Connection: Volume 9, Number 4

A Publication of Connors State College

V O L U M E

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N U M B E R

Regent Tucker Link Speaks at Graduation

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CONNORS STATE COLLEGE WARNER CAMPUS

700 College Road Warner, OK 74469

Inside this issue VOLUME 9, NUMBER 4

THREE RIVERS PORT CAMPUS

2501 N 41st St E Muskogee, OK 74403

ADMINISTRATION PRE S I DE NT Dr. Ronald S. Ramming

FEATURE

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Wel c om i ng N ew M em bers int o t he A l um ni and Fr iends H all of Fam e

COMMUNITY

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War ner K -9 D onat i on • A z aela D ay Parade • C hili C ook -O f f

COWBOY FAMILY

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Meet Wilson, Evans, Wilcoxon, and Fuss

EDUCATION

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110th Commencement Exercise • Nur s ing P i nning C erem ony • H onors N i ght

ATHLETICS

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Cowboy Basketball Advances to Regionals • C ow gi r l B as ket ball S i gn 4 t o U ni vers it ies • C ow gir l S of t bal l names 6 A c adem ic A ll A m er ic ans • C owboy B as eball Q ualif ies for Wor l d S er ies

CAMPUS LIFE

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S pr i ng S em es t er at C onnors S t ate C ol lege

VICE PRES I DENT F O R ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Janet Wansick VICE PRES I DENT F O R FISCAL SERVICES Mike Lewis

CONNECTION LA Y OUT & DE S I GN Annie Jo Gilbert CONTRI B UTO RS Cindy Anderson Annie Jo Gilbert Stacy Pearce The Tulsa World Janet Wansick

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, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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

Alumni and Friends Hall of Fame Inducts Burney, Dillingham, Martin, Shrum, and Taylor On Saturday, April 27, 2019, Connors State College hosted its annual Alumni and Friends Banquet and Reunion. More than 130 alumni, faculty, staff and students attended the event in the A.D. Stone Student Union on the Warner Campus.

“The reunion is a time to share memories, see new developments on campus, and to honor exceptional alumni,” said Dr. Ron Ramming, CSC president.

Each year at the banquet and reunion, extraordinary alumni are inducted into the CSC Alumni Hall of Fame. Homerlene Burney, Anthony Dillingham, Jean Martin, Billy Taylor and Dr. Kayse Shrum were the 2019 honorees. Special Recognition Awards were given to Bridget Beaver and Winnie Bowman, while Jake Walker was recognized as the 2019 CSC Faculty of the Year.

Other prominent alumni and friends also attended to support the inductees, catch up with old acquaintances, and meet with college leaders, faculty and students.

Students from the President’s Leadership Class provided tours of the campus and reminded alumni of one of the most important reasons for their organization: to raise money for the Alumni and Friends Scholarship Fund. Recipients of this year’s scholarship were Alexis Cook, Karli Fuss, and Johnna Stottlemyre.

-HOMERLENE BURNEY Homerlene Burney was born in Tulsa, Okla. She lived with her parents in Catoosa, Okla., and graduated from Catoosa High School in 1956. After marriage to her high school sweetheart Harold Cagle, who graduated from CSC, she became a coach’s wife. The two

moved to Warner where she began her college education and graduated in 1964. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

Burney began her teaching career in St. Joseph, Mo., with 38 children in her classroom. Later, in Morris, Okla., she taught fifth and sixth-grade spelling and math. She made one more move to teach kindergarten at Coweta, Okla. After 25 years, Burney became a single mom. With her administrator’s encouragement, she pursued a master’s degree, which she completed in 1985. For nine years she served as an elementary principal.

Homerlene married Vernon Burney in 1983. They have 13 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren. She cherishes the years she worked with children, and owes it all to her beginnings at Connors State.

-ANTHONY “TONY” DILLINGHAM Anthony (Tony) Dillingham attended CSC in 1980-1982 where he played baseball for Coach Gary Vaught and tennis for Coach Clarence Lynch. Dillingham was a JUCO National Tournament qualifier in tennis for two years. He served on staff for Monte Madewell’s summer girls’ basketball camps for 10 years while coaching in the high school ranks.

