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Saturday-Sunday, May 22-23, 2021
a night to remember 2021 best of tri-county preps
Student of the Year wins Jeep Renegade from Patriot Auto Group Connor Benn plans to study nursing
Tatton Manning, left, and Seth Knighton of Patriot Auto Group present the Jeep Renegade to Tri-County Preps Student of the Year Connor Benn. DOUG HOKE | The Oklahoman
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fter an awards banquet held May 3, Connor Benn, of Meeker, drove home in a brand new Jeep Renegade from Patriot Auto Group — his prize for winning Best of Tri-County Area Preps Student of the Year. One of 16 finalists, Benn was chosen based on his academic achievements and service to the community. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Benn was selected as one of The Shawnee News-Star and Patriot Auto Group Students of the Month for February. “Connor Benn is the epitome of the model student,” Meeker High School Counselor and nominator John Bolander said. “His commitment to serving and helping others is exceptional for a student as active as he is in the community and school.” He said Benn is actively involved in his community through the Meeker Chapter of FFA, as well as his church. For example, Benn became instrumental in the school’s recognition of our veterans on Veterans Day for the past couple years, Bolander said. “He has worked tirelessly on the beautification project,” he said. “Conner has spent nearly 200 hours in the past three years with two food projects to provide food for needy families in the Lincoln County area,” Bolander said. “He spent another 100 hours working for various school programs with the elementary students reading, community blood drives and raising money for the FFA programs.” Meeker High School FFA Adviser Logan Johns said Benn sets a good example for others to follow in the school, community, state and nation. “He is grounded and motivated and constantly works to follow the right path,” Johns said. “His passion for agricultural education, other students, and this organization never ceases to amaze me.” Johns said Benn knows how to motivate and encourage students while getting them involved.
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“His likable and approachable personality easily sets him apart,” he said. Johns said four distinguishing characteristics — passion, work ethic, morality and compassion — are easily seen through Benn’s actions for others. Benn said winning the brand new Jeep was an incredible feeling. “I really didn’t expect to win it at all, and was just blessed to have been considered for one of the scholarships,” he said. “I’m not going to lie, when they announced my name I wasn’t sure if it was actually me, so I was hesitant. But when my family started going crazy I knew it was me.” He said he is very thankful for the opportunity and is beyond excited to have received the car. Benn will be heading to Rose State College for his first two years — on the State Regent Scholarship and as part of the President’s Leadership Class. He said he plans to major in nursing — somewhat following in his mother’s footsteps. “She is a nurse, but went the administrative route,” he said. “I want to be a nurse anesthetist.” Benn said he loves working with people. “A nurse anesthetist is usually one of the last people you see before going under for any surgery or procedure,” he said. “If I can help make that process more comfortable — or even less nerve-racking, then I feel like that is where I can help best.” Though he hasn’t formulated any concrete plans after graduating college, he is leaning toward staying in the state, maybe moving more rural, he said. Benn’s parents are Martin and Trina Benn.
— Vicky O. Misa, Shawnee News-Star, USA Today Network
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Athletes of the Year awards
Piper McNeil | Shawnee High School
Isaiah Willis | Shawnee High School
FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Piper McNeil – Shawnee $500 scholarship
MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Isaiah Willis – Shawnee $500 scholarship
For the second straight year, Piper McNeil has achieved this award. She was once again a state champion in the 100-yard backstroke and 200 individual medley, along with being a part of two state championship relay teams. She tied her own state record in the 100 backstroke with a time of 55.67 seconds. She was also a part of the Lady Wolves state champion 200 freestyle relay and 200 individual medley relay teams. A few weeks after the high school season, McNeil won the 100 backstroke in the speedo spring sectionals. She set three USA swimming Oklahoma/open long course records in the 50 100 and 200 backstrokes. She just missed the Olympic trials time standard by 0.4 seconds.
