LOCAL

State Honors Native Americans Today

State Honors Native Americans Today

TULSA (AP) — Oklahoma, whose name means ‘‘Land of the Red People’’ in the Choctaw tongue, is paying tribute to its tribal population with a state-sanctioned day of recognition.

Legislation that Gov. Frank Keating signed in April created Oklahoma Native American Day on the third Monday of November each year.

‘‘All citizens of this state are requested to devote some portion of Oklahoma Native American Day to commemorate the accomplishments of Oklahoma’s Native Americans,’’ according to House Bill 2822. ‘‘Teachers and students of the schools of this state are requested to observe the day with appropriate activities.’’

American Indians say the occasion goes beyond a token gesture. It introduces a time, they say, to applaud the culture of the 536,000 Sooner residents who claim Indian heritage.

Barbara Warner, executive director of the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission, said all eyes will be on the Indian way of life today.

‘‘I certainly think it’s long overdue,’’ she said. ‘‘I think it’s a positive statement from the state.’’

More American Indians live in Oklahoma — the destination of relocated tribes in the 1800s — than anywhere else in the United States.

A special day of recognition is important for the pride it instills and the breakthroughs with people of other ethnic backgrounds, sources said.

‘‘I’m hoping it will be a springboard for education of our students,’’ Ms. Warner said. ‘‘Here is an opportunity where the state is encouraging schools and everyone to take a look at its native population without any judgment, but just to learn a little bit.’’

The Oklahoma Department of Education got the word out by placing notices and a sample lesson plan in publications sent to administrators and teachers. Indians make up about 15 percent of the state’s public school enrollment, according to the department.

Oklahoma Native American Day activities at the Capitol include music, story telling, dancing and food at festivities called ‘‘Keepers of the Stories ... Celebrating the Indian Spirit.’’

Oklahoma State University education professor Pete Coser, a Muscogee (Creek) Nation member, said the day symbolizes progress in the relations between tribes and state government.

The Legislature and tribes have clashed through the years over issues such as water rights at Sardis Lake and taxation of the gasoline sold on Indian lands.

‘‘Whether it’s bingo or whether it’s smoke shops or license plates, we’re talking about sovereignty,’’ said Coser, the faculty adviser for the OSU Native American Student Association. ‘‘Anytime a state attempts to bring those under control, it’s an attempt to chisel away at the sovereignty of a tribe.’’

Jerry Bread, coordinator of outreach for the Native American Studies Program at the University of Oklahoma, said the Legislature’s record of dealings with tribes has been neither bright nor extensive.

Indians in the state have traditionally been considered cultural novelties, Bread said. Misconceptions and stereotypes flourish, he said.

Oklahoma Native American Day marks a step toward respect, said Bread, a member of the Kiowa Tribe.

‘‘By the very name itself, ‘Oklahoma’ connotes history and tradition and culture that’s very rich in native values,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s only fitting that the (non-Indian) citizens have some background in that tradition and history.

‘‘It would have been a lot better off if it had happened sooner.’’

DEATHS

Sam Lue Bellmard
Neva E. Vosburg
Estal McClaskey
Vincent Turvey
Ruth Clark

Sam Lue Bellmard

NEWKIRK — Sam Lue Bellmard, Newkirk resident, died Saturday morning, Nov. 14, 1998, at his home. He was 73.

The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Newkirk Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Pernina Weatherman officiating. Burial will follow at the Washunga Cemetery in Newkirk under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

Sam Lue Bellmard was born March 4, 1925, in Newkirk, the son of Raymond and Edna Kate (Cooper) Bellmard. He grew up and attended schools in the Kay County area. Bellmard served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and received an honorable discharge on Aug. 23, 1946. He was always proud of his military service.

On Aug. 6, 1984, he was married to Mary Lou Peterson in Tulsa, where the couple made their first home. They moved to Newkirk in 1985. During his trade as an ironworker, he had moved around the United States, where he worked on steel construction projects. He was a member of the Newkirk Assembly of God Church and the American Federation of Labor Unions. He enjoyed music, playing the piano, gardening, fishing, playing Bingo and dancing.

