CSC Basketball Media guide Girls 2015-2016 web-16

Table of Contents
Page 2
The Administration
CSC President: Dr. Tim Faltyn
Page 3-7
The Cowgirls
Interim Head Coach Jamie Fisher
Jamie Fisher who served as assistant women’s basketball
coach for three seasons was named interim head coach of the
Connors State Cowgirls on October 23, when former head
coach Rusty Laverentz resigned after one season.
“We have a really great group of hard working, dedicated
women who I will be coaching this year,” said Fisher. “It’s a
dream come true and we have high hopes for this season.”
Prior to Fisher’s arrival to Connors State he spent four
years at Howard College in Big Spring, Texas. While coaching at Howard, Fisher worked under Head Coach Earl Diddle,
who has coached on every level including the UAE Olympic
team.
In Fisher’s tenure at Howard, the Lady Hawks won more
than 85 games and qualified for two NJCAA Region 5 tournaments and one NJCAA National Tournament.
In Fisher’s first season at Howard, the Lady Hawks
compiled a record of 26-9 winning the Region 5 Tournament
and qualifying for the NJCAA National Tournament in
Salina, Kansas Fisher was fortunate enough to help recruit
and coach 10 WJCAC All-Conference players, 5 All-Region
selections, 4 NJCAA Academic All-Americans with 20
players moving on
to play at the four-year level.
Fisher helped guide the Cowgirls to a 17-14 record his
first year on Eddie Kite’s staff. The Cowgirls finished the
2012-13 season seventh in the country in scoring offense and
first in the conference, averaging 77 points per game. Fisher’s
primary duties during his three years as an assistant coach
were recruiting, scouting, academics and working with the
Cowgirl backcourt.
Hometown……………………………….Owasso, Okla.
High School……………………………….Sperry High
School(2002)
College…………………………………….Coffeyville Community College (Associate Arts) 2004, Northeastern State
University (Bachelors of Liberal Arts) 2006.
Years in Coaching………………………………….7
Coaching……………………………….. 2008-20015
Assistant coach Howard College 2008-2012
Assistant Coach Connors State College 2012-2015
Interim Head Coach Connors State College2015-present
Marital Status………………………………….Single
CSC Disclaimer Statement
Connors State College, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability,
or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment,
financial aid and educational services. The Director of Human Resources, ADA, Affirmative Action and Title IX Coordinator, 700 College
Rd., Warner, OK 74469, Gatlin Hall Rm 231; Phone (918) 463-6206; email: [email protected] has been designated to handle
inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies.
Page 1
Dr. Tim Faltyn, President
Welcome to Connors
Welcome to Melvin Self Field House for the 2015-16 basketball season! Connors State College has a strong tradition of
excellence in the classroom and on the court. Your support for these student athletes as they strive to compete at the highest
level is a major part of the payoff that they’ve worked so hard to achieve. We all appreciate you and your support very much.
Grounded in academic excellence, all of our intercollegiate programs provide our students the opportunity to become
better players, as well as gain experience and decision making skills that are designed to help them to be productive graduates
and citizens.
This season starts with great expectations, and is sure to provide a great deal of excitement and thrills. Everyone’s invited
to the Melvin Self Field House as we have added several new activities to our pregame and halftime shows that are sure to
keep you fired up as we all cheer for our Connors State College Cowboys.
I hope you’re as proud as I am to be a part of the Connors tradition of excellence. The coaches and players have told me
that they are committed to carrying on the tradition as they represent all of us at CSC, the Warner and Muskogee communities, as well as the State of Oklahoma. Connors State College is a special place, and we’re happy you are here to be a part of
our success.
Connors State College
President
Dr. Tim Faltyn
Bill Muse
Athletic Director
Main Campus
Connors State’s athletic programs are rich in tradition. Our teams
have all enjoyed numerous successes.
We welcome our fans to another year of athletic competition and invite
you to be a part of the excitement that is Connors’ athletics.
Muskogee Campus
Bill Muse
Athletic Director
Dr. Tim Faltyn
Warner, Oklahoma
700 College Road
Warner, OK., 74464 (918) 463-2931
Threee Rivers Port
Founded
May 10, 1908
Enrollment
2,700
Nickname
Cowboys, Cowgirls
Mascot
Connor the Cowboy
Colors
Orange/Black/White
Conference
Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference,
Member Region II, NJCAA
CSC
Statement
October 2015
Connors State College, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
(Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and
other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual
orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in
any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but
is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational
services. The Director of Human Resources, ADA, Affirmative Action
and Title IX Coordinator, 700 College Rd., Warner, OK 74469, Gatlin
Hall Rm 231; Phone (918) 463-6206; email: walkernv@connorsstate.
edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination
policies.
Inquiries:
Inquiries can be sent to:
Nate Walker
Human Resources
Connors State College
700 College Road,
Warner, OK., 74464, (918) 463-6206
Fax: (918) 463-6355
or (918) 463-2931
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.connorsstate.edu
Printing
This Media Guide and CSC Basketball Scorecard are
issued and authorized by Connors State College and the
CSC Sports Information Dept., Wayne Bunch, director.
This publication was printed by Franklin Digital in Muskogee, OK. Von Castor provided the photography. Franklin
Digital, assisted CSC Media Relations in the design of the
cover.
Connors providing education for over a century
For more than 100 years, Connors State
has been a community college that has served
the needs of students in east central Oklahoma.
The College has a rich tradition that has always
focused on teaching and helping students learn
the things needed to be successful.
