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
March Madness!!!! Both basketball programs battled and represented the Orange Nation well in the Region II tournament. The Cowgirls defeated Redlands to advance to the semifinals. Despite their hard-nosed play they were defeated by the #1 seed Murray State. The Cowgirls ended their season with a record of 13-18. They started a bit sluggish but finished the season strong and plan to take this energy into the off-season.
The Cowboys claimed the title of Region II Champs for the second year in a row. The Cowboys sailed through the Region II tournament defeating NOC-Enid 70-55, Western Oklahoma 80-48, and NEO 7559. The tournament win punched their ticket to the National Championship Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas for the third time in four years. The Cowboys defeated John A Logan College 8075 to advance to the Sweet 16. This matchup was with the #1 seed Snow College and the game was a nail-bitter that came down to a buzzer beating shot from Cowboy DJ Dormu. The Cowboys defeated Snow College 63-62 advanced them to the Elite 8 to play Daytona State College. The matchup between these two teams was yet another nail-biting contest. The Cowboys took the lead with seven seconds left and held on to win the game 66-65. With this win the Cowboys advanced to the Final Four for the second straight season, this time matching up against the 4 seed South Plains. The cowboys battled hard in yet another close game and defeated South Plains 80-74. The battle for the National Championship came down to an exciting game of basketball that could also be described as
a dog fight between 17 seed Connors State and 7 seed Trinity Valley. Despite their valiant efforts and the never say quit attitude they played with all year; the Cowboys were defeated 69-61. This season has been an emotional rollercoaster for the coaching staff and the team. After the loss of Momma Muse, the team dedicated the season to her honor. We are confident Momma Muse had the best seat in the house and had the heavens cheering for her boys. The Cowboys ended their season with a record of 32-4, Region II Champs, and NJCAA Division 1
National Runner-Up.
Both Cowboy Baseball and Cowgirl Softball are in full swing and conference play has been exciting and challenging. The Cowboys are currently 27-10 and leading the conference with a conference record of 75. Cowboys Wally Diaz and Trevor Rowe are in the top five for runs batted in and homeruns. Diaz is number one in both categories with 46 rbi’s and 12 homeruns. Rowe has 38 rbi’s and 9 homeruns. Cowboy Christian Suarez is also in the top five for home runs with 7. Cowboy Daury Manzanillo is keeping the base paths hot with 10 stolen bases with ties him for second in the conference. Three Cowboy pitchers are in the top five for number of strikeouts. Kason Johnson is leading the conference
with 47 while Diego Ramos and Luis Polanco are tied for third with 43. As you can see from the standings below, the conference is tight. While the Cowboys are leading the conference, there is a three-way tie for second place. The remaining conference battles will definitely be exciting!
The Cowgirls are struggling a bit as they begin conference play, but the reigning Region II Champs are heating up and will be a force to be reckoned with for the remaining half of the season. The Cowgirls are 3-9 in conference but 17-15 for the season. Cowgirl Katelyn Fleming is leading the conference in batting average with an impressive .467 and also leading with 35 runs batted in. Cowgirl Kambri Johnson is in a two-way tie for first place in the conference for home runs with 10. Cowgirl pitcher Brooklyn Ellis is representing the team well with an era of 2.70 and 33 strike outs. The remaining season will be an exciting challenge for the reigning Region II Champs, but they are ready to compete!
Agriculture News
Archery Team
The56thUSAArcheryIndoorNationals:
ConnorsState’sBarebowTeam(CorieBarnesandCieraDunn)placed8thintheNationamong 34CollegiateBarebowTeams!
CoachJohnnyKingstated,“ThesetwoBarebowFemaleshaveworkedveryhardandhave certainlyearnedthatposition.TheConnorsStateCollegeCollegiateArcheryTeamhasnever placedthiswellinaNationalBarebowContest.TheseyoungfemaleBarebowArchersare pioneersforCSCinourjourneytothetop.”
CoachKingwentontosay,“Corieranked13thintheNationamong137BarebowCollegiate Femalecompetitors Cieraranked18thinthesamecategory.ThatmeanswehadtwoBarebow femalesinthetop20.”
Corieranked12thintheNationamongU21BarebowFemales.Cieraranked16thintheNation amongU21BarebowFemales.
CoachKingadded,“MelanieBoxrepresentedCSCsecuring10thplaceintheTradRecurveSenior Womenclass.MelanieisourfirstfemaleTrad-bowcompetitorever,andsheisourfirstTrad competitorataNationalcontest.”
