| Broken Arrow Tiger Football 2008 |
| Welcome to the official website of the Broken Arrow Tiger Football program. |
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No slack time for Tigers
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
11/13/2007
Updated 11/13/2007 05:57:47 PM CST
BAHS football doesn't have an 'off' season
There isn't any "off" to Broken Arrow High School's
off-season football.
"I don't believe in it," coach Ron Lancaster said.
Only three days after its season-ending loss to Owasso,
the Tigers were holding meetings and preparing to move
into 2008.
"We've got to keep moving forward," Lancaster said.
"That's what we're doing."
BAHS will spend most of this week shifting gear after last
week's 21-15 loss to the Rams in the Class 6A playoffs.
On the fourth day, players were back in the weight room.
"There's no doubt," Lancaster said, "we've got to get
bigger and stronger."
Lancaster was reeling after the Tigers' second loss to
Owasso that ended Broken Arrow's season at 6-5.
"We are disappointed we didn't go farther into the playoffs," Lancaster said. "We had our
chances to win that game and didn't.
"That's something we've got to develop with this team - when you get those opportunities
in big games, you can't let them get away."
In its five losses, the Tigers were beaten by defending state champion Jenks, No. 1-ranked
Union, Muskogee and Owasso (twice).
"Those are four of the best teams in the state. They are better than what's on the other
side of the state," Lancaster said. "I wouldn't surprise me if all of four of them are in the
semifinals."
Injuries were a damaging factor to BAHS last week, Lancaster said.
"We were hurt more than most people realized," he said.
BAHS entered the game without quarterback Cale Fulps, tight end Josh Moses and
defensive end Anthony Gray.
Defensive end Chris Scott, bothered by a sore shoulder, played but was not at full speed.
"At halftime, it got worse," Lancaster said, referring to offensive tackles Alvin Bailey
(sprained knee) and Brian McGuire (shoulder).
A year ago, the Tigers finished 5-6 with a loss to Jenks to end the season.
Now, almost 10 months after Lancaster was hired to replace Brent Whitson, the Tigers are
two games better.
"Considering where we were when we started, I believe we are ahead of our schedule,"
Lancaster said. "Still, we've got to develop that toughness, mentality and physically, and
get that winning attitude."
Lancaster is anxious to move into the future.
"Hey," he said, "we've got a great nucleus coming back.
We've got some real positives to build on."
The Tigers will have a half-dozen offensive and six defensive starters back.
"Plus, we've got some others who got valuable experience," Lancaster said.
Offensively, Fulps will return as a senior while Jerrod Green, only a sophomore, ran for
1,102 yards this season.
Bailey, a 6-4, 295-pounder, and offensive guard Aaron Kannard, a 6-4, 285-pounder, will
be seniors and anchor the offensive line with tight end Skylar Timm.
The Tiger defense returns linebackers Terry Williamson, John Bullock and Brake Ballew.
Bullock and Williamson will be juniors and were the Tigers' top two tacklers this season.
Senior-to-be nose guard Dominic Reynolds was a surprise after getting pressed into duty
the first game of the season. Other defensive starters back are end Sam Moses and
cornerback Chris Price.
"There are a lot of reasons to be excited," Lancaster said.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2007
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
11/13/2007
Updated 11/13/2007 05:57:47 PM CST
BAHS football doesn't have an 'off' season
There isn't any "off" to Broken Arrow High School's
off-season football.
"I don't believe in it," coach Ron Lancaster said.
Only three days after its season-ending loss to Owasso,
the Tigers were holding meetings and preparing to move
into 2008.
"We've got to keep moving forward," Lancaster said.
"That's what we're doing."
BAHS will spend most of this week shifting gear after last
week's 21-15 loss to the Rams in the Class 6A playoffs.
On the fourth day, players were back in the weight room.
"There's no doubt," Lancaster said, "we've got to get
bigger and stronger."
Lancaster was reeling after the Tigers' second loss to
Owasso that ended Broken Arrow's season at 6-5.
"We are disappointed we didn't go farther into the playoffs," Lancaster said. "We had our
chances to win that game and didn't.
"That's something we've got to develop with this team - when you get those opportunities
in big games, you can't let them get away."
In its five losses, the Tigers were beaten by defending state champion Jenks, No. 1-ranked
Union, Muskogee and Owasso (twice).
"Those are four of the best teams in the state. They are better than what's on the other
side of the state," Lancaster said. "I wouldn't surprise me if all of four of them are in the
semifinals."
Injuries were a damaging factor to BAHS last week, Lancaster said.
"We were hurt more than most people realized," he said.
BAHS entered the game without quarterback Cale Fulps, tight end Josh Moses and
defensive end Anthony Gray.
Defensive end Chris Scott, bothered by a sore shoulder, played but was not at full speed.
"At halftime, it got worse," Lancaster said, referring to offensive tackles Alvin Bailey
(sprained knee) and Brian McGuire (shoulder).
A year ago, the Tigers finished 5-6 with a loss to Jenks to end the season.