CSC has done this in a variety of ways,
including cooperative learning with area high
schools and joint ventures with Northeastern
Connors Administration
Dr. Tim Faltyn, President
Cindy Anderson, Jodi Butler-Executive Assistants
to the President
Dr. Ron Ramming, Sr. Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Mike Lewis, Vice President for Fiscal Services
Dr. Ryan Blanton, Associate Vice-President for
External Affairs
Kim Ryals, Associate Vice President of Fiscal
Services
Mike Jackson, Dean of Students
Nate Walker, Director of Human Resources
Logan Knapper, Director of Recruitment
Baxter Stewart, Director of Financial Aid
Kwanna King, Registrar
Bill Muse, Athletic Director
Ami Maddocks, Director of College and Community Relations
Heath Hodges, Director of IT/IR
Blake Nelson, Director of Farm Operations
Whitney Tucker, Athletic Trainer
Academic Chairs/Support Administration
Agriculture/ Horticulture, Debby Golden
Page 2
State University in Tahlequah, where studies lead to bachelors, masters, and doctorate
degrees.
Oklahoma State University, of which
Connors is allied through the A&M Board of
Regents, is also a key institution for the college
and its students.
Connors helps its students build their future
through courses that can be applied to the first
two years of a baccalaureate degree.
Division Chair for Business/CIS, Rhonda Wilson
Interim-Assistant to Sr. VP for Academic and
Student Affairs/Academic Support Service, Robin
O’Quinn
Math/Science/Health-PE, Lynett Rock
Division Chair for Nursing & Allied Health, Joyce
Johnson
Interim-Assistant to Sr. VP for Academic Affairs/
Assessment & Curriculum/Division Chair-Social
Sciences, Julia Dinger
On the Cover
Featured on the front cover is sophomore Miranda
Stiles from Kiowa Okla. a 5’5” guard who is one
of three returners.
On the Back Cover
Featured on the back cover is Connors State’s
Ginelle Ifill, Sophomore from Plaisance, Gyana,
Miceala Nornant, Freshman from Conway, Ark.
DeShawnata Lyday, Sophomore, Tulsa, Okla. Miranda Stiles, Sophomore, Kiowa Okla. and Alyssa
Crace Freshman, Greenwood, Ark.
2015-16 Roster and 2014-2015 Stats
Meet the Cowgirls
No.Name
3 Bailey Pendley
10 Miranda Stiles
Ht. Position
5-8
Guard
5-5
Guard
Hometown
Ketchum, Okla.
Kiowa, Okla.
Class
Fresh
Soph.
Fresh.
Soph.
Soph.
Fresh.
Soph.
Fresh.
Fresh.
Soph.
RS-Fresh.
Fresh.
Soph.
13 Briane’Lache Miller 5-8 Guard
DeRidder, La.
15 DeShawnata’ Lyday 6-2 Post
Tulsa, Okla.
20 Alyssa Crase
5-11 Post
Greenwood, Ark.
21 Baylee Evans
5-4 Guard
Red Oak, Okla.
22 DeNora Wheeland 5-8 Guard
Haskell, Okla.
23 Justice Campbell
5-10 Forward
Ketchum, Okla.
24 Alexus Wilson
5-10 Guard
Muskogee, Okla.
25 Philicea Mack
5-10 Post
Spiro, Okla.
33 Hana Bowman
5-11 Forward
Beggs, Okla.
44 Ginelle Ifill
6-4 Post
Plaisance, Guyana
Interim Head Coach: Jamie Fisher, 4th year
Assistant Coach: Tori Tucker, 1st year
2014-15 Player Stats Season Record 6-22
Freshman - Bailey Pendley
Player
G G-ATT FG% 3PT 3P% FT-FTA FT% PTS AVG. ORB-DRB-T-AVG.AST TO
ST BLk
Heather Marshall 18
4-37
39.4
0-0
0-0
5-13
39.1
13
3.4
13-2-15-1.2
4
5
1
4
Ant. Mondaine
9
2-10
20.0
1-3
33.3
1-2
50.0
7
0.7
3-8-11-1.2
3
0
1
0
Miranda Stiles
28 25-74
33.3 16-53 30.2
4-9
40.0
98
6.9
6-17-23-0.3
15
18
9
0
Shelby Parnacher
229-3129.44-1921.46-10 56.5302.8
4-1-5-1.4
814 7 0
Ashley Chiorano23
30-10428.90-10-016-2758.7607.6
34-48-83-0.3 619 3 8
Katie Smith
18 17-53
32.3 16-41 37.8
4-6
63.6
82
5.4
11-28-39-2.1
24
14
6
0
Courtnei Conley
8
40.0
8-20
37.5
38
2.8
14-16-30-3.7
1
13
3
0
10-25
0-0
0-0
Jessica Dalman 28
14-3835.80-00-014-2260.3424.1
14-16-30-1.0 6 5 3 0
Baylee Evans
28 22-63
35.0 17-53 32.4
9-14
66.7 104
7.1
13-21-34-1.2
2
17
6
1
Christina Devers
26 92-268 34.2 28-135 21.1
69-90
76.5 337 28.1
23-56-78-3.0
27
16
13
4
Philicea Mack
6
57-10255.70-00-043-7260.5
15715.7
Page 3
5-6-11-1.8
2717 13 8
Cowgirls
Fisher Optimistic About
Upcoming 2015-16 Season
Jamie Fisher has taken over the
reigns as interim head coach of the Connors State Cowgirls and his optimism is
high for the upcoming basketball season.
Fisher formerly served as an assistant
coach for the Cowgirls for three seasons
and takes over for Rusty Laverentz who
resigned for personal reasons.
When asked the difference between
this year’s squad and last season’s Fisher
said, “The strength of this team is we
have a bunch of kids with versatility that
can play multiple of positions, something
we didn’t have a year ago, and our work
ethic and willing to learn is extremely
high.
“We are also going to have a bench.
Last year we couldn’t practice with fiveon-five in the middle of the season because of injuries and other circumstances. That made it a difficult season”.
Fisher returns three players from last
years’ 6-22 squad, but the reason for a
much improved season ahead is the addition of three transfers and a group of
incoming freshman players.
