From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Monday, December
15, 1997
LOCAL
Senator Tells Students About Kyoto Concerns
A Review: 'Kites' Scene Pure Hollywood
DEATHS
Genevieve H. Anderson
Bob J. Bowen
Letha V. Zerger
R.J. Carroll
Obituaries
Jessie Robbins Lear
Services Pending
Anna Lee Hewett
John Allen
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Names Holiday Plans
SPORTS
Monday Evening Quarterback
Wildcat Swim Team Best Coach Has Seen in Years
Schneeberger Watch
Lady Mavs on Rebound
Lady Mustangs Win Shootout
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Sen. Jim Inhofe, here to make a presentation of three computer monitors to the Ponca City High School Chapter of the FFA, told the students that the Global Warming Treaty being proposed in Kyoto, Japan, will have a devastating effect on rural communities.
Inhofe said, "A recent study says that it is an issue that would be the most devastating on agriculture and future farming in America of any issue today. What they are trying to do in the EPA is without any sound science to justify it."
Speaking about those who have tried to help him defeat some of the EPA regulations, Inhofe said, "My greatest ally is the Farm Bureau, which has done a superb job going out through the various publications and various farm networks advising farmers what will happen to them if stricter air standards are enforced."
The senator said that if stricter standards are enforced by the EPA it would mean that utilities would have specialists crawling all over America. He said it would mean that farmers, before they could till a field, would have to have inspectors crawling all over saying when they could till and when they could burn a field off or fire up a diesel engine.
Inhofe added, "One of the biggest problems we have in this country is that we are regulated more than anyone else." He urged the FFA members to go home and talk to their parents about over-regulation.
Military Readiness
The Tulsa senator, who is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, said that American military readiness was suffering significant adverse consequences from the continued deployment of U.S. forces in Bosnia.
"Our military's capacity to meet growing world threats is in heightened jeopardy as a result of our increasingly expensive mission in Bosnia. Readiness is suffering across the board. Personnel are being stretched to their limits. Training and equipment are being degraded. The never-ending demands of the Bosnia support mission are cascading through our military system both at home and abroad," Inhofe said.
During his fly-in to Ponca City the senator visited the Great Expectations Assembly at Woodlands, the FFA Chapter at the high school facilities north of Ponca City and visited with supporters at the Conoco Aviation Center before going on to Medford.
By FOSTER JOHNSON
News Managing Editor
The scene was pure Hollywood - Ponca City-style. The premiere showing of Robyn Kreger's "Kites Toward Heaven" featured "movie stars," fancy cars, lots of introductions, shmoozin' with the entertainers and lots of hometown goodwill as the "small-town-girl-directs-a-movie" theme became real life and a country Christmas was the screen story.
Kreger, daughter of Ron Kreger and Betty Kreger of Ponca City, adapted the Truman Capote story "A Christmas Memory" for a class project and produced the film through Panavision's new film makers program.
As for the movie itself, it was a joy for the local audience to see Ponca City's Diane Mounts grace the "silver screen" in the role of "Millie," an eccentric "little old lady" who befriends young "Buddy" (played by Chavis W. Jackson, a 10-year-old professional actor from Louisiana).
The story is told from Buddy's viewpoint, as he reminisces about growing up in an "unfriendly home" but being befriended by Millie. The film centers around their annual ritual of making fruitcakes for friends in faraway places and wondering if Mrs. Roosevelt would be serving their fruitcakes for Christmas dinner in the White House.
Mounts was on the screen for virtually all of the film in this "Hallmark Hall of Fame" type story. Although those in the audience were more familiar with her as a vivacious travel agent in real life, it was easy to let the gray wig, dowdy clothes and broad southern accent transform her into the lonely old lady coping with life as best she could with the help of her young friend.
As for Jackson, the young actor (who already had three films under his belt and was the veteran of this crew) was "Buddy." Occasionally resembling "Alfalfa" of The Little Rascals through his accent and mannerism, he effectively played off Mounts and it became totally believable that the two of them were the characters they portrayed.
