Author Archive

Hey, take my picture, drag boat edition

I spent part of the weekend taking photos at the Oklahoma City Nationals drag boat races. For much of the time I was at the river, racing was stopped because the wind had made the water too choppy. Eventually, the water calmed down and racing got going. Because of the delay, I spent a lot time just talking to fans. Here’s a fan shot, a cool helmet and a pic for our on-going feature “Hey, take my picture!”

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Fans Dee Dee Hayes, left, and Mitchel Watan watch a boat take a test run during the Oklahoma City Nationals drag boat races on the Oklahoma River, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

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Dan Rogers waits at the ramp in his boat, Flat Black, for his qualifying race during the Oklahoma City Nationals drag boat races on the Oklahoma River, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

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HEY, TAKE MY PICTURE-From left, fans Betty Harwick, Jo Choate and R.T. MacIntosh hang out during the Oklahoma City Nationals drag boat races on the Oklahoma River, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings


WCWS softball

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Georgia's Lisaira Daniels celebrates at home plate after scoring the winning run during NCAA softball tournament game between the Washington and Georgia, Sunday May 31, 2008. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

After today we will know which two teams will play for the NCAA softball championship at the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. Sarah Phipps and Bryan Terry are covering the games today, often the longest day of the tournament with the “if necessary” elimination games. The first game between Washington and Georgia already took more than four hours with Georgia winning to force another game tonight. Despite the long hours of work, I always enjoy this event and hope it stays in Oklahoma City for a long time.

Below are some photos from the tournament up to now.  You can follow the links below to even more photos in the WCWS as well.

Thursday, May 28, 2009, early session

Thursday, May 28, 2009, late session

Friday, May 29, 2009

Saturday, May 30, 2009, early session

Saturday, May 30, 2009, late session

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The Washington Huskies celebrate a two-run home run by Niki Williams (3) in the fourth inning during the first college softball game of the Women's College World Series between the University of Georgia and Washington at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, May 28, 2009. Washington won, 3-1. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

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Michigan's Bree Evans misses the ball on a home run in the first inning of the Women's College World Series softball game between Georgia and Michigan at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 30, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

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Georgia catcher Kristyn Sandberg (23) collides with umpire Sally Walker while chasing a foul ball in the fifth inning during the Women's College World Series softball game between Missouri and Georgia at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 30, 2009. Georgia won, 5-2. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

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Hillary Bach supporters, from left, Jessica Carriger, Sarah Carriger, Niki Stansell, Amber Harrison, and Liz Eisterhold clap as the Arizona State University players are introduced before the second game of the college softball game of the Women's College World Series between Missouri and Arizona State at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, May 28, 2009. All of the women except Jessica Carriger played on the Tulsa Eagles, an 18-and-under traveling softball team, with Bach, a pitcher for ASU. Arizona State won, 7-3. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

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Alabama's Lisa Elizondo is tagged out at first base for a double play in the second inning of the Women's College World Series game between Alabama and the University of Michigan at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, May 28, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

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Amanda Chidester of Michigan celebrates after hitting a home run in the third inning during the Women's College World Series game between Alabama and the University of Michigan at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, May 28, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

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Alabama's Whitney Larsen (20) dives as the ball hits the ground before she can make the catch in the first inning during the Women's College World Series softball game between Alabama and Arizona at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 30, 2009. Alabama won, 14-0. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Check out more photos from the WCWS in these galleries:

Thursday, May 28, 2009, early session

Thursday, May 28, 2009, late session

Friday, May 29, 2009

Saturday, May 30, 2009, early session

Saturday, May 30, 2009, late session

-Nate Billings


Foul ball!

If I were in this picture, I would be cowering in fear.

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Fans try to catch a foul ball during the Big 12 Tournament college baseball game between Missouri and Texas Tech at the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, May 22, 2009. Texas Tech won, 4-2. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings


A few baseball pics

Sarah Phipps photographed the baseball game between OU and KU in Norman, Okla., on Sunday. The game made a couple of cool shots with water and one with dirt.

