WOLVERINES ON THE MAT

After claiming two gold medals last year in girls wrestling, Vian has reloaded the wrestling lineup with talent on both the girls’ and boys’ mats in quest to return to the OSSAA State Championships.

Taya Hunt and Avery Richey were both undefeated in the gold medal winning efforts a year ago. Hunt, now a senior, is wrestling up at 140 pounds, and Richey, a junior who bumps up to the 135-pound classification, have posted a pair of tournament victories.

Coach Alvie Killingworth has added four more competitors to the girls’ wrestling card, including freshmen Carissa Prock (125), Cadence Barnhill (105), Aubrey Gant (110) and Carmen Rautenberg (130).

“We’re getting stronger, and the younger girls are improving every time they go on the mat,” Killingsworth said. “Carissa finished third at Catoosa and second in the Paul Post Classic, while Cadence was third at the Jay Border Wars. Taya and Avery are working hard and will have a chance to repeat.”

The Wolverines narrowly missed having a state qualifier a year ago, and with seven wrestlers this season, Killingsworth believes the boys’ program will be represented at the state championships.

“Gunner Richey (136) is pacing the boys with a record of 24-8 and has placed at every tournament this year,” said Killingsworth. “Nick Scoggins (215l) and Lane Jameson (190) are also doing well after both finished fourth at Paul Post.”

Other wrestlers sporting the purple and gold this year are Jordan Morris (106), Brandon Lamar (132), Brandon Major (150) and Tristan Wiley (157).

The girls’ regionals are February 13-14, and the boys’ regionals are February 17-18, followed by the OSSAA State Championships, February 24-25 at Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Arena.

HOMECOMING ON THE HARDWOOD

Vian basketball celebrated Homecoming as 2023 senior Maci Smith was crowned Queen by Elijah Stewart. Other members of the royal court include junior attendant Yonsi Grass and escort Skyelar Locust, sophomore attendant Rebel Simon and escort Dante Glass, and freshman attendant Halli Russell and escort Trace Sanders.  The flower girl was Stormy Sullivan, while Jett Constant was crown bearer.

ALL-STATE FOOTBALL

DeSean Mays continues the tradition of Vian football, being named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association East All-State football team.

Chosen as a defensive back, the 2023 VHS senior amassed 1,962 yards total offense and scored 30 touchdowns this year and made 37 tackles, including three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Mays, who scored 70 touchdowns while racking up 4,299 yards of offense during his career, will play football on the college level at Harding University. 

ALL-STATE VOCALISTS

Vian seniors Gavin Stinnett and Emily Cook-Cobb continue to represent the talents of the Vian choir as both recently earned OKMEA All-State honors. The dynamic duo joined other outstanding vocalists from across Oklahoma in the All-State mixed chorus choir concert.

Another outstanding vocalist, Rayken Massey, participated in the OKCDA All-State concert in Oklahoma City.  The spring concert is set for May 9 in the high school cafetorium.