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FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 2 | FALL 2021 Turn Your Passion into a paycheck.

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 3 | FALL 2021 PRODUCED BY

Buffs gearing up for golden opportunity in 2021 MEDIA

PUBLISHER

Hartshorne works together like a family EDITORS IN CHIEF

Wilburton digging in for competitive 2021 season DESIGNED BY

Bulldogs ready to unleash for upcoming season PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cougars on the prowl for successful season

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Quinton aims to repeat history SALES EXECUTIVES

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 4 | FALL 2021 What is football if not By Derek Hatridge hard work persevering Sports Editor

t all started with a vision. First, my teammates in the newsroom — Editor Adrian O’Hanlon During the first planning stages of this wonderful publication III and Staff writer Derrick James — helped divide and conquer to you are now holding, I didn’t even have a theme. I racked my take on the monumental multimedia task, and provide me a little brain trying to come up with something trendy and eye-catch- bit of support and sanity along the way. Iing, but nothing was coming to mind. Publisher Reina Owens and the entire advertising team immedi- That is, until my nerd brain kicked into overdrive. Like many peo- ately took to the phones and the streets to sell ads for the publica- ple, I fell in love with the story and visuals of Marvel’s “WandaVision.” tion, and show how the communities lend support to their local And the Disney series poster immediately stood out as something I teams along the way. think we could make our own. Dawnyal Hill crushed it with the design portion. I told her what I Plus, with a big history project being one of the main stories, it envisioned, and she helped make it happen with a design that’s was only fitting that the magazine paid homage with the style of a clean, fresh, and an amazing local take on a cultural phenomenon. television show that it itself was an homage. And photographer Sierra Ellis absolutely delivered with our photo Great, now we had a theme. But how to execute it? Cue yet an- shoot. She’s extremely talented at what she does, and went above other vision. and beyond to help make this dream come true. She even made me One day after we had sent off that day’s paper to the presses, the look cool during the test shoots, which is not an easy feat to accom- topic of college recruitment came up. We have numerous athletes plish. around the area garnering interest from many different college pro- And finally, a huge thanks to the coaches and players for agreeing grams, and the promotional photos that they’ve taken littered to what I know probably sounded crazy at first, but turned out real- across our social media feeds. ly, really well. That’s when we asked the question: why can’t we do that? It was great to hear the laughter from the players, the “bro, that’s So we did. Using a little ingenuity and a lot of after-hours work, sick!” exclamation from seeing how their photos turned out, and ul- we built a sports photo studio inside the McAlester News-Capital timately having inspiring discussions about the upcoming football and invited our area teams to participate in a professional media season. day right here in our offices. Months ago, I had a vision. And now, it’s real, and it’s here for all to The results were even better than we expected. enjoy. We were able to take a number of amazing photos and videos, As you pour through these pages, allow yourself to get a little ex- once again expanding how we cover football in the local area. cited. Football season is an incredible time in Oklahoma, and I know You’re seeing some of those results here in these pages, with plenty all of our area teams have their own visions for what’s to come this more to come during the season. year. All that was left was for me to interview coaches and players and But it’s up to them now to make it a reality, and I’ll be there every piece it all together into our annual football gridiron preview maga- step of the way to report on it as it happens. zine. Happy football season, everybody! And good luck to all our area There are so many people I’d like to thank for helping make this teams! vision a reality.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 5 | FALL 2021 Buffs gearing up for go lden opportunity in 2021

By Derek Hatridge | Sports editor

cAlester players still remember the feeling after their final Mgame last season. After being narrowly ousted in the Class 5A semifinals, the Buffs vowed to not allow it happen again. That has translated into how they’ve been pre- paring for the upcoming 2021 season. “I’m pretty excited. I think we’ve got a really sol- id football team this year,” junior Erik McCarty said. “I think we’re better than we were last year, and I think we’re hungrier than we were last year...We have a purpose, a lit- tle more edge on us now, a little more of a chip on our shoul- der.” Coach Forrest Mazey said he’s been pleased with the work his team has been putting in during the

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 6 | FALL 2021 Buffs gearing up for go lden opportunity in 2021

offseason, from his senior leadership down to the newest additions. He said they’re all striv- ing for the one goal that all teams hope to achieve. “You’ve got an endless group of kids that are willing to work hard and be unselfish. They’re not worrying about stats, they’re just worrying about what they’ve got to do to go win a gold ball,” Mazey said. The Buffs return a high-powered offense that delivers an effective one- two punch. Quarterback Trent Boatright returns for his fi- nal season after complet- ing 125 passes for 1982 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2020. Lleyton Bass is the top returning receiver for McAlester, grabbing 31 catches for 518 yards last season.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 7 | FALL 2021 In addition to the air at- tack, the Buffs ground game amassed 2,689 yards, with 1,966 of those gained by McCarty and 663 yards from Dakota Mo- ton. But there are many names that Mazey men- tioned outside of the stat leaders that will also make an impact for the Buffs in different roles — including Malachi Wrice, Caden Le- snau, Ethan Watkins, and Racer Harkins. “Everybody that started or played last year is your top guy,” Mazey said. “With the experience we gained, and we have everybody back at those positions, our role players will be role play- ers again and start- ers will be starters un- less they get beat out. “And then you’ve got some young keys coming up that can play multiple positions,” he added. “I think the most pivotal will obviously be replacing the three o-linemen that we lost. If we can replace those guys, I think we’ll be just fine.” But with a lot of weap- ons at his disposal, Mazey

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 8 | FALL 2021 admitted there is one element that needs to go McAlester’s way. “Biggest thing for us is to stay healthy. We can’t do anything slower or anything different, we’ve just got to stay healthy,” Mazey said. “We’ve just got to hope for some luck in that, and anytime you stay healthy, there’s a lot of luck involved. If we have everybody at week 10, 11, 12, 13, we’ll have as good a chance as anybody.” The Buffs will open their sea- son on Aug. 27 on the road at Broken Bow. After a non-district slate which includes the rivalry game against Ada, McAlester will face off against its fellow 5A-3 com- petitors with the goal of taking home the top spot in the district and making a run through the play- offs to the state title game. For the McAlester seniors, they recognize that the opportunity they have in front of them will be their last. But they plan to give it every- thing they have by doing it together. “It feels good to be a senior, but it’s the last year, the last go,” line- backer Chase Faber said. “(But) there’s nothing else like it, all of us as a team together.” Boatright echoed those senti- ments, stating that is one of the rea- sons he has enjoyed his time as a Buffalo. “The brotherhood, the friendships you make, the memories, and win- ning, obviously,” Boatright said.

