LOCAL

State Roads Hazardous As Cold Snap Moves In
Nearly News
Singin and Snackin With Gilliams Set For Brace Books and More on Thursday

State Roads Hazardous As Cold Snap Moves In

From Staff and Wire Reports

Rain-slicked roadways turned to perilous stretches of ice in Oklahoma early Monday as a cold front pushed temperatures below freezing, causing hundreds of traffic accidents and closing schools.

North Central Oklahoma got a break as the mercury dived but the freezing rain and snow were light. The temperature had dropped to 10 degrees in Ponca City by noon and winds gusted to 27 miles an hour, dropping wind chills 16 below zero, but streets and roads were clear.

Roads were covered with a sheen of ice throughout northeastern Oklahoma, the result of rain that fell throughout Sunday and then froze solid on roadways early Monday morning when temperatures quickly dropped because of a blast of cold air from the north.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers were called to between 200 and 250 accidents in the area surrounding Tulsa Monday morning, trooper George Brown said.

He said the problem area included Tulsa, Okmulgee, Creek, Osage and Rogers counties.

“It’s pretty rough, and we don’t foresee it getting any better,” Brown said.

He said sand trucks had been in operation all night Sunday in preparation for the problems, but that officials were unable to stem the steady flow of vehicles slipping off roadways in the area.

Problems were particularly bad on Interstate 44 running through Tulsa, but there were no major injuries, he said. Still, Brown urged caution.

“Our advice is if at all possible to stay home,” Brown said. “Travel is not advisable; it’s very hazardous.”

Some school districts in northeast Oklahoma shut down for the day, including Chelsea Public Schools in Rogers County and White Oak school in Craig County.

Tulsa schools did not close, but some of the district’s 300 buses ran late, spokesman John Hamill said. The longest delays appeared to be in portions of south Tulsa where streets were slick, he said.

Three buses were involved in minor accidents, but there were no injuries and children stayed warm on the buses, Hamill said.

There were no plans to close Tulsa schools early, but parents were allowed to pick up children earlier if they wanted to, he said.

Debbie Messner, a bookkeeper at Bruce’s Tulsa Truck Plaza, said she was waiting tables because the icy weather had delayed the waitress.

“The snow is really not falling that hard, but it is so cold and windy that it’s not melting any.

“We are getting more business than usual. A lot of truckers are standing around, drinking coffee and watching the traffic.”

Trucker Jon Hopkins had pulled a load of frozen french fries from Washington state.

“You have to be more careful that usual,” he said. “You’ve got to watch out. Everybody is going real slow right now. Everybody is taking it easy.”

Northeast of Tulsa, portions of U.S. 66 along the Verdigris River were closed for several hours due to the icy conditions.

Farther to the northeast in Vinita, slick roadways were causing headaches for OHP spokesman Jim Hankins.

“We’ve got a lot of problems. The freezing rain is sticking to everything from the Missouri state line to Tulsa,” Hankins said. “We’ve had about 15 accidents, two of them caused injuries, but we don’t know how serious.”

In Okfuskee and Seminole County east of Oklahoma City, troopers responded to about 20 accidents, but only one minor injury Monday morning, said Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokesman Jack Dejacimo.

“People are just not slowing down and there’s black ice,” he said. “Numerous vehicles have gone off Interstate 40.”

Ice wasn’t the problem in Oklahoma City and other portions of central Oklahoma that stayed mostly dry Sunday; it was the cold.

The low temperature in Oklahoma was about 7 degrees in Woods County in northcentral Oklahoma, while temperatures hovered in the teens throughout central Oklahoma, said Chris Sohl, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Norman.

He said the freezing drizzle that has caused problems in northeastern Oklahoma has not crept into central Oklahoma, where blowing snow was more common.

Oklahoma City police and airport officials said there were no significant weather-related problems in the area.

“We’re getting a little bit of light snow but it’s been blowing off. Overall, in central and western Oklahoma there really haven’t been any widespread problems,” Sohl said.

The winter system affected states across the Midwest, even leading United Airlines to cancel about half its flights at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.

Most school districts in Iowa canceled classes Monday, and snow or cold also led to school closings in parts of South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

In Dickinson, N.D., Monday morning brought a low of 17 below zero with a wind chill of 51 below.

Nearly News

NN has learned that Ponca Citian Don Sawyer, local Chimney Sweep, is being featured on Channel 4’s program “Is This a Great State or What?” The segment will air at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13.

