Alyssa (Curley) Stieg

Pom 2008 Graduate

A three-year member of the Varsity Pom squad and team captain her senior year,

Alyssa was named to the All-State dance team, as well as being selected a

Universal Dance Association All- Star. Alyssa was also a member of 3 state

championship pom teams during her time at Union.

Upon graduation, Alyssa was honored as being selected an instructor with the

Universal Dance Association and traveled the United States teaching summer

dance camps for 2 years. In 2013, Alyssa graduated from the University of

Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering and is

currently working for Apache Corporation as a Petroleum Engineer in Houston,

TX. Alyssa’s favorite Union memory is representing Union High School at the

National Dance Team Championships in Orlando, FL four years in a row,

finishing with top 10 wins every year.

Derrek Lewis

Basketball 2007 Graduate

A four-year letterman in basketball, Derrek led his basketball team in steals,

points, 3 point and free throw percentage and was named Best Offensive Player

his senior year. An all-conference, all-district and all- state selection, Derrek

furthered his basketball career at Texas A & M University where his team

competed in 4 straight appearances. Derrek is currently employed at LDF

companies where he is in advanced sales.

Derrek’s most memorable sports moment at Union was being with his

teammates. Derrek says he is able to receive this award because of what they

were able to accomplish as a team and he is blessed to call them his friends.

Tracy Moore

Football 2009 Graduate

A 3 year letterman in both basketball and football, Tracy was a team captain,

homecoming attendant and Backyard Bowl Most Valuable Player his senior year.

Tracy was selected to the first team all-state team as well as being named Tulsa

World All- Metro Player of the Year. Tracy went on to play football collegiately

at Oklahoma State University where he was a 2013 All Big 12 Honorable

Mention selection and received the Thurman Thomas Offensive Player of the

Year award. Tracy left OSU as #8 in all-time receiving yards, #8 with 144

receptions, #7 in receiving touchdowns, and was tied at #2 for most TD’s in a

game with 4 touchdowns against Arizona in 2012.

Tracy’s most memorable sports moments were beating Jenks in the Backyard

Bowl in 2008 and winning the state championship in 2009.

Brandon Rogers

Football 2008 Graduate

The starting quarterback for the 2007 state runner-up football team, Brandon was

named Ford Player of the Week during both the 2006 and 2007 seasons and was

honored as the 2007 Union-Jenks Backyard Bowl Most Valuable Player.

Brandon is currently attending the University Of Tulsa School Of Law. His most

memorable sports moment at Union was defeating Jenks in the Backyard Bowl

his senior year.

Howard Scarborough, Jr. Football

2009 Graduate

A three-year letterman on the Varsity football team, Howard was a two- sport

athlete for the Redskins as he was also a member of the Varsity basketball team.

A captain and member of the 2008 Union state championship football team,

Howard received a scholarship to continue playing football at Missouri State

University in Springfield, MO where he was a four-year letterman with 36 career

starts. Howard ranks 3rd in Missouri State history with pass break ups and was

honored with the very prestigious “Bears Team Excellence Award” which is

given to the student-athlete that is the top representative of the team both on and

off the field. Howard is currently pursuing his Masters in Administrative Studies

at Missouri State University while serving as a graduate assistant for the TRIO

Upward Bound program and also serving as a defensive backs coach at

Springfield Central High School. Howard’s most memorable sports moment at

Union was beating our rival the Jenks Trojans in the Backyard Bowl and state

championship game his senior year. Howard also enjoyed watching 2003 Union

graduate and Union Athletic Department Hall of Fame member Spencer

McIllwain play on Friday nights.

Amy Wollmershauser Special Olympian

1995 Graduate

As a 7th grader at Union Public Schools, Amy joined the Special Olympics and

describes this as a game changer in her life. This is where Amy says she learned

that if you keep trying harder, you get better at things. Amy went on to compete

in track and field, bowling, basketball, softball, bocce, and snowshoeing. In 2003,

Amy won a gold medal in speed walking at the Special Olympics World Summer

Games in Dublin, Ireland. She continued her success at the 2007 Special

Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China with a gold medal in bocce

with her father as her unified partner. And finally, in 2013, Amy won a gold

medal in a 4 x 4 Snowshoeing Relay Race at the Special Olympics World Winter

Games in Pyong Chang, South Korea. In June of 2016, Amy was honored by the

Rotary Club of Tulsa as the Henry P. Iba Chairman Award winner.

Amy’s most memorable sports moment at Union were every single Special

Olympics Summer Games on Union’s Special Olympics Team. It was like a trip

to Disney World. Through Union’s support of Special Olympics, Amy

discovered her gifts and her voice.

Gary (Doc) Blevins Contributions to Athletics

Doc has served as Union High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor for

the past thirty-five years and has sponsored the Union 8th Grade Center FCA since

the school opened. Doc takes personal responsibility to make sure FCA Huddles are

active at all five Union secondary schools – one of the most comprehensive FCA

programs in the nation. Doc began announcing Union Athletic events in 1978. His

Public Address announcing duties over the past 39 years have included football,

basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball and volleyball. He currently announces

Volleyball, Boys and Girls Basketball and every home game for all three baseball

teams. In 1990, Doc negotiated a contract with KXOJ and put the Redskins football

games on the radio. Doc was the play-by-play voice and former TU Coach Pec Clark

did the color. In 1993 Union signed a contract with KRMG and Doc has been on the

field as sideline reporter ever since. Doc’s greatest Union sports memories include:

The 1989-90 State Baseball Championships – Coach Bill Blankenship’s first State

Championship win over Broken Arrow – Coach Rudy Garcia’s 2011 undefeated

State Championship Basketball team – the football win over Canton McKinley in the

NFL Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH – getting to be on the sideline for every

Union/Jenks game – and the unforgettable response of the crowd at Clovis, CA when

the High Steppers performed their “Oklahoma!” routine. His greatest memories as

FCA sponsor are the thousands of awesome Union young people he had the privilege

of working with over the past four decades. The Union Athletic Department would

like to thank Doc for his years of service, support and friendship to the students and

staff of Union Public Schools.

Jonathan Ameen Football

2008 Graduate

A four-year letterman in football, Johnathan Ameen excelled on the athletic field,

the classroom, and among his peers. Ameen, a Tulsa World all-metro safety,

served as team captain of the football team and was voted homecoming king and

Mr. Union during his senior year. Ameen was also selected as the All-State Top

Scholar Athlete Award winner in 2007. Ameen went on to receive his

undergraduate degree in finance and economics from the University of Oklahoma

and a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma State University.

Ameen currently works for the Williams Companies as a Commercial

Development Analyst.

Ameen states that his most memorable sports moment at Union was starting in

the 2005 state championship game at OU as a sophomore with his older sister by

his side as she ran stats for the coaches from the sideline. That was also his last

opportunity to play for the late Gary Snider, one of the most impactful coaches he

has ever known.

Cheree (Christianson) Brown Pom

2007 Graduate

A member and captain of the state championship Union pom squad, Cheree

Christianson Brown was selected as a Universal Dance Association All-Star as

well as selected as the Union pom member of the year her senior year. The pom

squad won the state championship each year of Brown’s high school dancing

career. Brown stayed connecte d with Union pom while she attended college by

serving as the Union 8th grade pom coach for 3 years. Brown graduated with an

Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Master’s in Education for school

counseling and became a certified school counselor. Brown is currently serving

as an academic advisor at Tulsa Community College.

Brown’s most memorable sports moment at Union was during her senior year at

pom camp, winning the “Drill Down Queen” award out of all of the campers.

This is awarded to the individual who follows the most military commands in a

row without errors.

Logon Collins Tennis

2010 Graduate

Ranked in the top 100 in the national tennis rankings and number two in the

Missouri Valley Regional ranking, Logan Collins was a four-year letterman and

All-State selection for the varsity tennis team. Collins also received the

Oklahoma Tennis Coaches’ Association All-Star award for outstanding

achievement in high school tennis. Collins was a part of the 2007 and 2008 state

championship teams, and in 2008 he won an individual state championship.

Collins went on to play collegiate tennis at Marquette University where he was a

Big East Academic All- American for four straight years. Collins helped

Marquette reach its highest national ranking in program history in 2014. A

double major in economics and finance, Collins earned his Bachelor of Science

in business administration and is currently working as a commercial banker for

the Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City.

Collins’ most memorable sports moment at Union was helping the team clinch

the state title in 2008.

Royal Crabtree Football

1961 Graduate

A three-sport, three-year letterman in football, basketball, and baseball, William

“Royal” Crabtree was voted the most valuable player on the football team his

junior year and the most valuable back his senior year, where he compiled 1,700

yards of his team’s 2,000 yards for the season.

In one game, Crabtree went on a 42-point scoring spree where he accounted for

312 yards of the team’s 422 yards on six touchdowns. He scored on a 72 yard

punt return and 5 rushing touchdowns, varying from a four-yard run to an 80-

yard dash. In addition, Crabtree added three 2- point conversions in this game.

Crabtree was also described as the “number 1 gun on defense” according to his

coach Jim Sanders.

Crabtree’s most memorable sports moment at Union was when his team played

Berryhill for the district title. The teams were tied 6 to 6 with 3 ½ minutes left in

the game. Because Berryhill had more penetrations than Union, Union had to

score to win the game. The team drove the ball approximately 80 yards and

scored a touchdown to win, thus clinching their second straight district title,

which were the first two district titles in Union’s history.

Crabtree currently is working as a builder and brick mason for his company,

Crabtree Construction, Inc.

Carrington Fox Basketball

2010 Graduate

A four-year letter winner and four-year starter for the women’s basketball team,

Carrington Fox served as team captain her senior year and was selected to the

Oklahoma Coaches’ Association and Oklahoma Girls’ Basketball Coaches

Association All-State basketball teams. In addition, Fox was named to various

All-Conference, All-Metro, and All- Tournament teams her freshman through

senior seasons and was named a VYPE magazine Elite 8 her senior year. Fox

went on to play four years at Northeastern State University where she was named

to the Mid- America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) All-Conference

Defensive first-team as a junior and honorable mention as a senior.

While at NSU, Fox, a team captain, set single game and career records for

blocked shots that was previously set in 1983. Fox was selected as NSU’s Female

Scholar-Athlete in 2014 and was an academic all- American for all four years.

Fox is currently pursuing her master’s degree in speech-language pathology at

NSU.

Fox’s most memorable sports moment at Union was going undefeated and

winning the Class 6A basketball state championship against Sapulpa in 2008

Luke Olson Football

2008 Graduate

A four-year letterman for the Union football team, Luke Olson led the team in

tackles his senior year and was selected to the All-District team as a safety. Olson

was also awarded the Josh Dobson Award and was the starting safety in the 2008

Jim Thorpe All-Star game. Olson then went on to start four years at Southern

Nazarene University where he was honored as an All- Conference and academic

All-Conference selection and served as team captain his junior and senior years.

Olson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from SNU and earned

a Master of Arts Education from the University of Tulsa where he is currently

serving as defensive quality control coach for the football program.

Olson’s most memorable sports moment at Union was beating Jenks in double

overtime in 2007 when the Jenks/Union rivalry was ranked the #1 high school

football rivalry by NFL films.

Erin (Patterson) Roberson Track & Field 2010 Graduate

Named the Frontier Valley Conference runner of the year in 2010, Erin Patterson

Roberson won 16 state medals throughout her high school career, 7 of which

were state championship gold medals.

Roberson set the school record in the 400 meter run with a time of 56.4 seconds

and was also a member of the 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams that hold records at

the Kansas Relays. Roberson was a member of the 2007 and 2010 state

championship girls’ track teams as well as an individual state champion in the

400 meter run her senior year.

Roberson went on to compete collegiately at Oral Roberts University where she

was a Summit League Academic All-Conference selection as well as being

named to the Southland Conference Commissioner’s honor roll. Roberson earned

a degree in health and exercise science from ORU in 2014 and is currently the

wellness coordinator at Mathis Brothers Corporate Wellness Center as well as a

fitness specialist at St. Francis Health Zone.

Roberson’s most memorable sports moment at Union was winning an individual

state championship in the 400 meter run as well as winning state as a team her

senior year. Sharing those memories with her mom as one of her coaches is

something she will never forget.

Daniel Stockton Wrestling

2006 Graduate

A member of the 2004 state championship football team and four-year letterman

in wrestling, Daniel Stockton participated in three sports in high school.

Stockton, son of Union Hall of Famer Coach Tom Stockton, was a three-time

state qualifier and placer for the Union wrestling team.

Selected as Mr. Union his senior year, Stockton went on to the University of

Central Oklahoma where he served as student body president and was named the

2010 UCO Outstanding Senior Leader. He also served on the President’s

Leadership Council for four years. Stockton is currently the director of sales for

Vertical Aerospace.

Stockton’s most memorable sports moment at Union was winning the 2005

district dual championship at home against Stillwater in front of a great crowd

and advancing to Union wrestling’s first dual state tournament appearance in

several years, which was hosted at home in the UMAC.

Stephanie (Aitken) Watling Soccer

2009 Graduate

Team captain her junior and senior year, Stephanie Aitken Watling was a four-

year soccer letter winner and member of two Class 6A state championship teams.

With a career record of 86 goals and 37 assists, Watling was named to the All-

Metro, All-Conference, All-District, All- State and All-Conference academic

teams her senior year and went on to play collegiate soccer at the University of

Tulsa. A two- time member of the dean’s, president’s, and Conference USA’s

Commissioner’s Honor Roll, Watling graduated cum laude from TU in 2013 and

earned her master’s degree in 2015. She is currently a speech- language

pathologist.

Watling’s most memorable sports moment at Union was winning the first state

championship in Union women’s soccer program history in 2007 as a sophomore.

Jim & Liz Beeman Contributions to Athletics

Also known as the voice of the Union Redskins, Jim Beeman volunteered his

services as the football public address announcer for over 23 years, with his wife

Liz alongside as the PA spotter during this same time. Having worked with 6

athletic directors and 4 head football coaches, the Beeman’s were a staple in the

press box, making sure the game scripts were delivered on time and student-

athletes were properly identified. In addition, from 2003-2013, Liz Beeman

assisted Andy Erwin with the coordination of the U-View from her seat in the

press box. The Beeman’s were actively involved with activities for their 3 sons

(Jim, Doc and Daniel) who all graduated from Union Public Schools. Jim

Beeman served on the Athletic Advisory Committee from 1991-1993 and was the

President of the Union Baseball Booster Club from 1992-1994, where he was an

integral part of the Baseball Complex Design Committee.

During this time, Liz Beeman served as secretary of the baseball booster club.

Jim Beeman also served as a member of the Long Range Planning Committee for

4 years.

A frequent attendee of all Union activities, Liz Beeman has been a very popular

teacher at Union HS for over 27 years, where she earned Teacher of the Year

honors in 1996 and again in 2014-2015. She has been an Adult Advisor for the

Leadership Retreat for 22 years and has served as a member of the Athletic Hall

of fame Committee.

Russell Dennison Strength & Conditioning

Coach

Serving as Union Public Schools’ first true head strength and conditioning coach

from 2008- 2012, Union Athletics won 22 state championships during Russell

Dennison’s tenure, highlighted by four straight football and pom state

championships. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Coach

Dennison graduated from the University of Oklahoma with an Arts and Science

degree in 2005 and was member of the OU football team. Coach Dennison is

currently an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach with the University of

Oklahoma football program. During his time back at OU, the football program

was named the 2012 & 2015 Big XII Champions and were the Sugar Bowl

Champions in 2014.

