Boyd Street Magazine July 2020

Women’s Pro Soccer is Here

Norman Celtic Joins WPSL

Construction Continues in NW Norman

Ruby Grant Park

Normanite in the Spotlight

Randy Hooper

July 2020 • Issue 7 • Volume 19

Sooner Pitcher Jennifer Stewart

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.

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6 | July 2020

Features

JULY CONTENTS 2020

ISSUE 7– VOLUME 19 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

Silver Elm Estates Jewelry Club

16 by Roxanne Avery

MANAGING EDITOR Lindsay Cuomo

Five women get together and craft items to raise money for charity.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher

CONTRIBUTORS

Ruby Grant Park

22 by Lindsay Cuomo

Construction continues in NW Norman on a new park.

Roxanne Avery | Stefanie Brickman Lindsay Cuomo | Kathy Hallren Joy Hampton | Shannon Hudzinski Thomas Iscenko | Chelsey Kraft Bill Moakley | Chris Plank Chat Williams

22

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

Normanite in the Spotlight: 31 Randy Hooper

PUBLISHER Randy Laffoon

by Chelsey Kraft Continuing the family printing tradtion in Norman.

The Beginning of a Dynasty

42 by Chris Plank

20th anniversary of the team that started the championship mindset for Sooner softball.

Boyd Street Magazine 2020 E. Alameda Norman, Oklahoma 73071 Phone: (405) 321-1400 E-mail: editor@boydstreet.com Copyright © Boyd Street Magazine

31

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.

Spotlights

Norman Pro Soccer

52 by Thomas Iscenko

Norman Celtic joins the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

10

Hurlonda Hamilton Service Spotlight:

Back to Business

56 by Lindsay Cuomo

Local business owners share about the challenges of doing business during a pandemic.

COVID and Emergency Care

72

by Lindsay Cuomo

42

Boyd Street Teacher Features

38

Deputy Colten Harris and Service Spotlight:

K-9 Heisman

by Joy Hampton

61

by Shannon Hudzinski - OUFCU

Is it a good time to open a HELOC?

65 by Kathy Hallren - Joe’s Wines & Spirits

New Brew in Town

Norman couple opens brewery on Campus Corner.

sportstalk1400.com

Visit Norman

26 by Lindsay Cuomo

78 by Lindsay Cuomo

14 by Stefanie Brickman

Delayed emergency care cause for concern among ER doctors.

by Bill Moakley

/boydstreetmagazine

78

@boydstreet

Wine Regions & Labels

69 by Chat Williams - Youth Performance

Hydration Tips

Cover photo provided by: OU Athletics

SMALL BUSINESS. BIG IMPACT.

COMM U N I T Y

BY: BILL MOAKLEY

Service Spotlight:

Hurlonda Hamilton

G

rowing up, Hurlonda Hamilton loved watching crime shows on television and dreamt of being a detective. For the past six years, the Spencer native has put her deductive powers to work for the Norman Police Department as a records clerk.

“I was so into crime shows. Just trying to investigate everything,” Hamilton admitted. “In middle school and high school, I was that person that wanted to be a detective. Problem solving is what I enjoy doing. I love challenges.”

And keeping the records for a major metropolitan police department is a challenge. In addition to reviewing and editing reports from officers, Hamilton is responsible for ensuring those reports are properly entered in local and national records files and databases, making sure reports are available to the public and the district attorney’s office, and properly documenting the paper trail of any activity in which police are involved.

In addition to being used locally by prosecutors, insurance companies, crime victims and more, NPD records are also entered into the Incident Based Records System. Databases such as IBRS are used to draw local and national crime demographics.

In addition to the challenge of ensuring the trail of any incident is properly reported and catalogued, Hamilton draws job satisfaction from the simple joy of assisting the public.

“I wanted a career in law enforcement because I really enjoy helping people,” she explained. “I care about other people’s safety. I love giving advice on how to proceed in life instead of going down a dark road. I wanted to be positive influence in people’s lives.”

Hamilton came to Norman from a dispatch job at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City.

She was familiar with Norman from her time as a student at OU after graduating from Star Spencer High School, including six semesters of studying the Chinese language as a student in the College of International Studies. During her time at OU, Hamilton spent a semester abroad in China.

“I went through a culture shock,” she recalled. “Nobody was able to fully understand me, but it was really fun.”

10 | July 2020

As part of her records duties, Hamilton is often the first face people see when visiting the department in search of a report they find they need. It’s a task, or calling, she savors.

“Most people feel nervous entering a police department, so being the first point of contact, I focus on making our citizens comfortable when they walk through those doors,” Hamilton explained. “I enjoy being helpful as much as possible to people seeking assistance and helping solve their issues.”

For most citizens, a trip to the police records division window doesn’t come on the heels of a happy experience. Hamilton says although people enter somewhat nervous, or worse, she often sees them leave in a much better mood.

“I see a huge change,” she said. “Afterwards, they thank us. I feel like from what people see on TV, they don’t expect us to treat them the way we do. I just adore getting positive feedback from the public when they leave our department.”

During her time in Norman, the city has become a place in which Hamilton and her seven-year-old son feel very at home.

“When I’m in public, people pass me with a smile,” she explained. “I believe nothing you wear is more important than a smile. That’s why I love Norman.”– BSM

12 | July 2020

Eat

Stay

Play

Events

COMM U N I T Y

BY: ROXANNE AVERY

S ilver Elm Es t ate s Jewe l r y Cl u b

W

hen Melba Cowin and her husband moved into Silver Elm Estates in 2013, staff and residents took notice of the lady wearing lots of jewelry. Melba explained she had been making jewelry for many years and her new friends had lots of questions.

ing the pieces and giving the money to charity.

“I started making jewelry on my own, without any lessons,” Cowin explained. “I started by just re-stringing beads and through trial and error, I figured out how to do it. When I moved to Silver Elm, the activities director and a few residents wanted to learn.”

Word spread through the independent living center about the jewelry club and donations of old jewelry began coming in.

When she donated her personal stash, the activities director bought a few items and the Silver Elm Jewelry Club was born.

With about five women getting together regularly to socialize and make jewelry, discussion began about sell16 | July 2020

“It really started with someone suggesting we make the jewelry, sell it to our residents at a very special price and then giving the money to charity,” Cowin said.

