Connection: Volume 11, Issue 1

A Publication of Connors State College

V O L U M E

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N U M B E R

FALL BULL SALE MAINTAINS STRONG SALES AMID PANDEMIC

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C ON NO R S S TA TE C OL L EG E WARNER CAMPUS 700 College Road Warner, OK 74469

INSIDE THIS ISSUE V O L U M E

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N U M B E R

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THREE RIVERS PORT CAMPUS 2501 N 41st St E Muskogee, OK 74403

ADMINI STRA TI ON PRESIDENT Dr. Ronald S. Ramming VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Robin O’Quinn VICE PRESIDENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES

FEATURE

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Annual Fall Bull Sale Holds Strong

COMMUNITY

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C&W Gets in the Holiday Spirit

COWBOY FAMILY

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Remembering Bunch • Meet Lieblang, McHenry, Johnson & The Roberts Family

EDUCATION

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Nursing, OTA and PTA Pinnings

TEAMS

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Livestock Judgers Earn Fall Success • Basketball Teams Gear Up for Season • Mendham Named Player of the Year

CAMPUS LIFE

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Mike Lewis

CONNEC TI ON CONTRIBUTORS Annie Jo Gilbert Nick Hampton Dr. Krystle Lane Robin O’Quinn Stacy Pearce Grayden Penny

Seen on Campus

SOCIAL

MEDIA

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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, national 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 and issued by Connors State College as authorized by the Director of College and 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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FEATURE

Annual Fall Bull Sale Sees Strong Sales, Amid Pandemic Connors State College hosted the annual Fall Bull Sale December 3, 2020 at the Bull Test Facility on the Warner Campus. The highest seller, a Maine bull consigned by Jerry McPeak of Warner, OK, brought $10,500.

The CSC show team hosted the bull sale, with help from the livestock judging team. The CSC livestock judging team helped with paperwork, penning cattle, and call-in bids. The show team worked concessions, and throughout the semester calculated the performance reports. The livestock judging team had a booth set up, as well as the CSC shooting team, another team within the Division of

Agriculture.

“We were very happy with the set of bulls the producers consigned to our Fall 2020 Bull Sale,” said Dr. Ron Ramming, CSC President. “The buyers wanted to reward the producers for their excellent livestock, thus generating a record setting average.”

A total of 44 bulls by 16 producers entered this year’s sale. Sim-Angus bull 488, consigned by Monty Nail, started the sale as the top performance sire. The sale averaged $3,423.86 per lot.

“In my time at CSC, I have enjoyed being a member of the show team because it has given me a more

in-depth opportunity to learn about production agriculture,” said Blayke Bolen, CSC sophomore and show team member. “The bulls this year proved great success in record setting numbers, performance and overall quality.”

For more information about how to consign or purchase a bull, visit connorsstate.edu.

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COMMUNITY

C&W Services Spreads Holiday Cheer to Warner, CSC The staff of C&W Services, the campus maintenance and janitorial contractor, donates their time to help the community as much as they can.

Throughout December, the C&W Services staff assisted Warner Elementary students in decorating the Town of Warner for the holidays.

“Steve Marshall, who works for the Town of Warner, asked us to help kids hang ornaments, to bring ladders and supply drinks, so the elementary school could decorate trees in the park,” said Keri Lawson, C&W Services Site Manager. “I knew my team would not hesitate to participate in the event and, sure enough, when I asked them if they wanted to, I received a unanimous yes.”

Lawson said that watching all the children arrive with homemade ornaments, that they were extremely proud of, and sing Christmas carols at the top of their lungs, made her day.

Cassie Walker, who works in the

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C&W office, jumped on the opportunity to help.

“Just to listen to the students laugh, sing, and talk about how they decorated their ornaments, brought more blessings to me than any blessing I was to them,” said Walker.

Rod Mathews, maintenance supervisor for the Warner campus, was one of the staff members also in attendance.

“I LOVE doing anything in our community to help,” said Mathews.

“Watching those kids climb a ladder with such excitement to hang an ornament gave me all the Christmas joy I needed. I left the park that day knowing we had helped bring some of that excitement out.”

On December 9, the C&W Staff dressed up and sang Christmas carols and danced for Connors State College faculty and staff in the middle of the Warner campus.

“I was pumped to do the caroling,

mainly to give people a break from all the drama that has been going on in the crazy year of 2020,” said Walker. “I hope we were able to accomplish that and cause some smiles and laughter.”