Supporting roles by Ponca Citians Marsha Hiskett and Charlie Mounts (husband of Diane) were brief but helped to carry off the themes of the story. Director Kreger made a cameo appearance in her own film.
After introducing the actors and crew members in attendance prior to the film, Kreger named the many people - family and friends - who had contributed to the success of the film. (The list was a who's who of the Kreger family, plus a good dose of The Challengers Sunday School class at First Christian Church, of which the Mounts and Robyn's parents are members). Among the crew members was Max Berry, local attorney and Ponca Playhouse volunteer who served as a property supervisor for the film (Berry is also a members of the Challengers class).
After the intros, Kreger reminded everyone not to leave the theater until after the credits were rolled, since so many local people's names were listed.
It's a little difficult for a reviewer to be unbiased about local talent. But it is easy to see when people are entertained. Kreger's first directional effort was a professional job, the actors were enthralling and the production was top-notch.
"Kites" was a sweet film, with a touching message and unbiased audiences who may view this effort later will surely be as entertained as the hometown folks at the premiere.
(Note: The reviewer is also a member of The Challengers class)
DEATHS
Genevieve H. "Gen" Anderson, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Dec. 11, 1997, at Westminster Village. She was 95.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 3:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Laurie Hyde, associate pastor, officiating. Local arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Genevieve H. Anderson was born Aug. 27, 1902, in Canton, Ill., to Francis Wells Hunt and Daisy Peacock, both pioneer families. After graduation from high school in Moline, Ill., she attended Rockford College and the University of Toronto before graduating from the University of Illinois. She later attended the College of Fine Arts of Syracuse University and the Chicago Art Institute. After receiving her education, she taught Art, English and Latin at the high school level in Little York and DeKalb, Ill. Later she became a social worker for the state of Illinois in the Galesburg office.
In 1930, she married Simon Peter Nelson, who died in 1955. Two years later, she married Homer S. Anderson and moved to Ponca City. Interests and activities include many years of service on the board of directors and as a trustee of the Ponca City Art Association, where she also served as president for two years. She was a member of the committee that recommended the purchase of the Soldani Mansion for an art center in 1966. In 1981, the Art Association voted her honorary membership. The Andersons did the research that placed the mansion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, World Neighbors, Congenial Club, and Chapters CN and EL of the P.E.O. She was a 50-year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of the Pioneer Historical Society, Oklahoma Heritage Association, Oklahoma Historical Society, Friends of the Ponca City Library, and Ponca City Country Club.
When Westminster Village opened in 1985, she and her husband were among the first new residents, and Mrs. Anderson served as volunteer chair of the activities committee for many years.
She is survived by two children: Deborah Anderson of Park Forrest, Ill., and Peter Nelson of Johnson City, Tenn.; a step-son, Alan B. Anderson of Bowling Green, Ky.; six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by her husband, Homer, in 1992, and her sister Dorothy B. Hunt.
Memorials honoring Mrs. Andersons' memory may be made to the Ponca City Art Association, P.O. Box 1394, Ponca City, OK 74602, or to a charity of choice.
Bob J. Bowen, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Friday morning, Dec. 12, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 70.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene with William Bonee, pastor, presiding. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home until noon Tuesday.
Bob J. Bowen was born March 25, 1927, at Wynona, the son of J. Clarence and Edna L. (Ford) Bowen. While growing up he worked on a ranch near Pawhuska and was involved in rodeo. After graduation from Pawhuska High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Corps, serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
He was married to Virginia M. Mahnke on Feb. 7, 1970 in Pawhuska. Bowen had owned and operated the B.J. Furniture Store in Ponca City for nine years and also the B.J. Janitorial Services for 26 years. He was a member of St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene and the American Quarter Horse Association. He enjoyed working with horses.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia, of the home; four daughters, Sarah Jo Griffin of Old Ocean, Texas, Bonnie Alexander of Houston, Texas, Bobbie Joe Smith of Skiatook, and Mona Jo Wright of Tulsa; three stepchildren, Vicki Lessert, Kathy Northcutt and Ron T. Colberg, all of Ponca City; one sister, Mary Joleen Bishop of California; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one nephew and three nieces. He was preceded in death by one son, Ron Lockhart; his parents; and one grandson.
