19th Street Magazine August 2020

Unique vintage & eclectic modern

Live Boho

Annual 5K honors memory of runners

Moore War Run

Vet of the month

Gene Linville August 2020 • Issue 8 • Volume 3

This inserted material was paid for by the advertiser and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Oklahoman, it’s ownership, management and staff.

Thank You Norman Regional received an amazing outpouring of support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your generous donations, your shows of solidarity and your kind words have sustained our team of healers through these difficult times.

Words cannot express how much we appreciate our community.

You gave us strength and we passed on that strength on to our patients, their families and each other.

NRHFoundation.org

Features

AUGUST CONTENTS 2020

ISSUE 8– VOLUME 3 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

2020 Moore War Run

10 by Callie Collins

MANAGING EDITOR Lindsay Cuomo

Annual charity 5K brings rivals together, honors memory of local runners.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher

CONTRIBUTORS

Destined for Blue

14

by Bill Moakley

The Air Force has always been calling for a local vet.

Live Boho with Maggie Barnes

18

by Roxanne Avery

Unique vintage meets eclectic modern.

10

Roxanne Avery | Sharla Bardin Callie Collins | Lindsay Cuomo Steve Marshall | Bill Moakley Chris Plank | Jeffrey Whitson

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Tracie Gray - tracie@sportstalk1400.com Trevor Laffoon - trevor@sportstalk1400.com Perry Spencer - perry@sportstalk1400.com Jess Haralson - jess@sportstalk1400.com

PUBLISHER Randy Laffoon

Prevent Defense

22 by Lindsay Cuomo

Ortho Central, Norman Regional Foundation donates cooling tubs to area schools.

Explore More, Stress Less

26

by Sharla Bardin

MNTC offers new ‘Adventure Series’ courses for outdoor activities.

Promoting Oklahoma’s

28 Film Industry

by Sharla Bardin Conference at technology center covers business side of entertainment industry.

18

Boyd Street Magazine 2020 E. Alameda Norman, Oklahoma 73071 Phone: (405) 321-1400 E-mail: editor@boydstreet.com Copyright © Boyd Street Magazine Any articles, artwork or graphics created by Boyd Street Magazine or its contributors are sole property of Boyd Street Magazine and cannot be reproduced for any reason without permission.

Any opinions expressed in Boyd Street are not necessarily that of Boyd Street management.

The Chase for 8

32 by Chris Plank

The Sooner football team looks to advance once again to the College Football Playoff.

Moore Lions

40

by Jeffrey Whitson

After a storybook ‘19 season, the Lions look to make the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

32

Westmoore Jaguars

42 by Steve Marshall

The Jaguars look to return to postseason action for the first time in three years.

Southmoore Sabercats

44 by Steve Marshall

Former Sooner great Josh Norman takes over for the Sabercats.

Dream a Little Dream

48 by Roxanne Avery

Builders Association of South Central Oklahoma hosts Festival of Homes.

sportstalk1400.com

/boydstreetmagazine

@boydstreet

48

Cover photos by: Mark Doescher

COMM U N I T Y

BY: CALLIE COLLINS

2020 Moore War Run

Annual charity 5K brings rivals together, honors memory of local runners “With the kids we lost in February, with COVID, with isolation - we need something that brings a sense of community,” Scott concluded. “There really are some amazing young people in our community, especially if you take the time to get to know them.”

The 2020 Moore War Run is set to take place on Saturday, Aug. 29. The 5K is a fundraiser for the two alumni associations and all proceeds will benefit students at both schools.

Runner Joe Warfield, who was killed after being struck by a car at Lake Overholser last November, participated in the Moore War Run 10 times and will be honored as well.

Judy Scott, president of the Moore High School Alumni Association and alumna from the class of 1977, serves as volunteer coordinator each year.

This year’s t-shirt design will incorporate the names of those honored and a variety of signs will be placed along the last leg of the race.

“I tell people all the time, I would have walked away a long time ago if it was just planning reunions and had no contact with students,” she said. “I do it for the kids. All proceeds go back to the students in some form or fashion.”

Officially sanctioned by USATF, a nationally-recognized track and field organization, the event is timed by ChampionChips.

Participants can register online in advance or in person that morning. Registration is $30, but the cost for students is $15.

Group discounts are available.

Kelli Kinnamon of the Westmoore Alumni Association started helping with organizing efforts more than 12 years ago and has been involved as race director ever since. In response to what keeps Kinnamon motivated to continue organizing the race year after year, she cited a sense of community.

“It is so cool to see about 1,100 people together on a Saturday.

I don’t know how many people we’ll have this year but we’ll all be there supporting Moore’s students,” said Kinnamon. “It has become a great community event in the last several years.

A lot of people set up to cheer the runners on and they’re waiting at the finish. It brings the Moore community together.”

Scott agreed that the event is particularly unifying this year in recognition of the runners killed this past school year and also the present public health circumstances. Officials plan to honor the three Moore High School runners killed in a tragic hit and run accident that occurred during practice on Feb 3: sophomore Yuridia Martinez and seniors Rachel Freeman and Kolby Crum.

10 August 2020

A virtual option to complete the 5K on your own is also an option and social distancing will be part of this year’s race structure.

“We’ll start a wave and times will be registered when runners cross the start line,” explained Kinnamon. “There is the possibility that the event could cancel if the COVID-response situation is different at the end of the month. However, if not in person, we’re having an event virtually.”

In the event of cancellation, all fees will be considered a donation.

T-shirts will be provided to those who register in advance as well as those who choose to participate virtually and can also be purchased separately for $15. Register online at moorewarrun.com/register/. - 19SM

Photos by: Mark Doescher

W

hen it comes to Moore War, the rivalries run deep and emotions run high. But for a few hours each August, alums from Moore and Westmoore, as well as members of the community, put aside their differences to come together under one cause - the students.

