From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
November 13, 1997
LOCAL
And the Answer Is
Bureauracy Biggest Winner With Truth-in Sentencing Bill
Tuesday's Vote Topic of Forum
Kaw Lake Association Seeks Photos
Seven Ponca Citians in NOC's 'Grease' Production
Letter
Singers Invited To NOC Choir For 'Requiem'
Nigh, Gilliam Highlight NOC Statehood Event
DEATHS
Walter Kirkendall Mounce
Stella Woodruff
Services Pending
Verna Louise Dobbs
Marjorie Lee Hale
NEWS BRIEFS
GARDENING
Recycling Program Used at Conoco
Garden Guide
SPORTS
Area Football Playoff Action Strong
Y's 7th Grade Basketball Set
Mat Results
Sports Notes
-HEADS TOGETHER to solve a conservation problem, the "Glaciers" from St. Mary's School in Ponca City prepare their answer to a question during the Kay County Conservation District's second-annual AquaQuest, a test of fifth-graders' brain power. The St. Mary's team won Wednesday's county-wide contest and will advance to represent the district in Area II competition Dec. 1 in Stillwater. Pictured (from left) are Kyle Carmack, Robby Lankston, Natalie Yozzo and Candice Vandeven. (News Photo by Mark Galvin)
Editor's Note: This is the second of two articles from an interview with State Rep. Jim Newport of House District 37, which comprises the Ponca City area.
By Mark Galvin
News Staff Writer
State Rep. Jim Newport says that "by deduction" it's now clear that Oklahoma's controversial new Truth-in-Sentencing law was an effort to further the bureaucracy of the state Department of Corrections instead of the "get-tough-on-crime" legislation it was purported to be.
Newport has decided to fight the new criminal-justice reform law created when House Bill 1213 was overwhelmingly approved by the Legislature last spring.
Calling for a repeal of the Truth-in-Sentencing Act, he joins many other legislators who have since discovered the contents of the 600-page bill that was hurried through the House floor for a vote. Unless repealed, the law goes into effect July 1.
The bill, heavily promoted by the governor and several top leaders of the House and Senate, attempts to free up state prison space by turning many offenders back to county incarceration or social programs.
But critics say the state somehow lost sight of the people's original concerns - to deter crime and protect the public.
Newport said he agrees with the assessment of Kay County Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen, who earlier in the week said the only winners with the state's new law are the Department of Corrections and the criminals.
Van Hoesen said, "The criminals will be the winners because they will not go to jail for a lot of offenses, and the Department of Corrections therefore wins because it does not have to contend with them."
Discussing the issue Tuesday, Newport said it's apparent the Department of Corrections is behind the entire bill:
"I arrive at that by reason of deduction (because) still, to date, no one has ever said that the Department of Corrections came to us and asked us to create this bill.
"But by deduction, when you follow the money trail and the paper trail and the folks who are willing to go out into the public and say, 'Here's what your new bill says,' well, it's the Sentencing Commission and the Department of Corrections."
A Truth-in-Sentencing workshop to be held next week in Ponca City is sponsored by the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center, the Oklahoma Sentencing Commission - "and, guess what, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections." Newport said.
"Those are the folks who are pushing it and I suppose these are the same folks who were behind it, driving it, in the first place."
The interrelationship between the Department of Corrections and the legislative committee for the bill makes Newport reluctant to depend on the committee for accurate information, he said.
A major complaint of the state sheriffs association, Newport said, is that the Department of Corrections next year will keep all of its $300 million annual budget but transfer more than half of its current responsibility "to the counties and the sheriffs" without providing the corresponding funding.
Newport said, "I believe what most of us thought in the Legislature was is that the sentences imposed would have remained the same as what we knew them to be in the past.
"We didn't realize, in this complex matrix system (of sentencing in the new bill), that it was all going to be revamped and scaled down and handed off to the sheriffs in the fashion that it appears to have been done," he said.
