along the Central
Avenue extension to Pecan Road.
The board will consider discontinuing the Parks and Recreation Department's
picnic table and bench rental program. The Advisory Board recommends the
program continue only for organizations and events, not for individuals.
Furthermore, the Wastewater Treatment Department seeks authorization to
extend a contract with CP&G Inc. to administer the Industrial Pretreatment
Program. Fees charged to the regulated industries will help offset the $37,080
cost. Payment of city claims totaling $1,058,952.66 will also be considered.
On the consent agenda, Traffic Engineering Department requests the purchase
of a hand-propelled airless paint stripper from Paving Maintenance Supply
Inc., in the amount of $4,822. This machine will allow water-based paints
to be used, which will be more durable, safer for workers and the environment
and provide for easier clean up.
In addition, commissioners will be asked to amend operating budgets of various
funds for 1996-97 and consider authorizing city employees to make purchases
against the city and trust appropriations.
The board will reconvene as the Ponca City Utility Authority to consider
a request of indemnification from the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority
on city power plant operations. Also, payment for design services performed
on the procurement of sludge handling and disposal equipment in the amount
of $187.32 will be considered.
In other new business, the Public Works Department requests payment to FHC
Inc. for engineering services performed for the east side sewer system evaluation
study in the amount of $56,369.50. Additionally, PCUA may take action on
an application with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for financial assistance
through the SRF Loan Program and the Financial Assistance Program. to refinance
the Authority's Series 1994 Direct SRF Interim Construction Promissory Note
to OWRB. If approved, the application will go before the OWRB in December.
Further, the board will consider making the final payment to Ram Engineering
& Construction Inc. for work on the Virginia Street Sewer line repair
work totaling $7,485.50.
On the consent agenda, PCUA will take action on a request from the Electric
Department to purchase power poles from Weyerhaeuser in the sum of $5,834.
Toys Party Tuesday for Domestic Violence
A Fourth Annual Discovery Toys Party to benefit the Domestic Violence Program
of North Central Oklahoma will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday at the
Pioneer Bank Drive-In meeting room, Fourteenth Street and Lake Road.
"It's not too early to be thinking about shopping for Christmas gifts
for the children in your life," said Deborah Randall, Discovery Toys
education consultant.
Discovery Toys offers a diverse line of developmental toys, books, computer
software and games for all ages. New items this year are audio cassettes
and personal care items for youth of all ages.
The proceeds from the benefit will be used to buy educational and developmental
toys for the children who become clients of the Domestic Violence Shelter.
"Everyone is encouraged to attend the event to view the full catalog
and place orders to be received in time for the Christmas season,"
said Randall.
Persons who want to purchase toys and participate in the fund raiser, but
are unable to attend , may call the Domestic Violence Program office at
762-3603 to make an appointment to view the catalog and toys on hand, or
place an order.
Young Adult Section Has Ten New Books
Ten new books have been added to the Young Adult section of the Ponca City
Library, according to Judy Johnston, Youth Services librarian.
"Fire in the Hills" by Anna Meyers, tells of 16-year-old Hallie
who faces changes in her life in the hills of eastern Oklahoma in 1918.
After her mother's death, she takes over caring for her family and begins
thinking about life as a woman.
A story about a forest fire which rages throughout northwestern Oregon and
threatens a logging camp, entitled "Fire on the Wind," was written
by Linda Crew.
Lloyd Alexander wrote about a young man who escapes the wrath of the king
and his wicked soothsayers. In "The Arkadians," the man joins
with a young girl who has mystical powers and they take a series of epic
adventures.
"The Lady with the Hat," written by Uri Orlev, begins in 1947.
A 17-year-old Yulek is the only member of his immediate family to survive
the German concentration camps. He joins a group of young Jews preparing
to live on a kibbutz in Israel, unaware that his aunt in London is looking
for him.
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor wrote the story of a 13-year-old girl who is sent
to her paternal grandmother's farm. She learns more about her absent father
and some of the reasons for her distant relationship with her mother in
the book "Ice."