Now, almost 10 months after Lancaster was hired to replace Brent Whitson, the Tigers are
two games better.
"Considering where we were when we started, I believe we are ahead of our schedule,"
Lancaster said. "Still, we've got to develop that toughness, mentality and physically, and
get that winning attitude."
Lancaster is anxious to move into the future.
"Hey," he said, "we've got a great nucleus coming back.
We've got some real positives to build on."
The Tigers will have a half-dozen offensive and six defensive starters back.
"Plus, we've got some others who got valuable experience," Lancaster said.
Offensively, Fulps will return as a senior while Jerrod Green, only a sophomore, ran for
1,102 yards this season.
Bailey, a 6-4, 295-pounder, and offensive guard Aaron Kannard, a 6-4, 285-pounder, will
be seniors and anchor the offensive line with tight end Skylar Timm.
The Tiger defense returns linebackers Terry Williamson, John Bullock and Brake Ballew.
Bullock and Williamson will be juniors and were the Tigers' top two tacklers this season.
Senior-to-be nose guard Dominic Reynolds was a surprise after getting pressed into duty
the first game of the season. Other defensive starters back are end Sam Moses and
cornerback Chris Price.
"There are a lot of reasons to be excited," Lancaster said.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2007
EYES AHEAD — Broken Arrow
High School linebacker Terry
Williamson (22) was the
Tigers’ second leading tackler
and a ringleader in a defense
that showed marked
improvement as the season
progressed. BAHS returns six
defensive starters in 2008.
High School linebacker Terry
Williamson (22) was the
Tigers’ second leading tackler
and a ringleader in a defense
that showed marked
improvement as the season
progressed. BAHS returns six
defensive starters in 2008.
Gains marked by Tiger defense
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
11/16/2007
Updated 11/16/2007 07:34:12 PM CST
Marked improvement by the Broken Arrow High School defense was three-fold.
Recognition. Knowledge. Focus.
Once the Tigers grasped coordinator Steve Spavital's
concept, BAHS became a formidable unit.
From the fourth week through the 11th, opponents'
offensive production dropped dramatically - nearly
75 yards a game to 250.
"We got smarter as the season went on," Spavital said.
"Once our kids understood what we wanted and how we
wanted it done, they got better and better."
Part of a new coaching staff, Spavital knew it would be
a matter of time.
"Here, we're teaching these kids a whole new system,
a whole new way of doing things," he said. "Plus, we didn't have a lot of experience back
on our side of the ball."
That was the "recognition" Spavital mentioned.
Spavital, a long-time defensive coordinator at Union High School, said it wasn't until
mid-season things started falling into place.
It was the Edmond North game, the fifth week, when the Huskies had only 55 yards rushing
and 248 total yards.
"That night, the light came on and everything started to click," Spavital said. "From then
on, we really started making improvements."
That was the "knowledge" Spavital mentioned.
After the Edmond North game, the Tigers were better prepared, Spavital said.
"Once it all sunk in, these guys really started getting themselves ready to play each week,"
he said.
"In all, they started understanding offenses, too. They really became focused about their
business."
As the Tigers rebounded from an 0-3 start and won six of their next seven, Broken Arrow's
future began to take shape.
BAHS will have six bonafide starters return next season, including its linebacking corps of
Terry Williamson, John Bullock and Drake Ballew.
Bullock and Williamson were sophomores this season but were the top two tacklers.
Ballew, who missed several games early because of an injury, had the fourth most tackles.
Dominic Reynolds, hardly on the radar screen in August, became a rock solid, 200-pound
nose guard.
Reynolds, who will be a senior in 2008, was sixth among tackle leaders but the Tiger with
seven sacks and 42 yards in losses.
Cornerback Chris Price, a sophomore this year, had 58 tackles and two passes broken up.
End Sam Moses, a junior this season, followed with 55 tackles and each was credited with
12 yards in losses.
"Those six give us a great nucleus for next year," Spavital said. "Then, we'll have some
young step in and we'll be improved."
Spavital and the defensive coaches will spend time during the off season challenging the
Tigers.
"We'll have a lot of meetings and watch a lot of film," he said. "We'll be testing them on the
mental game."
©Neighbor Newspapers 2007
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
11/16/2007
Updated 11/16/2007 07:34:12 PM CST
Marked improvement by the Broken Arrow High School defense was three-fold.
Recognition. Knowledge. Focus.
Once the Tigers grasped coordinator Steve Spavital's
concept, BAHS became a formidable unit.
From the fourth week through the 11th, opponents'
offensive production dropped dramatically - nearly
75 yards a game to 250.
"We got smarter as the season went on," Spavital said.
"Once our kids understood what we wanted and how we
wanted it done, they got better and better."
Part of a new coaching staff, Spavital knew it would be
a matter of time.
"Here, we're teaching these kids a whole new system,
a whole new way of doing things," he said. "Plus, we didn't have a lot of experience back
on our side of the ball."
That was the "recognition" Spavital mentioned.
Spavital, a long-time defensive coordinator at Union High School, said it wasn't until
mid-season things started falling into place.
