Muskogee Phoenix Fall Sports 2023

Muskogee. It ’s who we are.

Born and raised Muskogee proud. He’s cared for his neighbors for 25 years, now, Donald is more than just a par t of the Saint Francis family—he’s par t of our promise to improve the health of the communities we call home.

Donald Mayes • Certified Surgical Technologist

PUBLISHER Ed Choate

LAYOUT & DESIGN Joshua Cagle

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Joe Mack

muskog

MUSKOGEE 17 37

6 FORT GIBSON HILLDALE

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WARNER

ADVERTISING SALES Angela Jackson, Therese Lewis, Kris Hight

Muskogee Phoenix Fall Sports is published by the Muskogee Phoenix. Contents of the magazine are by the Muskogee Phoenix. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the Muskogee Phoenix.

Muskogee Phoenix Fall Sports, P.O. Box 1968, Muskogee OK 74402. email publisher@muskogeephoenix.com - Editorial: (918) 684-2929

Advertising and distribution: (918) 684-2804

Welcome to the second issue of the Muskogee Phoenix Fall Sports 2023. This magazine celebrates high school sports and all its pageantry. This edition highlights fall sports and those who make it a thrilling experience.

Here you will find team photos of Green Country’s finest as they participate in fall sports and the activities that support them including band, cheerleaders, twirlers, pom, flag corps and others.

This magazine features Muskogee,

Hilldale, Fort Gibson and Warner high schools.

Parents, grandparents and supporters will be able to cherish this commemorative keepsake for years.

We thank our advertisers and all those who helped prepare this magazine.

We offer a special thanks to Ruth Kelly Studio, which provided the majority of the photos. This magazine would not have been possible without Ruth Kelly Studio.

Thank you for taking the time to enjoy this magazine.

— Ed Choate,

Publisher

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Performance pointers can help student athletes avoid injury

By Phoenix Content Services

Use diet to athletes’ advantage

A healthy diet benefits people from all walks of life, and it can be especially beneficial for student athletes. Precisely what defines a healthy diet depends on variables specific to the athletes, such as age and gender, but Nemours Childrens Health notes that balance is vital for teenage athletes. Avoid cutting back on carbohydrates, which provide fuel for young athletes. When choosing carbs, opt for fruits, vegetables and whole grains instead of sugar-laden options like candy bars. In addition, calcium and iron can be vital to young athletes looking to avoid injury. Protein is important for athletes, but Nemours notes that most teenage athletes who eat healthy diets already get ample protein. As a result, protein powders and shakes are not necessary for teenage muscle growth.

Make a good night’s rest part of athletes’ routine

A good night’s rest is vital for student athletes, as it ensures they aren’t playing tired. Tired athletes have slower reaction times and that can increase injury risk. Adequate sleep also benefits athletes’ performance. A 2015 study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that athletes who increased their nightly sleep from seven to nine hours experienced significantly improved performance after doing so.

Emphasize the rules of the game

The rules of the game aren’t in place solely to encourage fair play. Rules also are designed to keep athletes safe. For example, student athletes who play contact sports, including football and soccer, should be taught proper ways to tackle so they can avoid injuring themselves and others. Coaches can reinforce these lessons during practices and even games if the need arises.

Prioritize offseason conditioning

Rest and recovery is vital for any athlete, but especially student athletes whose bodies are still growing and changing. Offseasons have largely fallen by the wayside, but parents can protect their student athletes by encouraging them to avoid year-round competition. During periods when student athletes aren’t competing, they can forgo in-season workout routines to reduce their risk for overuse injuries while also improving their conditioning through cardiovascular workouts. Running on a treadmill, using an elliptical machine and/or swimming are great activities that make it easy for student athletes to keep their bodies in shape as their muscles and joints recover from the season.