Jan, the prince of unicorns, uses his knowledge of fire to form a historic
alliance between his people and their former enemies in Meredith Ann Pierce's
book, "The Son of Summer Stars."
"Answer My Prayer," by Sid Hite, is the story of an angel who
comes down to the land of Korasan to help the forester's 16-year-old daughter,
Lydia. He finds himself involved in romance, political intrigue and other
escapades.
Joan Lowery Nixon wrote about two boys who attend a new school. Jess thinks
things are really looking up, but doesn't know the boys' real identities
or if she can trust them in "Don't Scream."
"The Girl Who Married the Moon" is a collection of 16 tales from
Native North America that celebrate the passage from girlhood to womanhood
in Joseph and Gayle Ross Bruchac's book.
Gary Paulsen's book, "The Rifle" tells the story of a priceless,
handcrafted rifle, carried throughout the American Revolution. It is passed
down through the years until it fires on a fateful Christmas Eve of 1994.
WWII Paratroopers Gather Here for Reunion
Editor's Note: The following information was provided by Jake and Martha
McNiece about the reunion here and the history of the Regimental Headquarters
Company 506th Infantry Regiment, 101 st Airborne.
----
It was a great time when 13 veterans and spouses of the Regimental Headquarters
Company 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne from World War
II gathered here for a reunion Thursday through Saturday at the Econo Lodge.
This was the 16th annual get together of the group. The first post-World
War II Company reunion was in conjunction with the 101st Airborne Annual
Reunion that was held in Nashville, Tenn., in August 1980.
At that time 35 former members of the unit were located and 26 attended
the Nashville event. Since then annual reunions of just the regimental headquarters
company have been held at various locations around the United States.
Additional veteran's of the group have turned up from time to time. Two
of the men attending this year Dick Roderick and Fred Guild experienced
their first reunion with the men they served with as paratroopers. Some
of the men had not seen each other for more than 51 years. The 1995 reunion
was also held in Ponca City, at which time they toured the Marland Mansion,
Pioneer Woman Museum and made a trip to Woolaroc Museum at Bartlesville.
This year the group visited Pawnee Bill Museum in Pawnee and attend a rodeo
at the Lazy E Arena near Guthrie. But mostly they visited and recounted
events from the period from the fall of 1942 until the fall of 1945.
The Regimental Headquarters Co. 506th PIR was activated at Camp Tacoa, Ga.,
in the early fall of 1942. It was deactivated in France in the early fall
of 1945 and the remaining members sent back to the states as part of the
82nd Airborne Division
They trained stateside and in England through May 1944. Their first combat
experience was June 5, 1944, when they landed behind the D-Day beach landings
in Normandy, just before midnight on the eve of the D-Day beach landings.
The unit saw up to 30 days of combat before it was returned to England.
Some of the Headquarters Company here were part of the forces that helped
liberate St. Mary Eglisse, the first French Village liberated from German
occupation during WWII.
On Sept. 17, 1944, the 506th PIR parachuted into Eindhoven, Holland, the
fist Dutch city liberated from German occupation. The Holland invasion was
known as "Operation Market Garden (the book and movie "A Bridge
Too Far" were based on this operation).
They were relieved of combat at Holland in late November 1944. The 506th
then from Dec. 18-27, 1944, was part of the 101st Airborne Division that
fought at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.
Following the successful holding of the strategic road and railroad town
the 506th (as were most Parachute Infantry soldiers) was attached to various
divisions and Army groups as they joined in the final defeat of the German
armies. Following the German surrender the 101st Airborne too the German
SS Storm Troopers stronghold at Berchesgarden in the Bavarian Alps.
Ponca City Highlights
Highlights of the Ponca City reunion included playing an audio tape Mike
Marquez of El Paso, Texas, sent the group. Marquez and his brother Amando
were members of the Regimental Headquarters group. Mike saw combat from
start to finish. He still has a sense of humor as his recounting of a brief
history of the Regimental Headquarters Company showed.