COMM U N I T Y

BY: BILL MOAKLEY

Destined for Blue The Air Force has always been calling for a local vet.

PRESENTED BY

CENTURIONCG.NET

S

hortly after graduating from high school, with the Korean War raging, Gene Linville told his mother if he was going to Korea, it would be in a blue shirt instead of brown. In short, it was his way of saying he was joining the U.S. Air Force.

spend duty time in Morocco as a command post patroller.

“I went down and joined the Air Force, and as luck would have it, my first uniform was brown,” Linville laughed.

Linville was next scheduled to go to the Pentagon, an assignment he wasn’t thrilled with. He preferred a B-52 assignment in Altus, near to his wife’s family. He received an assignment at Clinton-Sherman Air Force, near Clinton.

The day Linville signed in at Clinton-Sherman, a young President John Kennedy would be assassinated in Dallas.

That would be just about the only blip on a brilliant career for the Michigan native who grew up in Toledo, Ohio.

“You can imagine the mess that things were in,” Linville recalled.

Linville started his Air Force career at Sampson Air Force in Geneva, New York. A tactical officer told Linville he had a choice between taking the Cadet Entrance Exam or pulling kitchen duty.

Linville, while at Clinton-Sherman, flew as a combat ready co-pilot and pilot. During the war in Vietnam, he spent time in Guam as an operations officer and afterwards finished his military as a flight instructor.

“Mom didn’t raise any dummy,” Linville explained. “I went and took the exam and I pretty well aced it.”

After a year of working in the insurance industry in Oklahoma and 12 years with the U.S. Postal Service, the Air Force would come calling again. Linville was asked to come to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City as a flight manual manager for the B-52 aircraft. With his 5,600 hours in the aircraft, there was no better fit. He also managed the B-2 flights.

At the time, there was a three-year wait for pilot training.

Linville decided to take an alternate route and became a navigator. He would be paired with a wing commander that took a liking to him. But he pulled some strings and shortly after Linville arrived for assignment in Alaska, orders came through for him to start pilot training without the three-year wait.

At the time he started that training, Linville married his future wife, a young lady from Altus, Oklahoma named Juanita Orr. He would complete training and received a fighter pilot assignment. However, he was working for the Strategic Air Command and ended up having his fighter assignment pulled and was assigned to B-47 duty in Lincoln, Nebraska. While in Nebraska, Linville was assigned to an elite crew that oversaw all flight crews, ensuring all flight duties were properly performed. He would also 14 August 2020

His wife passed away in 2013 and he later moved into the Norman Veterans Center, a place as which he has enjoyed living.

“These people here are a special brand,” Linville said. “I have nothing but total respect for them.”

As for his Air Force days, Linville enjoyed it all.

“When I got into the Air Force, I had no idea I wanted to make the military a career,” Linville concluded. “I was treated really nice. There were a few people who weren’t so nice, but I prefer to remember the nice people.” -19SM

WELCOME BACK

Moore Public Schools

MAKE YOUR MARK

#DoMooreBizLocal #ShopMooreLocal #EatMooreLocal

www.MooreChamber.com

B U S I N E SS

BY: ROXANNE AVERY

Live Boho with Maggie Barnes

Unique Vintage Meets Eclectic Modern

L

ocated in a former oil field supply warehouse, Live Boho is a locally owned store where vintage and modern meet to give you one of the most unique shopping experiences in the metro.

Everything you need for an eclectic mix of art, furnishings, lighting and curiosities can be found in this store.

Owner Maggie Burns said she opened her store seven years ago.

“My dad owned an oil field company and when that slowed down, I decided to take over a portion of his warehouse,” Burns explained. “I offered online shopping that quickly grew into a retail store, which led to design.”

She now owns the entire 10,600-squarefoot building and offers three services: retail shopping, design and staging.

Burns attributes word-of-mouth as to what brings customers to her store.

“We will have staged 200 homes in the last year and it’s all been word-ofmouth,” she said.

Burns and her crew stage model homes for builders, including two of the five properties in the Gallery of Homes at Rivendell and participated in the Parade of Homes.

Burns offers a layaway program that is

18 August 2020

especially beneficial for people who are building and want to buy things now.

“We hold items for up to 90 days and we deliver, install and even help customers hang pictures and arrange items they currently have in their homes,” she shared. “We’re trying to offer as much as we can to everyone in our local area.”

Plans are now underway to add an additional 6,500 square feet of retail space in the warehouse in order to offer more furniture and fun items.

According to Burns, green is the new navy in the world of design.

“Green is the biggest color right now and that’s in a range from moss green all the way to forest green,” she said.

“Brass, rose gold, mixed metals, natural fibers and humble materials are also very much in style right now.”

By definition, humble materials are items that aren’t costly or luxurious, and don’t draw attention to themselves. They are selected for use in residential design to modestly serve their purpose and include cardboard, whicker, rattan and anything that looks handmade.

Indoor, outdoor styling is also trending at market right now, she shared.

“Botanicals, things you think of for outdoors, people are now bringing indoors,” she explained. “Bringing the outside inside is how people are enjoying that aesthetic.”

Burns said another design trend is bold statement pieces with clean lines.

“People no longer want lots of little stuff; they are looking for big, oversized art such as one huge mirror or one huge painting.”

When the coronavirus shut businesses down, Burns said she didn’t know how they were going to survive, but she said she is thankful for local support.

“When we reopened in May, we’ve never had a more profitable two months in the history of our business.

People are more conscious now of supporting local businesses. I want to thank everyone who supports us and for shopping local.”

Live Boho, located at 3721 South I-35 Service Rd in Oklahoma City, is three miles south of downtown in an easyto-access industrial area and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about new arrivals and browse items online, follow Live Boho on Facebook. -19SM

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HE A LT H

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Prevent Defense

Ortho Central, Norman Regional Foundation donates cooling tubs to area schools

S

oaring temperatures can quickly turn dangerous or even deadly for athletes, and health officials expect student-athletes to be at a higher risk for heat related illnesses following weeks in quarantine.