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Kansas' David Narodowski steals home on a wild pitch during the college baseball game between the University of Kansas and the University of Oklahoma at L. Dale Mitchell Park, Sunday, May 3, 2009, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

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OU right fielder Kaleb Herren (18) makes a diving catch during the college baseball game between the University of Kansas and the University of Oklahoma at L. Dale Mitchell Park, Sunday, May 3, 2009, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

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OU right fielder Kaleb Herren (18) throws to the cut-off man after making a diving catch during the college baseball game between the University of Kansas and the University of Oklahoma at L. Dale Mitchell Park, Sunday, May 3, 2009, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings


OKC Memorial Marathon

Here’s another look at some of the photos from this year’s Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. This year Sarah Phipps shot the marathon with our director of photography, Doug Hoke, who had to pinch hit thanks to some travel problems for staffer John Clanton. Here’s some of my favorites from this year. You can see a gallery of even more photos here.

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Marathon participants make their way through the Oklahoma City National Memorial before the start of the ninth annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, Sunday, April 26, 2009, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

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People take part in the service at the Survivor Tree before the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman.

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National Memorial at the beginning oRunners make their way past the OKC f the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman.

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Runners make their way up the Walnut Street bridge during the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, Sunday, April 26, 2009, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

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Marathoners make their way up the Walnut Street bridge during the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, Sunday, April 26, 2009, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

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Runners make their way north on Lincoln Boulevard near the Capitol during the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman

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Marathoners run in the Crown Heights area during the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, Sunday, April 26, 2009, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

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A runner grabs water at Lake Hefner during the Memorial Marathon, Sunday, April 26, 2009, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

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Men's marathon champion Jordan Kinley waves to the crowd after winning at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman

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ouglas Woods rests in a blanket after the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman

To see more pictures, click here.

-Nate Billings


1889 baseball

Sarah Phipps made a slideshow from a baseball game in Guthrie last Friday that was played as if it were 1889. Check it out here, or click on the photo below.

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Former major league pitcher Damon Minor holds his hand over his heart during the national anthem during the re-enactment 1889 baseball game between the Guthrie Dudes and Oklahoma City Pirates at Squires Field in Guthrie, Okla., Friday, April 24, 2009. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings


Lightning Storm

Staff photographers Bryan Terry and Sarah Phipps took some pictures in Arcadia of the spectacular lightning in the metro area Sunday night. Here’s some of their photos of the Round Barn and Pops.

Lightning strikes behind Pops in Arcadia, Okla., Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Lightning strikes behind Pops in Arcadia, Okla., Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Lightning fills the sky over the Round Barn in Arcadia, Okla., Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Lightning fills the sky over the Round Barn in Arcadia, Okla., Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Lightning strikes behind Pops in Arcadia, Okla., Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Lightning strikes behind Pops in Arcadia, Okla., Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

 Lightning over the Round Barn in Arcadia, Okla., Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Lightning over the Round Barn in Arcadia, Okla., Sunday, April 26, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings


Your Oklahoma City RedHawks

The Oklahoma City RedHawks season began last week. The team has a new look and a new name. The team was formerly just the Oklahoma RedHawks. Bryan Terry covered the Metro’s minor league baseball opener.

And if you didn’t know, you can click on these or any other pictures on this blog to see them even larger. The pictures always look better that way.

German Duran, left, Joaquin Arias, and Casey Benjamin of the RedHawks warm up before the Oklahoma City RedHawks home opener against the Memphis Redbirds at the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 17, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

German Duran, left, Joaquin Arias, and Casey Benjamin of the RedHawks warm up before the Oklahoma City RedHawks home opener against the Memphis Redbirds at the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 17, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Members of the Oklahoma Rangers baseball team from Yukon get ready to take the field with the RedHawks prior to the Oklahoma City RedHawks home opener against the Memphis Redbirds at the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 17, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Members of the Oklahoma Rangers baseball team from Yukon get ready to take the field with the RedHawks prior to the Oklahoma City RedHawks home opener against the Memphis Redbirds at the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 17, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

A Bobby Murcer banner is revealed before the Oklahoma City RedHawks home opener against the Memphis Redbirds at the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 17, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

A Bobby Murcer banner is revealed before the Oklahoma City RedHawks home opener against the Memphis Redbirds at the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 17, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City's Elizardo Ramirez pitches during the Oklahoma City RedHawks home opener against the Memphis Redbirds at the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 17, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City's Elizardo Ramirez pitches during the Oklahoma City RedHawks home opener against the Memphis Redbirds at the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 17, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City's Greg Golson fields the ball in the second inning of the Oklahoma City RedHawks home opener against the Memphis Redbirds at the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 17, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City's Greg Golson fields the ball in the second inning of the Oklahoma City RedHawks home opener against the Memphis Redbirds at the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 17, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings


Oklahoma Wildfires

High winds and dry conditions led to wildfires that swept across parts of Oklahoma on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Here are some of the photos of the wildfires from the staff of The Oklahoman.

