OSU pictures, looking forward to Bedlam 2010
With the big game this Saturday between Oklahoma State and Oklahoma, we thought we’d take a look at some of our favorite photos for both teams from this season. Today’s entry has OSU football pictures. Tomorrow we’ll have shots from OU. Come back on Wednesday too when we will post some of the best pictures from past Bedlam football games.
The OSU Cowboys runs on the field before the college football game between Texas A&M University and Oklahoma State University at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
OSU's Justin Blackmon (81) stiff arms Donnell Golden (40) of Troy in the first quarter during the college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Troy University Trojans at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
Kansas State's Aubrey Quarles (89) reacts as the Oklahoma State defense celebrates an interception during the second half of the college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) and the Kansas State University Wildcats (KSU) on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
OSU's Dan Bailey celebrates after making the game-winning field goal during the college football game between Texas A&M University and Oklahoma State University at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
OSU's Kendall Hunter (24) scores a touchdown as Troy's Donnell Golden (40) tries to tackle him during the college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Troy University Trojans at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
OSU's Brandon Weeden celebrates a touchdown during the college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Baylor University Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
OSU's Joseph Randle (1) dives for a touchdown as Terrance Bullitt (1) of Texas Tech defends in the first quarter during the college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and Texas Tech University Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas, Saturday, October 16, 2010. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon (81) celebrates with Brandon Weeden (3) as he comes off the field late in the fourth quarter during the college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Baylor University Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010. Weeden set an OSU single game passing record. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
OSU's Justin Blackmon (81) makes a catch for a touchdown in the first quarter during the college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Baylor University Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
Check back tomorrow and Wednesday for more photos on the lead up to Bedlam.
-Nate Billings
Ryan Broyles breaks OU receiving record
OU's Ryan Broyles catches an 81-yard touchdown pass in front of Colorado's Jonathan Hawkins during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Colorado Buffaloes at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, October 30, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
On Saturday during the win against Colorado, Ryan Broyles broke the OU record for receiving yards in a game. Broyles 208 yards passed the previous record of 206 yards by Manny Johnson against TCU in 2008. Here are some photos of Broyles from the game.
Click here to see other photos from the game.
OU's Ryan Broyles (85) gets past Ray Polk (26) of Colorado after a catch in the first quarter during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Colorado Buffaloes at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, October 30, 2010. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
OU's Ryan Broyles completes an 81-yard touchdown pass play during the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Colorado Buffaloes at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, October 30, 2010. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman
OU's Ryan Broyles scores on a 16-yard touchdown pass during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Colorado Buffaloes at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, October 30, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
OU's Ryan Broyles (85) takes a catch in for a touchdown past Ray Polk (26) of Colorado in the third quarter during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Colorado Buffaloes at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, October 30, 2010. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
To see more photos from the game, click here.
-Nate Billings
Scott Myers Living for Friday Night
Moore head football coach Scott Myers talks with quarterback Vova Razryvin before a game at Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma, on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman
Here’s a story worth checking out. Moore head football coach Scott Myers is continuing to coach the Lions as he battles renal kidney cancer. John Clanton worked with Jenni Carlson on an nDepth piece about Myers. Click here to watch John’s audio slideshow and read Jenni’s story.
Moore head football coach Scott Myers watches a ball fly downfield as his kickers warm up before a game at Norman High School in Norman on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman
Moore head football coach Scott Myers celebrates a touchdown against Norman High School on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman
-Nate Billings
IFYR 2010
Josh Loftin of Collinsville, Oklahoma, competes in the bareback bronc event during the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla., Friday, July 16, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Yesterday was the last round of the weeklong International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Here are some of the pictures our staff took at the IFYR 2010, one of our favorite events to cover. Also, follow the links below for photo galleries from the competition.