-——

If you’ve noticed the little Santas telling us how many days until Christmas, you will note that there are only two weeks to go. You can be a last-minute shopper, but don’t be a last-minute mailer. This Saturday will be the last special hours day for the Post Office. The local PO will be open 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Daily hours are 9-5, Monday-Friday.

Singin and Snackin With Gilliams Set For Brace Books and More on Thursday

The annual Christmas event called “Singin’ and Snackin’ with Les and Martha” will be at Brace Books and More from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

Martha Gilliam will bring taste tempting samples of recipes from her two cookbooks, “Home on the Range” and “Back on the Range.” Les Gilliam will sing a selection of favorite holiday songs as well as some of the songs from his newest CD and cassette titled “Reflections of Life,” accompanying himself on the guitar.

Just released this year, “Reflections of Life” features a variety of music from favorite country classics to two Marty Robbins cowboy songs, and several original songs, including “Jenny,” “Lucky” and “Your Name is Mudd.”

Gilliam has performed over 150 shows this year, all over the country and in Austria. In August and September alone, he performed in Michigan, Missouri, California, Colorado, Austria and eight times in Oklahoma.

Highlights in recent months have been the Country Music Festival at Wieselburg, Austria, where he has performed for the past five years; the Western Music Association in Tucson, Ariz., where he was the featured performer in the celebrity show; and The Good Sam RV Rally in Shawnee.

Gilliam mentioned that following the performance in Wieselburg, Austria, he performed in the Napoleon Restaurant in Vienna, which was Napoleon’s headquarters when he captured Austria in 1804.

He seems to enjoy this busy schedule, and that’s a good thing, because a look at his upcoming calendar of events indicates a lot of travel coming up in 2001, taking him from Georgia to Texas to Michigan to Nevada to Louisiana to a return engagement at Silver Dollar City in Branson.

Billed as “The Oklahoma Balladeer,” Gilliam always takes time during his performances to visit with the audience about the various songs, giving background information, and bits of trivia. Fans and friends are invited to come enjoy the snackin’ and singin’ on Thursday night.

DEATHS

Betty Doak Asher
Phillip Edward McCune
James Ireland Sr.

Obituaries

Betty Doak Asher

FAIRFAX — Betty Doak Asher, longtime resident of the Fairfax community, died Sunday morning, Dec. 10, 2000, at the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. She was 75.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000, at the First Christian Church of Fairfax with the Rev. George Weston presiding. A private burial will be held Tuesday afternoon in Bristow under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax.

Betty Doak was born May 16, 1925, in Cushing, the daughter of James Doak and Esta Spellman Doak. She received her early education in the Bristow schools, graduating from Bristow High School, later attending Oklahoma A&M College. She was united in marriage to Tipton Asher in Bristow. The couple moved to Fairfax in 1950.

Betty was a homemaker and had worked several years as bookkeeper of the family business. She was a Christian that had served several years at the First Baptist Church and the First Christian Church of Fairfax. She was a member of the Fairfax Women’s Study Club. She was known by her family and friends as a woman of loyalty and as a devoted mother and wife. Her enjoyments included arrowhead hunting, gardening, flowers, friends and her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Tipton of the home; two sons, Dr. Tipton J. Asher and wife, Paula Jean of Plano, Texas, and Dr. Richard W. Asher and wife, Dr. Barbara R. Asher of Fairfax; one sister, Katherine Doak Sullivan of Bartlesville; two grandsons, Thomas Tipton Asher and Wyatt Van Asher; one granddaughter, Elizabeth Tipton Asher; one brother-in-law, Wyatt V. Asher of Bristow. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Howard J. Doak and Richard L. Doak.

Honorary casket bearers will be Thomas Asher, Wyatt Asher, John Tallchief, John Paul Martin, John Long, Joe E. Barnard, George Pease III and John Drexil.

Family and friends may call at the Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home until 9 p.m. Monday and from 8 until 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

paid obituary

Phillip Edward McCune

KINGWOOD, Texas — Phillip Edward McCune, born Oct. 30, 1939, in Ponca City to Guy and Mary Faye McCune, died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 61.

He earned his bachelor's of science degree from Oklahoma State University and never grew too old to get excited while watching them play a rival school on the football field. After his retirement from Conoco Oil, Phillip enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife and playing golf. But his family was always his first love.