Dillingham graduated from Haskell High School in 1980 then attended CSC where he received his associate degree in 1982. Dillingham then attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah where he received his bachelor’s in education.

After graduation from NSU, Dillingham entered the high school CONNORS CONNECTION

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FEATURE teaching and coaching fields with stops at Hilldale, Butler, Granite, Elgin, and Snyder. He taught biology, botany, and physical science along with coaching multiple sports, and at times serving as the athletic director.

In 1996 Dillingham completed coursework for his master’s degree in educational administration at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford and received his elementary and secondary principal’s certification, as well as his superintendent’s certification.

Dillingham served as the high school principal and athletic director at Snyder High School from 19972001. He then became the Jenks Public Schools Athletic Director in 2001. Dillingham has served for 17 years in that role and during that time frame also served as president of the Frontier Valley Conference for two years. He became a certified athletic administrator through the NIAAA in 2014. Dillingham currently serves the Oklahoma Interscholastic

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Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA) as president.

Dillingham and his wife, Kelli, have both served Oklahoma public schools throughout their educational careers and are blessed to have their two daughters and two grandsons residing in the same community where they work.

-JEAN MARTIN Jean Martin’s first association with Connors State College was as a newlywed to Bill Martin, the love of her life and a baseball player for the Cowboys in 1951.

She became a CSC student herself in 1956. After graduating, she continued her education at Northeastern State University, finishing her bachelor’s degree in 1960 and master’s in 1964.

From 1960-1966 Martin was the CSC Director of Food Services.

She managed the cafeteria and snack bar, as well as coordinated and directed all meals for special events, receptions, and activities on campus. In the evenings Martin was

an instructor, teaching English and psychology. While there, she was a beloved mentor to many students and co-workers.

Martin chose to move to Warner Public Schools to teach high school English. In 1976 she was selected as the Muskogee County Teacher of the Year. During her tenure at WPS, Martin obtained degrees in guidance counseling and school administration. She became a high school counselor and later an elementary and middle school principal. She was chosen as Outstanding Principal of District 17 in 1983.

Martin’s connection to CSC was a family affair. Her husband Bill was not only a coach and instructor, but also he was the Dean of Students and Federal Programs Coordinator. Their daughter, Debbie, and son-in-law, James Fast, graduated from Connors. Martin has had five generations and over 45 members of her family attend CSC, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Martin has told many people, “My life would not be complete without my CSC family. Second only to my own loving family, I value my CSC experiences and people.”

-BILLY TAYLOR The son of Carl and Shirley Taylor, Billy Grant Taylor was born and raised in rural Muskogee County.

Taylor graduated from Oktaha Public Schools in 1976, then worked on a dairy farm while putting himself through college at CSC, where he received his associate degree in 1978. He then attended Oklahoma State University to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, graduating from OSU on the Dean’s Honor Roll in 1980. He was also named as an Outstanding Collegiate FFA Member in 1980.

Upon graduating from OSU, Taylor began his professional career as a county executive director trainee for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in Watonga, Okla. Shortly thereafter he was presented with an opportunity to return to Muskogee, where he started his lending career with Production Credit Association, a part of the Farm Credit system.

Taylor has been with Armstrong Bank for the past 30 years. He worked as a vice president and branch manager for eight years in Warner and then moved to the Muskogee location, earning the position of president and CEO of Armstrong Bank and CEO of

Ironhorse Financial Group, Inc. During Taylor’s banking career, he has received degrees from the Graduate School of Banking of the South and the ABA National Commercial Lending School.

Taylor currently serves on the following boards: Muskogee Industrial Trust Authority, Oklahoma FFA Foundation, Oklahoma Life and Casualty Insurance, Republic Bank and Trust, Armstrong Bank, and Ironhorse Financial Group, Inc. He has also served on the Connors Development Foundation Board and is a past president of the Warner Chamber of Commerce.