It was the Edmond North game, the fifth week, when the Huskies had only 55 yards rushing
and 248 total yards.
"That night, the light came on and everything started to click," Spavital said. "From then
on, we really started making improvements."
That was the "knowledge" Spavital mentioned.
After the Edmond North game, the Tigers were better prepared, Spavital said.
"Once it all sunk in, these guys really started getting themselves ready to play each week,"
he said.
"In all, they started understanding offenses, too. They really became focused about their
business."
As the Tigers rebounded from an 0-3 start and won six of their next seven, Broken Arrow's
future began to take shape.
BAHS will have six bonafide starters return next season, including its linebacking corps of
Terry Williamson, John Bullock and Drake Ballew.
Bullock and Williamson were sophomores this season but were the top two tacklers.
Ballew, who missed several games early because of an injury, had the fourth most tackles.
Dominic Reynolds, hardly on the radar screen in August, became a rock solid, 200-pound
nose guard.
Reynolds, who will be a senior in 2008, was sixth among tackle leaders but the Tiger with
seven sacks and 42 yards in losses.
Cornerback Chris Price, a sophomore this year, had 58 tackles and two passes broken up.
End Sam Moses, a junior this season, followed with 55 tackles and each was credited with
12 yards in losses.
"Those six give us a great nucleus for next year," Spavital said. "Then, we'll have some
young step in and we'll be improved."
Spavital and the defensive coaches will spend time during the off season challenging the
Tigers.
"We'll have a lot of meetings and watch a lot of film," he said. "We'll be testing them on the
mental game."
©Neighbor Newspapers 2007
LOOKING AHEAD — End Sam
Moses (84) and nose guard
Dominic Reynolds (57) get
instructions from Broken Arrow
High School defensive
coordinator Steve Spavital.
Moses and Reynolds will be two
of six returning starters in 2008.
Moses (84) and nose guard
Dominic Reynolds (57) get
instructions from Broken Arrow
High School defensive
coordinator Steve Spavital.
Moses and Reynolds will be two
of six returning starters in 2008.
BAHS's Robertson named OCA All-State
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
12/18/2007
Updated 12/18/2007 05:12:45 PM CST
Tiger wide receiver was under the radar a year ago
Micah Robertson scanned the Oklahoma Coaches
Association All-State football team roster.
When he came across his name, Robertson took a
deep breath.
"I couldn't believe it," the Broken Arrow High School
senior wide receiver said, breaking into his patented
wide grin. "It was a big shock."
His numbers this season - 50 catches for 860 yards
and five touchdowns - certainly are worthy of OCA
accolades.
For a youngster who had basketball dreams, it was
a football that made it come true.
Robertson's story isn't about his achievement.
It's about where he was a year ago and his skyrocket
ride to recognition.
Robertson, as a junior in 2006, had only five receptions
for 95 yards without a touchdown - hardly enough to raise an eyebrow.
When BAHS made a coaching change, Robertson had to prove himself to new
receivers coach Joey Witcher.
"Heck," Witcher said, "I didn't even know who Micah Robertson was."
As spring and summer drills progressed, Robertson began to grasp a new offensive
scheme.
One day, the light bulb came on.
"I thought 'You know, I am kind of liking this. I might have a chance to be pretty good at
it,'" Robertson said, smiling.
Not a self-promoter, Robertson had his reservations.
"But," he said, "I didn't have any idea the season would turn out like this."
He will play for the East Aug. 1 in the annual all-star classic, the marquee event of OCA
All-State week.
"Micah truly is deserving," said Witcher, a wideout at Midwest City and teammate of
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy.
"He played his best against the best. That's the mark of a good one."
Robertson had seven catches for 105 yards against Jenks and six receptions for 91
yards against Owasso in a playoff game.
He credited Witcher for much of his success.
"Coach Witcher really taught me a lot and how to use my skills," Robertson said. "He
worked all of us really hard and we ran better routes."
Part of Witcher's technique was "the green monster."
"Oh," Robertson said, shuddering and laughing.
It was a green piece of wood receivers would have to push across Tiger Field for a
mistake during practice.
"I did my share," Robertson said.
It only made the Tiger wideout better.
As the season unfolded, Robertson began to attract attention.
Opponents went from single coverage to have as many as four defenders in
Robertson's area.
Getting open - and catching passes - became increasingly more difficult.
"In some ways, it was frustrating because I wanted the ball," Robertson said, humbly.
"At the same time, I took it as a sign of respect.
"If that many people were covering me, it helped other parts of our game, like our
running game. It helped our team."
Witcher said Robertson's skills will be difficult to replace next season but there's
another void.
"Micah was an offensive leader, too," Witcher said. "For a receiver to play that role is
really uncommon.
"He's a pretty special young man and player."
©Neighbor Newspapers 2007
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
12/18/2007
Updated 12/18/2007 05:12:45 PM CST
Tiger wide receiver was under the radar a year ago
Micah Robertson scanned the Oklahoma Coaches
Association All-State football team roster.
When he came across his name, Robertson took a
deep breath.