The entire staff dressed up in holiday cheer, caroling multiple songs for the staff.

“It was a blast,” said Mathews. “I love doing stuff like that and so does my team; I love making people laugh, and when they get to laughing, it makes me laugh. There is nothing better than a bunch of people hanging out laughing.”

– Top, L-R: Kelsey Wells and Joe Gallardo assist Warner Elementary students in hanging ornaments.

Bottom, L-R: Keri Lawson entertains as the Grinch. The entire C&W Services staff and lawn crew dressed up and sang Christmas caroles on campus.

COWBOY FAMILY Wayne Bunch, In Memorium Wayne Bunch was born on March 23, 1951 in San Diego, CA, to Donald Lee Bunch and Hilda (Lopez) Bunch.

He passed from this life on Friday, December 11, 2020 in Tulsa, OK, at the age of 69 years.

Bunch was raised and educated in Tulsa and graduated with the McLain High School Class of 1969. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. Bunch was married on January 27, 1973, at Turley Methodist Church in Turley, OK, to Carol Jean (Robinson) Bunch.

He spent most of his working life, more than 40 years, as a sports reporter with the Tulsa World. He also worked for Northeastern State University and Connors State College

reporting on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, softball and baseball.

Bunch was a faithful member of Turley Methodist Church for 47 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed a variety of past times such as following college sports, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers, and gardening.

Those he leaves behind who hold many cherished memories include his wife, Carol; daughter Nicole Sumpter and husband Chris; son Travis Bunch; grandson Collin Sumpter; brother Randy Bunch and wife Kaye; sister Brenda Crawford and husband Paul; numerous nieces and nephews; and a posse of Connors State Cowboys.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Hilda.

According to Lieblang, CSC is just the right size for students.

“In larger colleges or universities, it’s easy for a student to get lost among all the other students,” said Lieblang.

“For those students who are shy or unsure of themselves, Connors gives them an opportunity to grow without feeling overwhelmed. There is more of an opportunity here for the students to have one on one with their instructor.”

Prior to her time as Connors, Lieblang had an online store for about 10 years.

“The store was fun, but also a lot of work,” Lieblang said. “There was one Christmas season where each day I was printing orders, filling and packaging them to take to the Post Office. As soon as I was done with one set of printouts, I would have another set waiting to be done. By the time I took the packages to the Post Office they would fill every available space in my trunk, back seat, and the front

passenger seat of the car. That was one busy Christmas season! It took me over a month to get caught up on all the paperwork that was involved.”

She has recently started quilting, and has completed two large quilts and one lap quilt. She also enjoys puzzles and counted cross stitch.

Lieblang met her husband Sam in college. The pair have been married for 37 years, and have two children and two granddaughters.

Tracy Lieblang, Staff The administrative assistant for the Connors State Division of Nursing, Tracy Lieblang hails from Edgewood, NM. She earned an Associate of Science in Computer Information and a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration from Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX. Lieblang worked in retail before transitioning into her position at CSC. “When my position became available, it was a great opportunity to get back into education,” said Lieblang. “I didn’t realize how much I had missed working with educators and students; Connors gave me the opportunity to be able to do this again.”

Lieblang has been at CSC for two and a half years, and says she enjoys working with the students, faculty and support staff.

“I like helping the students with their questions and directing them where they need to go,” said Lieblang. “The nursing faculty and others at Connors are great to work with.”

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Sharriell McHenry, Student Originally from Boynton, OK, Sharriell McHenry graduated from Haskell High School, and is now pursuing her associate of science at Connors State and will graduate this spring.

“I chose Connors State College because it seemed like home, it wasn’t big and the classes are so small that the teachers get a chance to know their students,” said McHenry. “I didn’t want to jump into a huge university and become overwhelmed.”

A President’s Honor Roll achiever, McHenry claims Connors has made a huge impact on her life through furthering her education and introducing her to new opportunities.

“I am the president of the President’s Leadership Class and I also work in the student activities office, so I help put on fun events and activities for my fellow students,” said McHenry.

“I have made many memorable

friendships and connections.”

Upon graduation, McHenry plans to attend Oklahoma State University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management, then shortly after, obtain her real estate license and start a career.

Growing up, however, McHenry wanted to be a wedding dress designer and a model – a passion she intends to continue to pursue.

