19th Street Magazine August 2019

Cleveland County Free Fair

Old Fashion Fun

Veteran of the Month

David Allison

Sooner Football

Stadium Improvements

August | CONTENTS 2019

08 by Chelsey Kraft

Old Fashion Fun

Cleveland County Free Fair starts Sept. 5.

12 by Bill Moakley

Biting His Time

Vietnam vet recalls adventures while serving as dental technician.

16 by Roxanne Avery

Nothing’s Missing

Renown comedian to lift spirits, open hearts at ABLE fundraiser.

20 by Sharla Bardin

Make Great Greater

New superintendent shares vision for Moore Norman Technology Center.

24 by Jeffery Whitson

Moore Lions Football

ISSUE 8 - VOLUME 2 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

MANAGING EDITOR

Chip Minty

SENIOR EDITOR

Lindsay Cuomo

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher

CONTRIBUTORS

Roxanne Avery | Sharla Bardin Lindsay Cuomo| Chelsey Kraft 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

Moore High loaded for deeper run into playoffs.

28 by Steve Marshall

Westmoore Jaguars Football

Westmoore starts fall campaign with a load of talent and high aspirations.

32by Steve Marshall

Southmoore Sabercats Football Southmoore has high hopes for playoffs in 2019.

38 by Chris Plank

TV Threatens Game Attendance OU adds stadium renovations to keep fans coming back.

44 by Lindsay Cuomo

Early Inspiration

Norman physician says medical journey shaped by her mother’s doctor.

4 | August 2019

SportsTalk Media 2020 E. Alameda Norman, Oklahoma 73071 Phone: (405) 321-1400 E-mail: editor@boydstreet.com Copyright © SportsTalk Media Any articles, artwork or graphics created by SportsTalk Media or its contributors are sole property of SportsTalk Media and cannot be reproduced for any reason without permission. Any opinions expressed in SportsTalk are not necessarily that of SportsTalk management.

COM M U N I T Y

BY: CHELSEY KRAFT

Old Fashioned Fun

Cleveland County Free Fair Starts Sept. 5

T

he Cleveland County Free Fair has been a staple of the community for more than a century, and it will be back in Norman for another round of fun Sept. 5 through 8 at the County Fairgrounds, 615 E Robinson Street.

The four-day event is full of attractions, competitions, exhibits, entertainment, food trucks and live music. There also will be a petting zoo, livestock shows, baby crawl races, photography contests, horticulture exhibits, antique tractor pulls and wiener dog races. There’s even a carnival.

New features in 2019 include an arm-wrestling contest on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m., said Richard Peters, president of the Fair Board, and anyone can enter.

Peters grew up just three blocks southeast of the fairgrounds. He said he was always drawn to the Fair as a kid and decided to join the board to help the event continue growing.

“I started showing livestock, and that’s when I realized what the fairgrounds were all about,” Peters said. “There are families that are second-, third- and fourth-generation families that have all grown up around that fair, so there’s a lot of history and heritage at the fair.”

“If you live in Cleveland County, it’s free to enter the exhibits and there are several categories to participate in,” said Holly Rains, administrative assistant with the fairgrounds. “We even 8 | August 2019

have coloring contests for children and adults.”

In a county that has both rural and urban areas, part of the growth has included the addition of activities that will appeal to people from different areas. The fair even draws visitors from all over Oklahoma, Peters said.

“We’re very diversified, and that’s why we have such a huge turnout,” Peters said. “It’s more than just a county fair.”

Most of the event is free, with the only aspects that visitors will have to pay for being food, drinks and the carnival rides, Peters said. There is also free parking, with shuttles available to patrons. Peters added that the fair is safe and clean for the whole family, with plenty of security and hand-washing stations all over the fairgrounds.

Peters said he often talks to fair visitors who say they come one day for a few hours then stop by again another day because there is so much to see.

“Don’t plan on just coming one day,” Peters said. “You won’t be able to see and do all of it, and there’s something new every day. You can come out each day, and I guarantee you’ll see something different.”