"I couldn't believe it," the Broken Arrow High School
senior wide receiver said, breaking into his patented
wide grin. "It was a big shock."
His numbers this season - 50 catches for 860 yards
and five touchdowns - certainly are worthy of OCA
accolades.
For a youngster who had basketball dreams, it was
a football that made it come true.
Robertson's story isn't about his achievement.
It's about where he was a year ago and his skyrocket
ride to recognition.
Robertson, as a junior in 2006, had only five receptions
for 95 yards without a touchdown - hardly enough to raise an eyebrow.
When BAHS made a coaching change, Robertson had to prove himself to new
receivers coach Joey Witcher.
"Heck," Witcher said, "I didn't even know who Micah Robertson was."
As spring and summer drills progressed, Robertson began to grasp a new offensive
scheme.
One day, the light bulb came on.
"I thought 'You know, I am kind of liking this. I might have a chance to be pretty good at
it,'" Robertson said, smiling.
Not a self-promoter, Robertson had his reservations.
"But," he said, "I didn't have any idea the season would turn out like this."
He will play for the East Aug. 1 in the annual all-star classic, the marquee event of OCA
All-State week.
"Micah truly is deserving," said Witcher, a wideout at Midwest City and teammate of
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy.
"He played his best against the best. That's the mark of a good one."
Robertson had seven catches for 105 yards against Jenks and six receptions for 91
yards against Owasso in a playoff game.
He credited Witcher for much of his success.
"Coach Witcher really taught me a lot and how to use my skills," Robertson said. "He
worked all of us really hard and we ran better routes."
Part of Witcher's technique was "the green monster."
"Oh," Robertson said, shuddering and laughing.
It was a green piece of wood receivers would have to push across Tiger Field for a
mistake during practice.
"I did my share," Robertson said.
It only made the Tiger wideout better.
As the season unfolded, Robertson began to attract attention.
Opponents went from single coverage to have as many as four defenders in
Robertson's area.
Getting open - and catching passes - became increasingly more difficult.
"In some ways, it was frustrating because I wanted the ball," Robertson said, humbly.
"At the same time, I took it as a sign of respect.
"If that many people were covering me, it helped other parts of our game, like our
running game. It helped our team."
Witcher said Robertson's skills will be difficult to replace next season but there's
another void.
"Micah was an offensive leader, too," Witcher said. "For a receiver to play that role is
really uncommon.
"He's a pretty special young man and player."
©Neighbor Newspapers 2007
Monument dedicated at Memorial Stadium
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
02/13/2008
Updated 02/14/2008 12:44:36 PM CST
BROKEN ARROW - A teeth-chattering wind couldn't chill warm hearts Wednesday
morning.
Nearly 75 people braved a cold breeze to witness a tribute to a pair of Broken Arrow
High School icons.
A three-piece, black granite monument honoring Joe Robinson and the late H.K.
Ragsdale was unveiled at Memorial Stadium.
Robinson, now 80, stood motionless before the gathering - many wearing overcoats and
gloves - as he gazed upon the monument.
His eyes were watery and not from the winter temperatures.
"I am humbled and honored," said the honored guest, his voice cracking ever so slightly.
Standing stately inside the west stadium gates, the monument will be a lasting tribute to
a bygone era when Ragsdale and Robinson were the BAHS football coaches and
principals for almost four decades.
Both men were remembered reverently by former players and family members.
Ragsdale, who died in 1993, was the football coach from 1942-53 before becoming the
high school principal.
Patsy Brewer was his stepdaughter but saw Ragsdale in a brighter light.
"He was a dad to me," she said, trying to keep her emotions in check. "He gave me some
little brothers."
Ragsdale's sons, Ken and Jim, attended the ceremony.
Ragsdale and Robinson were remembered as firm but fair.
"Both of these gentlemen expected you to do your best, whether you were playing
football or in the classroom," said J.C. Dueing, one of the speakers.
Retired school superintendent Dr. Clarence Oliver was the keynote speaker.
"These men were the roots and legends of Broken Arrow," Oliver said. "They had a
tremendous influence on me."
Jerry Stevenson, who graduated from BAHS in 1957, played football under both.
Stevenson's respect for Robinson was evident in a slip.
He referred to Robinson as "Joe" only once and quickly corrected himself.
"Sorry, Coach. You're always Coach to me," Stevenson said. "I shouldn't ever call you
'Joe.'"
Stevenson said Robinson "coached with passion and was always positive. He never had
a negative thing to say about anybody."
Robinson played for Ragsdale and later became an assistant coach under his mentor.
Robinson replaced Ragsdale and was head coach from 1954-64.
Both are members of the Broken Arrow Athletic Hall of Fame.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
02/13/2008
Updated 02/14/2008 12:44:36 PM CST
BROKEN ARROW - A teeth-chattering wind couldn't chill warm hearts Wednesday
morning.
Nearly 75 people braved a cold breeze to witness a tribute to a pair of Broken Arrow
High School icons.
A three-piece, black granite monument honoring Joe Robinson and the late H.K.