FFA Student of the Year: Paisley Sturgill – Bethel $500 scholarship Sturgill has served as a chapter officer for three years, and is currently serving as the chapter President. Paisley shows goats and has participated in numerous speech contests, livestock judging competitions, Vet Med Team, the Opening/Closing Ceremonies Team, Greenhand Quiz, an participated in the FFA Greenhand Creed contest. Paisley has attended multiple leadership opportunities in FFA that include Alumni Camp, Made for Excellence, and Advanced Leadership Development. This student has been a voting delegate Paisley Sturgill visits with Randy Gilbert, left, Rep. Dell Krebs, right, and others after at the State FFA Convention and attended the National FFA Convention. being named the FFA Student of the Year. DOUG HOKE | The Oklahoman
Isaiah Willis had a magnificent season on the track and the basketball court for Shawnee High School. He has won numerous track events this spring in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and long jump, along with being a part of several winning relays. His season is still ongoing. On the basketball floor, Willis was a vital part of the Wolves’ run to a Class 5A state tournament berth after averaging 12.1 points and 8.1 rebounds while shooting 65.6% from the floor this season and 59.6% for his career.
Courage Award: Devon Lamb – Asher As a freshman, Devon Lamb reported to fall baseball camp before Aug. 2019, weighing 260 pounds. He found himself too heavy for any varsity playing time and was often the recipient of some harsh name-calling. Over the course of the following year, Lamb changed his diet and training regimen and lost 100 pounds. This year, as a sophomore, he was a starter on both the baseball and basketball teams. His change has led to a lot of hard food choices and he can often be seen running 3-5 miles multiple days of the week.
PLAYER of THE YEAR winners $250 scholarship Baseball: Ike Shirey – Dale Heading into the final week of the regular season, senior shortstop Ike Shirey had a .500 batting average with one home run, 10 doubles and 26 runs batted in while hitting in the leadoff spot for the Pirates. He also owned a team-leading 14 stolen bases. When he was pitching he produced a 3-1 record with a 3.23 earned run average.
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MALE CROSS COUNTRY: RILEY RANDALL – MEEKER Riley Randall won the class 3A State Cross Country meet after posting a time of 16:43.09. Riley was also a regional champion. He’s only a sophomore and has an exciting future ahead.
male wrestler: Elijah Reece – McLoud Elijah Reece claimed third place at 126 pounds at the Class 3A state wrestling tournament. He earned a victory in his first-round match but lost to the eventual state champion in the semifinals. He then won his next two matches, the last of which by fall, to secure third place. He ended the year with a 32-3 record.
CONGRATULATIONS Isaiah Willis & Piper McNeil
female wrestler: jordan blair – bethel Jordan Blair took second place at 107 pounds for the Lady Wildcats after going 2-1 at the Girls State Wrestling Tournament. She won her first two matches by falls and was pinned in a lengthy match in the state finals. It was her second straight runner-up finish at the state tournament.
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Student of the Year finalist awards $500 Scholarship winners Scholarships in the amount of $500 each were awarded to four of Benn’s fellow student finalists: Noah Drew, of Bethel; Daniel King, of Shawnee; Cale Richardson, of Dale, and MacKenzie Steele, of Shawnee.
Noah Drew | Bethel High School
Daniel King | Shawnee High School
Cale Richardson | Dale High School
MacKenzie Steele | Shawnee High School
$250 Scholarship winners The remaining 11 finalists won $250 scholarships.
They are Jaryn Adamek, of Bethel; Kaycee Babek, of Meeker; Kayla Casteel, of Shawnee; Kylee Greenwalt, of Dale; Haley Kidney, of Bethel; Isaac Mohr, of Bethel; Callie Roberts, of Prague; Paisley Sturgill, of Bethel; Hannah VanDenBrand, of Chandler; Chandler Wilson, of Bethel; and Kulson Yates, of Tecumseh.
