LOCAL

Blackwell Residents Trying To Recover From Flooding
Copter Haylift Delivers Food To Stranded Cattle
Murder Suspect Pleads Guilty To Save His Life
Church, Bank Combine To Aid Red Cross Effort
Severance Issues Civic Wake-Up Call to Rotary Club

Blackwell Residents Trying To Recover From Flooding

BLACKWELL (AP) — Residents forced from their houses by rising water faced somber homecomings today as they returned to soaked carpets, waterlogged walls and the overwhelming stench of river water.

The Chikaskia River had returned to its banks by this morning, allowing access to most all flooded homes in Blackwell, officials said. Homes remained flooded, however, along the Salt Fork near Tonkawa.

State and local assessment teams surveyed the damage. Patrick Zehr, director of Emergency Preparedness for Kay County, called it hearbreaking.

‘‘You have mud. Your carpets are totally soaked,’’ he said. ‘‘Wooden floors warp and buckle. Heat and air units have to be completely redone. Any furniture is gone.

‘‘You’ve had the river run right through the middle of your house,’’ he said.

Gov. Frank Keating declared a disaster emergency in Kay, Grant and Alfalfa counties Wednesday because of severe storms and flooding. The declaration is the first step toward seeking federal or state disaster assistance.

‘‘Our civil emergency management teams are still assessing the damage in these counties and those that surround them and more counties might be added later,’’ Keating said.

Ben Frizzell, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management, said a preliminary damage assessment team will arrive today and join state and local teams in Blackwell.

The local teams have not been able to access some areas.

‘‘So far, the water is too high to get in there,’’ Frizzell said. ‘‘We’ll give it another day and hopefully, by Friday morning, we’ll get a look at some damaged property, commercial and residential.’’

James Witt, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, was in Tulsa on Wednesday and said he may return later this week to survey flood damage in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas.

Meanwhile, Zehr said authorities were keeping an eye on the Arkansas River on the other side of the county. Flooding upstream in Kansas filled Kaw Lake to maximum levels, forcing the release of water from the dam.

Any flooding along the Arkansas River in Kay County is expected to be minor, occurring on pasture land, he said.

‘‘I’ve been telling people south of Kaw Lake to watch their livestock and move them on up away from the river,’’ he said.

The Oklahoma National Guard on Wednesday airlifted donated hay to about 550 head of cattle stranded by floodwaters in northern Oklahoma.

A military helicopter dropped hay in areas of Kay and Grant counties, where high waters cut off some herds up to 4 miles from their farms.

‘‘It’s terrible up here,’’ Scott Blubaugh, a field representative for the Oklahoma Farmers Union, said. ‘‘We just came out of the drought and the crops were really poor. Then we get into the flood.

‘‘Thousands of acres of wheat just planted are now under water and it’s late in the planting season,’’ Blubaugh said.

The Chikaskia River began rising late last week and didn’t stop until it hit a record high 34.4 feet, more than 5 feet above flood stage. That water inundated Blackwell, where as many as 166 people were evacuated from their homes. No one was injured in Blackwell.

‘‘We’ve been extremely lucky there. It’s just inconvenience — bumps, bruises and broken hearts because you lost all your stuff,’’ Zehr said.

The river had dropped back within its banks by this morning. The Salt Fork River, which was about 9 feet above flood stage Monday, also was receding, but remained about two feet above flood stage.

The Cherokee Strip chapter of the Oklahoma Red Cross had sheltered 65 people in a relief center in Blackwell for the four days it was open. The shelter closed Wednesday night, said Kathy Hawkins, chapter director.

Some 175 cleanup kits, which include sponges, brooms, mops large bottles of detergent and disinfectant, were given out, Mrs. Hawkins said. A mental health professional also will be on hand for flood victims.

‘‘There is a lot of mental stress on them because they don’t know what they’re facing,’’ she said. ‘‘It was just today that they’re going in and finding out what’s waiting for them.’’

Aid also will be given to neighboring Grant County, where some residents in the small town of Jefferson were affected, Mrs. Hawkins said.

Two families there were put in hotels and several others were able to seek shelter elsewhere, she said.

The Red Cross plans to provide vouchers to replace clothing, food and essential furniture, she said.

Elsewhere in Grant County, residents in Lamont were asked to boil their water after floodwaters contaminated the town’s wells. The civil emergency management agency sent in several water trailers so that bottles could be filled, and the Red Cross drove in bottles of water from Kay County.

The problem had been resolved by afternoon, officials said.

Copter Haylift Delivers Food To Stranded Cattle

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Local farmers and the Oklahoma Army National Guard joined forces Wednesday to help save starving cattle stranded by the local floodwaters. A Chinook heavy lift helicopter arrived at the Blackwell/Tonkawa Airport shortly after noon Wednesday on a “Moo” mission.

“We have reports of 12 herds and nearly 550 head of cattle that are without food and stranded by floodwater in Kay and Grant Counties,” said Oklahoma Farmers Union Representative Scott Blubaugh, who organized the mission. “I just felt helpless that there was nothing I could do to help save the farmer’s crops but luckily came up with a way to help save their cattle.”

Over 200 bales of hay were loaded into the cargo area of the helicopter and then dropped near the hungry herds. With the Salt Fork River still above flood stage, and not predicted to return within its banks until Friday, the relief came none too soon for the ranchers whose cattle were in risk of starvation.

“I have about 30 cattle plus calves that are without food and are hungry, wet, cold and scared — they are just like people and get stressed,” said Tonkawa rancher Joe Kreger. “I usually have a jump on it and can ride to my cattle by horseback but by Sunday the water was deeper and swifter than I wanted to attempt. It just came up too fast.”

Kreger says that he watched with binoculars Monday as his cattle, desperate for food, jumped from their perch on top of a ridge, into the floodwaters. “They hit strong currents and circled around and went back,” he said. “I wish they hadn’t tried that. I’m so glad for this help.”

The story was the same for Abe Payne who had 160 head of cattle south of Lamont that have been without food since Monday.

“The funny thing is that these cattle were bought from a farmer in Texas who sold them due to the drought down there and now they are starving because of the floods here,” Payne said.

Blubaugh told of the story of one desperate farmer who tried to reach and deliver hay to his cattle by a John Boat in the rising and swift floodwaters but was not successful. “The boat was too small and it was pretty dangerous with fences underwater and all,” he said.

It took several trips for the helicopter to deliver all of the hay to the cattle and the farmers stood by and helped load the cargo and then watched as the helicopter took off on a mission of mercy in an effort to help their starving livestock.