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By Derek Hatridge Sports Editor

ere is a look at the top returning stat leaders heading into the upcoming football season: RUSHING HErik McCarty, McAlester, Junior McCarty exploded onto the scene with a standout soph- omore season. After tallying 206 carries, 1,966 yards, and 32 touchdowns, opposing teams and Division I college coaches have taken notice. Although he’s written his name into the McAl- ester record books, the junior Buff will be setting his sights on an opportunity to win a gold ball this season. Dakota Moton, McAlester, Junior The flip side of the McAlester 1-2 rushing punch, Moton made a name for himself on the gridiron for the Buffs. He earned 663 yards on 111 carries with six touchdowns with his speed and quick thinking, providing a dangerous combo for the McAlester run game. With the Buffs looking to once again make a deep playoff run, Moton will once again be tasked with pro- viding yet another weapon for the high-powered Buff ground game. Tyson Sustaire, Quinton, Junior Quinton broke a 20-plus year playoff drought in 2020 thanks in part to the efforts of Sustaire. He used just six car- ries to travel 108 yards and a score, plus a pick-six, to help give the green and white the historic victory. Now as Quinton is hungry for more, Sustaire’s efforts will be another key in help- ing to make those dreams a reality. PASSING Trent Boatright, McAlester, Senior Boatright helmed the high-powered McAlester offense, completing 125 of 195 attempts with just three interceptions, and racking up 1982 yards and 11 touchdowns. He returns for his senior season with one last ride toward making a state title game appearance, and his leadership and skill will be a big key for the Buffs.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 12 | FALL 2021 McCarty, Boatright am ong top stat returners

Grayson Mathis, Wilburton, Senior Wilburton’s Mathis may have missed a majority of the season due to an injury, but that didn’t stop him from racking up the numbers either. He completed 61 of 97 passes with just five picks, totaling 977 yards and 14 touchdowns in just four games. Now back and healthy for his senior season, Mathis will be ready to once again help lead his team to success. Ayden Fry, Savanna, Senior Savanna’s Fry has long been a mainstay staple in the Bulldog of- fense. In 2020, Fry amassed 373 yards and four touchdowns in the opening three games of the season, and he continued to gather yardage as he led the charge for his school throughout the year. Now in his final season for the Bulldogs, Fry will look to lead one last go round and make his final mark on the program he has been a part of for so long. RECEIVING Lleyton Bass, McAlester, Senior Bass put in a lot of work as a wideout for the Buffs, nabbing 31 catches and taking them for 518 yards and three touch- downs in 2020. In his final season, Bass is the top receiver re- turning from McAlester for a team that can score both on the ground and in the air. As such, he’ll be one of the key parts of the two-pronged offense that makes for a recipe of success. Aubrey Runkle, Wilburton, Senior Runkle has been making waves in the Wilburton offense during his time as a Digger. In 2020, he grabbed 37 catches and turned that into 434 yards with two scores. And he’ll once again be paired up with a healthy Mathis at quarterback, with the duo Xavier Fraser, Hartshorne, Senior Fraser returns as one of the top targets in the Miner offense from 2020. Taking 24 catches for 230 yards and two scores, the senior helped make up a lot of ground through the air for Hartshorne. Now with the continued hunger that comes from the Miner culture, he’ll be yet another piece to the offense to help his team see success on the field.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 13 | FALL 2021 AUTO • HOME • LIFE KICK OFF TO A “Insuring for Reality” WINNING SEASON HARTSHORNE MINERS! Our great everyday values and weekly specials make it easy to keep your kitchen stocked with everyone’s favorites. Josh Hass Agent Lindley’s Grocery

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 14 | FALL 2021 Hartshorne works together like a family

By Derek Hatridge | Sports editor

or Hartshorne, it’s about more than just being a team. It’s about being a Fpart of the Miner family. Coach Jeff Beare un- derstands that just as much as anyone, being a Hartshorne product him- self. That’s why he said it’s not just about the football, but building his players into young adults as well. “We always want to work on ourselves first,” Beare said. Still, Miner fans far and wide descend upon But- ler-Jennings Field on Fri- days in the fall, ready to see their team compete against the competition. Beare said that before the Miners even get to that point, they’ve had to put in the time and effort in the offsea- son. They’ve been doing just that, and he’s pleased with how commit- ted his players have been to improving each and every day. “We want to make sure they’re giving everything they’ve got and getting better every day,” Beare said. “It takes a lot of commitment to play

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 15 | FALL 2021 football and be suc- cessful.” Hartshorne gener- ated more than 2,300 yards of offense last season with 28 touch- downs in 2020, and will be looking to ex- ceed that as they bring a few new play- ers into the fold that will be replacing some of those that graduated in May. “We’ve got some new guys stepping up into new roles, and then some coming back that will be tak- ing on more responsi- bility,” Beare said. “But it’s going to take all of us to get it done.” As for the players themselves, senior Landen Semeski said he loves the physicali- ty of football, and the team bonding. He de- scribed himself as a player that likes to hit and go hard from the time the game starts to the final whistle, and he’s ready to see what new challenges he and his Miner teammates overcome this year after the grind of last season.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 16 | FALL 2021 “More wins than last year, and a better sea- son,” Semeski said of his goals. “Just work togeth- er, and we’ll get through it.” Fellow senior Landen Burke agreed, saying he’s setting his sights on goals both personally and as a team. And that all starts with the work he and the Miners are putting in weeks and months before the sea- son has even started. “I’ve got high expecta- tions,” Burke said. “We definitely want to make the playoffs this year, for sure. I just want to go out there and do my best.” When Hartshorne opens its season, it’ll once again be greeted by an entire town of fans that will be ready to cheer on their home team. And thanks to the Miner culture, Burke said there isn’t another feel- ing quite like a football game night that will stick with him forever. “I love going out there under the lights with all the adrenaline pumping. It’s a good feeling,” Burke said.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 17 | FALL 2021 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 18 | FALL 2021 Wilburton digging in for competitive 2021 season

By Derek Hatridge | Sports editor

he Diggers know how much of a grind a football schedule can be, Tand how one moment can affect an entire season. Quarterback Grayson Mathis experienced one of those mo- ments after an injury forced him to be side- lined after just four games. “It was horrible, dude,” Mathis said with a laugh. “It was the worst part of my life just missing foot- ball. It’s my favorite sport.” Still, he packed in his stat sheet in that short time frame — totaling 977 yards on 61 completions with 14 touchdowns. As one of the top returning signal callers in the area, Mathis is heading into his senior season with a re- newed passion and ener- gy to round out his high school career on a high note. “Last ride, now. (We’ve) just got to put it all out there,” Mathis said. “Just

