VOLUME VI NOVEMBER NUMBER 3 EDITION 2017 NORTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA A&M COLLEGE

NEO President’s Partners donated shirts to the Volleyball Team for their National Tournament run.

New PTK inductees along with Dr. Bethene Fahnestock (VP for Academic Affairs), LaShawna Powers (PTK Sponsor), Dr. Jeff Hale (NEO President), Dr. Lesli Deichman (PTK Sponsor), Keeley Adams (Keynote Speaker), and current PTK officers. NEO’S PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTS 24 STUDENTS NEO’s Mu chapter of Phi Theta average. Through their membership in PTK, Kappa (PTK) inducted a new class into the students will have access to scholarships and When we work to prestigious international honor society. service opportunities. create a culture of The ceremony took place Nov. 13. The keynote speaker for the evening was NEO Students who accepted membership: inclusion, we show Academic Advisor and Assistant Director Olivia Acosta Dax Jones others that we are of the Honors Program Keeley Adams. Anna Brightwell Brittany Minor Addee Carder Brianna Nelsen not only respectful “As student leaders on campus, your Mireya Castilleja Matthew Patton of differences, actions set the precedent for a culture of Caitlyn Carnahan Joel Reeves inclusion,” Mrs. Adams said. “I don’t say Lindsey Cornett Kristi Roach but strive to this to pressure you, but to challenge you Austen Field Tanner Robertson understand those to be inclusive and encourage your peers Deven Foster Kirsten Rowton to do the same.” Hunter Grubb Taylor Seaton differences and “Inclusion is the consideration of all Dalton Hill Jenny Simpson learn from them. thoughts and ideas, the understanding Debra Holson Reghan Trease that each person’s opinion is heard, Kara Jarvis Lantz Woodburn Inclusion leads appreciated, and most importantly, The Mu chapter on the NEO campus is to understanding valued,” she added. “When we work to very involved in both campus activities and create a culture of inclusion, we show and understanding off-campus events. They are committed others that we are not only respectful to serve the campus by providing student lends itself to of differences, but strive to understand workers to clean up after football games, as those differences and learn from them. well as sponsoring events like Food-4-Finals, a growth. Inclusion leads to understanding and tutoring session and meal held every semester Keeley Adams, NEO Academic understanding lends itself to growth.” during finals week. The Mu chapter of PTK Advisor and Assistant Director To gain admittance into PTK, was the first established outside of Missouri. of the Honors Program students must complete at least 12 hours of courses and maintain a 3.5 grade point

