February2025
A L U M N I NEWSLETTER
Welcome to our updated alumni newsletter! We are thrilled to share with you the latest developments at Connors State College as we build futures one at a time and make a positive impact in our community.
Athletic Updates
The men’s and women’s basketball teams are working hard to finish the season strong. They have a home game with Redlands Community College on February 27th and then two road games against NEO and Eastern to wrap up the regular season schedule. The men are currently 22-3 overall and 112 in conference play. The playoff picture looks amazing for the men as they are currently leading the conference. The women are currently 10-16 overall and 7-6 in conference play. The women are in a dogfight trying to secure the number four spot going into post season play. The Region II Tournament will begin on March 12th with the finals being held March 15th. All games will be played in Rougher Village in Muskogee, Ok. Cowboy Edwin Daniel leads the conference with 12 rebounds a game and 287 total rebounds. He also leads the conference with 79 blocks. Aric Walls is sitting in 5th place within the conference for a 40.6 3-point percentage, and his 84 percent free throw stat places him in 3rd place in that category. Another Cowboy, Ethan Dietz, is on the leader board, sitting in the two spot for field goals with a percentage of 59.4. Cowgirl Kiaya Davis has been having an awesome season and is currently leading the conference in points per game (23.4), overall points (539), field goals (190-374), and free throws (130-198). Cowgirl Addyson Gream is also on the leader board at the two spot for field goal percentage, shooting 51 percent. Both Edwin (week 13) and Kiaya (week 10) have been chosen as conference players of the week during this season.
Cowboy Baseball is off to an excellent start to the 2025 season with an overall record of 13-3. Several of our Cowboys have made it on the conference leader board: Daury Manzanillo is sitting in third for batting average, Wally Diaz, Daury Manzanillo, and Maddox Edwards are third, fourth, and fifth in runs batted in. Wally leads the conference in homeruns, and Trevor Rowe is sitting in a tie for fourth in that category. The Cowboys have several pitchers on the leader board as well. Kason Johnson is leading the conference with a 1.20 era and in a two-way tie for second in most strikeouts. Luis Polanco, Diego Ramos, and Jaxon Lee are all in a three-way tie for the three spot for most wins, and he is leading the conference in strikeouts. Robert Medina and Diego Ramos are in a two-way tie for second for the most saves. The Cowgirls (4-2) are off to a great start and several Cowgirls have earned spots on the conference leader board in five different categories. Layne Sloan is in second place in batting average with Lynzi Kelley and Katelyn Fleming tied for third. Katelyn is also in a three-way tie for third in runs batted in. Currently five players are tied for the top spot in most homeruns, including Cowgirl Kambri Johnson. Two Cowgirl pitchers are on the conference leaderboard. Mallory Warma is in second with an era of 1.81 and Brooklyn Ellis is sitting in fourth with a 2.06. Brooklyn is also in a two-way tie for most wins. Both the Cowboys and the Cowgirls would love your support as they begin conference play in March. If you have ever attended a conference baseball or softball game here at Connors, you know how rowdy The Orange Nation can be. We hope to see you in the stands supporting our Cowboys & Cowgirls!
Agriculture News
Livestock Judging Team
The Livestock Judging Team traveled to the Dixie National in Jackson, Mississippi, to compete on February 8th, judging slick steers and American cattle. They represented Connors well, bringing home numerous awards! The results are as follows:
SOPHOMORETEAMRESULTS
3rdHighTeamOverall
3rdHighTeamBrahmanDivision
3rdHighTeamSteerDivision
4thHighTeamReasons
INDIVIDUALRESULTS
WyattJackson
HighIndividualOverall
HighIndividualReasons
HighIndividualSteers
6thBrahmans
ArdenPittman
10thOverall
7thBrahmans
SophomoreteammembersfromLefttoRight-LexiTerry,ArdenPittman,WyattJackson, PeytonDugan,CallieBennett;CoachLujanstanding
PeytonDugan
9thSteers
14thOverall
FRESHMENRESULTS
5thHighTeamOverall
4thBrahman
5thReasons
5thSteers
GraceGroseta
2ndHighIndividualOverall
2ndSteers
5thBrahmans
6thReasons
Freshmenteammembers-SeatedfromLeftto Right-KensiWitt,AliviaWright,GraceGroseta,ChloeSilka, KeeleyHam.StandingfromLefttoRight-CoachDaniel Lujan,AustinBell,HunterCarey,LaytonTerrell
Show Team
The Connors State Show Team traveled to the Dixie National at Jackson, Mississippi, with their Santa Gertrudis Show Cattle during the first part of February and will be spending the rest of the month helping with the Muskogee Regional Junior Livestock Show and the Muskogee County Junior Livestock Show.
