A Publication of Connors State College
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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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T HR 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 PRESID ENT Dr. Ronald S. Ramming VICE PRESID ENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Janet Wansick V IC E PRESID ENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES Mike Lewis
CONNECTION LA YOUT & D ESIGN Stacy Pearce CONT RIBUT ORS Laura Allen Cindy Anderson Wayne Bunch Jeff Ross Davis Karli Fuss Elizabeth Leclaire Madison Seth Matt Staples Dr. Anita Thompson Rochelle Vanover Jordyn Walker
3 COMMUNITY 6 C O W B OY FA M I LY 8 E D U C AT I O N 10 AT H L E T I C S 12 C A M P U S L I F E 15 F E AT U R E
A ggi e D ay • R em em ber ing Wes t br ook • R am m i ng H onored • S t apl es Named Fellow • B ul l S al e • Keit h’s 160 0t h Win
CSC, St. Francis Receive Excellence Award • S pr ing G at her ing
Meet Ledford, Singleton, Gr igsby & Fuss
S eni or D ay • H onors & S c holar s Night • OAC C Award C erem ony Muse Winningest Coach • C ow g ir ls Hit R egi on I I Tour ney • C ow boy s Reac h E l it e 8 • Langs t on A ll-A m er i c an • Judgers E nd S eas on S t rong • Shoot ing Team C laim Trophies Stickball • D om es t i c V iolenc e Awar enes s
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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
71st Annual Aggie Day Draws High Competition
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he Connors State College Division of Agriculture hosted its 71st Annual Aggie Day Interscholastic Competition on April 6, at the Warner Campus with 1,800 competitors, advisers and guests in attendance. During the day of contests, 356 teams vied for top honors, while more than 200 different 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters from across Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Texas were represented. In 1947, the CSC “Aggie Day” was just a small idea, under the guidance of agriculture instructor Robert Hodges. No one could have predicted the longevity of this event, held annually the first Thursday in April, or the growth of its popularity
Today’s Aggie Day is the largest interscholastic competition in the state of Oklahoma, and covers a variety of disciplines within the agriculture industry. It continues to draw students from across the region to put their skills and knowledge to the test in subjects like, Entomology, Floriculture, Electricity, Farm and Agri-Business Management, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Ag Communications, Food Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Land Evaluation, Rangeland Management, Soil and Water Conservation, Meat Quality and Evaluation, Nursery and Landscape Management, Milk Quality and Products, Agronomy, Poultry Evaluation and,
of course, Livestock Judging. For the student, the interscholastic competition is a hands-on ‘final exam’ for their area of study. “Aggie Day brings new faces from across the state and region and introduces high school students to our campus,” said Debby Golden, CSC Agriculture Division Chair. “The day’s events give a glimpse into the life of a Connors student, and a taste of the experience at the college farm. These students meet college professors who have the same great qualities as their local ag teacher or FFA advisor, but in higher education. The contest allows students to get a feel for our agriculture family here at Connors State.”