A complete schedule of events and information about how to enter the fair’s various contests can be found at www.clevelandcountyfair.org.– 19SM

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COM M U N I T Y

G

Biting His Time

rowing up in Duncan, David Allison never thought he’d one day be conducting dental care in Vietnam, but he was wrong.

Two years after graduating from Duncan High School in 1963, Allison enlisted in the United States Air Force as Vietnam was really ramping up. Thinking he might get to control his path during the war years, Allison was sent to basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and later was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base before being sent to Vietnam as a dental technician.

“I got my feet wet at a lot of bases around here and then was sent to Da Nang Air Base,” Allison said from his room at the Norman Veterans Center. “I went to Da Nang and ran the dental lab there for a year.”

Allison sells himself short. While in Vietnam, he would be a dental technician, guardian, part-time medic and photographer. Although he was not part of a formal combat group, Allison donned a weapon every time he escorted Air Force dentists into the city of Da Nang and the surrounding villages.

“I carried a rifle and a pistol and drove the dental truck,” Allison said. “There were a lot of dentists that went into the cities and worked on people. We worked to get their mouths fairly cleaned up.”

Most of the dental issues they saw among the Vietnamese resulted from the chewing of tobacco and native plants from which villagers could draw a high.

Allison played medic as wounded soldiers flooded the Da Nang base, one of the U.S. military’s largest operations in the country and a support site for major battles, including the Tet Offensive. During his time at the base, Allison also served as a medic during a pair of base accidents.

“We had an intelligence plane that was hit by a smaller plane and wound up crashing into an oxygen plant on base,” Allison recalled. “Later, there were some bombs that exploded while being loaded onto a plane. There were some 12 | August 2019

BY: BILL MOAKLEY

PRESENTED BY

Vietnam Vet Recalls Adventures While Serving as Dental Technician pretty nasty things that went on at Da Nang Air Base.”

Making the best of his time in country, Allison was able to teach himself photography and film processing thanks to camera equipment on the base. When he wasn’t making crowns, bridges or dentures, he found himself discovering the area around the base, camera in hand.

“I shot a lot of pictures of the countryside and the villagers,” he said. “It was really beautiful. Just a beautiful country. The people we’re very nice as long as we weren’t shooting at anybody.”

Allison returned from Vietnam in 1968 and would spend almost 10 years with the Air Force, including earning certifications in crown making, and bridges and partials. He went on to run dental labs in Midwest City and later in San Angelo, TX, among other spots.

An avid painter and woodworker, in addition to his photography, Allison moved into the veterans’ center two months ago and has already developed an appreciation for his new home.

“It’s a great place,” he said. “Our recreational center is phenomenal. I’m really liking it here.” - 19SM

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COM M U N I T Y

BY: ROXANNE AVERY

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Nothing’s Missing

Renown Comedian to Lift Spirits, Open Hearts at ABLE Fundraiser

M

ark your calendars for the 3rd annual comedy night benefitting ABLE, a nonprofit, community-based organization supporting adults with developmental disabilities.

This year’s comedy night will be Aug. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the NCED Conference Center and Hotel on State Highway 9. Brett Eastburn, acclaimed comedian and motivational speaker will provide entertainment.

Born with no arms or legs, Eastburn believes he was also born with no handi16 | August 2019

caps and believes a person is a success only if he or she chooses to be. Eastburn considers his body a special gift to be used to inspire others to be the best they can be. His inspirational book, “I’m Not Missing Anything” will be available at the event for $20 as well as t-shirts for $15.

“Brett is a funny guy,” said Teri Walker, community outreach coordinator for ABLE. “Look him up on Facebook.

He has no arms or legs, but more importantly he wants people to know he doesn’t have any handicaps. He’s been

a green belt in martial arts, an accomplished artist with national recognition and traveled throughout the world doing comedy and giving speeches. He and his wife, Chrisa, own their own business, ‘No Boundaries, Inc.’”

ABLE is a proud partner of the United Way of Norman. The Board and staff of ABLE would like for the community to see that just because there are special needs, their people are just like everyone else.

ABLE provides access to independent daily living assistance, group home facilities, vocational training, day-activity programs, on-the-job support and community service activities. By acquiring self-sufficient living abilities and marketable work skills, people with developmental disabilities can expand their options of lifestyle, housing and employment.