During the war his many hand drawn cartoons appeared in several of the military
papers and are throughout the 101st history that was published in Germany
after the war ended and the unit was awaiting its return stateside.
Also Herb Pierce showed a video. A special tribute was paid to him when
he and his wife recently returned to Belgium. The village of Zon, where
the 101st Airborne landed in Holland in September 1944 had a special parade,
tree planting, speeches and other activities honoring Herb as a tribute
to the paratroopers who helped liberate Holland.
This was planned and carried out as a surprise by the family who hosted
Herb and other 101st members who returned for the 50th anniversary of Bastogne
the year before.
Pierce also played a video tape made by a Dutch woman who spoke English,
who recounted her family's oppression during five years of German Occupation,
the elation and appreciation they felt toward the Allied Forces that defeated
Hitler and the German Armies.
It was apparent from the tape and video and from stories told by the men
who have revisited Europe in recent years, they especially the Dutch and
Flemish people still appreciate all those who helped liberate them - especially
the U.S. Paratroopers who made the first landings and suffered such hardships
and losses in the Battle of the Bulge. And they are not letting their children
forget the sacrifices made for their freedom, according to Pierce.
Those attending were Dick Graham, North Carolina; Jack and Betty Agnew,
Pennsylvania; Frank and Lee Payls, Illinois Dick Roderick, Colorado and
Betty Carpenter, Oregon; Malcom and Dot Landry, Louisiana; Thomas and Marge
Young, Texas; Weland and Jean Kern, Texas.
Also Alan and Martha Smith, New Jersey; Herb and Elaine Pierce, Pennsylvania;
Andy and Louise Rasmussen, Arizona; Fred and Fran Guild, Michigan, Carl
and Mickey Bedient, Texas, and Jake and Martha McNiece, Ponca City.
DEATHS
Frank A. Anderson
YALE - Frank A. Anderson, brother to Rusty and Cleo Anderson, both of Ponca
City, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 1996, while on vacation in Dublin, Ireland.
He was 80.
The funeral was to be held at 2 p.m. today at the Church of God in Yale,
with the Rev. Michael Clark officiating. Burial was to follow at Lawson
Cemetery, north of Yale, under the direction of Yale-Palmer Funeral Home.
Frank A. Anderson was born Dec. 4, 1915, in Payne County, the son of Roscoe
E. and Alma (Mayfield) Anderson. He received his education in Yale and graduated
from Yale High School in 1934.
He was married to Lillian Berger on Aug. 24, 1935, and the couple lived
in Illinois, Michigan and Canada while Anderson was employed as a land man
with Sun Oil Co. He retired in 1972, and the couple retired to Yale. Anderson
was a member of the Church of God and had taught Sunday School classes for
50 years.
Survivors include his wife, Lillian, of the home; one son, Frank of Farmington,
N.M.; two daughters, Mrs. Arlan (Anita) Moffatt of Mount Pleasant, Mich.;
and Mrs. Dennis (Twylla) Casey of Littleton, Colo.; two brothers, Rusty
and Cleo, both of Ponca City; two sisters, Maxine Williams of Ponca City
and Lillian Briggs of Wichita, Kan.; six grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Casket bearers will be Jay Anderson, Bill Dennis, Mark Dennis, Boomer Anderson,
Jason Anderson and Lloyd Schurman. Honorary bearers will be Bill Adsit,
Buck Elrod, John Berger and Nelson Purcell.
Raymond H. Byers
BLACKWELL - Raymond "Ray" H. Byers, Blackwell resident, died Saturday
evening, Oct. 26, 1996, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 75.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Hackler Funeral Home
Memory Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Dan Bohn, Trinity Lutheran Church,
officiating. Burial will be in Blackwell Cemetery.