“Heat exhaustion and stroke is an even bigger concern this year because kids have been stuck inside for months,” Dr. James Bond said, an orthopedic surgeon at Ortho Central.

“Not only do their bodies have to get acclimated to the hot weather (in less time), they also have to get reconditioned to strenuous workouts.”

Heat can negatively affect an athlete’s whole body, explained Dr. Ted Boehm, a sports medicine doctor also with Ortho Central.

“If an athlete’s core temperature is elevated for a long period of time, it can affect the brain and damage multiple other organ systems,” he warned.

According to the University of North Carolina’s National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research, 61 football players died from heat stroke between 1996 and 2018.

However, heat exhaustion and stroke are preventable with the right precautions and, as a result, the Norman Regional Health Foundation, in partnership with Ortho Central, donated cooling tubs to 37 Oklahoma high schools and middle schools so student athletes can practice safely this summer.

Boehm described the cooling tubs as potential lifesavers.

In total, more than 60 tubs were donated to local schools so that if a student displays signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, they can be placed in the icy tub to lower their body temperature while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

“The tubs will have a significant impact on athlete safety, offering a quick, cost effective treatment to lower core temperature,” he said. “They will also serve as a literal re-

22 August 2020

minder of the risks involved and what to do.”

Bond said time is a critical factor in improving the outcomes for athletes with heat related illnesses.

“It is critical to get the athlete’s core body temperature down as soon as possible,” he warned. “People are accustomed to calling 911 – which you should do as well – but don’t just sit and wait for an ambulance. You have to take action. Cool first, transport second.”

The process might seem simple and that’s exactly why it is an efficient step that saves lives, said Joe Waldron, an athletic trainer and manager of Norman Regional and Ortho Central’s sports medicine program.

Waldron and his team of athletic trainers work with several school districts including Norman and Moore and, through their Sports Medicine program, Ortho Central requested a grant from the Norman Regional Health Foundation to purchase and deliver cooling tubs to area schools.

The foundation awarded Ortho Central’s request with a $6,000 grant.

“This donation ensures young athletes get the care they need quickly and prevents families from experiencing the heartache of losing a child to heat stroke,” said Erin Barnhart, executive director of the Norman Regional Health Foundation.

Andy Sherrer, a foundation board member, echoed Barnhart’s sentiments and said the existing partnership between Norman Regional and local schools helped facilitate the donation, adding to the grant’s impact.

“When we can find a path to exponentially expand our impact through collaborative partnerships, we know we can make a real difference and that’s important,” Sherrer shared. -19SM

Our team at Ortho Central helps you turn setbacks into comebacks. Visit our free Saturday Injury Clinic for an evaluation for high school athletes’ sports injuries.

The Ortho Central team includes four orthopedic surgeons, a sports medicine physician, bone health experts, and physical therapists.

Our physicians are James Bond, MD; Ted Boehm, MD; Brian Clowers, MD; Richard Kirkpatrick, MD, and Zakary Knutson, MD.

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

Explore more, stress less

MNTC offering new ‘Adventure Series’ courses for outdoor activities

A

dventure awaits, and so do classes at Moore Norman Technology Center that can help equip you for the experience. The center is offering new Adventure Series classes for people interested in outdoor activities.

fidence, empowerment and enjoyment that can come from people who participate in outdoor activities.

Developing the Adventure Series classes has been a goal for Traci Saor, adult programs and industry coordinator.

Individuals must be at least 16 years old to enroll and have their own mask, fins and snorkel suitable for diving. No prior experience is required, and training materials and equipment will be provided for the class.

Courses this fall include open water diving, backpacking and cooking with a Dutch oven.

“It’s something I’ve been wanting to get off the ground for quite some time,” said Saor, an outdoor enthusiast herself.

She wanted to offer classes that would encourage people to get outdoors and learn new skills.

“It’s just something I love and wanted to share and it’s something different that we could offer the community,” she said.

Outside of her positon at the center, Saor works as a professional outdoor guide and has seen the increased con26 August 2020

The first class in the series is the open water diver course happening Aug. 6 to 12. The center is partnering with Sharky’s Scuba of Moore and participants can get their scuba diving certification in the course.

The Dutch oven cooking course is Sept.

19 and participants will learn about cooking methods, cleaning and caring for the cast iron and have the chance to sample a dish made in a Dutch oven.

The “Backpacking 101” class is on Oct. 1, and individuals will discuss gear selection, conditioning for hiking and backpacking safety. Other courses in the series will include geocaching, wilderness first aid and map and compass

reading, Saor said.

She hopes the classes will inspire a desire to explore the outdoors and said there are many perks associated with time spent in nature.

“There’s tons of research to show that it benefits us healthwise in so many ways,” she shared.

Saor also has noticed more people pursuing outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether people head outside for a change of scenery, for exercise or just to relax and recharge, Saor said time spent in the outdoors can help build skills, confidence and a connection to nature.

“I just think that when folks get outside and they learn something new and learn how self-sufficient they can be, it’s very powerful.”

For more information on the Adventure Series, visit www.mntc.edu. -19SM

MNTC ADVENTURE SERIES!

#OKHereWeGo! Classes in MNTC’s Adventure Series teach everything from Dutch oven cooking and lifesustaining survival skills while backpacking, to the excitement of open water diving!

Enroll now to start a new hobby and stretch your comfort zone! mntc.edu/adventure 405.801.5000 FRANKLIN ROAD CAMPUS: 4701 12th Ave. NW Norman, OK 73069

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

Promoting Oklahoma’s Film Industry

The Film Producers Summit Aug. 15, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cost is $29.