Phillip is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Patty; daughter, Kelli René Hodgkinson and her husband Kenneth Wayne of Kingwood, Texas; son, Steven Craig McCune of Pearland, Texas; grandchildren, Chance David Hodgkinson and Tanner Cole Hodgkinson; brothers, John G. McCune and wife Barbara Jeane of Wichita, Kan., and Donald Joseph McCune and wife Pat of St. Louis, Mo.

Friends may come to pay their respects to Phillip after 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000, at Kingwood Funeral Home where the family will be present for visitation from 6 until 8 p.m.

The funeral will be 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2000, in the Chapel of Kingwood Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Ethington officiating.

For those desiring, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 570127, Houston, Texas 77257-0127.

paid obituary

Services Pending

James Ireland Sr.

James Ireland Sr., resident of Ponca City, died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000, at Shawn Manor Nursing Center. He was 72. Services are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Pvt. Nichols Graduates — Army National Guard Pvt. Ryan J. Nichols has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, S.C. He is the son of John W. Nichols and stepson of Ami Z. Nichols of Fairfax.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Pvt. Jackson Graduates — Christopher Dale Jackson, son of Mary and Dennis Powell, graduated from Army basic camp in Fort Benning, Ga., and is now stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky. Jackson is a 2000 graduate of Lincoln Alternative School.

Precious Moments Snow globes, three designs and Frosty too! Just $30. Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Burglary — The assistant manager of Village Green Apartments, 2700 North Fifth Street, reported an apartment had been burglarized to Ponca City police at 9:20 a.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

OU & OSU pewter frames, Pistol Pete dolls & more! Now at Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Theft — A customer at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a stolen wallet to Ponca City police at 10:24 a.m. Saturday. The customer called back and reported that when he arrived home the wallet was in the mail box and everything was intact. No report was taken.

$1.00 Off outfits with any beanie kid purchase. Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. 765-3094. adv.

Fire Run — A vehicle fire in the 2200 block of Scot Road was reported to the Communications Center at 10:43 a.m. Saturday. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department handled the call.

St. Paul’s Holiday Bake Shop and all you can eat chili, stew, and cornbread, holiday casseroles. Saturday, Dec. 16th, 9-3.

adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T No. 3, 720 South Waverly Street, reported a $5 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 11:39 a.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Attention! The Caboose Thrift shop is still very much in business. Our hours are Monday through Saturday, 9am to 4:30pm except for holidays. We are located at First and Central. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 1:36 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. One vehicle was towed from the scene.

Prize Drawing everyday ‘til Christmas! $100 drawing December 20th. Register daily at Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Accident — An accident one mile north of Hubbard Road on U.S. 77 was reported to the Communications Center at 8:37 p.m. Sunday. An ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene.

Burglary — A man in the 900 block of South Fifth Street reported his vehicle was burglarized to Ponca City police at 3:08 p.m. Saturday. Several items were stolen out of his glove box. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Christmas Trees- Cut and live for planting after Christmas. Florist quality poinsettias. Keathly Nursery, 2448 Bridge Avenue.

adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Citgo Short Stop No. 1, 400 East South Avenue, reported a $3 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 4:21 p.m. Saturday. A description was given of the vehicle and the suspect was identified. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

“Turkey time”, check out our huge selection of ranges. Copeland’s 315 East Grand. 762-6896. adv.

Burglary — A man in the 2600 block of East Hartford Avenue reported his residence had been broken into to Ponca City police at 6:09 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

M&M Family Flowers. For all your holiday floral needs. 1-580-765-3335. adv.

Intoxicated Subject — A clerk at a business in the 500 block of West Highland Avenue reported an intoxicated man was inside the business to Ponca City police at 7:09 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A 38-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle. Installed, $2,395. 765-2633. adv.

Assault — A man in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue reported he was involved in a dispute when he was assaulted and his vehicle’s window was kicked out to Ponca City police at 7:11 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A warrant request was also taken for assault and battery and destruction of private property.

Santa For hire. 762-7825 adv.

Domestic — A woman in the 400 block of South Lake Street reported to Ponca City police at 8 p.m. Saturday her husband was trying to take their children. She told police her and her husband were only separated, not divorced. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A third subject, a 34-year-old woman, was taken from the residence by police and arrested for possession of marijuana.