Survivors include his wife, Lou, of the home in Newkirk; one step-son, Ken Welcher of Ponca City; one step-daughter, Pam Kuhlenschmidt of Tulsa: his mother, Edna Pappan of Newkirk; one sister, Colleen Bellmard of Newkirk; three step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father and one sister.

The family will be at the funeral home today from 7 to 9 p.m. to visit with friends.

Neva E. Vosburg

BLACKWELL — Neva E. Vosburg, Blackwell resident, died at Willowhaven Nursing Home in Tonkawa on Saturday, Nov. 14, 1998. She was 83.

The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. The Rev. Rick Longcrier, Blackwell First Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Blackwell Cemetery.

Neva E. (Davis) Vosburg was born Feb. 19, 1915, in the Lamont area to James and Bessie (Johnson) Davis. She grew up in the Grant County-Numa area.

In 1932, she married Harold P. Baker and the couple were the parents of two daughters. In earlier years she lived in Blackwell working at several jobs, then later moved to Enid and worked as a seamstress for the Oklahoma State School.

In August 1973, she was married to Jack Vosburg, in Enid, where they made their first home. After retirement in 1985, they moved to Blackwell. Mrs. Vosburg was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 2438, of Bay City, Texas.

Survivors include her husband, Jack Vosburg of Blackwell; three daughters, Marilyn (Baker) Adkins of Bay City, Texas, Georgia (Baker) Lively of Blackwell; and Connie Jean Patton of Shasta, Calif.; one sister, Mae D. Wellman of Wichita, Kan.; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Marie Jones and Mildred Rader.

Casket bearers will be Bob Lively, Pete Lively, John Riley, Greg Hurst, Jerry Smith and Travis Smith.

Obituaries

Estal McClaskey

Estal McClaskey, longtime area resident, died Saturday morning, Nov. 14, 1998, in rural Osage County. He had reached the age of 77 years, 10 months and one day.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1998, at the Sunset Baptist Church. The Rev. Tom Cox, Bartlesville, will preside, assisted by the Rev. Ron Ledbetter, pastor of Sunset Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Uncas section of the Ponca City Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Estal McClaskey was born Jan. 13, 1921, in Ponca City, the son of Charles McClaskey and Ethel (Spurlock) McClaskey. He received his education in the Ponca City schools where he was active in FFA and Glee Club and had 14 years perfect attendance before graduating in 1940.

He was united in marriage to Betty Jo Speakman on Aug. 16, 1946, in Winfield, Kan. The couple farmed in the Uncas area for about 12 years before moving to Ponca City in 1958. Mr. McClaskey retired as head operator in the lube division of Conoco in 1981. He enjoyed farming and working with cattle.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; one son, Harland McClaskey and wife Debbie of Ponca City; one daughter, Estelleta Kirchenbauer and husband, Steven of Ponca City; one sister Lula McClaskey of Ponca City; four granddaughters, Mandy Gann, Rebecca Kirchenbauer, Darcy McClaskey, and Christin Kirchenbauer; and one grandson, Casey McClaskey; one great-great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Roy, Carrol, and an infant Leonard; and five sisters, Charlene, Lucille, Pearl, Minerva and Leona.

Casket bearers will be Brad Irons, Bill Stingley, Keith Hamilton, David Heinholz, Charles E. “Whitey” Bristow, and Gerald Orr. Honorary casket bearers will be Casey McClaskey, Clinton Fox, John Hough, Jess Brokow, Jerry Brunhoeber, Kenneth Manley, Lloyd Nelson and Emil Westerman.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Baptist Church, Mission Friends, 915 Greenwood, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to the American Heart Association, Kansas Chapter, c/o Pam White, Home National Bank, P.O. Box 1047, Arkansas City, KS 67005.