“We just asked residents if they had any old jewelry they were going to throw away, and that we’d love to have it for our club,” she explained.

Working mainly with beads, the ladies organized, cleaned, sorted, designed and began selling their creations.

“Most of our sales were to the residents and we sold pieces such as a

necklace and earring set for $15. This gave residents a good price and we began making a little money because so much had been donated.”

The little jewelry club was about to hit the big time. “Pay it Forward,” a program on News Channel 4, broadcast a story about the small but mighty group.

“When they explained we donate our profits to charity, that’s when donations of old beads came pouring in,” Cowin said. “One lady had been making jewelry for a church and she donated everything to us. Some of our residents’ children donated beaded necklaces and jewelry and even jewelry-making tools.”

“We just kept getting these donations and began making very good profits.”

That’s when club members met to de-

cide who would receive their money.

The group decided to keep donations local and to give money to smaller organizations.

“There was a small school with a football team where players had to buy their own uniforms. Four of those boys couldn’t afford to do that so we purchased them,” Cowin shared. “We also made donations to Women Helping Women. Some of their employees wanted to take night classes and we paid for a semester of school for each of them.”

Clearing about $3,000 a year after buying necessities to make the jewelry, the little jewelry club is making an impact.

They donated $600 for toys for the Angel Tree through the Salvation Army and also gave money for toys for foster children. They have donated to fire victims and a tornado victim.

In 2017, the club bought tracking bracelets for the Norman Police De-

boydstreet.com

partment for Alzheimer patients.

They also helped with a mission trip.

“It was brought to our attention five young ladies were going on a mission trip with their church to a foreign country, but needed funding,” Cowin said. “We gave them $200 each, a total of $1,000.”

Two years ago, the jewelry club streamlined and now donates to only one charity. Bridges is an organization whose mission is to empower high school students in family crisis to pursue education without obstacles.

Cowin pointed out that although the jewelry club donates money to charity, members benefit in other ways.

“Making jewelry is good for hand and eye coordination,” she explained. “We have to use our hands, so it’s beneficial especially for those with arthritis.

It also gives our brains a workout… to design and thread a necklace.”

Cowin said the group has a great time being together in a social setting and is a positive experience for the members.

Held at Silver Elm Estates at 2100 36th Ave. NW, the club’s sales are open to the public offering jewelry at a variety of price points from $1 to $15.

“The necklace and earring sets selling for $15 are worth around $50, people tell me,” Cowin said. “A lot of our customers come back after making a purchase to give us beads and jewelry from their own collections. We ask for donations of old necklaces and jewelry, even if they’re broken, because we take them apart anyway.”

“We really enjoy making jewelry. At this point in our lives, we feel we’re giving back to our community in the ways that we can.” – BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 17

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Ruby Grant Park

Construction Continues in NW Norman Construction crews are now seven months into a nearly yearlong project at Ruby Grant Park. Construction began in December 2019 and the first phase is expected to be completed in November.

R

uby Grant Park has been designed to highlight and preserve the property’s exisitng diverse terrain and natural topography, allowing visitors to engage and enjoy a

Several of the park’s features will be readily accessible no matter the abilities of the individual seeking to enjoy the park.

“We are trying to make as much of the entire site as accessible as possible for people with all types of abilities,” Foster explained.

Foster said the paved trails utilize tactile paving to aid 22 | July 2020

plethera of natural features and open green space.

“It’s a beautiful piece of property with rolling hills, streams and ponds,” Jud

those with visual impairments, a portion of the disc golf course will accommodate mobility devices and the playground equipment will feature Braille, ramps and other elements designed to provide an inclusive play space for all abilities.

Foster, director for the Norman’s Parks and Recreation department, said. “As that area continues to grow it will be nice to have that open green space to enjoy.”

The 148-acre park is named after Ruby Grant, a life-long Oklahoman who grew up in a modest home on the park’s property. A memorial pavilion will also bear her name and share her story with park visitors.

“Ruby Grant lived in the same farm house for most of her life,” shared Foster. “She was very frugal but was also very generous too.”

An important component in several key Norman Forward Projects, Ruby

Grant Park will have a mosaic art piece installed near the memorial pavilion. The piece was commissioned by a committee of Norman community members and is being fabricated by an artist from the Washington D.C. area.

The park will feature an extensive trail system including several multi-use trails and a cross-country track. Foster said some of the trails will be paved or built with crushed granite, depending on an upcoming bond issue that could potentially increase funding to several Norman Forward projects including Ruby Grant.

The cross-country track is designed to be used as a practice and competition site for both Norman high schools.

Additional park features include a second large picnic pavilion, three entrances with parking lots, restrooms, a dog park and a garden. Phase two will include additional parking areas. The master plan also recommends building a recreation center and a splash pad; however, those projects are not in the current construction. – BSM

R

uby Grant was born in Oklahoma Territory on Nov. 12, 1900. She lived most of her life in a modest home on a farm her parents purchased not long after the Land Run. Ruby graduated from Norman High School in 1921, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education in 1929, and a master’s degree in business education in 1941, both from the University of Oklahoma.

Ruby was a petite, quiet woman who never married. Education and music were her lifelong passions.

In the 1980s, long after the death of her parents, oil was discovered under the Grant family farm, which provided Ruby an opportunity to honor her mother and boydstreet.com

father by contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the University of Oklahoma. These funds provided for what is now the Grant Fine Arts Library and the Ruby Grant Piano Pedagogy Resource Center, both at the Catlett Music Center.

After her death in 1998 at the age of 97, her estate, which included the family farm, was given to the University of Oklahoma Foundation. The City of Norman purchased the acreage at a discounted price, with the agreement that it become a public park named in honor of Ruby Grant.

Normanites can learn more about Ruby when they visit her memorial pavilion located at the northwest corner of the park.

Rose Ro ck Festival New Dates: Aug ust 7-9

COMM U N I T Y

Kimberly Hager

K

imberly Hager is a second-grade teacher at McKinley Elementary, a position she feels is her way to leave an impact on world.

“I became a teacher because I wanted to make an impact on the world around me,” Hager shared.

“I wanted to give students a love for learning and a solid beginning to their educational journey.”

She keeps busy everyday moving her students from task to task but she said is careful to be aware of her students’ social and emotional needs too. Hager said the most rewarding part of her job is when she gets to help a struggling student succeed.