"If you follow the money trail and you put yourself in the shoes of the Department of Corrections and you look at the big picture - 10, 15, 20 years down the road, what you've really done is you've maintained your current level of funding but you've scaled down your prison population.
"That's a good deal if you're a bureaucracy and you want less to do, less people to handle, and keep your funding," he said.
"It's a good deal for them, it's a terrible deal for the public."
It's terrible also, he said, because "the public is led to believe that a sentence means a secure cell in prison somewhere and we're finding out that not all sentences necessarily mean that.
"According to the Department of Corrections, 67 percent of those put in custody in 1996 would not have been sentenced to prison but would have been assigned for community sentencing under the new bill," he said.
"My question is, do you and I and the general public really believe that just because the bill changed, 67 percent of criminals who would have been sentenced now don't necessarily need to go to jail or belong in jail?
"And I would say emphatically, No."
He explained, "The only thing that's changed is the bill - not the crime or not our feeling about being hard on the crime.
"And for that, I say lets repeal it, start over with something we can all understand - no smoke, no mirrors, no tricks, no gimmicks, no matrixes that are difficult to comprehend.
"Let's start over," he said.
Newport agreed with critics' argument that the legislative branch of the state government missed the real target when it changed the judicial branch of the government to solve a problem caused solely by the executive branch.
He said when the Oklahoma Sentencing Commission decides "to just change a man's sentence or drop it because of a (prison) capacity problem, then we have changed the judicial branch, and that ought not be.
"I believe that our current form of sentencing and sentences imposed for the crime that was committed was not necessarily all that bad prior to this bill," he said.
The actual problem, he said, is "the 'cap' law, or what is commonly known as the early release law. That is, if you get up to a certain capacity of your prison population then those nonviolent criminals who would only have anywhere from 60 days to, say, 12 months remaining on their sentence could simply have it dropped and they would be released back to their community."
The real solution to deterring crime is prison-building and, with the increase of state and private prison space being built in Oklahoma, overcrowding will not be the problem it was in the past, Newport said, adding that the legislature has provided for 2,100 new prison bed spaces.
"Most of us think, I believe, 'I'm not interested in (prison) population' - If the individual did the crime, they ought to serve the time," he said.
"Yes, it will cost us. Yes, prison population and incarceration is expensive but it's also expensive to turn these people loose on the street to run ravage over the citizenry.
"So I'm sorry that we would have a problem of prisoners but I don't necessarily believe that just because we have a problem with where to put them we ought to turn them loose. I'm not ready to do that," he said.
The public is encouraged to attend tomorrow's 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Second Friday Forum to hear about the upcoming sales tax vote on the renovation of Fire Station No. 1.
The forum, sponsored by the Legislative Review Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, will be at the Pioneer Technology Center on Friday. After the presentation there will be a question and answer period.
Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served.
The Kaw Lake Association is seeking photographs for a soon to be published guide promoting the Kaw Lake area.
"We need new photographs for the guide that captures the beauty and activities of the lake area," says Rich Cantillion, chairman of a photography contest, currently in progress.
Area photographers, both amateur and professional have been invited to enter the ongoing photography contest which ends Tuesday.
Suggested photographs include individuals enjoying the many Kaw Lake activities, KawFest, wildlife, or scenic photos of the lake. The first 20 entrants will receive a free KawFest T-shirt.
Prizes include a Minolta 35 mm camera for first place winner, donated by Graham Photo; a free photography class at Northern Oklahoma College will be awarded to the second place winner; and a framed 8x10 inch photo of Kaw Lake will go to a third place winner.
Photographs with negatives may be entered in the contest at Graham Photo Supply, 201 North First Street, Ponca City. All entries must be 5x7 inches and taken in 1996-97. All photographs submitted must have been taken by the entrant.
According to Cantillion, all entries will be considered for publication in the Kaw Lake Magazine to be published in early 1998. Entries will be judged by Kaw Lake Association board members and exhibited at the Kay Electric Cooperative offices in Blackwell.