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Remembering Dr. Westbrook
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r. Carl O. Westbrook, President Emeritus of Connor State College and decorated World War II veteran, passed from this life on Friday, March 30, 2018 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 95 years old. Born on October 25, 1922, Westbrook was raised in Houston. Westbrook joined the Navy and was stationed in Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Theater during World War II. He served his country with distinction as a B-17 tail gunner receiving the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (2 Star), as well as the American Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. While in the Navy, he also claimed the featherweight title in the Golden Gloves. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946. Westbrook received his bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and his master’s degree from the University of Houston, both focusing on agriculture education. While principal at Canutillo High School, north of El Paso, TX, he met and fell in love with Emily Ulibarri, a Spanish teacher. They married in 1962 and, he and Emily moved to Bogota, Colombia as part of a United States National Education Association contingent to build that country’s higher education curriculum for agricultural studies. In recognition of his educational contributions to Colombia, he received an Honorary
Doctorate from the Universidad de Bogota. Returning to the United States in 1966, Westbrook continued his career in higher education, receiving his doctorate from Oklahoma State University and holding positions at El Rito Community College (now Northern New Mexico College), served as president of the Grants campus of New Mexico State University, Dean of Students at Sul Ross State University (Alpine, TX), President of Lamar Community College (Lamar, CO) before coming to serve as President of Connors State College. As the 13th president of Connors State College, Westbrook grew the enrollment of the college from 900 to 2,500 students, launched innovative new programs in nursing, equine technology and child development, opened a branch campus in Muskogee, OK, saw the school win two national championships in men’s and women’s basketball and acquired a 1,300-acre ranch that today stands as a living laboratory for research and learning opportunities for students. At the time of his retirement in 1994, Connors State was the largest non-urban junior college in Oklahoma. He was brought out of retirement 1995 to be Interim President of Oklahoma Panhandle State University. In 2014, he was inducted into the
Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges Hall of Fame. The Carl Westbrook Library and Learning Center at Connors State College celebrates his legacy in advancing education in Oklahoma. Carl O. Westbrook was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Emily. He is survived by his son, Vincent, and his wife, Mary, and their three children, Vincent II, Patrick, and Mary Elizabeth; his daughter, Carla Westbrook Spaniel and her husband, Keith, and their children, Emily and Warren. Private services were held in New Mexico. Dr. Westbrook’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Dr. Carl O. Westbrook scholarship at Connors State College.
Ramming Honored at OSU Banquet
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onnors State College President, Dr. Ron Ramming, was honored on April 7th during the 48th Annual Oklahoma State University Animal Science Banquet held in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was named a 2018 Animal Science Graduate of Distinction in recognition of his exemplary professional and personal accomplishments.
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Staples Named a Newman Civic Fellow
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att Staples, Florida sophomore, was one of 268 to be accepted as a Newman Civic Fellow; one of only twelve from the state of Oklahoma. Newman Fellows are selected based on their dedication to campus and their potential as a future civic leader. Staples will participate in the one-year experience, emphasizing personal, professional and civic growth. Through the fellowship, students gain a variety of learning, scholarship, postgraduate and networking opportunities, including attendance at a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in Boston, in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate. “Matt is a driven young man who has a
solid history of developing his leadership abilities. Here at Connors, he has held several positions of responsibility in student organizations. At the same time, he has been an important and effective member of the student leadership on campus with his roles in the Student Government Association. We are proud to have him representing Connors State College as a Newman Fellow,” said Dr. Ron Ramming, President of CSC. The Newman Civic Fellowship is named for Frank Newman, one of the founders of Campus Compact, who dedicated his life to creating opportunities for student civic learning. Campus Compact is a national coalition of more than 1,000 college and university presidents – representing some
Spring Bull Sale
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eld annually the second Thursday in April, the Connors State College Bull Test Sale kicked off at 1 p.m., with lunch served promptly at noon. With cattle breeders and buyers from across the Midwest in attendance at the sale facility on the Warner Campus, the sale also welcomed call-in bids from those watching via Facebook live. The 58 bulls averaged more than $2,300 per head, while the top seller, an Angus raised by Austin Lee of Vinita, Oklahoma, sold for $5,000.
Bulls sold at Connors are weighed and semen checked several times throughout their 90-day stay. Breeders from across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri brought bulls to the test, while the top 58 bulls were selected, ranked by gain and breeding soundness, and sold. Students within the college’s agriculture department work for months in order to prepare for the sale. From advertising to scraping bulls, and from working pens to writing invoices, the students and staff partake in every aspect of the sale.
6 million students – who are committed to improving community life and to educating students for civic and social responsibility. The Newman Civic Fellowship is generously supported by the KPMG Foundation and the Newman’s Own Foundation.
Keith Rolls through 1600th Win
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n April 12th, the diamond Cowboys rolled to a 10-1 victory over Eastern Oklahoma State College, garnering Hall of Fame Coach Perry Keith his 1600th career win, bringing his record to an amazing 1600-452. Coach Keith was presented a plaque by CSC President Dr. Ron Ramming to celebrate this milestone. All of Coach Keith’s wins have been at Connors State.