Casket bearers will be Chris Yazzo, Merle Fredricks, Brian Gates, Everett Gayton and Dennis Malaska. Honorary bearers will be grandsons, Rusty Griffin, Jay Lessert, Keith Lessert, Michael Lindsay, Paul Northcutt, Luke Northcutt, Walter Northcutt, Chad Colberg, Jeremy Colberg, Stephen Wright, Donnie Lockhart and Charlie Morrison.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Bowen's name to the St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene, 1715 East Prospect, Ponca City, OK 74604.
The family will be at 801 East Grand Avenue.
Letha V. Zerger, longtime Ponca City resident, died early Saturday morning, Dec. 13, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 81.
The graveside service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m. at Longwood Cemetery with the Rev. Wayne Majors, pastor of Community Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home until noon Tuesday.
Ms. Zerger was born Aug. 14, 1916, in Clara, Miss., to Richard and Elizabeth Tucker. At the age of six she moved to the Shidler area.
In 1932, she was married to Carl Zerger. Ms. Zerger had been employed as a cook and was employed at Cobb's Cafe for 20 years. At one time she was a member of the Kildare Methodist Church. She enjoyed crochet and needlepoint.
She is survived by a daughter, Sharon L. Hawthorn of Ponca City; two sons: Jim Zerger of Louisville, Ky., and Steven Zerger of Pueblo, Colo.; a brother, James Tucker of Bridgeport, Ill.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, one sister, and an infant son.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Mission, 909 East South Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 1800 Riggs Drive.
EDMOND - R.J. Carroll, former Fairfax resident, died unexpectedly at the hospital in Edmond, early Sunday morning, Dec. 12. He was 61.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Baggerly Funeral Home in Edmond with the Rev. Kevin S. Ratterman officiating.
R.J. Carroll was born March 12, 1936, in Fairfax to Fred and Lorena Bird Carroll. He grew up and attended schools in Fairfax.
He was married to Jo Taylor in Bartlesville on June 17, 1955. Carroll owned and operated an automobile dealership which had been in his family for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fairfax. He enjoyed working with Classic cars and scuba diving.
Survivors include his wife, Jo, of the home in Edmond; two sons Jeff of Oklahoma City and R.J. Jr. of Fairfax; two daughters, Connie Primeaux of Orange, Texas and Shawnyn Vorhees of Oklahoma City; and eight grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Carroll's name to the American Heart Association, 3545 Northwest 58th Street Suite 400C, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
Jessie Robbins Lear, Ponca City resident, died Saturday afternoon, Dec. 13, 1997, at the Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 82.
The funeral was to be held at 2 p.m. today, Dec. 15, at St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene with William Bonee, pastor, officiating. Burial was to be at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Jessie Robbins Lear was born Oct. 8, 1915, in Tulsa, the daughter of Joseph Edward and Julia May (Giles) Robbins. Mrs. Lear was a member of St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene. Her main interest was working at the church.
Survivors include one step-daughter, Roxie Schrader of Ponca City; one brother, Frank Robbins of Sulphur, La.; three nephews, Gary Robbins of Sulphur, La., Bill Robbins of Marland, and Stuart Robbins of Houston, Texas; four nieces, Jolene Hutchison of Red Rock, Thelma Bennett of Ponca City, Judy Cooper of Arkansas City, Kan., and Janie Jones of Arizona; She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland Lear in May 1979; three sons, Daniel, Nathan and Joseph Robbins; and her parents.
Casket bearers will be Gary Robbins, Richard Williams, Roy Bennett, Joe Robbins, Chuck Robbins and Bobby Robbins.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Lear's name to the St. Luke's Church of The Nazarene, 1715 East Prospect, Ponca City, OK 74604.
paid obituary
Anna Lee Broaddus Hewett, Ponca City resident, died Sunday evening, Dec. 14, 1997, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 97. A memorial service will be set at a later date, but no viewing or funeral services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 109 North Thirteenth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
John Allen, husband of former resident, Effie (Robbins) Allen, died Sunday
morning, Dec. 14, 1997, in San Diego, Calif. He was 73. Local arrangements
are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
NEWS BRIEFS
Royal Neighbors Meet Re-Set - The Royal Neighbors Christmas luncheon has been rescheduled for Wednesday at noon at the Community Christian Church. All members are urged to be present.