“They enjoy going to car shows – we partner with the Oklahoma Mustang club and take participants to shows from time to time as well as other events,” Walker said. “They’re just people like everyone else. They may need extra care, but they’re a great group of people.”

“At ABLE, we assist a small community of special needs and disabled adults to help them live as normal a life as possible, and we prepare some of those service recipients for jobs,” Walker said.

“Some of our service recipients have taken jobs at OU, help pick up around local parks and smaller establishments in the area, and we have a few that help in the evenings when the ABLE workshop is closed.”

The comedy night benefit will also feature a silent auction and a chicken dinner complete with rice pilaf, green beans, bread, iced tea and desert. A cash bar will also be available.

Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased through the ABLE Facebook and Instagram, at OKABLE.org and through https://bit.ly/2LrqdqC or by contacting Teri at 329-3922 or teriwalker.able@gmail.com. – 19SM

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COM M U N I T Y

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

Make Great Greater

Brian Ruttman is the new superintendent and chief executive officer for Moore Norman Technology Center.

New Superintendent Shares Vision for Moore Norman Technology Center

B

rian Ruttman embraces the notion of “make great greater.”

It’s a vision he’s also bringing to his role as the new superintendent and chief executive officer for Moore Norman Technology Center.

“I’m coming into a great organization,” Ruttman said. “What my skill set brings to the table is to help capitalize on the opportunities here and find new opportunities to help make this organization a greater organization than it already is.”

Ruttman succeeds Jane Bowen, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Bowen is working with Ruttman on the transition for the center, and her retirement is effective Aug. 10.

Ruttman said he looks forward to leading the center, a place he describes as “one of the premier technology centers in the state of Oklahoma.”

Prior to Moore Norman Technology Center, Ruttman has worked since 2003 at Metro Technology Centers in Oklahoma City, where his positions included chief executive officer for student and stakeholder services and associate superintendent for business and opera20 | August 2019

tional services.

Ruttman said those positions have given him experiences that will prove beneficial in his new position.

For example, he understands the value of community input through his work with area chambers of commerce, business leaders and civic organizations.

Ruttman also led various district improvement initiatives while at Metro Technology Centers, including efforts to obtain an $80 million bond to fund campus building improvements and updates, according to a news release.

Ruttman said some of his goals is to complete the projects funded by a $60 million bond “on time and on budget.”

In 2016, voters in Moore, Norman and south Oklahoma City approved the bond for campus building safety enhancements and upgrades.

Ruttman said he also wants to identify opportunities for increased career training initiatives and to meet with area business leaders to learn about workforce needs and to look at creating programs to meet those needs.

A vision he has for students at Moore

Norman Technology Center is to help them find the career and training that meets their interests and aptitudes.

“I want to see them be successful, and I want to do everything we can to provide them with an outstanding educational experience that leads them to gainful employment,” he said.

A desire to help educate and equip students for careers is one of the reasons Ruttman wanted to work within Oklahoma’s CareerTech system, which delivers educational programs and training through technology centers, school districts, skills centers, adult basic education providers and to businesses, according to information from CareerTech.

“It does so much for people in Oklahoma to help prepare them for the workforce and be successful in work and life,” he said.

Ruttman’s interest in education and training also was influenced by his

parents. His mother, Debra, is a retired teacher and his father, Dennis, is a retired superintendent and executive for multiple technology centers in the state.

Ruttman grew up in northwest Oklahoma and graduated from Sharon-Mutual High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Oklahoma City University and his master’s in adult and continuing education and teaching from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Ruttman said he is approaching his new position at Moore Norman Technology Center with excitement, expectation and an appreciation for the passion that he’s seen from the center employees about their jobs and outreach into the community.

“It’s easy to get up and go to work everyday when you’re having a positive impact on people’s lives, and I certainly believe that’s what we do everyday at Moore Norman Technology Center.” – 19SM

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S P O RT S

Moore Lions

BY: JEFFERY WHITSON

PRESENTED BY

However, his success is not a one-man show. Coach Hill and the Moore High School football program have surrounded the team with experience and success that has changed the culture of Moore football in the past two years.

