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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Friday, November 17, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES EDUCATION RELIGION SPORTS LOCALDrag Boat Race Request Tabled for Further Work Drag Boat Race Request Tabled for Further WorkBy JEFF POLITTE News Staff Writer Ponca City’s Park and Recreation advisory board tabled a request for the use of West Lake Ponca for a two-day drag boat race in June of 2001 at a regular session Thursday evening. Board members, while expressing their support of the event, made the motion to allow Frank Cane, a local promoter of the race and member of Central States’ Dragboat Association, to build up his corporate and local sponsorship. It would also allow both Cane and the board to rework the letter of intent associated with the event. Due to the board’s decision, the race will likely be rescheduled for June of 2001. “I feel good (about the board’s decision to table the request),” indicated Cane. “It think it is probably the best thing.” “I’m glad to see the board wants to do (the event) right the first time.” Cane estimated the race will have a $1.5 to $2.5 million dollar impact on the community. He also estimated 100 racers would participate and 5,000 to 8,000 spectators would attend. Cane suggested the event would have a positive impact on the community’s youth. “I think we’re going to use somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20 young people to help out with the event,” he said. This will allow these young people to work with both racers and sponsors at the event. “After all of the discussion and explanation (by both sides of the issue), we found out his corporate sponsors had already expended their funds for this year,” said Jim Sindelar, director of the Park and Recreation Department. Sindelar indicated this would leave a hole the city would possibly have to fill for needed improvements at Lake Ponca to accommodate racers and their boats — funds the city didn’t have available in this year’s budget. He said these improvements involved the addition of a two-lane boat ramp south of the city’s ski docks, between the docks and the bridge, the extension of the boat ramp at Windmill Cove, making it a two lane, as well, a holding rope anchor on the east end of the dam and two holding rope anchors at Windmill Cove — an estimated $17,500 project. The letter of intent would include Cane’s written intent to put the race on at the lake and that “he has the right of first refusal of the lake on the June dates for those races,” explained Sindelar. The board is also requesting a letter from the Ambucs to be attached to the letter of intent. This would state that the club intends to help sponsor the event. “That way the Ambucs know what we are doing and we know what the Ambucs are doing,” continued Sindelar. The board also discussed possible agenda items and dates for the Park and Recreation Advisory board’s retreat next year. United Way Campaign Exceeds ExpectationsUnited Way has blasted right past its 2000-2001 goal of $650,000 with pledges totaling $695,036. “As we end the first United Way campaign of the new millennium, our community can be proud of this incredible accomplishment,” says Bill Wetzel, campaign chairman. Contributions from corporations and their employees as well as individuals and retirees helped put United Way over the top as everyone opened their hearts and their wallets to help others. “Together we do have the power to change our world, at least our small part of the world in Ponca City, Oklahoma,” says Wetzel. The United Way board of directors approved allocating the dollars raised to the 16 United Way agencies at the November board meeting. “You can be assured your dollars are spent efficiently and that the allocations committee left no stone unturned learning about where the dollars go and how your dollars help those served by the agencies,” said Donna Trewitt, allocation committee chairman. The entire amount requested, including designations, totaled $727,562. The members of the allocation committee still had the difficult job of cutting some requests to reach the amount raised. The gap between the total raised and the amount requested is getting smaller, and the 16 member agencies can rest easier knowing they can continue their good work of helping others. The allocation committee includes Chester Anderson, Marla Benyshek, Don Bohon, Carol Bouldin, Vic Coates, the Rev. Kent Dorsey, Steve Kellert, Marc LaBossiere, Patti Parr, James Roland and Lori Webb. The United Way cabinet and loaned executives have worked for the last five months planning the campaign and overseeing its progress and completion. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of United Way and without their efforts we would not be able to accomplish our goals,” says Helene Schwartz, United Way director. Bill Wetzel, Jeff Smith, Maxine Anderson, Sherry Bowers, Julie Brown, Travis Hazen, Scott Jackson, Michele Jean, Kevin Karpe, Joyce Mills, Michele Newport, Sue Payne, Tom Sipe, Sherri Tapp and Debra Whitener served on the United Way cabinet. Major Companies Loaned Executives included Robin Carpenter, Carole Jeffries, Roylene Mayse, Michael Mott, Kim Ochoa, Teresa Smith, Danny Thompson and Isabel Withey. The community is invited to a victory celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. The celebration will be held in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the United Way office at 205 North Second. The celebration is being co-sponsored by John’s Apparel. Jeff Smith, owner of John’s, will be the 2001 campaign chairman. Anyone who has not had the opportunity to give, contact the United Way office at 765-2476 or stop by 205 North Second. Donations are still needed and gladly accepted. Ranch Drive Residents Question Recent DecisionBy KATHY ZEHR News Staff Writer NEWKIRK — Ranch Drive residents were in attendance at the Kay County Board of Commission meeting Monday to question commissioners about certain decisions recently made by the Ranch Drive Fire Department board. The Ranch Drive board recently requested a change in that groups rating from Title 18 to Title 19, in an effort to allow volunteers to be eligible for pensions. The change in titles would also place the fire department under the jurisdiction of Kay County. The Ranch Drive residents, Richard Crumm and Lois Pepple, asked the commissioners what responsibility Kay County would have over finances and other assets, and about the fire department board’s authority to make a name change and other decisions without a public vote. Commissioner Wayne Leven assured the Ranch Drive residents that the county was not interested in finances or internal workings of the Ranch Drive Fire Department as long as it followed existing by-laws. He advised the two to research the by-laws and attend an upcoming public meeting scheduled by the fire department for Ranch Drive community citizens. In addition to commissioners Dee