-DR. KAYSE SHRUM Dr. Kayse Shrum, D.O., grew up in rural Oklahoma and her passion was playing softball. Her goal was to play at the collegiate level, and she achieved that by attending Connors State College. While at CSC, she not only excelled in athletics but also as a student, which helped to develop her leadership skills. She has also been inducted into the Connors State College Athletic Hall of Fame.

President of the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Dr. Shrum is also Dean of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and has completed executive leadership and management training programs at

Harvard University and Stanford University.

She joined the medical school faculty at OSU Center for Health Sciences in 2002 and was named dean of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2011, becoming the first female dean of a medical school in the state of Oklahoma. In 2013, she was promoted to her current position as president of OSU-CHS. Under her leadership, OSU-CHS has successfully launched rural physician pipeline programs and healthcare access initiatives to address the healthcare workforce shortage in rural Oklahoma.

Dr. Shrum is active in a variety of professional and charitable organizations where she holds numerous committee and board positions. She has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to improving health outcomes in Oklahoma. Dr. Shrum was named a finalist for The Journal Record’s 2015 Woman of the Year award. She also received the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association’s Outstanding & Distinguished Service Award in 2014 and was given the Pinnacle Award for Health in 2012 by the Tulsa Mayor’s Commission on the status of women.

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COMMUNITY

Connors State SGA Presents Warner PD Check During National Public Service Recognition Week As part of a national Public Service Recognition Week, May 5-12, 2019, the Connors State College Student Government Association presented a $500 check to the Warner Police Department during the Town of Warner Town Hall Meeting.

During the spring semester the CSC-SGA held a raffle for four Rustic Cuff bracelets, which were provided by an outside donor. All proceeds of the fundraiser were designated for the addition of a K-9 unit within the Warner Police Department.

“We are thankful the Warner Police Department keeps our Connors State College community safe,” said Rochelle Vanover, CSC

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Student Activities Coordinator and SGA Co-Advisor. “This is just a small token of our appreciation, which we hope will see a greater impact on the safety of our students and those within the Warner community.”

According to its website, Public Service Recognition Week has been celebrated the first week of May since 1985 and honors the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees.

It is hosted annually by the Public Employees Roundtable and member organizations.

Connors State College Student Government Association presented

the check from funds raised for the addition of a new police K-9 unit. During the presentation, in attendance were Warner Mayor Roger Thomason, Barbra Watson, Chad Morris, Caryn Miller, Ethan Tatum, Police Chief Satterfield, SGA President Brooklyn Herriman, SGA Vice President Augustus Warne, Angel Morales, and CSC Assistant Dean of Students Jake Lawson.

Warner Police and City Hall were happy to receive the check from CSC.

CSC Participates in Annual Chili & BBQ Cook-Off and Azalea Day Parade Connors State College participated in the Muskogee Exchange Club’s Annual Chili &BBQ Cook-Off held during the Azalea Festival each year. CSC Student Government Association and Student Housing also participated in the Annual Azalea Day Parade. A cold day didn’t deter any of the team from participating.

CSC Recruitment packed up and headed to Muskogee to meet with those in the surrounding communities to bring students into Connors State College.

“Although the weather limited some participation, there was still a great turn out of people in the

Muskogee community collecting a wealth of information and sharing food such as chili, beans, ribs, also known as good southern soul food,” said Megan Duvall, assistant recruitment director. “We have always participated in the chili cook off and find it to be community and industry driven, connecting people who work in our area to network, building long lasting friendships,” said Duvall. Connors State College was fortunate to have faculty (Rebecca Hill), staff (Megan Duvall & Logan Nero), and students (Stephanie Dugger, Brandyann Brior, Allie Travis) to volunteer. “We look forward to doing this again

next year,” said Duvall. The Chili Cook-Off and Azalea Day Parade and festivities have been part of the City of Muskogee since 1968.

