Jan. 14

Alexander signs Army offer

Eufaula senior running back Noah Alexander made his Division I offer official Wednesday as the star athlete, joined by his parents, signed the official letter of intent to play for the Army Scarlet Knights.

Alexander made Eufaula school history with the signing as he will be the first Ironhead to attend West Point Academy.

Feb. 11

Checotah’s Hayden Price signs with Connors State College

Checotah senior baseball player Hayden Price made a dream come true on Wednesday as he signed his letter of intent to play for Connors State College. Price had a sensational sophomore year pitching and hitting before last season’s cancellation by the OSSAA.

“Hayden has such a great work ethic and is very humble and great teammate. Playing for Connors is a dream come true for him. He put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears into his game and conditioning and I have no doubt he will have a bright future playing for the Cowboys’ head coach Perry Keith,” Checotah head coach Tom Butler said.

Feb. 25

Checotah wrestlers punch ticket to state

The Checotah wrestling program has developed state qualifying athletes under the guidance of head coach Brett Oleson and assistant coaches Eaton and Cunningham. Senior Malachi Harris will see his high school end at the big show, Oklahoma’s State Wrestling tournament at the Jim Norwick arena in Oklahoma City on February 27.

“I’m just so happy for all these guys especially for Malachi and Jalen. They worked their tails off since joining the program and to see them finish their high school career, as state qualifiers is so special. But we’re going to be shooting for state champions on all these guys,” Checotah head coach Brett Oleson said.

Joining Harris (138 pounds) and will be freshman Keith McGuire (106 pounds) and sophomore Cord Montgomery (170 pounds) as all three qualified last Saturday at the Plainview Regional and senior Jalen Atkins (285 pounds) qualified on Monday.

March 11

State bound, baby: Ironheads punch ticket to State

The No.10 ranked Eufaula Ironheads (13-4) got sweet revenge on Friday night as they defeated Adair 57-43 in the Class 3A Area II championship game in Verdigris. Adair was the team that eliminated Eufaula’s state bid last season by one point.

“How sweet it is. We have been looking forward to playing this team again. I felt like we were then and now, that we were the better team. I’m just proud of this group of guys. The opportunity to earn a shot at state has been our goal since the beginning of this season. We knew if we played at our potential that we would put ourselves in a position to win,” Eufaula head coach Jeff Oliver said.

Fitzer commits to Lyons College

Eufaula athlete Jacob Fitzer made it official as the 6’2”, 200-pound senior signed his letter of intent to play football for Lyons College in Arkansas. Fitzer is a versatile athlete that played nine different positions for the Ironheads. Fitzer also played a vital role in Eufaula’s three consecutive district championships.

March 25

Top 10 finish for Dodd at State Powerlifting event

Eufaula two-sport athlete Ty Dodd continued Eufaula’s success at the OHS Powerlifting event. Dodd placed 10th overall in Class 2A. Dodd totaled an impressive 1,235 pounds. He had a 450-pound squat, 300-pound bench press and a 485-pound deadlift.

“I couldn’t be more proud of him. He really put the time in the weight room this offseason and throughout football. He really has improved his strength, which made him more powerful and impressive,” Eufaula head coach Larry Newton said.

Dodd made his presence known as one of Eufaula linemen in the Ironheads’ football season. The 6’5’, 290-pound junior has the frame and skill set to attract collegiate recruiters.

April 1

Bradford signs with Missouri State University

Eufaula senior band member Nicholas Bradford signed his letter of intent to play for the PRIDE Band at Missouri State University. He is a two-time All-District band member and made the OSSBDA All-State band in 2021.

April.15

Yarbrough to take over Eufaula Lady Ironheads’ program

The Eufaula school board made their choice in who would take over the Eufaula Lady Ironheads’ program last week after interviewing two candidates. EPS sent out the following media release.

“Eufaula Public Schools would like to welcome Nick Yarbrough to the Ironhead family as the new High School Girls Basketball Coach.