Scheiber, Leven and Rex Purdy, Kay County Treasurer Pat Schieber, OSU Extension Mary Rhyme, Emergency Management Director Dennis Bonewell, Kay County Assessor Tresa Engle and Election Board Secretary Carol Stafford were present along with several visitors. John Kennedy visited with commissioners about the possibility of making improvements and clean up of private property along U.S. 60, five miles west of Ponca City. He showed pictures of wrecked cars and other junk sitting along the highway that makes entry to Ponca City an eyesore. Commissioners advised him to talk with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and land owners where junk is present. Other items of discussion included the possibility of a two-day Kay County Courthouse closing for Christmas as well as days off for other holidays to synchronize with state holidays. Commissioners briefly discussed trusts, revenue notes, bank notes, mortgages, bond councils, note indentures, purchase agreements and tax forms in regard to the construction of the new Kay County Health Department in Ponca City. Other discussion included rules for filing claims for repair costs on Kay County equipment over the amount of $2,500. Bonewell reported his progress on plans for a new booster antenna to aid emergency radio service during power outages. In earlier discussions he told commissioners the booster antenna would be attached to the KIXR Radio Station antenna, north of Ponca City. The installation would include a generator for power when electricity is off. Bonewell also suggested that all law enforcement agencies in Kay County have access to the frequency. Commissioners also approved a recapture agreement between Kay County and ACCO-SIG concering the county’s insurance, a contract for labor between Kay County and Roger Sober for custodial maintenance for the DHS building in Newkirk, and numerous claims. Pioneer Christian Crusaders Elect OfficersThe local chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association elected its officers for 2001. Serving for 2001 are Rob Zuck, president; Pete Myers, vice president; Judy Peters, secretary-treasurer; Garry Yates, road captain; Joyce Myers, chaplain; and Bud West, assistant chaplain. The chapter holds its monthly meeting at the Conestoga, Interstate 35 and U.S. 60, at 8:30 a.m. the first Saturday of the month. The decision has been made to start having the meetings in 2001 at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at the Conestoga. Any motorcycle enthusiasts are encouraged to come and fellowship with the local chapter. The Pioneer Christian Crusaders have members from Tonkawa, Blackwell and Ponca City. The chapter meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting, at the Triple T station at South Waverly Street and U.S. 60 for a motorcycle ride and fellowship. Any bikers are welcome to join the group. For further information, call Garry Yates, road captain, at 762-0148 or Rob Zuck, president, at 762-0844. The chapter will be having a Stuffed Animal Toy Run in memory of Richard Peters on Dec. 2. The stuffed animals will be donated to the sick children in the Ponca City hospital. All riders are to meet at the Conestoga at 9:30 a.m. and then ride with the group to the hospital. The chapter and many bikers from this area will meet on Jan. 1 for the Dresser Jack Run to Perry. Members of the Pioneer Christian Crusaders will attend the CMA Seasons Of Refreshing in Oklahoma City in January, and the officers training session there in February. A bible study is held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at the home of Pete and Joyce Myers at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in studying God’s word is invited to attend; one does not have to be a member of CMA. For more information call Joyce Myers 765-3164. DEATHSKenneth R. Day Kenneth R. DayBLACKWELL — Kenneth R. Day, resident of Blackwell, died Thursday, Nov. 15, 2000, at the Veterans Hospital in Wichita, Kan. He was 64. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, 2000, at the Hackler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lonnie Rutherford officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery. Kenneth R. Day was born Dec. 22, 1935, in Tahlequah, the son of Joseph E. and Gladys Day. He graduated from Blackwell High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. After his discharge in 1960, he was employed in construction for Conoco Oil Company for 20 years, retiring in 1997. On March 9, 1979, he married Elnora Beck in Newkirk. They made their home in Blackwell. Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Allen Ray Day of Newman, Calif.; two stepsons, Bobby Dunlap of Tulsa and James Hurst of Maude; one stepdaughter, Carla Dunlap of Tulsa; his mother; seven brothers, Earl Day of Oak Ridge, N.J., Arvel Day of Green Valley, Ariz., Johnny Day, Ronnie Day and Tommy Day, all of Blackwell, and Floyd Day and Mike Day, both of Perry; three sisters, Doris Ledbetter of Burleson, Texas, Ima Carter of Iowa Park, Texas, and Bonnie Kelly of Skiatook; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers, Doyle and Dennis. Casket bearers will be Bennie Fisher, Randy Beck, Cameron Gray, Richard Looper, Tony Looper and Phillip Looper. Helen E. DavisBLACKWELL — Helen E. Davis, longtime resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000, in Integris Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 78. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, in the chapel of Hackler Funeral Home in Blackwell with Chad Knappier officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. at the White Memorial Cemetery in Wichita, Kan. Helen E. Davis was born Aug. 6, 1922, in Paris, Texas, the daughter of Arthur and Nora Addie (Dear) Ford. She married Charles Franklin Davis on Nov. 11, 1945, in Bartlesville. In 1946, they moved to Wichita, Kan. After retirement in 1979, they moved to Blackwell. She was a member of the Church of Christ of Blackwell. Survivors include three sons, Nolan Davis of Blackwell, Dennis Davis of Denver, Colo., and Arthur Davis of Liberty, Mo.; two brothers; two sisters; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband on Nov. 19, 1993, one son and two brothers. Services PendingLoyed William CoateLoyed William Coate, resident of Ponca City, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000, in Ponca City Nursing Center. He was 77. He is survived by his wife, Barbara J. Coate of the home. There will be no viewing or services. Arrangements with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. Memorial ServicesSaturday Judy Beth PetersJudy Beth Peters — Memorial service at 11 a.m. at Grand View Cemetery in Kaw City. ObituariesRobert Lee BrewerDEWEY — Robert Lee "Bobby" Brewer, 31 of Dewey, died at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Forrest Manor Nursing Home in Dewey. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Brewer Family Cemetery west of Dewey with the Rev. Paul Graham of the Second Baptist Church in Ponca City officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the graveside by the James H. Teel American Legion Post 105 and funeral services and interment will be under the direction of the Stumpff Funeral Home. Following services at Dewey, a memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Second Baptist Church, located at Peachtree Street and West Grand Avenue in Ponca City. A memorial trust fund in each of his children’s names has been established and those who wish may send their contributions to the Cherokee Strip Credit Union, P.O. Box 6000, 1000 S. Pine, Ponca City, Okla., 74602. Mr. Brewer was born on Jan. 26, 1969, in Bartlesville. He was reared and received his education in Ponca City, graduating with the class of 1987 from Ponca City High School. He moved to Dewey and married Tammy Hadley in May 1989. He later married Karie Smith in September 1994. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran serving as a corporal with the AntiTank unit of Broken Arrow during Desert Storm. At the time of his illness, he was living in Pomona, Kan., employed as an operating engineer for Local 101 out of Kansas City, Kan. He also owned and operated Pony Creek Guiding Service and was regional sales director for Ameri-Plan until his terminal illness brought him back to Oklahoma to be with his family. Robert was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting, and, in July, he was featured in an article in Rack Magazine about his Boone and Crockett Trophy. Robert was most proud of his biggest accomplishment in life for which he was a dedicated father to his two children Robert Vance and Jordan Maelynn Brewer. Robert is survived by his children Robert Vance Brewer and Jordan Maelynn Brewer both of Dewey; his parents, Raymond L. Brewer Sr. of Dewey and Vita Hix Fuss of Ponca City; four brothers, Rodney, Danny, John, and Dallas; four sisters, Teresa, Kristy, Carrie and Niki; his maternal grandparents, Marvin and Beth Hix of Iowa; numerous friends, aunts, uncles, cousins and a very special friend and caregiver Karie Brewer. He was preceded in death by one brother, Raymond Brewer Jr., and his paternal grandparents Jess and Virginia Brewer. paid obituary Kimberly Shawn RiffKimberly Shawn Riff, resident of Ponca City, died Thursday morning, Nov. 16, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 40. A graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, 2000, at IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. Don Stanton of Faith Tabernacle Church officiating. Arrangements will be under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Kimberly Shawn (Austin) Riff was born on March 16, 1960, at San Francisco, Calif., the daughter of Charles Lee and Mamie (Marlar) Austin. She attended Ponca City schools. She was married in January 1976 to Darrell Jackson and then later married Herb Riff. Her enjoyments were bingo, making and spending time with her friends and going places. She is survived by her children, two sons, Kyle Austin and Jess Jackson and one daughter, Misty Jackson; her mother, Mamie Austin; her father, Charles Lee Austin; one sister, Kelly Ailey; and one grandson, Austin White; and a special companion, Garen Kawakla, all of Ponca City. She was preceded in death by her grandparents. paid obituary NEWS BRIEFSPancake and Sausage Feed — The American Legion will hold its all-the-pancakes-you -can-eat Pancake and Sausage Feed from 6:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday. Adults pay $3.50, children under 12 are $2 and children under six eat free. Located at 407 W. South Avenue. Proceeds benefit the Rehabilitation program. R&G Style Shop, Newkirk Open Sunday 1-4pm. Selected specials. adv. Blood Drive — OU/OSU Bedlam Battle Blood Drive at the Oklahoma Blood Institute is from Nov. 13 to Nov. 24. The center will be open Saturday, Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to noon. Donate blood to vote for your favorite team. You can also enter a drawing for a team football. All donors will get either an OU or an OSU T-shirt. The center is located at 518 N. 14th. Call 762-9488 for an appointment or questions. Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv. Bake Sale — Trinity Nazarene Church, 401 South Perry, will hold a bake sale Saturday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Homemade breads, cakes, pies and more will be available as well as some garage sale items. Floorcraft Will be closed Saturday November 23rd through Sunday November 26th for Thanksgiving. adv. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported a $15 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 7:13 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walk- way’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv. Accident — A minor two-vehicle accident in a parking lot at a business in the 2100 block of North Ash Street was reported to Ponca City police at 7:51 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported a $2 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 6:31 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned. The subject returned to the business and paid for the fuel. Subject Held — An officer in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue reported a 29-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were taken into custody for public intoxication after a disturbance call at 11:33 p.m. Thursday. V.F.W. Post #1201 and Auxiliary will hold their Thanksgiving Dinner November 19 at 1:00 pm. At Post Home on east Prospect. Turkey, dressing, gravy, hot rolls, and tea and coffee will be furnished. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish to compliment the meal. Also you are asked to bring items for V.A. centers. See you there. adv. Theft — Someone in the 400 block of Fairview Avenue reported a stolen purse to Ponca City police at 9:16 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. 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. Accident — An accident in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 9:25 a.m. Thursday. The caller advised a fire hydrant had been hit and the vehicle involved had left the scene. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv. Theft — Someone in the 1900 block of North Osage Street reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 11:59 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle. Installed, $2,395. 