Theft - A woman reported a lap top computer stolen at 10 a.m. Saturday from the 1000 block of South Fifth Street. An officer was assigned and a report taken.
Injury Accident - At 10:36 a.m. Saturday, an injury accident was reported at North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue. An ambulance responded, however no one was transported. A report was taken.
Stolen Bike - At 10:58 a.m. Saturday a woman in the 200 block of South Oak Street reported a bike stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Splitter Theft - A man in the 200 block of South Osage Street reported to police at 11:32 a.m. Saturday that a wood splitter had been stolen from his yard. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - Police received a report of a two-vehicle, non-injury accident at 12:48 p.m. Saturday from Donner Avenue and Turner Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Recovered Bike - At 2:55 p.m. Saturday police received a call from a woman in the 1100 block of West Greenwood Avenue reporting a stolen bike. The bike was located and a juvenile was issued a citation in the matter and then released to his parents.
Juvenile Shoplifter - A juvenile shoplifter was taken into custody and later released to their guardian after Hastings, 2101 North Fourteenth Street, reported a shoplifting at 3:19 p.m. Saturday.
Gas Drive-Off - A clerk at Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, reported a $5 gas drive-off at 3:38 p.m. Saturday.
Attempted Burglary - A woman in the 1000 block of North Ash Street reported to police at 4:37 p.m. Saturday that someone had tried to break into her home through a back window. An officer was assigned.
Injury Accident - At 5:51 p.m. Saturday one person was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after sustaining injuries in a two-vehicle accident at U.S. 60 and City View.
Theft - A man in the 300 block of South Peachtree Street reported at 7:31 p.m. Saturday that a pair of binoculars had been stolen from his unlocked vehicle.
Vandalism - A woman reported to police at 7:25 p.m. Saturday that some juveniles had slashed the tires of her car while it was parked in the 1600 block of Academy Road. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Vandalized - At 8:49 p.m. Saturday a man reported to police that his car had been vandalized while parked in the 100 block of L.A. Cann Drive.
Arrest - Police arrested a 44-year-old man at South Fifth Street and East South Avenue at 10:35 p.m. Saturday for possession of marijuana, intent to distribute, transporting an open container, careless driving and driving under suspension.
Arrest - At 12:10 a.m. Sunday a 28-year-old man was arrested for domestic assault and battery from the 100 block of South Osage Street.
Arrest - Police arrested a 31-year-old man at 12:13 a.m. Sunday from the 300 block of East Hazel Avenue after it was reported that a woman was being treated at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center emergency room.
Car Theft - At 12:17 a.m. Sunday a man in the 200 block of North Second Street report that his car had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - A 31-year-old woman was arrested at 12:21 a.m. from the 300 block of South Peachtree Street for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Vehicle Fire - A fire unit responded to a vehicle fire at 3:09 a.m. Sunday at North Fourth Street north of East Highland Avenue. The fire was extinguished.
Curfew Violation - Three juveniles were cited for curfew violation at 3:25 a.m. Sunday at South Eleventh Street and East South Avenue.
Vandalism - A man reported to police at 7:01 a.m. Sunday that the window of the Crafter's Mall, 318 East Grand Avenue, was broken out. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Gas Drive-Off - At 7:55 a.m. Sunday an employee of Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue, reported an $8 gas drive-off to police.
Stolen Purse - At 8:49 a.m. Sunday a resident in the 300 block of North Irving Street reported the theft of a purse. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 46-year-old man at 9:10 a.m. Sunday from the 800 block of East Drummond Avenue for domestic assault and battery and domestic assault and battery on a child.