ColtonIngersollplaced87thinhisverycompetitiveCompoundSeniorMen'sclassand48thin CompoundCollegiateMen.
TheteamalsoattendedandenjoyedtheircontestinLasVegas:The2025VegasShoot-World FamousArcheryTournament
Shotgun Sports
The Connors State Shotgun Sports Team attended the OSU shoot held at the Oklahoma City Gun Club in February. Shotgun Coach Chris Driskill stated, “They were able to perfect some important skills they will be taking with them to Nationals that will be held in San Antonio, Texas, March 16 – 23.” At Nationals the team will be competing against over 1200 students from across the nation in 6 events with a total of 600 targets.
Show Team
Coach Stetson May stated that the Connors Show Team’s season has completed their spring shows and have now moved into the community service part of the team events. They have been helping work rings and make everything run smoothly at the Local shows and Muskogee Regional. They will be working the heifer rings at OYE while also doing some recruiting. They will finish up the year helping work Aggie Day and the Spring Bull Sale.
AG Ambassadors
The Ag Ambassadors have been busy packing thousands of packets for Connors State’s 78th Aggie Day Interscholastic Meet coming up on April 3rd. Ag Division Chair Debby Golden said they are expecting 2500 students for the contest.
The Ag Ambassadors helped with the Muskogee County and the Muskogee Regional Livestock Shows in February and have been busy setting up booths at places such as Maricopa County in Arizona and Leflore County in Oklahoma. They also worked the heifer ring at the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) March 11 –21.
Coach Stetson May and the Show Team preparing bulls for the April 10th Bull Sale
Rodeo Team
March7th –9ththeConnorsStateRodeoTeamattendedthecollegerodeohostedinFortScott, Kansas.SteerWrestlerKixFentonwontheshortroundandended4thoverallintheaverage. ThenextrodeoforourConnorsStateRodeoathletesisinGardenCity,KSApril4-6.
Steer Wrestler Kix Fenton
Equine Program
The Equine Program at Connors State College run by Rodeo Coaches Jimmie Bryant and Jake Walker is a program that broadens students’ knowledge of the horse while developing horsemanship skills. Coach Bryant explained that clientele bring in colts to be trained by Connors students who are in the program. The coaches then fit the horse with the student according to the student’s experience and confidence with the horse. Most of the horses only know how to lead and it is up to the student to get the horse used to being saddled and then broke to ride. The horses are ridden anywhere from 45 to 65 days. The students can earn a Certificate of Ag Equine Technology or apply it toward an Associates Degree in Agriculture. Through the certificate program, the students gain a broad knowledge of the overall equine industry and can choose to do an internship or go to work in an equine-related field because through this program they have gained the knowledge needed to work for anyone in the equine business. The week before Spring Break owners picked up their horses, and the week following Spring Break a new set of horses arrived at Connors for the students to start.
Meat Judging
CSCMeatsJudgingCoach,McKenzieSinclair,summeduptheirrecentcontestandtheprogress theyhavemadethisyearbystating,“WearebackfromourfinalspringcontestattheHouston LivestockShowandRodeo.NathanMeltontiedfor9thinlambjudgingandcameout15thin beefjudging.Wearecontinuallymakingprogressintherightdirectionandexcitedtofinishout inthefall.Theseroadtripsremindusofwhatjudgingisallaboutandtheamazingfriendsand connectionswehavemadethroughouttheseason.Theyaretrulywhatmakesthisindustryso special.”CongratulationstoCoachSinclairandtheMeatJudgingTeamforagreatfirstyear!
Katelynn Warriner and Roxanne Malchow on the colts they broke to ride.
Livestock Judging
LivestockJudgingCoachDanielLujanstated,“Houstonwasahugesuccessforourconcluding sophomoreteam!NotonlywasourveryownArdenPittmantheHighIndividualOverallbya substantial20pointmargin,additionally;theJuniorCollegeCoachesAssociationrecognized RhysLudlowasanHonorary16thselectionoftheAll-Americanteam.”