Archery Team
The Archery Team is preparing for the Connors State College South Ranch Youth Shootout coming up April 15th, 17th, 22nd, 24th, 25th, & 26th . They will also be participating in the NFAA Vegas Shoot held March 5 – 9 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the State Qualifier for ASA on March 15-16
Upcoming events for the Archery Team:
February 21 & 22 - USA Archery Indoor Nationals at College Station
March 15 & 16 - State Qualifier for ASA, a 3D Archery organization
March 14 & 22 – Archery Scouting Day – HS Juniors and Seniors tryout for the Connors State Archery Team
Shotgun Sports
The Connors State College Shotgun Shooting Sports Team is preparing for the Spring 2025 South Ranch Shootout – Skeet and Trap Contest - that will be held at the Ranch on April 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, and 26.
Meat Judging Team
On February 7th the Meat Judging Team competed at the Fort Worth Stock Show where Savanna Rowan placed 4th in Pork Judging. On February 19 – 23, the Meat Judging Team is headed to the South Plains Meat Judging Contest in Hereford, Texas.
Pictured left is Nathan Melton from Beggs, OK; on the right is Savanna Rowan from Inola, OK, with her 4th place ribbon she received in Pork Judging at the Fort Worth Stock Show.
Rodeo Team
The Rodeo Team just held their annual Equine Field Day on February 7th at the Fred Williams Indoor Arena. Fifty students throughout the state of Oklahoma attended the event gaining valuable information about the Equine Industry. Topics covered included judging horses, nutrition of horses, and proper care and maintenance. A mobile vet, an equine dentist and a farrier were all present giving demonstrations and answering any questions the attendees had.
Rodeo Team Sr. Scouting Day is on February 25th Tryouts include Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, Calf Roping, Bull Dogging & Team Roping.
On March 7, 8, and 9, the Rodeo Team will be in Ft. Scott, Kansas, to compete at their first spring rodeo competition.
Aggie Homecoming
On February 4th , Wyatt Jackson and Prenny Prenovost were crowned as the 2025 Connors State Aggie Homecoming King and Queen.
Aggie Homecoming Queen Prenny Prenovost is from Surprise, Arizona. She is majoring in Agricultural Communication and Political Science. Prenny is President of the Connors Collegiate CattleWomen, SGA Vice President, a member of the Connors Show Team, and President of the Aggie Club; she is an Ag Ambassador and is the Oklahoma Student Government Association’s North Regional Director. Her future plans are to run her boutique “The Drifting Willow,” and further her education at a community college in Arizona where she will obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Her plans are to work at a local bank back home while going to school and running her boutique business.
Aggie Homecoming King Wyatt Jackson is from Gentry, Arkansas. He is majoring in Animal Science and is a member of the Connors State Livestock Judging Team and the Aggie Club. Wyatt plans to attend Texas Tech this fall and get his Bachelor’s in Animal Science. He then plans to go back home and run the family ranch.