765-2633. adv. Burglary — A man in the 600 block of East Brookfield Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 1:14 p.m. Thursday some cigarettes and other items were taken out of his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Animal Call — A caller reported to Ponca City police at 5:34 p.m. Thursday a very aggressive dog was running loose in the 900 block of South Fifth Street. An officer was assigned to the call, but was unable to locate the animal. Theft — Someone in the 600 block of East Grand Avenue reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 7:56 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Jim Bowen Construction Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the in the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported a $21 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 1:56 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Bluelight Lounge under new management. Tommy Bluebaugh says come in and see us. Open Monday-Saturday. adv. Subject Held — An officer at East Middle School, 615 East Grand Avenue, reported a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody for possession of stolen property at 2:31 p.m. Thursday. Holiday Fried turkeys. Order now for Thanksgiving at Snyder’s Grocery. 762-4686. adv. Subject Held — An officer in the 1000 block of North First Street reported a man was taken into custody on a Kay County warrant for failure to appear on a charge of automobile burglary at 2:32 p.m. Thursday. Pauline’s Shrimp Peel, all you can eat, $11.95. Friday, 17th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv. Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a 23-year-old woman was being held for shoplifting to Ponca City police at 3:36 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned. The woman was taken into police custody for petit larceny and on a city warrant for failure to pay. Subject Held — A booking officer from the Ponca City Police Department, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, reported a 20-year-old man was being transferred in from the Kay County Sheriff’s Office on a city warrant for public intoxication at 4:08 p.m. Thursday. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 5:36 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Fire Run — Someone reported smoke was inside a residence in the 1600 block of Crawford Avenue to the Communications Center at 6:13 p.m. Thursday. Station four of the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. Firefighters advised it was a small fire that was extinguished. Subject Held — An officer in the 800 block of South Second Street reported a man was taken into custody on a city warrant for failure to pay and false information after a disturbance call at 8:53 p.m. Thursday. Disturbance — A caller in the 700 block of South Twelfth Street reported to Ponca City police at 9:33 p.m. Thursday someone was at the residence with drugs and causing problems. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Disturbance — An employee at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, 1900 North Fourteenth Street, reported someone was out of control and causing problems to Ponca City police at 11:02 p.m. Thursday. Two officers responded to the scene. A 46-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of East Albany Avenue and North Fifth Street reported a 39-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication at 1:51 a.m. Friday. Subject Held — An officer in the 2900 block of North Union Street reported a 44-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under revocation, driving under intoxication, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, transporting an open bottle, transporting an open container and no insurance at 1:51 a.m. Friday. Subject Held — An officer in the 2100 block of North Union Street reported a 24-year-old man was taken into custody for domestic assault and battery after a domestic related call at 4:51 a.m. Friday. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of North First Street and Highland Avenue reported a 20-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop and a foot pursuit for driving under intoxication, minor in possession of beer, failure to obey a traffic sign, driving left of center, speeding and driving under revocation at 6:57 a.m. Friday. - LIFESTYLESLittle NewsKen and Marcie Batschelett of Ponca City announce the birth of a daughter at 4:12 a.m. Oct. 29, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Sunny Anne Batschelett weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 23 1/2 long. She has a brother, Garrett, and a sister, Emily. Maternal grandparents are Jeanne Freeman and Mark Freeman, both of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Charles and Sandy Batschelett of Fairfax. Great-grandparents are George and Gene Roby of Ponca City, and Charles and Judy Winkleman of Houston, Texas. ———— Announcement has been made by Adam and Traci Arrington of Katy, Texas, of the birth of a son. Conner Christian Parma Arrington was born at 10:36 p.m. Sept. 29, 2000, in the Christus St. Catherine Hospital. The baby weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and measured 21 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Ed and Shirley Parma of Katy, Texas, former residents of Ponca City. Paternal grandparents are Cris and Gwen Klinger of Glencoe and Kevin and Laura Arrington of Ponca City. Maternal great-grandparents are Florence Nobach of Seattle, Wash., Dot Parma of Mesquite, Texas, the late Richard Nobach, and the late M.C. Parma. Paternal great-grandparents are Lewis and Irma Murray, Vernon and Earline Arrington, all of Ponca City, and the late Thelma Murray. ———— Hunter Lee Hoyt was born in Tulsa on Oct. 30,2000, at 1:13 p.m., the son of Leslie and Brad Hoyt, former residents of Ponca City. The baby weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 20 1/2 inches long. He has a brother, Blaine and a sister, Lauren. Grandparents are Jo Ann Lake of Ponca City, and Velva and Jack Hoyt of Longton, Kan, former residents of Ponca City, and the late John M. Lake. Maternal Great-grandmother is Lois Bryant Finch of Ponca City, and Paternal Great-grandparents are Inez and Lee Hoyt of Longton, Kan. RELIGIONExperiencing God Musical Slated at Northeast Baptist Experiencing God Musical Slated at Northeast Baptist“Experiencing God ... the Musical” will be presented at Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, on Sunday at 6 p.m. This musical is different that other musicals in that is it primarily a corporate worship experience rather than an acted-out sequence of events. This presentation includes new songs presented by the choir, soloists, narrative, audience participation and includes an invitation video by Henry Blackaby himself. The musical is based on Blackaby’s interactive workbook of Bible teachings on the will of God titled “Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God.” Guy Cooper, minister of music, stated that “Experiencing God” helps believers explore seven biblical truths. These truths are called realities because they reflect God’s perspective as described in His Word and experienced in His presence, Cooper continues. “Experiencing God ... the Musical” has been presented in Southern Baptist churches all over Oklahoma as well as two major presentations held in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The two major presentations were presented by combined adult choirs from Southern Baptist churches across the state with Singing Churchmen and Singing Church Women of Oklahoma