The festival is held to honor the blooming of the azalea flower, with over 30,000 azalea flowers in over 620 varieties calling Muskogee home each spring.

“The Azalea Day Parade and Chili Cook-Off is a great benefit to Connors as we collaborate with our students and employees to serve our community,” said Nero, Director of Recruitment. “This event has always been a staple in the area and we look forward to many more Chili Cook-Offs.”

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COWBOY FAMILY

Rhonda Wilson, Academic Business and Computer Information Systems division chair and an instructor at Connors State College, obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Northeastern State University in business education with an emphasis in accounting and

Rhonda Wilson, Faculty information technology, and her Master’s from NSU, in education with an emphasis in business.

Wilson says she wanted to teach at CSC when she first started coming to baseball games to watch her nephew play under Coach Keith. “As I learned more about how great a school CSC was, and its learning environment, I knew I wanted to be a part of the CSC family.”

Wilson teaches Fundamentals of Computer Usage, Business Principles, Desktop Publishing, Spreadsheet Analysis, and Business Law. She teaches these classes as face-to-face, online, and even at the correctional centers.

Wilson feels the students make life-long impacts on teaching. “I get to celebrate small and big accomplishments throughout the semester with them,” she said.

“When they walk across the stage at graduation, I am proud to think I have played a role in each of their lives in helping them obtain their degree.”

Wilson will begin her 32nd year

Brooklyn Evans, Student Brooklyn Evans is a sophomore student at Connors State College from Sand Springs, Okla. Brooklyn is a graduate of Charles Page High School, and decided to come to Connors State College because of the small-town feel.

Evans says she isn’t exactly sure what she wants to do specifically with a career yet, but she is planning on attending Oklahoma State University in the fall, majoring in Agricultural Leadership and potentially a minor in Food Science.

When asked about her time at Connors, Evans said there was never a dull moment. “The friends made and the academic successes will help carry me through the remainder of my life and serve me well in my future career.”

Brooklyn was a recipient of a Presidents Leadership Class Scholarship and had the opportunity

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to serve as the PLC president while at Connors. Aside from being a part of PLC, Evans is also involved in the Agriculture Ambassadors. Evans won the Cowboy Horizon Award when she was a freshman.

Evans was also a member of Aggie Club, where she was a huge part of the team’s successes. While at school at Connors State College, she was on the honor roll.

Evans cares about Connors and the success of the students here. While in school, she also was a tutor on campus.

Outside of school, Brooklyn is a member of the Jeepers Anonymous Club, where she loves being involved in the different charities the club helps with. She also loves going wheeling in her Jeep Wrangler.

of teaching this year, and says she appreciates our administration at CSC for the support in growing and expanding the degree programs.

Outside of all the time Wilson spends with her CSC family, she is happily married to Delbert, her husband of 34 years, and enjoys spending time with her son and daughter. Wilson also enjoys taking unexpected road trips “off the beaten path”, finding some great shopping and restaurants along the way. “Something others at Connors might not know? I have my brown belt in Taekwondo!”

Wilson said she had a student come up to her on the last day of class one year and tell her a story about how they were fearful to come back to school after obtaining their GED. The student confided in her that they were glad they took the class, because they were now graduating. It is safe to say, inside the classroom or out, you want Mrs. Rhonda Wilson on your team fighting in your corner. “No matter what has happened in your life, there is always a way to have a brighter future.”

Kathy Fuss, Alumna Kathy Sayre Fuss graduated from Connors State College in 1989. Upon graduating, Fuss attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. Then, she went on to Cameron University where she was awarded her teaching certificate. Fuss is currently a first grade teacher in Cleveland, Okla.

“Connors had and still greatly impacts my life,” said Fuss. “It offered me a world of opportunity to spread my wings, while still providing guidance and direction.” Fuss said academically it provided a wealth of knowledge while providing challenges and room to grow as a student.