Accident — A hit-and-run accident in the 800 block of East Alma Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 4:56 p.m. Sunday. A woman advised her vehicle had been struck by another vehicle in the 1200 block of South Ninth Street around five minutes earlier. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A two vehicle accident in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 5:45 p.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A hit-and-run accident in the 600 block of West Otoe Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 7:11 p.m. Sunday. A woman reported her mother’s parked vehicle had been struck be a second vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A minor backing accident in the 400 block of North Twelfth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 9:20 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Liberty Avenue reported a 30-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop on a city warrant for failure to appear for driving under suspension at 9:44 p.m. Saturday.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of Ash Street and Prospect Avenue reported a 29-year-old woman was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under suspension and defective equipment at 10:41 p.m. Saturday.

Theft — A man in the 1300 block of South Sixth Street reported some stolen holiday lawn ornaments to Ponca City police at 1:01 a.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer in the 600 block of West Highland Avenue reported a 25-year-old man was taken into custody for possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled, dangerous substance with intent to distribute, public intoxication and on a Kay County warrant at 1:29 a.m. Sunday.

Subject Held — An officer at the Latino Club, 601 West Highland Avenue, reported a 25-year-old man was taken into custody for strong arm robbery and attempting to distribute a controlled and dangerous substance at 1:35 a.m. Sunday.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of West Hartford Avenue and North Union Street reported a 47-year-old woman was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving left of center and driving under intoxication at 6:48 a.m. Sunday.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Citgo Short Stop No. 4, 320 West Grand Avenue, reported A $10 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 7:12 a.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A man in the 500 block of East Grand Avenue reported his vehicle had been burglarized overnight to Ponca City police at 7:44 a.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A minor accident in a parking lot in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 9:04 a.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A man in the 300 block of South Ash Street reported his vacant residence had been broken into again to Ponca City police at 9:40 a.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and an extra patrol was requested for the area.

Burglary — A woman in the 700 block of East Albany Avenue reported her vehicle had been burglarized overnight to Ponca City police at 10:43 a.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A man in the 300 block of Virginia Avenue reported his vehicle had been burglarized to Ponca City police at 10:52 a.m. Sunday. The man advised nothing had been taken, but items had been gone through. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A minor accident at the intersection of South Seventh Street and East South Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 3:31 p.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Citgo Short Stop No. 1, 400 East South Avenue, reported a $4 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 7:44 p.m. Sunday. A description was given of the vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Citgo Short Stop No. 1, 400 East South Avenue, reported a $10 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 9:33 p.m. Sunday. A description was given of the subject and vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A woman in the 200 block of South Peachtree Street reported her vehicle had been broken into to Ponca City police at 1:13 a.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A woman in the 1500 block of North Osage Street reported someone broke into her residence and shot her dog to Ponca City police at 11:42 a.m. Saturday. Three officers responded to the scene. A 22-year-old man was taken into custody for burglary, felony discharge of a firearm and felony cruelty to animals and a 21-year-old man for burglary, felony discharge of a firearm, felony cruelty to animals and a Cowley County warrant.

LIFESTYLES

Policeman Gives Chapter Program
Charles Norman Contest Winner
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Meets
Miriam Class Plans Party
Little News

Policeman Gives Chapter Program

Members of Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met recently in the home of Sammie Coats. Prior to the business meeting, Mrs. Coats introduced guest speaker Sgt. Dale Henshaw of the Ponca City Police Department.

He gave a presentation on travel safety tips, some of the tips include keeping any valuables and packages out of sight. If possible, travel during daylight hours as criminals tend to target travelers in poorly lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings, take heed of mile markers etc., if traveling on the highways. Don't wear valuables to travel in, gold glitters and is an attractant to those who would like to take it from you. If possible, keep travelers checks and cash separate. The less you carry, the less you lose.

Jan Ellison, president, presided over the business meeting. June Miller, recording secretary, called roll with seven members were present. Cindy Wardlow gave the financial report, and members discussed the Beta Sigma Phi cookbook.

Beginning in January the Cultural Hostess will be responsible for acquiring the Mystery Gift. Jan Ellison will have the scrapbook for the month of December.

The Traveling Basket was presented to Terri Buesing from Lois Coats, and the Mystery Gift was won by Sammie Coats. Lois Coats presented each member with a box of Christmas cards.

Hostesses for the Dec. 11 meeting will be Jan Ellison and JoAnn Ferguson, and will be a Christmas Party.