Coach Dennison’s most memorable sports moment at Union was watching the

kids who were freshmen his first year in 2008 win their 4th straight

championship in their final game as Redskins in 2011.

Mark Garner Football & Baseball

Coach

Having spent 18 years with Union athletics, Coach Mark Garner served as an

offensive assistant football coach and also spent a five years at the helm of the

Union baseball program. In total, Coach Garner has coached over 35 years with

various stops at Beggs, Spiro, Edmond, Union, Broken Arrow, McAlester and

most recently spent the last season at Ada High School. Coach Garner’s resume

includes seven state runner-up finishes and five state championships which he

was a part of during his football coaching days at Union. Coach Garner was

honored by being selected as a 2003 OCA All-State and Jim Thorpe coach as

well as being selected twice to be a part of the Oklahoma- Texas Oil Bowl

coaching staff in 1998 and 2010. In baseball, Coach

Garner led the baseball program from 1995-1999 with a record of 137- 55 and 3

regional championships. Coach Garner received his bachelor’s degree in

education from the University of Tulsa and his master’s degree in administration

from Northeastern State University.

Coach Garner’s most memorable sports moment at Union was building

relationships with student-athletes and watching them achieve their goals of

winning championships.

Coach Garner’s most memorable sports moment at Union was building

relationships with student-athletes and watching them achieve their goals of

winning championships.

Djamel Bekka Soccer

2005 Graduate

As a four-year varsity soccer player for Union, Djamel helped lead the Redkins to

the state championship in 2005. Djamel’s play on the field earned him the

Offensive Player of the Year award as well as being an All-Conference selection

as a junior. After high school, Djamel attended Coastal Carolina University

where he continued his soccer career. As a freshman, Djamel played in 13 games

with nine starts for Coastal Carolina. He tallied an assist and registered seven

shots on the season with two on goal. Djamel continued his dominant play the

following year as he saw action in 16 contests, picking up nine starts, recording

four assists, and had 12 shots with two on goal. For the 2007 season, Djamel was

the only Chanticleer to start all 19 contests. He was second on the team with six

goals and 19 points; also, he tallied seven assists, which was good for second on

the team. While at Coastal Carolina, Djamel earned the honors of being name Big

South Conference Player of the Year, 2nd Team NSCAA All-South Atlantic

Region, and 1st Team All Big South Conference. Djamel was also on the Dean’s

List. Djamel’s most memorable sports moment at Union was beating Broken

Arrow to win state his senior year and playing alongside his brother, Malek

Bekka, his sophomore year.

David Yang

Soccer 2007 Graduate

A member of two state championship teams in 2005 and 2007, David was

described by his coaches as “the heart of our team.” His coaches continued with,

“Our play was often dictated by David's play. If David was "on", so was the

team.” David was instrumental in three of the Redskin’s playoff wins by scoring

goals or registering assists. David’s success on the field led him to earning the

honors of First team All State and All District. David’s most memorable sports

moment at Union was winning state with his graduating class.

Tanner Mathis Tennis

2007 Graduate

As a three-time team state champion (2005-07), Tanner was as an All- State

selection for his success on the tennis court. Tanner was also a #2 doubles state

runner up in 2005 and #1 doubles state runner up in 2007. After high school,

Tanner attended Baylor University where he was on the Dean’s list 7 out of 8

semesters and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Tanner is currently in medical school at the University of Oklahoma College of

Medicine. Tanner was a key part in all three of the championship teams from

2005-07 and made the top 6 his freshman to senior years.

Abril Marshall Basketball

2008 Graduate

Not only was Abril a member of the 2008 undefeated Lady Redskin basketball

team, she was also a member of the Renegade Regiment. For her hard work on

the court, Abril earned the privilege to play in the Jim Thorpe All-Star Game; she

was an OSSAA Scholarship recipient, and she was 6A All-State Team honorable

mention. Abril was also a two year lettermen for the Redskins. After high school,

Abril attended Friends University, where she was a four-year lettermen while

earning the following accolades; NAIA All-American 2012-2013, All KCAC

First Team Selection 2011-12 and 2012-13, D2 All American Honorable mention

2012-2013 Athletic Director Academic Honor Roll 2011, 2012, 2013.

Abril was instrumental in helping lead her team to be 2011-2012 Conference

Champions as well as guiding her team to the Sweet 16 in D2 Women’s

Basketball Tournament for the first time in school history. Abril earned her

Bachelor’s degree in History and was also a member of the Friends University

band. She is now at Wichita State University working on a MA in American

History with an emphasis in Public History.

Abril states that her most memorable sports moment at Union was the moment

they won the 6A State Championship and the team ran towards each other in

celebration, crying and holding on to the person next to each in appreciation and

elation.

Breynna Winkler Basketball

2008 Graduate

A four-year lettermen, part of the 2007-08 Undefeated State Championship team

(27-0), named Tulsa World All-Metro Honorable Mention as a junior & senior, and

named to the Tulsa World All-Metro Team as a junior, Breynna’s success didn’t stop

on the court. Breynna was also a member of the track team where she qualified for

the state track meet her junior and senior years in the shot put, helped her team win

the Class 6A track & field championship her junior year, and won the regional meet

in the shot put her senior year.

Breynna helped her basketball team earn a berth in three Class 6A tournaments. After

high school, Breynna continued playing basketball at Gardner-Webb University in

Boiling Springs, NC on a full athletic scholarship. As a four-year lettermen, Breynna

helped her team to play in the finals of the Big South Tournament three of her four

seasons. She also helped her team qualify for the WNIT her sophomore year.

She contributed to her team winning the Big South Tournament and receiving

an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Tournament her junior year. Breynna

earned a spot on the 2011- 2012 Big South Presidential Honor Roll. She graduated

with a degree in sports management and served as the assistant varsity girls’

basketball coach for two years at Asheville Christian Academy and head JV girls’

basketball coach for one year at Asheville academy in Asheville, NC. Breynna’s

most memorable sports moment at Union was playing in the 6A State Championship

game her senior year and finishing with an undefeated season. Breynna is currently

attending Northeastern State University to complete a Math Education degree to

pursue her dream of teaching and coaching high school basketball.

Brian DeShane Football

2009 Graduate

A three-year letterman for the Redskins’ football team, Brian was named 1st

team Tulsa World, 1st Team All-State, 1st team All-District, 1st team Daily

Oklahoman, 1st team All-Vype, and 1st team All Union/Jenks Game. Brian was

also rated 22 overall right guard by scout.com. Brian’s accolades also included

homecoming king, Top 10 Mr. Union, and varsity team captain. Brian was a

member of the 2008 State Championship team and also participated in the 2009

Oil Bowl.

After high school, Brian continued playing for the University of Tulsa.

While with the Golden Hurricanes, Brian was named 1st Team All- Conference

for Conference USA; he was also a four year letterman.

Brian graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

from the University of Tulsa. Brian’s most memorable sports moment at Union

was winning the State Championship his senior year and beating Jenks in not

only the Backyard Bowl but also in the State Championship.

Stephen Ruempolhamer Football

2008 Graduate

A two-year lettermen for the Redskins, Stephen was a force to be reckoned with

on the field. Stephen not only threw opposing offensive lineman out of his way,

he also threw the shot-put and discus for the Redskins’ track and field team.

Stephen’s success on the football field earned him the honor of being named All

District. Stephen was also in the top 10% of his graduating class at Union. After

high school, Stephen continued his dominant play while attending Iowa State

University.

While playing for the Cyclones, Stephen was named a Team Captain as well as

an All Big 12 member. Stephen’s most memorable sports moment at Union was

scoring a defensive touchdown against Jenks in the Backyard Bowl which is still

being aired on the NFL Network.

Joseph Sheridan Wrestling

2009 Graduate

A career win record holder with 152 wins, Joseph was also a three-time state

champion while wrestling for the Redskins. In the process of recording all 152

wins, Joseph also earned a letter for each of his four years on the varsity team.

Joseph was a major contributing factor for all three of the championship teams.

Of all the wins over those four years, Joseph’s most memorable sports moment

while at Union was winning each of the state championships with his teammates.

Drew Rucinski Baseball

2007 Graduate

A member of the 2005 and 2006 baseball state championship teams, the starting

pitcher for the East Side in the 2007 All-State Baseball Game, and Union

Baseball’s most valuable pitcher in 2007, Drew was also very successful in the

classroom. Drew held a 4.0 GPA and was awarded the student of the month

award all four years of high school.

After high school, Drew continued his playing career at The Ohio State

University. While a Buckeye, Drew was part of the 2009 Big Ten Conference

Championship team, was named 2nd team All-Big Ten Starting Pitcher in 2011,

and was a four year scholar athlete. Drew graduated with a degree in criminology

and is currently playing Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Angels.

Drew’s most memorable sports moment while at Union was pitching the last two

innings of the 2006 State Championship Game against Owasso and winning in

extra innings.

Ryan Proctor Tennis

2009 Graduate

A high school career filled with academic and athletic awards is what follows Ryan. Having tremendous success on the tennis court, Ryan was a 3-time team state

champion, team state runner up, state champion in #1 doubles, 2-time state runner up in #1 doubles, 2-time Tulsa World Tennis Player of the Week, 2-time All-Conference team, 1-time All- Metro team, and a member of the 2009 All State team. Ryan also ran cross-country for the Redskins. Off the tennis court, Ryan was named Mr. Union 2009, was a National Merit Scholar, was Freshman Student of the Year, an AP Scholar with Distinction Award recipient, an Oklahoma Academic Scholar, an Eagle Scout, and a

Sons’ of the American Revolution Outstanding Citizenship Award winner. Ryan’s hard work transitioned from high school to college quite well. While a member of the OU Men’s Tennis team from 2009-2013, Ryan won two Big 12 Conference Championships, made an appearance in the NCAA Quarterfinals,

made one additional NCAA Round of 16 appearance, and was part of a team that was ranked in the top five in 2013.

Ryan worked just as hard off the court as he did on. His commitment to the classroom earned him numerous academic honors at OU as well. Ryan was First

Team Academic All Big 12, a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, Coaches Association All-Academic Honor, President’s Honor Roll, and College of Engineering Dean’s Honor Roll. Ryan was also awarded the Jay

Meyers Outstanding Freshman Award, Dan Gibbens Scholar Athlete of the Year Award, Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges Award, and the Dr. Gerald Lage Award; the Big 12 Conference’s highest

academic honor. Through all the honors and accolades, Ryan’s most memorable sports moment at Union was coming back from 6-2 4-1 (and a match point)

against Jenks in the semifinals of the state championship tournament to win 6-4 in the third set to secure the team state championship with doubles partner Tanner

Mathias in 2007.

Stephen Carney Golf

2008 Graduate

A four-year letterman in both high school and college, Stephen carried his

success on the golf course onto the PGA. In high school, Stephen was a three-

time Vardon trophy winner (low stroke average), Regional runner-up (2008), 6A

state Champion (2008), Tulsa World Player of the Year (2008), three-time Tulsa

World first team selection. During his time playing for the Redskins, Stephen

won 8 individual titles, recorded a double eagle on a par 5 in his first high school

event as a freshman, and was ranked top 50 in the Golf week junior rankings.

Stephen carried this success over to college while he attended the University of

Tulsa. In 2011, Stephen was the Southwestern Amateur Champion. He was also a

two-time Oklahoma State Amateur Champion, two time US Amateur participant

and qualifying medalist, and 2011 National Invitational tournament runner-up,

and ranked 48th in the Golf week amateur rankings. Upon graduating from TU in

2013 with a Degree in finance, Stephen continued playing golf professionally on

the PGA Tour Canada, Adams Tour, and Swingthought.com Tour. Stephen’s

most memorable sports moment at Union was winning the State Championship in

2008, his senior year, by 3 strokes and having his team and coaches there to

watch the last hole.

Trevor Horstmann Tennis

2009 Graduate

A three-time team State Champion from 2006-08 and having a 33-0 season at #2

singles is just the beginning of Trevor’s success on the tennis court in high school

and college. Trevor was a runner-up in #2 Doubles in 2006, a runner-up in #2

Doubles in 2007, a State Champion in #1 Doubles (with Ryan Proctor) in 2008,

and a State Champion in #2 Singles in 2009 (33-0 season). While having

tremendous success on the tennis court, Trevor was also a member of the

National Honor Society throughout high school. After high school, Trevor

continued to play tennis at Oklahoma State where he was a four-year letterman.

Trevor was named to the All Big 12 Team in both 2013 and 2014. Trevor was

also on the President’s Honor Roll from 2009-2014, an ITA Scholar Athlete

(2009-2014), and received the Oklahoma State Honors Degree.

While at Union, Trevor’s most memorable sports moment was winning

#1 Doubles with Ryan Proctor at State in 2008 where they beat their rival, Jenks,

6-0 to win the title.

Julia Wood Tennis

2008 Graduate

A member of the All-State Team and a Jim Thorpe Player of the Year award

winner her senior year, Julia was also a four-year letterman for the Redskins.

During her time playing tennis for Union, Julia won two regional titles and

placed every year at state (highest place was 3rd in 2007, her junior year). Julia

graduated as the number one recruit for the class of 2008 for the state of

Oklahoma. After high school, Julia attended Sewanee: The University of the

South, where she continued playing tennis. While at Sewanee, Julia, a 2013 ITA

scholar athlete, was co-captain her senior year, a two-time recipient of the

school’s Tiger of the Week Award for Excellent Athletic Performance, and

received the team’s Tiger Award her senior year for team leadership. During

Julia’s tenure at Sewanee, the team was nationally ranked in the top 20 from

2011 to 2013 (highest ranking was 15th, Julia’s senior year). Julia also

participated in the NCAA tournament in 2011 and 2013. Julia graduated Cum

Laude from Sewanee with a B.S. in Geology. Julia also received several

departmental honors. Julia will begin attending the Colorado School of Mines

this fall to earn a Master’s Degree in Geology. Julia’s most memorable sports

moment at Union was the rush and excitement of competing at the state

tournament every year. It taught her the importance of teamwork and how the

support of your teammates can make all the difference in an individual sport.

Jeremy Smith Football

2009 Graduate

As a three-year letterman for the Redskins, Jeremy was also the first OSU

Cowboy commitment of the 2009 recruiting class and one of the most decorated.

A Jim Thorpe Player of the Year, Jeremy was also a high school Super Prep All-

American. Super Prep also rated Jeremy as the 10th-best running back in the

country and the sixth-best prospect in the Midlands region.

Rivals.com labeled Jeremy the fourth-best player in Oklahoma and No. 23 among

running backs. Jeremy helped lead the Redskins to the 2008 state title with 243

rushing yards and three touchdowns in the championship game. Jeremy ran for

more than 1,600 yards as a senior and for over 4,200 yards in his career. Jeremy

was also an all-stater who was named The Oklahoman's Offensive Player of the

Year. For the Cowboys, Jeremy was a four year lettermen, a member of the Big

12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and a Doak Walker Award Nominee.

Jeremy’s most memorable sports moment at Union was winning state his senior

year.

Seth Vernon Wrestling

2007 Graduate

Spencer McIllwain Football

2003 Graduate (Posthumously)

As a four-year letterman in football, Spencer also had great success running for

the Redskins track program, as he was also a four-year letterman for track.