The family will be at 1024 North Osage.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Vincent Turvey

Vincent “Vinny” Turvey, Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 1998, at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 58. Survivors include his wife, Betty. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Ruth Clark

Ruth McDowell Clark, former longtime Ponca City resident, died Sunday Nov. 15, 1998, in Tulsa. She was 98. Survivors include sons Robert Clark and Nathan Clark. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Stolen Bike — A woman in the 300 block of North Birch Street contacted police at 8:55 a.m. Saturday reporting a stolen bike. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

State Certified DUI School Bridgeway, Inc. is Kay Co.'s only

local non-profit organization that offers both mid week and week-

end DUI Schools and Assessments. Next school scheduled

Friday November 20th, and Saturday November 21st, starting at

5:00 p.m. We now offer the 24 hr. DUI School. Call 762-1462 for res-

ervations and information. adv.

Stolen Bag — At 10:10 a.m. Saturday police were advised that a bank bag containing money and a checkbook had been stolen from United Supermarket, 2101 North Fourteenth Street.

WCW/NWO World War 3...WCW declares war on the best of NWO

Sunday, November 22nd, at 7:00p.m., $29.95. For advance or-

dering call Cable ONE 762-6684. adv.

Theft — At 8:28 p.m. Sunday a man in the 2600 block of North Fifth Street reported that his vehicle had been broken into and two cases of compact discs and his wallet were stolen. A report was taken.

Instant Passport pictures. Graham Photo, 201 North First, 765-

4348. adv.

Spa Theft — A woman in the 1200 block of South Seventh Street contacted police at 9:15 p.m. Sunday reporting that her spa and equipment had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Objects Thrown — At 11:29 a.m. Saturday a woman reported that someone had thrown an object at her car while she was driving south on Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned.

Fire Alarm — At 12:21 p.m. Saturday fire units responded to a fire alarm in the 200 block of North Osage Street after a woman smelled smoke. It was food left cooking on the stove.

Ponca Playhouse will present Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer prize-

winning play “Our Town” on November 13,14,15,20 and 21st at the

Ponca Theater. To purchase tickets for this heart-warming pro-

duction call 765-5360. adv.

Paint Ball — A man in the 500 block of Virginia Avenue called police at 12:46 p.m. Saturday reporting that someone had shot his back door with a paint ball.

Ponca Playhouse will hold auditions for the Neil Simon come-

dy. “The Sunshine Boys” on Sunday, November 15th and Monday,

November 16th, 7 p.m., at the Playhouse rehearsal hall at 1st

and Oklahoma. No experience necessary to read for “Sunshine

Boys” and all roles are won on the basis of open auditions. adv.

Arrest — A 27-year-old man was arrested at 2:07 a.m. Sunday from North First Street and Highland Avenue for driving under the influence, left of center, and transporting an open container.

Trisha Yearwood: A magical night in concert. Grammy winning performer only on pay per view. Friday, November 29th at 8:00p.m. for just $19.95. For ad-

vance ordering call Cable ONE at 762-6684. adv.

Swiped Shoes — Extra police patrol was assigned in the 600 block of South Third Street after a woman contacted police at 11:01 a.m. Saturday reporting some stolen shoes.

Stolen Wallet — A wallet was reportedly stolen at 3:22 p.m. Saturday from the 400 block of West Grand Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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white meat. All you can eat, $6.50. For reservations call 765-5460. a

dv.

Child Threatened — At 4:32 p.m. Saturday police were called to the 200 block of South Palm Street after a man’s daughter was reportedly threatened by a neighbor.

Door Damage — At 5:52 p.m. Saturday police received a report that the door of a house in the 400 block of North Oak Street had been kicked in. An officer was assigned.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Tuesday 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8

p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Juvenile Arrest — A 17-year-old boy was arrested at 7:51 p.m. Saturday from North Elm Street and West Highland Avenue for assault and battery.

Arrest — Police arrested a 30-year-old man at 11:11 p.m. Saturday from Canterbury Avenue and Pecan Road for driving under suspension.

School Break-In — At 5:36 a.m. Sunday police received a report of a break-in a the Middle School, 1401 West Grand Avenue. An officer was assigned.

Beer Theft — An employee at the Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, called police at 2:42 a.m. Sunday reporting a beer theft. A report was taken.

Woman Hit — At 3:27 a.m. Sunday police were advised that a woman was being treated in the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after being hit by a car 2200 North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned.