“Over the years I have had many moments shape me as an educator but the moments that stand

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

out are when struggling students find their success,” she shared.

Hager said she looks to her fellow educators for advice and inspiration and is currently pursuing a master’s degree to become a reading specialist.

“Teaching is not something one does alone. We are successful because of the support of our colleagues,” she said. “I have worked with many terrific educators over the years… without their guidance I could not do my job.”

Hager was named McKinley’s Teacher of the Year, an honor she credits to “many terrific educators that have helped shape me through the years.” – BSM

Teaching Norman Rebecca Grimes

R

ebecca Grimes was a budding journalist when she first started at the University of Oklahoma. However, a job as a nanny shifted her professional goals.

“My freshman year, I started nannying for a little girl. I was amazed by her growth and development and how I could encourage this growth,” she remembered. “I changed my major to early childhood education and never turned back.”

Today, Grimes is working towards her doctorate in early childhood education and teaching pre-kindergarten at Monroe Elementary.

26 | July 2020

“I spend my days with 20 four and five-year-olds,” she said.

“We have class meetings where we build community with one another. Most of our learning comes through play and small group instruction.”

Grimes said she is cultivating an environment for children to explore and grow “in all domains of learning - cognitively, socially and emotionally.”

“Especially in our world today, we need a focus on helping children to understand themselves and others.”

Grimes was selected as Monroe’s Teacher of the Year. – BSM

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COM M UNI T Y

NORMANITE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Randy Hooper A

mong the photos hanging inside Hooper Printing Co. are two that look quite similar, capturing some of the history of this family-owned business.

There’s one of Garl Hooper and his son, Charles, posing outside their new building in 1957. Just above that sits a second of Charles and his son, Randy, standing in the same spot 55 years later.

After graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a management degree, Randy Hooper started working fulltime with his dad in 1980 and has been with the business ever since. Following Charles’ passing last year, Hooper has continued at the helm of the company that began nearly 70 years ago.

The Hoopers originally opened their business on West Main Street in August 1950, relocating just around the corner to the current location at 301 West Gray St. in 1957.

The dairy business receives much of the credit for helping the family get its start in printing, Hooper shared. At the time, all ice cream cartons looked the same, with the flavors imprinted on the container. Garl, his wife, Alberta, and Charles took on the task of labeling the cartons, and from there, their business continued to grow.

Before coming to Norman in 1947, the Hoopers were newspaper people, running a weekly paper in Hugo, Oklahoma. Garl and Alberta moved to Norman while their son served in the U.S. Army. Upon his return from Europe, Charles joined them in their new town. Charles later met his wife, Claudette Cornelison, in Norman, and they were married for 65 years. boydstreet.com

This background in the newspaper business is what led the Hoopers to printing. As offset printers, that side of the business has not changed dramatically over the years.

Instead, the biggest changes have been seen in pre-press like the graphics components and digital work, Hooper explained.

“They were hand setting type back in the early days, so we’ve lived through all the phases from handset type to hot lead for Linotype machines then offset printing,” Hooper said. “Many things we can still do effectively with the old offset as long as we can keep these old presses running.”

Common jobs completed at Hooper Printing are letterhead, envelopes, business cards, carbonless forms and numbered forms and finishing work for some of the smaller copy shops in town. Hooper said they also do a lot of work for car dealers, churches and schools, including the Thursday folders for Norman Public Schools.

Having lived in Norman his entire life, Hooper has established strong connections in the community, both personal and professional. He has been a member of the Norman Business Association for 30 years and is part of the Rotary Club of Norman. In the past, Hooper also served on the hospital board, the board for the Norman Chamber of Commerce and the University of Oklahoma Alumni Board, just to name some of his involvement.

At OU, Hooper played on the men’s golf team. During the summers, he headed to Florida to teach at Arnold Palmer’s golf school. In his free time, Hooper still enjoys golfing and also likes to fish.

“I like to say the only people I’ve ever worked for are BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 31

He emphasized that small business is important and most of Hooper Printing’s work is local.

“We depend on Norman small business, and we try to trade with the people that trade with us,” Hooper stated.

“That’s what I enjoy doing, that and helping small business owners save money on products. We’re very competitive in what we do because of the years we’ve been doing it, there’s really no overhead to speak of.”

Charlie Hooper and Arnold Palmer,” Hooper said with a laugh.

He and his wife, Pam, who also holds a degree from OU and was an honors student in education, will celebrate their 36th anniversary in October.

Before Pam finished school, she was working at the courthouse, which is a place for which Hooper does a lot of printing. He noticed Pam there and fi-

nally got the nerve to call her and ask her on a date. The couple has three children, Logan, Clayton and Shannon – all also OU graduates – and one daughter-in-law Kelley, who is married to Clayton.

Although the printing business can be a tough one, Hooper said Norman has been good to his family and made a lot of other things possible for them too.

Even before attending college, Hooper helped with the family’s various ventures, including real estate and owning the marinas on Lake Thunderbird, and he knew he wanted to officially join the family business after college. The Hoopers still do work in other areas too, such as operating a property company and serving as a managing partner of a farm south of Norman. However, as it has always been, printing is still the primary focus for Hooper.

“Every day starts and ends here at the printing company, and I plan to continue this.” – BSM

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 37

COMM U N I T Y

BY: JOY HAMPTON

Service Spotlight:

Deputy Colten Harris and K-9 Heisman

C

leveland County Sheriff’s Office’s newest K-9 handler, Deputy Colten Harris started with the agency in March 2019 and quickly distinguished himself. Not too surprising, since Cleveland County isn’t his first job in law enforcement.

“I was really young when I started in law enforcement,” Harris said. “I was 18 and started inside of a jail.”

Just two months after coming to work for Cleveland County, 25-year-old Harris helped disarm and peacefully take into custody a juvenile experiencing a mental health crisis, potentially saving lives.

More recently, he was recognized for his role in coming to the aid of a victim of domestic violence who was hiding in the woods to escape her abusive husband.

“We are very proud of this young man,” said Sheriff Blake Green. “He exemplifies our mission to courageously protect and compassionately serve the people of Cleveland County and handles himself well in the field.”

Harris volunteers at community events like the Downtown Norman Fall Festival, going out of his way to encourage the youngsters of Cleveland County,

and recently took a stuffed bunny rabbit and flowers to a widow who was feeling lonely and depressed and called into dispatch that she needed a hug.