Spencer was the 2002 Frontier Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year,

honored as a Top 25 Player for the state of Oklahoma, All-State running back,

Ford Award nominee Top 10, and was selected to play in the 2003 Oil Bowl

(Oklahoma vs. Texas). While participating in the Oil Bowl, Spencer set the

record for the longest run, at 82 yards. During a game vs. Stillwater High School

Spencer’s senior year, he carried the ball three times and scored three times.

Spencer also scored six touchdowns in one game his senior year. In the 2002

State Championship game, Spencer rushed for 256 yards and five touchdowns,

helping guide Union to their first modern day (6A) State Championship. Upon

graduating from high school, Spencer held the record for most touchdowns (52)

and career rushing yards at Union.

Lindsay (Palmer) Lintelman Basketball

2008 Graduate

A high school academic and athletic all-stater, Lindsay excelled in both the

classroom and on the court. Lindsay’s honors include: Wendy’s High School

Heisman Award winner for Union High School (academic), President’s Honor

Roll, OGBCA Academic All-State, Frontier Valley Conference Academic All-

Conference, 6A State Champion, 6A State Championship Tournament MVP

(Daily Oklahoman), 6A State Championship Co-MVP (Tulsa World), Lady

Redskins Most Outstanding Player award winner, OGBCA All-State East Team

member, Tulsa World All-Metro Player of the Year, Tulsa World All-State

Selectee, Channel 8 “Elite 8” Player of the Year.

Lindsay continued her academic and athletic success while attending Baylor

University. While at Baylor, Lindsay was the 2012 NCAA Woman of the Year

nominee, named to the Chic-fil-A Community of Champions, a summa cum

laude graduate, dean’s list (3.7/4.0 GPA) for six semesters, 2012 NCAA Elite 89

award recipient (two years), Dr. Gerald Lage award winner (two years), Lady

Bear Academic Award recipient (four years), Academic All-Big 12 First Team

(four years), and Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll (eight semesters). Through

all of the academic and athletic success, Lindsay states that her most memorable

high school moment was completing an undefeated season to win the state

championship.

Tress Way Football

2008 Graduate

While at Union, Tress had great success in both football and baseball. Tress

lettered in both sports and was selected as a first team All-Stater in both sports;

kicker and punter for football and third baseman for baseball. Tress was a team

captain in football his senior year for the Redskins. He was the FCA President his

senior year along with being named an FCA All-State Athlete. After high school,

Tress continued his football playing career at the University of Oklahoma on a

football scholarship from 2009-2012. Tress started for 4 years as the punter for

the Sooners. During his tenure at OU, Tress was a three-time Big 12 Champion

along with being a team captain for 2 years. Tress was named to the First Team

Academic All Big 12, member of the First Team All Big 12, two-time member of

the Second Team All Big 12, a freshman All-American, Third Team All-

American, and an honorable mention All-American. Tress holds all but one

record at OU for punting. He was also the President of Fellowship of Christian

Athletes from 2010-2013 while at OU. Tress was signed as an undrafted free

agent with the Chicago Bears the day of the NFL draft.

Katie Sherrell Cheerleading

2008 Graduate

A member of the principal’s honor roll, homecoming queen, a cheerleading state

champion, and a cheerleading national champion, Katie Sherrell had a very

successful high school career. Katie was a UCA All-American, an NCA All-

American, 2007 OSSAA All-Region cheerleader, 2007 OSSAA All-State

cheerleader, a two-time (2006 & 2007) OSSAA Regional Squad Champion, 2006

OSSAA Cheer State Runner-Up, 2007 OSSAA Cheer State Champion, 2005

NCA Super Large Varsity- 2nd place, 2006 and 2007 NCA Super Large Varsity

National Champion, 2006 and 2007 NCA Grand National Champion, and the

2007 Union Homecoming Queen, all while being on the principal’s honor roll.

After high school, Katie attended Oklahoma State University where she was a

member of the Small Co-Ed Squad (2008- 2009), an NCA Collegiate

All- American Cheerleader, member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and received

her bachelor’s degree in finance.

Katie’s most memorable moment in high school was winning a state and national

championship.

Jonathan Gann Soccer

2007 Graduate

Jonathan’s senior year of high school was filled with accolades. Named the

Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year, the Tulsa World Player of the Year,

Island Cup Most Valuable Player, Union Boys Soccer Most Valuable Player, All-

State selectee, All-Metro team member, and two- time state champion, Jonathan

didn’t stop there. Jonathan went on to play soccer at the collegiate level while

attending Oral Roberts University. While at ORU, Jonathan was a four-year

starter, a team captain his senior season, an all-conference player of the week,

2011 All-Conference First Team, and 2011 MVP. Even though Jonathan was

member of two state champion teams, he was a quiet leader and he let his work

and play be the example for others. Jonathan’s most memorable sports moment

was scoring the winning goal in 2005 state championship game and then winning

another state championship in 2007.

Sara Vaughn Cross Country & Track

2008 Graduate

As a member of the National Honor Society, Principal’s Honor roll, and holding

a 4.0 GPA, Sara had athletic awards to match her academic accomplishments.

Sara was a two-time recipient of the Jim Thorpe Award, named the Oklahoma

Gatorade Player of the Year, Tulsa World Runner of the Year twice (2007 &

2008), and a state champion in track and cross country.

Sara continued to accumulate academic and athletic awards as she attended the

University of Alabama after high school.

While at the University of Alabama, Sara was on the Dean’s Honor Roll,

achieved all SEC Academic Honor Roll, NCAA National Cross Country

Competitor, All-Region Athlete, World Cross Country Competitor, Yarborough

Scholarship winner, and a Cum Laude graduate. Sara’s most memorable moment

was her last race wearing the Redskin’s uniform and seeing her friends, family,

and coaches waiting at the finish line.

Eric West Tennis

2008 Graduate

A four-time team state champion, a two-time individual state champion, a four-

time selectee to the Tulsa World First Team All-State, two-time Tulsa World

Player of the Year (2007 & 2008), the 2008 Oklahoma Tennis Association Player

of the Year, and 2008 National High School Tennis All-American Foundation 1st

Team All-American, Eric West graduated high school highly decorated. Eric

attended Southern Illinois out of high school where he was selected 1st team All-

MVC (Missouri Valley Conference) freshman of the year, MVC Tournament

MVP, MVC Conference Team Champion, and NCAA Tournament participant.

Eric continued his playing career at Oklahoma State University. While at OSU,

Eric was a three-year letterman, he started every match for the Cowboys, and he

earned 2nd Team All-Big 12 (2012) honors and 1st Team Academic All-Big 12

(2012) honors. Eric also helped guide the Cowboys to a Top 25 national ranking

and achieved an ITA doubles ranking of 39th. Eric’s most memorable moment in

high school was being a part of the first Union Tennis team to win state.

Lucretia Mays Track & Field 1994 Graduate

As a 1994 graduate of Union, Lucretia Mays excelled in track and field for the

Redskins. Upon completion of her high school career, Lucretia held records at the

Kansas Relays Meet in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.88 seconds and was

a state record holder in the long jump at 19 feet 7 ½ inches. Lucretia was a 3-time

individual state champion in both the long jump and the 100 meter dash. As a

result of her many athletic accomplishments in high school, Lucretia was named

the National Gatorade Female Track Athlete of the Year her senior year and was

awarded a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma.

Mackenzi Adams Football

2005 Graduate

While attending Union, Mackenzi lettered in both football and track. He was the

Tulsa World “Male Athlete of the Year” his senior year along with being named

the Oklahoma Coaches Association Male Athlete of the Year. Mackenzi was

selected to the Tulsa World All-State team as member of both the football and

track teams and was the Jim Thorpe Offensive MVP. Mackenzi was also a

member of the Oklahoma Honor Roll from 2001- 2005. While Mackenzi excelled

on the football field as the quarterback of the 2004 State Championship Team, he

also set two school records and won state championships in track for the 110M

hurdles & 300M hurdles.

After high school, Mackenzi attended Vanderbilt University to continue his

football career. While at Vanderbilt, Mackenzi was a SEC four-year

letterman, and three-year starter. He was a member of the SEC Academic Honor

Roll (spring of 2006 to spring of 2010), Vanderbilt University Dean’s List

(3.5 GPA or higher) from the fall of 2007 to the spring of 2010.

Mackenzi was a member of the Vanderbilt Football Leadership Council, a 2008

& 2009 Music City Bowl Champion, and was named the 2007 Vanderbilt

Football “Back of the Year.” Through all the accomplishments, Mackenzi states

that his most memorable moment was winning the state championships in the

110M & 300M hurdles, and then coming home to celebrate with the baseball and

soccer teams that had won state championships that same day.

Tom Stockton Track & Field

Coach

During his tenure, Coach Tom Stockton led both the girls and boys track

programs to the school’s first ever OSSAA Class 6A Track

State Championships. Throughout the 2000’s, Coach Stockton revitalized the

girls program where his teams were named Frontier Valley Conference

champions six times and Regional Champions from 2002- 2008. During this

span, members of the girls’ program won numerous relay and individual state

championships. In addition, the girls’ track teams were state runner-up in 2001

and won the state championship in 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007. Coach Stockton

was equally successful when coaching the boys’ program. The boys’ teams were

crowned Frontier Valley Conference champions in 2007 and 2008 and won the

Regional Championship on 5 different occasions.

In 2008, Coach Stockton led the boys’ program to their first state championship

behind sprinter Boyea Lockett’s individual state championship in the 100 M and

200 M. Coach Stockton also had the pleasure of coaching fellow Hall of Fame

inductee, Mackenzie Adams, in 2005 as he won the individual state

championships in both the 110 and 300 hurdles. While enjoying success coaching

the varsity track programs, Coach Stockton also served as Junior High

Coordinator/9th Grade Head Football Coach where his teams were a combined

69-3 and won the conference title from 2000-2007.

Bob Cleeland Basketball

Coach (Posthumously)

Coach Cleeland served as Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic

Director at Union High School. As a coach for the Redskins, Coach Cleeland will

be remembered as establishing the foundation of success in the men’s basketball

program. Coach Cleeland’s teams enjoyed 5 Regional Championships and he led

his teams to 3 state tournament appearances in his 7 years as head coach. Prior to

his years at Union, Coach Cleeland spent time on the collegiate level at the

University of Arkansas as an assistant coach/recruiting coordinator and at

Southwest Missouri State University as Head Men’s Basketball Coach.

He also coached on the high school level at Pittsburg High School in Kansas

where he was named Kansas High School Coach of the Year and at Enid High

School where he led his team to the state semi-final game. While at Union, Coach

Cleeland was named Tulsa World Prep Basketball Coach of the Year in

1989.Coach Cleeland passed away in 2011 at the age of 62. Accepting on behalf

of Bob Cleeland is his wife Kay.

Jennifer (Pitts) Dunham Highsteppers

1998 Graduate

Serving as an officer both in junior high and high school and also a member and

captain of the 1998 state, regional, and national champion Highsteppers, Jennifer

was a Union Drill Team lifer (1990-1998-grade 5th-12th). Jennifer earned her

BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Photography and minor in Art History from the

University of Tulsa.

Jennifer has received multiple awards for choreography, originality, and

musicality, along with having works published in University of Tulsa, STYLUS.

Jennifer also received honorable mention in the Gussman Art Show, 2002.

Jennifer is currently a choreographer and teacher at Oklahoma Performing Arts

and an assistant coach for the Union Highsteppers. Jennifer’s most memorable

sports moment was performing “Oklahoma” at homecoming as a varsity

Highstepper along with all of the camps and competitions she attended being a

Highstepper.

Meghan (Hight) Bender Tennis

2002 Graduate

Considered to be one of the most decorated female tennis players in Union’s

history, Meghan qualified for the state tournament all four years, was a four-year

letterman, and placed runner-up at regionals two times, was all- conference her

senior year, and also finished in the top 10% of her graduating class. Meghan led

the girls to two 4th place finishes at the state tournament. Upon graduation,

Meghan attended OSU where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in

Secondary Education with an emphasis in Biology. Meghan is currently a science

teacher at Union’s 6th & 7th Grade Center.

Meghan’s most memorable sports moment was winning the first girl’s regional

title her senior year.

Alex Rowin Cross Country & Track

2006 Graduate

A four-year letterman, a state champion (2006) and state runner-up (2005) in the

1600m race, a six-time Oklahoma regional champion in track and field, a 3rd

place finisher in 5A state cross country (2005 & 2006), a member of the 2004,

2005, and 2006 cross country all-state teams, Alex still holds the Union 1600m

record at 4:17. Alex also earned the Academic Excellence for Science award his

sophomore year (2004) and was a member of the Honor Roll for three years

straight (2004-2006). Attending Oral Roberts University after high school, Alex

also competed in cross-country and track at the collegiate level. Alex was a two-

time all-conference indoor track athlete (2008, 2009), he received all-academic

honors for the Summit League Conference all four years (2006- 2009), was an

Oral Roberts Athlete of the Year Finalist (2010), and was on the President’s

Honor Roll in 2008.

Alex’s most memorable sports moment was winning the state championship in

the 1600m as a senior.

Breanna O'Toole Cheerleading

2007 Graduate

Compiling an extensive list of honors as a cheerleader, Brenna was a three-time

UCA all-American, NCA all- American her senior year (2006), NCA staff

nominee, 2006 OSSAA all-region and all-state cheerleader, a 2006 OSSAA

regional squad champion, 2006 OSSAA cheer state runner-up, a 2005 NCA

Super Large Varsity 2nd place finisher, a 2006 NCA Super Large Varsity

national champion, and a 2006 NCA Super Large Varsity Grand National

Champion. While receiving these honors, Brenna was also a member of the

National Honor Society. After high school, Brenna went on to cheer at Oklahoma

State University where she continued to earn more honors. She was an Oklahoma

State University Large Co-ed Squad member (2007-2011) and captain, a two-

time NCA Collegiate National Champion Large Co-ed (2010 & 2012), and Twist

‘N Shout (Edmond, OK) Large Co-ed Collegiate All-Star Squad member. Brenna

was also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi sorority and the National Society of

Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) while earning her degree in Elementary Education

from OSU. Brenna’s most memorable sports moment was being on the sideline,

cheering on the Redskins at her very last high school football game.

Ryan Jones Tennis

2001 Graduate

A four-year starter and four-year letterman, a captain his senior year, and

finishing his junior and senior years with a record of 58-7, Ryan earned all-state

honors along with being ranked #4 in the state. Ryan led the 2000 tennis team to

Union’s first runner-up finish at the state tournament. Ryan earned a scholarship

to William Jewell College where he participated for four years at the collegiate

level and received his Bachelor of Science degree. While participating at the

collegiate level, Ryan was again a four-year starter and four-year letterman. Ryan

was a three- year captain at the collegiate ranks while also being chosen as a

Cardinal Scholar Athlete and earning a #4 national ranking in NAIA doubles.

Ryan also received the most valuable player award. After completing his

undergraduate studies at William Jewel, Ryan went on and earned his

M.B.A. from Rockhurst University. Ryan appreciated being a part of a great

program (players and coaches) in such an individual sport.

Ina Ables Cross Country & Track

2006 Graduate

In helping lead the Union girls’ cross country team to its first cross country state

championship in 24 years (2005), Ina also completed an undefeated season (individual) to win the individual state championship for the second year in a row (2004 & 2005). Along with those two achievements, Ina was also a 3200m state champion (2005) and an Oklahoma state finalist for the Wendy’s High School

Heisman Award (2005). Ina was also a member of the 2003, 2005, and 2006 state champion track teams.