“I have always had a dream to become a famous supermodel,” said McHenry. “In high school I did a few photoshoots and participated in a fashion show a month after having knee surgery. I do not know how I pulled off walking in heels without falling on my face, and my knee was in so much pain, but, hey, models don’t cry! Modeling is one of my passions and I will continue striving towards my dream, so I can travel all over doing what I love.”

McHenry attributes part of her success to her parents.

“I want to thank my parents for always pushing me because they could see what I couldn’t,” said McHenry. “And, to my guardian angel, Sherrell Helen McHenry, I love and miss you everyday and I want to go out and live for the both of us.”

Charlie Lynn Johnson, Faculty

Charlie Lynn Johnson, an instructor within the Connors State College Division of Nursing, claims Coweta, OK, as her hometown.

She obtained her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Rogers State, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and then graduated from Walden University with a Master of Science in

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Nursing in Nursing Education.

Johnson says she enjoys the autonomy and flexibility of her position, where she teaches Foundations in Nursing Theory, Foundations in Nursing Skills/Clinical, Diseases and Disorders, Health and Diseases of Native Americans, and Medical Terminology.

“I admire Connors’ mission of trying to change futures,” Johnson said. “Connors offers a competitive, contemporary education while maintaining a hometown feel. It’s not as overwhelming as some other campuses can be for students.”

In addition to her CSC teaching load, Johnson is a member of the nursing faculty organization, meets with prospective nursing graduate employers, helps obtain contracts for clinical sites, and previously helped

staff the SIM lab until a fulltime nurse was hired. She also assists students with community projects, including the annual CSC Fun on the Farm, and helps with the nursing pinning ceremony.

“Here, I have gotten to know so many nice people and formed some deep friendships,” said Johnson. “I also really find fulfillment when teaching.”

Johnson counts her proudest accomplishments as being the first in her family to receive a college degree, pursuing her post graduate degrees, and her children.

“My daughter is a nurse but also working on her doctorate in theology, and my son is a marine,” Johnson said.

Johnson claims to be a farm girl, and enjoys raising animals, gardening, hunting and fishing. Prior to Covid, she was very active in her church.

Roberts Family, Alumni & Donor Spotlight New to the scholarship list for 2021 is the Roberts Family Endowment scholarship, given to incoming freshmen students. The Roberts men, Earl (’60), Jeff (’81), Johnny (’84), and Jerrod (’86), share more than a last name – they are all alumni of Connors State College.

Earl Roberts attended CSC from 1958 to 1960, obtaining his Associate of Art Degree.

“Connors was two years of my life that affected the remainder in many ways,” said Earl. “I met my wife, Mary Dixon, at the beginning of my second year.”

Earl and Mary were married in June of 1960, following Earl’s graduation.

Earl credits CSC for helping him grow up as a person.

“I took business classes that aided me going into business with my dad and brothers, and became the bookkeeper in our auto parts shop,” said Earl. “I took music classes at Connors and I still use skills I learned in that class today with my ministry.”

Earl worked in his family’s auto parts shop until 1978. He became a licensed insurance agent, received his real estate broker license, and started his own agency, from which he retired in 2006. Earl’s oldest son, Jeff, came to work with him in 1984.

A now retired native of Roland, OK, Earl likes to keep busy with his rental properties. He is also an ordained minister.

“Coming from a small town and small high school, the environment at CSC is excellent for kids to grow up in,” said Earl. “Being away from home and finding others that can relate to you helps, the instructors are personal and helpful, and CSC offered ways to pay for your tuition through work study positions and scholarships.”

Earl said he would always have special feelings for Connors.

“I feel like it was the starting of my life in general,” said Earl. “I would also like to thank Connors for choosing us to write about.”

Class of 1981 alumnus Jeffery H. Roberts resides in Lawrence, KS, and has a successful career as an executive leader and top business coach.

Jeff works as The Growth Coach of SW KC, providing business and sales coaching to small and medium size businesses by utilizing The Growth Coach’s Strategic Mindset process and ongoing coaching.

Some of Jeff’s proudest achievements include increasing revenues from $2.5 million in 2013 to $18 million in 2019 by acquiring and overseeing five corporate insurance

agencies in Arkansas and Oklahoma and managing 70 staff and six operations managers to meet company and client goals.