Additional information may be obtained by calling Rich Cantillion at (580) 363-1260 in Blackwell or 1-800-535-1079.
TONKAWA - Northern Oklahoma College will be presenting "Grease" tonight, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Northern Performing Arts Center on the NOC campus. The production features seven Ponca City students and several other area students..
The 1950s drama includes Dana Nesselrode starring as "Sandy Dumbroski," Trishia Challis as "Frenchy," Kitty McNamara as "Marty," Tim Muniz as "Doody," Emily Martin as "Agnes," Erin Sylvester as "Suzie Q," and Yancy Reeves as "Roberto." Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.
Be Kind to Pets
I am writing in regard to an article that ran in The News on Thursday, Friday and again on Saturday. It was put in by the Tompkins family. Their dog Abby had been killed.
When I first read about it, I was horrified that this kind of thing actually goes on right here in our town. But there are some very sorry people running around out there and it is times like these that we are made painfully aware of that fact.
I do want to extend my sympathies to the Tompkins family. As a dog owner myself, I know that many times losing a pet is no less painful or difficult than losing a family member, because to many of us, our pets are our family. They are our friends, our companions and much more. To lose one in such a terrible way is nearly unthinkable. The Tompkins family deserves to be in our thoughts.
I can only hope that the person who did this sick act has some kind of a conscience and is feeling guilt. He or she deserves to be caught and made to pay for what they've done. Unfortunately our laws are not strong enough when it comes to crimes against animals. People can speak up for themselves; animals cannot. If you are a person that doesn't like animals, simple don't get one! If you have a problem with someone else's pet, try talking to them and more times than not, that problem can be worked out. Do not try to take matters into your own hands. Our laws may not be the greatest, but our local law enforcement will see to it that these crimes are prosecuted to the best of their ability.
Again, my condolences to the Tompkins.
Martha Acton
Area residents who enjoy singing are invited to join the Northern Oklahoma College choir for the spring semester, according to Jennie Olson, director.
The choir will perform "Requiem" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the spring concert next May. Rehearsals will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, beginning Jan. 13, 1998.
"Requiem," which was featured in the film "Amadeus," offers "a wonderful opportunity to come together to sing one of the most beautiful pieces of music available," Olson said. "This will be a rewarding experience for all who take the time to participate."
Community participants do not need to enroll in choir to participate, Olson noted. However, one-hour college credit may be earned through enrollment, if desired.
For more information or to sign up, contact Olson at (580) 628-6370.
Former Governor George Nigh and Oklahoma Balladeer Les Gilliam will be on the Northern Oklahoma College campus Monday, to help celebrate 90 years of Oklahoma statehood. Ponca City's Oklahoma Balladeer Les Gilliam will entertain on campus that evening.
The all-day Oklahoma birthday commemoration begins at 9 a.m. with a reception in Memorial Student Union to welcome Nigh. At 10 a.m., the former governor will speak to history and government classes in the Olin Walcher Conference Center, located in Memorial Student Union. The public is invited to hear Nigh's talk at no charge.
A chuck wagon feed, complete with a replica of an old-time working chuck wagon, will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the college grounds north of Central Hall. A real campfire with a cowboy cook in authentic period garb will also be a part of the western theme.
Charlie Blair, Roy Chaney and the Law Enforcement Club will serve chili, brown or white beans at $3 per person. Hay bale seating will be provided. In the event of inclement weather, the meal will be served in Maverick Cafeteria.
The celebration will conclude with a concert by Gilliam at 8 p.m. in the Northern Performing Arts Center. Admission to the concert is free, and the public is invited. Following the concert, birthday cake, coffee and punch will be served in the NPAC lobby.
Dr. Joe Kinzer, NOC president, has proclaimed Nov. 17 as "Boots
and Jeans Day" on campus and has invited all guests to "dress
western" for all events.