AG Ambassadors
TheConnorsStateAgAmbassadorsrecentlyhostedtheAgEducationRoundTable discussionforConnorsstudentsinterestedinbecominganagteacher.Localaginstructors wereavailableforstudentstoaskquestionsandlearnallaboutwhatisinvolvedinbeingan AgricultureEducationteacher.AreaAgTeacherswhowereavailableforstudentstoask questionsandlearnabouttheagedfieldwereRasheleBlakley-LundyfromBristow,Lacie Butler-WetherellfromSapulpa,ZacheryIlberyfromChecotah,andTimTaylorandEmma LongbothfromOkmulgee.TheAgTeacherRoundtablediscussioneventallowedstudents theopportunitytogaininsightandtoaskquestionsaboutpursuingacareerinag education.TheAgTeachersallcommentedonwhatgreatquestionsthestudentsaskedand saidtheyfeltthattheleadershipskillsofourConnorsstudentswoulddefinitelyhavea positiveimpactonthefutureofAgricultureEducation!
Area Agriculture Education teachers Rashele Blakley-Lundy – Bristow, Lacie Butler-Wetherell – Sapulpa, Zachery Ilbery – Checotah, Tim Taylor and Emma Long – Okmulgee answering questions from Connors Ag majors.
For More information:
Debby Golden, Division Chair goldend@connorsstate.edu
Jake Walker, Ag Instructor Head Rodeo Coach jake.walker@connorsstate
Daniel Lujan, Ag Instructor, Livestock Judging Daniel.lujan@connorsstate.edu
Stetson May, Show Team Coach, College Farm Stetson.may@connorsstate.edu
Johnny King, Archery Coach, john.king10@connorsstate.edu
Chris Driskill, Shotgun Coach, chris.driskill@connorsstate.edu
Jimmie Bryant, Ag Instructor, Asst. Rodeo, jimmie.bryant@connorsstate.edu
McKenzie Sinclair, Ag Instructor, Meats Judging mckenzie.sinclair@connorsstate.edu
Campus Life
Jim “The Rookie” Morris-Motivational Speaker
Black History Program
Connors State College hosted motivational speaker and inspiration for the Disney movie “The Rookie”, Jim Morris on campus Thursday, February 27. This event was sponsored by Gear Up and EOSC. The Connors State Campus and surrounding Communities were invited to attend the speech held at the Dr. Nero Fine Arts Auditorium.
The Connors State NAACP club sponsored a Black History Program on February 26. 2025. Dr. Lynett Rock, Mrs. Chrsitina Connor, and Blane Newfield were honored as Freedom Fighters of the year. Guest speakers Mr. Alan Gordon, Warner Public Schools, and Ms. Angie Lane, Bursar, Connors State College, di an outstanding job, and the event was also blessed with performances from the Warner High School Choir under the direction of Shelley Beck. The NAACP club hosted several activities throughout the month of February to promote Diversity in Love and Unity. Ms. Carneta Cooper serves as the employee advisor of the Connors State NAACP Club. Black History Program
All School Homecoming
Connors State College crowned Grace Riley as Homecoming Queen and Mr. Ely Brooks as homecoming King on Saturday, February 15, 2025. A total of 13 couples participated representing many of our campus groups. The Basketball Game and Homecoming Festivities had been rescheduled from Thursday, April 13 due to inclement weather All School Homecoming
Intramural Sports
Our Student Activities group took students to OSUIT in Okmulgee, OK to compete against their Intramural basketball team. Plans are underway to host OSUIT on the Warner campus in both basketball and disc golf.
Terrarium Workshop
The CSC Library hosted Faculty, Staff, and students for a Terrarium workshop presented by our Horticulture program
Alumni News
In Memoriam: Honoring the Life of Frank J. Klucevsek III (1947 – 2025)
Frank J. Klucevsek III, a cherished Connors State College alumnus and treasurer of the Connors State College Alumni and Friends Association, passed away on February 8, 2025.
As a student from 1965 to 1967, Frank excelled as a scholarship athlete in baseball and football while serving as vice president of his freshman class. Most importantly, it was at Connors that he met his beloved wife, Evelyn, with whom he shared over 56 years of marriage.
