A new award
Brianna Zenzen, 8, looks up at her dad Todd as they wait in line during the Daddy Daughter Dance in Midwest City, Okla., Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. By Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
The Great Plains Journalism Competition, which is sponsored by the Tulsa Press Club, had their first awards ceremony on Saturday night in Tulsa. This competition was different than most of the ones we enter. Instead of awarding a first, second, third and honor mentions in each category, the Great Plains Journalism Competition awards only Finalists and Winners. Here’s how we did and some of the winning photos.
Winner in Sports Photo — Chris Landsberger
Winner in Web/Slideshow Photos –John Clanton
Winner in Spot News–Steve Gooch
Winner in Feature Photo, single — Jim Beckel
Winner in Photography Portfolio — Bryan Terry
Winner in News Photo –Paul Hellstern
Finalist in Feature Photography Multiple –Jim Beckel
Finalist in General Photography–Sarah Phipps
Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford (14) is flipped upside down as he leaps over Oklahoma State's Orie Lemon (41) during the second half of the college football game between the Sooners and Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
President George W. Bush shares a laugh with a supporter, as he prepares to depart from Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, OK, after a brief trip to the state, Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. Photo by Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman
Ryan Baker, 9, grimaces while he get his hair shaved during St. Baldrick's on Sunday, March 30, 2008, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Tressie Gilmore, 25, walks past the remains of her family's home on May,11, 2008, following a tornado that hit the area on Saturday. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman
-John Clanton
Lawn mower racing
Here are some pictures and a video of the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower races by staffer Bryan Terry. This looks like entirely too much fun.
Kyle Ramos races during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
ndrew Barrow races during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Fans watch as riders line up to enter the track during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Mark Hall, left, races in front of Jordan Macias, and Jim Petit during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
A mower is pictured before the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Jessica Shatto bumps fists with her father Jack before a race during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower races in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Jessica Shatto races during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
-Nate Billings
Endeavor Games
Dave Nelson of Omaha, Neb., wheeled over to me as I was leaving the track events of the Endeavor Games at Edmond North High School. Nelson was injured in a car accident several years ago and this was his first Endeavor Games. He wanted to tell me how great the event was and how he was excited to tell his friends, family and doctors back home about it. But most of all he wanted to show me his tattoo he got before traveling to Oklahoma for the games. “You have to have a sense of humor,” he said.
Dave Nelson of Omaha, Neb., shows his tattoo he got before traveling to Oklahoma for his first Endeavor Games at Edmond North High School in Edmond, Okla., Sunday, June 14, 2009. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
View all Endeavor Games photos
-Sarah Phipps
Grand slam dreams
Florida celebrates a game-winning grand slam by Ali Gardiner to advance the Gators past Alabama to the championship round of the Women's College World Series, Sunday May 31, 2008. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Every little girl who plays softball dreams of the day when she will hit a grand-slam home run to give her team a win.
On Sunday this dream became a reality for Florida Gator Ali Gardiner.
Gardiner walked up to the plate in the bottom of the 7th as the Gators trailed Alabama by 3. With two outs and the bases loaded, Gardiner, who was 0-for-9 in the WCWS, hit the 2-1 pitch just beyond the fence in left field, propelling the Gators into the championship round.
After shooting one of the longest softball games of my life (the previous game between Georgia and Washington went for more than four hours), Gardiner’s heroics were a nice highlight. College softball rarely produces high scores. On Sunday, I saw 28 runs in just two games including 2 grand slams. This year’s WCWS has produced a record 24 home runs setting a new single tournament record. Sunday’s 7,000 plus fans got their money’s worth.
After six-plus hours standing in burning sun on Sunday, I was pretty miserable. But after editing the pictures of Gardiner being dog piled by her teammates, I knew it was worth the pain.
The WCWS stands are often filled young softball players and their families. Knowing that there are now several little girls dreaming of the day they can be just like Ali Gardiner puts a smile on my sunburnt face.
Florida's Ali Gardiner celebrates her game-winning grand slam as Alabama's Lauren Parker reacts during NCAA softball tournament game between Alabama and Florida, Sunday May 31, 2008. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Florida's Ali Gardiner celebrates her game-winning grand slam as as she rounds the bases during NCAA softball tournament game between Alabama and Florida, Sunday May 31, 2008. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Florida head coach Tim Walton celebrates the Gators' win over Alabama during NCAA softball tournament, Sunday May 31, 2008. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Here are two photo galleries from the games I shot yesterday and one from the night game photographed by Bryan Terry.