“I have calves out there and may have lost some of those already,” Kreger said. “I realize you have to rescue people first but cattle need help too.”

Murder Suspect Pleads Guilty To Save His Life

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

The man charged for the March murder of a Tonkawa woman has plead guilty in a plea bargain that may well have spared his own life.

Earlier this week 22-year-old Johnny Smith plead guilty to the first degree murder of his 20-year-old sister-in-law, Tisha Smith, whose body was discovered among the charred remnants of her home.

In addition to murder, Smith also plead guilty to two other charges including arson for setting fire to a house he occupied with his brother’s family, in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.

Although the house was destroyed in the blaze, law enforcement was able to obtain enough evidence to charge Smith with murder.

Samples taken from Smith’s bedroom revealed gasoline underneath the bed, where she was found, as well as underneath the bedroom door. An autopsy revealed Smith died prior to the fire and most likely died from suffocation.

The suspect had lived with his brother and wife and three children — one of those three was in the residence as it was set on fire. Smith, escaped the blaze but left a 2-year-old child in the burning house. However, the child was rescued by a passerby.

Soon after the murder Smith fled the area and a massive manhunt ensued. He was later arrested in a small town west of Garden City, Kan.

Smith’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15 and Assistant District Attorney Phil Ross is hoping Smith is given life without parole.

“As part of the plea bargain we withdrew our petition seeking the death penalty,” Ross said. “Among other reasons the family of the victim didn’t particularly want the death sentence and preferred life without parole.”

Ross says he feels hopeful that Smith will receive the maximum sentence. “He does not have an extensive record but the one he does have is troubling,” Ross said. “I feel there is a pretty good chance we’ll get life without parole because there were enough aggravating circumstances that would have even sustained a death sentence.”

Church, Bank Combine To Aid Red Cross Effort

Members of Grace Episcopal Church and employees of NationsBank are sponsoring a collection site for items to be distributed by the American Red Cross.

Co-chairman for the project are Frank Kennedy, president of NationsBank, and Phyllis Kennedy of Grace Episcopal Church.

Items will be used to assist victims of disaster in the area. Needed items include: canned foods, personal items such as combs, brushes, toothbrushes, shampoo, and soap, diapers, blankets, pillows, quilts, towels, wash cloths, dishes, pots and pans, cleaning supplies, shovels, gloves, rubber boots, plastic pails, hoses, extension cords, plastic bags, trash containers, paper towels, furniture, small toys, and other household items.

Items may be taken to the garage on the north parking lot at Grace Episcopal Church, Thirteenth and Grand, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The collection site will be open Sunday morning.

Individuals may make arrangements to leave items after hours or on Saturday by calling the church office at 765-7609. The drive will conclude Monday at noon.

“We will be happy to accept items on behalf of those persons who have needs as a result of disaster,” states Ann Ryan, chapter manager. “We have shared most of the resources we had on hand and we will continue to share with the Arkansas City Chapter and the Cherokee Strip Chapter to assist persons in those areas as well as our own. The Ponca City Chapter has assisted several local families who were evacuated from their homes during the flooding, as well as three families who suffered total losses from other disasters.

“Anyone who has needs relating to disaster should contact the local chapter. We always try to contact families but sometimes when they are displaced it is difficult to make contact. We are here to help. All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free and is made possible by the voluntary contributions of the American people.”

Severance Issues Civic Wake-Up Call to Rotary Club

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Ponca City Rotary was treated to a “wake-up call” Monday, when Richard Severance, Conoco Mid-Continent general manager and current Chamber of Commerce chairman, called on the group to help with some of major problems facing the community.

On the so-called “rubber chicken” speaking circuit to civic clubs and church organizations, Severance has strived to stir the social conscious of the groups to action for community improvement.

Severance encouraged the Rotary, as he has other groups, to forget about turf and get involved helping the community make right choices for the future.

About Conoco, Severance said the IPO stock sale is going well and that the firm is still in it’s “quiet period,” and could not discuss business in detail.

He expressed concern about the declining population and said that new jobs need to be created to bring in workers to replace the aging population (revenue). “We need more workers to take the jobs that are available. We need more workers to move to Ponca City.”

On the positive side, Severance said that economic development had brought in jobs adding millions in payroll between Thorn Apple Valley and Sykes. “We should all ask ourselves where we would be without the payrolls of Thorn Apple Valley and Sykes? I think this community would really be feeling the pinch.”

Severance noted that the sales tax continues to increase, even discounting the dedicated tax. The sales tax increase is a good economic sign, Severance said.

Unemployable Percentage?

About unemployment, Severance noted it is about 6.8 percent and there are 150 to 100 ads in the newspaper advertising jobs. He suggested there may be a percentage of “unemployable” who are not looking for work.

Another concern is affordable housing for the new workers. Severance said that the workers are moving to Tonkawa and Blackwell to find housing. He also made a point of talking about unscrupulous landlords gouging renters in unfair practices.

Severance said that Kay County is No. 4 in per capita income in Oklahoma, slipping from third in the past to fourth. “We saw a nice increase in per capita income in 1997,” Severance said.

He talked about the progress made by the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), which has three main objectives, marketing the community, serving the needs of existing local employers and seeking new employers that fit well within the community needs.

EDAB is making progress in several areas including affordable housing, extended child care and transportation, training for employees and supervisors, beautifying the entrances to Ponca City and work force studies.

Severance noted that EDAB is taking the lead on some of these issues because there is no one else out there is getting involved. There are needs out there that have not been addressed for a long time.

Where Are Entrepreneurs?

“EDAB has to spend its time working on infrastructure to support the existing employees and that suggests to me that many things stagnated here in Ponca City for a while. Why weren’t any entrepreneurs coming forward to get involved in some of these issues? They’ve been very slow coming forward in child care.”

Severance reported there is progress being made on transportation. Art Mires has been working on this and there should be some fruits of this next year.

Talking about the recent survey by Mark Sneed on the benefits of Sykes and Thorn Apple, the conclusion was that Ponca City gained 1,400 new jobs and significant increase in utilities revenue and sales tax, plus $18 million in direct payroll.

Another EDAB effort is to market research space and office space at Conoco to the universities. He noted this was not being done to make money for Conoco.

Community Issues

On the subject of youths, Severance was positive about the recent Youth Summit chaired by Ann Bandy and Helene Schwartz. He said the summit brought awareness to the problems and put some plans in place to address elements of these issues.