May 6

Lady Ironheads punch ticket to State

The Eufaula Lady Ironheads punched their ticket to the Class 3A State Golf Tournament on Tuesday. Eufaula placed sixth and earned the final spot to move on to state at the Class 3A Girls Regional at Fountainhead Creek Golf Club.

Going to state is not unfamiliar for Eufaula’s golf program and head coach Bill Bumgarner. Eufaula has a state championship and three state runner-ups along with numerous state appearances.

July 29

Traden Anderson wins NHSFR World Championship

Hanna, Oklahoma’s Traden Anderson had a lot to think about during the long road trip he and his father Josh made to Lincoln, Nebraska for the National High School Finals Rodeo world championships. Having already won the Oklahoma High School Finals Rodeo championship in steer wrestling, Anderson knew that he had a bull’s eye on his back.

The youngster faced adversity in the first round with a score of 4.44, placing third and securing a place in the finals and keeping his hope of winning alive.

Anderson competed against the best high school cowboys across the United States.

Sept. 23

Ironheads dominate Wildcats in 106th meeting

The Eufaula Ironheads dominated in county rival in every aspect of the game in a lopsided 49-6 victory. Former Checotah football star Matt Clover ran wild on his former team as the senior running back had 11 carries for 133 yards and three touchdowns at halftime.

The Ironheads’ defense controlled the line of scrimmage and held Checotah to just 59 total offensive yards while Eufaula tallied up 365 total yards with 260 coming from their running attack.

Selmon Brothers statue coming soon to OU campus

Eufaula graduates Lee Roy, Lucious and Dewy Selmon will soon have a statue on the campus of the University of Oklahoma.

The brothers were the foundation of one of the greatest defenses in the history of Sooner football.

University officials presented a digital hologram of what the statue will look like at an alumni OU/Nebraska reunion activities dinner Friday night at OU. Plans for the statue unveiling will be in the fall of 2022.

The statue will stand at the corner of Jenkins Avenue and Brooks Street.

Oct. 23

Steer wrestler Riley Duvall captures crucial ProRodeo Tour Finale win

By Tracy Renck, PSN Editor; Tanner Barth, Media Coordinator

Steer wrestler Riley Duvall needed a huge performance at the Pro-Rodeo Tour Finale at California Rodeo Salinas to have any hope of qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Duvall entered the week $9,357 out of the No. 15 spot in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with the PRCA regular season ending Sept. 30.

Duvall, however, should be making his fourth trip to the NFR after earning $16,249 at the ProRodeo Tour Finale. Duvall earned $10,000 of that by winning the final four sudden-death round with a 5.6-second run Sunday.

Oct. 28

Checotah and Eufaula Cross Country athletes are State bound

It was a beautiful fall day in Henryetta on Saturday as the Knights hosted the Regional Cross Country event. When the day was over, Checotah and Eufaula would each have a pair of athletes qualify for the State competition at Edmond Santa Fe next Saturday.

Tyler Corn and Ruthy Folkner will represent Checotah and Tori Leflore and Colter Roberts will represent Eufaula.

Nov. 11

Wildcats hang 60 on Locust Grove

The Checotah Wild cats (3-7, 3-3) bounced back from a slow start of the football season only to regroup, refocus and win three of their last four games to earn a spot in the Class 3A Playoffs. Checotah defeated Locust Grove 60- 32 on the road.

“I’m super happy for this team. They continue to show resolve and character. They knew what was on the line tonight and they went out and played their hearts out,” Checotah head coach Zac Ross said.

Eufaula Lady Ironheads receive postseason honors

The Eufaula Lady Ironheads fast-pitch team finished one of their best seasons in program history as they accumulated a 23-9 record, district championship and a spot in the regionals.

The following received postseason honors:

*McKenzie Crawley

Regional 8 All-Region Team Outfielder

*Liberty Glover

District 3A-7 Honorable Mention Designated Hitter

*Mykah Osborne

District 3A-7 All-District Team First Base

Region 8 All-Region Team First Base

*Avery Williams

District 3A-7 All-District Team Pitcher

Muskogee Area All-Phoenix Team Pitcher

*Kambry Williams

District 3A-7 All-District Team Catcher

Nov. 18

Checotah’s Vanmeter, Searles and Fields make All-District team

The Checotah Wildcats fast pitch team might have had a slow start, but their dedication to the sport and school along with their effort they left on the softball was never questioned.