NEO AWARDS THREE SCHOLARSHIPS AT ANNUAL ALUMNI/RECRUITING NEO NAMES 2017 TOP 10 FRESHMEN NEO NAMES 2017 MISS INDIAN NEO 10 2-3 6 RODEO NEO DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION EQUINE JUDGING TEAM NAMED NEO’S PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS AND PVAMA AWARDS FUNDRAISING GALA RAISES NEARLY CHAMPIONS AT ALL-AMERICAN $4,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO VETERANS 11 4 $70,000 7 QUARTER HORSE CONGRESS NEO PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE NEO GOLDEN NORSEMEN CLAIM REGIONAL TITLE NEO BASEBALL PLAYERS SIGN TO OF ‘THE METAHOUSE’ NEO’S HOST TOILET PAPER GAME ON NOVEMBER 1 FOUR-YEAR SCHOOLS 5 NEO ARTISTS TO EXHIBIT IN CHARLES 8-9 SPENCER TILLMAN SPEAKS BIENNIAL NEO 12 BANKS WILSON GALLERY LEGENDS BANQUET NEO NAMES 2017 TOP 10 FRESHMEN NEO celebrated accomplished student for the PTK Honor Society. Brandy has Brianne Nelsen leaders during the Ninth annual Top Ten been recognized on both the President’s Brianne Nelsen hails from Freshmen ceremony on Monday, Nov. 20, and Dean’s Honor Roll in her time at NEO. Fredonia, Kan., and is 2017. Exemplifying her leadership skills and majoring in Agriculture “The students selected for NEO’s most genuine passion to help others, Brandy Business. Holding a 4.0 prestigious award are fully engaged inside fervently strives to aid numerous students GPA, Brianne is recognized and outside of the classroom,” said NEO in tutoring with their homework, studying on the President’s Honor A&M College President Dr. Jeffery Hale. for courses, and directing them to campus Roll. She is an active “This program has celebrated nearly a resources. member of the NEO Student Ambassadors, decade of distinguished students and I just Carlos Diaz Aggie Society, and Forestry Club. Outside try and imagine how students ninety years Carlos Diaz hails from of NEO, she is also involved in 4-H, the from now will reflect on the groundwork Houston, Texas and is National Junior Hereford Association, and we are laying.” majoring in Business the Kansas Junior Hereford Association. Brianne has also had the honor to serve First celebrated in 2009, the Top Administration. He is an active member in PBL, the as the Kansas State Hereford Association Ten Freshmen ceremony is co-sponsored Queen. by NEO’s President’s Partners and the Christian Student Fellowship, Center for Academic Success and Advising Hearts For Hammers, and Jonni Nigro (CASA). The keynote speaker was Mrs. acts as the President of the Investment Jonni Nigro is a Nursing Elsie Grover, the director of the NEO Club. Carlos has been recognized on the major from Miami, Okla. Upward Bound program. She shared that President’s Honor Roll with a 4.0 GPA. He She is a member of the students need to ensure that they exhibit is a member of the NEO wrestling team, PTK Honor Society, both persistence and perseverance in their is active in his church, has a passion for holds a 4.0 GPA, and lives and that they should never become photography/graphic design and owns his has been recognized on complacent in success. own clothing brand. the President’s Honor Lyndsey Harvey Roll. During her time at NEO, Jonni has All honorees are now sophomores and performed many hours of community were selected by a committee of faculty, Lyndsey Harvey is an Agriculture Business service. Jonni also held the honor of being President’s Partners representatives, selected by the and student activities representatives. major from Claremore, Okla. Holding a 4.0 GPA, as one of thirty women to complete the Students will receive scholarships as N.E.W. Women’s Leadership Program. well as the opportunity to participate in she is recognized on the leadership development activities. President’s Honor Roll. She Ryan Perry is an active member of the Ryan Perry hails from This year’s honorees include: Equestrian and Horse Judging teams, the Miami, Okla., and Hunter Bohn PTK Honor Society, Ag Ambassadors and is majoring in Pre- Hunter Bohn is a Natural Student Ambassadors. Lyndsey finds great Engineering. He served as Sciences major from reward in helping students as a tutor for a supervisor for the SMART Columbus, Kan. He is a the Tutoring Center on campus. program and works as a member of the PTK Honor Karson Maple student employee within Society and has also Karson Maple is a Natural NEO’s Center for Academic Success and been recognized on the Sciences major from Cashion, Advising. Ryan was an active member President’s Honor Roll with Okla., aspiring to become of the Art Club, served as a proctor for a 4.0 GPA. He has volunteered with the an anesthesiologist. She is the National ACT and volunteered for his annual Quiz Bowl, recycling drive and the member of the PTK Honor church. Watered Gardens Gospel Mission. As the Society, STEM Club and Maggie Porter team captain for the recreational soccer Student Ambassadors. Maggie Porter is an club, Hunter hopes to always demonstrate Karson is also recognized on the Dean’s Agriculture Business the value of hard work and determination Honor Roll. Working for the Student major from Kansas City, in all he does. Recruitment Office, Golden Norsemen Mo. She was recognized Brandy Brogdon football team, and Tutoring Center, Karson on both the President’s Brandy Brogdon hails enjoys having the opportunity to give back from Grove, Okla., and is to students and the community. majoring in Accounting. In addition, she serves as the Vice President of Service

- 2- -2 - and Dean’s Honor Rolls. She is a member Kristin Strong softball team. Whether fundraising for a PTK, Ag Ambassadors, and serves as the Kristin Strong hails from local cause, giving prospective softball acting senator for the SBG. As a member Maysville, Mo., and is player tours of the facilities, or working and recruiter for the NEO Rodeo team, majoring in Natural to support numerous NEO organizations, Maggie was awarded NEO’s Cream of the Sciences. She is a member Kristin strives to have an exceptional work Crop Freshman Award and Certificate of the PTK Honor Society ethic and to live by example. of Achievement from the National and has been recognized Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. on the Dean’s Honor Roll. In addition, Kristin is a member of the This program has celebrated nearly a decade of distinguished students. Dr. Jeffery Hale, NEO A&M College President

NEO President’s Partners, Staff, and faculty congratulated the NEO Top Ten Freshmen on their accomplishment.