Moore has included new coaches and has returned several familiar faces this year with 44 returning seniors. Can Moore High make the next big leap in their program?

Under the legs and arm of Hishaw, Hill is improving his spread offense this season with new talent. The offense has six returning starters on offense, including running back Jayce Gardner, (5’11, 210) wide receiver Dylon Mallett (6’, 185) and center Jalen Gordon (6’1, 290).

24 | August 2019

Offensive coordinator, Lonny Nolan expects a lot from his side of the ball this year, as he should with Moore’s star quarterback running the show. He believes his offense can produce more than 2,000 yards in rushing between Hishaw, Gardner and halfback Marcus Morris (6’2, 205). Coach Nolan is also looking to control the clock and run 6590 snaps per game.

Assisting coach Noland this year is a familiar name in Isaac Stoops, son of legendary OU coach Bob Stoops and Norman North graduate. Stoops is assisting Noland in coaching the receiving core for the Lions this fall.

“We have some holes to fill in the offense this year,” says coach Hill. “But we have the ability to have a really good team.”

Be on the lookout for Alex Baxter (6’2, 225), Brandon Girard (5’8, 145) and Gardner to have a tremendous impact on the offensive end this year as they look to compliment Hishaw.

Photo by: Mark Doescher

C

oach Brad Hill and the Moore Lions are looking for more than just a “guest appearance” in this year’s playoffs. The team is considered one of the more experienced in the state and is rallying behind its star quarterback and safety, Daniel “Deuce” Hishaw (6’, 200).

Baxter is the Lion’s Swiss Army knife on offense, playing the H-back and tight end positions in the spread offense. Girard could be the athletic boost the Lions are looking to add to this high-paced offense. Girard came as a star player from baseball and is considered the fastest player on the field. Senior Gardner rushed for 488 yards and six touchdowns while also starting at outside linebacker his junior year.

The Lion’s will have a few more familiar faces on the defensive end as the team returns nine starters, including seven seniors. Defensive coordinator, Jerry Broadbent, who has spent 25 years in the Moore district, is looking to push his defense past the first round of the playoffs with experience and improvement.

With an experienced cast of coaches on defense, including former Sooner linebacker Bill Dalke, the Moore Lions could be a dominant defensive force in a very talented district.

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Coach Hill expects Hishaw will take over at the safety position because he’s too talented of an athlete to leave off the field.

“Every matchup is a key matchup.”

That’s how coach Hill and others on his staff have described this upcoming season. “There are no off-weeks… every week is a challenge.”

However, some notable rivalries are always a challenge. This season, Moore High will begin the season with two cross town rivals in the first four weeks of play.

The Lions will play Westmoore on Sept. 6 and Southmoore on Sept. 27. – 19SM

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The players to watch out for on defense this season include Cole Karn (6’4, 225) on the defensive line and linebacker Marcus Morris. Karn accounted for 66 tackles and five sacks last season. Senior Morris plays both sides of the ball, almost entirely and has been a threeyear starter on defense.

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S P O RT S

BY: STEVE MARSHALL

Westmoore Jaguars

L

orenzo Williams returns for his fourth season as the head coach at Westmoore High School. After starting 4-1 last year and looking like a playoff contender, the Jaguars went 1-4 in the second half of the season to finish 5-5, out of the playoff picture.

This year, the team will try to put a full season together and rely on 14 returning starters to accomplish that goal.

On offense, the Jags will count on junior quarterback Dayton Wolfe (6’, 200) who had an impressive sophomore campaign, throwing for almost 1,800 yards and 22 touchdown passes to go along with another 407 yards and 10 touchdowns running the football.

“He’s our guy,” Williams said, “We’re going to put the ball in his hands, and I told him that he needs to double-up on those numbers. He needs to throw for about 4,000 yards and 40 touchdown passes to get the job done.”

Wolfe’s targets this year are many in number but Westmoore fans have to wonder who will fill the void left by Jacob Clark, who graduated as the Jaguars all-time leading receiver in receptions, touchdown receptions and yards receiving. He also was a top-grade return man on all kick returns.