Washington vs. Georgia, the rematch
-Sarah Phipps
WCWS softball
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
Saturday, May 30, 2009, early session
Saturday, May 30, 2009, late session
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Saturday, May 30, 2009, early session
Saturday, May 30, 2009, late session
-Nate Billings
High Jump
This photo has extra meaning for me, not only because I think it turned out really well, but because the subject, Toni Young, is a high jumper. I was a 3-year-letterman high jumper in track in high school. When this assignment to shoot Toni, who tied the national record with a jump of 6′-4″ earlier, came up last week as a promo for the state 6A championships it brought back a few memories.
Her school, and the track we would shoot at, Del City High School, is where I set a personal best in 1975, my senior year. My 5′-11″ pales compared to her record, but was still my personal best. My senior season had a couple of distractions for me. One, senioritis–my hat goes off to all those spring sport seniors who can stay focused, and photography, which has become my life-long passion and vocation.
Toni Young eyes the high jump bar at 6'-4", the height of her national record tying jump earlier this season. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklaoman
Doug Hoke high jumping during a dual meet at PCW in 1975.
-Doug Hoke
Foul ball!
If I were in this picture, I would be cowering in fear.
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
The Boys from the South
There’s not a trophy case in the halls at Santa Fe South High School. After the boys soccer team won their first state title last weekend, Principal Chris Brewster set the trophy on a table inside the main entrance. He said that after awhile trophies from other events were dug out of teacher’s closets and desks, so they added another table to accommodate all the hardware.
Students at Santa Fe South High School look at a collection of their school's trophies inside the main entrance. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman.
Santa Fe South, a charter school in the Oklahoma City Public School system, had won several runner up awards in cross-country and soccer, but according to head coach Wes Furley, the Saints’ state championship win over Cascia Hall on Saturday became the first state championship in soccer ever won by an Oklahoma City public school.
Sharing the stage with David Olivas (right) and the rest of the boys soccer team, Principal Chris Brewster leads a "Saints" cheer during a pep rally to present Santa Fe South High School with their state championship trophy in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. David Olivas scored both goals during the Saints' win over Cascia Hall in the state championship game last Saturday. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman
A few years ago I worked with Jenni Carlson on a feature story about the school and their new soccer program. I talked with principal Chris Brewster before Tuesday’s pep rally. He pointed to the framed copy of the paper featuring the story in his office. He told me that students, parents and teachers at the school are still talking about the story and the slideshow. He said people will stand in his office and read the article. It seems that we rarely get positive feedback, so it really brightened my day to hear that a slideshow I shot nearly three years ago is still resonating with people.
Here’s the link: http://downloads.newsok.com/flash_video/theoklahoman/slideshows/NewSouthside/
Bryan Terry photographed the championship game last Saturday night. Here’s a link to the gallery he created: http://newsok.com/multimedia/photos/gallery/501000
-John Clanton
Baseball memories
A child runs the bases at the Bricktown Ballpark during Sunday Fun Day on May 17, 2009. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Growing up in Kansas City, my favorite activity in the summer was to go to Royals’ games with my father. There is no other experience in the world like going to the ball park with your pops.
The sights, the sounds, the smells, the food. A hot dog at the ball park tastes better than the world’s finest filet mignon. The crack of a line drive is unforgettable.
Baseball is the the definition of summer.
We would always go to at least three games: Memorial Day for my birthday, Fourth of July for the fireworks, and my personal favorite Blues Springs’ Day.
Blue Springs Day was extra special. On this day, I would put on my softball uniform cleats and all. And along with hundreds of other future hall of famers, I would parade around the warning track before the game. If was lucky enough, George Brett might even wave hello. I felt so cool. I was on top of the world.
Here in Oklahoma City, every Sunday the RedHawks host Sunday Fun Day. After the game, all the children are allowed to run the bases, hit home runs, and play catch with their dad in left field. I certainly wish I had a memory of playing catch in left field at Kauffman Stadium with my pops.
I bet these kids feel as tall as their shadows as they round the bases and will always remember the time they hit a homerun at the Brick.
Summers at the ballpark can create memories of a lifetime.
Children run the bases after the RedHawks baseball game on Sunday, May 17, 2009. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
-Sarah Phipps
Golfing with Wet Shoes
The state 5A Girls Golf Campionships were played in what one golfer optimistically called “heavy humidity.” When I got there at around 9:30, the golfers had been going for an hour and it had just barely cleared up enough to see the edge of the greens.
Lilian Seay, Carl Albert freshman, lines up a putt during the Girls 5A State Golf Championship at Earlywine Golf Course in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Thursday, May 7, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman
Mary Kirk, Bishop Kelley; Lilian Seay, Carl Albert; and Ryann Uselton, McAlester, walk over a wet fairway during the Girls 5A State Golf Championship at Earlywine Golf Course in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Thursday, May 7, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman
-Steve Sisney