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 19 | FALL 2021 got to try to get everyone to come to practice and stuff, and trying to have a good season this year.” “I’m trying to win every game on the schedule, and then playoffs,” he said. Coach Jeff Marshall said he thinks the Diggers hold a lot of potential this season, and hopes they can keep healthy as they traverse the battle-worn season. “That’s always a battle, trying to stay healthy,” he said. “You always have to deal with some injuries, and you get banged up along the way. But you want to do everything you can to pre- vent that from happening.” Aubrey Runkle is another senior who is one of the top returners for the Diggers. He nabbed 37 catches for 434 yards and two scores in 2020, and is both nervous and excited to see what the 2021 season will bring. “It’s scary. I want it to start, but I don’t want it to end,” Runkle said. “You nev- er want it to end.” Runkle said he believes that all of his teammates have been putting in many hours of hard work during the offseason, and that will translate well as they eye up their upcoming matchups.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 20 | FALL 2021 “I think it’s been pretty good,” Runkle said. “And the upcoming freshmen are starting up really good, be- cause they’re coming every day and they’re going to be fun to play with.” Marshall said he’s proud of the leadership his upper- classmen are exhibiting with their younger counterparts. And in a sport like football, that team bond and togeth- erness can be just as import- ant as any gameplan. “These guys are a good group of kids,” he said. “They’ve been working real- ly hard to try and get better every day. And any of them are willing and capable of standing up and filling in for what we need them to do.” The Diggers will no doubt be tested each and every week. But as long as they continue to put in the work, and play for something big- ger than themselves, Mar- shall said they’ll find the ways to succeed this season. “I’m excited to get back to it,” he said. “This town, and these kids, they all come to- gether on Friday nights and support each other. We’ll take it one game at a time, execute a game plan, and just see what happens.”

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 21 | FALL 2021 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 22 | FALL 2021 Thank You McAlester and surrounding areas

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 23 | FALL 2021 Bulldogs ready to unleash for upcoming season

By Derek Hatridge | Sports editor

fter a summer filled with a lot of hard work, the Bulldogs Aare ready to be let off the chain. Savanna coach Taylor Barr said he’s excited about all the time and energy his players have been spending on im- proving themselves over the summer, and it’s been something the coaching staff has been looking forward to see- ing during their tenure. “We’ve got a really good group of kids,” he said. “Me and coach (Matt) Murdaugh have said this since I (was hired) two years ago... We were just kind of waiting on that group of kids that wanted to be in that weight room, wanted to do things on their own. That started about March or so. And that’s kind of carried on (this summer).” A product of the very

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 24 | FALL 2021 Bulldogs ready to unleash for upcoming season

program he now leads, Barr said it’s been a special experi- ence to get to lead the next generation of Bulldogs. “Going to school there my whole life, getting to play for James Bond, he kind of set the bar every year of what was expected for Sa- vanna,” Barr said. “So me and coach Murdaugh were able to learn from him, went away for a bit and learned some things on our own, and came back and pieced it all together and set the bar for what we expect for this great group of kids.” “They’ve bought in the moment we got there, and it’s just continued to im- prove. We’re super ex- cited about it,” he added.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 25 | FALL 2021 Savanna returns a large portion of its artillery on both sides of the ball, including the leadership capabilities of team captains Ayden Fry and Ty Hoffman, as well as Hayden Moore, Levi Franklin, and Dawson Jones — just to name a few of those that Barr expects to see a lot out of during the season. But he was quick to add that he thinks players all up and down the roster will make an impact for the Bulldogs. “We’ve got a great group,” Barr said. “I’m just very excited about all of them, really.” Hoffman said it’s been a grind throughout the offseason, but he thinks it’s going to pay off dividends for his team on Friday nights this fall. “A lot of hard work, a lot of people showing up and getting better,” Hoffman said. “I feel like we’re go- ing to be a lot better than what people anticipate.” Fry agreed with his team- mate, and said he be- lieves this is a resur- gence of the traditional, hard-nosed Savanna foot- ball culture that he grew up witnessing first hand. “We’re starting to bring things together, and everybody’s want- ing to be there,” he said. “It feels like it used to, it feels like home.” Barr said the goals for the 2021 sea- son are the same ones the team makes every year — to compete each and every week, and make waves in

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 26 | FALL 2021 the postseason. “The goal every year is always the same. We want to finish top four in the district, win the district, make the playoffs, and make a run from there,” Barr said. “Anything can happen when you get in the play- offs...so we just want the opportunity.” The coach admitted that things are still probably going to look slightly different as compared to seasons before the COVID-19 pandemic be- gan. But he believes things are heading in the right di- rection, and that game nights will once again be filled with an electric energy. “It’s very special, it’s unmatched,” Barr said. “You can’t match a Friday night atmosphere...that high school Fri- day night, especially small towns and this whole area, the whole communities come out to support.” “We love it,” he said.

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 27 | FALL 2021 Cougars on the prowl for successful season

By Derek Hatridge | Sports editor

he Cougars are eager to get back to the hunt. TCanadian has been hard at work this off- season, striving every day to get better and prepare for its up- coming football schedule. And coach Wes Jackson said he likes seeing the ini- tiative out of his players. “We’ve really been getting af- ter it,” he said. “They’ve been eager to learn, and working to improve and get better.” The Cougars grad- uated a portion of its core from last season, but Jackson said there’s an eager group returning that

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 28 | FALL 2021 Cougars on the prowl for successful season are ready to fill those spots and make their own marks in 2021. “We’ve lost some guys that did a lot for us, but at the same time, we’ve got these younger guys mov- ing up and ready to prove themselves,” Jackson said. “So it’s our job to get them there and have them ready for Class A football.” Senior Nathan Nix is one of those play- ers who have spent the offseason train- ing in preparation for the upcoming season. He said he’s liked how things have been going so far for him and his teammates. “It’s been going pretty good,” Nix said. “(We’ve been) put- ting in the work.” He admitted he was slightly nervous about beginning his final season on the

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 29 | FALL 2021 gridiron, but never- theless thought that he and his team- mates will be ready for the thrill come game time. “It’s a little scary,” Nix said. “It’s crazy, but it’s going to be alright.” Fellow senior Caleb Harrington agreed with Nix, and said he couldn’t wait for the battles to begin. For him, he soaks in ev- erything about the game — from the high-octane en- ergy of Friday nights to the full rush of a collision. “I love everything about football. I love the contact, I love be- ing able to shout to my teammates and get them hyped up,” Harrington said. “I

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 30 | FALL 2021 love being able to talk to my coach, get advice...football is just my favorite sport.” Jackson said the Cougars are filled with players like Har- rington that love ev- ery facet of the game of football, which can make them a fun group to coach. But while they’re going to enjoy the fun, Ca- nadian is also going to be preparing for the trials that come each and every week as well. “We’re just go- ing to take it one game at a time and control what we can con- trol,” Jackson said. “You’re going to be tested, but that’s football. We’ve just got to make sure we’re ready for when that time comes.”