Charles Norman Contest Winner

Ponca City resident Charles A. Norman was awarded $1000 as a fifth place winner in a poetry contest sponsored by the “Famous Poets of America.” He was presented the award during the “Famous Poets convention” Oct. 29 in Reno, Nev.

Ed Asner was the keynote speaker and several other famous people provided workshops and entertainment. Norman’s poem “Memory” was published in the 2000 edition of “Famous Poets Anthology” and his poem “Her Magic Flame” will be published in “Famous Poets Anthology 2001.”

Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Meets

Eleven members of Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met at the home of Dottie Johnstone on Dec. 7. Doretta Jackson, president, conducted the meeting. Phyllis Pledger called roll and read the minutes, and Judy Watt gave the financial Report.

Dottie Johnstone gave the City Council report. She said that the January City Council meeting that would usually be on Monday evening will be changed to Tuesday, Jan. 2 because of New Year’s Eve.

The Service committee, consisting of Judy Mallory, Andra Kasselman and Melva Keen, have been very busy the past couple of months according to Ms. Mallory. Dinners were delivered to members Francie James, Cassandra Kifiak and Terri Whiting. A Thanksgiving dinner was delivered by the committee to a needy family.

Service project for Christmas will be to buy gifts for four Angels from the Angel Tree. Ms. Mallory also announced that on Dec. 8 there would be a sack luncheon at the home of Nida Austin.

The friendship basket was won by Judy Watt, and the program was given by Melva Keen, which was a demonstration on making Christmas ornaments. The next meeting will be on Dec. 21 at the home of Cassandra Kifiak and will be the annual Christmas Party and Secret Sister Christmas gift exchange.

Miriam Class Plans Party

Members of the Miriam Class of First Baptist Church met recently in the Williamsburg Parlor of the church for the regular monthly meeting. Fran Smith, Outreach leader for the class, opened the meeting with prayer.

Verna Wilson, Fellowship leader, read from a book entitled “A Message From God.” The main theme of the text was that the “Lord was waiting to hear from you.”

Refreshments were served by Odell Watson and Vivian Davis. The Christmas meeting will be held Dec. 11 at the home of Verna Wilson, 808 Monument.

Little News

Announcing the birth of a daughter are Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Miles of Colorado Springs, Colo. Kayler Jayne Miles was born at 10:15 p.m. Nov. 20, 2000, in the Memorial Hospital of Colorado Springs. She weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces.

Grandparents are Ken and Pauline Miles and Robert and Pat Koehler, all of Ponca City. Great-grandmother is Marguerette Lear of Anthony, Kan.

Kelsi Nichole Graves is the name chosen by Robert and Tammy Graves of Ponca City for their daughter born at 8:04 p.m. Nov. 28, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces, and measured 21 1/2 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Mary Kay and David Youngblood of Durango, Colo., Bill Troutt and Jan Foote, both of Katy, Texas. Paternal grandparents are Sandra Graves of Ponca City and the late Bob Graves. Great-grandmother is the late Wanda Lee Jones.

SPORTS

Tonkawa Defends State Title
Monday Evening Quarterback
OSU’s Wrestlers Topple Sooners
Lady Mavs Finish First Semister 11 and1
Mavericks Give Coach Early Christmas Present
Shidler Wins PC Tourney

Tonkawa Defends State Title

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

STILLWATER — The Tonkawa Buccaneers successfully defended their 1999-2000 Class A high school state football championship Saturday by defeating the Apache Warriors 52-24.

Apache won the toss, but opted to kickoff first.

Tonkawa sophomore Tyler Reese, who gained recognition after his performance against No. 1 Thomas in the semifinal game, needed only 13 seconds to put the Bucs on the scoreboard. The 6-0 wide receiver stunned Apache fans after he took the opening kickoff 92 yards along the left sideline and into the end zone for the first of seven Buccaneer touchdowns.

Senior kicker Mario Ochoa, perfect for the night, kicked his first of seven extra points to make the score 7-0.

Undaunted, the Warriors began a four-minute drive on their own 19-yard line. Senior running back Benny Claborn carried the ball eight consecutive times for a first and goal at the 3-yard line. He scored from there on his ninth carry.

The kick was blocked, but the score was 7-6. Apache had been behind before. The Warriors and their followers settled in to patiently gruel out a low scoring victory.

There was nothing patient about the big play offense of Tonkawa. Barely three minutes later, on their next possession, Reese hauled in a 60-yard pass from senior quarterback Brady Fath to make the score 14-6.