While being a four-year letterman in track and cross country in high school, Ina was also a member of the Renaissance Club, National Honor Society, Key Club, and Redskins for Christ. Ina was also selected as Miss Union Top 10 and was the

recipient of the President’s Education Awards program for Outstanding Academic Achievement (2004).

While attending Samford University, Ina earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Diabetics (Cum Laude) and also competed on the cross country and track

teams. Ina earned Southern Conference honors of Graduate Scholar (2011), all-conference second team (2010), all- conference first team (2009), and conference

championship teams (2009 & 2010). While in college, Ina was also was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa (a prestigious National Leadership Honor Society, 2010), Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society, and Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society. While all the awards were an honor to receive and having an undefeated

individual senior year in cross-country was amazing, Ina’s most memorable moment was winning the cross-country team state championship and being able

to share the joy with her close friends.

Philip Davis Soccer

2006 Graduate

As captain his senior year (2006) and being a two year letterman (2005 and

2006), Philip helped to guide the Redskins to a state championship in soccer for

the 2005 season. Philip also earned all-state honors his senior year (2006). Philip

was considered by his coaches to be a leader in attitude, mentality, and

confidence, along with being a first-class person and providing the

underclassmen (and seniors) with a model of how to conduct themselves. After

completing high school, Philip went on to attend the University of Oklahoma and

received his degree in Graphic Design. Philip is a Graphic Designer for FBC

Kaufman and the owner of Philip Davis Photography. Philip’s most memorable

sports moment was when the final whistle blew in the 2005 state championship

versus Broken Arrow and they were crowned state champions with a 2-1 victory.

Mike Hobbs Baseball

1997 Graduate

While earning multiple awards in both football and baseball (and being a three-

year letterman in both sports) while competing for Union, Mike’s performance on

the baseball diamond earned him the right to play college baseball.

Mike was named second team all-district, honorable mention Tulsa all-metro, and

a member of the Tulsa all-metro all-star team all while maintaining a GPA of 3.7

and being a member of the National Honor Society. Mike continued his academic

and baseball excellence while attending Johnson County Community College

before finishing his playing career at the University of Hawaii- Hilo. While at

Johnson County Community College, Mike was selected to the Jayhawk Eastern

Conference all-star baseball team, received the Johnson County Community

College Cavalier Baseball Award, and had a batting average of .398.

Academically, Mike was a member the Dean’s List (Johnson County Community

College) with a GPA of 3.5 and received the Academic Achievement Award

(Johnson County Community College). Mike graduated from Oklahoma State

University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing. Among all the awards,

Mike’s most memorable sports moment was sharing the baseball and football

fields with his two brothers Steve and Brian.

Matt Romine Football

2007 Graduate

Being part of two football state championship teams (and one in basketball), a three-

year letterman (also a three- year letterman in basketball), selected as a USA Today All-

American, playing in the U.S. Army All-American game as a team captain, Matt was

also selected as a member of the Daily Oklahoman and Tulsa World all-state teams.

Matt continued his playing career at the University of Notre Dame where he was a two-

time Monogram Award winner. Matt finished his collegiate career for the University of

Tulsa, where he was a one-year letterman, while he was attending graduate school.

After his final collegiate season, Matt was selected to play in the NFLPA (National

Football League Players Association) College all-star game.

Matt’s most memorable sports moment was beating Jenks in the 2004 state

championship game.

Jake Borgsmiller Football

2006 Graduate

Being selected to play in both the Oil Bowl and East/West all-state game, Jake

was also selected as the district offensive player of the year. Jake continued his

playing career at the University of Tulsa. Jake finished his collegiate career as a

student coach with the honors of winning the GMAC bowl twice and the Hawaii

Bowl once. Jake graduated from the University of Tulsa (Cum Laude) with a

Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Sports Science. Jake is currently a first

year medical student at Oklahoma State College of Osteopathic Medicine. Jake’s

most memorable sports moment was beating Mustang in the state championship

game his senior year.

Blake Boswell Tennis

2006 Graduate

A four-year letterman in tennis, Blake remains the most decorated singles player

in Union tennis history. His accomplishments include 3 state individual titles and

a runner up finish at the #1 singles position. He was named OTCA player of the

year and earned National Player of the Year honors as well. His leadership

contributed to Union’s first two state team titles in 2005 and 2006. Blake was

named to the All-State team his senior year and furthered his tennis career at

Boise State University for 2 years and then the University of Oklahoma where he

played for three years. Blake’s most memorable sports moment at Union was the

team winning the first tennis state title in Union’s history.

Blake is currently a tennis coach at Shadow Mountain Racquet Club.

Amanda Carreno Soccer

2006 Graduate

Named most valuable forward and midfielder as a junior and senior, Amanda

received all district honors all four years of her high school career. Listed as

Soccer Buzz Top 100 Recruit for 2006, Amanda competed internationally as a

member of the U-17 U.S. Adidas ODP All-Star Team in 2005. She was a

member of the Region III Olympic Development Program Team and played club

soccer for the Tulsa Soccer Club and coach Gene Jackson. Amanda played

collegiate soccer at Louisiana State University where she was a member of the

most successful senior class in the history of the LSU soccer program. Amanda

helped guide the Tigers to three SEC Western Division championships and three

NCAA Tournament appearances in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Amanda left the

program ranked No. 10 on the school's all-time list of career assists with 12 and

ranked No. 6 with 82 games played during her career. Amanda’s most

memorable sports moment at Union was during her sophomore year when she

had 3 assists and a goal in a game where her team came back from being down

3- 0, and ended up winning 4-3.

Austin Chadwick Football

1999 Graduate

A three year letterman and two-time all-district selection in football, Austin was

named an OCA All-State reserve and honorable mention to the Tulsa World All-

State team. A 1999 Oil Bowl selection, Austin continued his career at the

University of Tulsa where he was a 4 year starter and captain of the 2003 TU

Humanitarian Bowl Team. Austin was named All- Conference first team in 2003

and was a two-time academic all-conference honoree. USA Today named Austin

an Honorable Mention All-American in 2003. Austin is the owner/operator of

VYPE magazine and describes his most memorable sports moment at Union was

the 55-45 win over Jenks at Jenks High School in 1998 which was the school’s

first football win against Jenks since 1991.

Greg Cox Tennis

2006 Graduate

A three-year letterman in tennis, Greg was a member of two Class 5A Tennis

State Championship teams and was named to the 2006 All-State tennis team.

Greg played collegiate tennis for one year and graduated from Biola University in

California in May of 2010. Greg says his most memorable sports moment at

Union was the 2005 state tournament when he and teammate Brett Proctor won

their number one doubles quarterfinal match against Jenks in a third set

tiebreaker after being down two match points. The entire team advanced to the

semi-finals and Union won its first state tennis title the next day.

Greg currently serves as the Valet Supervisor at The Hilton Hotel in Austin, TX.

Dominique Franks Football

2006 Graduate

Named Tulsa World Oklahoma Player of the year, Dominique (Dom) Franks was

a first-team all-state selection by the Tulsa World and was runner- up for state

defensive player of the year by the Oklahoman. The KTUL Ford Award winner,

Dom was rated the No. 26 cornerback nationally by CollegeFootballNews.com.

Dom helped the Redskins to two 6A state titles and recorded seven interceptions,

three returned for touchdowns as a senior. Dom was also a return specialist and

scored three touchdowns on kickoff returns and rushed for five touchdowns. Dom

continued his career at the University of Oklahoma where he was named to the

All-Big 12 team by the coaches and All-Big 12 2nd team by the Associated

Press.

Dom is currently a cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons. Dom was considered one

of the top cornerback prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft. Dom forwent his senior

season at OU and entered the NFL Draft. Dom was selected by the Atlanta

Falcons in the 5th Round of the 2010 NFL Draft 135th overall.

Danielle Gilchrist Track & Field 2006 Graduate

A four-time state champion in the 100m hurdles and a three-time state champion

in the 300m hurdles, Danielle helped her team to win 3 state championships in

track and field. Danielle won four gold medals at the state track meet her junior

year and was twice named the Tulsa World All-Metro Girls Track Athlete of the

Year. Danielle holds the school record in both the 100m and 300m hurdles and

was named the Oklahoma Gatorade Athlete of the Year in 2005 and 2006.

Danielle continued her track career at Auburn University where she was an

NCAA Outdoor All- American in 2008 and the 2009 SEC Outdoor Champion in

the 400mhurdles. Danielle says her most memorable sports moment at Union is

when Coach Stockton would drive the bus home from meets and she and Chelsea

Helm would sing Mariah Carey songs together the whole way home.

Brad Glenn Football & Baseball

2005 Graduate

A two-year Varsity letterman in baseball, Brad was named a Louisville Slugger

High School All- American in 2005. Brad batted .385 with 12 home runs his

senior season and .485 with 10 home runs as a junior. Brad served as team

captain his junior and senior seasons. Brad also played football as a senior for the

Redskins where he was a tight end and fullback. Brad scored three touchdowns in

the state championship game which Union won 27-17 over Jenks High School his

senior year. Brad also led his baseball team to a state championship his senior

season. Brad was selected in the 17th Round of the 2008 MLB First Year Player

Draft by the Oakland A's with the 514th overall selection but turned it down to

return to University of Arizona for his senior season.

Todd Goddard Soccer

2004 Graduate

A four-year letterman in soccer, Todd was a two-time all-state honoree. Todd

was voted the Most Valuable Player both his junior and senior years and served

as team captain his senior year. Todd continued his collegiate career at the

University of Tulsa where he earned NSCAA National Player of the Week

honors and was selected to the Soccer America and College Soccer News teams

of the week. Todd was named to the NSCAA All-Midwest Team and Conference

USA third team his senior year. Todd earned Most Valuable Player honors at the

Conference USA Tournament Championship game his senior season.

Todd currently works as a graduate assistant coach for the TU men’s soccer team

while he is working on his Masters of Business Administration.

Todd’s most memorable sports moment at Union was getting his first varsity start

as well as his first Varsity goal as a freshman against Stillwater High School.

Chelsea Helm Track & Field 2006 Graduate

A two-year letter winner in basketball and a 4 year letter winner in track and

field, Chelsea was part of teams that won 3 State Championships in four years.

Chelsea was a medal winner in 4 events as a freshman; 3 events as a sophomore

and 4 events as a junior and senior. In Chelsea’s 4 years, she participated in 7

different events. During Chelsea’s junior and senior years she was state runner-up

to Danielle Gilchrist in the 300 hurdles and was a part of the 1600 relay that won

a gold medal both years. She also participated in the Great Southwest Track and

Field Meet in New Mexico in the heptathlon (7 events in 2 days) and was runner-

up. Chelsea went on to compete in track and field at the University of Kansas

where she was a multi-event athlete and was named to the Athletic Director’s and

Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Chelsea currently works as a Marketing Data Analyst for Petco’s Corporate

Headquarters and says her most memorable sports moment at Union was running

the 4 x 4 relay her senior year to win their 3rd State Title.

Amy Calmus Pom

Coach

Coach Amy Calmus led the Union Pom Squad to six state pom championships

and a state hip-hop championship during her ten years as the Varsity Pom Coach.

During her tenure, the Varsity Pom squad finished in the top 10 seven straight

years of attending UDA Nationals in Orlando, FL. Coach Calmus was named

OSDTDA Coach of the Year in 2001 and was awarded the Coach’s Leadership

Award at the UDA camps in 2008 and 2009. Coach Calmus describes leading a

team of 24 girls to a #4 ranking at the 2004 National Championship as one of her

most exciting moments of her coaching career.

Adam Blankenship Football & Track

2004 Graduate

A two-sport athlete in high school, Adam earned 4 letters in football and 2 letters

in track. Adam was honored as a member of the All-State football team and was

selected to play in the 2004 Oil Bowl game. The Oklahoma Coaches Association

selected Adam as the Region 7 Male Athlete of the Year his senior year. Adam

played collegiate football at Illinois State University where he was a member of

the 2006 All- Valley Newcomer Team and 2008 All-Valley Honorable Mention

Team and served as team captain. Adam currently is a teacher at Union’s 6th/7th

grade center and was a Varsity Football coach for the State Championship Union

Redskins. Adam’s favorite sports memory was the 2002 undefeated state football

championship.

Fauna (Kerns) Erklouts Athletic Training

2000 Graduate

An All-State Athletic Training student in high school, Fauna earned 5 letters

while assisting the football, basketball, and baseball teams. Fauna went on to

Oklahoma State University where she was a three year letterman in athletic

training and was a member of the Big 12 Athletic Training staff-of-the-year.

While at OSU, she was a three-year academic achievement award winner.

Fauna’s most memorable moment at Union was beating Jenks at Jenks for the

first time in 7 years in 1998. Fauna is currently serving as the Head Athletic

Trainer at Metro Christian Academy.

Antonio Graham Football

2005 Graduate

A four-year letterman and team captain in football, Antonio wasselected as a

member of the Oklahoma Coaches Association, the Tulsa World, and the Daily

Oklahoman All-State teams. Antonio continued his playing career at Pittsburg

State University where he was a team captain and an All-MIAA Linebacker.

Antonio was honored with the Joe Murphy Awardand was named Defensive

MVP in 2009. A teacher at Union’s 6th/7th Grade Center, Antonio also serves as

an Assistant Coach on the State Championship football team.

Antonio’s most memorable sports moment at Union was being a member of the

first team to beat Jenks in the State Finals in 2004.

Brian Hobbs Football & Baseball

1999 Graduate

A two-sport standout, Brian was a three-year letterman in both football and

baseball. Brian was honored as an All-District selection in football, was named to

the Tulsa World’s All-State team and was selected as Player of the Week his

senior year. A team captain, Brian had the most interceptions in a season by a

Union player and is the all-time interceptions leader with 18. In baseball, Brian

was a Daily Oklahoman All-State selection and was named to the All-metro and

all-District teams. Brian was also selected to the 1990s All-Decade team and

earned a spot in .400 club. Brian went on to play baseball at Connor’s State

College and Northwestern State University in Louisiana where he received a

degree in Business Administration.

Brian is currently an agent with Farmers Insurance. Brian’s most memorable

sports moment at Union is when he had 2 fourth quarter interceptions when

Union beat Jenks 55-45 at Jenks in 1998.

Brett Proctor Tennis

2005 Graduate

A four-year letterman and All-State selection, Brett was a member of the first

ever tennis state championship team at Union. Brett placed 4th at state his senior

year as part of the #1 doubles team. He continued his playing career as a four-

year letterman at Abilene Christian University where his team was crowned

conference champions 3 times and regional champions all four years. In his

senior season, Brett was a quarter-finalist at the National Tournament and beat

the #5 team in the nation. Brett received his Bachelor’s Degree in Management

and Marketing and is currently a staffing recruiter with Financial Additions in

Dallas, TX. Brett’s favorite Union memory is bringing home the first ever tennis

State Championship his senior year the same day that 3 other Union teams won

State in baseball, boys soccer, and girls track.

Melissa (Bailey) Richison Pom

2001 Graduate

A two-year Varsity letterman on pom, Melissa was a co-captain and chaplain of the

pom squad her senior year. Melissa was named to the All-State pom squad and was

honored as a Top 10 nominee for both Homecoming Queen and Miss Union.

Melissa graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in

Business Administration and is currently working for BOK Financial as a Marketing

Coordinator.

