Connection: Volume 6, Number 6

A Publication of Connors State College

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Rodeo Team Provides Service Learning for Oklahoma School for the Blind Students During Western Heritage Days Photo by student Libby Schroeder

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C O N N O R S S TAT E C O L L E G E WARNER CAMPUS 700 College Road Warner, OK 74469

Inside this issue V O L U M E

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THR E E R IV E R S PORT CAMPUS 2501 N 41st St E Muskogee, OK 74403

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N IN TERIM PRESID ENT Dr. Ronald S. Ramming I N TE R IM V IC E PRESID ENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Julie Dinger V IC E PRESID ENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES Mike Lewis

CONNECTION LA YOUT & D ESIGN Stacy Pearce CONT RIBUT ORS Cindy Anderson Dr. Ryan Blanton Wayne Bunch Jonathan Dallis Debby Golden Jake Lawson Brandon Miller Stacy Pearce Libby Schroeder Colton Shrum

3 COMMUNITY 5 C O W B OY FA M I LY 10 E D U C AT I O N 12 AT H L E T I C S 14 C A M P U S L I F E 15 F E AT U R E

R odeo Team G i ves B ack C onnors R ec ei ves $1. 75 M i llion Grant A t hl et ic H all of Fam e C l as s A n nounc ed R us s el l A ddres s es A g O r i ent at ion Clas s War ner Cowchip Day Festival Tribal Youth Council Swor n In NASCC Ar t in Place • Muskogee College and Career Fair • Grue Rodeo Queen Domestic Violence Awareness Walk Meet Stone, English, Car lton & Womack

A g S t udent s E ar n N at i onal H on or s

Midnight Madness Opens Season Shooters Compete in For t Hays Rodeo Throws Down in Colby P i t c hi ng C ont es t C ow boy S quare D edic at ed

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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. 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

Rodeo Team Participates in Western Heritage Days

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he Connors State College Rodeo Team spent a day interacting with children from the Oklahoma School for the Blind during Western Heritage Days on Wednesday, September 28. Western Heritage Days is an event hosted by the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association specifically for the Oklahoma School for the Blind.

The event, held at the Silver Spur Ranch Indoor Arena in Haskell, Oklahoma, offered the CSC Rodeo Team the

opportunity to help with horseback and pony rides, stage coach and wagon rides, mechanical bull riding, dummy roping, rock wall climbing, fishing and mentorships to the kids from the School for the Blind.

“We wanted to instill in our students the importance of giving back to the community, and this sounded like a great event,” said CSC Head Rodeo Coach, Jake Lawson. “It’s also a cause that touches us personally as we graduated a student from our horse program, Landon Edwards, who

was an alumni of the School for the Blind.”

The CSC Rodeo Team became involved through a client of their horse program and father of a former rodeo student, Mr. Jack Bogart. Bogart serves on the leadership board of the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association and asked the CSC Equine Program to participate.

“Our students did a tremendous job bonding and looking after the students,” said Lawson. “It is a great event and we are very honored to have been a part of it.”

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Connors to Receive Title III Native American Serving Nontribal Institutions Grant

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onnors State College has been selected to receive funding under the Title III Native American Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) Program.

This grant will be in the amount of $1.75 million over five years.

Connors State was one of nine higher education institutions selected for this grant. The purpose of the NASNTI program is to provide grants and related assistance to Native American-serving non-tribal institutions to enable such institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Americans and low-income individuals.

“We are honored to be a recipient of this grant,” said Dr. Ron Ramming, Interim President of Connors State College. “The NASNTI grant will allow Connors State College to equip a state-of-the-art patient simulation laboratory, implement technology into the curriculum, expand tutoring and advising services to Native American

health care students, and expand cultural and medical instruction relevant to Native American health care.”

Connors State College, an accredited community college serving more than 3,100 students annually, is located in the heart of eastern Oklahoma’s Native American region. More than one-third of CSC students are Native American.

Connors State’s service region encompasses two Native American Nations, Cherokee and Creek, both of which have desperate shortages of qualified healthcare workers for the clinics and hospitals.

“We know there is a severe shortage of Native American health professionals in our communities,” said Dr. Ryan Blanton, Connors State Associate Vice President of External Affairs. “We designed this grant to expand the capacity of our nursing program and to provide Native American students resources to be academically, culturally, and professionally successful.”