The Warriors were called for clipping on the kickoff and began the next drive from the 10. On the second play of the drive, Claborn (5-8, 196) thundered 46 yards down field like a chipped bowling ball with Buccaneers bouncing away from him with a dull thud like dead bowling pins.

That was one of the last big plays for Apache. On the next snap, senior quarterback Zane Ivy rolled left on an option to Claborn. Ivy tripped over a lineman’s feet as he released the ball. Claborn couldn’t control the errant lateral and Apache’s chances for a state championship slipped to the ground where who else, but Tyler Reese recovered the ball.

Five plays later, with 2:08 remaining in the first quarter, Fath hit senior running back Kolby Simpson for a 54-yard touchdown. That would be Simpson’s 36th touchdown of the year.

Apache’s dream of a state title was about as realistic as the artificial turf that covered Lewis Field. The Warriors would score again in the first half, but not before Simpson would cross into the end zone for the 37th time. This time on a 1-yard run with 10:40 in the second quarter to make the score 28-6.

The Warriors scored with 6:48 remaining in the first half on a 24-yard pass from Ivy to senior Robert Winnard (6-0, 164). The Warriors tried for two points, but failed.

Tonkawa was forced to punt their one and only time in the first half after the next series of downs. However, it was only a temporary setback as Fath connected with junior wide receiver Shane Marlin (5-10, 155) on a 47-yard scoring strike.

With 1:51 seconds remaining in the first half, the score was 35-12.

Claborn scored from 6 yards with 13 seconds remaining in the second quarter to make the score 35-18.

In the second half, Ochoa kicked a 35-yard field goal with 2:07 remaining. But, it would only get worse for Apache. Senior Buccaneer Brody Lucas (5-9, 165) intercepted an Ivy pass on the 18-yard line and returned to the 1. On the next play, senior running back carried it in for another Tonkawa touchdown to make the score 45-18.

Claborn scored in the fourth on a 6-yard carry with 6:01 remaining.

Tonkawa finished counting with 2:08 remaining on a 21-yard Fath to Reese pass to make the score 52-24.

Tonkawa 52, Apache 24

T — Reese, 92-yard kickoff return, Ochoa kick, 7-0, 11:47

A — Claborn, 3-yard run, kick blocked, 7-6, 7:48

T — Reese, 60-yrd Fath pass, Ochoa kick, 14-6, 4:46

T — Simpson, 46-yard Fath pass, Ochoa kick, 21-6, 2:05

T — Simpson, 1-yrd run, Ochoa kick, 28-6, 10:40

A — Winnard, 24-yard Ivy pass, run failed, 28-12, 6:48

T — Marlin, 47-yrd Fath pass, Ochoa kick, 35-12, 1:51

A — Claborn, 6-yrd run, run failed, 35-18, 00:13

T — Ochoa, 35-yrd field goal, 38-18, 2:07

T — Lucas, 1-yrd run, Ochoa kick, 45-18, 1:08

A — Claborn, 18-yrd run, pass failed, 45-24, 6:01

T — Lucas, 11-yrd run, 52-24, Ochoa kick, 2:08

Game Statistics

Tonkawa Apache

First downs 12 15

Rushing att/yrds 42-193 36-243

Passing yards 190 104

Passes c-a-i 4-8-1 6-18-2

Punt-avg. 2-22 3-40

Fumbles-lost 1-0 1-1

Penalties-yrds 3-15 1-5

Team records 12-2 12-2

Individual Statistics

Rushing — (Tonkawa) Simpson, 27-137; Lucas, 13-50; Fath, 2-6 (Apache) Claborn, 29-221; Ivy, 3-21; Gaddis, 4-1

Receiving — (Tonkawa) Reese, 3-71-1TD; Simpson 1-54-1TD; Marlin, 1-47-1TD; Reese, 1-18-1TD (Apache) Winnard, 2-60-1TD; Carattini, 2-22; Gaddis, 1-17; Claborn, 1-5

Passing — (Tonkawa) Fath, 4-9-190; (Apache) Ivy, 6-18-104

Interceptions — (Tonkawa) Reese, Ribs (Apache) Reed

Monday Evening Quarterback

by Fred Hilton News Sports Editor

Tonkawa’s Buccaneers filled in the gap with their 52-24 victory over Apache in Stillwater Saturday, bringing home their second straight Class A state championship.