“We have a lot of guys out there that played on Friday nights last year, and we’re pretty excited about that,” Williams said, “We will run a little more of a spread offense, and all of these guys have a little more speed, can catch the ball, run their routes and block on the edge.”

28 | August 2019

The top returning receiver statistically is senior Colby Phillips (6’3, 175) who grabbed 23 receptions for 533 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Other receivers include the Metcalf twins, Matt (5’8, 150) and Andrew (5’8, 145), who are both seniors. Andrew and Matt had strong seasons last year and are expected to contribute even more this year. Junior Jaquan Richardson (5’9, 145) had seven grabs for 105 yards and a touchdown.

The running back position, which was hit hard by graduation, may actually be better than Williams believed when spring practice ended in May. “We didn’t think we had much there at first,” Williams said. “We have two sophomore kids Brandon Arnold (5’10, 170) and Kaibren Grant (5’10, 170) that have stepped up for us, not just running the ball, but getting out there and catching some bubble passes and in their pass protection.”

Williams said this group really exceeded expectations and showed their talents and improved abilities during spring ball and team camp.

The Jaguars lost some valuable big men on the offensive line, but Williams has confidence in those returning and believes the young guys are determined and ready to prove their worth.

“I always tell my guys it doesn’t matter what grade you’re in, what you look like or how much you can bench, if you can play, you can play.”

Photo by: Mark Doescher

PRESENTED BY

Garrett Humann is one of those big guys at 6’5 and more than 300 pounds, who should be ready to be one of the team leaders along with Tyler Koonce (5’7, 172), who has really stepped up during the off season.

The team will once again employ a 3-3 stack defense. Five of its down linemen are returning starters. Josh Steward (6’, 240), Dominique Reeves (6’, 260), Sam Olajide (h6’1, 255), Konner Dowell (5’11, 210) and Huan Tran (6’3, 270).

“We have five guys we can rotate in those three positions, so we feel very comfortable at those spots,” Williams said. “I worried about them last year when they were just sophomores, but for the next two years, I’m not going to have to worry about that position, those guys can get it done and we’re excited about that.”

The defensive leader is senior outside linebacker Nikale Davis (6’3, 230), who has recorded 23 sacks the last two years and has unlimited potential according to his coaches.

“He’s just a monster,” Williams said, “He’s one of those players who has that extra burst that you just can’t coach.

Plus, he’s a leader on the field and knows where everyone is supposed to be at all times.”

Jordan Hampton (5’11, 220) and Josiah James (6’, 170) will battle at the middle linebacker spot and the Jags are also adding middle linebacker Sterling Peters (5’11, 195) a standout move-in from Texas.

In the secondary, the Jags once again have a plethora of returning players and most all are gifted with great speed. Several of them placed at the state track and field championships earlier this year, including Matt Metcalf, Colby Phillips, Kylen Tennyson (6’2, 185), Koryee Wyatt (6’1, 168) and DeJion Simpkins (5’9, 165).

Williams also said sophomore Jermaine Hardison (5’10, 160) has impressed and will help push the others.

Westmoore opens the season taking on their rival in week one, the Moore Lions in the ever competitive “Moore War”. – 19SM

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S P O RT S

BY: STEVE MARSHALL

Southmoore SaberCats

PRESENTED BY

“

W

e got to get in the playoffs, that’s the goal,” said Southmoore head coach Jeremy Stark, now in his fourth year as the head coach for the Sabercats.

“We’ve had a two-year drought of not being in the playoffs, so that’s what we talk about. We’ve got to get back in the playoffs.”

The Sabercats’ mission is clear as they work to improve on last years’ 3-7 record.

Offensively, the Sabercats will enter their second year under the tutelage of offensive guru Ty Prestige and his “Air Raid” type offense. Even though last year’s quarterback returns, it will be at a different position this year.

“We have nine starters returning on offense, including four of our five offensive linemen, our running back and two of our four receivers,” Stark said.

“This spring, the offense was a lot further along than the defense throughout team camp, so we’re excited about this group and hopefully, we’ll be able to move the ball, put some points on the board and take the pressure off our defense.”