“The three players we have back
from last season know what it takes and
have been through the wars. They are
like coaches on the floor. We just have
to get the right chemistry on the floor."
“I believe the chemistry is there it’s
just going to take a work in progress. We
are working a completely new offense.”
Returnees are sophomores Miranda
Stiles 5-5 guard from Kiowa, Okla., and
Baylee Evans 5-4 sophomore from Red
Oak, Okla., along with Philicea Mack
5-10 redshirt freshman from Spiro,
Okla., who sat out much of last season
with a MCL injury.
The transfers include Briane’ Lache
Miller, 5-8 sophomore guard from But-
ler County Community College; DeShawnata’ Lyday, 6-2 sophomore center
from Kilgore Junior College; Alexus
Wilson 5-10 sophomore guard from Oral
Roberts University and Ginelle Ifill 6-4
sophomore center from Odessa Junior
College. Ginelle will redshirt this season
due to a season ending injury that took
place in practice.
“The transfers have played very well
for us thus far,” said Fisher. “I think they
are going to surprise a few people.”
Fisher is also pleased with the play
of the freshmen Bailey Pendley 5-8
guard from Ketchum; Miceala Norment
5-10 forward from Conway, Ark.; Jalessa Kincey 5-6 guard from Headland,
Ala.; Alyssa Crase 5-11 center from
Greenwood, Ark.; DeNora Wheeland
5-8 guard from Haskell, Okla.; Justice
Campbell 5-10 forward from Ketchum,
Okla., and Hana Bowman 5-11 forward
from Beggs, Okla.
...continued on page 10
Connors Cowgirls
2015-16 Basketball Schedule
Date.....Opponent..................................... Location........................................ Time
OCTOBER
30.........Odessa College........................... at Odessa, Texas.................. 6:30 p.m.
31.........Odessa Classic, Midland............. at Odessa, Texas.................. 3:00 p.m.
NOVEMBER
3...........SW Christian JV.......................... Melvin Self Field House........ 6:00 p.m.
5...........Paris JC....................................... at Paris,Texas........................ 5:30 p.m.
10.........North Arkansas............................ at Harrison, Ark...................... 6:00 p.m.
13.........SW Christian JV.......................... at Bethany, Okla............................ TBA
19.........Seminole State............................ Melvin Self Field House......... 5:30 p.m.
23.........Murray State................................ at Tishomingo, Okla............... 5:30 p.m.
27.........Howard College........................... Melvin Self Field House......... 7:00 p.m.
28.........Paris JC....................................... Melvin Self Field House......... 3:00 p.m.
DECEMBER
1...........Northeastern A&M....................... Melvin Self Field House......... 5:30 p.m.
3...........Carl Albert State.......................... at Poteau, Okla...................... 5:30 p.m.
11.........Three Rivers CC.......................... at Joplin, Mo.......................... 4:00 p.m.
12.........Crowder College.......................... at Joplin, Mo.................................Noon
JANUARY
4...........North Arkansas............................ Melvin Self Field House................. TBA
7...........Western Okla. State.................... Melvin Self Field House......... 5:30 p.m.
11.........NOC-Tonkawa............................. at Tonkawa,Okla.................... 5:30 p.m.
14.........Eastern Okla. State..................... Melvin Self Field House......... 5:30 p.m.
18.........Redlands..................................... at El Reno, Okla..................... 5:30 p.m.
21.........NOC-Enid.................................... Melvin Self Field House......... 5:30 p.m.
25.........Seminole State............................ at Seminole, Okla.................. 5:30 p.m.
28.........Murray State................................ Melvin Self Field House......... 5:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY
1...........Northeastern A&M....................... at Miami, Okla........................ 5:30 p.m.
4...........Carl Albert State.......................... Melvin Self Field House......... 5:30 p.m.
8...........Western Okla. State.................... at Altus, Okla.......................... 5:30 p.m.
13.........Arkansas Baptist......................... Melvin Self Field House.............. 1 p.m.
15.........NOC-Tonkawa............................. Melvin Self Field House......... 5:30 p.m.
18.........Eastern Okla. State..................... at Wilburton, Okla.................. 5:30 p.m.
22.........Redlands..................................... Melvin Self Field House......... 5:30 p.m.
25.........NOC-Enid.................................... at Enid................................... 7:30 p.m.
MARCH
2-7.......Region II Tournament.................. at Shawnee, Okla.......................... TBA
16-21...NJCAA National Tournament....... Lubbock, Texas.............................. TBA
Head Coach: Rusty Laverantz (Missouri Western State) Second Year.
Assistant Coach: Jamie Fisher ( Northeastern State) Fourth Year.
Front row left to right: Briane'lache Miller, Bailey Pendley, Miranda Stiles, Baylee Evans,
Denora Wheeland, Jalessa Kincey, Interim Head Coach Jamie Fisher.
Back row left to right: Alexus Wilson, Hana Bowman, Philicea Mack, Deshawnata Lyday,
Ginelle Ifill, Micaela Norment, Alyssa Crase, Justice Campbell.
Page 4
No. 3
Cowgirls Profiles
BAILEY PENDLEY
Freshman
5-8, Guard
Hometown: Ketchum, Okla.
Ketchum High School
Scoring Avg: 23.0
Rebounds: 6.0
Steals: 3.0
Major: General Studies
Coach’s Comments: Solid combination guard who can shoot if from anywhere on the court with a high
basketball IQ.
Parents or Guardians: Misty Pendley
No. 10
MIRANDA STILES
Sophomore
5-5, Guard
Hometown: Kiowa, Okla.
Connors State
Scoring Avg: 6.9
Rebounding Avg: 2.3
Steals: 0.1
Major: General Studies
Coach’s Comments: Really improved at end of last season. We look for Miranda to build on that and
have a good year for us.
Parents or Guardians: Benny and Lorra Stiles
No. 12
MICAELA NORMENT
Freshman
5-10, Forward
Hometown: Conway, Ark.