Enroll at www.mntc.edu/film

Conference at technology center covers business side of entertainment industry

A

one-day conference at Moore Norman Technology Center will focus on the people who play a pivotal role in the creation and completion of a film. The Film Producers Summit is Aug. 15 and will give individuals the opportunity to discover more about Oklahoma’s film industry.

The conference will be online and participants will have the chance to have live question-and-answer sessions with producers, said Jacob Snovel, adult programs coordinator at the center.

The summit is a way to enhance knowledge about the industry and “a way for us to get people interested in producing movies,” Snovel said.

“The overall goal is to promote movies as a viable and working industry that is shaped by blue collar workers and investors alike,” he said. “The focus is on giving filmmakers, and potential investors, business skills to think of their movies as a part of a manufacturing industry with a global export that puts Oklahomans to work and supports our economy.”

28 August 2020

This is the second year for the summit and this year’s event will take a closer look at the business side of films with information that can appeal to attendees who are interested in producing or investing in a film, entrepreneurs who want to create a production company and those interested in training and educational degrees available within the film community.

The summit also includes topics of interest for those working in film and video production, sound design, special effects and production management.

Attendees also will discuss state and union regulations for the industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as safety measures on sets.

In addition, the conference will explore aspects of producing a film including a producer’s role in selecting a project, securing financing, working with the director, cast and crew and distributing the film. Participants also will learn about career opportunities in the state’s film industry and how rebates and in-

centives are resulting in more projects in Oklahoma.

“The film scene is expanding quite a bit right now,” said Snovel, who also is a film producer.

Snovel said jobs in the field can appeal to people with a variety of abilities and backgrounds, such as those with organizational and management skills, talents in hair styling and makeup, construction expertise or individuals who want to start their own business.

Individuals interested in careers in the entertainment industry also can explore classes available at the technology center. Courses include those in digital cinema and TV production.

For more information, visit www.mntc. edu/film. For more information about the state’s film industry, visit the Oklahoma Film and Music Office’s website at okfilmmusic.org -19SM

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 31

S P O RT S

BY: CHRIS PLANK

The Chase for 8

SOONER REVIEW

PRESENTED BY

McIntyre Law is a proud supporter of OU athletics.

Contact McIntyre Law for all your personal injury needs 32 | July 2020

D

uring a recent Zoom press conference, Lincoln Riley could not help but smile, even chuckle, during a rare lighthearted moment in an offseason that has not had many.

With the focus centered on the return to campus for Sooner Football, something unique happened.

The Sooner head football coach was asked an actual football question.

“A football question, haven’t had many of those recently,” Riley responded.

As Oklahoma prepares for a season loaded with new names and new faces, this unprecedented offseason has been fueled by everything but on-thefield football talk.

the spring is not a potential option. I, for one, think it’s very doable.”

The Sooners must prepare for the unknown as well as a lot of unknowns on the field. OU must replace a Heisman runner-up at quarterback, a first round pick at wide receiver and mike linebacker and 51 percent of its rushing production and 69 percent of its receiving yards.

The talent is there, but the challenge to put it together on the field begins.

QUARTERBACK

Excitement over the perceived start of the Spencer Rattler era and a second season with Alex Grinch running the defense has been tempered. Most questions and concerns naturally shift towards whether Oklahoma will even get the opportunity to step on the field.

The Sooners got in only one spring practice before everything shut down, and with several key players to replace — most notably, quarterback — OU will have a lot of catching up to do once it gets everyone back on campus.

QB redshirt freshman Spencer Rattler is the clear favorite ahead of sophomore Tanner Mordecai, although Riley will almost certainly let it play out until a week or so before the season opener.

“I hope like hell we can play in the fall and do it as close as how we’ve always done it before,” Riley said. “If we can do that, I’m all for it, if that’s the best option. But we’ve seen, at least right now, that the hot weather doesn’t affect this [virus] very much, which we kind of hoped it would.”

“We didn’t have spring, but we’ve had so many opportunities to meet (with) these guys, and that has been awesome,” Riley said. “It’s time that we’ve never had and opportunities to cover things into a depth that we’ve never been able to have — ever — with any quarterback.”

The lead up to the season has been equal parts challenging and frustrating.

For the first time since 2013, the Sooners enter the season with a quarterback battle that does not feature a quarterback who has at least started a game in college. This is also the fourth season in a row where the Sooners will have a new starting quarterback. Despite a lack of experience, the 2020 competition may feature the most anticipated quarterback prospect to wear a Sooner uniform in years, Spencer Rattler.

“This season is going to be unlike any other,” Riley said, “We’ve got to prepare our team that way. So, in some ways, the preparation of your team is different.”

The Sooner coaches are having to prepare for a season where they truly have no idea what the season might look like or when the season could even take place. In fact, questions are still being asked about the possibility of college football happening in the spring.

“I think the people who say it’s not [an option], in my opinion, just don’t want to think about it,” Riley said. “I just think it would be wrong of us to take any potential option off the table right now. I think it’d be very difficult to say boydstreet.com

But, if there is one lesson we have learned under the leadership of Lincoln Riley, quarterback competitions are not coronations. They are true competitions.

“One of the keys to our situation at quarterback over the years has always been competition. Baker had to beat out Trevor Knight and a couple others and it was a heck of a battle that went down to the wire,” Riley said. “Baker, even after a couple of great years, then had to beat out Kyler. Jalen Hurts had to beat a couple of guys out. We have always had competition regardless of where these guys have come from or if they’ve been highly recruited or primetime players at other schools.

“It’s no different for Spence Rattler or Tanner Mordecai right now. We’ll let them go at it.”

The five-star prospect enters his redshirt Freshman season as the presumptive favorite to be the starting quarterback for not only the 2020 season but for years to come. A former five-star recruit and the consensus No. 1 quarterback in the country as a prep star in Phoenix, Rattler passed for an Arizona state high school-record 11,083 yards and 116 touchdowns during a dominant career.