Earlier Tonkawa fan Dennis Coates climbed the town’s water tower and painted the years “’52-’53” referring to Tonkawa’s first back-to-back state championships. Then he painted “’99-” and under that “Fill in the gap.”

Saturday night Coates got to finish his handy work.

The Buccaneers had shown their handy work a few hours earlier in thoroughly destroying Apache.

Coach Steve Love said nothing will replace the feeling he and the team had in winning their first title in 46 years. But this one had to be special, too.

Figured as too small and too inexperienced after graduating most of last year’s starters, the Bucs were picked no better than third in District A-7, behind Hominy and Luther, and given little chance of reaching the finals.

In fact, Tonkawa got off to a relatively slow start, losing to Fairview and Hominy, in the first six games of the season.

But after that the Buccaneers took off, upsetting Luther to finish second in the district, then downing foe after foe in the playoffs.

”We were counted out by the polls,” Love said. “But the kids didn’t believe it. It just made them work harder, trying to get a shot at that championship again.”

Love feels his gridders actually benefited from the two losses.

“It made them realize they were going to have to struggle in every game. They were going to have to work even harder.”

That work ethic, which included running in the snow before sunrise last week, is what pushed the Bucs over the top, according to Love.

But even Love had a hard time believing how far over the top the Buccaneers went in the championship game.

“The way they (Apache’s Warriors) were playing in the secondary gave us a chance to complete some passes to Tyler (Reese) and Shane (Martin). Brady (Faith, Tonkawa quarterback) did a good job of getting them the ball.

“Then after they started protecting against the pass, that opened up the running game and Kolby (Simpson) had some success.”

Simpson rushed for 180 yards and a touchdown while Fath threw for three scores.

“But this was a total team victory,” the coach said. “Everyone did their job.”

The Buccaneers had to overcome a size disadvantage against the Warriors.

“They outweighed us by over 30 pounds per player,” Love noted, “Their line averaged 230 pounds a players while our line averaged 180 pounds.

“But the kids played hard and we had a good game plan.”

Love also credits the large community support for his teams success.

“It’s been great all year,” he said. “At Stillwater, many of last year’s players were there to cheer us on. There were a lot of players from earlier teams who are living through these kids.”

The Buccaneers’ success could also cause the school a problem. Back-to-back state championships has put Love in the coaching spotlight.

While he says he hasn’t been tempted by other offers, he feels he has to look at what they have to offer.

“You have to do what is best for your family,” he says. “You have to look at what’s out there.”

But for the next few weeks Love will be doing nothing more than relishing his team second state championship and basking in the backing he and his team gets from the community.

OSU’s Wrestlers Topple Sooners

NORMAN (AP) — The top-ranked Oklahoma State wrestling team won three of the final four duals Sunday to beat No. 6 Oklahoma, 22-13.

The Sooners (1-1) used a major decision by 141-pounder Michael Lightner in the second match to take their only lead of the day.

But Reggie Wright beat Jared Frayer 6-1 at 149 pounds and Shane Roller won by injury default over Mark Worthy at 157 to give Oklahoma State (3-0) the lead for good, 12-4. Worthy suffered damage to a knee ligament and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

“I thought the turning point in the meet was at 149 and 157 pounds,” OU coach Jack Spates said. “I thought if we could have stolen one of those, then maybe the upset would give us the momentum we needed to pull out the victory.”

The Sooners got within 12-10 by winning the next two matches. Robbie Waller im2proved to 10-1 with a 5-2 upset of Ty Wilcox at 165 pounds, scoring all his points in the final period, and 174-pounder Michael Barger beat Tyrone Lewis, 4-3.

But Daniel Cormier slammed the door on the Sooners with a 14-1 major decision over Josh Lambrecht at 184.

Mark Munoz used a takedown with 18 seconds remaining to break a 1-1 tie and beat Waymon May, 3-2, at 197.

After Oklahoma’s Leonce Crump beat James Humi 9-4 at heavyweight, the Cowboys closed out the meet with Matt Brown’s decision of Bo Maynes at 125 pounds.

Lady Mavs Finish First Semister 11 and1

By TED ATCHLEY

NOC Sports Information

The Northern Oklahoma College Lady Mavericks now stand undefeated in conference play and are 11-1 overall after a Saturday afternoon raid against the Carl Albert Lady Vikings. The Lady Mavs sunk the visitors 78-65 under the lead of Sophomore B.J. Homer with 23 points including Þve 3-pointers.