“I explained to her that I couldn’t give her a hug due to COVID,” he said, “but I took her the bunny and some flowers and listened, and she seemed really grateful.”

She was grateful enough to send a lengthy Facebook message to the sheriff’s office about the difference he had made in her life.

“My main goal when I go on my shift each night is to help as many people as I can,” Harris said.

Now, due to a group of generous donors, Harris will have a little extra assistance in the field from his four-legged partner, K-9 Heisman.

“I’ve loved dogs my entire life,” Harris said. “What really set off my wanting to be a canine handler was my partner in a previous agency.”

That partner was a canine handler, and Harris worked side by side with the pair, seeing first-hand the difference a dog can make in the field. When Harris met Heisman at Canine Working Dogs in Florida where handlers are matched

to their dogs, the pair clicked.

“As soon as Heisman jumped out of the [trainer’s] car, it was a match,” Harris said.

The two-year-old German Shepherd is a dual-purpose dog trained to detect narcotics and to track and apprehend suspects. Under a handler’s guidance, Harris said Heisman can also work on leash to track lost subjects such as children or someone with dementia, for example.

“Canines are a great tool for patrol,” Harris said. “They’re an extra pair of eyes for you. We have a lot of camaraderie on my shift, so Heisman is really oriented with all of the partners that I work with.”

Capt. Marcus Williams previously worked with Harris at another county sheriff’s office before working together at the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.

“Deputy Harris is a down-to-earth, nice guy. He would give someone in need the shirt off his back,” Williams said.

“When he’s not working or handing his K-9, he’s being an all- star dad to his daughter. On the job, he is always willing to step up to the plate and take responsibility to get the job done.”

This is a continuation of our series on public servants in Norman.

38 | July 2020

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6FT

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S P O RT S

BY: CHRIS PLANK

The Beginning of a Dynasty

Over the span of five days in Oklahoma City, Patty Gasso led an unlikely band of underdogs to victory and changed the trajectory of an entire sport, imploding a West Coast domination in college softball.

The 2000 National Championship changed everything and as the university celebrates the 20th anniversary, we look back at the lessons, relationships and memories that still last to this day.

JUST HAPPY TO BE THERE? College softball was a West Coast dominated sport. The Pac10 had absolutely owned the world of collegiate softball from the inception of the sport in college athletics, led by the dominance of UCLA and Arizona. From 1982 to 1999, either the Bruins or the Wildcats took home the national title a combined 14 times, including a streak of 10 consecutive titles from 1988 to 1997. Only twice since 1982 had a program east of Tucson, Ariz. won a National Championship.

The Sooners changed that in 2000 but there were not a lot of 42 | July 2020

believers when the Sooners showed up in Oklahoma City.

“The feel I got for OU was one of ‘Hey, good for you, making the World Series.’ If you could just win one game, that would be great. If you don’t, that is OK you just made it.

Good luck and no matter what happens we’re proud of you... and honestly that just fired me up,” Patty Gasso said as she looked back on the mentality around the sport. “People did not know what kind of team we were dealing with. This was all our first opportunities to go to the World Series and sometimes ignorance is bliss. We just went to play.”

Gasso was making her first ever appearance in the Women’s College World Series, the first of what is now a growing number for Sooner softball. The 2000 team helped set the foundation for what Sooner softball is today.

“Our final record was outstanding...66-8,” Gasso said. “These guys stood up to everybody. They were not intimidated. If anything, they were more motivated to say ‘you have no idea who we are or what we are about.’ When they got on the field, they just wanted to play. They were all so influential in our wins... all of them.”

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? With the dominating perception that college softball was

Photos by: OU Athletics Photos provided by: Mark Doescher

T

he 2000 Oklahoma softball team was expected to just enjoy the ride. In a lot of ways, they were just supposed to be happy to be a part of it all. When all was said and done, the 2000 Sooner Softball team was more than just along for the ride. They drove the bus.

mostly a West Coast sport, the 2000 National Champions helped break the mold. On its path towards the first National Championship, the Sooners faced three Pac-10 teams. Six of the Sooners regular contributors were Oklahomans, including standout pitcher Jennifer Stewart. The Sooners were out to prove it was more than just where you were from that made you great.

The team drew some motivation from a unique source. During a team outing prior to the start of the World Series, the team watched “Gladiator,” starring Russel Crowe. The Academy Award winning film was not only making its mark on the box office. It also made a mark on the softball team.

“Most of us were from Oklahoma and playing in our home state. It was pretty powerful for us because of what was usually there, the Pac 10,” Stewart said.

“I remember we went and saw “Gladiator” the movie and I think that was basically us. Just get in the ring and fight for our lives. The first game we were behind against Cal and once we came back and won that game you had that feeling that no one was going to stop us. Our first game, first time in the world series and we won, and we felt unstoppable… we weren’t going to take no.”

The Sooner softball team took on the mindset of Crowe’s Maximus, almost brazenly asking ‘are you not entertained’ as they laid waste to the West Coast softball empire.

“That was it... we were going into an arena and we were facing deadly competition so in a lot of ways you’re fighting for your lives,” Gasso said. “That was the mentality. They were fighters who loved to play.”

THE BIG PLAY MENTALITY The march towards a National Championship was not easy for the Sooners, but they found confidence in their routine-oriented approach.

“We were all about routines,” standout catcher Ashli Barrett remembered. “The bus driver went the long way the first day, so we went the long way every day after that.”

With Barrett anchoring the battery beboydstreet.com

Christy Ring hind the plate, Jennifer Stewart embarked on a legendary performance in the circle that would eventually lead to the Oklahoman to be named the Women’s College World Series Most Outstanding Player. Stewart’s leadership in the circle was being matched in the field and at the plate.

Christy Ring laced a two-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning against Cal to secure the first win for the Sooners.

In game two, the Sooners powered past standout Southern Miss pitcher and 50game winner Courtney Blades, launching three home runs to advance to a showdown with Arizona. The Sooners knew the path to a championship would go through either the Bruins or Wildcats, teams that the Sooners were a combined 1-12 against during Gasso’s first four seasons.

Stewart pitched a gem against Arizona and blanked the powerful Wildcat lineup in a complete game, six-hit shutout.