Cowboys listen to a meeting as they prepare for the International Finals Youth Rodeo, Sunday, June 11, 2010, Shawnee, Oklahoma. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Newt Brasfield from Lane, Oklahoma, finds his face buried in mud after being thrown from a bull during the first day of the week-long International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Monday, July 12, 2010. Photo by Jim Beckel , The Oklahoman
Savanna Christensen, of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, participates in the pole bending event at the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Tuesday, July 13, 2010. Photo by Miranda Grubbs, The Oklahoman
Lane Wilhelm, of Elk City, Oklahoma, takes a moment alone to get focused before competing in the bull riding event during the International Finals Youth Rodeo on Thursday, July 15, 2010, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
Contestants wait for their event during the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Friday, July 16, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
William Heinen of Jennings, Louisiana, jumps off his horse onto a steer in steer wrestling. The International Finals Youth Rodeo took place in Shawnee, Oklahoma, on Friday June 16, 2010. Photo by Mitchell Alcala, The Oklahoman
James "Colt" Kitaif of Tylertown, Mississippi, competes in bareback bronc during the final round of the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) in Shawnee, Okla., Saturday, July 17, 2010. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
Clint Miller of Sulphur, Oklahoma, hits the ground while competing in bull riding during the final round of the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) in Shawnee, Okla., Saturday, July 17, 2010. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
-Nate Billings
Independence Day 2010
Boy Scouts march with American flags during the LibertyFest Parade, Saturday, July 3, 2010, in downtown Edmond, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Since the Fourth of July fell on a Sunday this year, there were celebrations to photograph the day before. Some events made it through the weather, like Edmond’s LibertyFest Parade and the concert by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic with a fireworks display at Red, White, and Boom! The Yukon Freedom Fest, however, had to pack up early because of the rain. Hopefully the events today will avoid the weather problems.
Click here to see a photo gallery from the LibertyFest Parade.
And here for pictures from Red, White, and Boom!
Fireworks explode as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic plays "Stars and Stripes Forever" for the finale of their free Patriotic Pops concert during the Independence Day celebration Red, White, and Boom! east of the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Saturday, July 3, 2010. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
Ted Flanagan squeegies the rain off of his 1963 1/2 Ford Falcon, during Freedom Fest, in Yukon, Oklahoma, Saturday, July 3, 2010. Flanagan's Falcon won the People's Choice award at the event's car show before the rain ended activites. By Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman
Have a happy and safe Fourth.
-Nate Billings
Remembering D-Day
U.S. Army veteran Art Levine in a moment of silence during the Memorial Day observance at the 45th Infantry Division Museum at NE 36 and MLK in Oklahoma City, Monday, May 31, 2010. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman
Staff photographer Jim Beckel met Art Levine, a World War II veteran, at a Memorial Day Ceremony this year. Jim learned Levine was a paratrooper during the invasion of Normandy and decided to go back and do a story and a video for the anniversary of D-Day. Below is Jim’s story about Art Levine’s experience of D-Day:
Art Levine was face-to-face with an enemy solider less than an hour after he parachuted onto French soil June 6, 1944, during the D-Day invasion.
“He was a German sergeant and he ran right into me.” Levine said.
He recalls in vivid detail the historic day when American troops joined Allied forces in staging a massive invasion at several points along the French coast. This would mark the beginning of the end for the German war machine and within a year, bring to a close Adolph Hitler’s reign of terror in Europe.
It was 3 a.m. and dark, but there was a bright moon and the air was misty. A German soldier was running down the road toward him, Levine said.
“He was a big, fat guy and he was huffing and puffing,” Levine said. Levine could see he was red faced, and was probably tired from running.
“We were about 10-feet apart when I raised my M-1 carbine and squeezed the trigger several times”, hitting him below his left shoulder, but above the heart. “What saved me was the luck of the Lord.”
The German couldn’t get his holster unsnapped to pull his weapon, so Levine fired first. Both soldiers tumbled to the ground. Levine moved toward the wounded man and snatched his weapon, a P-38 pistol. “It was a fine weapon. Better than what we had,” he said.
It was to be Levine’s first enemy trophy of the war.
Art Levine rests against a jeep in the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City after recalling his experiences as a paratrooper in the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Photographed on June 3, 2010. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman
Only three month earlier, Levine answered a company memorandum seeking volunteers for soldiers wanting to become paratroopers. He attended “jump school” at Ft. Benning in Georgia and after training was shipped to England. It was there that the patch of the 101st Airborne Division was sewn onto the shoulder of his Army uniform. To this day, Levine regards that moment as one of the proudest in his 88 years. He became a member of the Army’s elite division of specialty soldiers that bore the distinctive moniker, Screaming Eagles.
He decided to join the ranks of the airborne units because they “got paid 50 bucks more a month in pay.” With a smile, he said, “50 bucks was a lot of money then.” He also enjoyed the fact that paratroopers wore boots. He didn’t care for the leggings the infantry wore on their feet. And, Levine admits, he also did it “for the adventure.” Back then, Levine proudly admits he was “full of piss and vinegar.”
But he had no idea of what kind of adventures he would experience in the months ahead.
The day before he and thousands of other paratroopers climbed into the airplanes that would take them to their assigned drop zones, Levine knew something big was in the works. Five-star Army General, Dwight Eisenhower, visited his base and spoke plainly and honestly to the troops. Never had Levine seen a five star general, who at the time, happened to also be Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. What he recalls most about “Ike”, as the general was more commonly known, was the way he smoked one cigarette after another. Levine wonders now if Eisenhower was nervous because he knew what these boys would be up against in coming days and weeks.