Conway High School
Scoring Avg: 7.0
Rebounding: 4.0
Steals: 4.0
Major: General Studies
Coach’s Comments: Versatile player who can play either guard spots for forward.
Parents or Guardians: Jacqueline Trammel and Tommy Norment
No. 13
BRIANE’LACHE MILLER
Sophomore
5-8, Guard
Hometown: DeRidder, La.
DeRidder High School
Scoring Avg: N/A
Rebounding Avg: N/A
Steals: N/A
Major: Sports Management
Coach’s Comments: A true point guard with the ability to get to the rim. Also has a pull-up jumper and
can hit the three.
Parents or Guardians: Edirdena Miller
No. 14
14 JALESSA KINCEY
Freshman
5-6, Guard
Hometown: Headland, Ala.
Headland High School
Scoring Avg: 9.0
Rebounding Avg: 4.0
Steals: 2.0
Major: Pre-Social Work
Coach’s Comments:Jalessa will add depth at the guard position and can shoot the three.
Parents or Guardians: Tammy Kincey and Darell Collins
Page 5
No. 15
Cowgirls Profiles
DESHAWNATA LYDAY
Sophomore
6-2, Center
Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.
Kilgore JC (transfer)
Scoring Avg: 5.0
Rebounding: 3.0
Steals: 1.0
Major: Kinesiology
Coach’s Comments: Athletic post player who can hit the mid-range jumper. She is a solid defender and
runs the floor well.
Parents or Guardians: Melodie Lyday
No. 20 ALYSSA CRASE
Freshman
5-11, Center
Hometown: Greenwood, Ark.
High School: Greenwood
Scoring Avg: 9.0
Rebounding Avg: 10.0
Steals: 2.0
Major: General Studies
Coach’s Comments: Alyssa comes from one of the top programs in Arkansas. She is a solid all around
player.
Parents or Guardians: Justin Crase
No. 21
BAYLEE EVANS
Sophomore
5-4, Guard
Hometown: Red Oak, Okla.
Connors State
Scoring Avg: 7.1
Rebounds: 3.5
Steals: 0.6
Major: Business Administration
Coach’s Comments: We are looking for Baylee to be a team leader. She has a high basketball IQ who
can shoot the basketball and is a very reliable player.
Parents or Guardians: Danny and Angelia Evans
No. 22
DENORA WHEELAND
Freshman
5-8, Guard
Hometown: Haskell, Okla.
Haskell High School
Scoring Avg: 21.0
Rebounding: 6.0
Steals: 2.0
Major: General Studies
Coach’s Comments: Point guard who can get to the rim and passes the ball well. She handles the ball
very well and pushes it up the floor.
Parents or Guardians: Jennifer Wheeland and Derrick Smith
No. 23
JUSTICE CAMPBELL
Freshman
5-10, Forward
Hometown: Ketchum, Okla.
Ketchum High School
Scoring Avg: 8.0
Rebounding Avg: 12.0
Steals: N/A
Major: General Studies
Coach’s Comments: Justice is a player capable of playing several positions.
Parents or Guardians: Christi and Robert Bogle.
Page 6
Cowgirls Profiles
No. 24 ALEXUS WILSON
Sophomore
5-10, Guard
Hometown: Muskogee, Okla.
Oral Roberts University (transfer)
Scoring Avg: 7.7
Rebounding Avg: 2.8
Steals: 1.0
Major: Criminal Justice
Coach’s Comments: Alexus will provide leadership and a scoring threat for us this season.
Parents or Guardians: Sheri and Rudel Wilson
No. 25
PHILICEA MACK
Redshirt Freshman
5-10, Center
Hometown: Spiro, Okla.
Connors State
Scoring Avg: 15.7
Rebounding Avg:11.5
Steals: 8.4
Major: Dental Hygiene
Coach’s Comments: Philicea is coming off an early season knee injury and we look for her to present an
inside presence that we didn’t have last season. She can also step out and knock-down the outside jumper.
Parents or Guardians: Phillip and Cathy Mack
No. 33
HANA BOWMAN
Freshman
5-11, Center
Hometown: Beggs, Okla.
Beggs High School
Scoring Avg: 11.0
Rebounding Avg:7.5
Steals: 3.0
Major: Nursing
Coach’s Comments: Versatile and athletic wing player who can play multiple positions.
Parents or Guardians: Bobby and Tammy Wesley
No. 44
GINELLE IFILL
Sophomore
6-4, Center
Hometown: Plaisance, Guyana
Odessa College (Transfer)
Scoring Avg: 2.0
Rebounding Avg: 2.0
Steals: 2.0
Major: General Studies
Coach’s Comments: Very good defender that rebounds, blocks shots and runs the floor very well.
Parents or Guardians: Gregory Ifill and Esther Overton
Tucker begins third year as CSC Athletic Trainer
Whitney Tucker begins her third year as athletic trainer for Connors State College.
Tucker comes to CSC after three years as the trainer at Bacone College.
She graduated from Morris High School and attended Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in physical education.
Tucker attended Texas Tech University earning a Master’s in Health Sciences with a Master’s of Athletic Training.
She is married to Albert Tucker, who works in the IT Department at Connors State College.
They have a son, Albert Bernard Tucker IV.
Page 7
Connors Student, Athletic Facilities
Student
Athletic
Facilities
The Cowgirls and fans have
some of the finest facilities in
Region II and the Oklahoma
Collegiate Athletic Conference.
The dressing room is spacious with custom-build individual lockers.
And, when athletes require
care for minor injuries, there is
the Mike McGee training room
complete with treatment tables,
a whirlpool and ice machine.
For weight training, there is
state-of-the art Nautilus equipment purchased new and installed just after the 2009-10 school year
started.
In addition to the fitness center, all CSC
athletes also have access to a swimming pool.
All of the fitness facilities are also available
for community use.