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Community
Connors State, Saint Francis Health Systems Receive Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award
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he Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education held their annual Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award Luncheon on March 13 at the University of Central Oklahoma. The awards are designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses. In April of 2017, existing hospitals and affiliated clinics in Muskogee became a part of Saint Francis Health System. Early in the transition, Anthony Young, administrator of the newly named Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee, expressed an interest to Dr. Ron Ramming, Connors State College president, in a joint effort to expand the number of registered nurses in the Muskogee area and positively impact the state’s acute nursing
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shortage. A $500,000 commitment was made over five years by Saint Francis for the addition of two new faculty and student scholarships in the Connors Nursing Program. Scholarship recipients will have a work requirement at Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee postgraduation, which is designed to keep nursing graduates in the local community. The expansion of faculty will allow for additional students to be admitted into the nursing program, which in turn promises to lead to an increase in highly qualified graduates. Saint Francis Health Systems, led by President and Chief Executive Officer, Jake Henry Jr., has a long history of providing
support to local and regional educational institutions. In addition to the grant, Saint Francis Muskogee also serves as a site for clinical training for Connors Nursing students. Connors State College and Saint Francis Health Systems are dedicated to ensuring that high-quality healthcare is available to the citizens of Eastern Oklahoma. “Our colleges and universities are working side by side with leaders in the private, public and nonprofit sectors,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “These collaborations between business and industry and our state system institutions ensure that we continue building the skilled workforce needed for Oklahoma to be globally competitive.”
Equine & Rodeo Programs Host Spring Gathering
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n March 31st, 2018 the Equine & Rodeo programs hosted their Annual Spring Gathering Banquet and Fundraiser. Over 250 attended the event and had the opportunity to win many items through a silent and a live auction as well as a raffle. Top Salesman for the raffle was Megan Phillips and Reserve Salesman was Brian Scamardo. Connors Rodeo Alumnus Paul Bogart, who is now a Nashville singer/songwriter, was the entertainment for the evening. “Paul is one of the Connors family and we appreciate him donating a portion of his fee to help us add to the quality of
our event, “ said Jake Lawson, Equine program director. The Equine and Rodeo Programs also recognized and awarded student scholarships. The Fred Williams Ag Equine & Rodeo Scholarship was awarded to Ryder Gann and Bailey Lawrence. The John N Henderson Equine Scholarship recipients were Megan Phillips (Fall 2017) and Codi Wilkinson (Fall 2018). Shelton Shively received the JE Myers Equine Scholarship for Fall 2018. This year was the first to award the Erin Duncan Scholarship and Codi Wilkinson was named the recipient.
“We are blessed to have the support of our alumni CSC horse owners, and various other patrons and vendors. Through their help in this event, we are able to continue to strengthen our programs,” said Jake Walker, Assistant Rodeo Coach and Equine Instructor. Donations raised from the event go to support program expenses and build scholarship endowments. The event is sponsored by Nutrena Cargill.
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Cowboy Family
Shyanne Ledford, Faculty
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hyanne Ledford has been a welcomed addition to Connors as an active firstyear faculty member. Originally from Bakersfield, CA, she has lived in Vian since 2016. Ledford received her bachelors in Criminal Justice (’01), as well her teaching preparation and masters in Sociology (’07) through California State University-Bakersfield. She received an additional masters in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. She is a licensed K-12 teacher, principal, and superintendent in both California and Oklahoma At CSC, Ledford teaches all of the sociologies, but particularly enjoys the areas of criminology and deviance. She says she chose Connors because of the small, personal work environment. “I wanted to work for a college where I would get to know students, work with student-led organizations, and help students develop their academic interests and career goals rather than a huge university where my students might get lost in a sea of 100+ other learners in my classes or
Carie Singleton, Staff
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arie Singleton, Accounts Payable Accountant & Energy Analyst, has worked at Connors State for three years and says her co-workers are more like family than just people she works with. Singleton received her bachelors in psychology in 2004 from Northeastern State University where she was an active member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. Originally from Muskogee, she is now also raising her children, Brylie, 13 and Eli, 7, with her husband Patrick in the community she grew up in. Chihuahuas, Rascal and Sassy, are also important members of the family. She is also a 27-year member of Immanuel Baptist Church where she serves as the children’s church coordinator and teaches the Pre-K/ 8
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Kindergarten Sunday School Class. In her free time , Singleton is a “Baseball Mom” spending her summers at the little league fields cheering on her favorite player. She also enjoys creating things and considers herself a “craft-a-holic.” While at Connors she has enjoyed having the opportunity to learn new skills and work with students. She was also given the opportunity to represent Connors as a part of Leadership Muskogee Not really looking for a new job, Singleton credits God for opening a door at Connors that allowed her to spend more time with her family. “It has been the best decision and biggest blessing. God is good and I give Him the glory for all He’s done, ” said Singleton.