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 33

In other words, don’t count out Tanner Mordecai as a possibility to start in 2020. Mordecai redshirted in 2018 and then served as the primary backup a year ago, completing 16-of-26 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns.

“They are both incredibly talented,” Riley said. “I felt like those two with Chandler Morris give us all the talent we need to be a Championship level team.”

“They’re not experienced, but they are experienced here. Yeah, there’s some game experience that these guys don’t have, we get that, but there’s no doubt, it is nice to have guys that have been here. This time last year, we were obviously force-feeding, especially Jalen, … trying to get him caught up as fast as possible. I feel like they’re both ready to be the starting quarterback here. It’s their time.”

RUNNING BACK The running back position will have a different look from a leadership perspective this year. DeMarco Murray has returned to his alma mater to take

34 August 2020

over as the running back coach.

“This is very surreal,” the 31-year-old former Sooner said upon being hired.

“Obviously, I never thought I’d be back coaching at the place where it all started for me. Having the opportunity to come back and be among great coaches and be with some of the people I grew up with is exciting. I’m thankful for the opportunity Coach Riley is giving me and I’m looking forward to being back home.”

What Murray might lack in coaching experience, only coaching one collegiate season at Arizona, he makes up for with on the field experience. Murray owns the OU career records for all-purpose yards (6,718), touchdowns (65) and kick-off return yardage. His success in college translated to the NFL where his seven-year career included three Pro Bowl selections.

The Sooners return a talented and deep backfield led by Kennedy Brooks. The Mansfield, Texas product has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. Brooks was one of the

mainstays in a four-headed monster in the Sooner backfield last season but is now the last man standing, at least to start the season. Jalen Hurts, who carried the ball a whopping 233 times, is onto the NFL while Trey Sermon transferred to Ohio State. Ramondre Stevenson is back but the question surrounding Stevenson is when he can return after a suspension leading up to the playoff game against LSU. Despite key departures, the Sooners have a talented group including versatile H-Back Jeremiah Hall. True freshman Seth McGowan, (6’0, 202) is a four-star prospect who was rated the No. 13 running back in the 2020 class

by Rivals and No. 16 by both ESPN and 247Sports. In his high school career, he rushed for more than 3,700 yards and scored 45 touchdowns.

Marcus Major figures to play a role after missing most of last season with an injury after turning heads during fall camp in 2019.

The forgotten name in the Sooner backfield is consistently T.J. Pledger. After a

stellar high school career, Pledger has been unable to get many opportunities.

Injuries have also plagued Pledger’s development, but with new leadership, Pledger could be on the verge of a breakout season in a very deep running back room.

WIDE RECEIVER/TIGHT END When CeeDee Lamb was drafted in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys, it marked the second straight year a Sooner receiver was drafted in the first round and the fifth straight season where a Sooner pass catcher was selected in the first four rounds of the NFL Draft.

Lamb developed into arguably one of the greatest receivers in Sooner football history and now Oklahoma is forced to find a way to replace his massive production.

“It’s a very talented room, but it’s very thin, and in some respects, inexperienced,” Riley said. “Charleston Rambo is a guy that we’re going to need to take the next step… I think he’s got 36 August 2020

a lot of confidence going forward, and our quarterbacks got a lot of confidence in him as well.”

Rambo burst onto the scene with a breakout performance in the 2019 playoff game against Alabama and carried that momentum into a solid start last season. In the first four games last year, Rambo amassed 373 yards on 13 catches while scoring four touchdowns.

However, over the final 10 games, Rambo had just one touchdown reception and 370 total receiving yards.

One of the biggest areas where Riley has seen improvement from Rambo is physically.

“His body, probably more than any period that I can remember, has really started to change and really develop,” Riley said during spring availability.

“We are going to need him to lead us and to lead that group because he is one of the older, more experienced guys in that room… you have to have leaders in that room and he has to be that guy for us.”

The talented receiver group is short on experience but incredibly long on talent, but injuries and a suspension might slow the impact of the young talent.

WR Jadon Haselwood was injured in mid-April, but Riley is not ruling the sophomore out for the entire season.

“Jaden had a lower leg injury,” Riley said. “He’ll miss the early part of the season, and we’ll have to see how he responds before we know anything further. It was non-football-related, non-workout-related, just a freak accident at home.”

OU added UCLA transfer Theo Howard who injured his Achilles in the winter but could be ready for the start of the season.

Trejan Bridges is also in the group with Stevenson and Ronnie Perkins who will miss a portion of the season due to suspension leaving sophomore Theo Wease as the one who could make the biggest impact. Wease had a key 19-yard touchdown reception in

the Sooners comeback win against Baylor and flashed when given opportunities. Now Wease has a chance to take the next step.

Other names that could factor in for the Sooners in 2020 include freshman Marvin Mims, who was the all-time leader in receiving yards in Texas high school history. Drake Stoops showed promise as a reliable slot receiver and could be key in replacing the consistency of Lee Morris and Nick Basquine while Austin Stogner could be on the verge of becoming the next big name tight end along the lines of Mark Andrews and Blake Bell.

OFFENSIVE LINE When Creed Humphrey decided to return for his Redshirt junior season, the Sooners offensive line was instantly stabilized. The three-year starter has already been named a pre-season All-American and is coming off a year where he was named the co-offensive lineman of the year by the Big 12 and did not allow a sack in his 799 plays.

It may have been Riley’s and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh’s biggest recruiting win of the off season.

“Having our leader there is important for the development of this group,” Riley said. “Not only just some continuity and all that but the mentality of the group as that builds. You need that guy there. I think it will be important for Creed as a player too. The expectations are for him to play his very best ball and it takes a lot to do that. He’s got to get playing the absolute best he can. That group’s hungry right now and we need them to be.”