“My best memory was beating Arizona because I got drilled by them early in the season,” Stewart recalled. “When coach gave me the ball, I was just hoping to make my team proud and overcome it.

They drilled me and nearly run ruled us

but we ended up shutting them out in the World Series.

“Winning the World Series was amazing but for me never being recruited by a West Coast team, it was like shoving it in their face. We are from Oklahoma. We are the University of Oklahoma and we just whipped you.”

The stage was set for a championship showdown with the UCLA Bruins.

THE GAME IS FOREVER CHANGED The Sooners played with a chip on their shoulder for the entire season, always viewed as a ‘nice’ story. They now had a chance to prove they were more.

“We respected Arizona and UCLA beyond imagination because we were always trying to be like them,” Gasso said. “As a coach, I felt like I was going up against royalty. At the same time, I feel like this team deserved respect at the same level and I don’t know if we felt like we were getting it and maybe that fired them up a little more.”

The big plays started early in the championship game against UCLA when Christy Ring caught a line drive in left BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 43

Kelli Braitsch

field and proceeded to throw a laser to first base to double off the talented and speedster Natasha Whatley.

“I still think about that play,” Ring said looking back on the play that seemed to set the tone. “I was so young and so many people were watching. I was extremely nervous, but it was surreal. It was amazing to play in front of that crowd. Coach Gasso was telling us that we were David and they are Goliath. Our team was so close and worked together so well and that helped us in the end.”

Oklahoma scored all of its runs in the third inning when centerfielder Erin Evans led off with a single to left field and was driven-in by first baseman Lisa Carey’s home run to the left field bleachers.

“I called so much during this world series... hit and runs with runners at second, you name it, we did it,” Gasso said.

“Lisa Carey hits a bomb and bunts in the next at bat. We called picks... we called everything. My attitude was we just had to go for it. Any time I called upon these guys to do something, they would always do it and do it right.”

Perhaps no moment in the entire season embodied the “Gladiator” mindset of this team better than what happened in 44 | July 2020

the top of the sixth inning. As Lakisha Washington squared to bunt a pitch, it hit her in the face. The game was delayed 20 minutes as trainers tended to the injured Washington.

“They tape her up... there is blood all over her uniform. It was truly a gladiator scene,” Gasso said. “Blood is dripping down her face and she stayed in the game… and then they try to pick her off on the first pitch after all that and that fired me up. So, on the next pitch we send her, and she steals second.”

“I remember thinking, is she serious and then just saying, ‘Ok I gotta go,’” Washington recalled.

The incredible pitching by Stewart, the timely hitting of Barrett and Carey, the defense of Ring and the toughness of Washington helped to set the Sooners up for a championship celebration.

But the final out of the 2000 National Championship would be a story all its own.

As the Bruins brought the tying run to the plate, the game ended in incredibly unique fashion.

“At that time UCLA and the Pac-10 were notorious for taking extra bases,” said Jen-

nifer Rocha, current Sooner pitching coach who was a grad assistant at the time.

She noticed Crissy Buck trying to gain an advantage.

“The violation rule was in effect and they got caught. I remember knowing that and talking about it leading up to the game and then when we ended the game on that it was unbelievable,” Rocha remembered.

Buck was called out for leaving second base early and the celebration was on.

The Oklahoma Sooners had won the National Championship.

“I was screaming at the umpire behind the plate,” Catcher Ashli Barrett said.

For standout shortstop Kelli Braitsch, it was sweet redemption.

“I had made an error on a double play on the play before, so we huddled up and regrouped,” Braitsch said. “She (Buck) had been leading off second and stayed there for a second. Jenn had been in the circle and as she made an attempt to go back to the bag she took off to third and that is why the final out is not really recorded, the most awkward ending to a title game.”

“My back was to everything, so I had no

idea a celebration going on behind us,” Stewart recalled.

“I was jumping in the outfield wondering, ‘did we win?’” Ring recalled. “We were all jumping and had no idea.”

EVERLASTING FRIENDSHIPS “I remember I took my video camera everywhere and I remember taping all the girls, constantly dancing trying to entertain everyone,” Ring said. “Winning the World Series is the highlight of my life so far. It was a memory you will never forget.

You still feel that same excitement when you see it... it’s like it was yesterday.”

The 2000 National Championship was a first for a women’s program at the University of Oklahoma. It also gave the Sooners its first national title since the baseball team won in 1994, an accomplishment made even more special since it was secured by a roster loaded with homegrown Oklahoma talent.

“I always say my favorite memory was being on the upper field and we had snaked down by the flowers close to the main field and, as we’re going down the

berm, we can hear something,” Braitsch recalled. “We had no idea what they were chanting. And then we realized the entire stadium was chanting OU... it was a moment where we were shocked. Sure, it was our backyard, but I never would have thought they would come together, that many people for us. I get chills thinking about it. That was my favorite memory outside of winning.”

“We enjoyed it more being from Oklahoma,” Barrett recalled. “We grew up sitting on those berms and rolling down that hill as kids, watching those UCLA, Arizona and Long Beach teams. I remember them walking with those metal spikes and thinking man how awesome would it be to wear those spikes and play there one day. Jenn and I walked up the stairs before the Cal game and she turned around and saw some kids sitting and said to me, ‘that used to be us over there.’”

Stewart was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Women’s College World Series, allowing just two earned runs in 26 innings. She was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Braitsch and

Carey, laying the foundation of Sooner softball with hard work and dedication.

To this day, they stay close and connected.

“Friendship is one of the best things I’ve taken out of this,” Stewart said. “These are some of my best friends to this day.

That was Coach making us like a family. It was all about family and the bond that we shared. The experience we went through. It was one of the greatest moments of my life just being able to have that… I just love the memories that we have. We created this together.”

The 2000 win for Oklahoma not only changed the trajectory of the Sooner program but also the sport of College Softball. Since the 2000 National Championship, every Power Five Conference has won at least one National Championship with Oklahoma and Florida winning back-to-back titles during that stretch.

“The win there changed the sport of softball,” Gasso said. “Others around the country said if an Oklahoma team can do it ... we can do it. Investments started going into collegiate softball. Now that

is why the crowds are so big because it can happen to anyone anywhere in the country. This team had a lot to do in bringing hope to a sport that might have been dying because it was so owned by the West Coast.”