Severance said, “In my opinion Ponca City has been in denial on a number of the initiatives the Youth Summit dealt with — substance abuse, teen pregnancy, juvenile crime, gang violence, sexual and physical abuse and school drop-out rate.”

Time for Denial Past

He said that when he talked to people they said that Ponca City doesn’t have any of these problems. “We thought we didn’t have any of these problems because we said we didn’t. Time for denial has past. These are serious issues and we cannot put a band aid on them.”

The Youth Summit now has a hundred volunteers to take a problem and work on it and solve it in the next six months, Severance said. He told there is an AmerCorps Fellow coming to Ponca City to help work on these problems.

“While Ponca City has responded well in the past to crisis, there is an enormous amount of turf in this community. Everybody’s got their one square foot of turf this is where I’m going. I don’t need any help and I don’t want to offer any help.

“We see this in all kinds of agencies and boards and groups who want to do their own little thing. Well I don’t think we can afford to do our own little thing in this community right now. We have limited resources and talent and we need to focus on a problem and not care who gets the credit.” At this point the Rotary Club applauded mildly.

He continued, “Conoco has addressed some of these issues through our philanthropical funding, the Chamber of Commerce has gotten some on it’s agenda. And the Mayor and the City Commission are out there trying to get people to work together and stop duplication of effort.”

Drop-out Rate Unacceptable

Addressing school issues, the Conoco executive said, “The drop-out rate, 30 kids who start ninth grade will not graduate from high school. That is unacceptable. That is unacceptable for any community and absolutely unacceptable for this community.”

Some of the problems relate to sexual and physical abuse, others to there being only one parent or no parents involved in the youths education. “There are a lot of issues to deal with. The Youth Summit has some ideas to move forward. This is not only an economic issue alone for the schools — it is a social issue for this community,” Severance said.

“It’s a work force issue. These people are not qualified to do the jobs that are being created. The school system is beginning to address the question. But we can’t just look at those who drop-out and focus on programs for those folks. We have to go to kindergarten, first and second grade and we can identify kids that are at risk of dropping out and we can modify the way we teach and approach these kids and I think we can start making a difference ten years down the road,” Severance said.

“It’s not something that People always like to work on because of instant gratification and it is going to take a lot of time. That’s why we need to work on the root that cause of these issues and not just put band aids on, which we have done for a long time.

“It is going to be incumbent upon us to change and have some flexibility in the way we teach kids. Kids today are attuned to coming into the classroom sitting in line with both feet on the floor listening to lectures all day. They are a video game culture game they learn differently than we do. It is going to be important that we have some flexibility in the way we teach these kids. What we find out in the alternative schools, these aren’t dumb kids they just learn differently"

Severance had high praise for the Great Expectations program.

School Technology Needs Upgrading

Severance said, “I know that many of you retirees kinda balk at paying more taxes. You say the schools were good enough when you went through but it’s not good enough today folks. It’s got to compete with Cy-Fair and Katy School Districts in Houston. I’ve got to be able to bring managers and professionals up here and to make them feel good about taking their kids out of that school system and putting them in this school system. These schools have some needs that are not being met. There will be an opportunity to vote on this spring to vote on a plan put together by the administration to upgrade infrastructure and technology needs. This will take a slight mill levy increase. Conoco is going to support this. I’m going to support it and I think everyone of us needs to get behind Dr. White and the school administration and get the our schools up to the best school in the state of Oklahoma and it is going to take some time, some money and commitment on their part to maintain them and keep them there.”

Hispanics

“People come to me all the time to talk about Hispanics here in the community. There are a lot of people making inaccurate statements about the Hispanics. It is disturbing, the remarks I hear is that Ponca City is a somewhat red/white community. We’re not very tolerant of those who are different than we are and we want to keep them out of sight.

“This is not an issue we are going to be able to do that with. There are 30 million Hispanics in this country today. They make good workers, they have strong family values and they have a cultural heritage that we can all benefit by. I personally think they can become an economic strength in this community in terms of attracting new businesses. We have not made them feel very welcome in the community we talk about them, we don’t talk to them.

“There is an effort being made. Mayor Tom Leonard and I are involved in a Hispanic Association within the community, to bring them more into the community. Leonard addressed the group in Spanish. I think they are being treated shamelessly by landlords who are taking advantage of them. Its not right its not fair. I ask you what role you can play in this?”

Afterwards Rotary President Kathy Adams assured Severance that Rotary had no “turf” and stood ready to assist.

DEATHS

Fred E. Smith
Marlene Eagle Rhodd
Mary Helen Dunn Walker
Louis V. Knight
Mildred Pearl Puddy

Fred E. Smith

TONKAWA — Fred E. Smith, resident of Tonkawa, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 59.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 1998, at the Antelope Valley Church of the Brethren in Billings, with the Rev. Jerald Claus, pastor, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home Chapel in Tonkawa.

Fred E. Smith was born Dec. 9, 1938, in Seminole, the son of Clarence R. Smith and Cora Hester Henderson. He was raised in Seminole until moving to Garber where Fred lived for 12 years until coming to Tonkawa. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his spare time.

He is survived by his mother; two sons, Steven Glasgow of Pryor, and Pete Simons of Perkins; four daughters, Cindi Corr of Perry, Melissa Tressler of Enid, Candy Shuemake of Billings, and Joyce Holeman of Stillwater; four brothers, Willard Smith of Blackwell, Frank E. Smith of Oklahoma City, Jackie Smith of Henryetta, and Clarence Smith of Konowa; four sisters, Martha Ropp of Lamont, Shirley Anderson of Tonkawa, Bobby Postman of Maud, Verda Simons of Blackwell; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father; two brothers, John Henry Smith and Charles Dewayne Smith; one sister Enoka Starline Smith; one daughter, Stephanie Rae Smith; and one son, James Albert Smith.

Marlene Eagle Rhodd

KONAWA — Marlene Eagle Rhodd, former resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Nov. 3. 1998, in Konawa. She was 67.

A funeral will be held Friday, Nov. 6, 1998, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Konawa with the Rev. Mathew Brown, O.S.B., officiating. Rosary will be 6:30 p.m. tonight in the Pickard Funeral Chapel. Burial is to be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery under the direction of the Pickard Funeral Home in Konawa.