The students selected for NEO’s most prestigious award are fully engaged inside and outside of the classroom. Dr. Jeffery Hale, NEO A&M College President

- 3 - We had an amazing night, thanks to the generous support of so many Photo: Dr. Jeff and Donna Hale people who showed off their masks at the annual believe in the fundraising gala. mission of NEO. Jennifer Walker, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation

NEO DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING GALA RAISES NEARLY $70,000 Officials from the NEO Development for the Norwegian Legion. The guests rose Foundation report that the annual With the funds raised, the to the challenge and raised $27,000, which fundraising gala raised nearly $70,000. is a true testament to the impact they have The “Unmask a Dream” gala was held on NEO Foundation will help made on campus.” Thursday, Nov. 2 in the Calcagno Family students realize the dream Buffalo Run General Manager and NEO Ballroom and included both a live and of a college education and Foundation Trustee Steve Bashore served silent auction, with items donated by as the emcee for “Unmask a Dream.” During community members and businesses. provide financial support dinner, a jazz ensemble of NEO students This year, the Development Foundation to campus programs and from the Bahamas provided entertainment. raised an additional $27,000 to purchase initiatives. During the new uniforms for the Norwegian Legion Brian Mooney again served as guest marching band, the only two-year college evening, we also raised auctioneer for the live auction items. marching band in the state of Oklahoma. money to purchase new Items included a Las Vegas vacation, two custom NEO neon signs, and a hunting trip “We had an amazing night, thanks to uniforms for the Norwegian at Claythorn Lodge, among others. The the generous support of so many people Legion. The guests rose to total amount raised during the auctions who believe in the mission of NEO,” said and scholarship drive was nearly $70,000, Jennifer Walker, executive director of the the challenge and raised bringing the two-year total to nearly NEO Development Foundation. “With $27,000, which is a true $150,000. The funds from the event benefit the funds raised, the NEO Foundation testament to the impact NEO students through scholarships and will help students realize the dream of a student services. college education and provide financial they have made on campus. support to campus programs and Jennifer Walker, executive director of Photos from the event can be found at initiatives. During the evening, we also www.facebook.com/gogoneo raised money to purchase new uniforms the NEO Development Foundation

- 4 - NEO PRESENTS THE WORLD Being part of PREMIERE OF ‘THE METAHOUSE’ an original production is a rewarding experience. Phillip Shamblin, Director

NEO hosted the world premiere of The Metahouse by local writer Aaron Smith in Commons Hall Auditorium in November. The Metahouse follows four college students NEO ARTISTS TO living together in a rented attic. One of the EXHIBIT IN CHARLES students, Greg, drops out of school to work full time so that he can pay the rent, handle the bills, BANKS WILSON GALLERY and stock the fridge. But when he wakes up one morning transformed into a giant dung beetle, the others must adapt. “Being part of an original production is a rewarding experience,” said Director Phillip Graduating student beautiful drawings, paintings, Shamblin. “It’s something new that nobody has artists from the NEO Art and collages by two students ever seen before. Aaron Smith’s adaptation is a Department are hosting the who excelled not only in art, but brilliant piece of art, and I am humbled to have had Graduating Art Majors Art also in other academic pursuits the opportunity to direct its premiere.” Show from November 20 until and campus involvement while The play is based on Franz Kafka’s, “The December 2 in Kah-ne Hall at NEO,” said Jessica Stout, Metamorphosis,” a novella read in high schools on the NEO campus. Artists art instructor. “Both Laura throughout the world. Morgan Smith and Laura Espinosa and Morgan Smith are “The Metamorphosis is about the Espinosa will display their art exemplary young adults who transformation we make, or don’t make, when as they prepare to graduate. will continue their educations someone we depend on is no longer available,” The exhibit will feature the in the arts and sciences, said Smith. “You won’t wake up tomorrow to find a paintings, drawings, and always building upon the loved one turned into an insect, but you may very collages in the Charles Banks strong foundation of their NEO well lose that person for another reason.” Wilson Gallery in Kah-Ne Hall. experience as they pursue their “This will be an exhibit of goals in life.” Featuring: Dustin Warner - Greg Dulcinea Wenzel - Megan Adrian Lewis - Samson Jonathan Miles - Fritz Mackenzie Shamblin - Anna Montana Tate - Porsche Production Crew: Phillip Shamblin - Director Shariece Tate - Stage Manager Michaela Haddox - Asst. Stage Manager Cheyenne Sanchez - Lightboard Jennifer Smith - Production Manager Chet Rogers - Technical Director

