CONNECTION A Publication of Connors State College
CSC Cheer & Dance Compete In 2022 NDA National Championships
June 2022
CONNORS STATE COLLEGE WARNER CAMPUS 700 COLLEGE ROAD WARNER, OK 74469
INSIDE THIS ISSUE June 2022
THREE RIVERS PORT CAMPUS 2501 N 41st St. E MUSKOGEE, OK 74403
ADMINISTRATION PRESIDENT Dr. Ronald S. Ramming VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Makenna Garrison VICE PRESIDENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES Mike Lewis
CONNECTION CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Krystle Lane Derotha Rivenbark Matthew Harmon Clint Maxcey Rev. Carneta Cooper Brooklyn Herriman Jessica Langston Brittney Seay Tracy Lieblang
FEATURE
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CAMPUS LIFE
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EDUCATION
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CSC Cheer & Dance Compete In 2022 NCA & NDA National Championships
Mr./Ms. Connors 2022
Wagoner Grads Make History 2022 Commencement Ceremony
ATHLETICS
2022 Softball & Baseball Reviews 2022-2023 Esports Preview Fomer Cowboy Romano Sets Records CSC Athletes Going to 4-year schools
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Cover Photo: CSC President Dr. Ramming poses with the CSC Dance team in Daytona Beach, FL
CSC SOCIAL MEDIA #ConnorsState
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Connors State College in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nation origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, crime statistics for both the Warner and Muskogee campuses may be reviewed at http://connorsstate.edu/asr. This publication was printed by Connors State College as authorized by the Director of College & Community Relations. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination or endorsement is intended by Connors State College.
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Connection: June 2022
FEATURE
Connors State Cheer & Dance Teams Compete in 2022 NCA & NDA National Championships Connors State College Cheer and Dance teams recently traveled to Dayton Beach, Florida to compete in the 2022 NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships. CSC had teams compete in both the Advanced Small Coed: Junior College and the Open Pom competitions where they placed 4th and 3rd respectively. Following the team's trip to Florida, we had the chance to sit down with the head coach of CSC Cheer & Dance, Clint Maxcey. Q: Heading into the year, where did the season’s results compare to preseason expectations? CM: I always have high expectations, and I always expect to win. We had a ton of talent at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, we lost some athletes due to injury, and like any season experienced some bumps in the road. We started the year with some skills we ended up having in our routine at nationals. For instance, right off the bat, we had people complimenting our baskets and pyramids for being some of the best at our preseason camp.
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FEATURE
Q: So you mentioned bumps in the road. How do you think the team overcame and grew from these obstacles they faced early on? CM: Well, when we were at camp I had us divided into an advanced and intermediate team because we had so many that I was able to divide into a team who was really good at the advanced skills, and a team that was better at intermediate skills. A lot of our losses occurred within that advanced team and so by the end of the year, our final mats were evenly split between members of each group. We had people who learned to step up, step in, and gain new skills. I had students who were 20, or 21 years old dancing for the first time in their lives and doing a good job at it. So the difficulties definitely pushed us to be better than we ever thought we could be. Q: Did this squad have any members who really stood out as leaders throughout this year? CM: I had 4 who had previously competed on the mats in Daytona Beach, and they were Savanna Macom, Aaron Foreman, Amber King, and Cheyenne Fells. It's hard to explain what competing in Daytona is like. And they spent the entire year preparing the others for what that experience would be like. They were very encouraging and inclusive, and really was the glue that helped keep us together. We lost a few veteran members throughout the year, and those 4 really did a great job of not letting that discourage our rookies. They really created a culture within our program that by the end of the year felt more like a family than a team. Q: How many girls/guys are leaving after this year? CM: We have around 7 or 8 leaving, so we need some more for sure! Q: Are any members of this year's team continuing their careers at 4-year programs? CM: I have 3. Hailey Miller will be cheering at the University of Colorado, Kalei Mackey at Oklahoma Baptist University, and Cheyenne Fells who will be at Northeastern State University.
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FEATURE
2021-2022 CSC Cheer & Dance Graduates (Courtesy: @connors_cheer)
Q: Looking towards next year, what are your goals for 2023? CM: I have a few freshmen who are returning that have really embraced leadership roles. So helping them feel emboldened enough to take those next steps in being leaders within our program will be really important for us to have more success in 2023. Q: Lastly Clint, how can those reading this Connection help support CSC Cheer & Dance? CM: Well first, if they know anyone who wants to cheer at the collegiate level and works hard, send them my way. I would much rather have a really hard worker who lacks in either experience or skill than to have a really talented member who is lazy. Here at Connors, we really do not mind teaching skills. In fact, we love that. And of course, coming out to our events and all of CSC’s home games.