Arrest — At 2:07 a.m. Sunday police arrested a 43-year-old man from North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue for driving under the influence and left of center.

Accident — One person was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 4:11 a.m. Sunday after sustaining injuries in an accident six miles west of Ponca City on U.S. 60./177/77.

Beer Theft — At 4:14 a.m. Sunday the clerk at the Conoco, 1613 West South Avenue reported that a 16-year-old had stolen a 30-pack of beer. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Break-In — Extra police patrol was assigned in the 400 block of South Lincoln Street after police received a report that a house had been broken into.

Tire Slashing — A man in the 800 block of North Ash Street called police at 10:59 a.m. Sunday reporting that his car tire was slashed.

Burglary — At 11:49 a.m. Sunday a report of a burglary that occurred in the 2900 block of East Hartford Avenue on Friday was received.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 1300 block of North Pecan Street was reported at 7:27 p.m. Sunday.

Stolen Purse — At 2:08 p.m. Sunday a Tonkawa woman reported that her purse had been stolen from the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. An officer was assigned.

Gas Drive-Off — At 2:15 p.m. Sunday a $5 gas drive-off at E-Z Mart, 2225 North Fourteenth Street, was reported to police. A report was taken.

Vehicle Vandalism — A man in the 900 block of East Overbrook Avenue contacted police at 4:22 p.m. Sunday after his vehicle had been spray painted.

Break-In — At 5:36 p.m. Sunday a man in the 400 block of North Oak Street reported a break-in at his home. An officer was assigned.

Vandalism — A man in the 1500 block of Hudson Drive contacted police at 8:14 p.m. Sunday reporting that his yard lights had been damaged.

Fire Alarm — All fire units responded to report of a fire in an apartment the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street at 3:38 a.m. Sunday. There was no fire — only a skillet left on the stove and smoking. One person was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center by ambulance.

Burglary — A house burglary in the 500 block of West Hazel Avenue was reported to police at 2:31 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned.

LIFESTYLES

Sheltons Observe 25th Anniversary
Angel Center Open
Bliss Homemakers FCE Meets

Sheltons Observe 25th Anniversary

Ben and Peggy Shelton are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary today. Shelton and the former Peggy Hill were married Nov. 16, 1973. They moved from Albany, Texas to Ponca City 10 years ago.

He enjoys woodworking and she enjoys crafts, gardening and her Yorkies named Terri and Lizzy. Both enjoy spending time with family and friends. The couple has two daughters, Amy and Susan Shelton, and a grandson, Trevor Shelton.

Angel Center Open

The official information center and gift shop for Festival of Angels is Angel Central, where visitors are able to purchase souvenir items, collectible ornaments, lighted displays, handcrafted angel gifts, as well as Angel Maps of the lighted areas. Angel Central is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Christmas with proceeds going to fund the cost of the festival.

Bliss Homemakers FCE Meets

The Bliss Homemakers FCE group met Nov. 11 at the Marland Methodist - Christian Church. President Burdettya Linn called the meeting to order. Ten Members answered roll call, which was do you look at labels to see if they are “made in U.S.A.”

All members reported having read a book or magazine article or reading with a child and 100% had “Buckled Up”. Maxine Tautfest shared the devotion “Today You Choose” with the group. Arleta Pulliam, treasurer, read the minutes and presented the treasurer’s report.

Cards were signed and “books for newborn” were prepared for Kallie Lynn Shriver, daughter of Jinney and Jason Shriver, and granddaughter of Linda and Chris Short, and Brady Case Birdwell, son of Debbie and Greg Birdwell, and great- grandson of Clara Jane and Warren Case.

Vicki Oltmann, Chairman of Red Ribbon week activities, reported on the participation and success at Frontier School, Otoe-Missouria headstart program, the Marland and Red Rock communities.