The win also secured Gasso as the Sooner head coach for years to come. The now Hall of Fame Sooner coach had all but decided she was headed back to the West Coast because it was just not feasible to continue coaching at Oklahoma

46 | July 2020

from a financial perspective.

The win in 2000, as it had in so many ways, changed everything.

“The championship mindset we talk about a lot now, it’s our mantra… it started right here with this group. I just didn’t know what to call it,” Gasso said.

“That is how they played. One thing that just warms my heart more than anything is to see that they still get together. I am so proud of what these guys have become. They can thank me, but I’m hon-

ored to have led them through this. You would not even imagine what this one game did for this program.

“This was my favorite championship… because it set the standard and the stage.

If this did not happen, I do not know if we would be where we are today. How can I not say this was my favorite… it molded our program.”– BSM

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Norman Pro Soccer Oklahoma Celtic joins the Women’s Premier Soccer League

T

he Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) has added Oklahoma Celtic as its next expansion club. As an elite youth club with ties to both the Elite Clubs National League and Norman Youth Soccer Association, Oklahoma Celtic will now take part in the Red River Conference and will compete alongside 130 WPSL clubs in the 24th season expected to begin in April.

“Our community has always been very supportive of soccer,” said Don Rother, executive director for the Oklahoma Celtic. “Being accepted into the Women’s Premier Soccer League completes our developmental pyramid and fulfills our goal of offering soccer to all ages and levels for our female players.”

Right off the start, Oklahoma Celtic will have their own rivals in Oklahoma City FC and Tulsa Soccer. The Red River Conference also includes other competition from such clubs as FC Dallas, FC Wichita, Texas Spurs FC and Little Rock Rangers.

Rother invites the community to watch the team’s games at Norman North High School but said the

52 | July 2020

construction of a Celtic stadium is planned for the near future.

Preparations are already underway to recruit local talent, and Rother elaborated on the process Oklahoma Celtic is undergoing to fill their squad for the upcoming inaugural season.

“Our scouts are going out to the local high school and colleges and watching their games,” he explained.

“We’re reaching out to coaches of players who caught our attention.”

Beyond bringing a professional soccer club to Norman, the team’s relationship with NYSA will help build the sport throughout the community.

NYSA offers both boys’ and girls’ soccer programs to develop local talent and cultivate opportunities for all interest and skill levels.

“The big goal of a soccer club is to offer opportunities for all interest levels, from the casual player to the most elite.

Our goal has always been to build from within,” Rother added. “We want to develop players from right here in Norman. We’re trying to give every age group a place to play and train.”

Oklahoma Celtics inclusion into WPSL is an exciting opportunity for fans and athletes in the Norman community.

Many of America’s World Cup Winners such as Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach have all played within the league. It will be interesting to see what gems Oklahoma Celtic’s scouts uncover, and which of these local talents will move on to possibly play on the world’s biggest stage in the not too distant future.– BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Back to Business

Local business owners share challenges of doing business during a pandemic

B

ack in mid-March as businesses closed their doors across the state, small business owners were faced with a number of unprecedented challenges. Many were able to reshape their services and methodologies, offering things like virtual, digital or contactless transactions.

But for those in the entertainment industry where in-person interaction is essential, commerce came to a halt.

“We had league bowling the night the governor mandated businesses had to close,” Mandy Haws said, owner of Sooner Bowling Center. “When the league finished, we cleaned up the center and shut our doors.”

Sooner Bowling Center remained closed for almost nine weeks. Other venues like the Westwood Aquatics Center were closed longer.

“In parks and recreation, we are on the frontline in the community in so many ways,” Jason Olsen, recreation superintendent for Norman Parks and Recreation, shared. “We wanted to lead by example and we closed everything… just about everything in the park system was impacted.”

Despite having no customers coming in, Haws said the work never stopped.

56 | July 2020

“We are not a business that can just close our doors and walk away,” she explained. “We still had our maintenance staff working and we took the opportunity to do some large-scale projects. There was a lot of painting, purging and rearranging to be ready to reopen.”

Trey Bates, owner of HeyDay Entertainment, said he and his staff began looking for ways to incorporate new procedures and CDC guidelines.

“We spent a lot of time looking at what reopening might look like,” he shared. “We talked with associations and others in the business. Mandy and I talked about what we were going to do and what business would look like. Even though we are competitors, success for Mandy is success

for us as the public gets more comfortable coming out.”

Haws said she found the support of fellow business owners to be very helpful.

“It was so helpful to talk with people who shared your pain and understood,” she said. “In the big picture, I want to protect my staff and my customers. We had plenty of time to think this through and educate ourselves on these issues. We tried to use the time to our advantage and come out of it better.”

Olsen also found support from professional networks to be essential.

“This virus is not going to go away.

We had to learn how to change the ways we have operated for so long,” Olsen shared. “It’s amazing how this pandemic has opened up new lines of communication and new ways to help each other.”

Both Haws and Bates said they have implemented extensive cleaning procedures and have worked to reduce frequent touch points between staff and customers.

“Everything from when a customer enters the building to how they actually interact with our attractions has changed,”

Bates said. “We do a temperature and health check on each customer.”

Haws said she has purchased a special machine to disinfect the bowling balls after each use and has increased cleaning procedures throughout the center.

“We want people to feel comfortable,” she said. “We are being very cautious of our group numbers and are social distancing groups. We have a strict cleaning schedule and have upgraded our procedures as recommended by the health department.”

Bates is installing specially designed curtains to separate each bowling lane.

“We had a company construct dividers, hybrid curtains with a protective plastic barrier inside,” he shared. “It’s an attractive solution that provides additional protection for our customers. I think it will be intimate and create a more private experience and make people feel more comfortable.”

Olsen said his department has made significant changes as well.

“All of our centers are open and our senior center is taking the most pre-

cautions to protect that most vulnerable population. Everyone has to wear a mask, they are doing temperature checks and we have more hand sanitizing stations.”

“Day camps are open at our rec centers and we have a sort of curbside service for parents. Staff wears masks when in close contact with the kids and rooms are sanitized after each use.”

“At the golf course, we installed touchless pins on the greens and took away touch points like ball washers. We use hospital grade sanitizer to completely disinfect the golf carts after each use.”

Olsen said that the community can help too.

