Alternate Crop » Sports photos

Pictures I like

john clanton — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:31:15 +0000

Looking through our archives at the pictures The Oklahoman staff photographers have turned in over the past 7 days, I realized that a few of my favorites were a good representation of the assignments we see in an average week. Sports, everything from high school to professional, features, news and a more in-depth feature.

Oklahoma City's Thabo Sefolosha (right) and Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant go after a loose ball during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma County jail inmate Jesus Lucero rides in an elevator as he cleans along with a group of jail trusties on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry

Michael Meyers, of Norman, waves a flag during a rally on the north side of the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma CIty on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

Jovia Franklin (21) of El Reno makes a catch over the defense of Kale Thaxton (20) of Duncan during the high school football game between Duncan and El Reno in El Reno, Okla., Friday, November 6, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Cheri White Owl gives a hug to "Dan" at Horse Feathers Equine Rescue Facility in Guthrie, OK, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. By Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman

-John Clanton

It is the most wonderful time of the year

sarah phipps — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:03:09 +0000

There is nothing better than October Friday nights in Oklahoma. What is there not love? Football, crisp nghts and a full bright moon are all perfect element to building a fall evening. It is cool enough to wear a long sleeve shirt but not cold enough freeze your fingers.

I wish it could stay fall forever. Bring on the hot chocolate, apples, nutmeg, cinnamon and pumpkins. I am ready to leave summer in the dust.

Here are some pictures from my fall night at the Shawnee vs. Carl Albert football game.

The Shawnee Wolves run onto the field before the high school football game between Shawnee and Carl Albert Friday, 0ct. 2, 2009, at the Jim Thorpe Stadium in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

The moon rises over Jim Thorpe Stadium

Shawnee's Dakota Blanchard cheers before the start of the high school football game between Shawnee and Carl Albert Friday, 0ct. 2, 2009, at the Jim Thorpe Stadium in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Gabrion Frazier (1) is brought down Carl Albert defenders during the high school football game between Shawnee and Carl Albert Friday, 0ct. 2, 2009, at the Jim Thorpe Stadium in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Shawnee's Gabrion Frazier (1) and Carl Albert's Dwight Dobbins (2) get tangled up following a play during the high school football game between Shawnee and Carl Albert Friday, 0ct. 2, 2009, at the Jim Thorpe Stadium in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Pictures I Like

john clanton — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:35:15 +0000

Rebecca Tyberg, a junior at Piedmont High School, puts on her blindfold as she enters a ballroom for Dining in the dark at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

Boone Pickens, center, holds court for a group of past and present Holdenville, Okla. residents during game day of the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Grambling State University Tigers at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Stillwater, Okla. By Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

The Oklahoman Photo Department has been busy in the last seven days. Henry Bellmon’s funeral, OU vs. Miami football, a feature story about T. Boone Pickens and, of course, high school football are a few of the assignments we’ve photographed. Here are a few images that stand out over the last week.

Gov. Brad Henry and his wife Kim pay their respects at the casket of former governor Henry Bellmon as they remove it from the State Capitol on Friday, Oct. 1, 2009, in Oklahoma City, Okla. By Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman.

Miami's Thearon Collier (28) just misses catching a pass in front of OU's Quinton Carter (20) during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners and the University of Miami (UM) Hurricanes at Land Shark Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Saturday, October 3, 2009. Miami won, 21-20. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

-John Clanton

Thunder media day

john clanton — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:00:05 +0000

Oklahoma City Thunder player Kevin Durant poses for Oklahoman staff photographer Chris Landsberger during media day for the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

If either of you have looked in the paper and seen a nicely lit portrait of Sam Bradford, Dez Bryant or Russell Westbrook, chances are we didn’t take the picture the night before. We probably took the picture during the team’s media day. Professional and collegiate-level teams hold media days to try and meet a portion of media’s requests for access to players and coaches all at one time in one place. Basically, it’s a chance for still photographers, reporters, and video photographers to take pictures, ask questions and tape interviews so that later in the season we can concentrate on coverage of the teams. We usually archive the pictures so that when the sports department needs a nice portrait to augment a feature story, we can use a picture from media day instead of sports action photo from a game.

Chris Landsberger and I set up our station between the Associated Press and the official NBA photographers. We brought a backdrop, three lights, stands for the lights and background, pocket wizards, a pile of cords, battery packs for the lights and a partially filled basketball. The photographs that Chris took will be used throughout the season on NewsOK.com and in The Oklahoman.