Marlene Eagle Rhodd was born in White Eagle on Oct. 26, 1931, the daughter of Lucina Roy and McKinley Horse Chief Eagle. She graduated from Haskell Indian School in Lawrence, Kan., in 1950 and returned for post graduate studies, graduation in 1953 with a degree in journalism. She was employed with the Herald Journal in Newkirk for several years. She married Frank Rhodd on June 25, 1955, in Kingman, Kan., and had lived in Konawa since 1955. She was a licensed practical nurse, a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Society, a member of the Ponca Indian Tribe, and a member of the Sacred Heart Church. Her hobbies included gardening, canning, camping, fishing, and spending time with her family.

Rhodd enjoyed her Indian customs and traditions and was selected as the princess for Haskell Indian School, and her photo, at that time, was distributed nationwide and was in the National Geographic. She was selected princess for the Pawnee and Ponca powwows and for numerous other powwows and organizations. She was a direct descendant of White Eagle, chief of the Ponca Tribe, and granddaughter of Horse Chief Eagle, the last hereditary chief of the Ponca Tribe.

She is survived by her husband of the home; one son, Frank E. Rhodd Jr. of Konawa; three daughters, Viola Jones, Dawn Honsinger, and Rhonda Marlene Rhodd, all of Konawa; three brothers, Douglas Eagle of Ponca City, Wilkie Eagle of Marland; and Lester Eagle of Tulsa; one sister, Francene Biggoose of Tahlequah; and 6 grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by one son, one brother and her parents.

Mary Helen Dunn Walker

Tonkawa — Mary Helen Dunn Walker, a long-time resident of Perry, Okla., died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1998, at Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa. She was 89.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 1998, at the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home in Tonkawa.

Mary Helen Dunn Walker was born Jan. 16, 1909, in Newkirk, Okla., the daughter of Matt and Mamie (DeBolt) Dunn. She attended school in Tonkawa. After graduating from high school in 1927, she attended U.P.S. (now Northern Oklahoma College). She was employed as a bookkeeper in Tonkawa and Ponca City before marrying Stanley “Zeke” Walker on Jan. 4, 1934.

They made their first home in Detroit, Mich., where they lived until 1938. After returning to Oklahoma, they were in the cattle business. Then in 1941, they started the Perry Auction Sale and operated it for the next 25 years. She later was employed as a bookkeeper for the Buick-Pontiac Garage in Perry before retiring.

Walker was a member of the First Christian Church, the Business Women’s Guild and the Royal Neighbor Lodge. Her hobbies were golf, horse racing and sewing.

She is survived by her husband, Harold; one sister, Nina Meeks; and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Zeke Walker; her parents; and one brother, Lewis.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the First Christian Church, 701 Holly Street, Perry, 0kla. 73077.

Obituaries

Louis V. Knight

Louis V. “Louie” Knight, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80.

A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday evening in the Trout Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Rev. John J. Michalicka, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Ponca Indian Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be his grandsons Jeff Scavezze, Jeremy Ewing, Vincent Knight Jr., Ponca Child Chief Warrior, Tyler Warrior, Tony Scavezze, Travis Ewing, Brady Warrior, Dana Wilson and Mike Wilson. Honorary casket bearers will be John Gardner, John Northcutt, Joe Hairyback, Joe Steichen, Joe Alagna, Ronnie Goodeagle and Parrish Williams.

Louis was born on March 31, 1918, on the White Eagle Indian Reservation; he was the son of Tony H. and Lena (Black Hair Horse) Knight. He attended White Eagle Elementary School and graduated from high school at Chilocco Indian School. He studied art at Bacone College in Muskogee. After his schooling he joined the United States Army, 45th Infantry Division.

He went to work for the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, as a soil conservationist for 30 years until his retirement. He also farmed most of his life with his brother Dana on the original allotment south of town.

Louie loved his Indian people and was a longtime tribal leader. He was active in tribal affairs helping operate the Ponca Powwow and the Ponca Indian Free Fair for many years. He also was one of the original members who was involved in the proposal and planning of the White Eagle Clinic.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and Indian American Legion Post 38.

He enjoyed square dancing, golfing, bowling, coaching, and in later years fishing. He also enjoyed crafting silver and turquoise jewelry. He was involved in the youth of Ponca City and coached teams of all sports for over 45 years.

A great family man and father, he is survived by his wife Vernalee Knight of the home; two sons, Vincent and his wife Margaret of Edmond, Dr. Phillip Knight and his wife Becky of Ponca City; three daughters, Victoria Knight Scavezze of Ponca City, Robin Knight Warrior of Ponca City and Gina Knight Ewing and husband Jacob of Ponca City; 17 grandchildren, Natalee Glass, Vincent Knight, Jr., Lena Scavezze, Jeff Scavezze, Tony Scavezze, Leigh Scully, Samantha Knight, Rachel Knight, Mallory Knight, Dallas Knight, Kresta Hockert, Ponca Warrior III, Tyler Warrior, Brady Warrior, Jeremy Ewing, Elizabeth Ewing, and Travis Ewing; eight great-grandchildren; and a half-sister, Yolanda Pettit.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dana Knight; and one half-brother, Henry Knight.

The family will be at the home at 727 Albany.

Memorials may be made to the Kateri Circle, in care of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1330, Ponca City, OK 74602.

paid obituary

Mildred Pearl Puddy

Mildred Pearl Puddy, 2411 Mockingbird, died Tuesday evening, Nov. 3, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 87.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 1998, in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Revs. Kent Dorsey and Rev. Chuck Heyer of First Christian Church officiating. Memorial services will follow at 11 a.m. in the First Christian Church Chapel under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Mildred was born July 31, 1911, in Sioux City, Iowa. She was the daughter of Clarence and Grace Popejoy Olson. As a small child, she moved to Denver, Colo., with her parents where she received her education, graduating from high school in 1928. She and Lester Andrew Puddy were married May 27, 1930, and moved to Ponca City at the time of the Marland Oil and Continental Oil Company merger.

Mildred was a member of the First Christian Church of Ponca City and the Friendly Sunday School Class, serving as the teacher for many years. She was a past president of the Ponca City Women’s Club, active in several bridge groups and enjoyed public speaking, especially book reviews, reading and gardening were hobbies. She enjoyed sharing her philosophy of life with all her grandchildren and relished sharing the early years of all her great-grandchildren lives.

Survivors include her son, Donald Ray Puddy and his wife Dana Timberlake Puddy of Seabrook, Texas, and one daughter, Carol Puddy Keathly of Ponca City; four grandsons, David Keathly, Michael Puddy, Douglas Puddy and Glenn Puddy; four great-grandchildren, Randy, Breann, Dana Marie and Haley; one nephew, Robert Harris and his wife Lou Ann of Denver, Colo.; five grandnieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and one sister.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 210 North 5th, Ponca City, OK 74601, or to Hospice of Ponca City, Inc., 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Pauline's Shrimp Peel. All you can eat, $11.95, Friday the 6th.