Jeff also restructured the accounting and human resources departments by identifying inefficiencies and creating new business practices, increased annual revenues by 70 percent within the first two years, improved database utilization, and established sound scalable systems for mergers and acquisitions Among many other notable accomplishments, Jeff still makes time to give back to his church and community by serving on the Board of Elders for the Story Hill Church, serving on the Board of Overseers at the Grand Avenue Church, and serving as the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee for the Roland Area Chamber of Commerce.

Johnny Roberts, class of 1984, was raised and resides in Roland, OK. Upon graduation from CSC, Johnny continued his education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he graduated with his doctorate in pharmacy.

“My time at Connors gave me lifelong friendships built on loyalty, trust and hard work,” said Johnny. “The academia and environment prepared

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me for the demanding curriculum of pharmacy school. Connors was exactly what I needed in my transition from a small rural high school to the rigorous challenges to come.”

Since graduation, Johnny has founded and owns a pharmacy, has had multiple opportunities to speak on leadership to groups, serves as a Campus Pastor for Life.Church, and runs a ministry coaching business.

“My passion is to identify, equip, release, and coach next generation leaders,” said Johnny. “My life is shaped around values: Faith, Health, my wife of 35 years Allison, our three children and their spouses, our six grandkids, and friends.”

Johnny is passionate about growing, creating, coaching, giving and exploring.

The youngest of the boys, Jerrod Roberts, graduated from Connors State in 1986. Originally from Roland, Jerrod now resides in Edmond, OK, and works as a pharmacist and business owner.

Upon graduation, Jerrod attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University and graduated with a degree in pharmacy.

“My time at Connors gave me the

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foundation to begin the next phase of life, transitioning from the protections of home,” said Jerrod. “Connors gave me the educational environment that was focused on individual students allowing me to find a career path.”

Jerrod said that Connors provides the foundation to prepare students to pursue their degree at a university, as well as teaching students the life skills they need to succeed.

Jerrod and wife Drenda have been married for 31 years, and have three children: Elise, Lauren, and Will, and two grandchildren, Raylee and Brooks.

Jerrod is the proud owner of Flourish Integrative Pharmacy and managing member of Firefly Holdings Company, of which companies include Exakt Technologies, Narrowcast Network, and Flourish Nutraceuticals.

“Having the opportunity to participate on the livestock judging team and having mentors such as Jerry McPeak, and creating lifelong friends, has made a most important impact on my life that I think of often, all these years later,” said Jerrod.

The Roberts family was so moved by their time at Connors State, they created a scholarship endowment.

“The generosity of the Roberts

family will be felt by generations of students into the future,” said Dr. Krystle Lane, Connors State College Foundation Director. “Their decision to fund a scholarship endowment reflects not only their confidence in and connection with the Connors’ mission, but also their desire to support deserving students from within the community.”

For more information about the scholarship and qualifications, visit connorsstate.edu.

EDUCATION

Fall Nursing Candidates Pinned Connors State College celebrated the graduation of 21 new nurses in a pinning ceremony held December 11 on the Warner campus in the Melvin Self Fieldhouse.

The pinning ceremony signifies the nursing students’ official initiation into the brotherhood and sisterhood of nurses. The modern ceremony is rich with symbolism; it is the rite of passage which can be traced all the way back to the 1860s when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of St. George in recognition for her diligent service to the injured during the Crimean War. By 1916, the practice of pinning new graduates was standard throughout the United States, and Connors follows this practice.

The Nursing Program at Connors State College has a high success rate of students placed after graduating.

Sandra Watson, the Connors’ Division Chair for Nursing and Allied Health, said, “Recently it has been said that nurses are the lifeblood of the hospital. In today’s pandemic, this makes our graduates the lifeblood of our communities.”

“The pinning ceremony is a rite of passage into a noble trusted profession. It is always a very special time.

Todays’ graduates are stepping into the unknown and will become part of our nation’s history. These graduates are coming out into our communities at a most needed time. Bedside nurses are displaying incredible courage and dedication to our profession like Florence Nightingale during the 1800s,” said Watson.

“We are proud of these students who have completed a very rigorous academic program,” said Dr. Ron Ramming, CSC President. “We are happy that our students are going to make a difference in a work force that so desperately needs help.”

Among some of the graduates, the class nominated two students who spoke to their fellow classmates and the family and friends present about the class journey. Jennifer Ashwood represented the Traditional Nurse program and Amanda Hamilton represented the Career Ladder program.

Students received their pins from their instructors, participated in the Candle Lighting Ceremony, and gave

the Nightingale Pledge.