Raymond "Ray" H. Byers was born Feb. 12, 1921, in Wichita, Kan.,
the son of Raymond K. and Nellie (Johnson) Byers. He attended schools in
Wichita and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
On Nov. 13, 1945, he was married to Virginia E. Kuhns in Wichita. Byers
worked as a welder in southern California for a number of years then moved
to Wichita where he was employed at Cessna Aircraft until 1983. The couple
moved to Blackwell in 1985, where Byers was employed at Jerry Brown Ford,
Mike Price Ford and Pemberton Chevrolet. He was a member of the Trinity
Lutheran Church, Blackwell.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia, of the home in Blackwell; three sons,
Jerold of Phoenix, Ariz., Harold, LCDR USN (ret) of Chesapeake, Va., and
Phillip of North Hollywood, Calif.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren;
four step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; and several nieces and
nephews.
Casket bearers will be Gilbert West, Gary West, William Keller, Howard Freeman,
Edgar Ventram and Raymond Burton.
Gertrude U. Bennett
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan - Gertrude U. Bennett, former Ponca City resident, died
Friday, Oct. 25, 1996, at Medicalodge East in Arkansas City. She was 80.
The funeral will be held graveside at 10 a.m. Tuesday, in the Memorial Lawn
Cemetery at Arkansas City. The casket will remain closed at all times.
Gertrude U. (Ziegler) Bennett was born June 15, 1916, in Ponca City, the
daughter of Walter and Lola (Kennett) Ziegler. She grew up and received
her education in Arkansas City.
She was married to James W. Bennett Sr. on May 18, 1937, in Winfield, Kan.,
and the couple made their home in Arkansas City. Mrs. Bennett was a member
of the Central Christian Church of Arkansas City, S.O.O.B. No. 20, and had
been a Red Cross volunteer.
Survivors include one son, James W. Bennett Jr. of Arkansas City; two daughters,
Ruby Nelson and Ruth Pomeroy, both of Arkansas City; one sister, Betty Hockenbury
of Ponca City; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by her husband on Sept. 21, 1991; her parents; one sister,
Mary Turner; and two brothers, Edward Ziegler and William Ziegler.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Bennett's name to Hospice Inc.,
c/o Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 756, Arkansas City, KS 67005.
Services Pending
Harold E. Ginger
Harold Edward "Doc" Ginger, Ponca City resident, died Monday morning,
Oct. 28, 1996, at the Valley View Hospital in Ada. He was 72. Arrangements
are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City.
FAMILY LIVING
Fall Bazaar
LAMONT UNITED METHODIST Women will hold their annual Fall Bazaar Saturday
in Fellowship Hall. Doors will open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Homemade goodies
and coffee will be offered for the early shopper. The "Holiday"
and "Especially for You" room will feature many handmade items
suitable for giving. A hand made quilt will be given away to the lucky ticket
holder. Lunch will feature chili or chicken and noodles, salad and pie.
Examining items for the bazaar are, from left, Barbara Walker and Florence
Brewer.
Xi Delta Chapter Hosts a Surprise Grandma Shower
Xi Delta's October meeting was a surprise for Pam Palmer, president. The
Beta Sigma Phi chapter gave a surprise grandmother/-housewarming shower
in the home of Dorothy Leonard.
Guests attending were Mrs. Palmer's daughter, Cindy Burgess, and grandson
Bryden. Linda Smith introduced her guest, transferee Lisa Mena of Billings,
Mt.
Members discussed the chapter social, a Halloween costume party. Everyone
was asked to bring a decorated pumpkin for a contest. Mrs. Leonard, ways
and means chairman, opened a discussion about the Christmas Santa Project
that is shared with Mu Psi chapter. Members agreed to order a new beard
and wig and to work the weekend of Dec. 14-15.
Mrs. Palmer read City Council minutes and spoke about the Preferential Tea
and Valentine Dance plans.
Patsy Hastings received the traveling basket. The next meeting will be at
United Supermarket to learn about reading labels.
SPORTS
Poncan Third at International Event
Ponca City's Kyle Trotter put his home town on the water bike map recently
as he finished third in the Freestyle Championship at the International
Jet Ski Boating Association's Skat Trak World Finals at Lake Havesu, Ariz.
Riding his customized Yamaha water bike, Trotter scored 47.7 of a possible
50 points with his series of trick rides. There was only seven-tenths of
a point separating first and third place in the championship.