Jaryn Adamek | Bethel
Kaycee Babek | Meeker
Callie Roberts | Prague
Kayla Casteel | Shawnee
Paisley Sturgill | Bethel
Kylee Greenwalt | Dale
Hannah VanDenBrand | Chandler
PLAYER of THE YEAR winners $250 scholarship
Haley Kidney | Bethel
Chandler Wilson | Bethel
Isaac Mohr | Bethel
Kulson Yates | Tecumseh
Winner of the 2021 Best of Preps
Volleyball
Player of the Year
FAST PITCH SOFTBALL: TATUM SPARKS – SHAWNEE Megyn Walker
Tatum Sparks had a fantastic senior season in which she was selected to the Large East All-State team. Her efforts helped guide the Lady Wolves into the Class 5A state tournament. Tatum’s individual statistics included a team-best .538 batting average. She led the team in home runs with 14, doubles with 14, RBIs with 53 and runs scored with 54. She also stole 29 bases and only struck out twice during the season. Tatum will continue her playing career at Oklahoma State University.
FEMale CROSS COUNTRY: LEAh BrANNON – CHANDLER Leah Brannon is a junior who placed eighth in the Class 3A state Cross Country Championships. Her time was 12:43.56. During this spring’s track season, Brannon has been a part of Chandler’s 4x400 relay team, which is ranked No. 1 in class 3A.
FEMale Basketball: PARKER STEVENSON – bethel Parker Stevenson is only a sophomore, and was named North Canadian River Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year. She averaged 18.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.6 assists. When Bethel beat Harrah, she had a 40-point, 10-rebound performance. In that game, she knocked down 11 of 18 shots, including three 3-pointers, and was 15-of-17 from the foul line.
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Winner of the 2021 Best of Preps
Fast Pitch
Player of the Year
Tatum Sparks Shawnee
Male Basketball: Dayton Forsythe – Dale Dayton averaged 19 points and seven rebounds for the Class 2A state semifinalist Dale Pirates. He shot 52.9% from the floor overall, including 59.7% within the arc and 34.8% from 3-point range. He’s an automatic free- throw shooter and also averaged 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals.
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4Z • Saturday-Sunday, May 22-23, 2021
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2021 AWARD FINALISTS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK HONOREES
FFA
boys cross country nominees
Danyn Lang, Dale
Isabel Webb, Shawnee
Nate Lester, Prague
Lane Williams, Shawnee
Olivia Bellah, McLoud
Kane Ainesworth, Tecumseh
Tori Lester, Prague
Isaiah Willis, Shawnee
Aleciea Bienhoff, North Rock Creek
Braxton Bussell, Meeker
Anneca Anderson, Shawnee
Bryce Marshall, Seminole
Hallie Wilson, Shawnee
Connor Benn, Meeker
Jordan Coody, North Rock Creek
Sam Anderson, Shawnee
Amaya Martinez, Shawnee
Caden Wolford, Meeker
Maddie Frazier, Meeker
Dez Loving, Bethel
Addie Bell, Dale
Kate Masquas, North Rock Creek
Easton Wurtz, Seminole
Berklee Gossen, North Rock Creek
Riley Randall, Meeker
Tawny Billy, Tecumseh
Joe Maytubby, Shawnee
Tori Hale, Prague
Andrew Shepard, Shawnee
Emily Bingham, Tecumseh
Mike McDonald, Asher
Jordan Blair, Bethel
Piper McNeil, Shawnee
Clint Campbell, McLoud
Aubrie Megehee, Shawnee
Selah Citizen, Shawnee
Corey Metscher, Bethel
Maddie Conley, Dale
Tanner Morris, Shawnee
Zach Cook, Meeker
Tristyn Napier, Shawnee
Trip Davis, Prague
Cadence Oliver, Tecumseh
Katelyn Fleming, Tecumseh
Jaylon Orange, Shawnee
Dayton Forsythe, Dale