as well as the Oklahoma Baptist Symphony. “Experiencing God ... the Musical” at Northeast Baptist will include not only the Northeast Baptist Sanctuary Choir but also choirs from several other churches in Kay Baptist Association. The children’s choirs from Northeast Baptist and Sunset Baptist will sing “My Abba’s Child” during the presentation. Soloists for this musical will be Guy Cooper, Scott Richards, Carl Johnston, Andy McGee, Sherry Palmer, Rhonda Walker, Debbie Green, Donita Cooper, Bobbie James and Maureen Coates. Narration will be done by Tony Weir. Guy Cooper will direct the presentation. Childcare will be provided for children three years and younger. Other opportunities for worship at Northeast, according to the Rev. Dr. Larry E. Nigh, include bible study at 9 a.m. Sunday mornings followed by worship service at 10:15 a.m. Childcare is provided for children in kindergarten and younger for regular worship services, and a children’s worship is provided for first and second graders during the morning service. Sunday evening services are held at 6, and Wednesday nights begin at 6:30 with adult Bible study followed by a time of prayer. During the Wednesday night service, children grades pre-kindergarten through sixth grade are involved in TeamKid, and the youth are involved in JOLT. Childcare is provided for children three years and younger. Friends Four Will Sing At Kaw City MethodistFriends Four, a singing group from Alva, will be in concert Sunday at the Kaw City United Methodist Church. The program will be at 3:30 p.m., and dessert will be provided following the concert. Friends Four has sung together for several years and have produced a number of recordings and will offer some of their CDs following the program. The group is donating their talents to help the church raise funds to repair the church organ. The total cost of the repair will be $15,000; thus far, $3,000 has been donated. Joining in the gospel singing will be Troy Pultz, pastor, and John Griffin. No admission fee will be charged, but donations will be accepted. Live Nativity At Webb City Church of GodA real live Christmas is planned at the Webb City Church of God from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 2. The event is free to all. Guided tours through the live nativity scenes will be given. The scenes include The Prophet Isaiah, Mary’s Heavenly Visit, Joseph’s Dream, Bethlehem Inn and Market Place, Shepherd’s with Their Flock, Heavenly Host, Miraculous Birth of Christ, Miracles of Jesus, Herod’s Court and Wise Men with Camels, and One Solitary Life — The Ascension. For additional information, contact Marlene Fields at (918) 793-3841. ‘For Peace — Pray’ Is Topic at First LutheranOn Sunday, both the 8:30 and the 11 a.m. services at First Lutheran Church will focus on the second coming of Christ. The Rev. Tom Ramsey will also continue the worship theme of Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit with his sermon which is titled “For Peace — Pray.” The Senior choir will close the service with the anthem “Grant Us Thy Peace.” Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. Intercession will be the center of the discussion on prayer during the 6:30 p.m. service. Thanksgiving services will be held at 7 p.m. This will be a service of praise and thanksgiving which includes the celebration of Holy Communion. Each family attending will receive a loaf of bread for their Thanksgiving Day meal. Hartford Avenue Church of Christ Offers Free Seminar TapesThe Hartford Avenue Church of Christ recently hosted a seminar entitled “Living in a World Without Absolutes.” Christian speakers from across Oklahoma presented messages designed to help seminar participants respond to a world dominated by attitudes and philosophies that are constantly changing. Don Huddleston, minister for the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, reports “this seminar has had such a positive impact on our congregation, we want to share these messages with the community. We are convinced these messages will benefit our friends and neighbors, and want to offer tapes of this seminar, free of charge, to anyone who would like them.” Jim Baird, associate professor of biblical studies at Oklahoma Christian University, presented messages entitled “What is Absolute?,” “How Did the World Lose its Absolutes?,” and “Opening Minds in a World Without Absolutes.” Stafford North, distinguished professor of Bible at Oklahoma Christian University, addressed the topic “Being God’s People in a World Without Absolutes.” Leon Dennis, minister of the Westside Church of Christ in Norman, presented a message “Raising a Family in a World Without Absolutes.” Steve Parker brought a thought-provoking message entitled “Does Jesus Fit in a World Without Absolutes?” Parker is the minister for the Southern Oaks Church of Christ in Chickasha and is involved in family and marriage counseling. Free cassette tapes of any or all of these messages may be requested by calling the church office at 765-3610. The Hartford Avenue Church welcomes friends and neighbors to attend any of the services of the church. Bible classes for all ages meet Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Worship services are held Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Hartford Avenue church is located at the corner of Hartford and Joe, two blocks west of the hospital. Word of Life to Show ‘Left Behind’ SundayThe movie “Left Behind” will be shown at the Word of Life Christian Center at 6 p.m. Sunday. This is the first part of the “Left Behind” book series that has captivated millions of readers. Based on the New York Times best-selling novel, “Left Behind” is overflowing with suspense, action and adventure. This motion picture will take one on a spellbinding journey through what some say is the most mysterious book of the Bible — The Revelation of Jesus Christ. The public is invited to attend this showing on our wide screen projector. Call the church office at 762-4376 for additional information. Word of Life is located at 3401 North Union in Ponca City. Church BriefsChili, Stew and Frito Pie The First Christian Church of Kaw City, will hold a Chili, Stew and Frito Pie fund raiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Drinks and dessert are included in the cost of $5 for adults and $3 for children 3 to 10 years. A craft and bake sale will also be conducted. Prince of Peace Lutheran Prince of Peace Lutheran, ELCA, at 2800 Turner Road will celebrate the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost with Holy Communion. Sunday school is at 9 a.m. followed by the worship service at 10 a.m. The adult class continues its study on A Call to Discipleship. The Sunday school offering will go toward the Thanksgiving baskets being prepared by the women of the congregation. The baskets will be delivered to a deserving family at Thanksgiving. Visit the website at www.princeofpeacechurch.net. Hartford Avenue Church of Christ Members