Fans can watch basketball games in comfort
in the Melvin Self Field House as approximately one-third of the bleacher seats are chairback.
The Clarence Lynch Hospitality Room
is available for college functions as well as
basketball games.
The Clarence Lynch Hospitality Room in the Melvin Self FieldHouse.
Page 8
Dave Bliss Speaks to CSC Student-Athletes
Dave Bliss former University
of Oklahoma, Baylor University and now head basketball
coach at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany,
Okla., spoke to the Connors
State College athletes at the
Fine Arts Auditorium about
his book “Fall to Grace” which
was a reflection on his 40-year
basketball career’s ups and
downs.
“I made some bad decisions
during my coaching career, but
I want to share with you that
some of the things that happen
in your life are crushing to
you but you can come back,”
said Bliss.
A graduate of Cornell University, Bliss began his coaching
career as an assistant under
legendary coach Bobby Knight
at Army, before serving as an
assistant at Cornell and Indiana
before taking the head coaching position at the University
of Oklahoma in 1975.
Bliss coached at OU from
1975 to 1980 before moving to
Southern Methodist University,
coaching the Mustangs from
1980-88 before moving to
New Mexico University in 1988 where he
coached for 11 seasons.
He then took over the Baylor program for
four seasons before a scandal involving major NCAA violations broke and was forced
to resign in 2003. He was slapped with a
10-year show-cause order to coach in the
NCAA for what the NCAA called “a blatant
and sweeping disregard” of NCAA rules.
Bliss served as a volunteer assistant at a
Denver-area high school where he coached
for two seasons before being hired as head
coach of the Continental Basketball Association’s Dakota Wizards for one season
following his Baylor stint.
In 2010 Bliss became dean of students, athletic director and basketball coach at Allen
Academy, a college preparatory school in
Bryan, Texas, before taking over the program
at Southwestern Christian.
Bliss admitted that he became so enamored
with his success that “I forgot about what
was important in life. I was directed to what
I was achieving and forgot about how you
were raised. For a period of time everything
was going great but it quickly ended.
“Overnight, I was on ESPN every night and
I was absolutely a national disgrace. I
humili-ated my family and lost a six-figure
income. For the most part I went through
a zombie state,” said Bliss.
He told the athletes that at the depths he went
through “I didn’t miss the six-figure income,
a lot of the extras that come with coaching.
What I missed was being called Coach. That
was taken away from me.”
Page 9
Bliss, who coached for 35
years until his exile said, “ I
went from the penthouse to
the outhouse. I now have been
granted a reprieved,” said
Bliss. “I feel very remorseful
about what happen at Baylor
and what I put my family
through.”
He said he went into coaching
“because I like working with
young people. I like watching
my players develop and watching the team develop."
“We as coaches grew-up in a
day and time that was completely different from that environment that athletes grow-up
today. We I grew up were there
wasn’t all the social media,
electronics, all the sharing of
information."
“It was a less complicated time.
I believe our changing society
has paid a price. The aspect of
win at all cost mentality pervades in the athletic scene today…especially in Division I.”
Bliss said he let “competitive
athletics compromise my values. In our society today, I think
young people have a chance to
learn from four groups…from
each other, from home setting, church
setting and in an educational setting.
“It’s our (coaches) responsibility to sometimes execute tough love. I would like to
challenge you (Connors athletes) that sports
is really important, but it’s not the
most important part of your life.
“Your generation is a lot smarter than my
generation,” said Bliss. “If you always do
what you have always done, you’ll always
be, what you have always been."
“You are going to have bad stuff happen to
you. I stress to you that you and your teams
need to be mentally tough. Learning how to
handle both the good and bad is a wonderful
trait in athletics,” said Bliss.
The Cowgirls open the
season on Oct.30th in the
Odessa College Tipoff Classic
in Texas the first of a rugged
30 game schedule.
It’s a demanding slate but
one which Fisher says will
prepare his Cowgirls for Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference action.
“I wanted a tough nonconference schedule to get us
ready for league play,” said
Fisher.
“You need to play teams
that get you prepared for
league games that are better
than clubs in your league. We
open with Odessa and Midland and both are going to be
pre-season top 20 clubs. We’ll
find out where we stand immediately,” said Fisher.
Looking at the OCAC
Fisher said “It will be the same
people, Northeastern A&M,
Northern Enid will be the top
two and the rest of us fighting for the remaining playoff
spots.
”Our goal this season is to
compete for the top 5 spots to
receive a first round bye and
advance to the regional tournament in Shawnee. We have
the potential to finish in the
top half of the conference if
we continue to work hard and
get better every day.
“This is a work in progress. I told them it may be
mid-season before we start
clicking. They just have to be
patient.
“I am looking forward to
see how these young ladies respond right now I feel we have
made great strides in the right
direction, but we can’t settle,
we have to continue to get better every day and stay focused
on our goal, which is making
it in the regional tournament,”
said Fisher.
Family of Coaches
Conference, Region II
Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference
Conference, Region II
Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference
Conference President: Bill Muse, Connors State
Region II Director Women: Joey DaVault, Rose State
Region II Director: Mike St. John, Carl Albert
Arkansas Baptist---1621 Martin Luther King Drive, Little Rock,
AR, 72202, Phone: (501) 517-3185. Athletic Director: Charles Ripley.
Baseball Coach: Shawn Regan. Softball Coach: Ronald Rowood. Men’s
Basketball: Charles Ripley. Women’s Basketball: Dion Cross.
Connors State---Route 1, Box 700, Warner, OK 74469, Phone:
(918) 463-6231. Athletic Director: Bill Muse. Baseball Coach: Perry
Keith. Softball Coach: Rick Carbone. Men’s Basketball: Bill Muse.
Women’s Basketball: Rusty Laverentz.