TeamMembersInclude:
ArdenPittman-Gruver,Texas
CallieBennett-Hope,NewMexico
LexiTerry-CaveSpring,Georgia
PeytonDugan-Shepardstown,WestVirginia
WyattJackson-Gentry,Arkansas
RhysLudlow-Oakdale,California
TeamResults
9thTeam
IndividualResults
ArdenPittman
2ndOverallAll-AmericanSelection
HighIndividualOverall
HighIndividualReasons
HighIndividualPlacings
HighIndividualSheep/Goats
3rdHighIndividualCattle
Seatedfromlefttoright:CallieBennett,WyattJackson, ArdenPittman,PeytonDugan,LexiTerry;Standing:CoachLujan
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
Equine and Rodeo Programs Honor Gold Buckle Club at Annual Fundraiser
The Equine and Rodeo programs hosted their annual Banquet and Fundraiser on Saturday, March 29. Many gathered for the Barbeque Dinner, Silent Auction, Raffle, and entertainment provided by CSC Alum Paul Bogart.
The Equine/Rodeo Programs introduced their first two members of the Gold Buckle Club. Mr. David George, Crowder, OK has been sending colts to the Equine Program since its inception in 1979. Descendants of World Champion Cutting Horse Drying Time, Bar Star Jodie and Jodie’s Gold Star have been coming to college for their first start at an education for many years. In addition to sending horses, Mr. George has hosted class field trips, judging workouts, training seminars, and several interns in addition to his time brining colts and demonstrating horsemanship skills on campus.
Longtime Ag Division Chair, Ms. Debby Golden, was the other inaugural inductee to the CSC Gold Buckle Club. Ms. Golden plans to retire at the end of this academical school year, and her investment in the Division of Agriculture, and the Equine and Rodeo programs go beyond her day-to-day activities. Not only did Ms. Golden lead the Division of Agriculture for 20+ years, she taught High School Agriculture prior to her time at CSC. Ms. Golden’s influence in the campus green houses will leave an impact for many years to come. Student Oriented, Ms. Golden will be missed by Faculty, staff, and students alike.
In addition to the Honorees, the programs gave out 8 individual scholarships to 6 different Equine and Rodeo Students from the Fred Williams Endowed Scholarship, Erin Duncan Endowed Scholarship, and the John Henderson Stigler Foundation Scholarship.
CSC Hosted Travel abroad students from Denmark
On Friday, March 28, Connors State College (CSC) hosted 27 students from Denmark as part of a Study Abroad Exchange program with College 360 in Denmark. The visiting students spent time at the Gary Harding Research Ranch, enjoying fishing in the ponds and receiving an introductory archery lesson from Coach Johnny King. They also
participated in building flower arrangements at the Greenhouse, rode horses at the Fred Williams Indoor Arena, and challenged our college team to some gaming in the E-Sports lab. The Connors State College students participating in the study abroad program will be traveling to Denmark in May to participate in reciprocal activities and collaborative learning experiences with the Danish students as part of this exchange.
Azalea Cleanup
Connors State College participated in the Annual Muskogee Cleanup prior to the Azalea Festival and Festivities. Faculty, Staff, and Students picked up trash on I mile of highway from in front of the Muskogee campus back up to Casey’s Convenient store.
Alumni News
In Memoriam: Kenneth “Ken” L. Hodges (1946 – 2025)
Kenneth “Ken” Leroy Hodges, a lifelong member of the Connors State College community, passed away on February 18, 2025. Growing up in Warner, he was part of the “Connors Kids,” a special group of faculty children, as his father Robert A. Hodges, was a pioneering force behind Connors' renowned agriculture program. Ken’s father established the Bull Test, Aggie Day, and formalized the agriculture judging teams, while also earning recognition for the college with championship Holstein and Hereford cattle herds and Duroc hogs. Ken continued his family’s legacy at Connors, attending the college after graduating from Warner High School in 1964 before furthering his education at Northeastern State University. Throughout his diverse career, he made an impact as a history teacher, basketball and baseball coach, sports official, financial advisor, and business owner. Ken’s passion for education, athletics, and community service leaves a lasting legacy, and his family’s long-standing contributions to Connors State College will be remembered for generations. Source: Cornerstone 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
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:
Upcoming Alumni Events:
Sam (2024-2016) and Zadie (2014-2016) Stamper Alumni Interview
Past Alumni Interviews:
• Larry (1972-1974) and Arland (1974-1975) Callison
• Bill Day (1963-1965)
• The 1985 CSC Women’s Championship Basketball Team
• Jim (1965-1967) and Marjorie (1966-1968) Hamric
• 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)
Save the Date for the 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
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Connors State Podcast
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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!
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Campus Life