National Budweiser Tour Champion Jeff Richichi took first place with Brazil's
Alessander Lentz second.
Trotter was pitted against seven international champions, three members
of the Budweiser Tour and seven other district champions from across the
U.S.
Trotter was the District V champion. That district includes Oklahoma, Texas,
New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana.
The contest will be broadcast by ESPN at a later date.
Trotter said he was pleased to have his home town acknowledged by the championship
announcer and by ESPN.
Trotter is aiming for the first place trophy at the 1997 World Championships
at Lake Havesu.
Po-Hi Harriers Take Second in Regional
TULSA - Ponca City and Jenks continue their cross country duel with the
Trojans winning the latest round.
After the Wildcats had upset Jenks in the Frontier Conference meet two weeks
ago, the No. 2 ranked Trojans gained a measure of revenge by edging out
the Poncans in the regional run at Tulsa's O'Brien Park Saturday.
Jenks finished with 54 points while Ponca City had 65 in what was virtually
a two-team race. Bartlesville was third with 95 points.
The Poncans had a slight edge in front runners as the Cats' top three runners
finished fifth, sixth and ninth while the Trojans were third, eighth and
10th. But Jenks' fourth and fifth runners finished 11th and 22nd while Ponca
City's were 17th and 28.
"I don't know how much faster our first three runners can be,"
Po-Hi coach Kelly Chaney said. "So we need for our fourth and fifth
runners to step it just a bit."
The two eastern powers will clash again this Saturday in the state meet
at the Oral Roberts University course. But added into that rivalry will
be top ranked Edmond Memorial.
Paul Paschal was the first Wildcat across the finish line Saturday, finishing
fifth overall in 17:13. Hard on his heels was Chad Niemann, sixth in 17:20.
Sam Stalcup was ninth in 17:33.
Mark Oblad finished 17th in 18:01 with newcomer Stuart Snyder 28th in 18:25.
Michael Newman, running with a severe head cold, was 31st in 18:33, Jared
Colvin was 38th in 18:54.
While the Wildcats advanced to the state cross country meet as a team, the
Lady Wildcats will have one entry. Foreign exchange student Johanna Jokiniemi
was 14th in the regional tournament 2-mile run in 13:09.
Amanda Cobb was 27th in 13:31, Janet Koster 46th in 14:13, Beth Bednarski
52nd in 14:27 and Bonni Peters 57th in 14:48.
Laura Chaney finished in 15:17 and Sarah Koster in 15:37.
"The girls have made a lot of progress," Chaney said, "and
I was hoping we had improved enough to get in as a team, but didn't quite
make it. But the good thing is there are no seniors on the team. We'll be
better next year."
The Lady Cats finished eighth with the top six teams advancing to the state
meet.
---
Cross Country Notes - The Ponca City Cross Country Banquet is scheduled
for Nov. 14th at 6 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Persons wishing to
attend need to contact Janet Stalcup (762-7828) or Chaney (765-9441) before
Nov. 1.
Team Scores
Boys
Jenks 54, Ponca City 65, Bartlesville 95, Sapulpa 108, Broken Arrow 115,
Owasso 149, Stillwater 220, Tulsa Union 226, Shawnee 244, Enid 263, Sand
Springs 296, Muskogee 329, Tahlequah 371.
Girls
Jenks 55, Sapulpa 90, Broken Arrow 94, Owasso 131, Bartlesville 151, Stillwater
152, Union 177, Ponca City 196, Tahlequah 201, Enid 232.
Ninth Grade Varsity Footballers Win Big
Ponca City's ninth grade varsity footballers remained unbeaten in conference
play with a 38-6 win over Enid Emerson here Thursday.
The 6-1 Cougars will try to go 4-0 in the conference and keep their championship
hopes alive when they host Enid Longfellow Tuesday. The ninth graders conclude
the season here Thursday against Woodward.
"We're looking forward to this week and winning the conference,"
said head coach Keith Chronister."
Against Emerson, Ponca City led 30-0 at the half and cruised in with the
32-point victory.