Burglary - A man in the 500 block of South Tenth Street reported to police at 9:26 a.m. Sunday that his residence had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Missing Money - A woman in the 300 block of South Peachtree Street reported to police at 9:35 a.m. Sunday that money was missing from her purse. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - At 11:29 a.m. Sunday police received a report of a two vehicle injury accident in the 3300 block of North Fourteenth Street. One person was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
Burglary - At 1:14 p.m. Sunday a man in the 200 block of North Pine Street reported that his residence had been burglarized. An officer was assigned an a report was taken.
Shoplifter - At 1:19 p.m. Sunday police received a call from Anthony's, 1201 East Prospect Avenue, reporting a shoplifting. An officer was assigned.
Gas Drive-Off- Conoco, 3305 North Fourteenth Street, reported a $12.90 gas drive-off at 2:25 p.m. Sunday.
Accident - At 3:14 p.m. Sunday police received a report of an accident at West Highland Avenue and North Waverly Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Checks Found - At 3:58 p.m. Sunday a person reported to police that some checks were laying in the road east of North Waverly Street on West Hartford Avenue. The checks were recovered.
Vandalism - At 4:01 p.m. Sunday a woman in the 500 block of North Thirteenth Street reported vandalism to her mailbox.
Stolen Purses - Two women reported their purses stolen from the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. One at 5:06 p.m. Sunday and the other at 6:07 p.m. Sunday An officer was assigned and reports were taken.
Accident - An accident was reported to police at 6:51 p.m. Sunday on Glasgow Road. An ambulance and a rescue unit responded, but no one was transported.
Checkbook Stolen - At 8:13 p.m. Sunday a woman in the 300 block of South Sunset Street reported to police that her checkbook had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - An 18-year-old man was arrested at 8:50 p.m. Sunday from the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue on a city warrant.
Vandalism - A woman in the 900 block of North Fourth Street reported to police at 10 p.m. Sunday that someone had stolen the light bulbs out of her Christmas lights.
Fire Injuries - One person was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 11:32 p.m. Sunday after sustaining burns in a kitchen fire on the 1000 block of North First Street.
Arrest - Police arrested a man at 1:20 a.m. Monday in the 3400
block of North Pecan Street for driving under the influence, possession
of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
LIFESTYLES
The holiday decorated home of Nida Austin was the setting for the first December meeting of Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Lila Logan, secretary asked each member to "add a final wish for the Christmas gift exchange." There were 13 members and one guest, Carmalita Childers, present.
Judy Mallory, Service chairperson, reported on the worknight to make angels for Meals on Wheels. There were 75 Christmas angel favors created.
Cassandra Kifiak and Jackie Hall, co-chairwomen for the Social Committee, announced that the couples' Christmas cocktail party would be Dec. 13 at the home of Phyllis Pledger. Terri Barnett, Program chairperson, announced the next meeting would be at the home of Dottie Johnstone at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18. A gift exchange is planned.
Francie James won the traveling basket and Beta Sigma Phi cookbooks were
distributed by Judy Watt, vice president.
SPORTS
by Fred Hilton
Sports Editor
Trying to gauge Ponca City wrestling is a little like reading tea leaves - they keep shifting around and there are gaps in the picture.
The Wildcats were good enough to finish fourth in the Tulsa Union Classic over the weekend even without four starters. That helped erase what may have been the worst loss ever suffered by coach Pat Young a week earlier in a dual at Broken Arrow, 57-9.
But there are still some question marks. The Wildcats are definitely a Top 10 team, maybe even Top 5. But are they among the state's elite teams?
The results from the Union Classic and a 48-22 dual win over district foe Edmond Memorial say the Cats are good. But the loss to No. 2 Broken Arrow asks, how good?
The Wildcats have not been at full strength yet. Not in the season opening 47-25 win over Owasso nor the third place finish in the Ark City Tournament nor the win over Edmond.
The Wildcats wrestled Broken Arrow with two starters at home and at least two more Poncans wrestled sick. How much difference a healthy Ponca City would have made is pure conjecture.
However, the figures are a little easier to read in the Union Tournament.