It was evident when three team members were voted to and selected to the All-District team by opposing coaches.

*Kloee Vanmeter-All District Utility Player

*Kaitlyn Searles- All District First Baseman

* Bia Fields-All District Utility Player

“I’m incredibly happy for these young ladies. They played hard all season and led by example and deserved to be recognized for their efforts on the softball field. It has been my honor to be their coach. I have no doubt that each of them will be successful after graduation,” Checotah head coach Erin Bridges said.

Nov. 24

Class act by Checotah student athletes in supporting Ironheads

The Eufaula Ironheads had numerous supporters in the stands Friday at Paul Bell Stadium in Eufaula. Several Checotah student athletes came to the football game to support their archrival (Eufaula) in their playoff game against Metro Christian. The support helped as the Ironheads rolled to a 56-21 victory.

Dec. 2

Lincoln Riley leaves Oklahoma to become USC head coach

Stoops to coach Bowl game

The University of Oklahoma received an unexpected surprise Sunday when head football coach Lincoln Riley announced that he was leaving the program to become the new head coach of the USC Trojans. Not since the 1940’s has a coach left OU for another college job.

The announcement came after OU was handed a 37-33 loss by Oklahoma State.

Dec. 9

McIntosh County Democrat Football Players of the Year

The Checotah Wildcats had many obstacles to overcome the 2021 season. They started off winless, made coaching changes along with quarterback changes but head coach Zac Ross rallied the troops. The Wildcats finished the season winning three of their last five games and making the postseason. The 3-8 record matched the 2007 record of former head coach Brandon Turley.

The team was led by a great group of seniors who led by example and held the team together to win three district games to make the playoffs.

It is with great pride that the McIntosh County Democrat recognizes the following athletes for the following honors.

*The McIntosh County Democrat Most Valuable Player is running back Dontierre Fisher.

Fisher had 122 carries for 1,221 yards and 15 touchdowns. His natural athleticism, speed and toughness made opposing defensive coordinators cringe. He also caught 10 passes for 125 yards. Fisher has been offered by several Division I universities and his future is bright.

*The McIntosh County Democrat Offensive Player of the Year is Zack Mullen.

The sophomore quarterback came into his own as head coach Zac Ross made a quarterback change going into the Stigler game. Mullen has a tremendous skill set with great vision, strong arm and elusiveness.

He finished the season going 76/133 for 1,165 yards and 10 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He also had 26 runs for 56 yards and a touchdown.

No doubt Ross found his future quarterback in Mullen.

*The McIntosh County Democrat Defensive Player of the Year is Trenton Dan.

Dan finished the season with 85 tackles. He also finished with five fumble recoveries with one for a touchdown, five quarterback sacks and four interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. Dan made 19 tackles in the game against Hugo and 14 tackles against Metro Christian. There is little doubt that Dan can play at the next level and should get his chance.

*The McIntosh County Democrat Lineman of the Year is Omarion Warrior.

The 6’3”, 300-pound Warrior played well as he used his tremendous size and power to make key tackles and blocks. Warrior has received offers from Oklahoma Central University and Central Arkansas University.

He continues a long tradition of Checotah linemen playing at the next level.

Dec. 16

Campbell commits to Oral Roberts University

Checotah track standout Rylee Campbell signed his letter of intent to Oral Roberts University. Campbell has been a pivotal factor in the success of the Wildcats.

“Rylee is a smart kid. He is a great middle distance runner and that’s what they were looking for on their team. He had a pretty good 800 time last year. I think it will be even better this year. He’s pretty motivated to work hard,” Checotah head track coach Zac Ross said.

Dec. 23

Eufaula Indian Journal names Ironhead Players of the Year

The Eufaula Ironheads finished the 2021 season with a stellar record of 12-2. This Eufaula senior class won four consecutive district championships and did not lose a district game in addition to making school history by winning 12 consecutive games.