on my advisee case load,” said Ledford. In addition to teaching, Ledford is serving as the faculty mentor for the studentresearchers presenting at the NCUR conference and is the faculty advisor for the Social Sciences Club. She is also serving as one of the chairs on the HLC accreditation committee and has participated in online course development through Title III and is working on program review and new course implementation in her division. Ledford lives with her husband, 16-year-old step-daughter and their 16-year-old Pomeranian where they enjoy spending time together outdoors with friends and family. As a first generation college student, and only a third generation high school graduate, earning her first degree is her proudest moment. She is continuing her pursuit of education as she is now working on a doctorate degree. “Like many students, there was a time in my life where my future seemed bleak or even non-existent, but through education, I was able to unlock a whole new world for myself and those I love,” said Ledford.
Dewey Grigsby, Alumna
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ewey Grigsby attended Canadian Public Schools, where he graduated in 1963. Dewey played the point guard position for Canadian Schools and holds the records for free throw shooting percentage. After high school Dewey enrolled
and continued to play ball for Connors State College. After graduating from Connors, he finished his physical education degree at Northeastern State University. In 1969 he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served his country with distinction and bravery. He returned from the war in 1971 and the following year he married the love of his life Brinda Hearod. They first settled in Checotah, OK, owning and operating 69 Diner. While Brinda operated the diner, Dewey was out on the open road hauling watermelons, onions and various other loads to make ends meet. Dewey is a trucker at heart and that is where the dream of Trucks for You was started on those long hours out on the open road. Dewey moved his family to Muskogee in 1979, where he started in the sales and service business of trucking before eventually starting Trucks For You in 1986. He developed
Austyn Fuss, Student
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ustyn Fuss is a sophomore Animal Science major from Cleveland, OK and has known she wanted to be in the agriculture industry since she was a child. “From all the times riding in the truck with dad, my granddads, and uncles and cousins, literally all I ever wanted to be was a rancher’s wife and check and work cows all day and raise high quality cattle,” said Fuss. Fuss says her ultimate goal is to work in research for breed associations and the cattle industry. In choosing a school, the connection to livestock judging at Connors was strong for Fuss. Her mother was a student in the late 80’s and a member of the livestock judging team. Fuss has also been judging since she was 8 years old and knew Connors was a good fit for her goals. “Of all the schools I toured, Connors was the most comfortable place with the best balance of financial resources and somewhere
this long haul trucking company into one of the premier regional trucking companies. Dewey still lives in Muskogee, where he has been active in the community and served on the Hilldale Public Schools Board of Education. Dewey and Brinda have two daughters. Misty and her husband Chad Choat live in Claremore, OK and have two daughters, Shelby and Morgan. Dusti and her husband Jay Calavan live in Ft. Gibson, OK with their two sons, Carson and Conner. Dewey recently retired from the day to day operations of the business so he can spend more time chasing his four grandkids around in all their activities. If you ask Dewey his greatest accomplishment in life he is sure to point to his relationship with God and acknowledgment of his savior Jesus Christ. Dewey is a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather who is admired and loved by many.