CSC to Induct 5th Athletic Hall of Fame Class

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onnors State College will induct its fifth Athletic Hall of Fame Class on October 15 in the Stone Student Union in Warner.

The event kicks off with a reception at 5 p.m. in the Ken Ogdon Family Connors State College Museum, located inside the recently renovated Russell Hall, with dinner and inductions to follow at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $40, and can be obtained by contacting Bill Muse, CSC Athletic Director, at (918) 463-6231.

Inductees include Kyle Roat and Humberto Sanchez (baseball), Lloyd Jernigan and Dr. Michael McGee (men’s basketball), Athena McCoy and Kenya

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Robinson (women’s basketball), Nick Ditolla and Jack Gilbreath (football), Amber Grider Purtell (softball), and A.D. Stone (outstanding leadership).

“We are very excited about the fifth Athletic Hall of Fame Class – this group of inductees excelled both on and off the athletic courts and playing fields of Connors State College,” said Muse.

The Connors State Athletic Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Cowboy or Cowgirl who participated in athletics. For more information, contact the Connors State College Athletics Department at (918) 463-6231 or visit www.connorsstate.edu.

Ag Orientation Class Hosts Russell for Ballot Question Forum

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essica Russell, Director of State Government Relations for the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents, visited the Connors State College Warner Campus on Monday, October 10, for a State Ballot Question Forum inside the LLC Auditorium.

Hundreds of students, faculty and staff members attended the event either in person, or live via ITV on both campuses. Jake Walker, Ag Instructor, coordinated the event with assistance from the Connors State Administration.

The forum tackled the seven state questions, which are certified to appear on the Oklahoma ballot on November 8, 2016.

Community

Warner’s Cowchip Day Festival and Bull Run 5K a Success

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n October 1, the Warner Chamber of Commerce hosted the 29th Annual Warner Cow Chip Day Festival.

Several Connors State College student organizations, along with other valuable members of the community, helped make the event a success.

Connors State College was this year’s featured sponsor, hosting the 5K Bull Run, while Stacy Pearce, Assistant Director of College and Community Relations, designed the festival logo, t-shirt and posters.

The day began early with the fifth annual Bull Run 5K on the Warner Campus. More

than one hundred runners competed, taking advantage of the crisp morning weather.

“The turnout this year was great,” said Dr. Ryan Blanton, Associate VP for External Affairs and President of Warner Chamber of Commerce. “The weather worked out to be cool and crisp, but dry, and I think our runners enjoyed themselves as they raced around our campus.”

The festival continued at Rogers Memorial Park where several area organizations set up fundraising booths.

The parade featured several entries from community businesses and organizations.

Connors State’s cheerleaders, Social Science Club, SGA, and President’s Leadership Class members handed out baloons and waved to the crowds alongside the float. This year’s theme was “When Cows Fly” and the Connors State float astounded the crowds with an elaborate design. The float appeared as a make-shift hot-air balloon – the base was decorated as a blue sky, with puffy clouds throughout; and a cow mascot waved from inside a wicker basket, being hoisted into the air by hundreds of multi-colored balloons.

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2016-17 Tribal Youth Council Sworn into Office

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he Cherokee Nation swore in its new 2016-17 Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council members on Tuesday to begin serving a one-year term volunteering and helping shape future tribal policy.

The leadership program started in 1989 and has more than 180 alumni, many who now work for the tribe.

The 17-member youth council learns the Cherokee Nation Constitution and bylaws and identifies issues affecting Cherokee youth to pass on to the Tribal Council and administration.

Students meet monthly and also serve as tribal ambassadors.

During a short inauguration ceremony at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex Tuesday, Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr. thanked the Cherokee youth for taking their first step in helping make the tribe bigger and better and continuing the tradition of great, young Cherokee leaders.

“Participating on the Tribal Youth Council is enlightening and empowering for any Cherokee citizen,” said Hoskin. “These young people are cultivating their skills by volunteering for public service and learning more about our tribal government and our unique culture. Additionally, they act as a sounding board for our

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administration and our Tribal Council, so we have better two-way communication and understanding with our tribal youth and the issues important to them today.”

Supreme Court Justice John Garrett gave the official oath of office to the youth council members.

Northeastern State University freshman Destiny Matthews is serving on the Tribal Youth Council a second consecutive year.

Matthews said the Tribal Youth Council is a great opportunity for Cherokee youth to learn about the tribe.