- 5 - NEO NAMES 2017 MISS INDIAN NEO

The American Indian Center for Excellence (AICE) and the Native American Student Association (NASA) at NEO recently hosted the annual Miss Indian NEO crowning ceremony and Ravyn Whitebird (Comanche, Quapaw, Choctaw, Eastern Shawnee, and Blackfoot) from Indiahoma, Okla. was named as the 2017 Miss Indian NEO. The competition, in its sixth year since its re-introduction to campus, was open 2017 Miss Indian NEO, to female NEO students who met GPA Ravyn Whitebird requirements. Whitebird was selected for her involvement in NASA and academic success. Along with the title and the chance to compete in the national competition, the President’s Partners from NEO contributed a $200 scholarship to Whitebird. “Receiving this title was an enormous honor and comes with many responsibilities,” said Whitebird. “I feel very humbled to represent not only NEO, but my tribes and my family as well. I hope to promote communication. I want to establish a better understanding of our culture and traditions to the public and work with the Native community to be more open and accepting of mistranslations and miscommunications and recognize this as an opportunity to teach others. I want to be used as an example to reach out to our Native youth and show them the importance of seeking a form of higher education to encourage future generations to succeed.” I want Cherokee storyteller Mr. Greg Bilby emceed the pageant and Miss Indian NEO to be used 2016 Cheyenne Watson (Miami) crowned Whitebird. During the pageant, Bilby also as an example presented the story of how a young Indian girl made the first pot with the help of a to reach out to mischievous mud dauber. our Native youth and “I chose this story for Ravyn because the young girl doesn’t keep her discovery to show them the importance herself,” said Bilby. “She chose to share her knowledge and that improved everyone’s of seeking a form of higher lives.” education to encourage future For more information about AICE, contact Rachel Lloyd at [email protected] and generations to succeed. for a full photo album, visit facebook.com/ Ravyn Whitebird, the 2017 Miss Indian NEO gogoneo. - 6 - NEO’S PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS AND PVAMA AWARDS $4,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO VETERANS The President’s Partners at NEO again Unit TWO as a gunnery liaison and a line retired military personnel; second preference offered their support of $2000, which instructor. Currently majoring in Social is given to dependents (spouse/children) of was matched by the Mid-America Sciences with a 2.7 GPA, Davis and his active and retired military personnel; and Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of wife Samantha have recently celebrated final preference is given to extended family America (MAPVA), for a total of $4000 the birthday of their one-year-old son, members of active and retired military to provide scholarships for veterans at William. personnel. The recipient must maintain NEO. a minimum 2.0 GPA and be enrolled in Sovel is a freshman from Grove, Okla. at least 6 hours. Special consideration The scholarship was established and served from 2004 until 2014 in the will be given to students enrolled in to support the River Bottom Annual U.S. Army as a Specialist Track Mechanic. an online course that is less than Hunt for Disabled Veterans, which is He served three tours in Iraq between 6 hours. held in Miami each year. Four $1000 2005 and 2013, for a total four and half scholarships are awarded and can be years. Currently a pre-veterinary science used for tuition, fees, books, as well as major with a 3.4 GPA, Sovel and his wife room and board. Kira have three children: Audrey, Axel, and Hunter. It is an honor “The President’s Partners are dedicated to supporting NEO students Reed is a freshman from Miami, Okla. to provide this through scholarships,” said Jennifer and served as a Mental Health Specialist Walker, executive director of the NEO in the U.S. Army from 2006 until 2017. financial support to Development Foundation. “It is an honor She served in Iraq from 2009-10 and is students who have to provide this financial support to continuing her education as a psychology/ students who have served our country.” sociology major with a 2.2 GPA. She is served our country. the mother of three children: Shaedon, This program represents a beautiful Ayahna, and Ambrielle. Jennifer Walker, executive partnership,” said Jack Dalrymple, director of the NEO president of the River Bottom Owens in a sophomore from Quapaw, Sportsmen. “Our program is grassroots Okla. and has served as a specialist in the Development and we have over four hundred people Army Reserves for three years. Owens Foundation sharing in a way that is on their heart. is currently a business managements/ It has grown from more than just a business administration major with a 2.5 community project into a multi-state GPA. effort of people doing what is right.” First preference of criteria for the Mr. Dalrymple also shared the scholarship is active and For more information or to apply importance of the scholarships that the for the scholarship, please contact partnership provides. Walker in the NEO Foundation “As our program has grown, NEO Office at 918-540-6250. has been involved from day one. We see the extreme value the college brings to the community, and what better way to work together than to provide scholarships for some of our veterans and their families. I am proud to be a part of this.” NEO students Josiah Davis, Kyle Sovel, Kimberly Reed, and Richard Owens were selected as this year’s Jamie recipients. The students were honored Williams, at a banquet held in conjunction with President’s Partner the annual hunt. Mark Osborn, Davis is from Grove, Okla., and Josiah served active duty from 2003-2007 Davis, Jack and was stationed at Naval Station Dalrymple, Kyle Norfolk and Naval Amphibious Base, Sovel, Bill Little Creek attached to both the U.S.S. Kokendoffer Mount Whitney and the Assault Craft