Ragsdale was unveiled at Memorial Stadium.
Robinson, now 80, stood motionless before the gathering - many wearing overcoats and
gloves - as he gazed upon the monument.
His eyes were watery and not from the winter temperatures.
"I am humbled and honored," said the honored guest, his voice cracking ever so slightly.
Standing stately inside the west stadium gates, the monument will be a lasting tribute to
a bygone era when Ragsdale and Robinson were the BAHS football coaches and
principals for almost four decades.
Both men were remembered reverently by former players and family members.
Ragsdale, who died in 1993, was the football coach from 1942-53 before becoming the
high school principal.
Patsy Brewer was his stepdaughter but saw Ragsdale in a brighter light.
"He was a dad to me," she said, trying to keep her emotions in check. "He gave me some
little brothers."
Ragsdale's sons, Ken and Jim, attended the ceremony.
Ragsdale and Robinson were remembered as firm but fair.
"Both of these gentlemen expected you to do your best, whether you were playing
football or in the classroom," said J.C. Dueing, one of the speakers.
Retired school superintendent Dr. Clarence Oliver was the keynote speaker.
"These men were the roots and legends of Broken Arrow," Oliver said. "They had a
tremendous influence on me."
Jerry Stevenson, who graduated from BAHS in 1957, played football under both.
Stevenson's respect for Robinson was evident in a slip.
He referred to Robinson as "Joe" only once and quickly corrected himself.
"Sorry, Coach. You're always Coach to me," Stevenson said. "I shouldn't ever call you
'Joe.'"
Stevenson said Robinson "coached with passion and was always positive. He never had
a negative thing to say about anybody."
Robinson played for Ragsdale and later became an assistant coach under his mentor.
Robinson replaced Ragsdale and was head coach from 1954-64.
Both are members of the Broken Arrow Athletic Hall of Fame.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
HONORED - Joe Robinson addresses the crowd after a monument to him and
the late H.K. Ragsdale was unveiled Wednesday morning at Memorial Stadium.
(Doug Quinn/Ledger) Additional photos may be viewed here.
the late H.K. Ragsdale was unveiled Wednesday morning at Memorial Stadium.
(Doug Quinn/Ledger) Additional photos may be viewed here.
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Young athletes urged to get their academics in order - early
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
04/07/2008
Updated 04/07/2008 07:54:55 AM CDT
NCAA recruitment process lengthy, Spavital says
When Steve Spavital discovered several Broken Arrow High
School football players didn't qualify to play at the NCAA
level, he took it personally.
The BAHS assistant head coach/defensive coordinator went
on a mission to educate, not only his players, but all athletes
and administrators in the system.
Spavital compiled a 29-page handbook, that outlines the
steps youngsters need to follow if they want to play college
sports, not just football.
It covers the educational requirements and the NCAA's
clearinghouse process "just to qualify" for an NCAA school
- Divisions I and II and what is required in the recruiting
process.
Spavital has a Power-Point presentation he will make
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at a parents meeting for incoming
eighth-grade through high school players at the BAHS
cafeteria.
"What most may not realize is the process doesn't start in 11th or 12th grade," Spavital
said. "When it comes to grades, colleges can go back to what a young person made in
his or her classes as a freshman."
ACT and SAT scores are key components and test dates through June 2009 are
included.
Spavital outlines core course requirements, that have been raised from 14 to 16 for
NCAA Division I schools, and steps parents and players must follow just to be recruited.
"There are very strict rules and guidelines the schools and athletes must follow,"
Spavital said. "It's very important to get started early in this process and stay on top of it."
Spavital launched his campaign this winter after learning several BAHS football players
didn't meet NCAA criteria.
"That really bothered me," he said. "Hopefully, we won't have that happen again."
He began researching on-line and making telephone inquiries of NCAA representatives.
"There were a lot of things I didn't realize," Spavital said. "What we have (in his stapled
handbook) is just the tip of the iceberg."
Spavital said he will distribute his findings to counselors and administrators throughout
the BA school system.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
04/07/2008
Updated 04/07/2008 07:54:55 AM CDT
NCAA recruitment process lengthy, Spavital says
When Steve Spavital discovered several Broken Arrow High
School football players didn't qualify to play at the NCAA
level, he took it personally.
The BAHS assistant head coach/defensive coordinator went
on a mission to educate, not only his players, but all athletes
and administrators in the system.
Spavital compiled a 29-page handbook, that outlines the
steps youngsters need to follow if they want to play college
sports, not just football.
It covers the educational requirements and the NCAA's
clearinghouse process "just to qualify" for an NCAA school
- Divisions I and II and what is required in the recruiting
process.
Spavital has a Power-Point presentation he will make
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at a parents meeting for incoming
eighth-grade through high school players at the BAHS
cafeteria.
"What most may not realize is the process doesn't start in 11th or 12th grade," Spavital
said. "When it comes to grades, colleges can go back to what a young person made in
his or her classes as a freshman."
ACT and SAT scores are key components and test dates through June 2009 are
included.