“Being able to serve on the Tribal Youth Council is an amazing opportunity because we learn so much about our tribe, language and heritage while gaining leadership skills and, most importantly, learning the value of public service. I hope to gain more knowledge of my culture and heritage and meet other youth who have the same passion for their tribe,” Matthews said.

Connors State College sophomore Jamie Garrett is serving for the first time on the Tribal Youth Council and hopes to develop her leadership skills and gain knowledge in order to help protect tribal sovereignty.

“I’m proud to serve on the Tribal Youth

Council because it gives me an opportunity to be a voice and an example for the youth of my tribe. I’m excited to serve my community and make it better for everyone the best that I can. I hope to empower other young women to overcome the fear of failure and to work hard to achieve their goals,” Garrett said. “I hope to gain more leadership skills and gain more knowledge about my tribe so I can help my generation preserve our tribal sovereignty.”

The 2016-17 Tribal Youth Council members are: Bradley Fields, Locust Grove High School; Alexa Fuson, Stilwell High School; Jamie Garrett, Connors State College; Callie Horner, Chelsea High School; Camerin James, Fort Gibson High School; Andrew Jefferson, Tahlequah High School; Austin Jones, Tahlequah High School; Destiny Matthews, Northeastern State University; Amari McCoy, Carl Albert State College; Morgan McSpadden, Rogers State University; Katelyn Morton, Sequoyah High School; Olivia Rains, Pryor High School; Laurel Reynolds, Claremore High School; Whitney Roach, Sequoyah High School; Cade Russell, Pryor High School; Chelbie Turtle, Sequoyah High School; Madison Whitekiller, Verdigris High School.

Native American Success and Cultural Center Displays Local Art

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rt is powerful; it can tell a story, evoke an emotion, and transcended time and culture. When selecting art for the Connors State College Native American Success and Cultural Center, Colleen Noble, NASCC Director, Gwen Rogers, Title III Project Manager, and Rebecca Clovis, Title III Native American Advisor, were deciding what stories would be told for years to come in Warner. Through research and communication with the Spider Art Gallery in Tahlequah, they selected 47 unique pieces of Native American art and history, paid for by grants and donations.

Matthew Anderson, Cultural Specialist for the Cherokee Art Center, and artist for the Spider Art Gallery in Tahlequah, has strong cultural ties from both sides of his family.

Anderson came to the Native American Success and Cultural Center on the Warner campus, located inside the recently renovated Russell Hall of Connors State College, on September 19, to professionally hang and arrange art purchased from the Gallery.

“We are extremely happy Connors State is giving local artists a venue to display their art and show off their skills and trades; allowing them to share their stories,” said Anderson. “Art is something that can move you; it lasts. The beauty of art is these

pieces will exist years after their creators have passed. It’s our hope that those who come to see this exhibit will be touched by the stories told, and share their experiences with their families.”

Anderson said the art purchased is a mix, some is made by those who have not worked in their craft for very long, but are winning awards and others are by traditional artists who have spent years honing their skills.

“The greatest thing about the pieces is they tell about our history, and about the preservation of our culture,” said Anderson.

“Ours is an oral and visual history, we are continuing our customs and traditions by passing on culture.”

Anderson spent hours arranging the artwork and telling the staff stories of the history and tradition of the displayed art.

“We are very excited to have the art here at Connors State,” said Noble. “We want this to be a drawing card where schools and families can bring their children. We are showcasing art and history here in Warner and that’s exciting.”

Noble said several of the art pieces will rotate, allowing generations of patrons to see different aspects of Native American art and history in the center.

SISTERS ADD TO EXHIBIT In late August, sisters Dianna Whitehurst, Elizabeth Griffin, and Elaine Harman donated an untitled art piece to the Connors State College Native American Success and Cultural Center. The colored pencil drawing by renowned Native American artist Ruthe Blalock Jones, of Delaware-Shawnee-Peoria tribal lineage, will be housed in the NASCC inside Russell Hall on the Warner Campus.

The drawing is from their mother’s, Linia Harman’s, collection, who had always wanted the art to be displayed.

“We are appreciative of the Ruthe Blalock Jones donation to the center,” said Gwen Rodgers, Connors State College Title III Project Manager. “The generosity of this family provides an opportunity for our students and community to see and reflect our local atmosphere – rich in culture and heritage.”

The Title III federal grant was awarded to Connors State in 2014 and supports Native American student success, along with online and hybrid course development.