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 32 | FALL 2021 PROUDLY SUPPORTING ALL AREA TEAMS!

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 33 | FALL 2021 Aug. 20 vs. Heavener (scrimmage), TBA Aug. 27 at Checotah (scrimmage), TBA Sept. 3 at Spiro, 7 p.m. Sept. 10 vs. Morris, 7 p.m. Aug. 20 vs. Pocola (Scrimmage), 6 p.m. Sept. 17 at Talihina, 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Wewoka (Scrimmage), 6 p.m. Sept. 24 vs. Eufaula, 7 p.m. Sept. 3 vs. Ketchum, 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at Valliant, 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at Savanna, 7 p.m. Oct. 8 vs. Idabel, 7 p.m. Sept. 17 vs. Allen, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 vs. Atoka, 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Hulbert, 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Wilburton, 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at Porter, 7 p.m. Oct. 29 vs. Antlers, 7 p.m. Oct. 8 vs. Talihina, 7 p.m. Nov. 5 at Hugo, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 vs. Sallisaw Central, 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Warner, 7 p.m. Oct. 29 vs. Gore, 7 p.m. Nov. 5 at Colcord, 7 p.m.

Aug. 20 vs. Wagoner (scrimmage), 5:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at Broken Bow, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3 vs. Sallisaw, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Ada, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 BYE Sept. 24 at Bishop Kelley, 7 p.m. Oct. 1 vs. East Central, 7 p.m. Oct. 8 vs. Durant, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Coweta, 7 p.m. Oct. 22 vs. Edison, 7 p.m. Oct. 29 at Shawnee, 7 p.m. Nov. 5 vs. Tulsa Rogers, 7 p.m.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 34 | FALL 2021 Sept. 3 at Warner, 7 p.m. Sept. 10 vs. Canadian, 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at Strother (scrimmage), 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at Antlers, 7 p.m. Sept. 2 vs. Cave Springs, 7 p.m. Sept. 24 vs. Stroud, 7 p.m. Sept. 10 vs. Gans, 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at Konawa, 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at Arkoma, 7 p.m. Oct. 8 vs. Mounds, 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Keota, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Okemah, 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at Caddo, 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Liberty, 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at Webbers Falls, 7 p.m. Oct. 29 vs. Allen, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 vs. Wetumka, 7 p.m. Nov. 5 vs. Wewoka, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Porum, 7 p.m. Oct. 29 vs. Weleetka, 7 p.m. Nov. 5 vs. Dewar, 7 p.m.

Aug. 20 vs. Panama/Muldrow (Scrimmage), 6 p.m. Aug. 27 at Pocola, 7 p.m. Sept. 3 BYE Sept. 10 at Keys, 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at Roland, 7 p.m Sept. 24 at Antlers, 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at Idabel, 7 p.m. Oct. 8 vs. Hugo, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 vs. Eufaula, 7 p.m. Oct. 22 vs. Hartshorne, 7 p.m. Oct. 29 at Atoka, 7 p.m. Nov. 5 vs. Valiant, 7 p.m

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 38 | FALL 2021 Quinton aims to repeat history

By Derek Hatridge | Sports editor

ast year’s Quinton team made history, and they’re Llooking to do it once again in 2021. The green and white broke a de- cades-long playoff drought last season, earning the first post- season win since 1997 with a 36-13 victory over Arkoma. But as exciting as it all was, coach Kenny Hokit said the slate has once again been wiped clean with raised expectations. “It was very excit- ing,” he said. “That was our goal last year, and it was an exciting moment. Now we’ve got to continue to work hard to keep that momen- tum going.” And the up- perclassmen leadership under- stands that it’s time to take their game to the next level as well. “(We want) to go deeper than we did last year,” senior Colt

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 39 | FALL 2021 Short said. And to do that, it’ll take the small squad coming to- gether and competing ev- ery day not just on the field, but in practice and training rooms as well. “We need more people in the weight room, and more effort in practice,” Caden Wil- liams said. “We’ve just got to have more people putting in effort outside of practice and outside of the actual season.” The Quinton junior said he wants to see his team com- pete in a state title game be- fore his career ends, but that means stepping up as a leader himself and holding his fellow teammates ac- countable. “We’ve got to show up and be there, and show them how to do workouts and make sure they’re doing it right,” he said. “Motivate them and just lead by exam- ple. And if you’re in practice, give your best effort the whole time.” Quinton will have a young quarterback in sophomore Eli Blankenship. Williams and Short both said they’ll have to rally around him as he takes on the tough task, helping ensure the team’s offense is successful.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 40 | FALL 2021 The green and white will also have its ground game, using the likes of Tyson Sus- taire to churn up yard- age. Another area of in- terest will be in the trenches, as Williams said that will be the most impactful battle each and every night. “The key is going to be on the (offensive) line especially,” Wil- liams said. “That’s where we’ve got to see a lot of impact...I think that’s the most import- ant piece.” For Hokit, he wants them to be coming to- gether as a single unit, and playing their best ball each and every week. “These guys love football, and so does this town,” he said. “But if they want to contin- ue being successful, they’re going to have to work a little harder and come ready to play.”

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 41 | FALL 2021 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 42 | FALL 2021 Good Luck Area Teams!

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 43 | FALL 2021 Faber among players to watch this season

By Derek Hatridge | Sports Editor Trent Boatright, McAlester, Senior, nother season brings some familiar faces and some Quarterback new ones for local football teams. Here are some of Last season, the top players to watch heading into the 2021 Boatright emerged season. A as the top quarter- Chase Faber, back in the area, McAlester, completing 125 of Senior, 165 passes for 1,982 Linebacker yards and 11 touch- Faber returns downs — the fifth-best once again as one all-time performance by a of the most domi- McAlester quarterback. nant forces on the Now back for his final season McAlester defense. in a Buffs uniform, Boatright is He spent his 2020 sea- gunning for one final accolade as he starts his quest to help bring a son bullying opposing gold ball back to McAlester. offenses, recording 151 Erik McCarty, McAlester, Junior, Running back tackles, including 15 tackles McCarty made a name for himself in his breakout sophomore sea- for loss. His efforts have gar- son. He rushed into the McAlester record books with a 1,966 yard nered him national recognition, performance with 34 touchdowns — the most scores in a single sea- with college football offers from son ever by a Buffs back. He returns hungrier than ever for his junior Air Force, Eastern Michigan, Army, Liberty, and Georgetown. As a se- year, yearning for a state title game run. He’s also re- nior, he’ll be returning both as a defensive leader and ceived collegiate offers from Kansas State, Nebras- iron-clad force for the Buffs. ka, and Pittsburgh, with many more programs keeping an eye on how he’ll follow up last year’s stellar performance.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 44 | FALL 2021 Faber among players to watch this season