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Connection: June 2022
CAMPUS LIFE
Mr. Connors 2022
Mr. Connors 2022, Tell Dixon
Tell Irwin Dixon is Mr. Connors 2022. Tell is the son of Kevin Dixon and Stefanie Dixon of Woodward, Oklahoma. Tell is majoring in Animal Science and attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma after receiving his associate degree from Connors. He an active member of the CSC Shooting Sports Team, President’s Leadership Class, Quail Forever Chapter President, and Aggie Club Treasurer. Tell is a good student who works very hard in all aspects, as a student, employee, and an involved member and officer of the organizations in which he participates. He is also very successful on the shooting sports team as he as helped provide scores in many areas to this year’s and last year’s 3rd HOA team at Nationals. He is always available to help and is passionate in all he does. Tell states, “Connors is a great place for students that love the small school feeling along with having more one-on-one time with professors and instructors at the university.I feel that Connors has been a great choice for me and has had more of a hometown and family feeling than any other college out there. Thank you to all the instructors and employees at Connors who have worked hard in order to help kids such as myself prepare and grow for what the future has to offer. It has been an amazing two years and I am very appreciative of the connections and friends I have made along the way.”
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Connection: June 2022
CAMPUS LIFE/EDUCATION
Ms. Connors 2022
Ms. Connors 2022, Katelyn Johnson
Katelyn Abby Johnson is Ms. Connors 2022. Abby is from Hermitage Arkansas and is majoring in Animal Science. She the daughter of John Paul and Jennifer Johnson and BJ Sturdivant. She is currently a member of the livestock judging team and serves as an Aggie Club Officer.Her excellence is evident not only in the organizations she is active in but is also evident in the classroom and in her work ethic. Abby represents Connors extremely well at every event she attends or in which she participates. She meets every task with a positive attitude and willingness to get the job done. Connors has impacted her life by teaching her many lessons inside of the classroom, but on the outside of it as well. Abby states, “Connors is a good place for students because Connors makes you feel welcome, almost like home does. The teachers, staff, and faculty go out of their way to help each of us in any way we may need. There are also so many activities that you can be involved with that help you to create so many friendships and endless memories. I am honored to be the recipient of this award and to have had the opportunity to attend such an awesome college and be a part of such a loving and supportive community!”
2 Wagoner Students Earn Associates Degrees Before Their High School Diplomas
Rylie Spaulding (far right) representing CSC on the OACC All-Oklahoma Academic Team
Wagoner High School
Brekka Watkins at CSC graduation in Muskogee
Two students made CSC history this year by graduating from the college with associate's degrees prior to earning their high school diplomas. Brekka Watkins and Rylie Spaulding are both graduating seniors at Wagoner High School who crossed the stage this year in Muskogee. Connors State College is extremely proud to have been a part of these two students' journeys, and we cannot see what they do next.
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Connection: June 2022
EDUCATION
Students eagerly await graduation
CSC Student, Jayla McGuire is presented her diploma
Mayor Coleman speaking at graduation
2022 Graduation Ceremony Takes Place at Muskogee Civic Center
The 2022 Connors State College graduation ceremony took place at the Muskogee Civic Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma on May 6th. 170 students were in attendance to celebrate the end of their academic careers at CSC. Graduates from both the Fall '21 and Spring '22 semesters were able to walk in graduation. The evening began with the presentation of colors by the Muskogee Junior ROTC Color Guard, accompanied musically by the City of Tulsa Pipes and Drums. Following the presentation of colors, Madison McElyea sang the national anthem. Jayla McGuire then read the Pledge of Allegiance. Both Madison and Jayla would later cross the stage as graduates. The invocation was led by Rowdy Morris, Director of the local Baptist Collegiate Ministry. President of the Connors State College, Dr. Ronald Ramming then began welcoming the attendees and introducing our distinguished guests. In attendance were CSC grad and Oklahoma A&M Regent, Billy Taylor as well as the CEO of the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents, Jason Ramsey. This year's commencement address was made by Marlon Coleman, Mayor of Muskogee. Mayor Coleman was elected the 50th and first African American Mayor of the City of Muskogee, on June 30, 2020. He was re-elected in February 2022 with over 85% of the vote. Coleman was originally elected to the Muskogee City Council and is also the Lead Pastor of The Temple of Hope Church (Antioch) in Muskogee. Mayor Coleman encouraged the graduates to spread their wings like an eagle, and that with the proper effort they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to. Following the Mayor's address, Dr. Makenna Garrison (VP of Academic Affairs) presented the graduates with their degrees.
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EDUCATION Connors State College recognizes Khyle Flynn as the first graduate of Honors Program The Connors State College Honors Program was established to provide eligible students the opportunity to engage more deeply in their courses and the campus community and to grow in confidence and resilience. Kyle Flynn certainly did both. Kyle is from Porum, Oklahoma, and majored in Mathematics at CSC. He has been accepted into the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology at Oklahoma State University, where he is transferring for the Fall 2022 semester. Aside from being CSC's first Honors grad, Kyle was a very involved member of the campus community. He was a member of student organizations, such as CSC's first Honor Program grad, Kyle Flynn NAACP and Trio Support Services where he served as a peer tutor. Christina Conner, Director of Student Support Services at CSC, had this to say about Khyle: "Khyle was in Student Support Services for two years, and worked for us as a peer tutor. Khyle has an enthusiasm for learning that extended to the students he tutored for Math and Physics. He has a special ability to help students feel confident in their work. He was also a great recruiter for the program! His energy is contagious, and after a visit with him, you are ready to move mountains." Dr. Lynett Rock, Director of the Honors Program added, "I met Khyle and his grandmother before classes even started, he was walking around campus making sure he knew where all his fall classes would be. That interaction summed up Khyle...he was always prepared. I was honored for him to be my first honors student and I am excited to see where his educational journey takes him. Khyle is polite, dedicated, and intelligent."