Spavital outlines core course requirements, that have been raised from 14 to 16 for
NCAA Division I schools, and steps parents and players must follow just to be recruited.
"There are very strict rules and guidelines the schools and athletes must follow,"
Spavital said. "It's very important to get started early in this process and stay on top of it."
Spavital launched his campaign this winter after learning several BAHS football players
didn't meet NCAA criteria.
"That really bothered me," he said. "Hopefully, we won't have that happen again."
He began researching on-line and making telephone inquiries of NCAA representatives.
"There were a lot of things I didn't realize," Spavital said. "What we have (in his stapled
handbook) is just the tip of the iceberg."
Spavital said he will distribute his findings to counselors and administrators throughout
the BA school system.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
| STEVE SPAVITAL |
************************************************************
New turf OK'd for Memorial Stadium
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
05/14/2008
Updated 05/14/2008 10:02:54 AM CDT
Fieldturf gets bid; work to start June 13
There will be a new green on Memorial Stadium
this summer.
A $372,635 turf replacement project for the
Broken Arrow High School facility was approved
Monday night. The school board OK'd Fieldturf's
bid and work is scheduled to begin June 13.
BAHS Athletic Director Ken Ellett said the
company will have until July 13 to finish the job.
Ellett said Fieldturf was picked from five other
bidders.
"Each company had a different philosophy and
excellent products," Ellett said. "There are some things about Fieldturf our coaches really
liked."
Fieldturf's rubber infill - washed silica sand and rounded cyrongenic - which is used in
the surface, was a factor.
"They will use 10 pounds per square foot," Ellett said. "That's a good number."
When the old carpet - which was installed by AstroPlay in 2000 - is removed, school
officials are expecting the subsurface to need minor repairs, that will cost $2 a square
foot, which was included in Fieldturf's bid.
This artificial surface is being implanted this spring at Jenks and Bixby high schools and
the University of Tulsa's Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium.
It's the same material in place at Skiatook High School, which recently hosted a Class 6A
regional track meet.
"What I saw in Skiatook was very impressive," Ellett said.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
05/14/2008
Updated 05/14/2008 10:02:54 AM CDT
Fieldturf gets bid; work to start June 13
There will be a new green on Memorial Stadium
this summer.
A $372,635 turf replacement project for the
Broken Arrow High School facility was approved
Monday night. The school board OK'd Fieldturf's
bid and work is scheduled to begin June 13.
BAHS Athletic Director Ken Ellett said the
company will have until July 13 to finish the job.
Ellett said Fieldturf was picked from five other
bidders.
"Each company had a different philosophy and
excellent products," Ellett said. "There are some things about Fieldturf our coaches really
liked."
Fieldturf's rubber infill - washed silica sand and rounded cyrongenic - which is used in
the surface, was a factor.
"They will use 10 pounds per square foot," Ellett said. "That's a good number."
When the old carpet - which was installed by AstroPlay in 2000 - is removed, school
officials are expecting the subsurface to need minor repairs, that will cost $2 a square
foot, which was included in Fieldturf's bid.
This artificial surface is being implanted this spring at Jenks and Bixby high schools and
the University of Tulsa's Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium.
It's the same material in place at Skiatook High School, which recently hosted a Class 6A
regional track meet.
"What I saw in Skiatook was very impressive," Ellett said.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
NEW CARPET — Broken Arrow High
School Athletic Director Ken Ellett
shows a sample of the artificial
surface from Fieldturf, which will be
laid on Memorial Stadium starting
June 13. (Ledger photo by Doug
Quinnn)
School Athletic Director Ken Ellett
shows a sample of the artificial
surface from Fieldturf, which will be
laid on Memorial Stadium starting
June 13. (Ledger photo by Doug
Quinnn)
************************************************************
************************************************************
Please visit BAYFB's website for
information about K-7th grade football.
information about K-7th grade football.
Tigers' spring football game Friday
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
05/21/2008
Updated 05/21/2008 10:29:14 PM CDT
BAHS to don full pads at Memorial Stadium
It won't be a game in the truest form - no punting,
kickoffs or returns.
But, Broken Arrow High School's spring football
"game" Friday at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium
"will be the next best thing," Tiger coach Ron
Lancaster said.
With no admission, this marks the end of BAHS's
10 days of spring practices.
"We'll treat this like a game the best we can,"
Lancaster said. "It will be full pads at full speed."
Tiger coaches will pit the No. 1 offense against
the No. 1 defense "for eight to 10 minutes" and then mix backups against the starters in
subsequent sessions.
"We'll have some kind of scoring system," Lancaster said. "But, we'll have to figure that
out. We'll be looking to see how hard we play and if our guys are doing what they've been
trained to do.
"This will be important for these guys because we're going to be evaluating them."
The offensive line will be scrutinized.
Between senior tackles Aaron Kannard and Alvin Bailey, BAHS will replace two guards and
a center next fall.
"We've got good ones up front," Lancaster said. "They're just young."
Defensively, BAHS returns six starters.
Lancaster said there will be incentives for each unit and he lit the fuse.