For reservations, call 765-5460. adv

Pepper Spray — At 9:53 a.m. Wednesday fire units responded to the 3500 block of C Street after receiving a call from a woman reporting that something was wrong with the furnace and they felt like they were “on fire.” It was determined that pepper spray was accidentally set off in the house.

Inside Sale - Friday and Satur-

day 9:00 a.m., C-store equipment,

furniture, appliances, Disney

beanies, ect. 11th and South

Ave. adv.

Hit and Run — A woman called police at 11:25 p.m. Wednesday reporting that her vehicle had been hit while in a parking lot in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. An officer was assigned and a hit-and-run report was taken.

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.

Patriotic Song Fest — The Veterans Day Patriotic Song Fest is 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Poncan Theatre. A moving tribute to veterans of past and present is planned for all in attendance, and the public is invited and encourage to attend. Tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the door and are available at the American Legion Post 14, 407 West South Avenue, and loan institutions.

OSU Vs. Texas. Bill Murphy invites you out to Elk’s Lodge.

Watch party, 2 big screens. Doors open at 1:00 and kickoff 2:30. You

all come. adv.

Banging Noise — At 5:44 a.m. Thursday a woman in the 1500 block of Bradley Avenue called police complaining of a loud banging noise that had kept her up all night. An officer was assigned.

Head Country all day Friday

special ­ All you can eat, smoked

BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad,

and coleslaw, only $6.95, all day.

1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 26-year-old man at 10:38 a.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure appear and failure to pay.

You’re Invited Cruise Party at

Elks Lodge. Tuesday, November

10, 7:00 p.m. Royal Caribbean and

Carlson Wagonlit Travel. Carlson

Wagonlit Travel, 323 East Grand,

762-7591. adv.

GARDENING

Dazzling Exotic Orchids Brighten Winter Interiors
Defeating Ants
Plant Bulbs Inside for Winter Beauty

Dazzling Exotic Orchids Brighten Winter Interiors

(AP) — Surprisingly easy to grow, these dazzling exotics brighten winter interiors.

Small wonder that indoor gardeners sound nothing less than passionate when discussing their prized orchids. Passion is what orchids are all about. The word itself comes from the Greek “orchis”, wrote Rebecca Sawyer-Fay in an article in the November issue of Country Living, referring to the ancients’ belief in the plants’ aphrodisiacal powers. In Victorian times, to satisfy European lust for orchids, plant hunters prowled large tracts of Southeast Asian and Brazilian rain forest, searching for flamboyant Cattleya and Oncidium subspecies.

In the 1830s, English physician and botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward revolutionized plant collecting by inventing portable glass-encased containers resembling modern terrariums. Placed in the new “Wardian cases,” delicate specimens plucked from the world’s remote regions traveled safely into the homes of Britain’s upper classes. Thanks to Dr. Ward, orchid fever soon spread to America.

Safekeeping

Interest peaked again when, during the Second World War, thousands of specimens were sent from England to the United States for safekeeping. With supplies dramatically increased, orchid collecting was no longer a hobby reserved for the wealthy. The cost of plants dropped still further in the 1960s, when scientists began cloning them. Thus, while collectors once paid thousands of dollars for rare orchids, hobbyists now spend as little as $25 per specimen.

The choices available are nothing short of staggering. More than 100,000 orchid hybrids have been created from at least 25,000 distinct species. All are members of the clan Orchidacae — the world’s largest flowering-plant family. Indigenous to every continent except Antarctica, orchid plants can grow as tall as 25 feet or as small as a thumbnail. The one trait all orchids share is the fusion of the male portion of the flower (the stamen) and the female portion (the pistil). On each blossom, three stamens and three pistils join together on a single column.

Four Groups

Orchids may be divided into four groups, according to how they grow in the wild. Epiphytes, nonparasitic air plants, grow in trees, while lithophytes cling to rocks. Saprophytes flourish in decaying vegetation. Terrestrials anchor themselves in soil or sand. As most orchids are epiphytes, they can be grown in tree bark (fir or redwood), crumbled charcoal, pebbles, tree-fern fiber, or slabs of cork.

Many orchids boast delightful fragrance (one example: Vanilla planifolia, the source of the vanilla bean). Others, however, emit a scent so unpleasant as to make the plants inappropriate for the home (these are seldom, if ever, available on the marketplace). The techniques that orchids use to attract pollinators are so convoluted, and even bizarre, that Charles Darwin expressed his doubt that the “world’s most imaginative man with unlimited time at his disposal” could ever have dreamed them up.

Perhaps it is this complexity that has caused many gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts to view orchids as “difficult.” According to Ned Nash, director of education and conservation at the American Orchid Society, “worrying too much” is the No. 1 impediment to raising orchids successfully. “Anyone can grow a Phalaenopsis,” Nash believes. “It’s easier than an African violet.”

Commonly called moth orchids, pot-grown Phalaenopsis orchids flaunt spectacular sprays of solid and variegated pink, white, yellow or red blossoms. Plants grow readily at 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and a minimum 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Soil should be kept medium-moist (too much water will lead to rot); regular (every two weeks or so) application of 20-20-20 fertilizer will encourage and extended period of bloom that can persist for up to three months. And the plants are long-lived. At the American Orchid Society headquarters, in West Palm Beach, Fla., some Phalaenopsis orchids are now in their third decade.

When purchasing orchids, the AOS recommends buying only nursery-propagated plants, which will help discourage pilferage of endangered species. While local garden centers are good sources for beginners, experienced collectors may want to consider a mail-order source. Plants should be secure in the pot and weed-free, with firm, succulent leaves and visible flower buds.

Defeating Ants

(NAPS) — Ants are rapidly becoming the nation’s leading home pest. Structural damage caused by carpenter ants nesting in hollowed-out wood is one of the costliest pest problems. However, by consulting a professional and eliminating the entire ant colony, you may be able to protect your home against further infestation.

“In the U.S. alone, we find more than 550 species of ants, but the most common to homes and businesses are Argentine ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, fire ants and Pharoah ants,” said Stoy Hedges, Terminix entomologist. “Beyond spoiling picnics, ants — such as the carpenter ant — can cause serious damage to homes. Each species has the potential to infest the home while foraging for food and moisture.”