The center received art, both purchased and donated, throughout September and opened to the community in October.

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MUSKOGEE AREA WIDE COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR Hundreds of high school seniors made their way to the Connors State College Melvin Self Field House on the Warner campus, Tuesday, September 27th for the Muskogee Area Wide College & Career Fair put on by Connors State Recruitment. Students had a chance to meet and greet with area recruiters and learn more about how they can enhance their futures and start new and exciting careers.

LAYNA GRUE NAMED RODEO QUEEN Connors State College student Layna Grue, of Welch, won the overall rodeo Queen title, as well as Miss Congeniality, during the 2016 Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo. Grue, pictured second from left, is the daughter of Sandra Grue and is a student worker for the CSC Office of Human Resources.

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March Against Domestic Violence Draws Hundreds

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undreds took to the pavement on Wednesday, October 12, to “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes”, in protest of domestic violence. The community came together to stand up against sexual violence with a rally in downtown Muskogee; men traded in their boots for flats, wedges and high heels.

The rally brings awareness to the issue and was attended by more than just Cowboys; Connors Cowgirls marched alongside their classmates as well, holding signs and chanting in defiance of sexual violence.

The rally started in front of the Muskogee County Courthouse and ended

inside the Arrowhead Mall in front of JC Penny’s where a speak-out was held.

Mike Jackson, Dean of Students, lead the speak-out, where prominent members of the community addressed the issues.

Muskogee Mayor, Bob Coburn; District Attorney Orvil Loge; and Connors State interim President, Dr. Ron Ramming each addressed the crowd, shedding light on different aspects on how together we can end sexual violence.

More than 120 students, faculty and staff members from Connors State College walked along side Dr. Ramming in support.

“We at Connors State takes the issue of domestic violence very seriously,” said

Jackson. “Our instructors encourage their students to be involved in campus awareness activities to increase their knowledge about this issue.”

Connors State, for the fourth consecutive year, won the award for the group with the largest in attendance.

“Our administration not only supports awareness events, but also attends and speaks to the dangers of not only domestic violence but also sexual misconduct and assault,” said Jackson.

“One event on campus is one too many.

I believe our staff and students feels the same way and I am glad I get to walk with these kinds of people.”

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Cowboy Family A.D. Stone, Alumnus

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orn in 1935, A.D. Stone, Jr., graduated from Hitchita High School in 1953.

Upon graduation, Stone joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged after four years of active duty service, then served an additional four years of inactive duty service.

Stone graduated from Connors State College with an Associate of Science and then continued his higher education at Northeastern State University, Southeastern State University, Oklahoma State University and Indiana University – earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics and teaching.

Stone was instrumental in obtaining numerous National Foundation Grants, and taught mathematics and physics for junior high, high school, junior colleges and major universities. Though, of all the places Stone has been, he considers Connors State College to be his “lifetime service”.

Stone’s tenure is equivalent to one-third of the history of Connors State, where he was instrumental in the growth and development of all aspects of the college.

During that time he served the college in numerous capacities: Registrar, Academic Dean, Director of Student Services & Auxiliary Enterprises, Assistant to the

President, and Executive Vice President, among other titles.

With the assistance of devoted colleagues, Stone helped Connors become one of the fastest growing and largest non-urban junior colleges in the state. His efforts and footprints are a large portion of the history of Connors State. Upon his retirement in 1994, the Student Union was named in his honor.

Stone married Jean Myers in 1958. They have one son, Dan, and two grandchildren, Robert and Arthur, all of whom are Connors alumni; and one great granddaughter, Emma Stone.

Mattie English, Staff

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attie English, Financial Aid Director, earned her associates degree in applied science at Connors Sate College. Upon graduation she transferred to Northeastern State University where she receive her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership.

English and her parents have been part of the Connors State Family for years. Her father, Kenneth, worked for maintenance for 30 years while her mother, Cindy, worked for 12 years in the Cild Development Lab, and later in the bursar’s office.

“The faculty and staff at Connors State during those years became an extension of my family and really made me want to be a part of that environment and make the same impact on other future generations,” said English.

English started working at Connors State

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as a student worker in 2006, then came back as a full-time employee in 2008. She has been working for Connors State for eight years and couldn’t be happier.

“I appreciate the opportunity to work with my Financial Aid team and with other faculty and staff members,” said English. “I also enjoy the opportunity to impact student’s educational futures in a positive manner.”