Dakota Moton, McAlester, Junior, Running back The second punch in the Buffs’ ground game, Moton proved his mettle against op- posing defenses. He used 111 carries to rush for 663 yards and six scores, becom- ing the second-leading rusher for McAlester. He too returns hun- gry for more as the Buffs set their sights on playing deep into Decem- ber, and will be yet another key asset for McAlester’s offensive attack. Grayson Mathis, Wilburton, Senior, Quarterback Despite an injury that side- lined him for the season, Mathis made the most in his appearances for the Diggers. In just four games, the incoming senior completed 61 of 97 passes for 977 yards and 14 touchdowns. After an extensive rehab, Mathis is returning for one file ride with Wilburton, with the hopes of outdoing himself from previous years while also leading the Diggers toward the playoffs.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 45 | FALL 2021 Fans vote for favorite all-time football players

By Derek Hatridge | Sports Editor

cAlester football fans had the opportunity to let their voices be heard and name their favorite Buff football players at each position during a month-long fan poll. MFans voted as part of the McAlester News-Capital’s ongoing ef- fort to name the 2021 All-Time McAlester Football Team. The fan vote team is a standalone component, as the newspaper will se- lect the all-time team based on research, stats, and more. Polls included various positions throughout the month of June, with multiple names offered as suggestions and many more nominated by fans. Here is the full results of fan-favorite polls for each position: Lawson Giddings, receiver Giddings nabbed more than 1,000 yards in a season twice in his career as a Buff, earning 1,039 in 1996 and besting that the next season with 1,176 — a record he still holds to this day. He also has been one of the top record holders for touchdowns as a receiver, scoring 13 in 1996 and 14 in the 1997 season. Giddings helped lead McAlester to the Oklaho- ma Secondary Schools Activities Association Class 5A state title game in 1996, where the Buffs were named runner-up after a rivalry championship game tilt with Ada. The 1998 graduate went on to play football at Northeast- ern Oklahoma A&M and Northeastern State University before re- tiring from the game. Others on the list had made their mark on McAlester football as well, with Adam Boyd gathering more than 1,100 yards in 2011 and Brayden Klusak, Sean Bryant, and Matt House all gathering more than 700 yards each in a single season during their tenures. Taeam Kang, special teams Kang is a 2016 McAlester graduate that saw a lot of success with the Buffs, including a trip to the 2013 Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association Class 5A state title game at Oklahoma State Universi- ty.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 46 | FALL 2021 Fans vote for favorite all-time football players

Coming in one vote behind him was Marty House — a 1981 graduate who also saw many successes and went on to kick at the University of Oklahoma. Other names that were written in by fans included Leonard Austin, Josue Rios, and Herman Walters. Kent Davis, defensive back The late McAlester graduate garnered 60% of the vote with 21 total, followed by Lee Keith, Don Smitherman and Jarome Smith at 8.6% apiece. Jason Giddings and Walter Rhone each received 2.8% of the vote. Davis lettered in four sports at McAlester before graduating in 1980. He earned a football scholarship to South- eastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, where he graduated with a bachelor’s de- gree in education. Davis started his teaching and coaching career in Corpus Christi, Texas before return- ing to lead the football program at Wilburton and later teaching and coaching at McAlester. He died in 2010. Ryan Owens, running back Owens set the school record for carries in a season with 289 in 1996 and rushed for 1,733 yards — third most single-season rush- ing yards in program history. His 20 touchdowns that year puts him in a tie for eighth all-time at McAlester. Voters also considered Kevin Brown (Class of 1996), Don Smitherman (1985), Jarome Smith (2014), Ryan Owens (1997), Jerry Lee (1964), Lynn Jones (1994) and sug- gested several more names. Owens garnered 70 votes, followed by Brown with 34 and Smitherman with 12 Brown is the program record holder for career rushing yards with 4,661. His 1,676 rushing yards in 1994 is fourth all-time, while his 1,672-yard season is fifth and his 1,313-yard season in 1993 is tenth all-time. Brown’s 31 rushing touchdowns in 1994 remained a single-season school record until Erik McCarty rushed for 34 scores last season. Brown also sits fourth on the list with 25 touchdowns in 1995 and 12th with 17 in 1993. Lynn Jones rushed for 1,383 yards in 1993 and still sits

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 47 | FALL 2021 eighth on the program’s single-season rushing records. His 227 carries that year is third all-time and his 20 rush- ing touchdowns that year is eighth in program history. Don Smitherman’s 1,192-yard season in 1984 is 12th all-time in McAlester’s single-season rushing records. He also rushed for 16 touchdowns, which is 13th all-time. Jarome Smith set the program record for single-sea- son rushing yards with 2,025 in 2013 and his 24 rushing touchdowns that season is the sixth most in school pro- gram. Richard Carney, linebacker Carney was a member of the 1968 Buffs, which won McAlester’s first state football championship with a 42-12 win over Stillwater in Ada. He would later be named an all-state selec- tion for his efforts, and played college foot- ball at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M — winning a national championship with the Norsemen in 1969. Others narrowly behind Carney and re- ceiving votes included Tracy Price — a member of the 1988 state championship team — and Kevin Keith. Andrew Hammond, defensive line Hammond was a 1970 graduate of McAlester and made a large impact for the football team in his time as a Buff. Due to his efforts on the gridiron, Hammond received a scholarship to continue his football paying career at the University of Tulsa. While there, he helped to see the Golden Hurricanes finish atop the Missouri Valley Conference his senior season before graduating from Tulsa in 1974. After college, Hammond stayed in football, starting as a senior as- sistant coach for the Hurricanes. He later continued his coaching alongside a career into high school education before transitioning into sales in the 1990s. Hammond received 42% of votes from McAlester fans, followed by Riley Smith with 25% of the vote, Blake Hackler with 16%, and Erik McCarty, Sr. with 11%.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 48 | FALL 2021 Brandon Keith, offensive line Keith was a 2003 graduate of McAlester High School, racking up the tackles and blocks, as well as first-team all-state honors. After graduation, Keith played at Northeastern Okla- homa A&M and earned a spot as an NJCAA All-America selection in 2004. Keith later transferred to Northern Iowa, once again earning All-America honors and put- ting himself on the radar for the National Football League. The Arizona Cardinals would select Keith in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, starting the beginning of his half a decade career in the league. Keith received more than 55% of votes from fans, followed by Steve Hegdale with 35%, and rounding out with votes for Lloyd London, Victor Stachmus, and Larry Allford, plus many more nominations. Tony Kiefer, quarterback Kiefer is a 2012 graduate of McAlester High School, and shat- tered records in his time as the Buff signal caller. The Buff gathered 2,743 yards in 2010 with 30 touchdowns, breaking the record of 2,208 previously held by James Barr. Kiefer would best his own record in the following season, earn- ing 3,523 yards and 33 touchdowns in an undefeated regular season. Both the 2010 and 2011 seasons resulted in state quarter and semifinal appearances, respectively. After graduation, Kiefer attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M where he quarterbacked for the Norse and earned all-conference honors. Kiefer’s season yardage records presently remain intact, while his season touchdowns records were bested by Braden Parker, who scored 42 touchdowns in 2016. He also holds the records for career yardage with 6,168 yards, and career touchdowns with 63 — a title he also shares with Parker. Kiefer garnered 40% of the fan vote, fol- lowed by Dalton Wood at 26%, then Nate Pointer and Barr neck-and-neck with seven percent each, followed by Randy Saunier, OJ Rhone, and Casey Clayborn. Other names fans also suggested and voted for included Ronnie Allford and Justin Klusak.