"Right now, our defense is ahead of us," Lancaster said, chuckling. "I told that to our
offensive side. We'll see what happens."
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
05/21/2008
Updated 05/21/2008 10:29:14 PM CDT
BAHS to don full pads at Memorial Stadium
It won't be a game in the truest form - no punting,
kickoffs or returns.
But, Broken Arrow High School's spring football
"game" Friday at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium
"will be the next best thing," Tiger coach Ron
Lancaster said.
With no admission, this marks the end of BAHS's
10 days of spring practices.
"We'll treat this like a game the best we can,"
Lancaster said. "It will be full pads at full speed."
Tiger coaches will pit the No. 1 offense against
the No. 1 defense "for eight to 10 minutes" and then mix backups against the starters in
subsequent sessions.
"We'll have some kind of scoring system," Lancaster said. "But, we'll have to figure that
out. We'll be looking to see how hard we play and if our guys are doing what they've been
trained to do.
"This will be important for these guys because we're going to be evaluating them."
The offensive line will be scrutinized.
Between senior tackles Aaron Kannard and Alvin Bailey, BAHS will replace two guards and
a center next fall.
"We've got good ones up front," Lancaster said. "They're just young."
Defensively, BAHS returns six starters.
Lancaster said there will be incentives for each unit and he lit the fuse.
"Right now, our defense is ahead of us," Lancaster said, chuckling. "I told that to our
offensive side. We'll see what happens."
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
GETTING READY — Assistant coach
Terry Collins gives the Broken Arrow
High School defense its alignment as
the Tigers prepare for Friday's 7 p.m.
spring game at Memorial Stadium.
(Ledger photo by Doug Quinn)
Terry Collins gives the Broken Arrow
High School defense its alignment as
the Tigers prepare for Friday's 7 p.m.
spring game at Memorial Stadium.
(Ledger photo by Doug Quinn)
************************************************************
Spring game pleases Lancaster
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
05/23/2008
Updated 05/23/2008 10:05:12 PM CDT
Tigers cap spring
practice with
two-hour intra-squad
Ron Lancaster's knee
was hurting but the
second-year football
coach was smiling
Friday night after
Broken Arrow High
School's spring game.
Leaning his on crutches,
Lancaster gave the
Tigers a passing grade
after a two-hour
intra-squad scrimmage
at Memorial Stadium.
"Overall, I was very
pleased," said
Lancaster, who is
nursing an aggravated
knee injury. "We did a lot of things well on both sides of the ball.
"We needed this, playing under the lights on a Friday night. It gave our kids a chance to
show what they can do."
Tiger defensive coordinator Steve Spavital added a positive note.
"Nobody got hurt," Spavital said. "That's big."
The nearly 100-play session, which attracted several hundred spectators, was full-speed,
full contact, which capped 10 days of spring drills.
BAHS's first and second offensive units combined for five touchdowns against the first
and second defenses.
"What's important, too, is everybody got to play," Lancaster said.
Senior quarterback Cale Fulps, unofficially, completed 12-of-15 passes for 198 yards and
one touchdown.
Jerrod Green, a junior tailback, had 12 carries for 82 yards, including the evening's first
score, with the starting unit.
The No. 1 offense scored on its first possession against the No. 1 defense but needed 11
of the 12 plays to reach the end zone on a 1-yard run by Green.
Against the No. 2 defense, the No. 1 offense ground out another score, a 2-yard pass
from Fulps to sophomore Nick Gorman, who later caught a 6 yard TD pass from junior
Dillon Wallace.
"We made mistakes. We'll see them on the film and correct them," Spavital said. "I liked
how our defense flew around and chased the ball.
"We gave up some big plays but we forced some turnovers, too, which I liked."
Wallace passed 29 and 27 yards to A.J. Morrison for scores while Rodney Wesley raced
25 yards for a TD and Mike Alimon went 37 for a score.
TIGER NOTES
* University of Tulsa assistant Bill Blankenship, the former Union High School coach,
watched from the sidelines.
* Jake Spavital, son of BAHS assistant head coach Steve Spavital and new graduate
assistant at TU, was there.
* Former University of Oklahoma offensive lineman Ed Culver, uncle of BAHS's Drake
Ballew, watched.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
05/23/2008
Updated 05/23/2008 10:05:12 PM CDT
Tigers cap spring
practice with
two-hour intra-squad
Ron Lancaster's knee
was hurting but the
second-year football
coach was smiling
Friday night after
Broken Arrow High
School's spring game.
Leaning his on crutches,
Lancaster gave the
Tigers a passing grade
after a two-hour
intra-squad scrimmage
at Memorial Stadium.
"Overall, I was very
pleased," said
Lancaster, who is
nursing an aggravated
knee injury. "We did a lot of things well on both sides of the ball.
"We needed this, playing under the lights on a Friday night. It gave our kids a chance to
show what they can do."
Tiger defensive coordinator Steve Spavital added a positive note.
"Nobody got hurt," Spavital said. "That's big."
The nearly 100-play session, which attracted several hundred spectators, was full-speed,
full contact, which capped 10 days of spring drills.