“We are still asking people to practice social distancing. With the possibility of a second spike, we need to take precautions because it’s important to protect yourself and your neighbor. That is an important aspect of any community.”

Haws encourages the community to give their favorite venues the chance to show how they are able to offer a

safe environment to have fun.

“I hope the community trusts us to do what we do best. We now just need people to come check us out to see everything we are doing to keep you safe. Wash your hands, put a mask on and come out and have fun.” – BSM

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Is it a Good Idea to Open a HELOC Now?

I

f you’re looking for a large sum of money to use for a home improvement project, or the economic devastation of COVID-19 has left you in desperate need of cash, consider tapping into your home’s equity. One great way to do this is by opening a home equity line of credit, or a HELOC. Let’s take a closer look at HELOCs and why they can be an excellent option for cash-strapped homeowners in today’s financial climate.

WHAT IS A HELOC?

A HELOC is a revolving credit line allowing homeowners to borrow money against the equity of their home. The HELOC is like a second mortgage on a home; if the borrower owns the entire home, the HELOC is a primary mortgage.

Given that a HELOC is a line of credit and not a fixed loan, borrowers can withdraw money from the HELOC as needed rather than borrowing one lump sum. This allows for more freedom than a loan and is especially beneficial for borrowers who don’t know exactly how much money they’ll ultimately need to fund their venture.

Borrowers withdraw funds (aka “draws” or “advances”) from the HELOC during a set amount of time that is known as the “draw period,” which generally lasts 10 years. Some lenders place restrictions on HELOCs and require borrowers to withdraw a minimum amount of money each time they make a draw, regardless of need. Other restrictions include the requirements to keep a fixed amount of money outstanding, or to withdraw a specific sum when the HELOC is first established.

HOW DO I REPAY MY HELOC?

Repayment of HELOCs varies, but is usually very flexible.

Many lenders collect interest-only payments during the draw period, with principal payments being strictly optional. Others require ongoing monthly payment toward both principal and interest.

When the draw period ends, some lenders will allow borrowers to renew the credit line and continue withdrawing money. Other lenders require borrowers to pay back the entire balance due, also known as a “balloon payment.”

Still others allow borrowers to pay back the loan in monthly installments over another set amount of time, known as the “repayment period.” Repayment periods are generous, lasting as long as 20 years.

HOW CAN BORROWERS SPEND THE MONEY?

While home improvement projects are popular uses for HELOCs, borrowers are free to spend the money however they please. Some other uses for HELOCs include debt consolidation, funding a wedding, adoption, dream vacation or the launch of a new business.

IS EVERYONE ELIGIBLE FOR A HELOC?

Like every loan and line of credit, HELOCs have eligibility requirements, which help lenders determine the applicant’s financial wellness and responsibility. Most notably, the borrower must have a minimal amount of equity in the home. boydstreet.com

Lender requirements vary, but most homeowners will be eligible for a HELOC with a debt-to-income ratio that is 40% or less, a credit score of 620 or higher and a home assessment that stands at a minimum of 15% more than what is owed.

HOW MUCH CAN I BORROW WITH A HELOC?

HELOC amounts vary along with three criteria: the value of your home, the percentage of that value the lender allows you to borrow against and the outstanding amount on an existing mortgage.

To illustrate, if you have a $300,000 home with a mortgage balance of $175,000 and your lender allows you to borrow against 85% of your home’s value, multiply your home’s value by 85%, or 0.85. This will give you $255,000. Subtract the amount you still owe on your mortgage ($175,000), and you’ll have the maximum amount you can borrow using a HELOC, which is $80,000.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF A HELOC?

A HELOC is secured by your home’s equity, which places your home at risk of foreclosure if the HELOC is not repaid. Before opening a HELOC, it’s a good idea to run the numbers to get an idea of what your monthly payments will look like and whether you can easily afford to meet them.

Also, many lenders require the full payment of the HELOC after the draw period is over. This can prove to be challenging for many borrowers.

Finally, if you don’t plan to stay in your home for long, a HELOC may not be the right choice for you. When you sell your home, you’ll need to pay off the full balance of the HELOC. You may also need to pay a cancellation fee to the lender.

A HELOC CAN BE A GREAT OPTION NOW

HELOCs have variable interest rates, which means the interest on the loan can fluctuate over the life of the loan, sometimes dramatically. This variable is based on a publicly available index, such as the U.S. Treasury Bill rate, and will rise or fall along with this index, though lenders will also add a margin of a few percentage points of their own.

The fallout of COVID-19 may impact the economy for months, or years, to come; however, there is a silver lining among the rising unemployment rates and bankrupt businesses: historically low interest rates. The average APR for fixed 30-year mortgages has hovered at the low 3% for months now, and experts predict it will continue falling. The low rates make it an excellent time to take out a HELOC with manageable payback terms.

The economic uncertainty the pandemic has generated also makes it a prime time to have extra cash available for any need that may arise.

Are you looking to tap into your home’s equity with a HELOC? Call, click, or stop by OU FCU today to get started. Our favorable rates, generous eligibility requirements, and easy terms, make an OU FCU HELOC a great choice.

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 61

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BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

Wine Regions & Labels

B

ordeaux, Cote-de-Rhone and Loire Valley are regions that evoke romantic visions of France and sipping wine, but then comes the reality of shopping for those wines, a process that can be overwhelming for some. If that’s you, I would like to offer some approaches to broaden your wine horizons and help you find the wine you like best.

First, let’s start with labels. French and Italian wines have, in the past, been labeled by the region of origin, rather than the predominate grape in the wine. However, New World wines, including in the U.S., Australian and South American, are defined by grape varietal and the regulations that required a specific minimum of that variety.

A customer came with me with a photo of a wine she had enjoyed in another state (always a great idea). Knowing that the particular wine is not distributed in Oklahoma, I set out to find something similar. Sommeliers often do this for restaurants. They seek out wine from adjacent vineyards, (i.e. similar terroire), and then look for a wine that is reminiscent.

This can be a challenging task since many factors impact a final product. Large production wines attempt to maintain consistency from year to year by blending and oth-

LI F EST Y L E

er techniques. Smaller vineyards rely on the winemaker to choose when to harvest, which grapes to use from a particular block and when to use a blend. So when hunting for the elusive comparative wine, it is important to have as much information from the original bottle as possible as you research the vineyards and winemakers working in that area. Your local liquor store operators can be a very helpful resource.