DEATHS
NEWKIRK - Walter Kirkendall Mounce, longtime Newkirk area resident, died early Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 11, 1997, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital in Blackwell. He was 93.
The funeral has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Peckham Christian Church with the Rev. Curtis Mason officiating. Burial is to follow at the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.
Walter K. Mounce was born Jan. 14, 1904, on the family homestead, south of Peckham. He was the son of Samuel Huston and Daisy (Kirkendall) Mounce. He grew up in the rural area attending Waddell Rural Grade School and graduating from University Prep School at Tonkawa. He then attended Oklahoma A&M College for three years where he participated in the ROTC program. After receiving his basic training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, he began employment with Shell Oil Company in Arkansas City, Kan.
On June 18, 1933, he was married to Nellie Elfa Walker in Arkansas City, Kan., where the couple established their first home. Four years later, Mounce was transferred by the oil company to Roxanna , Ill., then to Hobbs, N.M., seven years later. In 1946, the couple moved to Peckham where Mounce operated the Peckham Lumber Yard and sold real estate. He was a member of the Peckham Christian Church and Volunteer Fire Department and the Newkirk Historical Society.
Survivors include one son, Dr. Gary Joe Mounce of Edinburg, Texas; one daughter, Betty Jean Glasgow of Peckham; two sisters, Gussie Mason of Wichita, Kan., and Merle Harden of McPherson, Kan.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie, on Aug. 31, 1995; his parents; and one brother, Jessie.
Casket bearers will be Virgil Tanner, Clifton Gray, David Martin, Bill Bliss, Kenneth Fitch and Kris Mapel. Honorary bearers will be Kyce Goodno, Jack Breedlove, Edwin "Bud" Martin, Jay Mapel, Jim Martin and Glen Craft.
A memorial fund has been established in Mr. Mounce's name to the Peckham Christian Church, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.
Stella Woodruff, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 12, 1997, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 91.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Friday at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor, First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home until noon, Friday.
Stella (Beck) Woodruff was born Dec. 15, 1905, in Marland, the daughter of Samuel and Lillie (Stockdale) Beck. She received her education in Bliss Community schools.
On Sept. 24, 1932, she was married to Earl C. Hyatt in Wichita, Kan., and the couple established their home in Ponca City. He preceded her in death and she was married to Paul Woodruff on Dec. 28, 1947. Mrs. Woodruff was employed as a clerk at Frontier Federal Savings and Loan for more than 20 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Order of Eastern Star and the Rebekahs Lodge.
Survivors include one daughter, Sandy Wardlow of Ponca City; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In addition to the death of both husbands and her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Dick Beck and one sister, Nellie Dodson.
The family will be at 3409 Meadow Lane.
Verna Louise Dobbs, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Nov. 13, 1995, in Ponca City. She was 89. Local survivors include a son, Tommy Dobbs and a daughter, Frances Lane. The family will be at 1209 El Camino. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
FAIRFAX - Marjorie Lee Hale, Fairfax resident, died Wednesday, Nov. 12,
1997, at Stillwater Medical Center, Stillwater. She was 87. Local survivors
include a daughter, Loretta Porter. Arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten
Funeral Home, Fairfax.
NEWS BRIEFS
Democrats Meet Tonight - The public is invited to hear Dr. Barbara Ware speak on "Public Education; It's Time to Speak Up," tonight at 7 p.m. at the OCAW Hall, 1202 West Ponca. Hosts for the event is the Kay County Democrats. For more information call Andrea Morriss at 765-6260.
Bids Being Accepted - The Friends of the Ponca City Library will be accepting sealed bids until 9 p.m. Dec. 3 on a complete set of 1991 Encyclopedia Britannica. To submit bids or have questions, please inquire at the downstairs multi-media desk or call 767-0345.
Public Sight-In - Public Sight-In day will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the Ponca City Rifle and Pistol Club range. More information about the open-to-the-public event may be obtained by calling Ernest Jantz, 762-8605, or Clark Estes, 762-6218.