Senior Jayden Scott (6’1, 198) moves to wide receiver after starting at quarterback the previous two years.

“We felt like our quarterbacks, sophomore Noah Peters (5’9, 152) and junior Denver Blatt (5’8, 160) would be able to open up the field a little more and 32 | August 2019

spread the opposing defense, allowing for bigger running lanes and more room to throw downfield.”

It’s an open battle at the quarterback spot, and Stark is expecting one of the two to take charge throughout the early scrimmages in August.

“Even though the returning receivers don’t have huge numbers, they are extremely deep as we have seven or eight different guys who could have big numbers by the end of the year.”

Joining Scott at the receiver position will be senior Khaden Easterwood (6’0, 175) who had 10 catches last year for 152 yards and two touchdowns along with senior Trevor Eilenberger (5’7, 165).

On the offensive line, the Sabercats will have juniors Bradyn Kellam (6’2, 287), Mac Garner (6’3, 289) and Zac Wertzberger (6’3, 210) to team up with sophomore Joshua Clay (5’10, 232) to open the running lanes and provide pass protection.

The Sabercats have only four returning starters on the defensive side of the ball and will be making a change from a 3-4 alignment to a 3-3 stack philosophy.

“The last two years, our offense has struggled, and our defense is what kept us in ballgames,” Stark said. “So historically our defense is what we have really hung our hat on.”

The Sabercats are looking to retool the defense and, with so many newcomers,

the time is right to bring on the change.

Nose guard D.J. Ware (6’0, 335, Sr.) is a returning three-year starter and anchors the defensive front.

“He has really, really quick feet for a guy that big and can lift a house in the weight room and does a great job between the tackles stopping the run and draws a lot of attention up front,” Stark said.

Another returning three-year starter is senior middle linebacker Cody Clyma (5’11, 225). Clyma missed some time last year due to injury and is being counted on to make big contributions this year.

“Two years ago, we had a group of guys leave the program for what they thought at the time were greener pastures, and we finished 0-10,” Stark said. “Last year, nobody left, the guys wanted to be here, wanted to play for Southmoore, and we won three games, including two of the last three. So, we have kids that have accepted the challenge and instead of running from the challenge they’re taking it head on and we’re excited about that.” – 19SM

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S P O RT S

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TV Threatens Game Attendance

OU Adds Stadium Renovations to Keep Fans Coming Back

S

ince the start of the 1999 season, the Oklahoma Sooners have won more Big 12 Championships than they have lost home games. Equally impressive, the Sooners have played in front of 123 consecutive sellout crowds.

With unparalleled success in the stands, the Sooners continue to upgrade the fan experience at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The administration is not taking anything for granted as many other college programs are experiencing a decline in attendance.

As TV ratings remain strong, the battle in the stands rages on, and even success on the field is not a guarantee of strong attendance. In a national championship season, Clemson was down an average of 373 fans per game, according to the NCAA’s figures. Even the SEC reported the lowest attendance since 2003.

“We’re competing more than ever before against the television product we helped create,” Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said.

For people watching games on television at home, the fan experience is sometimes hard to beat.

“There’s no line at the restroom, the beer is always cold. You don’t have to invest eight hours going to the stadium. There 38 | August 2019

are no parking fees. You don’t have to pay seat license, and on your 70-inch TV, it’s a pretty good viewing experience.”

There is constant evaluation of what it takes to keep fans showing up, and the Sooner administration is listening.

Whether through surveys, one-on-one conversations or even through social media, when questions are asked or concerns are raised, they listen.

“Ticket prices set an expectation that there will be a certain kind of experience,” said Kenny Mossman, OU’s senior associate athletic director for external operations.

“Especially when fans go to other events where the venue is newer, they still expect the same experience at our venue.”

“Our stadium is one of the great venues in the history of college football, but it needs upgrades, too,” said Joe Castiglione, OU vice president and athletics director.

“Among the improvements underway is a first-rate technological experience. We recognize that connectivity is an important piece of the fan experience. We’re also exploring ways to use the wireless access to further engage our fans in nearly every aspect of game attendance.”