Carl Albert---1507 McKenna, Poteau, OK 74953. Phone: (918)
647-1200. Athletic Director: Mike St. John. Baseball Coach: Mark
Pollard. Softball Coach: David Holt. Men’s Basketball: Mike St. John.
Women’s Basketball: Jeff Tadtman.
Eastern State---1301 West Main, Wilburton, OK 74578. Phone:
(918) 647-1283. Athletic Director: Greg Warren. Baseball Coach: Craig
Price. Softball Coach: Kendra White. Men’s Basketball: Scott Edgar.
Women’s Basketball: Amber Taylor.
Murray State---1 Murray Campus, Tishomingo, OK 73701.
Phone (580) 371-2371. Athletic Director: Zach Crabtree. Baseball
Coach: Zach Crabtree. Softball Coach: Marie Stone. Men’s Basketball:
Chris McGill. Women’s Basketball: Phil Daniel.
Northeastern A&M---200 I Street, Miami, OK 74354. Phone:
(918) 540-6209. Athletic Director: Dale Patterson. Baseball Coach:
Roger Ward. Softball Coach: Eric Iverson. Men’s Basketball: Dustin
Grover. Women’s Basketball: Jim Rowland.
Northern-Enid---1005 University Ave., Enid, OK 74935. Phone:
(918) 647-1376. Athletic Director: Jeremy Hise. Softball Coach: Jamie
Roberts. Baseball Coach: RayDon Leaton. Men’s Basketball: Greg
Shanburg. Women’s Basketball: Scott Morris.
Northern-Tonkawa---1120 East Grand, Tonkawa, OK 74601.
Phone: (580) 628-6200. Athletic Director: Jeremy Hise. Baseball Coach:
Ryan Bay. Softball Coach: Kadil Berlin. Men’s Basketball: Donnie
Jackson, Women’s Basketball: Greg Krause.
Redlands---1300 Country Club, El Reno, OK 73036. Phone:
(405) 262-2552. Athletic Director: Matt Nugent. Baseball Coach: Kyle
Koehler. Men’s Basketball: Earnest Crumbley. Women’s Basketball: Jay
Nichues.
Seminole—2701 Boren Blvd. Seminole,OK 74868. Phone: (405)
382-9201. Athletic Director: Sadiaa Jones. Baseball Coach: Lloyd
Simmons. Softball Coach: Amber Flores. Men’s Basketball: Don Tuley.
Women’s Basketball: Rita Story-Schell.
Western State---2801 North Main, Altus, OK 73521. Phone: (580)
477-7799. Athletic Director: Bob Pearson. Men’s Basketball: Rolando
DeLaBarrera. Baseball Coach: Kurt Russell. Softball Coach: Michael
McBrayer. Women’s Basketball: Jerry Kassin.
Page 10
Connors
Athletic
Family
Athletic Director
Bill Muse
Office: Melvin Self Field House
Phone: (918) 463-6231
Home: (918) 463-5458
Baseball
Perry Keith
Office: Melvin Self Field House
Phone: (918) 463-6218.
Home: (918) 463-3157
Softball
Rick Carbone
Office: Melvin Self Field House
Phone: (918) 463-6219.
Home: (918) 683-9178
Men’s Basketball
Bill Muse
Office: Melvin Self Field House
Phone: (918) 463-6231.
Home: (918) 463-5458
Women’s Basketball
Jamie Fisher, Interim Head Coach
Office: Melvin Self Field House
Home: NA
Rodeo
Jake Lawson
Office: Equine Office Building
Phone: (918) 463-6303
Assistant Coaches
Bobby Foreman, baseball
Sam Grooms, men’s
basketball
Zac Rogers, men’s
basketball
Tori Tucker, women's
basketball
Michael Deese, softball
Larry Shanks, softball
Athletic Trainer
Whitney Tucker
Sports Information
Wayne Bunch
Phone: (918) 740-9764
E-mail: wayne.bunch@
connorsstate.edu
or [email protected]
College Life
Connors and
it’s students
I
n addition to
quality
academic
studies which lead
to a variety of
degrees, Connors
offers its students
numerous activities and a quality
of life living environment.
Millers Crossing
is the premier
housing unit, with
apartment-style
living complete
with it’s own
swimming pool
and club house.
There is a state
of the art fitness
center and new
weight machines.
In addition to
top-flight intercollegiate sports
programs, there
are numerous
student organizations. There
is Rodeo, Horticulture, Equine
Technology, Livestock Judging, and
Nursing, to name
a few.
Dorms, Degrees, Activities
Millers Crossing student housing complex with club house and
swimming pool.
CSC Homecoming King and Queen
CSC’s High School College Fair.
Students get personal
instruction.
Graduation.
The student body supports the Cowboys/Cowgirls.
Working out in Connors’
upgraded fitness center to
stay in shape.
Page 11
2015-16 Hall of Fame Inductees
Connors State College inducted its fourth Hall of Fame Athletic Class on Oct. 24th, 2015, at the A.D. Stone Student Athletic Center in Warner.
Inductees included the 1990 men’s basketball championship
team, Eddie Louie (basketball), Jim Miller (basketball), Gail
Cooks (women’s basketball), Pam Pennon-Kokel (women’s
basketball), Tonya Ary-Mitchell (softball), Tommy Williams
(Football), Beauford Jones (Football), Jeff Blair, Jeff Salazar
(Baseball) and Dr. Carl Westbrook (Leadership).
“We are very excited about the fourth Athletic Hall of Fame
Class, who has excelled both on and off the athletic courts and
playing fields of Connors State College,” said CSC Athletic Director Bill Muse. “This is an exciting time for Connors State
and we are looking forward to inducting our fourth class.
“The Connors State Athletic Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Cowboy and Cowgirl that participated in athletics,” said Muse.
Joining the Connors State College Athletic Hall of Fame is
the Cowboys first national championship basketball team…the
1990 squad which posted a 32-2 record (pictured).