Maxine Tautfest and Clara Jane Case helped with eye testing at Otoe-Missouri Headstart, sponsored by the Masonic Lodge. A brief discussion of the Breast Cancer Awareness project was held and Melanie Williams will finalize plans. The 1999 Hostess and Lesson sign up sheets were reviewed. Patsy Smithheisler shared a list of Oklahoma attractions presented at OAFCE by Jim Burranti from Discussion of “Discover OKLAHOMA. “

The annual Christmas dinner and gift exchange will be Dec. 2 at Godfrey’s at 7 p.m. The Community service project was also discussed, the group will sponsor Contact Point in Blackwell which serves Noble County also and Operation Blessing in Perry. Catherine Robinson, chairman, asked that items be ready the first Saturday of December for delivery.

The Noble County association meeting will be Dec. 10 at the Women’s Building at the Noble County Fairgrounds in Perry. Bliss Homemakers FCE candidates for Rookie, Member and Heart of FCE will be recognized and installation conducted for county association officers, Denise Kienholz, vice-president; Patsy Smithheisler, treasurer-elect. Catherine Robinson is serving the last of a second two year term of the county association.

Melanie Williams extended an invitation to the group to attend the Ceres Christian Church bazaar. The lesson “When to Buy and When to Sew” was presented by Melanie Williams with group discussion. Hostess were Shelly Cook and Vicki Oltmann. Arleta Pulliam received the hostess gift.

SPORTS

Monday Evening Quarterback
With Nothing To Play For, Pokes Play Well
Lady Mavs Wear Out
Overtime Win for Mavericks
Swimmers See Improvement
Baldwin Adds Win
P.C. Express Takes League Title

Monday Evening Quarterback

STILLWATER — One career may be closing down for former Oklahoma State basketball standout Brooks Thompson, but he has already opened the door to a new one.

Thompson, who coach Eddie Sutton converted to a point guard, and who helped take the Cowboys to two trips to the NCAA Tournament, has returned “home” as a volunteer coach under Sutton this season.

Following his senior season with OSU, Thompson was drafted by Orlando of the NBA. His four-year sojourn in the pro ranks has taken him from Orlando to Utah, Denver, Phoenix and New York.

But that all seems to be coming to an end thanks to the NBA lockout and Thompson’s bad back.

Currently a free agent, Thompson can not made a deal with another NBA team and the condition of his back may not allow him to play even after the lockout is over.

“I don’t want to have surgery just to be able to play basketball,” Thompson said before the Cowboys started their season tonight at Gallagher-Iba Arena. “I want to see if rehabilation works. If it does, I’ll play. If not, I’m through.”

But Thompson is not through with basketball. He has indicated he would like to coach at the college level. To that end he has returned to OSU to complete his degree in public relations and to learn from one of the legends in coaching.

“I really love college basketball,” Thompson said, nixing the idea of coaching at either the high school or NBA level. “I enjoy the game, the chance to shape people’s lives.”

Thompson said he got his first taste of coaching when he was a point guard with the Cowboys.

“Being a point guard is like being a coach on the floor.”

But Thompson admits he is seeing an entirely new side of basketball from the sidelines.

“I’m learning what goes on behind the scenes, what goes on in the coaches’ offices,” he says. “And I’m learning from one of the great basketball coaches.”

Even if Thompson’s pro career ends today, he has enjoyed the ride.

“It’s been great,” he says. “It’s been great to meet all the famous players and to see great basketball. And the pay is pretty good.”

Thompson also fully backs the players’ position in the current lockout.

And Thompson fears there is a good chance the entire NBA season will be lost this year.

“If they don’t reach an agreement by early December, I don’t think they can get the season in.

“This is not about money for us,” he says. “We’re fighting for the future players.”

It’s also those future players Thompson has in mind as he embarks on a possible new career.

With Nothing To Play For, Pokes Play Well

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER (AP) — Prior to playing a meaningless game against Southwestern Louisiana, Oklahoma State coach Bob Simmons talked to his team about making it mean something.

‘‘I had talked to them about this game being a measuring stick — guys coming out and competing, converting and having excellent performances of execution on both sides of the ball,’’ Simmons said.

The Cowboys, for the most part, did just that. Led by Tony Lindsay and Nathan Simmons, Oklahoma State compiled season highs in rushing and total offense in a 44-20 victory Saturday.