Legion Dinner, Celebration - The American Legion will host a family dinner at 6:30 p.m. this evening at Huff-Minor American Legion Post 14, 407 West South Avenue, with a regular meeting to follow. The 79th birthday of the auxiliary will be celebrated.
Rummage and Bake Sales - American Legion Auxiliary 38 is sponsoring a rummage and bake sale Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. It will be held at the Ponca Indian United Methodist Church fellowship hall.
Stew Dinner - Braden community residents have scheduled a stew dinner and pie auction from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Braden Community Center to raise funds for building repairs. The center is on the hilltop just south of U.S. 60 on South Nine-Mile Road in Osage County.
Prayer Service Friday - Supper and prayer service will be held Fright evening for Lonnie Others, who will undergo treatment for a tumor in the next few days. The supper, scheduled for Ponca Tribal Baptist Church in White Eagle will be 5:30 p.m. followed at 7 p.m. by the prayer service. All friends and relatives are invited to attend.
Arrest - Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 7:03 a.m. Wednesday in the 200 block of South Ash Street on a city warrant for failure to obey.
Arrest - A 51-year-old woman was arrested at 7:44 a.m. Wednesday from the 2200 block of John Street on a city warrant for destruction of property.
Accident - Police received a report of an accident at 9:47 a.m. Wednesday at North Ash Street and West Hartford Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Stolen Guns - A man in the 100 block of North Fourth Street reported to police at 11:33 a.m. Wednesday that several guns were stolen from his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 28-year-old man from the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street at 11:33 a.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to obey.
Vandalism - A woman in the 300 block of South Oak Street reported vandalism of her husband's pickup truck to police at 1:16 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - At 1:22 p.m. police arrested a 25-year-old man from the 200 block of West Broadway Avenue on a city warrant.
Arrest - A 31-year-old man was arrested at 2:17 p.m. Wednesday from the 600 block of South First Street on a city warrant for failure to obey.
Burglary - A woman from the 700 block of North Palm Street reported the burglary of her residence to police at 2:21 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 40-year-old man at 2:31 p.m. Wednesday for actual physical control and transporting an open bottle.
Arrest - Two men were arrested at 3:07 p.m. Wednesday, a 28-year and 32-year-old on city warrants.
Arrest - An 18-year-old female was arrested at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday from the 300 block of West Broadway Avenue on a city warrant.
Arrest - At 5:45 p.m. Wednesday police arrested a 33-year-old man from the 600 block of West Grand Avenue on a Cleveland County warrant for obtaining money by false pretense.
Arrest - A 42-year-old man was arrested at 9:22 p.m. Wednesday from West Highland Avenue and North Lake Street on two counts of domestic assault and battery.
Vehicle Fire - One person was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical
Center after a jeep reportedly caught fire at U.S. 77 and Oklahoma 11 at
2:33 a.m. Thursday.
GARDENING
Waste reduction continues to be a project that involves each resident and community. Various organizations and businesses in Ponca City follow a program of environmental control including recycling of materials and landscaping conservation. The City of Ponca City can aid citizens with recycling suggestions.
From information provided by Steve Sprehe here are a few facts and figures on recycling done at Conoco:
Total trash hauled per month: 177 ton.
Total trash recycled per month: 70.8 tons (508.8 cubic yards) by HEW Waste Systems in Stillwater.
Trash recycled: glass, paper, wood, cardboard.
Recycled soda cans from the complex and refinery have netted several thousand dollars which is being used to fund environmental and educational youth projects through the Will Rogers Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
The annual Records Retention Program produced 10 tons of paper, the majority of that being recycled.
All grass clippings are dispersed on lawns, no bagging is done.
What looks like frost damage may actually be scorch caused by a lack of available water. This happens when the soil is frozen and cannot yield water.
Give plants a thorough watering in the fall so soil is moist when it freezes. Mulching the ground around plants reduces soil freezing.