Melissa’s favorite Union memory was cheering at her first Union vs. Jenks

football game at the University of Tulsa.

Jake Spavital Football

2004 Graduate

A three-year football letterman, Jake was selected to the Daily Oklahoman, Tulsa

World, and Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State teams. Jake was also

honored as the Class 6A District 4 Player of the Year his senior year and was

selected to participate in the Oklahoma- Texas Oil Bowl game. Jake continued

his playing career at Missouri State University where he graduated Cum Laude.

Jake is currently serving as quarterbacks coach at West Virginia University. His

favorite Union sports memory was during his freshman year, at Enid, when he

got to play with his older brother Zac, who is now the secondary coach at the

University of Houston.

J.W. Emerson Football Coach

Coach Emerson enjoyed a decorated coaching career, primarily in the prep ranks,

after competing in football at Pitt State for two seasons in 1951-52. Emerson

fashioned a 221-111 record as a high school head coach, making his mark as one

of the Midwest’s greater builders. Among his coaching stops, Emerson served as

head coach at Union High School, leading the team to five District titles and

eight playoff appearances after taking over a program that managed just an 18-82

record in the 100 games prior to his arrival. His Union teams enjoyed 2 semi-

final appearances and three 10+ winning seasons. He also served as head coach at

Manhattan High School from 1969-75 leading the school to a state championship

and four league titles in six seasons. The team was winless in the three seasons

prior to his arrival. In addition, Emerson enjoyed successful stints as head coach

at Ottawa High School, Columbus High School, Lamar (Mo.) High School and

Ava (Mo.) High School. He also spent two seasons as quarterbacks/wide

receivers coach at Kansas State University (1976-77). Coach Emerson says he is

honored and humbled to receive this honor as the years at Union were very

special to him.

Sue Hatfield Contributions to Athletics

Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director

Having served as the Athletic Director’s secretary to three different athletic

directors (J.D. Barnett, Benny Dixon, and Bill Blankenship), Sue became a

consistent face in the athletic department during its most critical growth period.

Sue poured herself into the athletic department and the department steadily grew

up around her. Sue was instrumental in beginning many processes and programs

that are still currently being used in the athletic department today. Sue was the

“organization” of the organization; the brains, the face, and the hands of the

athletic department. Sue’s energetic personality and work ethic often allowed her

to work circles around everyone else. Sue says she left the Union Athletic

Department with an abundance of wonderful memories of great co- workers,

outstanding coaches, and talented sports teams and is honored to have been able

to be a small part of the Union Athletic team. The Union Athletic Department

would like to thank Sue Hatfield for her years of support of Union’s student-

athletes and coaches and for her passion for success for Union’s athletic teams.

Denise Vaniadis Contributions to Athletics

Director of Activities

Denise Vaniadis, known as Mrs. V to most, graduated from the University of

Tulsa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and she earned her Master's

Degree in Secondary Administration from Northeastern State University. She has

spent the last 20 years of her career working with student activities at Union.

She has served both the Oklahoma and National Associations of Student

Councils in executive board roles and also served for 20 years as the director of

the summer leadership training program. In 1997, she was named the National

Student Council Advisor of the Year. In 2005, the Oklahoma Association of

Student Councils created an award in her name to be given to advisors who help

mentor other advisors. Mrs. V introduced the now-famous Union Tee Pee at the

first football game in the 1994 season and a year later founded the Tee Pee Crew.

The Union Athletic Department would like to thank Mrs. V for her years of

commitment to the athletes and students of Union High School, for her support of

the Athletic Department and the athletic programs, and for her passion for

excellence for Union Public Schools.

Keely (Flynn) Bachman Soccer

2000 Graduate

A four-year letterman in soccer, Keely was voted the Most Valuable Defensive

Player of the Year and student-athlete of the year in high school. As Captain of

the University of Tulsa Women’s Soccer team, Keely was selected to TU’s

Ultimate Team and was an academic all- conference selection. Keely is currently

an IT Project Analyst with Conoco Phillips. Keely says spending time with her

amazing friends at Union, who she still stays in touch with to this day, is what

she remembers most about Union.

Corey Clayton Wrestling

Coach

A member of the 1994 Oklahoma State University National Championship

Wrestling Team, Coach Corey Clayton brought Union wrestling into the state and

national spotlight during his coaching career. Clayton was honored with several

coaching honors including All-Metro, Region 7, and OWCA Coach of the Year

and also coached the 2006 All-State team. Clayton led the Redskin wrestling

program to 2 regional, 3 conference, and 4 district titles including the Dual State

Championship in 2007 and was an assistant on the 2009 State Championship

team. Twice ranked among the Top 35 Wrestling Programs in the nation,

Clayton’s team won the prestigious Geary Tournament two times and had 3 Top

Ten finish at the Reno Tournament of Champions. Clayton began the annual

Mid-America National Wrestling Tournament and won this event on three

different occasions. Clayton’s most memorable sports moments at Union was the

district championship win over Stillwater in 2006 in front of a packed home gym

in which Union upset the #2 ranked team in the state to qualified for dual state for

the first time in 10 years. And one year later Union’s heroic performance in

winning the 2007 Dual State Championship, the 3rd seeded Redskins came from

behind in the semi-finals and finals to win the school’s first-ever state

championship.

Brian Hollands Track & Field 1990 Graduate

A two-sport athlete in high school, Brian Hollands lettered in both track & field

and football. Brian was selected as all-conference and all-state honorable mention

in football and was the Class 5A State Discus Champion his senior year after a

runner-up finish as a junior. Brian went on to compete in track & field at the

University of Kansas where he earned All-Big Eight honors and placed 5th at the

1994 Big Eight Championships in the shot put. Brian currently serves as school

director at Missouri Welding Institute.

Brian’s most memorable sports moment at Union is defeating Ryan Patterson

from Jenks in the 1988 Class 5A Regional Meet in the discus.

Megan Krause Highsteppers

2002 Graduate

A drill team “lifer”, Megan was a member of a Union dance team from 5th grade

until high school graduation. A lieutenant her junior year, Megan was a member

of the Highstepper squad that were Grand National Champions. A captain her

senior year; Megan led the Highsteppers to the Kick State Championship 3 years

in a row. Megan continued her dance career as a Kilgore College Rangerette and

later graduated from the University of Tulsa. Megan is a teacher at Sapulpa and

coaches their dance team while teaching dance at a studio. She also is a co-owner

of a choreography company. Megan’s most memorable moments at Union were

performing at halftime of the Union/Jenks game at TU to a sold out crowd,

winning grand nationals, and coming back to a Union football game to meet her

future fiancé.

Jami Mullikin Highsteppers

2001 Graduate

A Highstepper captain, Jami earned 1st place as a solo at the OSDTDA State

Championship and was selected for the All-State Dance team. While in high

school, she led the Highsteppers to state and national championships. Jami went

on to become a Kilgore College Rangerette and served as lieutenant and Head

Swingster. Jami graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and is now a High

School math teacher. Jami’s most memorable sports moments at Union were

performing at halftime of the Union/Jenks game at Skelly Stadium in front of

almost 40,00 fans and winning nationals her senior year.

Nathan Peterson Football

2004 Graduate

A three-year letterman in football, Nathan earned 1st team all-state honors his

senior year. Nathan went on to a successful career on the Oklahoma State

University football team. While at OSU, Nathan was twice named Big 12

Defensive Player of the Week, was selected to the Big 122nd team, and led the

Big 12 in tackles for a loss. In 2007, Nathan was named OSU Defensive Player

of the Year. In addition, Nathan is currently 4th in all-time sacks for OSU. After

leaving OSU, Nathan graduated from Officer’s Candidate School for the Marines

and is now 2nd Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corp. Nathan’s most

memorable sports moment at Union is winning the state championship against

Broken Arrow and playing defense with his brother Blake. Due to his military

commitments, Nathan is unable to attend tonight’s ceremony. Nathan’s brother,

Michael, a current member of the Union State Championship football team, will

accept this honor on his behalf

Nathan Price Tennis

2002 Graduate

A standout tennis athlete, Nathan was ranked #1 in Oklahoma and #1 in the

Missouri Valley Section in Boys 18 Singles while in high school. Nathan won the

Class 5A #1 Singles State Championship before earning a full scholarship to play

tennis at the University of Arkansas. Playing #1 on the Varsity tennis team at

Arkansas, Nathan was ranked #35 in NCAA Division 1 men’s singles and was

selected to the All- SEC team. Nathan led his team to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen,

the first and only time the team has been since 1986. Nathan won Intercollegiate

Tennis Association’s Van Nostrand Memorial Award for the Most Outstanding

Senior Player and was chosen by Arkansas to receive the Southeastern

Conference H. Boyd McWhorter Award as the top academic male athlete from

all sports. Nathan got his undergraduate degree from Arkansas and a master’s

degree in business administration from Oklahoma State University. In addition,

Nathan was an ATP world ranked professional tennis player. Nathan’s favorite

Union sports moment was winning the boys’ state 5A High School Tennis

Championships at #1 Singles.

Zach Snider Football

2004 Graduate

A four-year letterman in football, Zach was named the Tulsa World Player of the

Year his senior year. In addition to being named to the Tulsa World all-state and

all-district teams, Zach was named to the Oklahoman all-state team and

Oklahoma Coaches Association all-district team. Zach was honored with the

annual Ford Award Player of the Year, given to the top football player in the

state. Zach went on to play football at the University of Arkansas where he was

honored as Defensive Player of the Game. Zach then finished his playing career

at the University of Tulsa. He currently works for Orthopedic Resources. Zach’s

most memorable sports moment at Union was winning the State Championship in

2002.

ReQuecia (Kiki) Stephens Basketball

2004 Graduate

A two-sport letterman in track and basketball, Kiki was selected to the OGBCA,

Tulsa World, and McDonald’s all-state teams. A McDonald’s All- American

nominee, Kiki was named MVP of the Frontier Valley Conference and Tulsa

World Metro Player of the Year. Kiki was selected to the all- tournament teams

in Jefferson City and Jenks and was a 2nd team selection for the OSSAA State

tournament. She continued her basketball career at Wichita State University

where she was the MVC Freshman of the Year and served as captain of her team.

Kiki earned all-conference 2nd team and honorable mention honors while in

college.

Kiki is currently serving our country in the United States Army. Kiki’s most

memorable sports moment was riding on the bus from Jefferson City. She says it

was freezing but they always had fun.

Clenton Stewart, Jr. Basketball

2004 Graduate

A four-year letterman in basketball, Clent was named the Tulsa World and

OBCA State Player ofthe Year. In addition, Clent was named Frontier Valley

Conference Player of the Year and MVP of the Class 6A State Tournament and

Oklahoma/Texas All-Star game. An all-state selection, Clent led the Redskins to

a runner-up state tournament finish in 2002 and a State Championship in 2004.

Clent’s four-year varsity career record as a Redskin was 96 wins and 14 losses.

He went on to play at Kansas State University where he is 2nd all-time in career

assists, 3rd all-time in minutes played, and was the 1st freshman in school history

to start every game and was named 2005 KSU Newcomer of the Year. Clent was

twice voted KSU Most Inspirational Player and was a 4-time KSU Academic

Award winner. He is now working for Conoco Phillips and is an assistant

basketball coach at Bartlesville High School. Clent’s most memorable sports

moment at Union was winning the 2004 State Championship.

Kristin Ward Pom

2002 Graduate

Kristin served as captain of Varsity Pom squad and was selected to the OSDTDA

all-state team. In addition, Kristin was a UDA all-star and received all blue

ribbons at pom team camp. Kristin went on to Oklahoma State University where

she was accepted into OSU’s Mechanical Engineering Professional School and is

currently a structural engineer at B & T Engineering, Inc. in Tulsa. Kristin’s most

memorable sports moment was performing in the Union/Broken Arrow halftime

extravaganza’s each year.

Edith Allen Basketball, Tennis & Track

Coach

A graduate of Nathan Hale High School and two-year starter for the Oklahoma

State University women’s basketball team, Coach Edie Allen has taught physical

education at Union Public Schools for30 years. Allen spent 11 years as the Head

Basketball Coach where she guided the Lady Redskins to 6 state tournaments and

3 final four finishes. She received many coach of the year honors including Metro

Coach of the Year, Northeast Regional Coach of the Year, and was a Jim Thorpe

Hall of Fame Coach. Not only did she dedicate her time to basketball, Allen also

coached tennis and track and was named the Oklahoma Coaches Association

Regional Junior High Tennis Coach of the Year. In Allen’s 28 years of coaching,

she coached 19all-state athletes. Allen’s most memorable moment was coaching

the 1998 team that won only 3 games through January but ended up winning the

regional and area championship and made it to the final four at state. Allen says

she also enjoyed all the wonderful players, managers, athletic trainers, coaches,

and fans throughout the years.

Shannon (Sloan) Clark Cheerleading

Coach

A graduate of Union Public Schools in 1998, Coach Shannon Clark was a co-

captain of the State runner- up cheerleading squad and was an NCA All-

American that same year. Clark returned to coach her alma mater in 2002 where

she served one year as an 8th grade coach before leading a Junior Varsity team

for three years and a UCA National Championship in the JV Division with co-

coach Jaime Cooper

.For the next three years, Clark again teamed up with Cooper to coach a Varsity

team that went on to win the 2007 State Championship and three consecutive

NCA National Championships. In two of those years, the cheer squad won the

Grand National Championship which is awarded to the team with the overall

Highest score. Clark enjoyed coaching 6 All-State cheerleaders and 58 All-

Americans and says her most memorable moment in cheerleading was coaching

the 2007-2008 Varsity cheerleaders when they won the State Championship for

the first time since 1990. Clark is currently a Language Arts and Leadership

teacher the Union’s 6th & 7th grade center.

Jaime (Jackson) Cooper Cheerleading

Coach

A 1997 Union Public Schools graduate, Coach Jaime Cooper was an all- region

and Oklahoma-Texas Oil Bowl Cheerleader while in high school. After

graduating from Oklahoma State University, Cooper returned to coach her alma

mater as an 8th grade cheer coach. After leading this squad to several regional

wins, Cooper, along with fellow Hall of Fame inductee Shannon Clark, led a

Junior Varsity team that went on to win a UCA National Championship in the

Junior Varsity Division. In addition, Cooper co-coached a varsity team for three

years that won two State Runner-Up titles, the 2007 OSSAA State

Championship, three NCA Super- Large National Championships, and two

Grand National Championship titles.

Cooper coached 61 All-Americans, 6 All-State athletes, and led her team to

numerous camp championships. Cooper says she enjoyed watching squads form

life-long friendships and working daily with her dear friend Shannon Clark.

Cooper’s favorite memories of coaching Union cheer was winning four National

Championships and the 2007 team winning OSSAA Cheer State after endless

hours of practice and competed dedication for two months.

Gary Snider Football & Track

Coach (Posthumously)

A graduate of Stillwater High School and Oklahoma State University, Coach

Gary Snider had a career coaching record of 238- 48 as an assistant on various

coaching staffs. Snider began his coaching career as a defensive backs coach at

Enid High Schoolfrom 1979-1991. Coach Snider then became the Assistant Head

Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Jenks High School from 1991-1996 and

ended his coaching career as the defensive backs coach and assistant track coach

at Union High School from 1996-2006. Throughout his career, Snider coached

defensive units that helped win 15 district titles, 3 state runner-ups, and 5 State

Championships. Gary Snider passed away in 2007 but his wife Debbie says

Gary’s favorite memories were being able to coach his sons: Beau and Zach in

football and Luke in track. Accepting on behalf of Gary is his youngest son Luke,

a captain of the 2009 State Championship football team.