- 7 - NEO GOLDEN NORSEMEN CLAIM Our defense played superb the entire REGIONAL TITLE game, but especially in the second half. First year defensive coordinator The NEO Golden Norsemen claimed the Dustin Landry and his staff have done a Southwest Junior College Football Conference great job getting their groups ready. Championship with a 26-10 rout of Trinity Valley Community College. Clay Patterson, NEO head football coach “Our motto since last spring has always been as a team ‘All the Way Up,’” second-year NEO head coach Clay Patterson said. “Every day starting last spring these kids have been working towards a conference championship and they accomplished that goal today.” Along with field goals of 29, 26, and 33 yards by Riley Hathhorn, the Golden Norse defense held TVCC to just 10 points. “Our defense played superb the entire game, but especially in the second half,” Patterson said. “All year long we’ve relied on them. First year defensive coordinator Dustin Landry and his staff have done a great job getting their groups ready.” No. 4 NEO now prepares to face No. 7 rated Independence (Kan.) Community College in the inaugural Midwest Bowl Classic, at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3 on Red Robertson field.

Our motto since last spring has always been as a team ‘All the Way Up’. Every day starting last spring these kids have been working towards a conference championship and they accomplished that goal today. Clay Patterson, head football coach - 8 - This is a fifth year to do it and it is definitely one of our most popular games. We receive a technical foul for the disturbance, but it is a foul that I am willing to give up to keep our fans, players, and students engaged. SPENCER TILLMAN SPEAKS AT BIENNIAL Dustin Grover, head coach of the Golden Norsemen NEO LEGENDS BANQUET