Fuss was a member of the Livestock Judging Team while attending CSC. Fuss said that through her travels across the U.S. with the team, she had the chance to learn how to think quickly, articulate, and defend her decisions- skills which she has taken with her throughout her life. “I believe those who invested so much time and

effort teaching us to the best we can be were some of my greatest gifts,” said Fuss. “Connors opened the door for me to continue my education at Brigham Young University where I was the recipient of a quality education and had the opportunity to be a part of an amazing new world.”

Fuss said both of her daughters are recent graduates of Connors State College, and share a similar story. “I am grateful that we have two generations who were recipients of the special gems you find in Warner, Okla.,” said Fuss.

Some of Fuss’ professional highlights include getting to witness young people develop lifelong skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Fuss said that sometimes it’s the little steps in the learning process that create a beautiful journey to be a part of.

Fuss credits all her accomplishments in her life to the constant love and support she received from her parents.

The first time Fuss stepped foot on

CSC was when she was 12 years old, attending McPeak’s Be A Champ Camp.

Fuss had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Harding, and he convinced her to come judge under Jerry McPeak, which in turn, gave Fuss the opportunity to continue her education at BYU.

Beverly Wilcoxon, Staff

Beverly Wilcoxon, financial aid counselor for the Second Chance Pell Grant program, spent 24 years at Connors State as a full-time employee,

retiring from CSC in 2009, and working part-time the last five and a half years with Financial Aid. Wilcoxon was born right down the road in Porum, Okla., but was raised in Westminster, Calif. Wilcoxon graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management. Initially, Wilcoxon was hired as a student in the financial aid office in 1982. She fell in love with student services, and financial aid administration. “When offered a full-time position as a Financial Aid Officer in 1985, I jumped at the chance,” she said. “I have been very lucky to have found such rewarding work for so many years.”

When asked about what Wilcoxon likes best about Connors State College, she said the family atmosphere. She also said she loves being able to really

have a part in changing peoples’ lives for the better. “I have been able to work in many aspects of student services- financial aid, advisement, testing, providing veterans’ services, as well as my current job as a financial aid counselor for our incarcerated students.”

Wilcoxon said she has made many life long friends at CSC. She also talks about the opportunities that Connors offers to the students. Wilcoxon said we (Connors State) have first class programs, especially in athletics, agriculture, and health care. “Connors’ size is perfect for students who want to know their teachers better and not feel like they are ‘just a number’.”

Aside from her time spent at CSC, Wilcoxon has a grown daughter, who is living in New York City following her dream as a writer and an editor.

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EDUCATION

Spring Nursing Candidates Pinned Connors State College celebrated the graduation of 30 new nurses in a pinning ceremony held May 10, 2019, on the Warner campus in the Fine Arts Auditorium. 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 right 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, Connors’ interim

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division chair for Nursing and Allied Health, said, “This is exciting for our community because the projected need for nurses in Oklahoma exceeds the current capacity of the schools in Oklahoma.” Among some of the graduates, the class nominated two students who spoke to their fellow classmates and the family and friends present about the classes’ journey together. Jenee’ Hensley represented the Traditional Nurse program, and Holli Hamby represented the Career Ladder program.

Students received their pins from their instructors, participated in the candlelighting ceremony, and gave

the Nightingale Pledge. Students graduating from the Traditional Nurse program were: Erika Barnett, Rachel Hogan, Morgan Booth, Angela Lawson, Keith Carr, Cecilia Mackey, Kynndy Casey, Towanna Martin-Scott, Ashley Collier, Breanna Medearis, Stephanie Dowling, Melanie Pelayo. Brandy Duarte, Jordan Perry, Sophy Garrett, Alya Smith, Jenee’ Hensley, and Katie Wofford.

Students graduating from the Career Ladder program were: Candice Featherston, Holley McElhaney, Wendi Flatt, Ashley Todd, Holli Hamby, Cheere Walker, Kelsi Hilderbrandt, Amy Walton, Ashley Kimble, Amanda Williams, Katie McCullar, and Helen Zelee.

CSC Graduates More Than 260 Candidates The CSC Commencement Ceremony was held May 10, 2019, at the Muskogee Civic Center.