The Cowboys coached by Ed Stepp defeated the College of
Southern Idaho 103--87 at Hutchinson, Kan.
The team was led by Elmore Spencer, who went on to play
for the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, and Reggie Tinch, who had an outstanding career at the University of Georgia, Sebastian Neal, who played at
Oral Roberts University, Angelo Hamilton, University of Oklahoma and Mike Allen at Southwestern Louisiana University.
Also signing with Division I schools were Aaron Sunderland, Eddie Shepherd and Marc Whaley. Other team members
include John Barrett Howard Hampton, Bryan Jarrad, Assistant
Coach Doug Durham, Assistant Coach Briam McLaughlin,
Tracey Cole, manager, and David Adams, manager.
Eddie Louie attended Connors State College in 1978-80 for
head coach Carl Scott where he obtained All-American honors
in 1980 and graduated with an Associate Arts Degree.
He continued his career at Oklahoma City University under
legendary coach Ken Trickey, where he received a Bachelor
of Arts Degree. Following his collegiate basketball career he
played semi-pro basketball in Chile.
A graduate of New Lima High School where he won two
state championships, and Tulsa Tournament of Champions. He
currently coaches AAU basketball and is employed by Cameron Valves and Measurements in Oklahoma City.
James Miller attended Connors State College in 1951 and
1952 where he was selected to the Region 5 Most Valuable
Player and named to the NJCAA National Tournament All-Star
Basketball Team.
He went on to East Texas State University where he was a
three-time NAIA All-Tournament team member, and a Helm
Foundation All-American in 1954 and 1955.
Miller led East Texas to the NAIA national championship
in 1955 and was named the MVP of the NAIA Tournament in
1955. He was a second round draft selection of the Minneapolis
Lakers in 1955. Miller is a member of the NAIA Basketball
Hall of Fame and the East Texas State Hall of Fame.
-Womens Basketball
Gail Cooks, who played for the Connors State Cowgirls in
1985 and 1986, was a National Junior College Athletic Association honorable mention All-American.
The point guard was a member of the Cowgirls 1985 national
championship team. Following her graduation from Connors
State she signed a National Letter of Intent with Oklahoma
State University. However, due to the illness of her mother she
had to withdraw from OSU to take care of her mother.
She was a Bi-State Conference first team selection.
Pam Pennon-Kokel attended Connors State College in 1993-94
where she was named a National Junior College Athletic Association and Kodak All-American first team selection.
Pennon was a two-time all-conference selection, averaging
18 points, eight assists and five rebounds her final season.
-Softball
Tonya Ary-Mitchell attended and played softball at Connors
State College in1995-96 where she was named a second team
National Junior College Athletic Association All-American in
1996.
She currently ranks No. 3 on the CSC all-time batting average list at .474 and currently ranks No. 3 in RBIs for a season
with 63. He on base percentage average is No. 3 at .539.
continued on pg. 14
Page 12
Community/Area Data
Climate: Average mean temperature of 61
Fh with 40 inches of rain, 7 inches of snow and
66% annual humidity.
Warner
Location: Intersections of U.S. Highway
64-Interstate 40 in Muskogee County.
Population: 1,700.
Mayor: Jack Tatum.
President, Board of Education: Roger
Thomason.
Connors State College (Main Campus):
Dr. Tim Faltyn, President.
Warner Public Schools: (David Vinson,
Superintendent) High School, Middle School,
Elementary.
Muskogee
Location: County Seat of Muskogee
County, 22 miles north of Warner.
Population: 37,708.
Mayor: Bob Coburn (City Council).
Public School Districts: 2 (Muskogee
Independent School District, Mike Garde,
Superintendent; Keith Bigelo, Board President.
Hilldale Independent School.
District, D.B. Merrell, Superintendent; Teri
Breedlove, Board President).
Private: St. Joseph (Kindergarten-Eighth
Grade, Sandy Brewer, Superintendent).
High Schools: 2 (Muskogee High, Hilldale
High).
Middle Schools: 3 (2 Muskogee, Hilldale).
Elementary Schools: 14 (Muskogee 13,
Hilldale 1).
Technology: Indian Capital Technology
Center.
Colleges (3): Connors State College (West
Campus and Three Rivers Port Campus);
Northeastern State University Branch; Bacone
College (Private).
Airport: Davis Field, Muskogee; Tulsa
International.
Oklahoma
Location: Southwest part of the United
States.
Population: 3,300,000.
Governor: Mary Fallin (R).
Lieutenant Governor: Todd Lamb (R).
U.S. Senators: Dr. Tom Coburn (R), Jim
Inhofe (R).
Second District Congressman: N/A (D).
Area State Legislators: District 13: Jerry
McPeak (D); District 14: N/A (R); State Senator:
Earl Garrison (D).
Chancellor Higher Education: Dr. Glen
Johnson.
Oklahoma A&M Colleges Chairperson:
Andy Lester.
State Universities: University of Oklahoma, Norman; Oklahoma State University,
Stillwater; Cameron University, East Central
University, Langston University, Northeastern
State University, Northwestern Oklahoma
State University, Oklahoma Panhandle A&M
University, Southeastern State University,
Southwestern State University, University of
Central Oklahoma, University of Science and
Arts, Chickasha.
State Song: Oklahoma.
State Bird: Scissortail fly catcher.
State Tree: Redbud.
State Wild Flower: Indian Blanket.
State Flower: Mistletoe.
State Fish: White Bass.
State Animal: Bison.
State Musical Instrument: Fiddle.
State Reptile: Mountain Boomer.
State Rock: Barite rose rock.
State Colors: Green/White.
State Motto: “Labor conquers all things.”
Connors State College, Nestled in the
Heart of Beautiful Green Country
N
estled in the scenic hills of Northeastern Oklahoma’s Green Country, Connors State College’s main
Warner campus is in a region that
is mainly agriculture, but there are plenty of
things to do and sites to see within a 40-mile
radius.