of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, invite the public to share God’s word each week. Sunday Bible classes are at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday evening worship is at 6 o’clock and Wednesday worship is at 7 p.m. Classes are available for all ages, nursery through adult. Watch the Search program Sunday at 8 a.m. on Channel 5 or Channel 8; this week’s topic is Give Thanks to the Lord. Bible thought for the week is from Psalms 119:97-98: “Oh how I love the Law! It is my meditation all the day. Thy commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.” Youth Group Rummage Sale the Woodlands Christian Church Christian Youth Fellowship will be holding its fall rummage sale Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the church, 1400 E. Hartford. Profits benefit the youth group. Items range from clothes to toys, a few chairs, a buffet, a computer desk, stereos and televisions. Holiday Bake Sale Trinity Nazarene Church, 401 South Perry, will hold a bake sale Saturday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Homemade breads, cakes, pies and more will be available as well as some garage sale items. EDUCATIONPonca City News Education Guide Ponca City News Education GuideSchool news is very important to the citizens of Ponca City. For many it is the only way to find out what’s happening in the local schools. The information you give out should be accurate, complete and timely. The Ponca City News would like to do everything possible to help the educators (teachers, principals, etc.) that submit articles to The News. Following are several suggestions which may help you in getting the best possible publicity for your school. Deadlines Be prompt in meeting deadlines. Deadline for stories and pictures for Friday’s Education section is noon on Wednesday. Deadline for daily editions is noon the day prior to publication. These deadlines are not set arbitrarily. Stories and headlines must be written and edited on computer and sent to typesetter. Layout sheets for the composing room must be completed. Pages are then set up by hand in the composing room, photographed and printed. These things take time. Deadlines for the Education section are earlier than certain other portions of the newspaper since this section is completed first. Although reporting on past events at your school is important, keep in mind that upcoming events are considered more newsworthy and thus receive priority. Just as in other sections of the newspaper, Education section readers are interested in NEWS. An event which is 10 days old is not as newsworthy as one which is one day old. Please try to submit your stories within two days after the event. Please do not ‘save’ stories or pictures and submit two or three at a time. The older the story or picture the more likely it will have to give way to more recent news if an editor is forced to delete copy due to lack of space. Please keep in mind that the Education section is only one page. It is next to impossible to submit two pictures and a story and expect them to run together on the same page. Legibility Be legible. If possible, type or print your news releases. Misspelled names are usually the result of an editor being unable to read handwritten submissions. Because of the hundreds of names which appear in the newspaper, an editor seldom has the time to double check all spellings. Names Children like to have their names spelled correctly (as do the parents). We do try our best to be accurate but we need your help. If there are unusual names, put a small check over each one to let the editor know you have checked them for accuracy. It is important to remember that no name is so simple that it can’t be spelled more than one way. Pictures Keep picture possibilities in mind at your school. The News is happy to run pictures you have taken providing the quality of the photo is good. The News will not accept pictures of check passing, honor roll members, scholarship winners or college graduates. The only pictures of college graduates that will run are students that receive at least a master’s degree. Please understand that hundreds of Ponca City students graduate from colleges every year and The News does not have enough room to run everything. Kristi Hayes, Education Editor, can answer your questions. Call her at 765-3311. West Middle School Honors Students During NovemberThe Student on a Roll program at West Middle School continued through the month of November with students being honored from their homeroom for some outstanding achievement, not necessarily academic. Parents were invited to attend an informal recognition in the school cafeteria. They were served juice, coffee and donuts provided by Albertson’s, West’s PIE partner. Those students honored on Nov. 3 were Diana Galindo, Jamie McGuire, Blake Underwood, John Holley, Heather Stewart, Jonathan Gilliland, Jacques O’Conner, Andrew Harrison, Alex Hodges, Tisha Trepton, Alicia Garson, Megan Johnston, Jason Smith, Kenny Kemble, Lisa Yahola, Jesse Carlile, Carlos Sanchez, Savanah Bonner, Jaedra Thomas, David Chamberlain, Alex McCumber, Kelli Schrickram, Tony Barragan, John Springer and Jennifer Gammill. On Nov. 10, Lauren Caughlin, Jamie McGaughey, Deidra Elliot, Steven Bradley, Holly Catlin, Aneisha Chambray, Aaron Wengender, Mara Lunn, Elise Hagood, Ryan Miller, Jonathan Powers, Stacy Caffey, Amber Hays, Dustin Walls, Morgan Bishop, Bart Wright, Timothy French, Ira Primeaux, Jeremy Humble, Carsha Medina, Sarah Swain, Racquanna Hall, Alyssa Reiss and Justin Jump were honored. Today, Nov. 17, the following were selected: Michelle Street, Nick Schlitz, Brian Knapke, Shawte Blais, Matt DeWeese, Anthony Kent, Raven Combrink, Juan Huerta, Jonathan Hall, Kayla Hover, Teresa Hain, Apryl McConnell, Whitney Strange, Sarah Powell, Henry Oropeza, Mitchell DeRoin, Sam Miller, Jason Ford, Clayton Godfrey, Kyle Langley, Jade Fredrickson, Jeremy Merz, Eric Cales, Alana Jackson and John Licata. SPORTSCowboys, Bears Both Seek First Big 12 Win Cowboys, Bears Both Seek First Big 12 WinSTILLWATER (AP) — Even at the bottom of the Big 12, the stakes are high. Oklahoma State plays host to a Baylor team that, like the Cowboys, hasn’t tasted a single conference victory this season. Whether it’s the Bears (2-8, 0-7 conference) looking toward next season or Oklahoma State (2-7, 0-6) facing No. 1 Oklahoma next week, momentum and mindsets are on the line Saturday afternoon. “They’re going to be looking for their first win; so are we,” Oklahoma State coach Bob Simmons said. “My hope and prayer this week is that we do put it together in the kind of fashion that’s going to give us momentum going into that last ballgame. And from that standpoint, it’s an important ballgame.” For both teams, it has been a season of misery. The Bears have tried out four different quarterbacks since a broken collarbone knocked Greg Cicero out of play. The team’s injury list has done nothing but grow. Second-year coach Kevin Steele acknowledges