Leighton Brady Wrestling

2000 Graduate

A three-sport athlete in high school, Leighton was a two-time state finalist in

wrestling and was the State Champion and Boundary Athlete of the Year his

senior year. Leighton went on to wrestle at Boston University and made the

ECWA All-Rookie team and was a two-time NCAA National Qualifier. A two-

time CAA Conference finalist, Leighton graduated with his Bachelor of Science

degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology and is currently working in

echocardiography at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

Leighton’s most memorable sports moment at Union was making his first state

wrestling final.

Becky (Nelson) Drouillard Soccer & Softball

2002 Graduate

A four-year letterman in soccer and fast-pitch softball, Becky earned All-

Conference and All-State honors in both sports and All-District honors in soccer.

Becky continued her soccer career at the University of Oklahoma where she lettered

four years and was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll as well as the

Big 12 All-Academic Team, and OU’s President’s and Dean’sHonor Roll. Becky

received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and currently is a teacher

for Union Public Schools.

Becky’s most memorable sports moment at Union was being a two-sport All- Stater

and winning a state championship.

Tyler Gooch Football & Baseball

2001 Graduate

A three-sport athlete, Tyler lettered in football, baseball, and basketball and was

selected to the Tulsa World and Daily Oklahoman All- State football and baseball

teams. Tyler earned All-District honors in football and was named the co-most

valuable player his senior year. After playing two seasons for the University of

Tulsa football team, Tyler transferred to the University of Oklahoma where he

played two seasons of baseball and graduated with a degree in communications.

Tyler concluded his athletic career by playing professional baseball with the

Philadelphia Phillies minor league team for two seasons and is now an insurance

agent with Tyler Gooch Insurance Agency.

Tyler’s most memorable sports moments at Union were playing in front of

40,000 fans in the state championship and throwing the winning touchdown pass

against Jenks in overtime his junior year.

Daniel Green Wrestling

2000 Graduate

A three year letterman in wrestling, Daniel was an individual state runner-up his

junior year. In addition to being a 3-time state qualifier, Daniel was a 2- time

Regional Champion and 2-time Junior National All-American. A four-year

letterman at Columbia University, Daniel was a two-time EIWA Conference

place winner, a two- time All-Ivy League selection, and the 2003 New York State

Intercollegiate Wrestling Champion. After receiving his Bachelors of Arts in

Political Science and History, Daniel now works for the Cherokee Nation

Enterprises as a Strategic Marketing Analyst. Daniel’s most memorable sports

moment at Union was making it to the state finals his junior year.

Whitney Lynn Swimming

2001 Graduate

A four-year letterman in swimming, Whitney earned All-Conference, All- State,

and All-American honors in high school. A six-time state champion, Whitney set

records in 5 individual and 4 relay events and currently holds the Union and

Oklahoma record in the500 freestyle. As a member of the University of Arkansas

swim team, Whitney was named to the All-Conference team and honored as a

collegiate All- American and set records in the 500, 1000, and 1650 freestyles.

Whitney’s most memorable sports moment at Union was winning the 500

freestyle at state her freshman year.

Brett Myers Golf

2003 Graduate

A four-year letterman on the golf team, Brett was named to the 2003All- State

team and earned All- Conference honors twice. An Oklahoma Academic Scholar,

Brett went on to play collegiate golf at the University of Tulsa. While a member

of the TU golf team, Brett was named to the Conference USA All- Conference

team and was named an honorable mention All-American. In addition to athletic

accomplishments, Brett was twice named an Academic All-American and is now

serving as an intern at Unit Petroleum Corporation. Brett’s most memorable

sports moment at Union was when his team finished 2nd at the 6A State

Championship, the highest finish ever for a Union golf team.

Jared Naylor Football

2003 Graduate

A starter on the 2002 State Champion Football team, Jared was named to the

Tulsa World, Daily Oklahoman, and Oklahoma Coaches Association All- State

teams. A Tulsa World co-defensive player of the year, Jared was selected to play

in the Oklahoma-Texas Oil Bowl game following his senior year.

Jared then went on to be a four-year starter for New Mexico State University and

will soon graduate with a degree in communications. Jared’s most memorable

sports moment at Union was winning the state championship on his dad’s

birthday his senior year.

Kristi Posey Highsteppers

1997 Graduate

A captain of the National and State Champion Highsteppers, Kristi was the Miss

Oklahoma and Miss Kansas solo champion and was a solo finalist at Nationals

her senior year. Kristi was also a member of the National Champion small

ensemble team and later went on to be a captain and Head Swingster of the

famous Kilgore College Rangerettes. Kristi earned her undergraduate degree

from the University of Tulsa and received her Master’s in Educational

Leadership Studies from Oklahoma State University while directing the Union

Highsteppers to several state championships. Kristi currently serves as the

Director of St. Dustan’s Preschool.

Kristi’s most memorable sports moment at Union was competing at and winning

multiple titles at MA Nationals in San Antonio.

Jon Radford Football

2003 Graduate

A two-year letterman in football, Jon was a member of the 2002 State

Championship football team. After high school, Jon played football at

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M where he was honored as a JUCO All-American.

Jon then went on to Colorado State University. Jon’s most memorable sports

moment at Union was his interception in the state championship game and going

undefeated his senior year to become Class 6A State Champions.

Jordan Renz Baseball & Football

2002 Graduate

A two-sport standout athlete at Union, Jordan earned All-Metro and All- State

honors in both baseball and football. An All-Conference baseball selection,

Jordan went on to play baseball professionally and was honored for Major

League baseball’s best single game performance. Jordan finished up the 2008

season with the Anaheim Angels and is currently going to school to pursue

physical therapy.

Jordan’s most memorable sports moment at Union was his entire senior year

football season.

Sarah Saffa Cross Country & Track

2003 Graduate

A four-year letterman in cross country and track, Sarah was named the most

valuable distance athlete and cross country and track runner of the year. Sarah

was a conference and regional champion and a member of the 2003 State

Championship Track team. Sarah set records at the OSU Cowboy Jamboree and

cross-country state championship in 2002. Sarah earned a track and cross-country

scholarship to the University of Arkansas and is currently working on her

Master’s in Latin American Studies from Kansas University.

Sarah’s most memorable sports moment at Union was when she set the cross

country Top 50 High School Women’s times at the OSU Cowboy Jamboree in

2002.

Blake Smith Football

2003 Graduate

A three year letterman in football, Blake was named the Defensive Player of the

Year by the Daily Oklahoman his senior year. A Tulsa World and Daily

Oklahoman All-State selection, Blake continued his football career at Colorado

State University where he was a four-year starter and honorable mention All-

Mountain West selection in 2006. Blake will graduate in May with a liberal arts

degree and says his memorable sports moment at Union was winning the 2002

State Championship over Broken Arrow, 52-3.

Nicole Tichansky Pom

2002 Graduate

A member of the Union pom squad her senior year, Nicole participated on many

dance teams throughout her high school career. Currently working as an Equity

singer and dancer at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, Nicole graduated

from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and

Advertising. Nicole’s most memorable sports moment at Union was attending

UDA camp with the Varsity pom squad, growing as a group and learning to work

as a team to achieve their goals.

Brian Walker Baseball

2003 Graduate

A team captain and four year varsity letterman in baseball, Brian was an All-

Conference, All-District, and All-State selection for the Redskins. In addition to

being voted the conference most valuable player, Brian was named his team’s

Offensive and Defensive player of the year. Brian signed for a full scholarship at

Arizona State University as a freshman where he was red shirted. From there he

went to the University of Arkansas, earned the starting catchers position and

played baseball for3 years before signing a professional baseball contract with

the Anaheim Angels of L.A. Currently he is married, residing in Fayetteville

Arkansas in the off season and he and his wife Mckenzi are expecting their 1st

child in late March, early April. He will start his second full season will the

Angels in February when spring training begins. Brian’s most memorable sports

moment at Union was his walk off homerun to win the Owasso Tournament

against Broken Arrow his senior year.

Scott Webb Football

2003 Graduate

A two-sport athlete, Scott was an All-Metro and All-State selection in football

and team captain in soccer. A 2nd team All-State soccer selection, Scott

ranked#15 nationally as a kicker by Rivals.com. Scott continued his football

career at Kansas University and was a member of the 2008 Orange Bowl

Championship team.

Scott is the 2nd all-time scoring leader for KU and is #1 in single season scoring,

while leading his team in scoring in 2005, 2006, and 2007. A two-time Big 12

Academic selection, Scott now works for Hydroworx. Scott’s most memorable

sports moment at Union was winning the State Championship in 2002.

Melissa Zumwalt Highsteppers

1994 Graduate

A captain for the Union Highsteppers, Melissa was the Oklahoma State Dance

Competition solo winner and later danced with the renowned Kilgore College

Rangerettes. After graduating from Northeastern State University with a Bachelor

of Arts degree in elementary education, Melissa taught at Darnaby Elementary

and coached the Union Highsteppers for many years. Melissa is currently the

director of weekday preschool at First Baptist Church Owasso.

Melissa’s most memorable moments at Union were winning Nationals with the

Highsteppers as a sophomore and getting to return to Union as both a teacher and

a coach.

Jeff Moore Football & Weight Training

Coach (Posthumously)

A graduate of Central High School and Oklahoma State University, Jeff taught

physics and chemistry at Union High School for 29 years. In addition to teaching,

Jeff coached football, track, and weight training and touched the lives of many

student-athletes throughout his time at Union. Coach Moore passed away in

September of 2007.

Caleb Blankenship Football

2001 Graduate

A three-year starter on Union's football team, Caleb earned three letters and

another two in baseball. He received all-district honors in football. He was named

to the Oil Bowl team and homecoming king in2001. Caleb continued his career at

the University of Tulsa where he earned second team All-WAC honors and was a

four-time Academic All-Wac member. He was named to the 2004-05 John

Mackey Watch List for the top tight end in the nation. Caleb received his

Business Management degree in 2005and currently works as a medical sales rep.

What my Union experience meant to me: I loved every moment, the memories

and friendships will last a lifetime.

Ralph Charles, Jr. Basketball

2000 Graduate

A three-year letterman in basketball, Ralph earned first team all-state and all-

conference honors and honorable mention All-USA honors. He was named the

1999 Tournament of Champions MVP and led the team in steals, assists and

scoring his senior year. He continued his athletic career at Oral Roberts

University where he was a four-year letterman. Ralph earned a Bachelor of

Science degree in accounting. He met his wife, Keisha, at ORU. Ralph currently

works as a gas revenue accountant for IBM Consulting. What my Union

experience meant to me: It opened doors for me to meet many influential people

and lifelong friends. I learned self-discipline, diligence and respect for others.

Jana Cooper Basketball

2000 Graduate

A three-sport athlete in basketball, track and field and slow pitch softball, Jana

earned five letters, three as a basketball manager and one each in track and field

and slow pitch softball. Jana graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in

2004. She served as class president from her sophomore through her senior years

at OBU She was a member of the student government association, Dean's honor

roll and President's honor roll. Jana currently works at St. Francis Hospital as a

registered nurse. What my Union experience meant to me: I learned the meaning

of the phrase, "I am third" as practiced by my basketball coach. She taught me the

importance of teamwork and humility, two qualities that have helped me become

the person I am today.

Jennifer Cooper Softball

1995 Graduate

Jennifer was a two-sport athlete, earning three letters each in softball and as a

basketball manager. She played on the 1992 state championship softball team.

Jennifer earned an athletic scholarship as the women's basketball manager at

Eastern Oklahoma State College. She currently works as the Disaster Coordinator

at Oklahoma Disaster Restoration. What my Union experience meant to me: The

personal investment made by my coaches helped establish my self-worth and

prepared me to go into the real world and be an effective team member at work

and at home.

Trinity Dawson Football

2001 Graduate

A three-sport athlete, Trinity competed in football, wrestling and track. Trinity

played football at the University of Toledo (Ohio) and served as team captain in

2005. Trinity was named a Draddy Trophy semifinalist, the equivalent of the

Academic Heisman. He received the 2004 Toledo Academic Achievers Award

and earned 2006 All Mid-American Conference first team honors. He was named

the 2005 GMAC Bowl MVP. He currently lives in Toledo where he works for

Red Man Pipe and Supply, a Tulsa based company. What my Union experience

meant to me: My athletic experience has taught me more about life and what it

means to be a man than I could have ever imagined.

Rainey Garcia Softball

2000 Graduate

A three-sport athlete in basketball, softball and track, Rainey earned four letters

in softball. She received all-conference and all-state honors and played on the

Redskins' 1999 state championship team. She received All-American and All-

Region softball honors at Seminole State. She continued her education at

Oklahoma State where she received her bachelors of Science degree in business

management. She currently works as a billing clerk with Helmerich and Payne.

What my Union experience meant to me: My athletic career taught me discipline,

developed my character and showed me how to compete for my aspirations in

life.

Andrea (Graves) Anderson Soccer

1995 Graduate

Andrea earned four letters in soccer, serving as the Redskins team captain in

1995. A four-year letter winner at Baker University, Andrea was an NAIA All-

American and the leading scorer on her team. She was named team captain in

1997 and 1998. Today, she is a stay-at-home mom residing in Lawrence, Kansas.

What my Union experience meant to me: Being a part of a team helped me to feel

a sense of belonging and to develop as a person, knowing other people were

counting on me as much as I had to depend on them.

Kimberly (Graves) Blankenship Soccer

2000 Graduate

Kim received all-district and all-state honors in soccer. She was named soccer

homecoming queen. Kim attended Oklahoma State University where she played

soccer on the 2003 Big 12 Tournament championship team. She was named the team

captain in 2002 and 2003 and voted most inspirational player in 2003. Kim finished

her career as the second leading scorer at OSU and was named the NCAA Woman

of the Year in 2004 by OSU. She currently works as Operations Services Specialist

for Mazzio's Corporation. What my Union experience meant to me: Athletics has

always been a big part of my life, helping me develop life- long friendships, lessons

and memories.

Lauren Henry Softball

2000 Graduate

A four-year letter winner in softball and three-year letter winner in basketball,

Lauren earned all- conference, all-district and all-state softball honors at Union.

She also was named an academic all- stater. She received the President's

Leadership Council scholarship and earned her teaching degree in science. She is

a biology teacher at the Union Intermediate High School. What my Union

experience meant to me: My athletic experience at Union gave me qualities that I

carry with my even now. It taught me how to be a part of a team, hard work,

dedication and commitment. Athletics gave me friendships and memories that

will last a lifetime.

Michael Johnson Football

1999 Graduate

A three-sport athlete at Union, Johnson competed in football, basketball and

track, earning eight letters. Signed with Georgia and earned the team's MVP

award in 1999 and 2000, the 2002 Iron Man Award, 2002 most improved

offensive player and a special performance review from the Auburn game.

Currently works as a real estate broker in Georgia. What my Union experience

meant to me: It gave me a possible outlet, taught me teamwork and hard work,

and most importantly, it was a lot of fun. I learned a lot from my teammates and

coaches.