I could attend and further my education with confidence and assurance of success,” said Fuss. And Fuss has had her share of success during her time at Connors. This spring she was named Aggie Queen and Ms. Connors and earned an All-American Collegiate Livestock Judging title. In addition to being a member of the livestock judging team, she has also served as an Ag Ambassador, Aggie Club Officer and participated in the Baptist Collegiate Ministries. As she graduates this spring, Fuss plans to attend Oklahoma State University and continue her collegiate livestock judging career. She credits Division of Agriculture Chair Debby Golden and Livestock Judging Coach Nolan Hildebrand as being two of the strongest keys to her success at CSC. “Without them pushing me past the limits and walls I’ve put up for myself, I honestly don’t know that I’d have the accomplishments I do from the past couple years,” said Fuss. CONNORS CONNECTION
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Education
Area Students Experience College Life on Senior Day
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igh School students arrived early on the morning of February 27 for Connors’ Senior Day. More than 450 students, counselors and parents gathered from schools across Oklahoma, Arkansas and even a small group from Arizona. “Connors has a lot to offer students during Senior Day and it gives us the opportunity to talk to prospective students and welcome them into the Connors family,” said Logan Nero, Director of Recruitment. Students started the day with
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administrative staff giving a brief overview of what to expect during their college experience and sharing information about scholarship opportunities. “Connors State has the best set-up for high school students to transition into college. Awesome people and a wonderful support system are all in place at Connors State College, said Megan Duvall, Assistant Director of Recruitment. During the event, tours of the Warner Main Campus were led by current CSC students which allowed the opportunity
for prospective students to connect on a different level with Connors. Prospective students got to visit the spaces they will frequent as CSC students and hear firsthand what life at Connors is like. “We want what is best for our students, so I enjoy telling them to come and explore Connors during Senior Day. The free food, free t-shirt and door prizes could just be the beginning to their college journey,” said Nero.
Honors & Scholars Night Recognizes Achievement
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n Monday, April 2, more than 100 students and their families gathered in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Warner Campus to receive recognition for their academic achievements during the 2018 Honors & Scholars Night at Connors State College. Dr. Ron Ramming, Connors State College President welcomed the honorees and thanked the many family, faculty and staff that supported their students with their attendance. Dr. Janet Wansick, Vice President for Academic Affairs, then reiterated how significant it was for these students to pursue excellence in their academic endeavors.
At the end of the evening the 2018 Mr. and Ms. Connors titles were announced, recognizing two students who have not only excelled in the classroom, but also in their investment in campus life at Connors. Austyn Fuss of Cleveland, OK, was named the 2018 Ms. Connors and Matt Staples was named Mr. Connors. With hard work and dedication from Robin O’Quinn, Assistant V.P. for Academic Affairs, and countless other faculty and staff members and the assistance of the President’s Leadership Class, the evening ran smoothly and was a wonderful way to round out the semester.
Students Visit State Capitol For OACC Award Ceremony
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onnors State was represented by five students at the state Capitol on March 27, as part of the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa’s All-Oklahoma Scholarship Award ceremonies.
Grace Blackwell, Gabriella Peebles and Alyssa Stephens were named to the PTK All- State Academic Team, while Erica Dotson and Mikayla Dearman received the President’s Tuition Waiver from OACC. Students met with their respective state
legislators and then were honored on the floor of the House of Representatives. Danielle Dezso and Heather Owens were also named to the PTK All-State Academic Team, but were unable to attend the award ceremony. CONNORS CONNECTION
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Athletics
Muse Named Winningest Coach
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ill Muse, head basketball coach at Connors State College, was recently honored by the Oklahoma State House of Representatives as the winningest active coach in the state. A proclamation was read by State Representative Avery Frix of the 13th District before the House honoring Muse for his accomplishments. He received a standing ovation by the House. During his 26-years as head coach of the Cowboys, he has posted a 626-222 win-loss
record (75 percent winning percentage), guided his club to 10 National Junior College Athletic Association national tournaments, three Final Fours, and has won 14 conference championships, as well as nine Region II titles. Muse was voted in to the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2014. This past season he guided the Cowboys to a 34-3 record, won his fifth consecutive Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference championship, and reached the Elite 8 for the fifth time.