Last season Bedenbaugh was challenged with injuries and frequently had to shuffle his rotations. When Adrian Ealy was healthy, he proved to be a difference maker at right tackle. After having to move Tyrese Robinson to tackle to help fill injury voids early in the season, the McKinney, Texas product established himself at one guard spot as Marquise Hayes anchored the other spot.

Questions remain at left tackle where injuries hampered the development of Erik Swenson, and RJ Proctor has now graduated after spending the last handful of games starting.

“We’re looking at a lot of different combinations right now.

I’ll put it that way,” Riley said going into the spring. “Where guys have played in the past may not necessarily be where they play in the future.”

Redshirt freshman Stacy Wilkins has a chance to be special and could be the choice at left tackle. OU added another UCLA transfer in Chris Murray but his status is up in the air as the NCAA re-evaluates its one-time transfer policy. Freshman Andrew Raym and Redshirt sophomore Brey Walker could factor on the depth chart at guard.

Check back in September for our preview of the second year of Alex Grinch’s Sooner Speed D.-19SM

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S P O RT S

BY: JEFFREY WHITSON

MOORE

PRESENTED BY

T

his year’s Moore Lions are looking to build off a special 2019 season where they went 6-6. Last year, Moore High stunned Edmond Santa Fe in a 41-28 win in the state quarterfinals, their first playoff win since 2002.

With depth and experience recently graduating, the Lions look to quickly develop new players to make a fourth straight playoff run. The starting quarterback from the previous three seasons, Daniel Hishaw Jr. is now a Kansas Jayhawk and nine starters on defense also graduated in the spring.

The Lions will be tested this season and will have to rely on their offensive line and athleticism on the outside.

Head coach Brad Hill has led the Moore High School football program for four years, assisted by offensive coordinator, Lonny Nolan. Anthony Paterno, while new to the Lions staff, is a seasoned defensive coordinator with 34 years of coaching experience, the last 17 years as the defensive coordinator at Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The new, but experienced coach could give a young Lion defense an added boost to help replace a bevy of graduated talent.

The offense will have a bit of a different look from last year but with the same scheme and dynamic. The biggest change on offense will be the absence of Hishaw, but three players vie to take over the reins of the quarterback position including junior Jake Woodring 40 August 2020

(5’11, 195), senior Dylan Brayton (5’9 155) and sophomore transfer Denver Wolfe (5’6, 155).

“We feel like we have some dynamic pieces to play with and have some big shoes to fill,” Hill said.

Nolan believes his offense can produce more than 2,000 yards in rushing with the spread run game. He is also looking to control the clock and run 65-90 snaps per game. These goals are more than achievable with the size and experience on the offense line and returning speed on the outside.

Paterno is more or less working with a clean slate as Moore’s defense has to replace three defensive linemen, three linebackers and three positions in the secondary.

The defensive scheme will look quite a bit different this year in comparison.

“We run a 3-3-5 personnel based, multi package, very aggressive type of defense… more of an attacking type of defense,” Paterno described.

The new talent, new coach and new scheme may be a recipe for success this season and years following.

“It is a good time for me coming in to set the foundation for the next three to four years,” Paterno said.

There are standout players to look for on both sides, many of which play both ways.

Senior Rocco Mays (6’1, 290) is expecting to cap off an excellent high school career.

Mays is a presence in the interior, both at offense and defense tackle. Hill described him as “a leader on and off the field.”

At fullback and linebacker, senior Austin Gross (6’2, 230) is one of the more dynamic playmakers for the Lions. Gross is effective in running, catching and blocking on the offensive end and an even more talented run stopper on defense.

Be on the lookout for these two-way players to have a huge impact in their senior seasons.

Some key matchups for the Lions this season are their season opener against Edmond Memorial, crosstown rivals, Westmoore, for Moore War on Sept. 4 and Norman High on Sept. 11, which has become a blooming rivalry over the past years.

Then, “Battle of the Big Cats” against Southmoore will take place on Sept. 25.

Lastly, look for the final regular season game as Moore will square off against Mustang High School on senior night, Nov. 6. Last year, Mustang finished runner-up in the district with an upset win against Union in the regular season.

Hill recognizes that there are no off weeks in District 6A-1

“It’s a tough schedule… you can be 2-8 or 8-2 with the same team,” he said.

This seasoned coaching staff paired with senior leadership could prove to be a very formidable combination for opponents in 2020.-19SM

MEET THE P L A Y E R WHAT POSITION DO YOU PLAY? Offensive line, guard

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SEASON? To have fun and ball out with the boys one more time and come out victorious in the end.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOL?

Moore is a great community and we have a great coaching staff that I can relate to. We are close like a family and all go through the same grind.

BESIDES YOUR CURRENT POSITION, WHAT POSITION WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY AND WHY? Center, so I can say that I have played every position on the offensive line.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE? Terron Armstead

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN YOUR ATHLETIC CAREER? Beating Edmond Santa Fe in the quarterfinals to make it to the semifinals last year.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO LISTEN TO BEFORE YOU PLAY?

JAKHARI SYKES SR • 5’11” • 295

Deadz by Migos

WHAT IS YOUR TWITTER HANDLE? @JaKhari_sykes

S P O RT S

BY: STEVE MARSHALL

WESTMOORE

PRESENTED BY

T

he Jaguars are looking to return to post-season action this year after just missing out each of the last two years. Last year Westmoore started 5-0 before falling to Broken Arrow. The Jags then beat Yukon 50-49 to improve to 6-1 but then lost their last three games to finish 6-4.

Lorenzo Williams enters his fifth season (25 -17) as the head coach at Westmoore and he and the rest of his staff have high expectations this year.

“We have a lot of kids coming back and with that a lot of experience too,” Williams said. “We have several guys on both sides of the football who will be third-year starters.”