English had not initially intended to go to college, but her mom insisted she speak with a recruiter who persuaded her into exploring the equine program.

From a young age English loved horses, and in kindergarten said she wanted to be a horse trainer. While attending Connors State English was a hard-working member of the equine program, with the help of her dedicated coaches, Jake Lawson and Fred Williams.

“The wonderful staff and instructors took a real personal interest in me as a student,” said English. “They gave me good advice and a lot of support throughout my time here at Connors State. I can only hope that I can affect students today in the same way that they impacted me.”

Dr. Ryan Carlton, Faculty

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rom the small town of Warner, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology professor Dr. Ryan Carlton has always known he was a country boy at heart. He tested the waters in the big city of Dallas, but eventually found himself back in Cowboy country.

Carlton began his educational career by attended Connors State where he received his Associates of Science, then transferred to Northeastern State University where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration.

Carlton didn’t stop there, he then attended Parker University, in Dallas, to get his Bachelors of Anatomy and finished with a Doctor in Chiropractic. Carlton strongly believes Connors State is the place which made him the hard-working, high-achieving individual he is today.

“From problem solving skills in Mr. Adamek’s college algebra to a real appreciation for classical music in Mr. Stauffer’s humanities class,” said Carlton. “Connors gave me the skills to be able to reach higher.”

Starting his college career at Connors, Carlton has a real love for the college and in 2001 became a Cowboy once again. Carlton

started as an adjunct instructor, then, after a few years a biology position opened up and he knew exactly where he wanted to be.

“The small town atmosphere of Connors State just feels like home,” said Carlton. “After spending several years in Dallas, that was all it took for me to know I was a small town guy.

Plus I work with a great group of people in the Math & Science Department.”

Currently Carlton is known around Connors State as the “Snake Guy” and is now married with four kids and loves to spend time with his family hiking in the mountains and on his free time he raises chickens, ducks and rabbits.

Brady Womack, Student

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ollowing in his brothers’ footsteps, Brady Womack, Student Government Association President, quickly made a name for himself at Connors State College. Growing up in the small town of Morris, Oklahoma, Womack always dreamed of becoming an Agricultural Education Instructor and FFA Advisor. As a dedicated Morris FFA member, Womack was awarded first-place honors in the 2016 Oklahoma FFA Agricultural Sales Entrepreneurship at the Oklahoma FFA State Convention. As a senior in high school, he decided to major in Agriculture Education in college.

“My father recently retired from teaching

and being the principal for 34 years, and my mother teaches first grade for Morris Public Schools,” said Womack.

Now in his second year at Connors State, Womack is well on his way of achieving his dream.

He isn’t only dedicated to just his studies, but his community as well – placing flags along the highway and volunteering with the Lions Club, to helping lead the youth at church along with his youth pastor.

After graduating Connors in the spring of 2017, Womack will continue his passion for agriculture and learning at Oklahoma State University.

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Education

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Connors Agriculture Students Earn American FFA Degrees and Compete at National FFA Convention

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hirteen Connors State College students will soon receive the American FFA Degree, the highest level of membership one can achieve as an FFA member. The American FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA. New members will be recognized during the Eighth General Session of the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo in late October.

Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The following current and former students of Connors State College have been selected to receive the American FFA Degree: (pictured, L-R) Tanner Burton, Alva, Oklahoma; Tyler Burton, Alva, Oklahoma; Shannon Tacy, Bend, Oregon; Ragan Abernathy, Bokoshe, Oklahoma; Rilee Eubanks, Stilwell, Oklahoma; Rylee Parsons, Idabel, Oklahoma; Brett Jones, Dickson, Oklahoma; John Nelson, Chickasha, Oklahoma; Bobby Ramming, Warner, Oklahoma; Ryder Gann, Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Payton Sweeten, Dickson, Oklahoma; Britten Wallace, Allen, Oklahoma; and Matthew Staples,

Groveland, Florida.

“The American FFA degree is the highest and most prestigious degree available from the National FFA organization,” said CSC Agriculture Division Chair Debra Golden. “We are very proud of these students who have gone above and beyond in their SAE programs and their communities to achieve this level of success.”

The award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs. To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $7,500 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own, or hold a professional position in an existing agriculture enterprise. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement.

Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and a certificate after being recognized on stage at that national convention.