Twenty-two miles to the north is Muskogee,
with a population of slightly less than 40,000.
Just an hour from Warner is Tulsa, a thriving city that features museums, professional
sports, three public colleges and universities,
two private colleges, and an international
airport.
The Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma
City, is 140 miles to the west.
Here is a list of tourism sites and activities
in the CSC/Warner area.
Water Activities: Muskogee Water Park,
a theme park that includes a “lazy river”
and a wading pool for the youngest of water
enthusiasts. There are four major lakes: Fort
Gibson, Tenkiller, Greenleaf and Eufaula,
where recreation activities are abundant; the
Arkansas River Navigation System, truly a
fisherman’s paradise; float trips on the Illinois
River east of Tahlequah; Crappiethon fishing
on lakes Fort Gibson and Eufaula; and various
bass fishing tournaments on each of the area
lakes and the Arkansas Navigation system.
Golf: Private and public courses to test any
skill level are within easy driving distance in
all directions.
Resorts: Western Hills and Arrowhead
resorts, which feature family recreation, golf,
and nature and wildlife activities, are within
easy driving distance. Each has conference
rooms for conventions.
Horse Racing: Sallisaw and Blue Ribbons
Downs is 30 miles east of the CSC campus.
Historical sites: The Five Civilized Tribes
Museum, the new Three Rivers Museum,
Bacone College, Batfish Submarine, Honor
Heights Gardens, Grant Foreman Home,
Ataloa Lodge at Bacone, the Castle, The
Little Theatre, Outlaw Motor Speedway,
and numerous antique malls, all in Muskogee; Honey Springs Civic War Battlefield
near Oktaha; Northeastern State University,
the Cherokee National Tribal Headquarters
and the Cherokee Heritage Center, all in
Tahlequah; Okmulgee, headquarters of the
Creek Nation; Historic Fort Gibson and the
refurbished stockade; Robbers Cave State
Page 13
Great Seal of Connors State College
Park near Wilburton where some of the states
most famous outlaws hid from the law; and
historic Fort Smith, where the hanging judge,
Issac Parker, presided over Oklahoma Indian
Territory before statehood.
Activities: Spring Azalea Festival and
Christmas Garden of Lights, Country Music
Hall of Fame inductions, Chili Cookoff,
Haunted Castle and Renaissance Faire (The
Castle), Arts and Craft Shows, Rodeos, Symphony in Honor Heights Park, Shrine Circus,
Five Tribes Master Art Show, Art Under
the Oaks, livestock shows, Little Theatre
Productions, Farmer’s Market (seasonal),
Christmas Parade, Civic Center basketball, all
in Muskogee; Old Fort Days in Fort Gibson;
OkraFest in Checotah; Blues Festival Days
and The Honey Springs Civil War Battle in
Rentiesville.
Wildlife: Wildlife abounds in the area.
There are public lands in Camp Gruber for
hunting. There is also some of the best bass and
crappie fishing in the state in the area lakes.
There is trout fishing below Tenkiller Dam. If
you are a bird watcher, you can view eagles on
Grand River below Fort Gibson Dam during
the winter months.
For more information about Green Country,
contact the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce,
918-682-2401, or the Warner Chamber of
Commerce, 918-463-2696.
continued on pg. 12
-Football
Beauford Jones attended Connors State College in 1955-56
where he played football and obtained All-American honors.
Following his career at Connors he attended Northeastern
State where he played football for two seasons. Thomas Williams attended Connors State College in 1958-59 where he
walked-on to play football, earning a scholarship after the first
week of practice.
He played linebacker for the Cowboys before walking on at
Oklahoma State in the spring of 1962 which last only two weeks
ending his playing career. Williams was elected captain of the
football team at Connors and was an All-Conference selection.
-Baseball
Jeff Blair attended Connors State from 1970-72 where he
played baseball before moving on to the University of Tulsa to
complete his collegiate baseball career.
While at Connors he was No.2 in the nation in hitting with a
batting average of .480 in 1971 and hit .385 in 1972 while being
named to the NJCA All-American team.
Jeff Salazar attended and played at Connors State from 19992001 and was named a National Junior College Athletic Association honorable mention All-American in 2001.
He was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 8th round in
2002.
-Leadership
Dr. Carl Westbrook became the 13th President of Connor
State College in 1978 and served to 1994 and was the first
Connors president to come to the position with presidential
experience at the community college level.
Dr. Westbrook earned his bachelor’s degree from Sam
Houston State and his Masters’ at the University of Houston
on the way to achieving his Ph.D.
After traveling Dr. Westbrook, is wife Emily and their son
Vincent, accepted a graduate assistantship with the department
of Agricultural Education at Oklahoma State University and he
began his doctoral studies in agricultural education. With his
residence requirements satisfied at OSU, he accepted the position Director of New Mexico Vocational Technical School in
El Rito. In 1968 he was hired by New Mexico State University
to establish a branch campus in Grants, N.M. He served as
head of this campus for four years before accepting a position
as Dean of Students and Professor of Higher Education at Sul
Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. One year later he was
elected President of Lamar Community College in Colorado
where he remained for five years before moving to Oklahoma
as the President of Connors State College.
During his tenure, Connors’ branch campus in Muskogee
became a reality; Associate Degree program offerings were increased, campus buildings were built or extensively remodeled
and intercollegiate sports programs were expanded to include
women’s softball and men’s and women’s tennis. During his
tenure national championships were obtained in men’s basketball and livestock judging.
Dr. Westbrook was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges Hall of Fame.
The Spirit of Connors State College
Back row left-to-right—Kelsey Casey, Morgan Garmin, Trishne Laffoon,
Chelsey Finch, Kristyn Scott, Haley Chambers, Baylee Curtis, Baylee Currie.
Front row left-to-right: Kayla Whayne, Amy Walton, Sydney Edwards.
Page 14
Connorsathletics.com