Nick Collison talks with Thunder employees while staff photographer Chris Landsberger photographs another member of the team during media day for the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

-John Clanton

32 years and counting…

dhoke — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:00:49 +0000

Recently I covered the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Boone Pickens Stadium at OSU before the Georgia game. Not one to normally be nostalgic, I none-the-less started thinking back about the 32 years I’ve been covering football at OSU and OU too. Maybe it was wearing the 1970’s denim photo vest that staffer John Clanton and his wife Julie had dared me to wear. I accepted and then went full retro (except using digital cameras instead of film). See photo. I somehow convinced Epperson’s Photo of how smart it would be for them to give me the vest, since I was such an important photographer! LOL

Doug Hoke with his denim 1970's photo vest and retro look.

OSU coach Mike Gundy and OSU president Burns Hargis watch as Boone Pickens cuts the ribbon to officially open the new stadium before the college football game between OSU and the University of Georgia at Boone Pickens Stadium on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman.

When I started coming to Stillwater for The Oklahoman the stadium was not much more than rusty bleachers and now it is one of the finest facilities in the Big 12 if not the country. As I made my way through the press box and worked the sidelines there were only 5 faces I saw that had been around as long. Mike Holder who was golf coach back then is now the Athletic Director. Pat Quinn was the SID when I started, but long since retired. Dr. Cooper is still patrolling the sidelines as is Steve Ingram, an OSU campus police officer who I have seen just about every season. And John Biever with Sports Illustrated was at the game too.

Not many working peers left, but lots of athletes in front of the lens. A few stand out. The best receiver I ever covered was Hart Lee Dykes. The guy could catch anything thrown his direction. Speaking of throwing, another OSU player named Mike Gundy stands out. Don’t know if he’s the best, but I have covered him at MWC high school, OSU as a player and now a coach. That’s history.

Hart Lee Dykes is congratulated by teammates after a touchdown in 1988 against Texas A&M. Photo by Doug Hoke.

OSU head coach Pat Jones, left, talks with an assistant coach as quarterback Mike Gundy looks on Saturday. Photo by Doug Hoke

oach Mike Gundy talks with an official during the college football game between OSU and the University of Georgia at Boone Pickens Stadium on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman.

Thurman Thomas and a guy named Barry Sanders are near the top of the running back list. But my favorite all time running back to photograph was Billy Sims. I just like the way he glided around the field. Add two other Heisman winners, Jason White and Sam Bradford and that’s four Heisman players I’ve covered.

A couple of others who stand out are Brian Bosworth and Adrian Peterson. Bosworth played with passion and Peterson is, well, AD. I’m horrible with names, so I’m sure there are others I should mention, especially members of OSU’s swarming defenses over the years that I made iconic images of.

Barry Sanders 89 yard TD, outruns the Miami of Ohio defense. Staff Photo by Doug Hoke

1/2/79. Orange Bowl. OU-Nebraska. Oklahoma halfback Billy Sims outruns Nebraska's Jim Pillen on his way to his first Orange Bowl touchdown as the Sooners downed the Huskers 31-24 in Miami. Staff photo by Doug Hoke

University of Oklahoma vs Baylor University in Norman, Okla. on Saturday October 20, 2001. OU quarterback Jason White scrambles looking for a receiver late in the game. Staff photo by Doug Hoke.

Sam Bradford, Putnam City North, high school football. Staff photo by Doug Hoke.

Sam Bradford throws a pass during the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, in Stillwater, Okla.

After a week off for a wedding, I’m back in Stillwater today covering the game with Rice. Please, no rain! I’m starting to feel old.

-Doug Hoke

UFC Fight Night

nate billings — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:14:45 +0000

Melvin Guillard rests between rounds during UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Bryan Terry photographed the UFC Fight Night, a mixed martial arts event, in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. I think fights in general can be pretty tough to photograph. I imagine a fence between the photographers and the participants doesn’t make it any easier (although the fence does add to the ambiance of some pictures, I think). Below are some of the shots Bryan took.

If you’d like to see a gallery of even more pics from UFC Fight Night, click here.

Blood drips from the face of Justin Buchholz after his loss to Jeremy Stephens during UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Justin Buchholz reacts after his loss to Jeremy Stephens during UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Nate Diaz, left, celebrates after beating Melvin Guillard during UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Fans reach out to Roger Huerta as he enters the arena before his UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Melvin Guillard, left, fights Nate Diaz during UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

For more UFC Fight Night photos, click here.

-Nate Billings

Football time in Oklahoma

nate billings — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:53:18 +0000

The Langston band performs during a college football game between Langston and New Mexico Prep at Langston University, Saturday, August 29, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

This week marks the official launch of football season in Oklahoma. Last week we had a warm-up with a couple of real games that we covered, courtesy of Langston University and Casady School. However, this week things are full speed ahead with a full slate of high school games and OU and OSU beginning their seasons. We’ll have updates from the college openers later this weekend and some more high school photos in our galleries too.