Mountaineers twice in the regular season and Eastern was looking to snap the lock CSC had on them. It wasn’t to be as Connors defeated EOSC 70-55 and advanced to the Region II Tournament in Shawnee and moved on to meet Northern Oklahoma-Enid in the quarterfinals of the tournament. Enid swept the Cowgirls in the regular season winning 66-55 and 70-58. Connors was looking to snap a two-game losing streak against NOC-Enid, this time in the Region II quarterfinals. But the Lady Jets rolled over the Cowgirls 85-56 to end Connors season at 15-17. “That’s the first time in a long time that we went back-to-back to reach the region tournament. I feel like the program is going in the right direction,” said Fisher. The season complete, Connors State’s DeAuja Thompson, 6-1 sophomore from
Columbus, Ohio, was named to the NJCAA Region II and Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference first teams. Thompson averaged 17 points an outing this season. A transfer from Howard College, she drained 187-of-437 field goal attempts for a 42.8 percent shooting performance including 75-of-216 from behind the arc (34.7 percent), while leading the team in rebounding for a 9.6 per game average. Sophomores who completed their junior college basketball eligibility include Bailey Pendley, 5-7, guard from Vinita, Jordan Austin, 6-0 guard from Oktaha, Mikiah McDonald from Roland and Thompson, 6-0 forward from Columbus, Ohio, who transferred from Howard Texas Community College. She was a first team All-Conference WacJac member her freshman year.
Cowgirls Make Region II Tourney Run to End Season
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onnors Cowgirls head basketball coach Jamie Fisher’s second year at the reigns showed progress reaching the Region II Tournament for the second consecutive season finishing with a 14-17 overall record and 6-10 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference mark, placing seventh. His club entered the year with a heavy laden sophomore talented team, but injuries took their toll along the way, with several players choosing to end their basketball careers. A year ago the Cowgirls reached the Region II Tournament for the first time in six seasons losing to Redlands in a game they controlled until late in the fourth quarter. “Our kids were disappointed the way the season ended,” said Fisher at the time. “They were hungry to get back and prove themselves.” This season the Cowgirls did just that, only this time winning its play-in game to reach the tournament by defeating Eastern Oklahoma State. The Cowgirls had defeated the Lady 12
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Cowboys End Season in NJCAA Elite 8
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ill Muse entered his 26th year as head coach of the Connors State College Cowboys with high expectations and a quest for his first National Junior College Athletic Association national championship. The 13th-ranked Cowboys, who finished 34-4, came within an eyelash of its quest, falling to eventual national champion South Plains,Texas, 80-75 in the Elite 8 of the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan. “I was proud of our guys for what they accomplished this past season, they never gave up, and they fought,” said Muse. The 14-time conference champion brought a talented, but young team to Melvin Self Field House this season. Despite losing four players, including three starters, Bill Muse Jr., an NJCAA Academic All-American who signed with Coastal Carolina in Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Adarius Avery, NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American, who signed with LoyolaChicago, Chris Crawford at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith; and Braydon Powell at the University of Southern Arkansas, the Cowboys won a fifth consecutive
Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference title. The Cowboys returned just two players this past season who saw any amount of playing time a year ago, Ra’Shawn Langston, 6-3 guard from Little Rock, Ark., who was named the OCAC Player of the Year and Zaph Bobb, 6-8 forward from Pryor. CSC also brought back A.J. Cockrell, 6-8 sophomore, who transferred in from University of Texas-San Antonio and was a redshirt last season. Two other sophomores who contributed to the Cowboys outstanding season were, Bishop Coulter, 6-7 forward from Atoka, a transfer from Ranger Texas Junior College and Darius Roy, an All-OCAC performer, 6-2 point guard from Lawton, who transferred from Mercer University. Freshmen who also played a big part in the Cowboys this season include George Price, Burke Putnam, Marvin Lowe, Mason Jones, an All-OCAC and Region II selection and Terrance Jones 6-4. After winning the OCAC with a 14-2 record, the Cowboys received a firstround bye in the Region II Tournament at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.