To see a gallery of more photos, click here.

Paul Norwood watches helplessly as his neighbor's home is destroyed by wildfires in eastern Oklahoma County, Thursday, April 9, 2009.  These homes are in Oakwood East Addition, near SE 15 and Westminster. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

Paul Norwood watches helplessly as his neighbor's home is destroyed by wildfires in eastern Oklahoma County, Thursday, April 9, 2009. These homes are in Oakwood East Addition, near SE 15 and Westminster. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

Rescue workers treat a firefighter who was injured during a grass fire in Wellston, Okla., April 09, 2009.  Photo by Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman

Rescue workers treat a firefighter who was injured during a grass fire in Wellston, Okla., April 09, 2009. Photo by Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman

Flames leap out of a broken gas line in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Flames leap out of a broken gas line in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Firefighters direct water to fires on both sides of Westbury Street in the Oakwood East addition in Midwest City, Okla.,  Thursday, April 9, 2009.  Photo by Jim Beckel

Firefighters direct water to fires on both sides of Westbury Street in the Oakwood East addition in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Jim Beckel

Paul Norwood helps a firefighter with a fire at a neighbor’s home in the Oakwood East neighborhood in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Paul Norwood helps a firefighter with a fire at a neighbor’s home in the Oakwood East neighborhood in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

John Brewer holds a wet towel to his face after battling wildfires in his housing addition in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009.  Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

John Brewer holds a wet towel to his face after battling wildfires in his housing addition in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

This burned home was in the path of wildfires which destroyed 12 structures in Lindsay, Okla., on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

This burned home was in the path of wildfires which destroyed 12 structures in Lindsay, Okla., on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

A firefighter runs past a house as it burns in the Oakwood East neighborhood in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

A firefighter runs past a house as it burns in the Oakwood East neighborhood in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Spencer firefighters rest after extinguishing flames at this house in the Oakwood East Addition in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009.  Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

Spencer firefighters rest after extinguishing flames at this house in the Oakwood East Addition in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

To see a gallery with more photos, click here.

-Nate Billings


OU women to the Final Four

 The OU bench takes the floor as Purdue's Jodi Howell leaves the court after OU's win in the NCAA women's college basketball regional  tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 30, 2009.  Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

The OU bench takes the floor as Purdue's Jodi Howell leaves the court after OU's win in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

The Sooners are through to the Final Four. The OU women’s basketball team earned a trip to St. Louis by beating Purdue, 74-68, last night in the Ford Center. Here are some of the photos Bryan Terry and Steve Sisney took of the victory. To see a gallery of more photos from the game, click here.

OU's Ashley Paris looks to the basket between Purdue's Lakisha Freeman, left, and Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton during the NCAA women's college basketball regional  tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 30, 2009.  Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

OU's Ashley Paris looks to the basket between Purdue's Lakisha Freeman, left, and Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton during the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Courtney Paris blocks a shot by Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton in the first half as the University of Oklahoma (OU) plays Purdue in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, March 30, 2009.   Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

Courtney Paris blocks a shot by Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton in the first half as the University of Oklahoma (OU) plays Purdue in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

OU's Courtney Paris blocks the shot of Purdue's Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton during the NCAA women's college basketball regional  tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 30, 2009.  Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

OU's Courtney Paris blocks the shot of Purdue's Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton during the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Courtney Paris reacts after her basket in the first half as the University of Oklahoma (OU) plays Purdue in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, March 30, 2009.   Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

Courtney Paris reacts after her basket in the first half as the University of Oklahoma (OU) plays Purdue in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

The OU team celebrates after their win in the NCAA women's college basketball regional  tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 30, 2009. OU won 74-68.  Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

The OU team celebrates after their win in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. OU won 74-68. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Sooner head coach Sherri Coale finishes cutting down the net after her team's 74-68 win as the University of Oklahoma (OU) defeats Purdue in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, March 30, 2009.   Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

Sooner head coach Sherri Coale holds up the net after her team's 74-68 win over Purdue in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

To see a gallery of more pictures from the game, click here.

-Nate Billings