Frank’s dedication to CSC endured throughout his life, He played an important leadership role in the alumni association, helping raise scholarship funds for future students. Beyond Connors, he kas a pillar of his community serving as a volunteer firefighter, town council member, and eventually mayor of Chouteau. His unwavering commitment to education, athletics, and public service left a lasting legacy on CSC and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Source: Shipman’s Funeral Home
Alumni Scholarships
This spring, three deserving CSC students were awarded $1500.00 scholarships, thanks to the generous support of our alumni association
CSC Alumni and Friends Board Member Search
We’re looking for passionate individuals to help shape the future of our alumni community. Interested or know of someone who would be a great addition? Submit Information Here
CSC Alumni & Friends Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame is the highest honor the CSC Former Student association can bestow, recognizing outstanding achievements that bring distinction to Connors State College. Know someone deserving?
Nominate Here
Alumni Recruitment Drive
CSC alumni volunteers are hosting a booth at community events to recruit new members for the Alumni Association. Know of a great event or an alumnus interested in joining the association? Contact Dr. Lori Palmer at lori.palmer@connorsstate.edu
New Alumni Webpage Launching Soon
Stay tuned for the launch of our new Alunni webpage, featuring past newsletters, alumni interviews, event updates, membership benefits, & more. There will be a direct link on the front page connorsstate.edu
Alumni Interview Project
The Ogdon Family Museum Alumni Interview Project is preserving the stories of our alumni, students, and faculty. Interested in sharing your Connors experience or know someone with a great CSC story? Contact Dr. Lori Palmer at lori.palmer@connorsstate.edu
Recent Alumni Interview:
• Jim (1965-1967) and Marjorie (1966-1968) Hamric
Past Alumni Interviews:
• Larry (1972-1974) and Arland (1974-1975) Callison
• Bill Day (1963-1965)
• The 1985 CSC Women’s Championship Basketball Team
Upcoming Alumni Events:
• Quail and Pheasant Shooting Sports Banquet, Feb. 28, 6pm Student Union**UPDATED DATE**
• NJCAA Region 2 Basketball Tournament, Rougher Village, Muskogee, OK March 12-15
• Rodeo and Equine Alumni Banquet and Fundraiser-March 29, 6pm Student Union
• 78th Annual Aggie Day – April 3, All Day, on campus
• CSC Masters Collegiate Judging Competition, Fred Williams Indoor Arena
• CSC Baseball at Tulsa Drillers Stadium: Join us on April 14, 2024, as the Cowboys face off against NEO.
• CSC Softball Vs. NEO: April 24, OSU Cowgirl Softball Facility-Stillwater, OK
• CSC Graduation-May 9, 7pm-Rougher Village, Muskogee, OK
• Gator Giveaway, -May 10, 6pm
• Alumni Gala and Fundraiser “Cowboy and Caviar”-November 8, 2025 (more information below)
First Annual Alumni Celebration and Fundraiser “Cowboys and Caviar”
Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Cedar Creek Ranch, Eufaula, OK.
This event will include Dinner, Alumni HOF inductions, Silent Auction, Live Auction, Music, dancing, fun, and games. This will be a great opportunity for Alumni to reconnect with friends and celebrate their legacy at Connors State College Proceeds to support the Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund. More details to Follow
Stay Connected!
Click the icon above to Donate to the Alumni Association, a Team or Program, through the Connors State Development Foundation
Please take a moment to complete this survey from the Alumni Association by clicking the “get started” icon.
Connors State Podcast
Check out the Connors State Podcast Here
Connors Connection
Check out the latest issue of the Connors Connection Here
CSC Alumni Newsletter Contributors
Angie Lane, CSC Bursar, lanea@connorsstate.edu
Athletics
Debra Mullen, Adjunct Instructor/Club Sponsor, Deborah.mullen@okstate.edu Agriculture
Dr. Lori Palmer, Academic Division Chair, lori.palmer@connorsstate.edu Alumni News
Brandy McElyea, CSC Foundation, brandy.mcelyea@connorsstate.edu
Kevin Isom, Director of IT, kevinwi@connorsstate.edu
Callie Connolly, Business Instructor, callie.connolly@okstate.edu
Jake Lawson, VP for Student Affairs, Jacob.lawson@connorsstate.edu
Special Thanks to CSC IT and CSC Marketing for their continued support!
Contributor
Contributor
Contributor
Campus Life