Students graduating from the Traditional Nurse program were: Jennifer Ashwood, Tasha Caudwell, Robert Fox Glander, Jeancamille Griffin, Timber Hammans, Kenzy Hammons, Tanya Harris, Peyton Kays, Kelsey Lerma, John Lewis, Jaylee Light, Kristen Morton, Jazmyn Stonecipher, Megan Towie, and Kylie Walker.

Students graduating from the Career Ladder program were: Vonnie Asaro, Kylee Battenfield, Julie Bishop, Minerva Cole, Sharame Guess, Amanda Hamilton, Bradley Price, and Cheri Williams.

For more information about the nursing program at Connors State College, visit www.connorsstate.edu/ nursing, or contact Sandra Watson, Division Chair for Nursing and Allied Health, at (918) 684-5436.

– Above: (L-R) Dr. Sandra Watson, and nursing students Cheri Williams and Peyton Kays present the class panel.

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Above, Left: During the Fall 2020 Nursing Pinning Ceremony Dr. Sandra Watson presents both Julie Bishop and Kelsey Lerma with the Florence Nightingale Award. Above, Right: Lloyann Ferrell Bishop and John Lewis pause for a selfie during the pinning ceremony.

Connors, ICTC Hold Pinning Ceremony for PTA & OTA Grads In cooperation with Indian Capital Technology Center, Connors State held a pinning ceremony for 13 Physical Therapist Assistant Program graduates and 15 Occupational Therapist Assistant Program graduates on December 15 at ICTC. The pinning ceremony recognized the accomplishments of the graduates following clinical and coursework completion.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program helps students gain the skills needed to help individuals regain physical function and improve mobility under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

“The PTA faculty are very proud of this group of students,” said Sarah Foster, PTA Program Director. “We feel so blessed to have had this group of outstanding graduates to go through this unusual year with. They faced the trials of learning throughout

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a pandemic with positivity and determination.”

This year’s graduates are: Taylor Compton, Tyler Conley, Kara Enkey, Melissa Girty, Bristen Graves, Keylee Hiler, Dakota Lashley, Anthony Miller, Maryah Milton, Christy Murry, Ariana Riley, Hunter Roberts, and Gabrielle Tucker.

Enkey and Miller were recognized with an outstanding academic performance award in the PTA Program, while Riley received the outstanding clinical performance award.

The Occupational Therapist Assistant Program delivers occupation-based intervention in diverse settings to assist those with autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, traumatic injuries, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, or mental health conditions.

The program utilizes rigorous curriculum with relevant clinical instruction in a variety of settings.

Graduates of the fall OTA Program

include: Rayleigh Beck, Raye Brown, Stacy Classen, Shelby Copeland, Vannessa Dunham, Brittany Flores, Caitlyn Gregg, Kaitlyn Hill, Blair Kerns, Lesli Payne, Jayla Riley, Brooke Rose, Maecie Smith, Tatum Terry, and Deanna Vann-Vest.

“We are proud of the positive outcome the success of these students brings to our society,” said Dr. Ron Ramming, CSC President.

“These students are a great example of the partnership between ICTC/CSC.” For more information about the Connors State College and ICTC Physical Therapist Assistant program or Occupational Therapist Assistant program., visit http://www.ictctech. com/full-time/adult_health_careers/.

TEAMS

Livestock Judgers Earn Success on Fall Competition Trail

The Connors State Livestock Judging Team has continued its successful start to the 2020-2021 season by winning champion overall team honors at The American Royal in Kansas City, MO., and earning the reserve national champion team honors at the North American International Livestock Exhibition in Louisville, KY. Following is a list of accomplishments from the fall 2020 livestock judging season.

At the Griswold Cattle Contest, the team placed first overall. Individual overall placings included: Ross Wingert, first; Lauren Erickson, third; Maddie Schroeder, fourth; Kristen Massingill, sixth; Katie Kempen, eighth; Abby Johnson, tenth.

The team claimed second high team overall honors during the North American International Livestock Exhibition, and placed first in cattle, second in reasons and fifth in sheep.

Individually, team members placed as follows: Kristen Massingill, second overall, first in cattle; Logan Jackson, third overall, fourth in reasons, third in cattle; Katie Kempen, fourth in cattle; Lauren Erickson, ninth in reasons, seventh in sheep.