In their march toward the NJCAA National Tournament, the Cowboys defeated Eastern Oklahoma State 108-86 in the quarterfinals, battled back to stop Northern Oklahoma-Enid 79-73 in the semifinals before whipping Northeastern A&M 73-63 in the championship game and advancing to Hutchinson. Mason Jones, who has committed to the University of Arkansas, was named the Region II Tournament Most Valuable Player. Langston and Roy were also named to the All-Tournament team. At the national tournament Connors opened with an 84-78 victory over Central Georgia Tech. Next up was Coffeyville Community College and the 12th-seeded Cowboys answered with a 90-85 win over the No. 10-ranked, fifth-seeded Red Ravens and a berth in the Elite 8 for the fifth time in Muse’s career at CSC. However, it was heartbreak for the Cowboys, as they battled back from an 18-point first-half deficit to come within a point of South Plains, Texas, late in the second half, only to see their dream of a Final Four fade, falling 80-75. CONNORS CONNECTION
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Langston Named All-American
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onnors State’s 6-2 guard from Little Rock, Arkansas, Ra’Shawn Langston, was announced as a second-team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American, in Colorado, Springs, Colo. The sophomore, who is transferring to Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La., is the 19th player under Cowboys’ Head Coach Bill Muse to be named to the NJCAA All-American team. Langston, who also was recently named the Player of the Year in the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference, became the 10th player to score over 1,000 points
(1,163, 6th all-time) during his two-year career at Connors. Langston led the Cowboys to their fifth consecutive Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference championship and a top seed in the Region II Tournament and to the Elite Eight of the NJCAA National Tournament. Averaging 19. 6 points, he connected on 190-of-360 attempts from the field for 52.8 percent this season. Langston was 51-of-134 from behind the arc connecting on 38.1 percent. At the free throw line he shot 79.6 percent connecting on 117-of-147 attempts.
Livestock Judgers End Season Strong
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he Connors State Livestock Judging Team wrapped up its year with an impressive showing at the Houston Livestock Show. The team finished 3rd High Team Overall, 2nd High Team in Cattle, 2nd High Team in Placings, 5th High Team in Sheep/Goats and 5th High Team in Reasons Individually Logan Corbett finished 4th High Individual overall, High Individual Overall in Cattle, 7th in reasons, and 9th in placings. Austyn Fuss placed 7th high individual in cattle and Riley King was 4th
high individual in placings. Austyn Fuss and Logan Corbett were also named All-Americans at the awards banquet. This was the last contest for our current sophomore judging team and their highlights this year include 1st High Team Dixie National, 1st High Team Cimarron Classic, 3rd High Team Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, 3rd High Team Tulsa State Fair, 3rd High Team Aksarben, 3rd High Team National Barrow Show and 4th High Team North American International Livestock Expo.
Shooting Team Earns Awards
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he Connors State Shotgun Shooting Sports team traveled to San Antonio, TX, March 27–31 to compete at the National ACUI Contest. They returned heavy with honors, trophies, and medals. Individually, Robert Ernsting placed 2nd in Class A trap. The CSC team finished 1st in Division 4 American Skeet, 2nd in American Trap, 3rd in International Skeet, 1st in International Trap, was the 3rd Place Super Sporting Team, 2nd High Point Overall School and 3rd place Triple AAA
School. Team members for the CSC Shooting Team are sophomores Zane Arnold, Logan Knight, Blaine McKenzie and freshmen Robert Ernsting, Kallen Hallman, Clay Galbreath and Shelby Skaggs. The Shooting Sports Team is supported by Coach Jim Stone; Team Coordinator, Debby Golden; team manager, CSC student, Ashley Laughlin; and Team Advisor, Brandon Miller.
Campus Life
STICKBALL The Native American Student Association and Title III hosted a Stickball Making Workshop along with a stickball game on April 9–10. Participants of all ages learned about this traditional American Indian game.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS Karen Lewis, outreach advocate for Women In Safe Homes Inc. (WISH), visited the Connors State College Warner and Muskogee campuses on March 26 and March 28 to discuss domestic violence. The events were designed to both raise awareness and provide details to the CSC community of the services offered by the organization. The dual events were the result of a collaboration between CSC’s Business Club, SGA, Sociology Club, and PTK. Approximately 25 people in total attended. CONNORS CONNECTION
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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
RECONNECT WITH
CONNORS STATE COLLEGE
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The Connors State spirit squad utilized time between National Tournament games by reading with the children at the Hutchinson Community College Childcare Center. WWW.CONNORSGIVING.COM/RECONNECT 16 VOLUME 8 NUMBER 3