Mr. Spencer Tillman spoke at the NEO’S HOST TOILET PAPER NEO Legends Banquet on November GAME ON NOVEMBER 1 16 thanks to the support of Crossland Construction Company, Inc. Tillman spoke to boosters and athletes about the importance of preparing to compete, not only on the field, but also in life. “The Red Zone in football is a physical location on the field, but it is also a set of circumstances that you should apply to your life. By training yourself to perform when obstacles are formidable, options are limited, and success is critical, you will be able to emerge as a leader.” Spencer Tillman made his name at the University of Oklahoma, where he was an All-American running back. He Officials at NEO ordered over 600 rolls of toilet paper captained the 1985 championship team for the first home basketball game of the season. The annual The Red Zone and was named UPI Player of the Year NEO Toilet Paper Game is a tradition at NEO and celebrates of the Big Eight Conference in 1982, Big the first point of the season. The Golden Norsemen opened in football Eight Football Newcomer of the Year in up the season against Central Baptist College from Conway, 1983, and the MVP of the 1987 Orange is a physical Bowl. After OU, Tillman was drafted in Ark. location on the fifth round of the 1987 draft by the “This is a fifth year to do it and it is definitely one of the field, but it Houston Oilers, where he remained for our most popular games,” said Dustin Grover, head coach two seasons. He earned a of the Golden Norsemen. “We receive a technical foul for is also a set of ring with the in the disturbance, but it is a foul that I am willing to give circumstances Super Bowl XXIV and transitioned into up to keep our fans, players, and students engaged.” that you should broadcasting following the completion of his playing career with the Oilers in Toilet paper games are traditional at schools apply to your 1994. around the nation and as the Golden Norsemen score the first point of the season, the crowd life. By training NEO began hosting the Legends throws rolls of toilet paper onto the court. yourself to Banquet in 2015 as a way to bring legendary sports names to the Miami “I was excited to start the season and really perform when community. excited to be a part of the TP game again,” obstacles are “NEO Athletics was very excited to says sophomore guard Tyjuan Johnson from formidable, options continue our Legends Series by bringing Tulsa, Okla. Johnson returns after have a solid Spencer Tillman to our Campus and freshman season, shooting 42% from the field. are limited, and Community,” said Dale Patterson, NEO The Lady Norse played Oklahoma success is critical, Athletic Director. “His experiences at Wesleyan Junior Varsity who they beat 100- you will be able to OU, professional football, and sports 32 and the Golden Norse defeated Central emerge as a leader. broadcasting were entertaining and Baptist 90-63. enlightening. He is a terrific role model Spencer Tillman, All American running back for our student athletes.”