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Connection: June 2022
ATHLETICS
2022 Cowboys Baseball Review 2022 was another good season for Cowboys baseball. Finishing the season with a record of 43-15 (.741), the Cowboys ended the year at the Region 2 tournament in Woodward with a 4-2 loss to NEO. You would've been hard-pressed to find a place you want to face these Cowboys, as they finished with winning records at home (29-8), on the road (11-5), and at neutral sites (3-2). 4 Cowboys earned All-Region honors this season: Tyson Fourkiller, Alexis Garcia, Andres Matias, and Aaron Hosack. Hosack, a Sophomore from Ponca City, also led Region 2 in ERA (3.64) this season and finished tied for the lead in wins (8). Tyson Fourkiller, a Stillwell sophomore, posted a .442 batting average, good enough for third-best in the region. Andres Matias led the Cowboys in home runs this year (10) and Alexis Garcia led the team in saves (4).
CSC faces Region II foe, Murray State College
2022 Cowgirls Softball Review Cowgirls softball finished their 2022 campaign versus Seminole State in the NJCAA Region 2 Tournament in Piedmont, OK. The team finished the year with an overall record of 29-36 and finished the year with a 21-9 record at home. Jewell Caudle was the lone Cowgirl to make the D1 AllRegion team this year, and she also had the 4th highest batting average in the region this season (.473). Caitlyn Collier, Kaylee Johnson, Gracie Britten, and Jaci Armond were the 4 Cowgirls to make the All-Region Tournament team this year following standout performances in Piedmont. At the plate this season, Jewell Caudle lead the team in batting average (.473), home runs (10), extra-base hits (36), and stolen bases (25). On the mound, CSC was led by sophomores Caitlyn Collier and Cayton Sloan who each pitched over 100 innings for the team this season.
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Connection: June 2022
2022 Connors State College Cowgirls Softball
Cowgirls' Opening Day 2022 (courtesy of CSC Softball)
2022-2023 Esports Preview
ATHLETICS
CSC Esports program offers its student-athletes access to top of the line equipment and technology in the brand new Esports Lab
With competition beginning in the Fall semester of 2022, Connors State College has announced the creation of an esports program. With esports becoming one of the fastest-growing competitions worldwide, Connors State is excited to offer this unique opportunity to its students. The esports program will be led by Coach Jesse Lopez, who is currently recruiting athletes for competition in the NJCAA-E next fall. Those interested in joining Connors' esports program can email cscesports@connorsstate.edu or call 918-463-6399 for more information. Scholarships are available.
Former Cowboy Romano Wins American League Reliever of the Month; Sets Blue Jays franchise record Former Cowboy Jordan Romano has been named the American League's Reliever of the Month for April. Romano led the AL in saves with 10 through the Blue Jays' 14 wins in April. He recorded a 1.59 ERA while striking out 13 batters and held hitters to a .195 batting average. In the process, Romano also set the Blue Jays record for most consecutive saves with 26. He broke the old record set by closer Tom Henke, who had 25 straight saves in 1991. Romano began the streak on May 11, 2021 in a 5-3 Blue Jays win over the Atlanta Braves.
Former Cowboy Jordan Romano pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays
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Connection: June 2022
ATHLETICS CSC Athletes Earn Spots on 4-Year Rosters
Connors State College has a proud tradition of athletic excellence, and the class of 2022 is no exception. The following student-athletes have earned the chance to continue their athletic careers at 4-year institutions: Baseball: Tyson Fourkiller - University of Arkansas Aaron Hosack - Southeastern Louisiana University Austin Scritchfield - Henderson State University Landon McAllister - Southern Arkansas University Caleb Burchfield - University of Central Oklahoma Cheer & Dance: Hailey Miller - University of Colorado Cheyenne Fells - Northeastern State University Kalei Mackey - Oklahoma Baptist University Men's Basketball: Jordan Tillmon - Florida A&M D.J. Basey - Coastal Carolina University
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Connection: June 2022
PHOTOS
CSC graduate Grayden Penny, receives his diploma from Dr. Ramming
Student Body President, Katelynn Lewis is recognized at graduation
Jayla McGuire recites our Pledge of Allegiance
Muskogee Jr. ROTC program
Khyle Flynn honored as first Honors Program graduate
Madison McElyea performs our National Anthem
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Connection: June 2022
CONNORS STATE COLLEGE 700 COLLEGE ROAD WARNER, OK 74469
NEXT ISSUE: CSC Esports Ready to Begin Inauguaral Fall Campaign in the NJCAA-E