On a lighter note for summer, low calorie and low sugar wines have become very popular, but another easy way to lighten the calorie load is to add a little club soda to your wine. In this warmer weather, a little ice is not too bad either.

Happy Summer, Kathy

LI F EST Y L E

BY: CHAT WILLIAMS | YOUTH PERFORMANCE

Hydration Tips: Combating Dehydration During Competition

H

ydration is a key component to keeping your body performing at its best. Here are some important facts to understand and strategies to ensure your athlete is hydrated for success.

DEHYDRATION FACTS

• Weight loss greater than 1 percent can adversely affect performance • Weight loss greater than 3 percent of body weight can increase the risk of illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke • When optimally hydrated, urine color will appear clear or very lightly yellowed.

• When becoming dehydrated, urine will become dark yellow or even brownish in color.

• Signs of dehydration: Thirst, irritability, headaches, weakness, dizziness, cramps, nausea and decreased performance.

BEFORE/DURING/AFTER EXERCISE

Fluids should be consumed several hours before exercises for proper absorption: • 2-3 hours BEFORE: 17-20 ounces • 10-20 minutes BEFORE event : 7 to 10 ounces • DURING: 7 to 10 ounces every 10-20 minutes or 28-40 ounces per hour of activity: Athletes should incorporate this into his/her training. Some athletes can have issues with consuming water during activity.

• AFTER: 20 to 24 ounces of water or sports drink should be consumed per pound of weight loss within 2 hours of an athletic event. Athletes should consume enough water to replace any weight loss during activity.

• Daily Consumption: Try to consume half an ounce up to a full ounce per pound of body weight. For example, if you weigh 120 pounds: consume 60 ounces to 120 ounces per day.

Chat Williams, MS, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D, CSPS*D, FNSCA chat@youthperformance.net • www.youthperformance.net 405-701-3416

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 69

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HE A LT H

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

COVID and Emergency Care

T

Delayed emergency care cause for concern among ER doctors

he novel coronavirus has impacted many areas of daily life, including the frequent conversations focused on hospital care and the need to flatten the curve.

Experts raised the alarm about the potential of the global pandemic overwhelming hospitals in the United States in much the same way it had in several other countries.

However, the CDC is now reporting that the National Syndromic Surveillance Program found that emergency department visits have declined 42 percent nationwide. The program also noted that the proportion of infectious-disease visits was four times higher in the early weeks of the pandemic.

The numbers illustrate a sharp decline in the number of people seeking emergency care, a trend that is concerning to doctors.

“There is serious risk in delaying emergency care especially with heart attack or stroke symptoms like chest pain, numbness, weakness or trouble performing regular activities,” Dr. Michael Porter, ER doctor and co-medical director of the Emergency Department for the Norman Regional Health System. “Back in mid-March, there was a lot of talk about preventing a hospital surge and the community responded. But we want the community to know that the ER is safe and we are doing everything we can to keep patients safe from COVID and provide them with the lifesaving care they need.”

“Things are still a little different right now but we are open and it’s safe and important to engage in routine medical care and to visit the ER,” he assured.

“The best way to stay out of the ER is to have a good rela-

72 | July 2020

tionship with your primary care provider,” Porter added.

“People need to maintain routine care with their primary care provider and take medications as prescribed.”

Norman Regional has made several policy changes to protect patients including reducing visitors, increased screenings and the increased use of masks.

“We are screening all patients because the best way to protect people is to know who has it,” Porter explained. “If someone does test positive, we have extensive infection control and isolation equipment.”

Masks are now worn by all hospital staff and are strongly encouraged for patients and visitors with the exception of children under the age of two and patients with respiratory issues such as COPD. EMSSTAT ambulances are utilizing increased cleaning and sanitation measures to protect patients and reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

“When an EMSSTAT ambulance backs into the ER our crews don on their chemical suit, N95 mask, gloves and safety glasses. Once the patient has been unloaded the crew goes to work,” Paramedic Michael Combs said.

The crew applies a virus-killing solution using paint sprayers and foggers to deep clean the ambulances after each use.

Health officials would like to stress not letting fear prevent you or your loved ones from receiving the care they need.

“If you are experiencing new or acute symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, then absolutely call 911,” Porter said. “They are trained to provide initial care and know how to get you to the best place quickly.” – BSM

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

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.

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B U S I N E SS

BY:LINDSAY CUOMO

New Brew in Town

Norman couple opens brewery on Campus Corner

N

orman has a new brewery in town. Crossed Cannons Brewery opened in May on Campus Corner.

months for a location in Norman,” Katie said. “We knew Campus Corner was a great location so when the lease opened we jumped on it.”

and food pairings.

“We are excited to bring a quality brewery to Campus Corner,” Beau Salois said. “We had our soft opening on Memorial Day and we had a huge turnout.”

Katie said that, in addition to the proximity to the university campus, their new location has a covered patio and an existing kitchen allowing Crossed Cannons to expand their offerings beyond just beers.

The Salois have been in the brewing business since 2018 and name each of their brews after military terms, a nod to Beau’s service in the U.S. Navy.

Owners Beau and Katie Salois said they had been searching for a place in Norman for a while when Suite 120 opened up at 333 W. Boyd St. “We had been looking for several 78 | July 2020

Beau said they are keeping their food menu simple for now so they can focus on the in-house brewery but plans are in the works to expand their menu with seasonal beers and brew

“We will keep our most popular beers always on hand and offer seasonal options throughout the year,” Beau said.

“I was in the Navy for four years serving on the USS Enterprise launching aircraft,” Beau shared.

The couple said the brewery’s concept is meant to honor all those that are serving or have served.

“We are celebrating all the heroes out there fighting for our country,” Beau explained. “That is where our honor wall came from. We want to show our support and let them know we are proud of them.”

Crossed Cannon’s honor wall invites patrons to add photos of their veteran or active duty family members or friends.

Originally from west Texas and Virginia respectively, Beau and Katie have lived in Norman for a few years.

But they said they consider Norman

their home and a great place to open a business.

“A job opened up in Norman and we have been here ever since,” Beau said.

“Norman has become home to us and great place to raise our family. We have two boys and we love it here.” – BSM

405.708.7707 twomenokc.com

Each franchise is independently owned and operated. | U.S. DOT No. 2634814

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