Earning Champion Team honors at the American Royal, the CSC crew placed first in reasons, first in sheep and goats, third in hogs, and fourth

in cattle. Individually, team members earned the following accolades: Logan Jackson, second overall and in hogs, sixth in reasons, and eighth in sheep and goats; Kristen Massingill, third overall, first in hogs, fourth in reasons, and tenth in sheep and goats; Katie Kempen, seventh overall, second in reasons, and third in sheep and goats; Maddie Schroeder, seventh in reasons and ninth in cattle.

The scholars claimed Champion Team honors at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, placing first in hogs and reasons, second in cattle, and third in sheep and goats. Individually, the team members placed as follows: Maddie Schroeder, fourth overall, second in reasons, third in cattle, and ninth in sheep and goats; Mesa Ware, fifth overall, second in cattle and eighth in sheep and goats; Kristen Massingill, sixth overall, first in reasons, second in sheep and goats, and tenth in hogs; Lauren Erickson, eighth overall, fourth in hogs, and fifth in reasons; Logan Jackson, ninth overall, third in hogs, and fourth in reasons; Kyntlie Wiles, sixth in sheep and goats, and ninth in cattle; Katie Kempen, second in hogs and tenth in cattle; Andi Theodore, fourth in sheep and goats, and eighth in reasons.

The team both hosted and took champion team overall honors during the Connors State Alumni Invitational,

placing first in reasons and cattle, second in sheep and goats, and second in hogs.

At the Cimarron Classic in Stillwater, OK, the team again claimed champion team overall honors, with a first place grab in cattle, second overall in reasons, hogs, sheep and goats.

During The National Swine Judging Contest in Des Moines, IA, the squad routed all, claiming high team overall honors, placing first in reasons and first in boar judging. – Livestock judging team members include: (front row, L-R) Riley Scott, Central, OK; Kohl Bright, Le Grand, CA; Colby Griffin, Pauls Valley, OK; Hunter May, Keezletown, VA; Kyntlie Wiles, Mena, AR; Katie Kempen, San Antonio, TX; Lauren Erikson, San Luis Obispo, CA; Kristen Massingal, Hamilton, TX; Taylor Litterell, Tuttle, OK; Garrett Bowe, Madera, CA; Carson Lott, Sapulpa, OK; (middle row, L-R) Houston Klump, Bowie, AZ; Rylee Simpson, Kansas, OK; Mesa Ware, Cone, TX; Abby Johnson, Hermitage, AR; Maddie Schroeder, Columbia City, IN; Olivia Eager, Fitztown, OK; Ross Wingert, Rose Bud, AR; (Third row, L-R) Austin Manners, Santa Rosa, CA; Adam Erickson, Haskell, OK; Jacksen Ketner, Central, OK; Brett Forgy, Silo, OK; Logan Jackson, Eastlake, TX; Andy Theodore, Coweta, OK.

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Cowboys Prepare for Abbreviated Schedule The 2019-20 season was one that Connors State men’s basketball coach Bill Muse and the Cowboys are glad to put in the past for a number of reasons.

The season started with just one starter returning – Callen Haydon, a 6-0 sophomore from El Reno – which made it the least experienced starting crew Muse has had in his 28 years at Warner. But despite the inexperience and the fact that Haydon was injured for several weeks, Muse coached the Cowboys to a 22-9 record but an uncharacteristic early end of the season, losing in the opening round of the Region II tournament.

And then there was the pandemic. It led the Nation Junior College Athletic Association to delay the start of the 2020-21 season until late January and it hit close to home as it claimed the life of a member of the Connors family

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in Sports Information Director Wayne Bunch.

Ten freshmen and a transfer will join two returning starters, a redshirt and a role player for Connors as Muse begins his 29th year at the helm seeking his fifteenth conference title and eleventh trip to the NJCAA Big Dance in Hutchinson, KS. The head coach is the elder statesman among Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference coaches and his 671-238 record (a 73 percent winning percentage) continues to be the alltime best in Connors history.

Leading the list of returning Cowboys is Jahcoree Ealy, a 6-5 wing man from Damascus, AR. He averaged 15.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last season for Connors and was a first-team selection to the OCAC All-Freshman team. He scored 25 or more points in four games last year

with his best being a 29-point outing against the Oklahoma Wesleyan junior varsity.

“Coree has got a big, big upside and I’m really anticipating him having a big year,” said Muse.

Also, back in the fold is the Cowboy’s muscle man Jarquavious Cain, a 6-6 forward from Jonesboro, AR. He averaged 14.9 points and 9.5 rebounds a game in 2020. He had a season high 27 points against Cedar Valley and scored over 20 points in eight games.