According to Hedges, successful ant control and prevention lies in eliminating every ant colony located in or near the home and the removal of conditions that attract and contribute to the presence of ants.

Homeowners may take an active role in preventing ant invasions by observing the following tips:

— Trim tree and shrub branches away from buildings;

— Rid the yard of potential nesting sites for ants including railroad ties, stumps and dead limbs;

— Avoid the use of stones and landscape timbers near the home’s foundation;

— Keep layers of mulch in landscape beds no more than two inches thick and 12 inches from the foundation;

— Seal cracks in house walls or foundation;

— Install tight-fitting screens on vents and windows;

— Replace rotted or moisture-damaged wood; and

— Repair leaky pipes to eliminate a constant moisture source.

“Treatment and control of an ant infestation will only be successful if each colony is located and eliminated directly,” said Hedges. “These include the primary colony and each satellite colony the ants have established

Plant Bulbs Inside for Winter Beauty

If you would like some of the beauty of outdoors to bloom inside your home during the winter, you can try forcing bulbs.

The term comes from the fact that plants are “forced” to grow outside their usual growing season.

In other words, you get to play Mother Nature.

Hardy bulbs suitable for indoor flowering include snowdrops, daffodils, hyacinths and early tulips. Tender bulbs recommended for forcing include amaryllis and paper white narcissus.

Garden centers, mail-order suppliers and even some department stores will sell bulbs specifically for the purpose of forcing. For best selection, buy them as soon as they become available.

If the bulbs are not already potted when you purchase them, they must be planted when brought home. Plant bulbs in regular flower pots or shallow bulb pots. Put enough potting soil into the container to ensure the bulbs will sit one inch below the surface rim of the pot. Set the bulbs inside and fill with more soil until tips of bulbs are just showing at the soil surface. Water thoroughly. The water should begin to seep out of the drainage hole at the bottom.

For a good display of blooms, plant three to five bulbs of the same variety in each pot.

The long dark and cool period of dormancy needed will vary depending on the bulb used. Tulips may need 12 to 15 weeks of dormancy, while crocus, hyacinth and snowdrops may only need six to eight weeks.

The storage temperature during this time should be between 40 and 50 degrees F. An unheated basement, cool garage or attic should do the job. Check the temperature periodically as the weather changes.

Check carefully for yellow shoots emerging from the soil. This will tell you it’s time to slowly adjust the bulbs to more light and warmer air.

Move them to a semi-dark place where the temperature stays about 60 degrees F. Water well. When sprouts are five to six inches tall, move the pots to a sunny spot where the daytime temperature is about 75 degrees F.

Turns the pots every day so each side can get sun. Keep the soil moist. When the buds start to show color, move the pots out of direct sunlight. This will help the flowers last longer.

To force paper-white narcissus, place the bulbs in a supporting medium — sand, gravel or pebbles — then add water until it touches the base of the bulb. Set the pot in a cool room until roots have developed. Move the pot into a warmer room when buds form, usually in three to five weeks.

Amaryllis bulbs can be potted in winter. Leave one inch of space around each bulb and keep one-third of the bulb above the soil. They will flower in six to eight weeks.

Forcing bulbs isn’t difficult and, for gardeners frustrated by inactivity due to winter, it can be very satisfying. The reward comes when you see the colorful blooms coming at a time when the landscape outdoors is covered in a blanket of white snow.

SPORTS

JVs End Season With Win
Playoff Positions Settled, Almost
OSU’s Punter Fulfills Dream
Roland, Seniors Want To Have Fun
Swimmers Show Potential

JVs End Season With Win

Ponca City’s Wildcat JVs rallied for two fourth-quarter touchdowns to rally past Newkirk, 22-6, here Monday to finish the season at 3-4.

A ball-hawking defense, along with a late offensive explosion produced the win for the Poncans who broke up a 6-6 halftime tie.

Ponca City had three pass interceptions in the second half, two by J. Michael Sharon and one by Scott Steichen.

The interceptions set up short drives of 40 and 6 yards for the winning scores.

Brandon Dilbeck scored from the 3 to give the Cats a 12-6 lead early in the fourth period and also added the extra points. A short time later Steichen gave the Poncans an insurance score and he also ran in the conversion for the final margin.

Ponca City opened the scoring in the second period on a 10-yard run by Steven Michael, which capped a seven-play, 76-yard drive.

However, Newkirk came back to score in the final seconds before halftime on a one-yard plunge by quarter Jamie McWilliams.

“Quarterback Grant Potter played a great game,” Po-Hi coach Larry Degan said afterwards, “especially in the second half. He made some great reads. He also completed a crucial fourth down pass to Steichen that kept the drive to our second touchdown drive alive.

“The defense also played very well and set up the offense.

“The kids got off to a bit of a slow start. We stopped ourselves early in the game. But they came on strong in the second half.”

The JVs also came on strong in the second half of the season, winning two of their last three games.

“The kids shows some improvement as the season went along,” Degan said, “They were doing what we wanted them to do.”

Playoff Positions Settled, Almost

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

Put on your thinking caps one more time, area football fans. The confusing machinations of playoff positioning are still in effect for one more week.

Four teams have a lock on the playoffs: Newkirk, Tonkawa, Morrison and Shidler. Only two teams — Woodland and Pawnee — are out of the running, while Deer Creek-Lamont and Blackwell are on the bubble, each needing win on Friday to make the fourth and final spot in their respective divisions.

With a win against McGuinness (2-4, 5-4), Blackwell (3-3, 4-5) would either take the final spot out-right, or tie Mannford, and gain the final spot on head-to-head tiebreaker criteria. With a loss, the Maroons would either be completely out (with a Mannford win), or enter a 3-way tiebreaker in which they would also lose, this time to Glenpool.

Deer-Creek Lamont’s scenario is relatively simple — they host Kremlin (2-3, 3-6) and need a win to finish in the final, Class C-3 berth.

Other than those two hangers-on, everything else is a just a prelude to the playoffs.

After a best-case scenario in two other district games last week, the Newkirk Tigers (4-2, 6-3) could wrap up third place in district 2A-5, traveling to Chelsea (2-4, 4-5). A loss doesn’t necessarily drop them to fourth, however, as Sperry will likely lose to undefeated district champion Hominy. The Tigers would win on the head-to-head criteria.

The youthful Morrison Wildcats (5-1, 6-3) are playing for the District B-3 title as they host No. 2 state-ranked Oklahoma Christian (5-1, 8-1). A loss would likely drop the Cats to third place in the district.