Last year the Wildcats were just a half point away from winning the Classic and returned six wrestlers who placed in the tournament.
Even with last year's champion Matt Dodgen at home, the Wildcats had seven of the 11 wrestlers they took to Union seeded.
When another champion, Matt Dodgen, had to default out, the points started to fall away.
Just the loss of those two wrestlers cost the Cats over 60 points, according to coach Pat Young.
As it turned out, the Cats finished 75 points behind this year's winner, Tulsa East Central, which is ranked No. 2 in Class 4A.
East Central crowned three champions and had three more finalists in winning the tournament with 218 points. Ponca City, with one champion, three runners up and two third placers, had 143 points.
Heavyweight Hawley Tsoodle lived up to his No. 1 seeding, winning the 275-pound title with a 5-0 win over James Adair of Edmond North.
The regional placer for Tahlequah last year is a pleasant addition to the Wildcats' lineup of possible state qualifiers. Although outweighed by most of his opponents, Tsoodle is unbeaten on the season.
At 112 pounds, Phillip Gelino was seeded second and finished there, losing by a fall in the final 40 seconds of the match to returning East Central state champion Aaron Walston.
Jacob Beck, seeded No. 1 at 152, was taken down to his back late in the finals, losing to Gordan Holt of Tulsa Union.
The big surprise for the Wildcats was Kyle Duran, who finished second at 160 pounds, losing to another East Central state placer, Jerald Harris. In the semifinals, he upset Wagoner's No. 2 seeded Hancock.
"Here's a 140-pounder reaching the 160 pound finals," Young said. "I'd say that was pretty good."
Lorenzo Jones and Jay Bentley finished strong in taking third at 140 and 171, respectively
Jones had no trouble at all with Owasso's Derek Rowan in the consolation finals, winning 15-8.
Bentley roared back from a 5-0 deficit in the third period, getting a near fall in the final three seconds to send his match against Jimmy Johnson of Union into overtime.
After losing one overtime bout in the championship semifinals, Bentley wasn't going to let it happen again. He slipped behind Johnson for the winning takedown with 7.5 seconds left in the extra period.
The Wildcats close out the first semester of action Friday by hosting Shawnee in a dual.
It won't be as easy a dual as it has been in the past.
"Shawnee is really improved," Young said after watching the Wolves compete in the Union Classic. Shawnee finished 11th with 91 points, finishing third and fourth at 135 and 130-pounds, respectively.
The early testing for the Wildcats is not over.
The Cats come back after the holidays to face Muskogee, Putnam City North and Jenks in the Jenks Quad on Jan. 3. After their second district match against Enid here Jan. 6, they enter the Geary Tournament Jan. 9-10.
Maybe by that time Young will have a greater feel for how well the Wildcats will measure up, or maybe not.
The one things Young knows for sure is that the Wildcats will have to be healthy to be competitive in that stretch run.
MOORE - The Wildcat swim team finished out their year in fine form Friday, out-racing most of the competition in the Westmoore Christmas Invitational. The boys continued to exceed expectations, placing second in a field of five teams, while the Lady Cats finished fourth.
"The boys are swimming really well," said head coach Dave Strah, "in the nine years I've been here, this is probably the best guys' team I've seen."
Once again, the boys were led by sophomore Rory Peterson, who had a 1-2 finish in the 200 free and 500 free, at times of 1:47.21 and 4:53.28, respectively.
The rest of the boys' team wasn't exactly drowning, either. DJ Nuzum placed third in both the 200 free (2:00.10) and 500 free (5:28.67), while Chris Kana also had two third place finishes, in the 100 fly (1:00.42) and 100 back (1:02.40).
Greg Dunham also had a stellar outing, placing second in the 100 breast (1:07.63), and fourth in the 200 IM (2:15.91). Both times qualify Dunham for the state meet.
"Greg has been working at qualifying in those two races for two years," said Strah, "it's great for that to happen for him."
Freshman Ben Dickey turned on the afterburners, too, dropping almost three seconds in the 100 back (1:05.90) to qualify for state.
Along with diver Eric Chambray, who placed third at the meet, the Poncans already have six individuals qualified for state.