“Jarquavious is undersized for a forward but he gets a lot done with his athleticism,” said Muse. “He’s strong and plays extremely hard which makes up for his lack of size and he’s usually having to guard players bigger than him.”

Jace Jordan from Broken Bow played off the bench last year seeing action in 21 games with a season high 18 points

against the Central Baptist junior varsity.

“Jace is a good outside shooter who’s gotten stronger during the offseason and should be able to help us more this year,” said Muse.

A big question mark for the Cowboys will be the status of redshirt freshman Oumar Keita from Hazard, KY. The 6-11 big man tore his ACL in pre-season last year and the injury has been slow to heal.

“Oumar’s rehab has been slow and difficult and I don’t know what we’ll be able to get out of him this year,” said Muse.

Perhaps the most immediate help might come in the form of Northeastern Oklahoma State transfer Gavin Harris from Jackson, MO. The 6-4 guard transferred in the first semester last year and sat out the second and Muse has high hopes for him.

“He’s got good length; is a good shooter and he’s got some experience in a college program. He’s mature and has a great basketball IQ and should be able to help us out on the perimeter,” said Muse.

The Cowboys should have good depth at the guard spot thanks to the incoming freshmen. The most notable has been Brandon Taylor from Coppell, TX, who looks to run the point for the Cowboys.

“He’s a good facilitator and good scorer when needed and he knows how to set an offense up and run a team. He’s pretty much a pure point guard,” said the Cowboy coach.

Other faces that will rotate in and out of the lineup at one of the guard spots for Connors are Donald Garrett III from Garland, TX, Quintavious Bailey from Memphis and Jordan Tillmon from Pine Bluff, AR. “These guys are all combo guards that can play the point or the wing.

Quintavious and Jordan both have great upsides and are good shooters and Donald will probably sub in at the point when needed,” said Muse.

Muse is also anxious to see more of 6-8 Mason Alexander. The Tulsa Edison product played just one year of high school basketball but could be a breakout player for the Cowboys this season.

“Mason plays hard, is physical and hits the boards hard. He’s got a great upside and the more games he gets under his belt, the better he’ll get. I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people in our league.”

Another freshman that might see immediate action is 6-9 forward Sammy Mike from Warner Robbins, GA. His presence could be vital if Keita is unable to go.

“Sammy played at Washington Prep in North Carolina and will add needed size inside for us,” said Muse.

Other recruits for the Cowboys that are battling for playing time include TJ Maxwell from Hilldale and Jalen Cloud out of Stigler. Hometown product Jack Van Daley and newcomer Wyatt Holland from Atoka will both redshirt this year.

But perhaps the biggest “recruit” to join the Cowboys this season will be the coach’s son Bill Muse Jr. who comes aboard as an assistant coach for his dad. “Junior,” as the players call him, grew up on the Warner campus, attended Hilldale High School and then played for his father for two years before moving on to play Division I ball at Coastal Carolina and Southern Mississippi.

“Having him here is big for several reasons,” said the elder Muse. “First, he grew up around the program and played for me, so he knows the system inside out and I don’t really have to tell him what to do. Second, is that he can relate to these players who all have the goal of playing at the next level. He’s been there recently and can tell it like it is to the guys. And third, he and I are really close and it’s just nice to be able to have him around all the time.”

The decision to delay the start of the season this year brings some changes

for the Cowboys in their schedule.

“Our season has been cut from 30 to 22 games, so we’ll have only three non-conference games to start instead of the usual 10 or so to sort things out and we’re not doing any outside scrimmages to try and keep everyone healthy,” said Muse.

Cowboys fans will enjoy the season starting with four home games beginning January 22 against Oklahoma Wesleyan followed by contests with Central Baptist and the University of Arkansas-Cossatot and then the OCAC opener February 1 against Western State. The season ends April 1 followed by the Region II tournament. Muse tabs NEO, Murray State, the defending region champion, and Northern-Tonkawa as top teams to be beat in the OCAC race this year.

Although the NJCAA’s decision to delay made last summer was questioned at the time, it appears it was the right call. But as the pandemic continues to rage on, Muse wonders what lies ahead.

“Covid-19 is still lurking around. Will we have interruptions? Will we be able to get through the schedule? Can we stay healthy as a team? I guess we’ll just have to see what happens.”