Shidler (4-1, 6-2) travels to Wakita (4-1, 8-0) to vie for the all-important second place spot in District C-3. Medford wrapped up the district title on Monday with a 20-12 win over Wakita in a game that delayed due to an electrical storm on Friday.

In a game that for many years decided the district A-5 championship, Tonkawa (9-0, 8-0) will host Woodland (3-4, 3-6). Though good fortune has smiled on the Bucs lately, the Cougars have traditionally competed with a passion against their inter-county rivals, and hope to keep it close against the all-mighty Bucs.

Finally, the Pawnee Black Bears (1-5, 2-7) will see a remarkable string of 10-straight playoff seasons come to an end on Friday, as they host Metro Christian (2-4, 3-6). Though picked in the preseason to finish second in their division, injuries and more injuries — to their best players, mostly — sent the Bears into a downward spiral. Don’t count Bobby Miller and the Bears out for next year, however.

Woodland (3-4, 3-6) at Tonkawa (7-0, 8-0)

After nine weeks of seeing the stunned remnants of teams the Buccaneers whipped up on in the previous week, the A-5 schedule finally turns back in on itself and the Cougars will get a look of their own.

Unlike their heated match ups of the past decade, many of which determined the district title, virtually nothing is on the line this year. Still, Woodland coach Bill Pascoe likes the pride thing, and would like to make a game of it.

“If our kids show up to play I think it’ll be a good game, better than most people think,” he says. “I wish we were playing for something, though. I don’t really care for rebuilding seasons.”

Still, regardless of the outcome on Friday, Pascoe says he’ll be following the Bucs into the second season.

“I pull for the district. Tonkawa’s in the playoffs and I hope they go all the way. As long as I’m not playing them, I’m pulling for them.”

Tonkawa coach Steve Love is also gracious when it comes to the Cougars, invoking bloody battles of the past, and notes that their respective situations could easily be reversed in just a few short years.

Still, after a bye last week, and with a long push into the playoffs looming, Love is treating this game as business, and wants to use it to give his troops some last minute conditioning.

“We want get our mind-set into the playoffs,” he says. “I want these guys to get fired up like it’s a playoff game. This is the crew that’s gonna do it from here on out.”

The Bucs should also have the services of prime time player Shane Randall, who went out four weeks ago with a broken wrist.

Oklahoma Christian (5-1, 8-1)

at Morrison (5-1, 6-3)

The Wildcats’ brief stint as the only undefeated member of District B-3 ended last week with a 38-0 drubbing by Weelekta. Though another loss to No. 2 state ranked OCS could drop them to an unfavorable 3rd place in the district, coach Joe Sindelar is — once again — putting a positive spin on things.

“We were picked to finish 8th,” he says. “So if anyone wants to sit back and criticize us while we’re playing for the district title in Week 10, well. . .”

It’s a position the Cats could barely fathom in the preseason. According to Sindelar, his team has made “tremendous improvement” over the course of the season.

Then again, so has OCS. With two of their best players sidelined in their one loss (to Cashion, a team the Cats rolled over), they’re not a team to trifle with.

“They’re fully loaded,” says Sindelar. “Huge, huge things are on the line in this game as far as home-field playoff advantage and the caliber of your first round team is concerned.”

To capture the district championship, the Cats will have to go through multi-purpose player Taylor Faught.

“He’s their bread and butter guy,” says Sindelar. “He’ll run as a tailback then slide in at quarterback on the next play.”

Sindelar also says that the Saints run from a mind-numbing 48 different formations.

“That’s just remarkable for an 8-man team. Some of these 11-man coaches say that 8-man isn’t real football, but come on. That’s a lot to prepare for.”

Newkirk (4-2, 6-3)

at Chelsea (2-4, 4-5)

The Tigers are peaking: they’ve won two in a row, they’re healthy, and they’re heading to the playoffs. After being picked to finish 7th in the district, the Tigers are quickly earning the distinction of Overachievers of the Year.

“These kids have a lot of emotion right now,” says coach Sonny Schovanec. “Emotion matters the most with this team. They’re jacked up about the playoffs, and I expect us to play well.”

Though a third place finish is virtually assured, even with a loss, Schovanec emphasizes that the game is still critical — for nothing else, the emotional factor.

“It’s big. We want it. We don’t want to back ourselves into the playoffs. We want to keep this thing going.”

Chelsea, out of the playoff hunt, does have a number of outstanding players, including quarterback Gerard Girten, and halfback Adam Field — a member of the Green Dragons’ state championship sprint-relay team.

Shidler (4-1, 6-2)

at Wakita (4-1, 8-0)

Wakita suffered its first loss on Monday, falling 20-12 to Medford. While that weather-delayed loss may mean something in terms of a short work-week for Wakita, to Shidler coach Matt Holland, the Warriors are just hard to beat — regardless of their preparation time.

“I’d think it would work to our advantage, and we’d like the home field advantage, but Wakita is just very, very good. They’ve got an explosive offense.”

That’s an offense that has been averaging nearly 50 points a game. Anchored by running back Nick Mooreland (29 touchdowns and 1500 yards rushing), and quarterback Aaron Burgess (1000 yards rushing), the Warriors are a team to be reckoned with.

“Mooreland has more speed than anyone we’ve seen this year,” Holland says.

OSU’s Punter Fulfills Dream

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER (AP) — Scott Elder became a punter almost by accident. His high school coach, looking for a replacement for his injured starter, asked Elder to give it a try.

‘‘He said, ‘You’ve got a long leg. Just try to lift the ball,’ ’’ Elder said.

He was a junior at the time, more interested in baseball than football. He hadn’t even so much as played youth soccer. But one of his football coaches knew the proper technique, and worked with Elder.

‘‘There were times when I was like, ‘This is never going to work,’ because I just couldn’t hit the ball for nothing,’’ he said. ‘‘But he really stuck behind me and worked with me and it just kind of took off.’’

Now Elder, from River Ridge, La., is Oklahoma State’s everyday punter as a freshman. The Cowboys have enjoyed success with junior college punters in recent years, but coach Bob Simmons says he wanted a punter who would be on campus four years.

Elder’s road to Stillwater appears to have been predestined. He thinks he first got Oklahoma State’s attention while taking part in a kicking camp in Texas after his junior year in high school.

Elder’s best friend from high school, Jason Howard, went to Oklahoma State last year and told him that the coaches had mentioned him, ‘‘but I didn’t really think it was anything serious.’’