the disappointments and the scoreboards that have stood largely as testament to his team’s struggles. But he also points to the “big picture” — the hope for a team that at least managed to double its wins from last year’s record of 1-10. “When you’ve got them where they’ve got an attitude of never giving up and they’re always hanging together as a family, then you’re on track to get things turned and it will eventually happen. If it goes the other way then you’ve got serious problems,” he said. “This group of guys has never in any way gone the other way.” Simmons questioned some of his players’ efforts after last week’s 58-0 loss to Texas Tech. The game came after news that Simmons would be forced out at the end of the season. This week he was appealing to players to “right the ship.” “Guys have to drop whatever personal agendas that they have and rise to the occasion for the benefit of their team going into next year,” he said. Senior tight end Khary Jackson saw the Texas Tech loss as the low point in his career and figures Baylor sees the Cowboys as an easy target. He expects a big fight for that morsel of a win. “They do not have anything to lose and their record is just as bad as ours,” he said. “We are going to play like it is our ballgame.” Baylor’s latest start at quarterback helped raise some hopes last week. Redshirt freshman Josh Zachry, son of 1976 National League Rookie of the Year Pat Zachry, completed 15 of 27 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns in his debut against Missouri. But he is listed as questionable for Saturday with a hip injury. “He’s such tough guy, such a smart guy, that I think it was just a big statement by him to keep chopping wood until the tree fell,” Steele said. “I think that’s going to help us.” Jackson said the Cowboys want the win for Simmons and for next season’s team, “and we want it for ourselves.” “We know we can beat Baylor,” he said, “and we are not going to let them come in here and just destroy us.” GAME NOTES: Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CDT at Lewis Field in Stillwater. ... Steele has Oklahoma State connections. He spent three seasons as an assistant in the mid-1980s under then-Cowboy coach Pat Jones ... The Cowboys’ injury update includes their coach. Simmons fractured his knee last week when play spilled over onto the sidelines. Heupel Owes Leach a LotNORMAN (AP) — Oklahoma quarterback Josh Heupel has the Sooners undefeated, ranked No. 1 and closing in on a chance for the school’s seventh national title. He’s a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy. If not for a phone call he received in December 1998, Heupel’s life could be far different. “I’d probably be at Utah State or New Mexico, somewhere like that,” he said. The call was from Mike Leach, who will be bringing his Texas Tech Red Raiders to town on Saturday. When he called Heupel, Leach had just been hired by Bob Stoops to be Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator. He was hunting for a quarterback to run the wide-open passing game he had used as offensive coordinator at Kentucky, where Tim Couch flourished. Heupel had just finished his second season at Snow College in Utah, where he was a junior college All-American after throwing for 2,300 yards and 28 touchdowns. Leach had spent time in Utah and knew that Snow used an offense similar to the one he was implementing. Heupel made a visit to Norman, where he and Leach spent seven hours studying Kentucky game tapes. “He didn’t want to go out and run around town, he didn’t care about going to see the learning center. I think he knew he was smart enough, he’ll get a good degree,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops recalled. “He wanted to watch football. He wanted to know, ‘Can I run this offense and have success?”’ He found out that he could. Heupel threw for 3,460 yards and 30 touchdowns last season and helped the Sooners go 7-5, ending a streak of five straight non-winning seasons. During the course of the year, Heupel and Leach developed a strong bond — both loved to dissect opposing defenses and develop game plans, although they went about things differently. “His personality was you never knew what was going to come at you,” Heupel said this week. “When I went up to talk to him about a game plan, he was usually watching Howard Stern or something like that late at night. That was the type of guy that he was. “He came out with whacky formations. He loved to throw wrinkles inside the offense. He really enjoyed that part of the game.” Leach was hired by Texas Tech in December of last season. The Red Raiders (7-4, 3-4 Big 12) rank second in the conference to Oklahoma in pass offense and are fifth in the league in scoring. Heupel and Leach have spoken occasionally since Leach moved on, and they’re likely to see each other on the field before Saturday’s game. But Heupel said there is no special significance to the game, other than Oklahoma wanting to win to clinch the Big 12 South Division title. “I’m going into this game just like I would any other game, the same emotions,” he said. “I’m just preparing to play against a great Texas Tech defense and go out there and play the best that I can.” Quitting No Option For Sooner SeniorNORMAN (AP) — Oklahoma lineman Scott Kempenich could have walked away from football — hobbled away might be more accurate — and no one would have blamed him. But quitting wasn’t an option, regardless of the awful seasons early in his career and the health problems throughout. “I got frustrated and everything, but no,” Kempenich said. “I’m one of those guys who’s true to my word. If I said I’ll do something, I’ll do it.” His perseverance is paying off this year, his fifth and final season at Oklahoma. The Sooners are unbeaten and ranked No. 1, and Kempenich is healthy. He has started eight of nine games at right tackle and is among the 40 players being considered for the Outland Trophy. “He’s really worked through some tough times,” offensive coordinator Mark Mangino said. “I think now he’s starting to come around. He’s well on his way to becoming the player he hoped he would be and that we all hoped he would be.” Every year was supposed to be like this for the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Kempenich. He was one of the top recruits in John Blake’s first year as coach, an Oklahoma kid who grew up wanting to play for the Sooners. He was a dominant high school lineman with an unlimited future. He was redshirted his first year and Oklahoma went 3-8. The following year, he came off the bench in the first game and started every game thereafter, The Sooners finished 4-8 but Kempenich was named an honorable mention all-conference player by league coaches. Then the health problems began. A stress fracture in his right foot caused him to miss all of fall workouts in 1998 and the first game of that season. He played in parts of the next two, then started the following week against Colorado but injured his left knee and