BAHS's first and second offensive units combined for five touchdowns against the first
and second defenses.
"What's important, too, is everybody got to play," Lancaster said.
Senior quarterback Cale Fulps, unofficially, completed 12-of-15 passes for 198 yards and
one touchdown.
Jerrod Green, a junior tailback, had 12 carries for 82 yards, including the evening's first
score, with the starting unit.
The No. 1 offense scored on its first possession against the No. 1 defense but needed 11
of the 12 plays to reach the end zone on a 1-yard run by Green.
Against the No. 2 defense, the No. 1 offense ground out another score, a 2-yard pass
from Fulps to sophomore Nick Gorman, who later caught a 6 yard TD pass from junior
Dillon Wallace.
"We made mistakes. We'll see them on the film and correct them," Spavital said. "I liked
how our defense flew around and chased the ball.
"We gave up some big plays but we forced some turnovers, too, which I liked."
Wallace passed 29 and 27 yards to A.J. Morrison for scores while Rodney Wesley raced
25 yards for a TD and Mike Alimon went 37 for a score.
TIGER NOTES
* University of Tulsa assistant Bill Blankenship, the former Union High School coach,
watched from the sidelines.
* Jake Spavital, son of BAHS assistant head coach Steve Spavital and new graduate
assistant at TU, was there.
* Former University of Oklahoma offensive lineman Ed Culver, uncle of BAHS's Drake
Ballew, watched.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
TO PAYDIRT — Rodney Wesley (25) sprints to the end zone
while Willie Bell (28) gives chase during BAHS's spring game at
Memorial Stadium. (Ledger photo by Randel Keith)
while Willie Bell (28) gives chase during BAHS's spring game at
Memorial Stadium. (Ledger photo by Randel Keith)
************************************************************
Attention all Females:
It's time for Football 201!
It's time for Football 201!
|
************************************************************
************************************************************
************************************************************
View spring game photos at Sports
Photography & Design's website.
Photography & Design's website.
************************************************************
PUMPING - Broken Arrow High
School senior Craig Boydstun,
above, does leg lifts while
junior Rowdy Harper, below,
does the military press during
a Tiger Pride workout.
School senior Craig Boydstun,
above, does leg lifts while
junior Rowdy Harper, below,
does the military press during
a Tiger Pride workout.
Rise and shine
By: DOUG QUINN, Sports Editor (dquinn@baledger.com)
06/27/2008
Updated 06/27/2008 04:15:42 PM CDT
Tigers adapt to morning weightlifting, conditioning
Most teenagers aren't fond of being rustled out of bed
at the crack of dawn four mornings a week.
But, for nearly 90 Broken Arrow High School varsity
football players, there isn't a choice.
It's Tiger Pride and for the varsity players, kickoff is
7 a.m. - and not a minute later.
An intense two-hour workout - mixing weightlifting and
conditioning - greet these Tigers.
That's not to mention a handful of BAHS coaches with
whistles and vocal chords that aren't conducive to napping.
Senior offensive tackle Aaron Kannard doesn't claim to be a morning person.
His alarm sounds at 6 a.m. and this 6-2, 265-pounder gets around slowly.
"But," Kannard said, smiling, "I lay down again after I get ready."
Senior nose guard Dominic Reynolds has a quicker response time.
"I like early mornings," Reynolds said, grinning.
Yet, the two returning starters from last year's 6-5 team know it's important.
"This is something we've gotta do, if we are going to get better," Kannard said. "Yes, it's
hard work but it's worth it."
Reynolds, who is 5-11, 225 pounds said the regimented workouts are demanding.
"They are more intense than they were last year," he said, shaking his head. "It's good for
us. It will make us better."
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
By: DOUG QUINN, Sports Editor (dquinn@baledger.com)
06/27/2008
Updated 06/27/2008 04:15:42 PM CDT
Tigers adapt to morning weightlifting, conditioning
Most teenagers aren't fond of being rustled out of bed
at the crack of dawn four mornings a week.
But, for nearly 90 Broken Arrow High School varsity
football players, there isn't a choice.
It's Tiger Pride and for the varsity players, kickoff is
7 a.m. - and not a minute later.
An intense two-hour workout - mixing weightlifting and
conditioning - greet these Tigers.
That's not to mention a handful of BAHS coaches with
whistles and vocal chords that aren't conducive to napping.
Senior offensive tackle Aaron Kannard doesn't claim to be a morning person.
His alarm sounds at 6 a.m. and this 6-2, 265-pounder gets around slowly.
"But," Kannard said, smiling, "I lay down again after I get ready."
Senior nose guard Dominic Reynolds has a quicker response time.
"I like early mornings," Reynolds said, grinning.
Yet, the two returning starters from last year's 6-5 team know it's important.
"This is something we've gotta do, if we are going to get better," Kannard said. "Yes, it's
hard work but it's worth it."
Reynolds, who is 5-11, 225 pounds said the regimented workouts are demanding.
"They are more intense than they were last year," he said, shaking his head. "It's good for
us. It will make us better."
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
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