Mulching the ground around plants reduces soil freezing and makes it easier for roots to continue functioning in cold weather. If it is a dry season soak all plants and trees before hard freezes.
To attract birds throughout the winter, provide bird seeds and also keep water in the birdbath ice free.
New landscape additions are more likely to make it to adulthood when
planted in the fall.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
High school football's second season is about to begin, and even though the Ponca City Wildcats won't be a part of it, there's still plenty of local action to provide even the most die-hard enthusiast a good fix.
Anyone willing - or eager - to get out of town can choose from a handful of excellent matchups as teams carry to the field the culmination of their season hopes and dreams.
It's playoff time.
Nearest to home, fourth-ranked Class A Tonkawa (10-0, 8-0) begins its fervent drive for the state championship, hosting the Chouteau Wildcats (6-4, 5-3). A little further north, the Newkirk Tigers (7-3, 6-2) host their first playoff game in 11 years, taking on the Picher Gorillas (5-5, 5-3).
Further away, the Pawnee Black Bears (6-4, 4-3), high from a near-win against powerhouse Berryhill last week, hit the road to take on the Chelsea Dragons (8-2, 5-1). And the Morrison Wildcats (3-7, 3-2) will try to prove that youth and enthusiasm can occasionally win out over size and experience, heading east to battle the Ketchum Warriors (7-3, 4-2).
Also, the Shidler Tigers (5-5, 3-2) are on the road in the first round of the Class C playoffs, traveling to take on the Medford Cardinals (8-2, 5-1).
Chouteau (6-4, 5-3) at Tonkawa (10-0, 8-0)
The Buccaneers of Tonkawa have waited long enough. After happily running over division rivals like an out-of-control dump truck, the Bucs are ready to get serious.
"There is an extra intensity in practice," says head coach Steve Love. "These guys feel it, they're really serious, they want to be ready."
This Friday they'll take on the Chouteau Wildcats, fourth in district A-6, but a capable team, according to Love. "They've come on late and they played Wyandotte (ranked second in Class A) close. Just comparing individual scores they should be second in their division."
The Bucs have been experimenting with their throwing game lately and it's working, so Love says they'll use it if the weather permits.
Still, this game isn't likely to be close, so Love and the Bucs may be forgiven for looking ahead to the second round and a likely matchup with defending state champion Washington. Love emphasizes - as he has all season - the importance of not overlooking their immediate challengers, but Washington is definitely on his mind.
"Our bracket has us, Washington and Wyandotte - three of the top four teams. For us to win (state) would be the best thing to ever happen to Tonkawa football."
Picher (5-5, 5-3) at Newkirk (7-3, 6-2)
You gotta respect a team full of gorillas, and Newkirk head coach Sonny Schovanec isn't about to judge Picher by their ho-hum record. "They're way better than 5-5," says Schovanec. "They're big, physical, they don't do anything really complex, but they do play hard."
Sounds like a bunch of gorillas.
Actually, Schovanec says Picher's philosophy is similar to their own. The Gorillas don't throw the ball much, they run from the I formation, between the tackles, and Schovanec expects a low scoring game that could come down to turnovers. When the Tigers lost this year, it usually came down to that.
But the Tigers are favored, playing at home, have an experienced team with seniors who want to win and go on to play Luther, the number one team in the state. "We're confident, and the kids are excited," says Schovanec, "I expect them to play well. We're going to take care of business."
Pawnee (6-4, 4-3)
at Chelsea (8-2, 5-1)
Pawnee was nearly the giant-killers in district 2A-5 this season. First, they lost to Nowata even though they matched the Ironmen yard for yard. Last week, they lost to No. 1 ranked Berryhill by four inches and a few seconds.
Don't underestimate the Black Bears.
"That (the Berryhill game) was a great momentum builder," says Pawnee head coach Bobby Miller. "We established a lot of confidence going into the first round."
And they'll need it, taking on the speedy Dragons. "They're incredibly fast," says Miller. "All of them. They have this running back, Larry Crenshaw, who we just have to contain."