- 9 - NEO AWARDS THREE SCHOLARSHIPS AT ANNUAL ALUMNI/ RECRUITING RODEO Officials from the NEO Agriculture Department and rodeo team awarded three scholarships at the Logan Wiseman received a full ride Eighth Annual NEO Alumni/ NEO scholarship from Recruiting Rodeo, with a full Rodeo Coach Kobly ride scholarship going to Logan Ungeheuer Wiseman, High Point Winner and senior from Paola, Kan. The rodeo took place on Nov. 18 and hosted hundreds of contestants. The day began with long rounds in several events and the top six competitors in the high school and alumni divisions made the short round, which started at 7 p.m. Over 300 riders competed Bulldogger Ray at this year’s rodeo. Alumnus Carlson takes down a Kory Keeth again served as steer during the steer wrestling short-go the announcer for the rodeo. Students in NEO Agriculture programs ran sound, prepared the arena, and operated gates. “The event seems to grow each and every year,” said Rodeo Coach Kolby Ungeheuer. “I can’t be more excited about the turnout and look forward to a great spring season for the NEO Rodeo Team.” Logan Wiseman from Paola was the high school high point winner, and NEO This event is so Rodeo Coach Kolby Ungeheuer awarded him a two-year full- successful thanks tuition scholarship. The NEO to the NEO staff and Development Foundation also provided two $500 book administration and their scholarships to Callie Keaton from Anderson, Mo., and Martie hard work. We have so Shockley from Alma, Ark. many generous volunteers “This event is so successful thanks to the NEO staff and who not only help keep the administration and their hard work,” said Ungeheuer. rodeo on track, but serve as “We have so many generous volunteers who not only help terrific ambassadors for NEO. keep the rodeo on track, but Kolby Ungeheuer, NEO Rodeo Coach serve as terrific ambassadors for NEO.” - 10 - FULL RESULTS: Bareback Bronco High School: Jayco Roper Alumni: Maverick Griffin - Kansas City, Mo. Saddle Bronco High School: Tyler Smith - Huntsville, Ark. Alumni: Rowdy Chesser - Goodwell, Okla. Calf Roping High School: Tom Crouse - Gallatin, Mo. Alumni: Ben Piazza - Twin Oaks, Okla. Breakaway Roping High School: Halle Tathum - Pryor, Okla. Alumni: Emma Charleston - Carthage, Mo. Wrestling Hard work, High School: Logan Wiseman - Paola, Kan. perseverance, and no Alumni: Bradley Ralph - Lann, Okla. EQUINE JUDGING TEAM NAMED CHAMPIONSexcuses ATare ALL-AMERICAN the phrases that Goat Tying QUARTER HORSE CONGRESS describe this team! They step High School: Martie After earning Reserve Champions two years up to every challenge they are Shockley - Alma, Ark. in a row at the All-American Quarter Horse faced with by their teammates, Alumni: Sage Keener - Congress (AQHA Congress), students on the Whitesboro, Texas NEO Equine Judging Team recently traveled coach, and competitors. I am Team Roping to Columbus, Ohio, and were named the so proud of their individual High School: Jaden Trimble, 2017 All-American Quarter Horse Champions. Coffeyville, Kan., and Along with placing first in Halter, Performance, and team success. Luke Line, Copan, Okla. Reasons, and Overall classes, Sophomore Amanda Burrows, equine judging head coach Alumni Team Roping- Agriculture major Andrea Althoff earned High Cale Markham Vinita, Individual Overall and Sophomore Agriculture OK + Buddy Hawkins major Lyndsey Harvey earned Reserve High Halter Placings Overall Columbus, KS Individual Overall. Tanner Robertson - Ozark, Mo. - First Andrea Althoff - Palmyra, Mo. - Second Barrel Racing “Hard work, perseverance, and no excuses Edson Varela - Bixby, Okla. - Third High School: Kati are the phrases that describe this team,” said Trish Meyer - Locust Grove, Okla. - Sixth Pendergrass - Beggs, Amanda Burrows, equine judging head coach. Okla. “They step up to every challenge they are Performance Placings Overall Alumni: Shelby Hicks - faced with by their teammates, coach, and Andrea Althoff - Palmyra, Mo. - First Pocola, Okla. competitors. I am so proud of their individual Lyndsey Harvey - Claremore, Okla. - Second and team success.” Trish Meyer - Locust Grove, Okla. - Eighth Bull Riding Tanner Robertson - Ozark, Mo. - Ninth High School: Hunter Tate - The AQHA Congress is the largest Riverton, Kan. single breed horse show in the world. NEO Reasons Placing Overall Alumni: Maverick Griffin - judgers dominated the team and individual Andrea Althoff - Palmyra, Mo. - First Kansas City, Mo. competition, securing at least the top two Lyndsey Harvey - Claremore, Okla. - Second spots in every individual category. Andrea Tanner Robertson - Ozark, Mo. - Fourth Scholarships Althoff, an Agriculture major from Palmyra, Mo., Trish Meyer - Locust Grove, Okla. - Ninth Overall Tuition Scholarship led the team with 824 points after finishing Edson Varela - Bixby, Okla. - Tenth Winner: Logan Wiseman - first in Reasons and Performance, while Paola, Kan. Individual Placing Overall finishing second in Halter. She was followed Andrea Althoff - Palmyra, Mo. - First Book Scholarship Winners: closely by Lyndsey Harvey, an Agriculture Callie Keaton - Anderson, Lyndsey Harvey - Claremore, Okla. - Second major from Claremore, Okla., who beat out the Trish Meyer - Locust Grove, Okla. - Sixth Mo., and Martie Shockley third place competitor by one point. - Alma, Ark. Tanner Robertson - Ozark, Mo. - Ninth - 11 - SPOTLIGHT

We’re very excited for both of these guys. They are very talented athletes, and I know that they will continue to produce results for both the Golden Eagles and the Ragin’ Cajuns. Roger Ward, NEO head baseball coach NEO Baseball Players Sign to Four-Year Schools The NEO Baseball Team is excited to Roberts University in Tulsa to play for the to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette to announce that Sophomore Matthew Gaskins Golden Eagles. play for the Ragin’ Cajuns. and Freshman Jacob Shultz have signed Gaskins is joined by Jacob Schultz, a “We’re very excited for both of these to four-year universities. Gaskins in a pre- pre-engineering major from Oklahoma City. guys,” said Head Coach Roger Ward. “They engineering major from Jenks, Okla., and He is also a right-handed pitcher, throwing are very talented athletes, and I know has made his mark as an upper 80s starting in the upper 80s. As a freshman, Schultz that they will continue to produce results pitcher. He earned All-Region during the is projected to be a starting pitcher in the for both the Golden Eagles and the Ragin’ 2017 season and boasts an Earned Run spring. Following this season, he will transfer Cajuns.” Average of 2.81. He will transfer to Oral

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