Kylie Peters, Shawnee
Dalton Fowble, Chandler
Gage Porter, Bethel
Diego Garcia, North Rock Creek
T.J. Ramsey, Bethel
Collin Gibson, McLoud
Riley Randall, Meeker
Karsen Griggs, Dale
Brooklyn Rutland, Dale
Tahlan Hamilton, Asher
Callie Sellers, Meeker
Sam Hartman, Dale
Ayzia Shirey, Tecumseh
Bristin Hayes, Tecumseh
Ike Shirey, Dale
Kyle Helie, Shawnee
Tatum Sparks, Shawnee
Kailey Henry, Shawnee
Parker Stevenson, Bethel
Makenzy Herman, Dale
Sierra Streater, Earlsboro
Makenzy Herman, Dale
Casmen Hill, Chandler
Harley Sturm, Tecumseh
Emilia Idleman, Dale
Carson Hunt, Dale
Caleb Summerlin, McLoud
Danyn Lang, Dale
Serenity Jacoway, Tecumseh
Jesse Tucker, Bethel
Ayzia Shirey, Tecumseh
Kaden Jones, Chandler
Hannah VanDenbrand, Chandler
Tatum Sparks, Shawnee
Anna Jordan, Shawnee
Luke Waddell, Shawnee
Harley Sturm, Tecumseh
Tahnya Kennedy, Earlsboro
Kenzli Warden, Tecumseh
Carly Torbett, Shawnee
Daniel King, Shawnee
Vcake Wassana, Seminole
Holli Ladd, Seminole
Eva Webb, Shawnee
STUDENT OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Lily Herron, North Rock Creek
Jaryn Adamek, Bethel
Cooper Kline, North Rock Creek
Kaycee Babek, Meeker
Isaac Mohr, Bethel
Connor Benn, Meeker
Mattie Rich, Prague
Kayla Casteel, Shawnee
Callie Roberts, Prague
Noah Drew, Bethel
Trenton Sears, Tecumseh
Kylee Greenwalt, Dale
Maycee Spain, McLoud
Haley Kidney, Bethel
Landon Strech, Prague
Daniel King, Shawnee
Paisley Sturgill, Bethel
Isaac Mohr, Bethel
Isabel Webb, Shawnee
Cale Richardson, Dale
Langston Yort, Shawnee
Callie Roberts, Prague MacKenzie Steele, Shawnee Paisley Sturgill, Bethel Hannah VanDenbrand, Chandler Chandler Wilson, Bethel Kulson Yates, Tecumseh
PLAYER of THE YEAR winners $250 scholarship FOOTBALL: JOE MAyTUBBY – SHAWNEE Joe Maytubby is a senior defensive end and tight end who was named Defensive Lineman of the year for the Wolves. He finished the year with 124 tackles, 16 quarterback sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception, which led to a touchdown. Offensively, he had 317 yards of receiving and scored four touchdowns. Joe will take his talents to the next level at the University of Central Oklahoma.
fast pitch player of the year nominees Anneca Anderson, Shawnee Addie Bell, Dale Haley Hacker, North Rock Creek
girls cross country nominees Leah Brannon, Chandler Kailey Henry, Shawnee Callie Sellers, Meeker Makenlee Shieldnight, Prague Laura Soler, Prague
football nominees Kane Ainesworth, Tecumseh Clint Campbell, McLoud Spencer Clagg, Chandler Collin Gibson, McLoud John Gordon, Bethel Casmen Hill, Chandler Joe Maytubby, Shawnee Corey Metscher, Bethel Jaylon Orange, Shawnee Ethan Rickey, Tecumseh Caden Wolford, Meeker Easton Wurtz, Seminole
Winner of the 2021 Best of Preps
Courage Award Congratulations to
Devon Lamb of Asher
slow pitch softball: Maddie Conley – Dale Maddie Conley owned a .683 batting average with a whopping 60 home runs and 144 runs batted in as the Lady Pirates went 40-2 and captured a Class 4A state slow pitch championship. Conley also possessed a massive 2.077 slugging percentage.
volleyball: megyn walker – tecumseh Megyn Walker, a senior setter, gathered several team awards, including co-offensive player of the year, co-defensive player and team most valuable player. Through the course of the season, Walker registered 199 digs and 41 kills. She also recorded 22 service aces and the Lady Savages were able to score 95 points off her serves.