Pawnee can do that, and more. Along with their defense, their offense hooked up last week and their punting game - "so important at this time," says Miller - has been averaging over 40 yards.
Morrison (3-7, 3-2)
at Ketchum (7-3, 4-2)
Okay, so 3-7 Morrison made it to the playoffs after starting their season 0-5. You might think the Wildcats would be satisfied with that little accomplishment. They're not.
"I can't say we're 'just happy to be here,'" says head coach Joe Sindelar. "We worked hard to get here and we don't want to lose."
Sindelar has a team that is young, but they love to win. And to win, they'll have to execute their game plan - something they had difficulty with last week against Foyil. "We couldn't catch the ball,"says Sindelar. "We had four dropped balls that would have given us four first downs."
More than just winning, Sindelar also knows that second season play is critical from an experience standpoint, especially for a team as young as his.
"When kids to live up to their potential year after year it becomes a habit. They have to get used to playing now, when the grass is dead and the leaves are gone. I've had seniors before who played in 53 high school football games. That's a lot of experience."
The YMCA seventh grade basketball program is open to all boys and girls who are not participating on another basketball team. Registration is now open and will continue through De. 1.
To start the season, the YMCA will host a series of clinics at the old fieldhouse at the high school. All registered participants are required to attend the clinics. The clinics will be held Dec. 1, 4, 8, 11 and 15. The clinics will run from 7 to 9 p.m. and will be directed by Ponca City High School coaches Ron Arthur and Dana Pulley. Individual stations will be conducted by the YMCA volunteer coaches. Following the final clinic, coaches will proceed with a draft of all players. Teams will then play a six game schedule beginning Jan. 1.
The YMCA will continue with the Y-Winners youth sports philosophy - a philosophy that places participation and character development in front of winning, according to Bill Kenney, Y Program Director. YMCA basketball teams are limited to 10 players and all players will play half of every game.
Cost for the seventh grade program will be $20 for YMCA Youth and Family Members and $30 for all community participants. The price includes game jersey, officials, facilities, liability and medical insurance, and an end of season tournament.
Volunteer coaches are needed. There will be a two-part coaches clinic on Monday, Nov. 17 and Tuesday Nov. 18 at Robson Field House. All interested coaches are urged to attend both nights of the free clinic. The clinic will cover topics such as drills, motivation of young athletes, coaching philosophies, strategy, and sportsmanship. The clinic will be conducted by Arthur, Po-Hi High assistant coach Joe Matlock and Kenney.
PC Kids Wrestling
vs. Blackwell
Div. I
46 - Dalton Fell, 1st
49 - Brett Reedy, 1st
Div. II
43 - Leslie Mabry, 2nd
61 - Chas Wilson, 2nd
64 - Jesse Powell, 2nd
70 - Joshua Fansler, 1st
75 - Torran Compala, 1st
75 - Brandon Humble, 2nd
83 - Reno Redleaf, 1st
Div. III
52 - Joshua Glaser, 1st
55 - Trey Branscum, 1st
58 - Trey Branscum, 1st
61 - Justin White, 1st
85 - Daniel Morrison, 3rd
100 - Derrick Hock, 3rd
110 - Preston Backus, 2nd
Div. IV
64 - Brent Horton, 3rd
76 - Andrew Carter, 2nd
80 - Justin Weatherly, 3rd
110 - Trent Goldsmith, 1st
130 - Kelsey Empting, 2nd
Grade School Play - First Lutheran School will be sponsoring three basketball tournaments this season. Any YMCA, Parks and Recreation, or area registered team may enter. Only one boys team and one girls team per school can enter each age group. Should a bracket not fill up, multiple school teams may enter.
The fourth grade tournament will be Jan. 26-31, the fifth grade Feb.
9-14, and the sixth grade Dec. 8-13. Forms and information are available
at the First Lutheran office or call 762-4243.