The general spoke solemnly about the upcoming mission. He didn’t speak in great detail, but told the soldiers they were going to take part in a “great event.” Levine remembers being told that this mission would be “something big, monumental.” Levine still remembers Eisenhower’s warning as he looked at the men and said, “lots of you won’t be making it back.” Levine knew he would be dropped into France but he still wasn’t aware of the scope or the historical significance of the assignment.
A photo of Art Levine take during World War II and his vest-sized Bible of Old Testament Scripture that he carried with him during battle.
Levine was not a big person, weighing only 125 pounds. He carried 80 pounds of gear, supplies, weapons, ammunition and rations when he boarded the airplane for the two-hour trip across the English Channel. Thousands of paratroopers would descend onto French soil that day. As they neared the target, Levine said he was “ready to get out of that plane. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. The anti aircraft flak was heavy and many planes had been hit and were on fire.”
With a shout of “Geronimo,” Levine stepped out of the plane and floated through the night sky to the ground. “I had lots of gear on my back. I fell fast, but I landed on my feet”, he said. An accomplished paratrooper always wants to land on their feet. This is how the Army had trained him.
“I was ready to fight,” he said, also admitting being scared and apprehensive. This was his first combat mission.
After his encounter with the German sergeant, Levine regrouped with other American soldiers and entered the French village of Ste Marie du Mont. They encountered slight German resistance in the town. A sniper had picked off a member of his unit. Levine isolated the building where the gunfire had poured down on his friend. Levine entered the building, tossing a hand grenade into the room where the sniper was crouched, killing him and a woman who was with him.
This photograph taken on June 7, 1944 shows PFC Art Levine (far right) with other soldiers from the 501st regiment of the 101st Division being welcomed by townspeople in the French village of Ste. Marie-du-Mont after American forces drove German troops from the city. Levine said only a few hours after this photo was taken, a German sniper killed the soldier in the center of the photo, talking to the women. Levine isolated the building where the sniper fire came from and went into the building, tossed a grenade in a room where he was hiding, killing the German soldier.
Levine has fond memories of the townspeople of Ste Marie du Mont. They welcomed Levine and his buddies as liberators. He and the other American soldiers were given a hero’s welcome. “They gave us hot meals and wine. The women hugged us and gave us all kisses.” He credits the French resistance for confusing the Germans and assisting in the success of Allied troops in their country.
He doesn’t see himself as a hero, though.
Nearly seven decades after the Normandy invasion, Levine speaks with humility of his role in this historic event.
“I’m not a hero. I did what every other soldier did. I did my job.”
Art Levine still reads from the vest-sized Bible of Old Testament Scripture that he carried with him during battles as a paratrooper in World War II. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman
Today, Levine is two inches shorter than he was in 1944. His shoulders are stooped and he walks with a cane. His back hurts and he still suffers from wounds received in the war. He is proud of his war service and often gives talks to military groups, school children and veterans organizations. He is proud of his country’s role in defeating Hitler and bringing democracy to much of Europe.
He entered the Army as a private but retired at the rank of major. With a baseball cap bearing the words World War II Veteran perched atop his balding head, Levine looks out from beneath the cap’s bill and proclaims, “It’s been a good career. I wouldn’t trade it for nothing.”
Click here for a video by Jim Beckel of Art Levine talking about his D-Day experiences.
-Nate Billings
WCWS softball 2010
UCLA's Megan Langenfeld pitches during the Women's College World Series game between Hawaii and UCLA at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 4, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
The Women’s College World Series has been going on for a few days now in Oklahoma City. Photographers love the WCWS for the pictures of emotion from the players, the dedicated fans and interesting shadows. We hate it for the heat and extra innings. It’s a great event that I always look forward to covering. Below are some of our staff’s pictures from the softball games so far.
Follow these links to more pictures in our photo galleries:
Thursday, June 3, 2010 early games.
Thursday, June 3, 2010 late games.