On offense, the quarterback will be senior Dayton Wolfe (6’0, 200) who is one of those three year starters Williams mentioned. Wolfe threw for almost 2,300 yards and had an outstanding 27-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio even though he missed the final three games of the season with a knee injury.

One of the top targets for Wolfe will be senior Jaquan Richardson (5’10, 165), averaging almost 26 yards a reception. Junior Jalen Hardison (5’9, 135) and Kevion Williams will help stretch the field allowing the Jags to get the running game going.

Out of the backfield it looks to be “Thunder and Lightning,” featuring juniors Brandon Arnold (5’10, 180), who averaged 5.2 yards per carry, and running mate Kaibren Grant (5’10, 160) to spearhead the running attack.

“Brandon is more of a power runner 42 August 2020

while Kaibren is the faster of the two,” Williams said. “Both do a good job of catching the ball out of the backfield.”

The offensive line has two returning starters with junior Tyler Koontz (6’0,250) and senior Garret Humann (6’6, 305) who has received a dozen or so offers to play at the next level.

“We have a lot of good looking younger guys,” Williams said. “We’ll look a little bigger upfront too.”

It won’t be easy for the Jaguars to average 34 points per game like they did last year, but, with all the talent and the returning starters, opposing defenses will have their work cut out for them.

Upfront on defense, the Jags will again feature a good number of returning starters in their 3-4 defense including senior Sam Olajide (6’1, 245) who Williams calls a “high motor kid.” Junior Daunmonique Reece (5’9,260) at the nose guard spot is able to get off the block and cause havoc in the backfield. Josh Steward (6’0, 252lbs) who led the team with eight sacks last year also appears on the very solid and impressive D-line.

Westmoore returns all four senior starters at the linebacker spots from last year’s team and have plenty of experience having played since they were sophomores.

Senior Keshawn Oliver (5’11,180) will play off the edge for the Jags while Josiah James has a knack for coming up with key turnovers. Sterling Peters (6’0, 190) is the will linebacker and senior Kylen Tennison (6’2, 205lbs) will make the calls

from the middle monster back position.

Tennison has grown a couple of inches and, according to Williams, has probably put on about 50 pounds since he played as a sophomore.

The secondary is where the Jaguars may be the most vulnerable with a lot of new faces being called upon to help the Westmoore defense that gave up nearly 32 points per game last year.

Junior Tristan Aduddell (5’10, 155) will play at the cover-two corner while junior Jermaine Hardison (5’9,135) started at corner last year but will be likely start at the safety position this year. The other spot is still up for grabs, according to Williams, and the competition will continue into the preseason.

A couple of soccer players, junior Ashton House (6’0, 145lbs) will take care of the punting duties while Jon Conner, a soccer commit to Memphis, will likely handle the place kicking chores.

Williams is counting on the defense to be better this year and is confident the offense will continue to put big numbers on the scoreboard.

“We know we’re going to score thirty points or more in most games, we need the defense to step-up and get some key stops and produce more turnovers for us to have great year,” he said.

The Jaguars are scheduled to open the season at McKinney North, Texas and then battle traditional rivals Moore and Southmoore before beginning district play at Broken Arrow. -19SM

MEET THE P L A Y E R WHAT POSITION DO YOU PLAY? Quarterback

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SEASON? I think we will be really good. We want to get off to a good start again this season.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOL?

All the traditions and Moore War is really fun, lots of people there.

BESIDES YOUR CURRENT POSITION, WHAT POSITION WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY AND WHY? Wide receiver, would be fun to run and catch passes

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE? Russell Wilson

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN YOUR ATHLETIC CAREER? The Yukon game where I tore my ACL, we ended up coming back to win by one.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO LISTEN TO BEFORE YOU PLAY? Mostly a lot of rap & hip hop

WHAT IS YOUR TWITTER HANDLE?

DAYTON WOLFE SR • 6’0” • 196

@DaytonWolfee

S P O RT S

BY: STEVE MARSHALL

SOUTHMOORE

PRESENTED BY

I

t is a new year and a new beginning for the Southmoore Sabercats as former Sooner great Josh Norman takes over as the head coach.

Sooner fans will remember Norman as an outstanding tight end on the 2000 University of Oklahoma National Championship team and for spending time in the NFL.

Norman also spent four seasons as a coach at Community Christian, including two as the head coach where his team went 23-0 and won two state championships. In addition, he was the defensive coordinator last year at John Marshall.

Southmoore finished with a 1-9 record last year and was 3-7 in 2018, so Norman knows he has a tough chore on his hands especially given the impacts of COVID-19 and the loss of spring practice.

“Any time there is a coaching change the biggest challenge is implementing your culture,” Norman said. “It’s a process of corralling the troops, who is on the team, who wants to be on the team and then setting the standard so they understand what is expected of each team member.”

Since Norman is a first year head coach and the pandemic shut down all sporting activity in the spring, the Sabercats like many other teams have had minimal time together to figure out what this year’s team will actually look like.

44 August 2020

“We probably won’t settle on a starting quarterback until week one,” Norman said. “Right now we have a couple of guys. Junior Noah Peters (5’10, 150), who contributed as a sophomore last year, and senior Denver Blatt (5’9, 154) are leading candidates at this time, but it really is a wide open competition at all positions for the most part.”

Seniors Corey Durham (5’10, 170) and Chris Wilson (5’8, 170) are expected to be two of the running backs who should see a good bit of playing time out of the backfield for Southmoore. They both bring something different to the table, according to Norman.

“They both work hard and understand the concepts we’re installing. Chris is a shifty guy who can get downhill and can make people miss and Corey is one of the faster guys on the team. He’s a track guy, who has a chance to take it the distance every time he touches the ball,” he said.