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 51 | FALL 2021 Carney among those selected to McAlester High School Football All-Time Team

By Derek Hatridge | Sports editor storied McAlester football program that has two state titles, a multi- tude of all-state members, and several players who went on to play ichard Carney recalls in college and professionally. the moment he and That history led the McAlester News-Capital to form the McAlester his teammates High School Football All-Time Team. Members were selected with changed McAlester the help of committee members with deep knowledge of the pro- Rfootball history forever. gram; research of statistics, individual and team achievements; and “It’s hard to imagine. consideration of post-high school playing careers. It was exciting. To go Many of those selected left their names scattered across the pro- undefeated and win gram’s record books. that game…” he said be- Former running back Kevin Brown still holds the record for rushing fore trailing off into the touchdowns at 73, and career yards with 4,661. He is followed by memory of that special night quarterback Dalton Wood with 3,170 career rushing yards and 45 in 1968. rushing scores — in addition to throwing for more than 1,900 The Buffs had just stampeded yards twice in back-to-back seasons. Richard Carney Stillwater 42-14 to win McAlester’s Receivers Lawson Giddings and Adam Boyd top the list after first state football title, and Carney — as team captain — accepted earning more than 1,100 yards in a season. Giddings is also atop the trophy at midfield before returning to celebrate with his team- the receiving touchdowns in a season record with 14. mates. Buffs players on the list are also littered throughout the Oklahoma Despite the final score, Carney admitted the Pioneers managed to All-State honors. Walter Rhone and Carney both represented for rattle the Buffs at the start of the game. 1968, Steve Hegdale and Erik McCarty, Sr., “It was kind of a scare because they scored first on took home the honors in 1981, Don Smith- us,” Carney said. “But then they didn’t score again un- erman was honored in 1984, Joe Ervin in til right there at the end.” 1987, Brian Brown and Tracy Price in The Buffs took care of business and brought 1988, Kevin Brown in 1995, Giddings home the final prize. Carney said the support in 1996, Blake Hackler in 2006, Boyd from the town had been incredible all sea- in 2011, and Jarome Smith and son — and it didn’t take long before fans Riley Smith in 2013 and 2014, were welcoming them home in style. respectively. “They had that sign up already when we In total, McAlester has had 69 came back on the bus,” he said. “Right there players named to all-state honors on Carl Albert when you come over the over- to date. pass, they already had it made.” Many Buffs went on to play at the The sign read “Welcome to McAlester, Home of collegiate and professional level at the Buffaloes. 1968-69 Class AA State Football many different schools.

Champs.” And Carney said he realized just how special AP PHOTO Brandon Keith was one of the Buffs that the moment meant not just to the team but to the entire The Arizona Cardinals drafted got to live the ultimate dream of playing pro- town of McAlester. MHS graduate Brandon Keith in fessionally in the National Football League. The “It was all just re- 2003. 2003 McAlester graduate was drafted by the Ar- ally exciting,” he izona Cardinals in the 2008 NFL Draft, playing in said. 24 games through multiple seasons at the highest level. Carney and his team- Keith had more than 70 pancake blocks in his high school career mates are part of the and towered over the competition. Keith and the Buffs celebrated a lot of success, including an undefeated regular season and state

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 52 | FALL 2021 Carney among those selected to McAlester High School Football All-Time Team

semifinal appearance in 2001. Hook Eales’ 1968 championship team took down the then-first He along with the many other selections were described as “pretty ranked Cougars behind a stellar full-team performance. A Randy tough” by one committee member, highlighting the strength McAl- Saunier pitch to Kent Davis sealed a 14-7 rivalry win in 1977. Smith- ester has seen in the trenches throughout the program’s history. erman put up a 152 yard show against Ada in 1984, and Brown On the defensive side of the ball, the Buffs’ Black Death Defense rushed for 138 yards against the Cougars in the next decade. has more than earned its name. Game saving interceptions, forced But throughout the years, more than football, McAlester has fos- fumbles, and crushing stops have all been committed by those both tered a family. on the list and throughout McAlester’s more than a century on the Tales of Walter Rhone singing a song that spread throughout the football field. entire team, hugs and parades as state championships were won, In addition to statistics and acco- pep rallies and game day meals, and laughter and tears as team- lades that have filled the trophy mates stood side-by-side as they laid a fellow Buff to rest. cases over the years, McAlester Hundreds and hundreds of teammates have walked the halls and has also taken part in classic, grinded out in the trenches on Friday nights. And every single player thrilling games. from 1915 to the present has been the epitome of the mantra the The long-standing rival- McAlester has adopted across the entire school and city — once a ry against Ada has always Buffalo, always a Buffalo. been a focal point, with many Buffs legends being formed during the series that began more than a century ago in 1915.