Although Eufaula fell in the semifinals 28-16 to Marlow, it had been since 2005 that the Ironheads had even been to the semifinals. Head coach Larry Newton and his staff have on a consistent basis developed collegiate athletes and this year will be no different. Seniors Khelil Deere and Johnny Burton have each caught the eye of college recruiters with Deere possibly going to the University of Tulsa and Burton going to Emporia State, Southeastern or Lindenwood University.

The ability to take undersized players and make hard-hitting, tough and effective football players has been Newton’s trademark and the future looks bright for Eufaula with numerous skill and linemen returning next year.

This team was led by a great group of seniors that led by example and underclassmen willing to give it their all to help Eufaula win a state championship. That goal may have fallen short but the goal of winning the hearts and minds of the community and former players was met.

This team will go down in school history as one of the best that ever took the field. It is with great pride to honor the following as the Eufaula Indian Journal Players of the Year.

*The 2021 Eufaula Indian Journal Most Valuable Player is quarterback “Cool Hand” Luke Adcock. The 6’4”, 220-pound junior finished the season going 111-of-184 attempts for 1,892 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He also carried the football 127 times for 753 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has a cannon for an arm and the toughness and speed to run over opposing defenders. Adcock has the skill set to play on Saturdays if he chooses so.

*The 2021 Eufaula Indian Journal Co-Offensive Player of the Year is Matt Clover. Clover ran the football 195 times for 1,712 yards and an astonishing 26 touchdowns. He also had five receptions for 21 yards. Clover was the vocal point of the Ironhead running attack and a work ethic of a champion. He burst out of the backfield, toughness and power to get tough yardage and the speed and elusiveness gave him the ability to be one of the best running backs in Class 2A.

*The 2021 Eufaula Indian Journal Co-Offensive Player of the Year is Khelil Deere. The senior receiver finished with 51 receptions for 1,024 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had 20 carries for 141 yards and four touchdowns. His sheer athleticism separates him from most. He has great hand-eye coordination, fast first step and high-octane open field running ability makes him dangerous after the catch. He is a great kickoff and punt returner as well.

*The 2021 Eufaula Indian Journal Defensive Player of the Year is Evan Spoehr. This senior was tremendous from his linebacker position. He made 145 tackles; five quarterback sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception and a blocked punt. Spoehr (6’1”, 190 pounds) has great heart, power, speed and is a very cerebral player. His ability to read plays and make adjustments had him moving everywhere on the field to make plays’. His leadership by example will be missed next season.

*The 2021 Eufaula Indian Journal Lineman of the Year is Johnny Burton. The senior lineman was effective on both sides of the football. Burton (6’3”, 270 pounds) made 100 tackles, led the team in quarterback sacks with nine, one forced fumble, three interceptions, one punt blocked and two touchdowns off of interceptions.

His raw power and strength allowed Burton to blow by would-be blockers. He has great instinct for the football and the speed to run down the line of scrimmage and make a tackle for a loss. Expect great things from Burton as he has the work ethic to be great in the collegiate ranks.

Kaitlyn Searles signs with Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Kaitlyn Searles signs with Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

The Checotah senior played a pivotal role in the Lady Wildcats’ success.

Searles helped lead Checotah to a district championship and a district runner-up her junior year.

Fisher signs with University of Ohio

Checotah senior running back Dontierre Fisher made it official Wednesday by signing his letter of intent to play for the University of Ohio.

Fisher was recruited by Nebraska, Iowa State, North Texas, Memphis and Kansas.

“I think he just felt like Ohio was a better fit for him. It doesn’t matter where he goes because the minute he puts on his jersey the team just got a whole lot better. The entire staff and school is so proud of him and wish him the best,” Checotah head coach Zac Ross said.

Fisher finished his high school career with 5,523 yards and 67 touchdowns.

“I have watched Dontierre play since the seventh grade. As a coach you rarely get an opportunity to coach an athlete that has his natural ability. I’m so proud of him and I know he will be successful at the next level, “ Checotah assistant coach Tom Butler said.