Juniors Chase Yarger (6’1, 170) and Reese Moffett (5’11, 155) look to have the early chance to be some of the targets in the passing game. They have the ability to pick up the offense, to run good routes and help move the ball downfield.

Norman said they’re still working on the tight-end position and would like to develop a couple of guys who would be able to contribute week-to-week but it is still a work in progress.

The offensive line, according to Norman, has some growing up to do. Mac Garner (6’3, 296) will be a senior this year and looks to be a good leader. Garner will be counted on to help this group grow, mature and improve throughout the season.

The Sabercats will play a 4-2-5 defensive alignment and will likely be led by Junior Tyler White (5’11, 180) who was one of the top tacklers on the team last year.

White will be called upon to be one of the leaders on the defensive side of the ball.

“He’s always here, a very hard worker and a consummate program player. He’s going to be special,” Norman said about White.

Linebacker Joe Stover (5’10, 175) is expected to be another one of the leaders on the defensive side of the football, Norman said.

“Stover is a hard worker. He’s committed, plays hard and gets to the football,” he said.

Also watch for outstanding senior Cameron Little who will take care of the place kicking and punting duties. Little was five of seven on field goal attempts last year with a 46 yard best. Kohl’s Professional Football Camps rank Little as the No. 2 kicker and No. 8 punter in the country in this year’s class.-19SM

MEET THE P L A Y E R WHAT POSITION DO YOU PLAY? Outside linebacker and safety

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SEASON? To be kings of Moore and to make the playoffs.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOL? My teammates… we, as a team, have been through a lot in the past couple of years and we continue to work hard to get better to represent Southmoore.

BESIDES YOUR CURRENT POSITION, WHAT POSITION WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY AND WHY? I’ve always wanted to play the running back or fullback position because I feel like I could really benefit my team.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE? Drew Brees

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN YOUR ATHLETIC CAREER? Probably when I batted down the ball in the end zone to win the game against Edmond North.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO LISTEN TO BEFORE YOU PLAY?

TYLER WHITE JR • 5’11” • 192

Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC

WHAT IS YOUR TWITTER HANDLE? @tylerwhite_2022

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: ROXANNE AVERY

Dream a Little Dream

Builders Association of South Central Oklahoma hosts Festival of Homes

H

ome improvement projects have been a popular quarantine activity. Armed with several months of ideas from HGTV, people are eager to downsize, upgrade, remodel or build a custom home.

The Builders Association of South Central Oklahoma (BASCO) has the perfect solution: their 2020 Festival of Homes.

Steven Koranda, BASCO’s executive officer, invites everyone to come out to view the festival’s featured show home as well as the 35 other stunning homes in Norman, Moore, Newcastle, Goldsby and South Oklahoma City.

“We have some great builders who are building some absolutely beautiful homes,” Koranda said. “People can go through these homes and get a hodgepodge of ideas they want to incorporate in their home or use to build their dream home.

“Who knows…maybe they’ll find a home they really like,” he added. “Mortgage interest rates are absolutely ridiculous right now, so it is the perfect time to build. Just come out and dream a little.”

Besides allowing potential homebuyers the opportunity to experience the latest in home design, the Festival of Homes also gives BASCO the opportunity to give back to the community.

Each year a special festival show home is built as a collaborative effort be-

48 August 2020

tween one of the BASCO homebuilder members along with vendors and suppliers who come together to make an exceptional house for the benefit of the organization and community.

Some of the proceeds from the sale of the featured home are donated to community endeavors such as the BASCO student chapter at the University of Oklahoma and to scholarships at Mid-America Vo-Tech and Moore Norman Technology for students interested in careers in the construction industry.

This year’s featured show home, built

by Jon and Laura Horn and their daughter, Savannah, with Cougar Homes, is located in Saint James Park at 2215 Kimball Drive. Horn says this 2,130 square foot, single-story home has a hint of city loft nuance.

“It’s a three-bedroom home with an additional flex room that can be an bedroom or anything you want it to be,” Laura Horn said. “The master suite is wonderful. The closet is the size of a room you would find in a 3,000 square foot home and it alone would sell to anyone who likes clothes.”

The home features a beautiful floorto-ceiling linear gas-lit surround fireplace that looks like it’s been made from reclaimed brick.

“It’s one of the nuances for the city

loft look,” Laura Horn explained. “It has a laundry room with an extensive amount of cabinetry, storage and a sink as well as a nice built-in mud bench.”

While at the builders show in Las Vegas, Jon, Laura and Savannah found a vendor featuring mirrors with an LED strip completely around them.

“You touch them, and they turn on,” Laura said. “They are perfect for applying make-up.”

Using a high value insulation, with a 98% efficiency rating in heating and air conditioning, the windows in this year’s featured show home are double paned with argon gas as well as other modern amenities.

“We installed beautiful, modernized roll blinds for window coverings. There’s a three-car garage, alarm system, inground irrigation system with landscaping in the front as well as the back. It’s a gorgeous home,” Laura Horn said.

Festival attendees are encouraged to wear masks. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at each location. The festival is free and open to the public on two consecutiive weekends: July 31Aug. 2 and Aug. 7-9. For a complete list of homes included in this year’s festival, go to basco-festival.com or pick up a Festival Tour Guide magazine at participating 7-Eleven stores. -19SM

July 31-Aug 2 & Aug 7-9, 2020 HOMES OPEN DAILY 1-7PM

Presented by

Visit the Featured Show Home at 2215 Kimball Drive in St. James Park, built by Cougar Homes

Tour 36 Festival Homes in Norman, Moore, South OKC, Newcastle & Goldsby.

Find your first home, dream home, or inspiration!

Pick up a FREE Festival Tour Book at participating 7-Eleven stores.

Featured Show Home Financier

Developer

Builder

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stjamesparknorman.com

cougarhomesok.com

Visit the website for full details on all homes, downloadable maps and builder info.

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