Hook Eales

1968 Championship team in 2018

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 53 | FALL 2021 MCALESTER NEWS-CAPITAL’S ALL- TIME MCALESTER FOOTBALL TEAM OFFENSE

QB Dalton Wood RB Kevin Brown RB Jarome Smith WR Lawson Giddings Class of 2015 Class of 1996 Class of 2015 Class of 1998

OL Steve Hegdale WR Adam Boyd TE/FB Tracy Price OL Brandon Keith Class of 1989 Class of 2012 Class of 1989 Class of 2003

OL James Miller OL Victor Stachmus OL Joe Ervin Class of 1997 Class of 1988 Class of 1988 SPECIAL

K Marty House Class of 1981

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 54 | FALL 2021 MCALESTER NEWS-CAPITAL’S ALL- TIME MCALESTER FOOTBALL TEAM DEFENSE

DL Andy Hammond DL Erik McCarty, Sr. DL Riley Smith DL Blake Hackler Class of 1970 Class of 1983 Class of 2015 Class of 2007

LB Richard Carney LB Robby Wood LB Brian Brown LB Kevin Keith Class of 1969 Class of 1986 Class of 1989 Class of 1988

DB Kent Davis DB Walter Rhone DB Don Smitherman Class of 1980 Class of 1969 Class of 1985 TEAMS

P Brian Shackleford Class of 1994

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 55 | FALL 2021 COLUMN In nearly every way, OU and Texas are partners

By Jesse Crittenden | CNHI Sports Oklahoma

or decades, OU/Texas has been one of biggest rivalries in college football. It’s the biggest rivalry in the Big 12. But you probably wouldn’t have guessed that by just watching the news the past few days. FWith OU and Texas seeking membership into the SEC, it’s been clear that the teams that make up the Red River Rivalry haven’t been rivals at all. They’ve been partners. Just look at how both schools have approached the situation. When the Houston Chronicle broke the news last Wednes- day, both universities sent out two-sentence statements that neither confirmed nor denied the report. Then, both universities went silent, and didn’t join the other Big 12 schools during a meeting held last Thurs- day despite being invited. Their intent to leave the Big 12 became official when both universities released joint state- ments on Monday that were identical (aside from switching which school was men- tioned first). Both schools released their statements around 9 a.m. Another joint statement came from both schools on Tuesday morning announcing their request to the SEC for membership. Both universi- ties’ board of regents called special meetings for Fri- day to discuss athletic conference membership. The Sooners and the Longhorns have been in lockstep. They’ve both made the same moves at the same time. Is that surprising? It depends on who you ask. When the Big 12 went through significant realignment in 2011, OU and Oklahoma State were close to joining the Pac-12, as former OU president David Boren and former OSU president Burns Hargis were reportedly committed to keeping the two Oklahoma teams togeth- er. However, that partnership is gone, as evidenced by new-OSU president Kayse Shrum’s com- ments on Monday.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 56 | FALL 2021 COLUMN In nearly every way, OU and Texas are partners

“It is difficult to understand how an Oklahoma institution of higher education would follow the University of Texas to the detriment of the state of Oklahoma,” Shrum said in her statement. But it’s not hard to see why the Sooners chose the Longhorns as their new running mate. Even as Texas struggled to consistently compete over the last decade, they continued to remain as relevant as any program. Per the U.S. Department of Education, Texas’ football program grossed more revenue than any other program in 2021, showing their on-the-field issues had little impact, if at all. The Sooners had the eighth-highest revenue. The next closest Big 12 team? TCU at 22. OSU finished at 32. The SEC had 6 teams inside the top 15. Add in historical context such as win-loss records and recruiting, and it’s clear Texas is closer to being Oklahoma’s equal than any other team in the Big 12. (Some Texas fans would argue its program is at least equal to Oklaho- ma, if not superior. I don’t believe it’s an insult to argue that OU’s suc- cess the past two decades has helped them surpass the Longhorns.) Either way, OU and Texas have clearly been two of the top programs in college football. Even as OSU coach Mike Gundy helped steer his team to respectable win-loss records every season, it’s unlikely OSU would ever reach the heights both OU and Texas have seen. As great as college football is, it’s just like anything else at the end of the day... a business. And the Sooners picked arguably the most suc- cessful business partner in the industry. Now the question is, how long does this partnership last? If/when OU and Texas join the SEC, they will still be battling with each other for recruits and to firmly cement their place at the top of the conference. Maybe the change of scenery will invigorate the rivalry. Maybe on- field hostility would influence the off-the-field side of things. But for now, one thing is clear. OU and Texas are part- ners through this whole thing.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 57 | FALL 2021 COLUMN Oklahoma State should unhitch from Big 12 before it’s too late

By Jason Elmquist | CNHI Sports Oklahoma

klahoma State has found itself in a very interesting place less than a month before the new school year. With Oklahoma and Texas bolting the Big 12 Conference for the SEC, Oklahoma State finds itself as the premiere ath- Oletic department in the future of the Big 12. That’s not conjecture. That’s fact. In last year’s Learfield College Director’s Cup – which bases the postseason performances for all sports in an athletic department – Oklahoma State found itself second among the 10-team league, behind only Texas, which won the Cup. However, money talks. That’s why the Big 12 finds itself in its current state. Oklahoma State trails the likes of Kansas – by approxi- mately $30 million based on finances in the 2018-19 school year – and West Virginia – with a closer gap of just $7 million in the same data – in total revenue, while having similar revenue numbers as Texas Tech and Iowa State among the public universi- ties. But Oklahoma State has a greater value among the remaining parts of the Big 12. Oklahoma State athletics has a competi- tive advantage across it’s entire athletic de- partment. Of course football is going to drive the cart in conference realignment, and while OSU’s revenue doesn’t look as lucrative as others in the Big 12, it has the most consistent football program of those caught by surprise under the recent events. And if conference commissioners across the country are looking at the landscape of TV and streaming, they will be looking beyond the TV market numbers that drove conference realignment a decade ago. Fewer households are shelling out for

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 58 | FALL 2021 COLUMN Oklahoma State should unhitch from Big 12 before it’s too late

cable, and streaming is becoming a battle for viewers with an oversaturated industry. So, the best way to get eyes on games in the changing land- scape of technology is to provide quality competition to draw in casual sports fans. That’s where Oklahoma State can add to the other Power 5 Conferences. The problem with keeping with the Big 12, is that the competition – either with the eight remaining or just by adding a few Group of 5 programs – will compare more to a Group of 5 football season. And because of that, when the Big 12’s media right’s contract expires in 2025, it won’t have the resume to demand more – or even the same – in regard to TV rights dollars. In essence, unless the Big 12 is able to somehow poach a big-name program from the Pac-12 or ACC – or hit a grand slam by somehow talking Notre Dame into shedding its inde- pendence and joining a wounded league – the conference is going to be the equivalent to a Group of 5 and only be able to demand the money similar to those “lower tier” conferences. Which, in turn, means Oklahoma State, which is already lag- ging in revenue, could be faced with a scenario of an even smaller revenue stream from media rights. To avoid that potential, the new administration must look beyond the Big 12 like other programs have already reported to be doing – with reports of Kansas and Iowa State having al- ready worked back channels with the Big Ten. Oklahoma State has an opportunity to get ahead of the likely demise of the Big 12 now that OU and UT have delivered the death-blow, and must act swiftly. Otherwise, OSU may find it- self as the last one holding the door and have lost any leverage in courting a new conference suitor. • Jason Elmquist is sports editor of The Stillwater News Press. He can be contacted at [email protected].