Lindsay had a career-high 158 yards rushing, scored on a short run and threw a 65-yard touchdown pass. Simmons gained a career-best 161 yards on 22 carries and had touchdown runs of 21, 1 and 20 yards.

The Cowboys totaled 449 yards on the ground, sixth-highest total in school history and the most since gaining 536 against Kansas in 1988. Their 605 total yards also were the most since 1988, when they had 610 against Texas Tech.

‘‘It’s good to see the emotion and execution on both sides of the ball,’’ said Bob Simmons, whose team saw its hopes for a winning season get wiped out a week earlier with a three-point loss to Texas.

‘‘At the beginning of the game, I didn’t know what was going to happen because the team looked like they were down and the crowd looked like they were down. But they came out and took control of the ball game.’’

The Cowboys (4-6) needed only five plays to move 81 yards with the first drive of the game, which Nathan Simmons capped with his 21-yard touchdown run.

Oklahoma State lost a fumble on its next possession, giving the Ragin’ Cajuns the ball at the OSU 45-yard line. But as would be the case most of the day, Southwestern Louisiana went nowhere and had to punt.

The Cowboys got a field goal and touchdown on their next two possessions to lead 17-0 after one quarter. They had 224 yards by that time, compared with just 14 for the Ragin’ Cajuns.

‘‘I think they’re probably the best defensive football team we’ve played,’’ said USL coach Nelson Stokley, whose team fell to 1-9, 0-7 on the road. ‘‘And without (David) Garr and (Mark) Lamere up front for us, two starters out on the right side, it makes it even more difficult for us.’’

The Ragin’ Cajuns had only 91 yards through three quarters, with their only score coming on an interception return. They compiled 150 yards in the final quarter, including touchdown receptions of 16 and 61 yards by Brandon Stokley.

‘‘We are looking forward to 1999 and this is just part of the foundation,’’ Nathan Simmons said. ‘‘First it was the Ragin’ Cajuns and next it is Baylor.’’

Oklahoma State closes out its season Saturday at home against Baylor.

Lady Mavs Wear Out

FORT SMITH, Arkansas — The Lady Mavericks of NOC (2-3) fell below the .500 mark on Saturday, stumbling to the undefeated Westark Lady Lions, 101-79.

After taking a 9-point lead in the first half, the Lady Lions retained that lead in the second, out-scoring the Lady Mavs by 12 to take the win.

To NOC coach Greg Krause, the loss was a simple matter of game conditioning.

“They did a good job putting pressure on us, and our defense didn’t do a good job of stopping their guards,” he said. “We just need to work, we gotta pick it up when we get in tough games and play for the full 40 minutes.

“But our conditioning is behind, and it’s something we need to correct.”

LaTonya Douglas and Kacey Whitworth led the Lady Mavs with 16 each, followed by Chenise Robinson with 9, Erica Metcalf with 8, Shaneta Lewis with 6, Lyndsey Warrior and Jessica Garner with 5 each, Jennifer Williams with 4, while Ritha Moro had 2.

The Lady Mavs are at home on Tuesday, taking on Connors State. 

Overtime Win for Mavericks

FORT SMITH, Arkansas — After blowing the wheels off a junior varsity team in their previous outing, the Mavericks of NOC got a real test on Saturday, surviving an overtime battle against the Westark Lions, 60-57.

With the score knotted at 57, and with 1.6 seconds left in the extra period, point guard Larry Reid sprung free at the top of the key and sank a 3-pointer to put the Mavericks up. After a timeout by the Lions, followed by two timeouts by the Mavs, the Lions did get the ball up court but couldn’t make the desperation shot from 30 feet away.

The Mavericks are now an impressive 5-1 on the young season.

“That was a quite a game,” said Mavericks’ coach Mick Weiberg. “It was a darn good game on the road to survive. It could have been a shattering loss, but they did the right things at the right times.”

Though they jumped out to an 8-point lead in the first six minutes, the Mavs scored just 20 points in the first half to trail the Lions by a point. After 40 minutes of regulation, and following a last-second miss by the Mavs, the score was tied at 52.