Regent Tucker Link, Chairman of Knightsbridge Investments Limited and serving on the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma A&M Colleges, was the keynote speaker and bestowed meaningful words of wisdom to the graduates.

“Tonight is a significant milestone in your life,” said Regent Link.

“You’ve reached this moment due to your hard work and determination.

You’ve encountered and overcome obstacles along the way.”

Link also spoke about those in the audience that shared the dream, offered encouragement and celebrated the achievement the students are accomplishing. He spoke about how getting to shake the graduate’s hand as they receive their degree is one of the highlights of a regent’s responsibilities.

“I trust that you will find the investment you have made in yourself by attending Connors State

College will be one of the wisest investments you will make in your lifetime,” said Regent Link.

Jake Walker, the 2019 Faculty of the Year, proudly led the procession carrying the college mace, which is embedded with CSC history.

Connors State College President, Dr. Ron Ramming, was master of ceremonies for the evening, while Brooklyn Herriman, SGA president, spoke on behalf of the student body during commencement.

Honors Night Recognizes Achievements of Students On April 11, 2019, more than 100 students and their families gathered for Honors Night in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Warner Campus to receive recognition for their achievements during the 2018-2019 academic year at Connors State

College.

Dr. Ron Ramming, president of Connors State College, welcomed the honorees and their families, and thanked the faculty, staff, and students that were there in attendance for support. Students

were honored for their excellence in and out of the classroom. With hard work from Ms. Robin O’Quinn, Ms. Lori Palmer, and countless other faculty and staff, the evening was a success and a great way to round out the year.

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ATHLETICS

Men’s Basketball Advances to Regionals Connors State Men’s Basketball had another successful season under Coach Bill Muse. The Cowboys went 26-6 in regular

season, and advanced to the regional tournament. During the tournament, they had major success, only to get beat out by a

Women’s Basketball has Season Success Connors State Cowgirl’s Basketball head coach, Jamie Fisher, was pleased with how the season turned out for the Cowgirls. With a 16-15 record, the highlight of the season was taking down rival NEO for the first time in seven years, ending

their 53 home game winning streak.

Along with the successful season, Coach Fisher had four Cowgirl basketball players sign to four-year universities.

Shaniqua Patterson, a post from Hugo, Okla., Second Team All

buzzer beater shot by NEO. Through the successful season, Coach Muse had several students go on to play basketball at universities. Isiah Jones signed to play basketball at Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss. Marvin Lowe signed to play with SWOSU in Weatherford, Okla.

Burke Putnam signed with Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Ga. Two Cowboys also received All Conference honors. Burke Putnam made First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Region. Tyrees Sidberry made Second Team All-Conference. CSC Cowboy Basketball has had phenomenal success under Coach Muse. We look forward to the upcoming season and what it brings.

Conference, and Second Team All Region, signed with Our Lady of the Lake University, in San Antonio, Texas. Vicky Duru, a forward from Murphy, Texas, and All Conference Honorable Mention, signed with Northwestern Oklahoma State University, in Alva, Okla. Cheyenne Marshall, a guard from Porter, Okla., signed with Central Christian College, in McPherson, Kan. Skylah Hawkins, a post from Dallas, Texas, signed with Friends University, in Wichita, Kan. Along with the individuals Coach Fisher had sign to universities, he also had three Cowgirls who were dubbed NJCAA Academic All-Americans. Kimberly Motley and Melina Ludlow were named First Team Academic All Americans, and Cheyenne Marshall was named a Second Team Academic All- American

Cowgirl Softball has Success On and Off the Field Coach Kristin Reasnor was pleased with the Cowgirl Softball academic achievements this season. Coach Reasnor and the Cowgirls finished eighth in the conference and advanced to the regional tournament.

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Along with their success on the field, six cowgirl softball players were dubbed Academic All-Americans; Breanna Simmons, Nicki Freeman, Bailey Aldridge, Maylin Hladik, Haley Castle, and Carli Bullard.