Emily Jones Pom

2000 Graduate

Emily was the varsity pom squad captain, earning two letters. She was a member

of the All-State dance team and NCA Danz All-American dancer. Emily

graduated from the University of Kansas. She graduated on the Dean's list at

Tulsa College of Law with a specialization certificate in International and

Comparative law. In addition to her dutiesas varsity pom assistant coach, Emily

is counsel consultant at Gould Associates Attorneys at Law. What my Union

experience meant to me: I was blessed to be part of the pom program at Union,

from friendships to national competitions; my years at Union will always be close

to my heart. This program and its continued success mean the world to me.

I am lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of this program and have the

ability to be a positive role model and influence on girls’ lives.

Amy Mejia Softball

2000 Graduate

Amy earned four fast pitch softball letters, two basketball letters and one slow

pitch softball letter at Union. She was a member of the 1999 state championship

team. She earned Frontier Conference honors four years and All-State honors in

1999. Amy played in three state softball tournaments and two state basketball

tournaments for the Redskins. At Union University in Jackson, Tenn., she earned

her bachelor of science in sports management and marketing. She was a member

of the NAIA All- American softball team in 2002 and played in the NAIA World

Series in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Amy works as an office manager for Royal

Furniture Gallery in Jackson, Tenn. What my Union experience meant to me: It

has been one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. It has given me friends,

fun, family, good times and many learning experiences. It also provided me with

the opportunity to play at the collegiate level and obtain my education. It

provided many wonderful memories I will have and remember the rest of my life.

Andrea (Parker) Daniel Basketball

2000 Graduate

Andrea earned three varsity basketball letters and one in slow pitch softball. She

was named to the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association All-State,

Academic All-State and all-conference first team honors. She was named the

1999-2000 Union Boundary/Community Bank and Trust Student Athlete of the

Year. She graduated from Oklahoma State in 2004 and currently works at

Samson Resources as a geological technician. What my Union experience meant

to me: I loved playing basketball, but playing at Union was more than just

playing the game. It meant being part of a team representing my school and

striving to better myself as an athlete and a person.

Amanda Robison Pom

2000 Graduate

Amanda participated in soccer, track and field and served as the captain of the

pom squad. While at Union, she was a member of the Principal's honor roll,

secretary of Future Business Leaders of American and National Dance Team

Association. She received a BA of Journalism/Advertising from the University of

Oklahoma. She is the co- owner of Oklahoma Motion LLC Dance Studio in

Owasso and coaches the Union junior varsity pom squad and spirit at Union

Intermediate High School. What my Union experience meant to me: Being an

athlete at Union was an honor and it taught me the importance of dedication,

perseverance and teamwork. After being on the varsity pom squad, I was

equipped with skills and confidence to try out for the college dance team and

further my athletic training and passion for dance at the University of Oklahoma.

I love Union and am so proud to be a Redskin for life and to carry on the Union

tradition of excellence and pride.

Jon Shepherd Basketball

1999 Graduate

Jon a starter on the basketball team, earned all-state honors his senior season. He

signed with Northeastern State University in Tahlequah where he was a two-time

All-American and member of the 2003 NCAA Division II national championship

team. He currently works as an accountant in Phoenix, Ariz. What my Union

experience meant to me: It was a life- changing experience that has left a life-

long positive impression.

Darrell Wimberly II Football

2000 Graduate

A two-year starter in the Union secondary, Wimberly was a 2000 All-State and

Oil Bowl selection. He continued his career at the University of Tulsa where he

earned WAC Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2003.

He received his degree in marketing and currently works in inside line- pipe sales

for McJunkin- Red Man.

What my Union experience meant to me: My athletic experience meant a lot to

me. It taught me lessons on discipline, perseverance and how to deal with

adversity.

Bill Blankenship Football Coach

In 14 seasons, Blankenship compiled a 154-26 record, winning three state

championships in 2002, 2004 and 2005 and four state runner-up finishes. He

guided the Redskins to a 56-game home win streak. Union reached the playoffs

in all 14 years Blankenship directed the football program. A two-year starter at

quarterback at the University of Tulsa where he graduated in 1980, Blankenship

returned to his alma mater as receivers coach for the 2008 football season. Bill is

being inducted in the Union Hall of Fame with son Caleb and daughter-in-law

Kimberly Graves Blankenship. What my Union experience meant to me: My

time at Union was really beyond description, a greater experience than I could

ever have imagined. I absolutely love Union and especially the people that make

up what we know as the Union Family.

Gil Cloud Director of Athletics

1976 - 1991

Cloud served as Union Public Schools first full-time Director of Athletics and

Health and Physical Education. Under his direction, Union built an 11,000-seat,

artificial turf football stadium, 9 gymnasiums, 2 baseball stadiums, 2 outdoor

track facilities, 8 tennis courts, 2weight rooms, 12 scoreboard systems, 5 press

box additions and 3 message centers at a cost of over $20 million. A 3-time

Oklahoma Athletics Director of the year in 1980, 1982 and 1989, Cloud was also

named Regional Athletic Director of the Year in 1989. In 1992, he received the

National Federation of Secondary Activities Associations Distinguished Service

Award, 1989 State Award of Merit, 1979 National Federation Citation for

Outstanding Athletics Director. Currently he is the Director of Athletics and

Interim Director of Alumni Relations/Development at Upper Iowa University.

What my experience meant to me: When Dr. Wesley Jarman hired me in1976, it

was the most important step of my professional career. Union is a special place

and will always be special to me and my family. I am in my 32nd year as

Athletics Director and have loved every minute of it. Had it not been for that

Sandy Hanlin Golf

Coach (Posthumously)

One of Union's most popular coaches, Hanlin spent 26 years at Union before

retiring from teaching in 2002. He continued to coach through the 2005 season.

In addition to serving as both the boys and girls varsity golf coach, Hanlin

founded the school's junior high program. Hanlin was the 1999 Oklahoma All-

State (Class 5A) Boys Golf Coach of the Year; the Oklahoma Region 7 Golf

Coach of the Year in 1994, 1996 and 2004. He was named Frontier Conference

Coach of the Year in 1985, 1994, 1996 and 2004. Hanlin coached 20 student-

athletes who continued their careers at the collegiate level, including Michael

Boyd, who plays golf professionally. A three-year letterman in baseball at

Northeastern State University, Hanlin compiled a 15-5 record as a pitcher. Sandy

passed away in August of 2007. He is survived by his wife Carole, daughter

Bonnie Rain and son Todd of Oklahoma City. Accepting on behalf of Sandy is

his wife Carole.

Carole on Sandy's experience at Union: Coach Hanlin was proud of the growth in

Union's golf program. When he first started there were barely enough boys to

field a team. During his tenure the boys’ teams grew, the girls program was

started and an outstanding junior high program assures the continued success

of the well-known and well-respected Redskin golf program.

Tim Johnson Wrestling

Coach

In 11 seasons as the Union wrestling coach, Tim coached 14 individual

champions and was a member of the staff of the 1982 state championship squad.

Twice he was named Frontier Conference coach of the year and he received the

teacher of the year honor in 1982. Tim grew up in Pennsylvania where he was a

two-time Pennsylvania Big 10 wrestling champ, regional champ and sectional

champ. He was the Adam Eidemiller Award recipient for character and

citizenship. A graduate of Oral Roberts University in 1980, Johnson remained in

Tulsa to take a job with Union School District. What my Union experience meant

to me: More than any state title, what was most rewarding was watching young

men in matters of principle stand like a rock.

Ronnie Balfour Wrestling

2010 Graduate (Posthumously)

With a career record of 108 wins and only 13 losses, Ronnie was a Large East

All-State Selection in 2010. Ronnie was also a three-time state qualifier,

finishing runner-up his junior season and winning the 2010 Class 6A State

Championship in the 171-pound weight class his senior year. Ronnie completed

his high school career with 351 takedowns and 47 pins/falls. A four-time Fargo

All-American, Ronnie was the 2009 Cadet Freestyle Fargo National Runner-up

as well as the 2010 Junior Greco-Roman Fargo National Runner-up.

After finishing his prep career, Ronnie was the sixth-ranked recruit in the nation

and earned a wrestling scholarship to the University of Oklahoma.

In 2011, Ronnie’s wrestling career was cut short due to being diagnosed with

acute myelogenous leukemia, a rare form of cancer. Ronnie passed away on

February 21, 2012, at the age of 20.

Ronnie’s mother, Terrace Martin, remembers a match at the Reno Tournament of

Champions where all other matches stopped and watched Ronnie compete. He

then went on to win the tournament and was named the tournament’s Outstanding

Wrestler.

Ashton Collier Golf

2011 Graduate

Ashton was a senior on the team that won Union’s first-ever girls’ golf state

championship in 2011. Ashton individually won 10 tournaments and finished in

the top 10 in 38 out of the 40 events she played in. She was a three-time Tulsa

World All-Metro selection and was the 2009 Tulsa World Player of the Year.

She was the individual state runner-up her sophomore and junior years. Ashton

continued her playing career at Oral Roberts University for two seasons. She

graduated from OSU with a degree in Finance and is now working for Merrill

Lynch as a financial advisor.

Ashton’s most memorable sports moment at Union was shooting a 78 in her first

tournament as a freshman, tying for first place at the state tournament as a

sophomore, and being a part of the first Union women’s golf team to win the

Class 6A State Tournament.

Josh DuPree Football

2001 Graduate

A three-year letterman in football, Josh recorded 357 career tackles and 11 career

sacks before being selected to the Oklahoma Coaches Association East All-State

Team and the Oil Bowl team his senior year. Josh continued his athletic career at

the University of Tulsa where he received a degree in Accounting and was a four-

year member of the Golden Hurricane football team. Josh recorded 113 tackles,

2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions during his collegiate career.

Josh is currently the IP teacher at the Union 6th Grade Center and coaches

outside linebackers for the varsity football team. Josh’s most favorite Union

memory was playing in front of 45,000 people at the University of Tulsa in the

1999 Class 6A State Championship game.

Richard Gotcher Football, Basketball & Baseball

1960 Graduate

A multi-sport athlete, Richard lettered in three different sports with four years in

football, three years in basketball, and two years in baseball. He maintained a batting

average of around 400, while playing center field and shortstop. He was also a

member of Union's first Regional Track team and was the anchor for the third-place

mile-relay team while placing second in the discus throw. During his senior year in

football, Richard ran for 1,569 yards, propelling Union football to its first district

championship in Class C Football. For his overall academic and athletic abilities, he

received the Dare to Be Great Award, which was a national achievement for a school's

single deserving graduate. After graduation, Richard served in the United States Air

Force and later became a reporter for the Wall Street Journal in Washington D.C. He

is now retired and living in Scottsdale, Arizona. His most memorable sports moment

at Union was beating Owasso in the last two minutes with a 70-yard run after

suffering a first-quarter injury.

J.C. Hartzler Basketball

2012 Graduate

While averaging 14.6 points per game his season year, JC led his team to a

perfect 29 and 0 undefeated season to win the Class 6A State Championship. The

2012 Tulsa World Oklahoma Player of the Year, JC also was named Frontier

Valley Conference Player of the Year, OBCA Player of the Year, OCA All-State,

and Daily Oklahoman All-State. JC closed out his prep career with 964 career

points and continued his playing career at Rogers State University. As a

freshman, JC played in all 32 contests, making 20 starts for the Hillcats.

Throughout the remainder of his college career, JC averaged double figures and

was named to the Capital One Academic All-District team, becoming the first

person in the men’s basketball program to earn such an honor. Averaging 17.7

points per game his senior year, JC became RSU’s all-time leading scorer with

1,413 total career points and was voted the Heartland Conference Player of the

Year. His team won the league title that year and became NCAA Division 2

Heartland Conference Champions. An Academic All-American, JC was also

active in leadership roles on campus and served on the RSU Student-Athlete

Advisory Committee as the vice president while studying Applied Technology.

JC graduated from RSU in 2016 and is currently studying Mechanical

Engineering at OSU.

JC’s most memorable sports moment at Union was going undefeated with nine

seniors to win the state championship in 2012.

Nelson Head Swimming

2009 Graduate

A four-year letterman in swimming, Nelson excelled in the pool as well as in the

classroom. Head was a four-time Tulsa World All-Metro honoree, a two-time

Class 6A state champion, as well as the 2009 Tulsa World All-Metro Swimmer

of the Year, Oklahoma Class 6A Swimmer of the Year, and the Jim Thorpe

Sportsmanship Swimmer of the Year. He also holds several school records for

the Redskins. Nelson competed at Texas Christian University on a swimming

scholarship, where he was a four-year letterman, president of the TCU Student-

Athlete Advisory Committee, Big XII Conference Scholar-Athlete, and USA

Swimming National Qualifier. Nelson was awarded with the Big XII Conference

Dr. Prentice Gautt Postgraduate Scholarship and is currently studying to become

a physician assistant at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in

Oklahoma City.

Nelson’s favorite memorable Union sports moment was tying for first place in

the 200-medley relay at the 2008 Class 6A State Championship meet.

Kevin Kuntz Baseball

2009 Graduate

An All-Conference, All-Metro, and defensive player of the year selection, Kevin

was a three-year starter for the Union Redskins baseball team. With a career

batting average of .417, Kevin was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 48th

round. Kevin went on to the University of Kansas where he was a three-year

starter and team captain for the Jayhawks. There Kevin twice earned the Gold

Glove Award and was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s and Athletic

Director’s Honor Roll all three years. He became the NCAA statistical record

holder and was once again drafted by the Kansas City Royals but this time in the

28th round. Kevin played two years of professional baseball before landing a

position as an assistant for baseball operations for the Kansas City Royals.

Kevin’s most memorable sports moment at Union was the 2009 regional game

vs. Bartlesville where Union was down 7-2 and, in the final inning, came back to

win to advance to the state tournament.

Taylor Monaghan Cross Country & Track

2009 Graduate

The 2009 Oklahoma Gatorade Runner of the Year, Taylor excelled on the cross

country and track teams, winning the state championship in both the mile and

two-mile races his senior year. Taylor was a member of four state championship

teams in high school, two in cross-country and two in track. He was an

individual state runner-up in cross country and earned 14 state medals throughout

his high school career. Taylor went on to compete at Oklahoma State University

where he was a three-time NCAA National Champion Cross Country Team

member and was honored all four years on the All-Big 12 Track Team. Taylor

also excelled in the classroom and was a seven-time Academic All-Big 12 Cross

Country and Track honoree. In addition, Taylor represented the United States of

America at the NACAC Cross Country Championships in Trinidad. Awarded

with the Dr. Prentice Gautt Big 12 Postgraduate Scholarship, Taylor graduated

with a master’s in Exercise Physiology. Taylor is now working at the Heart

Hospital at Saint Francis as an Exercise Physiologist.

Taylor’s most memorable sports moment at Union was winning state in the mile

and two mile his senior year while helping his team bring home the state

championship for the second year in a row.

Megan Myers Swimming

2011 Graduate

A four-year varsity athlete in swimming, Megan won four individual state titles

with three consecutive in the 500 freestyle. Megan led her team to three straight

Class 6A state runner up titles and broke a state meet record in the 400-Meter

Free while being named Tulsa World All-Metro Swimmer of the Year twice.

A school record holder in several events, Megan went on to swim collegiately at

Boise State University where she was a Mountain West Academic All-

Conference selection all four years. While at Boise State, Megan was a member

of two Mountain West Conference Championship teams & two runner-ups.

Megan graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Business Administration in

Finance and is currently the Director of Marketing for PractiVet Animal Health.

Megan’s most memorable sports moment at Union was taking part in the

National Signing Day Ceremony at Union High School.