The stadium is nearly a century old and the infrastructure was not built to meet the standards of today’s fans, Mossman said.

As part of the upgrades, handrails will be added throughout the facility, and some seats and aisles are being widened, adding to the stadium’s ability to accommodate ADA patrons.

“The changes we are making give us a more accessible stadium while also helping provide greater accommodation for everyone,” Castiglione said. “Our fans will find that it’s easier to move around the facility and will definitely improve the comfort of enjoying the game.”

While this particular upgrade will not be as noticeable as the addition of the south end zone in 2016, it will have an impact on the overall numbers within the stadium.

The handrail and seat widening projects will decrease the stadium’s capacity by about 3,000. OU officials have been planning for that reduction for several years.

Every aisle will have a handrail, Mossman said. That required removal of seats from aisles. Multiply that over many rows and the seat capacity reduction adds up.

But that was part of the master plan, established when the south end zone project was

in progress. The seating increase from the south end zone addition will offset seats lost from the current seat-widening project.

“Our goal is to take this very important step with as little disruption as possible.

We have worked with ticket holders to find new seat locations,” Mossman said.

The attendance numbers will decrease, but accessibility and comfort will increase. Success on the field can create the desire and drive for fans to attend games, but, in today’s competitive world, it’s not the only factor.

“Fans are looking for more than a ticket.

They are looking for a day and an experience. We are reimaging fan fest this year.

It will be in that long stretch between McCasland and the stadium. We’re going to add more concepts, so we’re always looking to make it more fun and more entertaining.”

During a recent visit to the Disney Institute, Mossman learned that every part of a visitor’s experience should lead back to their next visit.

“That’s the mindset we have to have too.

We are always building toward your next visit,” Mossman said.– 19SM

19th STREET MAGAZINE | 39

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BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Early Inspiration Norman Physician Says Medical Journey Shaped

by Her Mother’s Doctor

S

said. “I can’t think of a more rewarding privilege. I feel so honored to be chosen to be present on such an important day.”

“As a young girl, I had always been interested in science and in medicine,” Ohs said.

“But, when I was in high school, my mom needed a hysterectomy. That doctor and the way she cared for my mom was my first real introduction into women’s health.”

“I felt so welcome,” she shared about the first time she toured the hospital and clinic. “I was so impressed that everyone, the nurses and even the lactation consultants, had some kind of special passion or interest of care. It was clear they want to make things better in the community.”

ometimes, an unexpected encounter can leave a lasting impact. For Dr. Mady Ohs, the newest physician to join Norman Regional’s Care For Women - Norman clinic, it was a doctor caring for her mother that helped shape her professional journey.

Since, she has pursued her passion for women’s health, graduating from the University of Oklahoma for her undergraduate degree and OU’s College of Medicine for her medical degree. She then completed her residency in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she delivered babies and cared for women and girls of all ages.

But, perhaps the most influential experience of her career, Ohs said, happened during her third year of residency.

“I had my son in my third year of residency,” she said. “That was an amazing experience. I never thought that he would teach me so much about my profession. I can relate better to what my patients are going through. It was really cool to go through that experience with them.”

To this day, for Ohs, being in the delivery room remains a highlight.

“I still remember delivering my first baby.

I had such a big smile on my face,” she 44 | August 2019

Ohs said she is excited to join the team of doctors, nurses and other specialists at Norman Regional.

And, caring for moms is Ohs’ particular specialty.

“It’s important to me to respect whatever a mom decides (in terms of her health and the health of her baby) and to help them with that goal. The burden we moms put on ourselves can be extremely overwhelming, and I want my patients to feel supported. I want my office to be a place they feel safe talking about whatever problem they are having.

“My number one goal is for the mom to be healthy and to have a healthy baby. I want to support their different expectations and goals and to be there to listen whenever things don’t go as expected.”

Ohs is accepting new patients at the Care for Women - Norman office located at 3400 W Tecumseh Rd, Suite 205. To learn more about Ohs and the team of physicians she is joining at the clinic, visit www.normanregional.com or call 793-2229. – 19SM