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 59 | FALL 2021 Harroz, Castligione provide insight into decision to join SEC

By Jesse Crittenden | CNHI Sports Oklahoma igate the absolutely changed waters that are in front of us. This is a move for stability and preservation and propagation. Again, an exis- ORMAN — When the Big 12 last experienced conference tential time, not an opportunistic one.” realignment in 2012, the Sooners decided to stay put and The university came to the conclusion that the Big 12 was falling provide stability. behind while the SEC was thriving, and for several reasons. But things change, and change quickly. When the Big 12 attempted to negotiate a contract extension with NOn Friday, the OU Board of Regents ac- ESPN and Fox Sports, who own the confer- cepted an offer to join the Southeastern ence’s television rights, both networks hesi- Conference in 2025. The university will tated. This came shortly after ESPN be joined in their new conference signed a 10-year, $3 billion contract home by Texas, whose board of re- with the SEC to become the confer- gents also accepted the SEC’s ence’s exclusive media partner, membership invitation on Fri- multiple outlets reported. day. The Big 12’s current media So what changed be- contract also led to an in- tween 2012 and now? crease in 11 a.m. kickoff “The answer is every- times, which has frustrat- thing,” OU President Jo- ed the university for sev- seph Harroz said. eral years. At Friday’s meeting, Har- “You’ve heard conversa- roz and OU Athletic Director tions with athletic director Cas- Joe Castligione made their first tiglione talking about not enjoy- public statements since the Hous- ing 11 a.m. kickoffs. Our fans talk ton Chronicle’s story last week re- about that. It also matters to stu- porting the university’s interest in dent-athletes,” Harroz said. “And when joining the SEC. those go before you in terms of negotia- The two OU leaders didn’t take ques- tions for 2025 and beyond, if those slots are tions from the media, but they did provide already taken up, the premiere slots are al- answers to some key questions that have been asked since the news ready taken up, it impacts things in a material broke. way, and it translates to disadvantages in recruiting the top talent, It’s more than money disadvantages for our student-athletes and a detriment to the fan A lot of discussion has centered around the financial incentive for experience.” the Sooners’ departure from the Big 12. “It became clear that the Big 12 was the last in line for media nego- But Harroz emphasized the move was bigger than a few extra dol- tiations. Not just among all the Power Five conferences, the autono- lars in the university’s pocket. mous five, but among all of those with the major broadcasters in live “[This] isn’t simply for financial reasons,” Harroz said. “To say that is sports, be it the NFL, NHL, all of it. Being last in line has consequenc- to miss the point. To say that is es.” to not understand why we Harroz also mentioned the growing discussion surrounding anti- care about athletics so trust laws and name, image and likeness policy. Last month, the U.S. deeply and why this rec- Supreme Court ruled, in a 9-0 decision, that NCAA-member colleges ommendation to us is violated antitrust law by collectively disallowing members from pro- so imperative to nav- viding athletes with unlimited, in-kind educational benefits.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 60 | FALL 2021 Harroz, Castligione provide insight into decision to join SEC

For Harroz, this called into question the NCAA’s ability to consis- against each other despite residing in different conferences. tently regulate these issues, particularly when the NCAA adopted NIL “We will in particular always value the special connection to Okla- policies that essentially left enforcement and regulation for each homa State University. We’re committed to continuing Bedlam,” Cas- state to decide. tligione said. “We expect our rivalry to be as intense as ever. Just like “What does all of this tell us? What this tells us is the importance of as we see in other states, the rivalries like Georgia-Georgia Tech, the conference you’re in, and it being the one that best fits the insti- Clemson-South Carolina, Iowa-Iowa State and Florida-Florida State tution’s abilities and needs in this uneven landscape,” can endure.” Harroz said. Why partner with Texas? Why didn’t they bring Oklahoma State? The answer is simple. OU’s decision to team up with Texas and not Oklahoma and Texas have dominated its Oklahoma neighbor was brought to the the Big 12 since its first season in 1996. forefront of the discussion after Oklahoma Even as Oklahoma ascended as the State University president Kayse Shrum’s conference’s college football power- comments earlier this week. house, Texas has continued to ex- Shrum referred to OU’s plans to ceed the nation in revenue. leave the Big 12 as disappointing and “Many schools are vying for a detrimental to the state of Oklahoma. limited number of positions in the It’s not that Shrum’s comments are neces- SEC. Each of us are absolute power- sarily surprising. Back in 2012, it was heavily houses, but there are other powerhous- reported that both Oklahoma teams were look- es out there,” Harroz said. “There is a special ing to leave the Big 12 and join the then-Pac 12. amount of power that makes us unique and But this time around, it just wasn’t feasible. special, not just by being individual power- “This is a question we’ve thought about a lot,” Harroz houses, but our rivalry and bringing that to the said. “Dating back to 2012, that was part of our thought process and SEC … that is something that is distinguishing and neither of our in- our conversation. We’ve analyzed this landscape deeply [and had a stitutions could do alone, but together brings unique opportunity lot] of conversations about how we do this. We’ve looked at solutions and value. for us to move together, but that is simply not the market that we’re “We’re the only two schools in the Big 12 that have the massive sta- pursuing allows. That was true then, and it’s even more true today in diums and fill those stadiums.” this changed landscape.” Castligione referenced the ability for the Red River Rivalry partici- Harroz disagrees with Shrum’s assertion that the university’s move pants to also work together. isn’t in the best interests of the state. “Our two institutions enjoy a very unique relationship since we first “We believe this move is not just best for OU, we believe this move played a football game in 1912 in the city of Dallas,” Castligione said. is best for our state,” Harroz said. “I’m someone who’s a lifelong resi- “While we remain arch-rivals, fierce rivals in the field of any competi- dent, and I love this institution with all my heart. I’m also an Oklaho- tion, we know that we share some characteristics and goals that man, and I care deeply about our state. In our assessment, the op- align that serve us both very well.” portunity for Oklahoma was with one university only, and if we What happens now? didn’t seize it, the answer would be none. Castligione and Harroz both “And we also know this — we know OSU will continue to grow and emphasized the university’s flourish. They have exceptional leadership, they’re an excellent pro- commitment to remaining gram and they will do well.” in the Big 12 through the Though the Sooners are leaving the Big 12, the hope is that the expiration of the Big Bedlam rivalry will continue every year and in every sport. Castligi- 12’s grant-of-rights one pointed to other same-state teams who continue to compete agreement in 2025.

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