“A low scoring game can be in your favor on the road,” said Weiberg. “It keeps the crowd out of it.”

Reid led the Mavs in scoring, with 13, while Josh Regnier and Tyler Barnard each had 10. Regnier and Ryan Williams (8 points) also both fouled out of a game in regulation that was — according to Weiberg — characterized by some great defense.

“We played some great perimeter defense,” said Weiberg. “There were a number of times we made them work the clock down to the last second. That defense, that effort, won the game for us.”

Good defense on both ends, however, led to less-than-stellar shooting for both teams. Though the Mavs stayed nearly even with their foes on turnovers, and actually won the rebounding battle by eight, they shot just 15-of-44 from 2-point range and 7-of-20 from the arc. They were also just 4-of-13 from the charity stripe.

“We should have been in the 70’s,” said Weiberg. “We didn’t shoot all that well, and when you’re not getting that many attempts at the free throw line, you have to hit them. That’s a big stat.”

Garrett Pelton followed up with 7, Jeff Newby had 3, Nathan Gregory had 2, while Shere-Khan Jones had 1.

The Mavs are at home on Tuesday, taking on undefeated Connors State.

Swimmers See Improvement

TULSA — The Po-Hi swim team got a thorough effort from both sides on Saturday, as both the boys’ and girls’ teams pulled out an impressive seventh and eighth place finish, respectively, in the Tulsa Union Invitational. Fifteen teams — and most of the top 10 state teams — attended the meet.

Two of the Lady Cats qualified for state, with sophomore Andra Nuzum coming through in the 200 free and junior Shannon Mersman in the 100 back. The girls’ 200 medley relay — composed of Mersman, Megan Tomek, Sunita Chahar and Jessica Leung — also had a fourth place finish in the meet.

“The girls really swam well,” said coach Dave Strah. “

Aside from two disqualifications on relays — with swimmers leaving early off the blocks — the boys had another fine performance. Rory Peterson won the 100 fly and was second in the 200 free. Chris Kana requalified for state in the 100 back, as did DJ Nuzum in the 500 free.

“The boys swam well but the disqualifications hurt us,” said Strah. “The exchange is a crucial part of the relay. Hopefully, we’ve got those bad starts out of our system.”

The swimmers travel to Edmond Memorial on Friday.

Baldwin Adds Win

Young Ponca City distance runner Chelsea Baldwin has added another trophy to her collection and has a chance at more national recognition.

Baldwin won the girls’ Midget Division of the USTF State Cross Country Championships in Tulsa Saturday. She finished the 3-K Run in the time of 11:54.9.

That time was good enough to placer her fourth overall (boys and girls) in that age division.

Baldwin has qualified for the Youth Junior Olympics National meet in Chicago in December.

P.C. Express Takes League Title

The P.C. Express, a 14-under soccer team, took the Frontier Country League championship over the weekend, powering past Bixby, 11-0, and the Prior Flames, 2-0, to finish with an overall record of 8-0 with two ties.

Six different players scored in Saturday’s rout over the host team Bixby, while Justin Bush and Doug Flett scored the winning goals — with an assist by Bailey Jordan — to get the win over Prior. That game was played on Sunday at the Ponca City soccer complex.

“This was their first year together and they won the league,” said Marco Castillo, who coached the team along with Gary Brown. “The future of Ponca City soccer looks bright with guys like this.”

Also, P.C. Milan, a team composed mostly of Po-Hi players, lost 4-3 on Sunday to the Northwest Oklahoma City Gunners. The loss drops Milan to 5-3 on the year with two games left.

Though they were down 4-0 at halftime, the Poncans came back to score three goals in the second period, with Paul Broome, DJ Scarbrough and Brett Skaggs contributing a goal each.

“They showed a lot of character coming back,” said Castillo, who recognized the play of Jeremy Cox, Jacob Daniel and Michael Goddard as igniting the second half outburst. “We had twice as many shots and twice the time of possession but couldn’t get it in the net.

“That’s okay — as long as they find it for the high school season.”