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2021 AWARD FINALISTS Volleyball Player of the year nominees
Girls Wrestler of the year Nominees
Boys Basketball Player of the Year Nominees
Slow Pitch Player of the Year Nominees
Baseball Player of the Year Nominees
Chloe Carter, North Rock Creek
Jordan Blair, Bethel
Carter Crowe, Dale
Caty Baack, North Rock Creek
Bauer Brittain, Shawnee
Abigail Smith, North Rock Creek
Selah Citizen, Shawnee
Trip Davis, Prague
Kaycee Babek, Meeker
Dallen Forsythe, Dale
Dallen Forsythe, Dale
Icle Brewer, Meeker
Dylan Graham, Tecumseh
Dayton Forsythe, Dale
Maddie Conley, Dale
Garrett Leba, Asher
John Gordon, Bethel
Hannah Earlywine, North Rock Creek
Mike McDonald, Asher
Bryce Marshall, Seminole
Hannah Edmonds, Chandler
Cade McQuain, Dale
Noah McMullan, North Rock Creek
Karsen Griggs, Dale
Wes Olds, McLoud
Tanner Morris, Shawnee
Bristin Hayes, Tecumseh
Ike Shirey, Dale
Jaylon Orange, Shawnee
Grace Hulsey, Chandler
Krew Taylor, Shawnee
Isaiah Willis, Shawnee
Ayzia Shirey, Tecumseh
Koree Thompson, Tecumseh Megyn Walker, Tecumseh
Boys Wrestler of the year nominees
Girls Basketball player of the year Nominees Cheyenne Banks, McLoud Tawny Billy, Tecumseh
Sam Anderson, Shawnee
Lexi Boyer, McLoud
Kyle Helie, Shawnee
Holli Ladd, Seminole
Dez Loving, Bethel
Danyn Lang, Dale
T.J. Ramsey, Bethel
Tori Lester, Prague
Elijah Reece, McLoud
Aubrie Megehee, Shawnee
Lane Williams, Shawnee
Parker Stevenson, Bethel Kenzli Warden, Tecumseh
event photographer Doug Hoke | The Oklahoman
CANDIDS
Elaine Witt, Dale
“I’m teaching her about finances & TFCU is there to help.” Cherjuan & daughter Machi members 11 years
Coaches of THE YEAR winners $250 Booster Club scholarship boys coach of the year: jeff edmonson – dale Coach Edmonson guided the Dale Pirates to a 21-5 record as they reached the Class 2A state semifinals in 2021.
Shawnee | 3923 N. Harrison Seminole | 2221 N. Milt Phillips girls coach of the year: andy powell – dale Coach Powell led the Dale Lady Pirates to a 36-5 record and Class 2A state runner-up finish in fast pitch softball. His spring slow pitch softball squad was 29-1 heading into the final week of the regular season and ranked No. 1 in Class 4A.
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AT THE CELEBRATION
Winner of the 2021 Best of Preps
FFA Student of the Year Paisley Sturgill Bethel FFA
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation is a proud sponsor of the Shawnee News-Star Best of Preps Awards
Jordan Blair OF BETHEL
FEMALE WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
Tatum Sparks OF SHAWNEE
FAST PITCH PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Riley Randall OF MEEKER
MALE CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER OF THE YEAR
Parker Stevenson OF BETHEL
FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Maddie Conley OF DALE
SLOW PITCH PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Leah Brannon OF CHANDLER
FEMALE CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER OF THE YEAR
Winners Unable to Attend:
Jeff Edmonson
Elijah Reece
BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR
MALE WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
Andy Powell
Ike Shirey
GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR
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BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Dayton Forsythe MALE BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Congratulations!
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BEST OF PREPS 2021
STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Connor Benn
Meeker Senior Awarded a Jeep Renegade from Patriot Auto Group for 2021 Best of Preps
Congratulations Connor!
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