Deandre Dewberry opened the scoring with a 43-yard run and Ricky Lee added
the conversion run for a quick 8-0 lead. Lee went 44-yards for the next
PC score and the two-point run was stopped short, leaving the score at 14-0
at the end of the first quarter.
Lee bolted into the end zone from 54 yards out in the second quarter and
added the two-point run. Dewberry then kept up the long distance scoring
with a 52 yard dash. Blake Geubelle then threw to Matt Morris for the two
points and a 30-0 margin.
Ponca City's final score came on a 32-yard Josh Young run in the third and
Young tacked on the two-pointer as well.
Enid finally got on the board late on a 10-yard run to account for the final
38-6 score.
"This is just a fun bunch of kids," Chronister said. "We
have lots of depth with our backs and they all ran well against Emerson.
These kids play well together."
Top PGA Titles Still On Line
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
TULSA - It would take a collapse of biblical proportion to keep Tom Lehman
from winning the Tour Championship at Southern Hills Country Club today.
It took a small flood on Sunday to delay his crowning.
But more than the Tour Championship title was on the line as PGA officials
tried to fool mother nature today. They elected to divide the field and
start play this morning on No. 1 and No. 10.
With a nine-stroke lead, Lehman has all but been conceded the tournament
title. But still to be decided is the top money winner, the stroke champion
and above all, the Player of the Year.
Lehman is in the running for all of the above honors after blistering Southern
Hills with a near-record 64 on Saturday.
Before the tournament, the Player of the Year favorites were Phil Mickelson
and Mark Brooks. Mickelson had won four tournament titles and held the money
lead with $1,620,999.36. Brooks had three titles and $1,379,896.
Lehman was third with 1,204,158.50. He had won just one tournament, but
it was a major - the British Open. He had also finished strong in another
major, taking second in the U.S. Open.
The $540,000 first place money for the Tour Championship would vault Lehman
into the Money lead if Mickelson finished no better than fourth. After 54
holes Mickelson was tied for seventh and needed to make up four strokes
on the leaders.
Neither Mickelson nor Brooks has won a major tournament and that gives Lehman
another edge in the Player of the Year voting by the PGA Tour players.
However, even if his wins the Tour Championship, Lehman is not a sure thing
for the Player of the Year title. The voting players like to see their top
player win more than once.
"But if he wins here, that would give him two major wins," said
Brad Faxon, who was tied for second at 206 with Vijay Singh after Saturday's
round.
"I feel like if Tom wins convincingly, he's got a strong case."
Faxon said. "Normally when a guy wins four you go with that. But a
guy who leads the stats is big."
Singh was a little more cautious. "Tom has a good shot and so does
Phil. It's a toss-up. It's not Player of the Week."
Lehman admits he had thought about winning Player of the Year, just not
during the tournament.
"I thought about it before we came in here," Lehman said. "It
would be nice to win. But I put it out of my mind during the tournament."
And it not likely Lehman will rest on his nine-stroke lead if the tournament
continues today.
"I am an aggressive player," he said Saturday, "for me to
play cautiously is unwise."
Lehman has been one of the most consistent golfers on the PGA Tour this
season. He has finished in the top 10 a total of 12 times in 23 tournaments.
In addition to his British Open win, he has finished second twice and third
once.
Lehman struggled early in his career until he found a key.
"I don't think I give myself enough credit," he said. "Confidence
has always been the weakest part of my game. As my confidence got better,
the rest of my game did, too."
Poncan Places in Tulsa Run
TULSA - Ponca City's Sandie Brandenberger was one of the top finishers in
the women's division of the Tulsa Run Saturday.
Brandenberger, a distance standout who has run in several Ponca City events,
was fifth among the Oklahoma Females in the race and second in the Female
Masters division. She covered the 15-kilometer run in 1:00.31
The overall women's winner was Kenya's Delilah Asiago in 51:08.
The overall men's champion was Joseph Kamau, also of Kenya, in 42:50.
Copyright ©1996 - The Ponca City News