Students within the Connors agriculture division are also earning other national awards or are competing in career development events during the National FFA Convention. Among them are: CSC livestock judging team member

Sam Brake, of Lucama, North Carolina, will compete with the James B. Hunt FFA Chapter in the National Livestock Judging Contest at National FFA Convention.

CSC livestock judging team member Austyn Fuss, of Pawnee, Oklahoma, will compete with Cleveland FFA in a National Livestock Judging Contest at the Kansas City Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City, Missouri.

Livestock show team member Elizabeth Leclaire, of Dudley, Massachusetts, will compete with Norfolk County Agricultural High School in the National Dairy Handling Competition at National FFA Convention.

Livestock show team member Matthew Staples, of Groveland, Florida, has been named a finalist for the National Wildlife Management Proficiency Award that will be presented at the National FFA Convention. He is one of four finalists in the nation.

Student Government Association President Brady Womack, of Morris Oklahoma, was the State Winner in Agriculture Sales and Service and received a Silver Medal on the National Level.

For more information on the impressive number of agriculture degree options offered at Connors State College visit www.connorsstate.edu.

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Athletics

Midnight Madness Opens 2016-2017 Basketball Season

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t the stroke of midnight on Monday, October 3, the Connors State College Men’s and Women’s basketball and cheer teams took to the court inside the Melvin Self Fieldhouse for the first time of the season. The event, Midnight Madness, was opened to the public and drew quite the crowd. Connors State Game Day Operations hosted the event,

preparing food and drinks for the teams and spectators.

Women’s basketball head coach Jamie Fisher introduced the 2016-17 team and new assistant coach Brittnie Haley to the crowd. Following Fisher, Men’s basketball head coach Bill Muse and assistant coach Sam Grooms introduced the 2016-17 team. After introduction and an

Shotgun Team Competes in Fort Hays

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n September 17, the Connors State College Shotgun Shooting Sports Team traveled to Fort Hays for the annual invitational shoot. This was the team’s first competition of the year where they competed in American trap, American skeet, doubles trap, doubles skeet, and wobble trap.

Zane Arnold led the team in American trap breaking 98/100 targets, followed closely by Dalton Sharp and Destry Christensen.

The team looks forward to representing Connors on October 8-9 in Pacific, Missouri, at the Central Midwest Conference Championship.

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inspirational message from the coaches and teams, a 3-Point shooting, and Slam Dunk contest was held.

Bill Muse Jr. and Madison Davis won the 3-Point Shooting contest and Ra’Shawn Langston took home the golden basketball for the Slam Dunk contest.

Rodeo Team Digs In At Colby, Kansas

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he Connors State Rodeo Team competed at the college rodeo in Colby, Kansas during the weekend of September 16-18.

Sophomore Jeremy Carney, Sperry, Oklahoma, was first in the short round and second in the average in the tie down roping. Freshman Tiger McElhaney, Hichita, Oklahoma, placed fourth in the short round and fifth in the average of the Steer Wrestling. Freshman Zoey Carter, Crowder, Oklahoma, placed fifth in the long go in the Barrel Racing. Sophomore Stetson Thompson, McAlester, Oklahoma, made the short round in the Steer Wrestling.

Campus Life

CONNORS STATE PITCHING COMPETITION On Wednesday, September 14, dozens of students took turns pitching a regulation size baseball at a net while Student Activity Coordinator Derek Drake monitored their pitching speed. Students wow’d the audience members watching with just how fast they could pitch. Student athletes involved with college softball and baseball were not permitted to pitch, as it would be an unfair matchup. The winning male student pitched 81mph, and the winning female student pitched overhand at 46mph.

COWBOY SQUARE On Tuesday, October 11, Connors State College and Sodexo hosted a BBQ Cookout in the officially named Cowboy Square on the Warner Campus. The event began with the unveiling of the Cowboy Square sign by Dr. Ron Ramming, Interim President of Connors State College, and members of the Student Government Association. Connors SGA raised the funds for the signage and held a vote for the naming of the space in early 2016. Sodexo prepared a BBQ dinner on the lawn for residents; the Oklahoma National Guard set up inflatable obstacle courses and a gaming trailer; and Student Activities set up a variety of games, including volleyball and cornhole for all to enjoy.

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C O N N O R S S TAT E C O L L E G E 700 College Road | Warner, OK 74469

BULLS ON TEST AT CONNORS STATE Photo by photography club member Colton Shrum

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