Hawaii's Kelly Majam climbs the fence as fans catch a UCLA home run ball during the Women's College World Series game between UCLA and Hawaii, Friday, June 4, 2010, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
University of Tennessee's Raven Chavanne makes it to second ase under Arizona's Kristen Arriola in the first inning of the Women's College World Series game between Tennessee and Arizona at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 3, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Demi Coolen, 16, waves a ti leaf for good luck as she cheers for Hawaii during a softball game between Hawaii and University of Missouri in the first session of the Women's College World Series at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 3, 2010. Coolen is the daughter of Hawaii head coach Bob Coolen. Hawaii won, 3-2. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
University of Tennessee's Erinn Webb celebrates a grand slam home run during the Women's College World Series game between Georgia and Tennessee Friday, June 4, 2010, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Umpire John Kurnat tries to keep cool by wiping his head with a wet towel between innings during a softball game between Hawaii and University of Missouri in the first session of the Women's College World Series at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 3, 2010. Hawaii won, 3-2. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
Andrea Harrison of UCLA reacts as she runs past the Florida dugout after hitting a three-run home run in the first inning during a softball game between UCLA and Florida in the first session of the Women's College World Series at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 3, 2010. UCLA won, 16-3, in six innings. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
And you really should check out these galleries below. Seriously.
Thursday, June 3, 2010 early games.
Thursday, June 3, 2010 late games.
-Nate Billings
All hail breaks loose
Riley Thompson, 8, of Edmond, Okla., plays on mound of hail stones in the Sam's Club parking lot on Penn Avenue near Memorial Road, Sunday, May 16, 2010 in Oklahoma City. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
It seems every couple of years we will get a hail storm that makes some some surreal pictures and gives photographers an opportunity to photograph their own hands. Yesterday’s storm did not disappoint in either department.
Check out our gallery from yesterday here.
Nichols Hills resident Tommy Dumbell looks at his two cars which had their windows knocked out by up tennis ball-size hail after a severe thunderstorm moved through Nichols Hills and NW Oklahoma City , Sunday, May 16, 2010. By Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman
Walking through fog created by the hail and warm temperatures, Louise Vandaveer walks past debris on Huntleigh Street in The Village as she checks on her neighbors following a storm in the Oklahoma City metro area on Sunday, May 16, 2010. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman
Click here for more photos of the storm.
-Nate Billings
Thunder and fans bring the noise
Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after dunking the ball in the fourth quarter in front of Lamar Odom (7) of L.A. during the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Oklahoma City won, 101-96. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
When people ask me what is the loudest and most intense atmosphere for games I have covered, I usually say OSU basketball games at Gallagher-Iba Arena during the height of success in the Eddie Sutton era. I think my answer is about to change.
The Thunder beat the Lakers on Thursday, 101-96, in the team’s OKC playoff debut and the crowd was spectacular. I have never heard such a large arena be so loud. When the Thunder took control in the second half, the fans never let up. It was awesome. I will remember to bring my earplugs to the game on Saturday.
Here are some of the photos Sarah Phipps, Bryan Terry and I took at the game.
Click here to see a gallery with even more pictures from the win.
The Oklahoma City Thunder stand for the National Anthem before the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma City's Jeff Green and Andrew Bynum of Los Angeles jump for the tip at the start of the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka and Nick Collison, left, defend Pau Gasol of the Lakers during the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant goes past Kobe Bryant, center, and Derek Fisher of Los Angeles during the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook (0) dunks over L.A.'s Lamar Odom (7) during the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Laker coach Phil Jackson argues a call during the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant celebrates as dejected Kobe Bryant (24) walks down court following the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
To see more photos from the game, click here.
(Seriously, there’s lots more good stuff. You should follow this link).
-Nate Billings
State basketball tournament
Boynton-Moton coach Shartese McHenry celebrates after her team's win over Frontier in the Class B girls basketball state tournament at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 5, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
The state high school basketball tournament is one of the favorite events of our staff to cover. There is often a lot of negotiating among us to get to see who will get to cover the championship days because of the high potential for great pictures.
For a photographer, the reaction photos are the best thing about the state tournament. We get to see the athletes at their highest and lowest, often several times a day. Below are some of the reaction photos from the first two days of the tournament.
The finals for Class A and B are happening today at The Big House (aka State Fair Arena). We’ll post some shots from there when the action is finished.
For a gallery of all our photos from Thursday’s quarterfinals, click here.
Click here to see the semifinals from Friday.
Okarche's Kristen Meyer, left, Brooke Edwards, and Macy Kunneman celebrate as Seiling's Aubrey Colvard walks off the court during the Class A girls basketball state tournament at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 5, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
The Turpin Cardinals react after the high school basketball game between Okarche and Turpin in the Class A Boys state basketball tournament at Norman High School in Norman, Okla., Thursday, March 4, 2010. Okarche won, 42-39. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
Hammon's Travis Thiessen, left, celebrates beside Tyler Thiessen, and Tyson Trout after winning their game against Glencoe in the Class B boys state high school basketball tournament at Carl Albert High School in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, March 4, 2010. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
-Nate Billings