But one day last fall, upon returning home, his mother told him that a coach Lavigne had called. It was Tom Lavigne, an assistant at Oklahoma State, although Elder didn’t know that. As it happens, Lavigne has a brother who is on the staff of a high school that played against Elder.

‘‘I called him back when I got in, and he was like, ‘We’ve got a scholarship for you if you want to take it,’’ Elder said.

He wanted to. He told his friends and his high school coach that he planned on committing to Oklahoma State right away. While he was an all-district punter as a senior, there wasn’t exactly a long list of schools knocking on his door.

His coach convinced him to at least take a visit to Stillwater, which Elder did. He then told the Cowboys he was ready to accept their offer.

‘‘I committed on October third. Everybody was like, ‘You’re stupid,’ ’’ he said. ‘‘You can’t really turn down a chance to start at a Division I school as a punter. That’s almost never heard of. I really couldn’t turn that down at all.’’

After a slow start this season, the left-footed Elder has become more consistent. He ranks 28th nationally with an average of 42.6 yards per punt.

He still finds it remarkable that he could become that player.

‘‘It was the greatest dream ever come true,’’ he says.

Roland, Seniors Want To Have Fun

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Senior running back-cornerback-kickoff returner Joe Roland will take his challenges where he can find them.

Going into his final game with the Wildcats here Friday night, Roland is looking to have a little fun and maybe spoil the day for at least one Tulsa Union player.

Union boasts one of the state’s premiere quarterbacks in Josh Blankenship, who has completed 106 of 170 attempts for 1,837 yards and 23 touchdowns. He has not thrown an interception all season.

Roland and his Po-Hi secondary buddies would like to spoil that record.

“It is going to be a real challenge to be the first one to pick off one of his passes,” Roland says. “We would really like to be the first.”

Roland and the Cats are approaching this game against the unbeaten and nationally ranked Redskins as a chance to have some fun while testing their skills against what is probably the best team in the state.

“We are really excited about playing the top team in the state,” Roland says. “Nobody on the team is scared of this team. We want to go out and see what we can do.”

Roland admits that being 1-8 going into this final game of the season is not what the seniors and the rest of the team expected of the season.

“I really wish we could have won more games,” he says. “But it’s really nobody’s fault. Most of the time we played the best we could. We played a lot of good teams.

“This is a really tough district. I think it is probably the toughest district in the United States.”

So now the Cats will go out for the last time and just try to have some fun playing one of the best teams in the nation.

In the meantime, the seniors will enjoy their final practices, giving the younger players a hard time.

“The practices this week haven’t been all that great, but they’ve been fun,” Roland says.

“We have had a chance to beat up on the sophomore a little,” he smiles, “to show them what its all about.

“Now we just want to go out and have a good game.”

Swimmers Show Potential

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

Kicking off what should be an emergence of the so-called “country club” sports at Po-Hi this year, the Wildcat swimmers splash into a new season today in Stillwater.

Along with the girls’ tennis team and the boys’ golf team, both swim teams have a chance at big time success this season. With multiple state qualifiers returning for the Wildcats and Lady Cats, both teams have found themselves ranked in the Top 10 in the state.

It’s a position that coach Dave Strah hopes to hold onto.

“If these kids are willing to do the work, they could go really far. We have a lot of potential,” he says.

The boys finished in the 15th place spot last year at state while the girls finished 12th. While not entirely disappointing, Strah feels both teams could have finished higher.

“We didn’t really get it done last year,” he says. “But I think we learned from that, and the kids want to make up for it this year. This year we’re taking it one day at a time — great days equal great weeks, and that equals a great season.”

Leading the way for the boys will be 2-year letterman, junior Rory Peterson. After qualifying for state in all nine events offered last season, Peterson went on to a 4th place finish in the 500 freestyle and a 5th place finish in the 200 freestyle. Though he just missed gaining All-state honors (top 3), Peterson should have more than a chance this year.

“He’s definitely one of the top 4 in both events this year,” says Strah. “He’s also coming on in the 100 fly; it could be a sleeper event for him.”

On the girls’ side, sophomore Sunita Chahar returns to lead the Lady Cats. As one of two freshmen last year to place in the top 16 at state — in the 100 breaststroke — Chahar will look to tally points in a bevy of events: the 200 IM, 100 back, 100 breast, and 50 freestyle.

Also, like Peterson, Chahar has in excess of a 4.0 GPA — something Strah says is reflective of her work ethic, both in and out of the pool.

“She’s at practice every day, and it shows,” he says. “School is a priority for Sunita. She plays in the band and she’s extremely involved. It proves that academics and athletics are one in the same — if you do well in one you’ll probably do well in the other.

“She’ll have a big impact on our program.”

Back on the boys’ side, a “great cast of characters” will round out the Wildcat program, Strah says. Seniors DJ Nuzum, Chris Kana, Patrick Tucker and Ryan Ives will give the Cats some valuable leadership.

Nuzum qualified for state in the 200 and 500 freestyle last year, while Kana qualified in the 200 IM and 100 fly. Ives and Tucker swam on the Cats’ highly ranked relay teams and should also make an impact.

Junior Greg Dunham swam both the 200 IM and 100 breast at state, while sophomores Eric Whitebay and Ben Dickey are also expected to do well. Dickey was a state qualifier in the 100 backstroke as a freshman.

Also, junior diver Eric Chambray is expected to make an impact on the state level, having finished fifth last year.

For the girls, senior Megan Tomek — fresh off the volleyball court — was a state qualifier in the 50 free last year, and was a top 16 finisher as a sophomore. In addition to that race, Tomek should add points in the butterfly events, as well.

Sophomore Andra Nuzum also returns as a state qualifier in the 200 and 500 freestyle, while juniors Shannon Mersman and Jessica Leung round out the Lady Cats’ powerful lineup. Mersman qualified in the 50 and 100 backstroke, while Leung qualified in the 50 and 100 freestyle.

Po-Hi Swimming and Diving

(Home dates in all CAPITALS)

November

5 — Stillwater, 6

12 — ENID, 5

14 — Union Invite, TBA

20 — Edmond Mem., 6

December

4 — Broken Arrow, 5

10 — Muskogee, 3:30

15 — WESTMOORE, 5

January

14 — MOORE, 5

21 — PC NORTH, 5

28 — NORMAN, 4

February

6 — Conference, TBA

11 — Jenks, 5

19-20, State Championship, TBA