missed the rest of the season. The Sooners finished 5-6 and Blake was fired. Kempenich spent the offseason and summer of 1999 rehabilitating his knee. He was finally cleared to resume practice during two-a-day workouts, but after just two games, the stress fracture flared up and he opted for surgery to have a pin placed in his foot. He was able to return and play in parts of the final seven games. The Sooners, under first-year coach Bob Stoops, ended a string of five straight non-winning seasons by going 7-5 and playing in a bowl game. Kempenich underwent bone graft surgery in April of this year and was in a cast until the middle of June. But he was ready to go when fall workouts began, and so far there have been no setbacks. “Refreshing, I guess, is the word that would best describe it,” Kempenich said. “This year, the way the season is going and everything, it’s why I came to OU — to be a success, to be a winner.” Kempenich is among the 22 seniors playing their final home game Saturday against Texas Tech. He and the other seniors have endured the worst years in the program’s history and now are enjoying one of the most surprising stories of the year in college football. The road has been particularly tough for Kempenich, who has yet to receive even the all-conference honors that once seemed a sure thing. “To be honest, I’ve sort of been caught up in the moment,” he said. “I think down the road, I’ll be able to step out of the moment and look back and see what accomplishments I’ve made, but I’m not really looking at that now.” Jonzen Paces OSU’s Exhibition WinTULSA (AP) — Fredrik Jonzen scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as Oklahoma State beat the California All-Stars 103-88 in an exhibition game Thursday night at the Oral Roberts Mabee Center. The All-Stars took a 2-0 lead on Michael Gill’s basket, but Victor Williams hit a 3-pointer a minute later to give OSU a 3-2 advantage. The Cowboys built a 22-17 lead at 10:44, but a 3-pointer by Roberto Bergerson, followed by a steal by Sean Pryor and 3-pointer by Eric Martin tied the game at 23-23. Williams scored two of his 18 points at 9:51 to put Oklahoma State up 25-23, and the All-Stars trailed the rest of the way. Melvin Sanders scored 17 points and had seven rebounds and Andre Williams added 15 points and had five rebounds for the Cowboys, who shot 53.5 percent from the field for the game. Gill scored 21 points for the All-Stars, and had seven rebounds and two assists. He pulled his team to within 50-43 on a free throw, but Williams was fouled and hit three free throws to build a 53-43 lead that stood at the half. Bergerson added 18 points and five assists for the All-Stars, who could get no closer than 10 down the stretch. The All-Stars shot 48.5 percent in the first half, but declined to 45.5 percent in the second period. The C owboys are scheduled to open the seasom Tuesday against Missouri-Kansas City. That game will also be played in Tulsa as the rfenovation of Gallagher-Iba Arena nears completion Oklahoma State 103, California All-Stars 88 California All-Stars (2-10) Bergerson 6-10 3-3 18, Gill 8-17 5-6 21, James 2-8 6-8 10, Mitchel 4-5 0-0 8, Coleman 1-2 0-0 2, Austin 3-7 2-2 10, Miller 3-6 2-2 8, Pryor 0-1 0-0 0, Martin 4-10 0-0 11. Totals 31-66 18-21 88. Oklahoma St (1-1) Jonzen 5-15 9-11 19, Crawford 4-7 0-0 9, Marlow 1-3 0-0 2, Baker 5-9 2-2 12, Williams 5-9 6-7 18, Lawson 0-0 2-2 2, Fleming 0-0 0-0 0, Anderson 0-1 0-0 0, Sanders 7-11 2-2 17, Williams 7-11 1-3 15, Keep 4-5 1-6 9. Totals 38-71 23-33 103. Halftime—Oklahoma St 53, California All-Stars 43. 3-point goals—California All-Stars 8-21 (Bergerson 3-6, Gill 0-2, Coleman 0-1, Austin 2-4, Miller 0-2, Martin 3-6). Oklahoma St 4-9 (Crawford 1-2, Baker 0-2, Williams 2-4, Sanders 1-1). Fouled out—None. Rebounds—California All-Stars 32 (Gill, James 7), Oklahoma St 46 (Jonzen 10). Assists—California All-Stars 18 (Bergerson 5), Oklahoma St 20 (Baker 7). Total fouls—California All-Stars 22, Oklahoma St 18. A—3,832. Tulsa Due Big BucksTULSA (AP) — The winner of the biggest purse in the 2001 U.S. Open will be Tulsa’s economy, a tournament official says. Tiger mania is expected to generate $27 million to $28 million in new money when the U.S. Open comes to Southern Hills Country Club on June 11. The influx of golf fans looking to see if Tiger Woods can defend his national title should have a ripple effect of between $68 million and $70 million for the city and its merchants, U.S. Open General Chairman Al Bush said Wednesday. “The impact will be staggering,” he said to the members of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. “But, it has not come about without much lobbying to sell Tulsa. Our biggest hurdle was selling Tulsa’s identity.” More than 60,000 tickets for the event were requested through a lottery. Bush said 35,000 tickets to individuals and companies were eventually granted. ORU Young, Competitive This SeasonTULSA (AP) — Oral Roberts’ roster is chock full of new faces and plenty of inexperience, but second-year coach Scott Sutton said his team should become more competitive as the new season progresses. Sutton and his staff brought in nine new players this year, including five freshmen. The Golden Eagles lost six seniors and three others from a 13-17 team last season that finished .500 in Mid-Continent Conference play. “We’ve kind of started from scratch,” Sutton said. Four newcomers — including two freshmen and two junior college transfers — have started in two exhibition games. New players this year are creating more competition in practice compared with last year, when six players with starting time returned to the lineup, Sutton said. In addition to youth, Oral Roberts has acquired more size. Freshman Matt Gastel of Jenks is a 6-foot-11-inch forward. Charlie Ludwig, a 7-foot center, transferred from Westark Junior College in Fort Smith, Ark. The Golden Eagles host Nebraska on Saturday in the season opener. Besides Gastel and Ludwig, other probable starters are freshman guard Luke Spencer-Gardner from Melbourne, Australia; Texas junior college transfer Markius Barnes and returning sophomore Josh Atkinson, a product of Tulsa East Central. Sutton said senior forward Kyan Brown is expected to work his way into the lineup soon. Brown has been nursing a sprained thumb. Brown said the new height on the team has forced him to work on his shots against bigger guys. “I’m really looking forward to coming out and helping the team and trying to provide a little fire and try to gel with these new guys because playing is different from practicing,” Brown said. Barnes scored 33 points in one of the Golden Eagles’ exhibition matchups. “I think we have a good chance to do something really special,” Barnes said. Sutton said the overall conference should be improved and hopes for a better seed in the NCAA tournament. Valparaiso has won the last five Mid-Con titles. “Until somebody knocks them off, they’re the team to beat,” he said.
Copyright© Ponca City News, 1998 |