Sophomore Tia Andrews dominated the inside game once again. She earned 11 points, had 16 rebounds and slammed down seven more blocked shots to show the Lady Vikings who rules the court in Tonkawa. Alva freshman Erin Goss had 14 points on the night, continuing to establish herself as a real presence on the Northern team.

The Lady Maverick’s defense dominated the court and produced six steals and numerable other turnovers. The offense was lacking an inside game in the Þrst half, but Andrews stepped it up in the second to help. Homer downed three 3-pointers in the Þrst half that helped open the inside up later.

Homer also came up with six rebounds and a steal in the game.

Others scoring for the Northern Lady Mavericks include Sophomores Denise Jake and Lindsey Shiver each with 7, Freshman Ashley Hewitt with 7, Sophomore LaQueisha Dickerson 7, and freshman Mary Dent with 2. The Lady Mavericks will face off against Westark on Jan. 8 in Tonkawa at 6 pm with the men following at 8 pm in Foster-Piper Field House.

Mavericks Give Coach Early Christmas Present

By TED ATCHLEY

NOC Sports Information

TONKAWA — Northern men’s basketball coach Mick Weiberg said the “biggest and best” Christmas present his players could give him was a win during the last game of the semester. He got his wish when the 7-6 Mavericks delivered an 81-69 victory over a stunned 10-3 Carl Albert squad in Tonkawa Saturday afternoon to improve their conference record to 2-1.

“It wasn’t very pretty, and we still made some mistakes, but a win feels good right now,” Weiberg said. “We’ve had a tough schedule. This was only our third real home game of the season. We started out this year going against some of the toughest teams in the nation on the road. I think it helped us learn early what we have to do to win.”

Weiberg said his young team still has a lot of learning to do, but going into Þnals week takes a big load off their shoulders.

“We know we have to control the tempo of the game and keep our opponents from breaking that 60 point range,” Weiberg said. “We did that tonight.”

Carl Albert had been averaging over 95 points a game coming into Saturday’s conference match-up.

Edmond Sophomore Richie Myers pocketed 26 points and 7 rebounds in the game, including a rare 3-point from the top at a critical point in the game. Scott Prater, another Edmond sophomore, had 15 points and 9 rebounds.

Freshman Merrill Andrews of Ardmore continued to step up his level of play with 17 points, 7 rebounds and a steal.

“Andrews constantly plays the game,” Weiberg said. “He is really starting to come on in the guard position and that’s what we need.”

Andrews scored 11 in the second half and forced several turnovers on defense. “He’s getting better and better. His guard play has taken that defensive edge off our opponent’s game.” Weiberg added.

Freshman CJ Johnson of Tulsa and Phillip Knowlton of Memphis, Tenn., each came in and gave the Mavericks good play off the bench. Johnson earned 10 points and Knowlton had 8, with a 3-pointer in each half.

“Knowlton and Johnson gave us a big lift when we needed,” Weiberg said. “They produced some quick offense when we needed it and CJ had some great assists.”

The Mavericks led at the half by a slim 36-34 margin but made some adjustments that Weiberg said helped them lengthen their lead. “We increased the defensive pressure and that forced some turnovers and created some opportunities for us to steal the ball. We did that and wore them down.”

Carl Albert tied it up late in the game but the Mavericks held their ground and Þnished with the 12-point lead.

“It’s a great Christmas present,” Weiberg said. “Great.”

The Mavericks will open the spring semester at home against Westark on Jan. 8 with the women taking the þoor at 6 pm and the men scheduled to play at 8 pm in Foster-Piper Field ™ouse.

Shidler Wins PC Tourney

POND CREEK — Shidler won the championship of the Pond Creek Tournament Saturday, edging out Kremlin-Hillsdale, 58-54.

The second quarter proved to be the difference for the Tigers who outscored Kremlin 15-10 in that period to gain a 21-16 lead.

Derek Cargill poured in 31 points for Shidler, including hitting three-of-seven threes. Dillon Cox finished with 10 points, Adam Wood had 8 points and 13 rebounds, Daniel Cox had 6, Jacob Vogele 5 and 6 assist and Clayton Anconda 4.

Shidler slammed Timberlake 83-43 in the tournament opener and sidelined host Pond Creek 69-63 in the semifinals.

The Tigers, now 5-2, are scheduled to play at Braman Tuesday,