Good riddance to 2020 as the Cowboys turn the page on a new season.

– Cowboy Basketball team members include: (front row, L-R) #40 Jalen Cloud, Stigler, OK; #23 Jordan Tillmon, Pine Bluff, AR; #21 Jack VanDaley, Warner, OK; #34 TJ Maxwell, Muskogee, OK; #14 Brandon Taylor, Coppell, TX; #3 Donald Garrett III, Garland, TX; #10 Jace Jordan, Idabel, OK; (back row, L-R) Assistant Coach Bill Muse, Jr.; #15 Jahcoree Ealy, Damascus, AR; #4 Mason Alexander, Tulsa, OK; #20 Sammy Mike, Warner Robbins, GA; #42 Oumar Keita, Hazard, KY; #32 Jarquavious Cain, Jonesboro, AR; #2 Gavin Harris, Jackson, MO; and Head Coach Bill Muse.

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Diamond Cowboy Alumnus, David Mendham, named Canadian Baseball Network’s 2020 College Player of the Year Dorchester, Ontario, native David Mendham, who batted .493 and had 36 hits and 26 RBIs in 21 games for the Connors State Cowboys in Warner, OK, was named Canadian Baseball Network’s 2020 College Player of the Year.

The 6-foot-3 infielder received first-place votes on 54 of 62 (87.1%) ballots cast by a large panel of scouts, coaches, executives, former players, writers and broadcasters.

In a spring season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mendham topped all Canadian college players in hits (36) and finished second in doubles (10). He was also third among Canucks in RBIs (26) and on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) (1.401) and scored 31 runs and stole six bases.

Mendham, who honed his skills with the Ontario Nationals and is the son of former Intercounty Baseball League star Dan Mendham, was in his sophomore season with the Cowboys. In his freshman campaign the previous year, he batted .422 with 14 home runs and 85 RBIs in 61 games and was rewarded with CBN All-Canadian Third Team honours.

The left-handed hitting Mendham spent the summer of 2020 with the Savannah Bananas, a college team in Georgia where he continued to excel at the plate, batting .338 with 25 hits in 22 contests. He is set to play this spring for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia.

Mendham also claimed the third base position on CBN’s All-Canadian

First Team.

The Canadian Baseball Network’s 21st annual All-Canadian First Team consists of five NCAA players, six NJCAA players and one NAIA player.

The players on the All-Canadian teams represent the best of the 775 Canadians playing the majority of their schedule south of the border.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM PREPS FOR SPRING PLAY Players include (front row, L-R) #20 Caylin Livers, Stillwell, OK; #3 Trakil Holman, Hugo, OK; #5 Zee McCallister, Russellville, AR; #4 Cheyanne Crain, Mounds, OK; #33 Baylee Hall, Hulbert, OK; #22 Shayni Green, Okay, OK; #21 Sha’Daja Thompson, Hugo, OK; (back row, L-R) student assistant Nyia Hollis, Haskell, OK; #32 Kionce’ Woods, Dallas, TX; #31 Isabel Gonzalez, Santiago, Chile; #24 Zippora Johnson, Paducah, KY; #34 Chalynn Mayes, Muldrow, OK; #23 Jasmyn Taylor, Austin, TX; and Jamie Fisher, Head Cowgirl Basketball Coach.

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CAMPUS LIFE

FALL BULL TEST SALE Students from the Division of Agriculture helped to organize and work the fall 2020 Bull Test Sale. (Pictured, clockwise from top left) Livestock judging teammates Kristen Massingill, Houston Klump and Abby Johnson (far right) work the sale gates with show team member Rhiannon Sellers (second from right).

Greyson Epperson and Blayke Bolen, both members of the show team. Maddie Schroeder, Lauren Erickson, Kyntlie Wiles and Logan Jackson, all livestock judging team members, work the phones for proxy bidding.

FALL 2020 NURSING PINNING CEREMONY (Clockwise from above) Fall Class of 2020 Nursing Graduates standing to be recognized. Kelsey Lerma, nursing graduate, and CSC Recruiter Chandler Young at the Nursing Pinning Ceremony.

Robert Glander, Fall 2020 Nursing Graduate, celebrating with loved ones after graduation.

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CO N N O RS ST A T E CO LLE G E 700 College Road | Warner, OK 74469

Sophomore cheerleader Cheyenne Fells backflipping her way into the basketball season.

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VOLUME 11 NUMBER 1