“We attempt to put our players

in an environment to help them grow as a person and become the best self they can be,” said Coach Reasnor. “We try to teach them life lessons through softball that will help them in whatever career path they choose.”

CSC Baseball takes on NJCAA World Series If any team at any level of any sport can command a #RoadWarriors designation, that team would be the Connors State Cowboys baseball team.

From an adverse set of circumstances, the Cowboy baseball team achieved a spectacular result — a trip to JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Because of delays in the installation of a turf infield, Connors State has played its entire season — all 59 games – away from home.

“And then you look up and we’re 48-11. Pretty crazy,” said Coach Perry Keith.

With 1,661 career wins, Keith is the national leader among active junior-college coaches. Since 2016, the Cowboys’ home facility has been known as Perry Keith Park.

If Connors State can capture what would be the first NJCAA Division I national title in program history — and can do it without having played a true home game — then the 2019 Cowboys season would be legendary.

For the seventh time, Keith takes

a Connors State squad to the Juco World Series.

These Cowboys played their “home” games on high school fields in Tahlequah, Checotah, McAlester, Hilldale and Verdigris.

By the time the Cowboys return to Oklahoma, the mileage for the season as a whole will amount to about 9,000.

The Connors State roster includes 15 Oklahomans, four players from New York City, four from Canada, and four from the Dominican Republic.

When Braden Calico was a baseball-football athlete at Coweta, he remembers a bus trip to Durant as having been the lengthiest of his high school years.

“Yeah, I thought that riding to Durant took forever,” said Calico, now a Cowboys outfielder. “I was in for a treat when I got to Connors State.”

“I’ll never forget this season or this group of guys,” Calico said. “We could play at Yankee Stadium or on a Walmart parking lot. It doesn’t matter. These guys are awesome

— on and off the field.”

Calico’s “parking lot” mention isn’t ridiculous. There were times this season when Keith conducted ground-ball drills on an asphalt parking lot near the Connors State ballpark.

Excavation started for the turf project on Monday, Jan. 7 — five weeks before the scheduled home opener. Later that week, the eastern third of Oklahoma was soaked with rain.

By that Saturday, the Connors State baseball team didn’t have an infield. As Keith says, it had a pond.

There were subsequent issues and delays. By mid-season, everyone within the program recognized a grim potential — that every game on the 2019 schedule could be played away from home.

The Cowboys were 6-0 vs.

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M during the regular season, but they lost to the Norse in the regional tournament. During an elimination game, there were two weatherrelated delays. The game resumed the next day in Verdigris.

As Connors State players seemed tight for the first time all season, Keith said he delivered a message: “What do you expect? Nothing has been easy all year.”

Calico totaled two hits and four RBIs as Connors State wound up with an 8-6 win over NEO. The Cowboys advanced to the NJCAA’s South Central District tournament in Joplin, Missouri.

To secure their place in the Juco World Series, the Cowboys needed clutch defense — a bases-loaded, walk-off double play to finish a 16-14 victory over a New Orleans school, Delgado Community College.

New York native Chris Mondesi, a nephew of former big-league outfielder Raul Mondesi, provided clutch offense. He belted an eighthinning grand slam for Connors State.

Article reprinted from The Tulsa World CONNORS CONNECTION

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CAMPUS LIFE

CSC in the Spring

Students throughout the semester have the opportunity to help with things on campus. Pictured are students helping with the Bull Sale, Fantasy Rodeo, Spring Event, and celebrating Black History Month.

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Top Rotating: Cowboy baseball anxiously awaiting a win at Regionals, SGA President Brooklyn Herriman speaking at graduation, students presenting projects at the science fair, Will Shelby playing the fiddle at Aggie Banquet, students posing for a picture after the Nurses Pinning Ceremony, and students celebrating at the Cowboy Corral Dance.

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CONNORS STATE COLLEGE

700 College Road | Warner, OK 74469

Hundreds took to the pavement on Thursday, October 12, to “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes”, in protest of domestic violence.

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