Here’s some photos shot during the games last night and another I liked from Casady’s first game last week. To see a gallery of more of our photos from last night, click here.

Casady quarterback Cale Shivers (9) dives for a touchdown in the second quarter during the high school football game between Casady and Fort Worth All Saints at Casady School in Oklahoma City, Friday, August 28, 2009. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Norman High School players take the field to play Norman North in high school football at Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium§on the campus of the University of Oklahoma (OU) on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

Putnam City's N.J. Ape (18) makes a touchdown catch in front of Choctaw's Dylan Sigman (2) during the high school football game between Choctaw and Putnam City at Putnam City Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, September 3, 2009. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

The Putnam City pom squad dances during the high school football game between Choctaw and Putnam City at Putnam City Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, September 3, 2009. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Edmond Memorial's Blake Umberham throws the ball past Southmoore's Mason Myers, left, and Kimes Gilbert during the high school football game between Southmoore and Edmond Memorial at Wantland Stadium at UCO in Edmond, Okla., Thursday, September 3, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Edmond Memorial fans cheer for their team during the kickoff before the high school football game between Southmoore and Edmond Memorial at Wantland Stadium at UCO in Edmond, Okla., Thursday, September 3, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Timberwolves' Jamar Harrison loses the ball as he is tackled near the end zone by Rashad Parker (4) as Norman High School plays Norman North in high school football at Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium§on the campus of the University of Oklahoma (OU) on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

The best rodeo in Oklahoma

nate billings — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:52:24 +0000

Austin Vincent, of Des Moines, New Mexico, jumps on his steer in the steer wrestling event during the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Shawnee Expo Center on Friday, July, 17, 2009, in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

We cover a lot of rodeos at The Oklahoman. The one that our photo staff looks forward to the most every year is the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee. The great thing about the IFYR is that most of the competition happens during the day. Rodeo can make great pictures, however, most of the rodeos we photograph happen at night or in dark, dingy arenas.

The beautiful atmosphere of this rodeo really comes through in the sun. The daylight allows us to use higher shutter speeds to stop the action better as well. So, the IFYR is the best rodeo, for pictures at least, in Oklahoma.

Here are some photos and galleries of pictures from the competition.

July 13, 2009.

July 14, 2009.

July 15, 2009 in the evening.

July 16, 2009.

July 17, 2009.

July 18, 2009.

Cody Carlton of Mims, Florida, gets thrown off a horse during saddle bronc at the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla. Thursday, July 16, 2009. Photo by Ashley McKee, The Oklahoman

Tyler Taylor, of Stephenville, Texas., kneels down to say a prayer before his go in the bull riding event during the second day of competition in the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Shawnee Expo Center on Tuesday, July, 14, 2009, in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

Landon Parrish, from Kayenta, AZ, holds on the shoot rail as the bull he was trying to ride gets out of the gate early at the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Wednesday, July 15 , 2009. Photo By David McDaniel, The Oklahoman.

Cole Miller, Lahoma, Okla., wears a friend's hat while that cowboy competes in bull riding during an evening session of the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

Bullfighter Rob Gann gets rammed by a bull at the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Shawnee Expo Center on Thursday, July, 16, 2009, in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps,The Oklahoman

Stetson Cravens of Eufaula, Okla., falls to the ground after being dragged by a bucking bronc during the bareback bronc at the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla. Thursday, July 16, 2009. Photo by Ashley McKee, The Oklahoman

Taylor Hayes, of Bryan, Texas., tapes up his wrist as he prepares for his go in the bull riding event during the second day of competition in the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Shawnee Expo Center on Tuesday, July, 14, 2009, in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

Cody Tyler White, of Choctaw, Okla., competes in bull riding during the final round of the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla., Saturday, July 18, 2009. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

Okie Noodling

nate billings — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:32:53 +0000

Marion Kincaid of Peru, Kansas, unloads a catfish during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Bryan Terry went yesterday to the weigh-in of the Okie Noodling Tournament, where people catch flathead catfish with only their bare hands, in Pauls Valley, Okla. Men with bloody knuckles heaving flatheads can make for some images you don’t see every day. Bryan said the event was saturated with professional photographers and video crews. No doubt some of this popularity is due to the “Okie Noodling” series of documentaries about this unique tournament. Here’s some pictures from the weigh-in.

Jon Bridges of Bartlesville, Okla., brings in a catfish during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Lee McFarlin of Stillwater, Okla., demonstrates noodling during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Fans watch as a catfish is brought in during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Marion Kincaid of Peru, Kansas unloads a catfish during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

A catfish is unloaded before being weighed during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Fans watch catfish swim in tanks after their during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Jon Bridges of Bartlesville, Okla., brings in a catfish during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

A new award

john clanton — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:04:43 +0000

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