Sophomore Jessica Leung led the way for the Lady Cats, placing second in both the 50 free (27.05), and the 100 free (59.76). Freshman Sunita Chahar followed that up with a second place finish in the 100 breast (1:14.25), and a fourth in the 200 IM (2:31.86).
The 200 free relay team of Chahar, Leung, Megan Tomek and Shannon Mersman also took home a first place finish. That race also saw Chahar qualify for state in the 50 free.
The Lady Cats also have a number of early-season state qualifiers, including Leung, Tomek, Chahar, Mersman and Andra Nuzum.
"We have some really hard workers on both teams," Strah concluded, "we'll have some big days over the break to get our base level back up so we can rest in February, and be ready for state."
The Cats next duel meet is January 8, in Enid.
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Ponca City calf roper Jerome Schneeberger finished sixth in the average in his first appearance in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association National Finals this past week.
Schneeberger finished with 111 seconds on 10 head during the 10-day rodeo. He earned $5,260.
Fred Whitfild of Hockley, Texas, won the average in calf roping with a total time of 84 seconds on 10 head, earning him $30,774.
Dan Mortensen finished second in saddle bronc riding on Sunday at the National Finals Rodeo and earned enough to win the all-round title.
The $8,393 he earned in the go-round helped Mortensen hold off Joe Beaver of Huntsville, Texas, for the all-around title.
GREAT BEND - The Lady Mavericks of NOC are on the rebound. After dropping six straight games and losing their best player to a knee injury, they've since come back to win three straight, including the Barton County Classic championship, Saturday.
Friday, in their first round matchup, the Lady Mavs took down Garden City, Kansas, 70-63. After blowing a 12 point lead midway through the second half, the Lady Mavs were able to regain momentum in the final five minutes to come back for the win.
"We changed our defense around in the second half," said head coach Greg Krause, "we went man-to-man and stopped them inside. Then we got the momentum back and stopped their tide a little."
In that game, Shannon Hands led the way with 21 points and six rebounds. Stephanie Stovall added 17, Jessica Garner had 10, Cathy Rogers had eight, and Brandi McClellan had seven.
Saturday, the Lady Mavs conquered the host team, Barton County, 84-69, in what Krause terms "the best game we've played all year."
The Lady Mavs held a 44-33 lead at halftime, and maintained that lead in the second, Barton County coming no closer than eight. Ritha Moro, who had been averaging less than three points per outing, started the game and finished with a whopping 20.
"Ritha really responded," said Krause, "she's been playing better lately, she's been more aggressive, and she's a good rebounder."
Hands was in the rare position of being the second leading scorer for the Lady Mavs, finishing with 19 points. McClellan had 17, and Stovall added 10. Rogers had nine points, three 3-pointers in the second half which, according to Krause, maintained the Lady Mavs' lead when Barton County made their run.
Accolades from the tournament included Stovall being named to the all-tournament team, while Hands - who leads the Lady Mavs with 16.4 points per game - was declared MVP of the tournament.
The momentum-laden Lady Mavs are now off for the Christmas break, and return to action Jan. 8, taking on Bacone in Tonkawa.
RED ROCK - Frontier's girls edged past Newkirk, 43-36, Saturday night to win the championship of the first Frontier Shootout.
Both teams got off to a slow start with the Lady Mustangs managing a 7-4 first quarter lead and they were in front just 19-14 at halftime.
Denise Jake and Stephanie Romero paced the Frontier scoring with 15 and 13 points.
Suzi Eisenhauer had 13 points for Newkirk while Susan Peace had 11.
The Frontier cagers, 9-0, are off for the holidays but will have a rematch with the Lady Tigers in Newkirk on Jan. 6
Frontier 43, Newkirk 36 (girls)
Frontier 7 12 6 18 - 43
Newkirk 4 10 4 18 - 36
Frontier - D. Jake 15, Romero 13, Bible 7, Sober 5, S. Jake 3.
Newkirk - Eisenhauer 13, Peace 11, Pappan 6, Rainey 4, Beck 2