Luke Snider Football & Track

2010 Graduate

A three-year letter winner in football & track, Luke was a member of the 2008 &

2009 Class 6A State Championship football and track teams. Luke was a part of

football teams that posted a three-year record of 39 wins and 3 losses while he

recorded 11 tackles in the 2009 Class 6A State Championship football game vs.

Jenks. Luke earned first-team Tulsa World All-State and All-Metro accolades

his senior season and was named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association East All-

State Team. Luke also set the school record in the long jump with a jump of 23’-

1”. Luke was a Mr. & Miss Union top-three finalist and was honored as

Homecoming King. He continued his athletic career playing football at the

University of Tulsa where he was on the Academic Honor Roll for four years and

was named Special Teams Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015. Luke is

currently a Physical Education teacher at Union’s 6th Grade Center and is a

member of the varsity football and track coaching staffs.

Luke said his favorite Union sports memory is making a play on the sidelines in

the state game his senior year and his brothers Beau & Zach were the first two to

greet him and celebrate with him, which made up for his dad not being able to.

Cole Way Football & Baseball

2010 Graduate

A three-year letterman in football and baseball, Cole was a two-time state

champion in football as well as a member of the 2010 6A State Championship

baseball team. For his accomplishments in football, Cole was selected to both

the All-State and Oil Bowl teams. Cole was also a first-team All-VYPE selection

in both football and baseball. In 2010, Chris Sailer Kicking ranked Cole a Top-5

punter nationally. Cole continued his football career at the University of Tulsa

where he started as the punter and kickoff specialist all three years. He was

named to the first-team All-Conference USA team as a freshman and was a

member of the 2012 Conference USA and Liberty Bowl Championship team.

Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2014, Cole has 10 career wins and more

than 10 career saves as a professional pitcher.

Cole’s favorite sports memory at Union was pitching against Jenks as a

sophomore with his older brother Tress playing at third base behind him.

Stephen Randall Wrestling & Softball

Coach

Throughout a 25-year coaching and teaching career at Union Public Schools,

Coach Randall taught both history and physical education while becoming the

head wrestling coach in 1996 and eventually starting the slow-pitch softball

program at Union in 1999. He also served as assistant coach to the fast-pitch

softball program during this time, even leading the program as the head coach in

2003. Coach Randall led his teams to victory in the 2010 & 2013 OSSAA Slow-

Pitch State Championship games. A decorated athlete himself, Coach Randall

won two state championships as a wrestler at Perry High School and earned

NCAA All-American distinction twice at OSU where he was a part of three

consecutive Big 8 team titles.

Coach Randall’s favorite sports memory at Union was the 2010 state slow-pitch

championship, the first in school history. His team also won the academic state

championship that same year.

Dr. Cathy Burden Superintendent of Schools

1994 - 2013

An avid sports fan, Dr. Burden was involved in the passing of 27 bond issues for

over $306 million dollars in which athletic facilities, equipment and technology

were major components. Her leadership and vision focused on hiring strong

individuals to lead as head coaches, and she was a part of a leadership team that

enjoyed over 80 state championships while developing facilities like the UMAC,

the Baseball/Softball Complex, the tennis courts, the soccer fields, the track,

Central Park, the stadium, and the pool. Dr. Burden deeply appreciated Union

students’ participation in extra-curricular activities and wanted the students to

know that their participation was a valued part of their overall education here at

Union Public Schools. An educator with more than forty-one years of experience

as an educational psychologist and school district administrator, Dr. Burden

retired from Union Public Schools on June 30, 2013, after nineteen years. Since

her retirement, Dr. Burden served temporarily as CEO of Impact Tulsa and is

currently an educational consultant. Married for 49 years, Dr. Burden and

husband Ron have two grown children and four grandchildren.

Dr. Burden’s most favorite sports memory of Union were her seven state

championship rings for football. She explains, “every time we defeated Jenks, it

was a thrill.”

The TeePee Contributions to Athletics

In 1994, Union’s leadership class envisioned student-athletes taking to the field

through something other than a paper sign. Todd Koch and Tony Layne had built

a two-person TeePee as Boy Scouts and brought the design to the class. It was

there, behind Tony’s artistic design, that the TeePee was born. After much

convincing, a company named Kerr that manufactures sailboats made Union its

first-ever TeePee. Tony airbrushed and painted the TeePee, which mirrors the

design you see today. Daniel Leung and Brad Ruttman joined Todd and Tony as

Union’s first TeePee set-up crew and throughout the first year, the four of them

set up the TeePee by themselves. The TeePee has been a tradition at every

football game and has not missed a single game in more than 23 years, traveling

to California, New Mexico, Ohio, Louisiana and Texas on multiple occasions. It

has also been a fixture at home basketball games and senior night activities for

many other sports. For their contributions to Union Athletics and the legacy of

the TeePee, we are honored to induct Todd, Tony, Daniel and Brad into the

Union Hall of Fame.

Todd Koch Contributions to Athletics

Original TeePee Crew

Named Mr. Union in 1995 and a four-year member of Union’s Renegade

Regiment, Todd was a co-builder of the first TeePee in 1994. In high school,

Todd was also a chairperson for the National Student Council Convention hosted

by Union in 1995 and served as Student Council’s Spirit Vice President. Todd

graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1999 and Lutheran School

of Theology in 2010 where he received the Kenneth Echols Price for Excellence

in Preaching award. Todd will graduate from George Washington University in

2018 with a dual Physician Assistant and Master of Public Health degree.

One of Todd’s favorite high school memories was most likely “illegally” cutting

down the trees for the first teepee poles from a housing development still under

construction while driving his parents’ minivan with his brother and other crew

members. He also remembers the 1995 Boys’ State Soccer Championship and

the convoy they led to cheer on the team to victory.

Tony Layne Contributions to Athletics

Original TeePee Crew

The architect behind the design of the TeePee, Tony was on the Student Council

Board in high school where he helped coordinate the National Student Council

Conference hosted by Union his senior year. Graduating first in his class with a

Bachelor’s in Architecture from Oklahoma State University, Tony went on to a

double master’s program at the University of Minnesota with a Master of

Architecture and a Master of Science in Sustainable Design. In 2000, Tony

joined the Minneapolis studio of global design firm Perkins+Will as an intern

architect. There he worked through the ranks, serving for five years as the Global

Director of Sustainable Design before becoming the youngest Managing Partner

in the firm where he now leads the Minneapolis practice. Tony currently lives in

Minneapolis with his wife Ann and son Elijah.

His favorite memory of setting up the teepee was at Boone Pickens Stadium in

Stillwater during Union’s run to the state finals in 1995.

Daniel Leung Contributions to Athletics

Original TeePee Crew

Union High School Senior Class Vice-President and Mr. Union finalist, Daniel

was a member of the tennis team for one year. Daniel also served as a

chairperson for the National Student Council Convention hosted by Union in

1995. Daniel continued his education at the University of Oklahoma where he

was a Top-10 Junior and Top-10 Senior and a member of the OU Crimson Club.

Daniel earned the Outstanding Senior of the College of Arts and Sciences as well

as the Cyril F. “Duke” Flad Award. Daniel was also honored as Lambda Chi

Alpha’s Outstanding Undergraduate Man of the Year. Daniel currently serves as

the Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Baylor College of Medicine in

Houston, Texas, as well as the Director of Clinical Research, Division of

Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition, at Texas Children’s Hospital.

Daniel’s favorite sports memory at Union was the Union vs. Booker T.

Washington football games that featured Union’s Justin Fuente vs. Booker T.

Washington’s R.W. McQuarters.

Brad Ruttman Contributions to Athletics

Original TeePee Crew

A member of the Student Council Board his senior year, Brad was a three-year

letterman in the sport of wrestling. Brad was also a member of the first Union

Ice Hockey club team in 1995 and was a chairperson for the 1995 National

Student Council Convention. After high school, Brad graduated from the

University of Oklahoma with a degree in Environmental Engineering. He

subsequently joined the United States Air Force and eventually the Oklahoma Air

National Guard as an F-16 pilot. Brad has over 70 combat sorties in support of

Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and currently holds

the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Brad resides in Owasso, OK, with his wife

Stephanie and their five children.

Brad has fond memories of putting up the TeePee for its inaugural year, even

though they had to pull people out of the bleachers every game to help. Union’s

run to the state finals his senior year, with the TeePee present, was one of his

favorite high school sports memories.

Chase Boyce Football

2010 Graduate

Chase Boyce was a 4-year letter winner in football and starting quarterback of the

2008 & 2009 state championship football teams. During his high school career,

Chase threw for over 4,200 yards and accounted for 54 touchdowns. He is the

only Union quarterback to win 2 state championships. Chase was named the

district’s most outstanding player as well as an Oklahoma Coaches Association

East All-State selection and Oil Bowl honoree his senior season. In 2009, the

Redskins finished #6 in the nation in USA Today Super 25 Rankings. Chase

continued his education at the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 2014

with a Business Communications degree. He is currently working at Airco

Service.

Chase’s most memorable sports moments at Union were throwing the game

winning touchdown as time expired against defending Arkansas 7A state

champion Bentonville High School and beating Jenks 52-19 in the state

championship game as a senior.

Brock Dixon Football

2005 Graduate

A three-year football letter winner and member of the 2002 and 2004 state

championship teams, Brock was a great leader and fantastic player for the Union

Redskins. While as a team captain his senior season, he played on both defense

and offense while also returning punts. As a safety, Brock accounted for 100

career tackles, 27 unassisted tackles, 1 quarterback sack, 1 fumble recovery, 4

interceptions and 7 pass break ups. As a receiver, Brock had 12 career catches

for 192 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 carries for 11 yds. He also returned 28 career

punts for 177 yards. Because of his athletic performance, Brock was honored as

a first-team All-Metro selection, Oklahoma Coaches Association All-Stater and

was selected to the Oklahoma Oil Bowl team. He was also named Union

Homecoming King his senior year. Brock went on to Oklahoma State University

where he graduated with a marketing and management degree. He currently

works as a customer success manager at NORDAM.

Brock’s most memorable sports moment at Union was beating Jenks 27-17 in the

state championship game his senior year and closing out the game with an

interception.

Michael Miller Baseball

1999 Graduate

A three-year letter winner for the baseball program, Michael was an all-

conference and all-metro pitcher in 1998 & 1999. With a record of 7-0, Michael

was undefeated with a 1.82 ERA and 55 strike-outs in 42 innings. In addition,

Michael struck out 13 batters in 6 innings against Jenks his senior year and

pitched a complete game. He was selected the most valuable player of the

east/west showdown following his senior year. Michael earned a baseball

scholarship to Oklahoma State University where he was team captain and starting

pitcher as a freshman and sophomore and was an academic all-Big 12 honoree.

Michael had a 2.52 ERA with 36 strikeouts at OSU before sustaining an arm

injury requiring surgery. He went on to get his MBA from OSU and now owns

his own business and resides in Tulsa.

Michael’s most memorable sports moment at Union was striking out 13 of 18

batters against Jenks his senior year.

Sarah Daggett Cross Country & Track

2011 Graduate

A member of the 2010 state championship track team, Sarah excelled in long

distance running for both the cross country and track teams, earning 4 letters in each

sport. Sarah was the 2009 Frontier Valley Conference cross country champion and

made the all-region cross country team. She was also a member of the 2007, 2008

and 2009 regional cross country championship teams and was named an all-stater

her senior year. Sarah won individual state championships in the 1600m and 3200m

and was awarded Female Athlete of the Year by the March of Dimes as well as the

United States Marine Corp Distinguished Athlete Award for Athletic Excellence in

2010. Furthermore, Fox 23 named her their Female Athlete of the Year. Sarah was

a National Merit Scholar as well as the Union Class of 2011 valedictorian.

After high school, Sarah attended and graduated from Johns Hopkins University and

is currently working in a clinical research lab at the University of Wisconsin where

she will begin medical school in the fall. Sarah was also awarded the Vredenburg

Scholarship to perform biomedical research in South Korea.

Sarah’s most memorable sports moment at Union was the girls track and field team

winning the state championship in 2010.

Philip Leonard Basketball

2012 Graduate

A three-year varsity athlete, Philip was 2nd team all-conference as a senior and

was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament of Champions. A

member of the undefeated 2012 state championship basketball team, Philip began

his collegiate career at Northern Tonkawa Oklahoma College before transferring

to Mercer University. There Philip was a part of a team who won an ESPY for

“Best Upset” when the 2014 team reached the 3rd round of the NCAA

tournament by defeating the Duke Blue Devils. As a senior, Philip started all 35

games and went on to lead the Southern Conference with 4.5 assists per game on

top of his 8.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Philip also was named MVP of

the Nashville Invitational that year.

Philip is currently playing basketball professional and says his most memorable

sports moment at Union was going undefeated and winning the 2012 state

championship.

I'mani Davis Basketball & Track

2013 Graduate

A tremendous 2-sport athlete, I’mani was a member of basketball teams that went

to the state tournament 3 of the 4 years of her high school career. She was a 3-

year starter for the Lady Redskins and played in 102 games scoring over 1000

career points and averaging 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block

per game. I’mani was a VYPE Oklahoma Top 100 selection her junior & senior

years and was a 2013 McDonald’s All-American nominee. She was named to the

all-conference team for 4 straight years and earned Oklahoma Girls Basketball

Coaches Association All-State honors her senior season. I’mani also had an

outstanding high school track career, setting the school high jump record and

being a member of the 2010 state championship track team. I’mani was awarded

the United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award for Athletic

Excellence in 2013. I’mani continued her basketball career at Tennessee State

University and is currently playing professional basketball overseas for UCC

Glanmire in Ireland.

I’mani’s most memorable sports moments at Union were setting the high jump

school record, winning state track her freshman year, winning the high jump

individual state championship, making the state tournament in basketball, joining

the 1000 point club and being around her great teammates every day.

Courtney Dobson Softball

2012 Graduate

A four-year letter winner in both fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball, Courtney was

a member of the 2010 slow-pitch and 2011 fast-pitch state championship teams.

In addition, the 2010 slow-pitch team won the academic state championship as

well, becoming only the fourth team in school history to do so and the only one

to win a state and academic title in the same year. A 3-time all-conference

selection, Courtney earned all-state honors in fast-pitch softball her senior year.

Courtney graduated in the Top 10% of Union’s class of 2012 and went on to play

collegiate softball at Fort Hays State University where her team was the 2013

MIAA Conference Champions and NCAA Regional Runner-Up. Courtney was

an All-MIAA selection at second base for 4 years and played in 210 games with a

career batting average of .300. She holds two records at FHSU & is in the Top

10 in nine different categories. Courtney was a 4-time member of the MIAA

Academic Honor Roll and was honored as a MIAAA scholar-athlete. She

graduated Cum Laude and currently is a math teacher and assistant softball coach

at Union High School.

Courtney’s most memorable sports moment at Union was beating Mustang in the

semi-finals and Owasso in the championship game her senior year.

Ally Dziadula Softball

2012 Graduate

A four-year letter winner in fast-pitch and two-year letter winner in slow-pitch, Ally was also a member of the 2010 state championship slow-pitch team that won the academic state championship that same year. Her senior season, the

Lady Redskins finished a perfect 14-0 in district competition and went on to win both Regional and State in fast-pitch. Ally was named to the Oklahoma High School Softball Coaches Association all-state team as a shortstop while also earning all-district and Tulsa World all-metro honors. She was a 2-time all-conference selection in both fast-pitch and slow-pitch and was named an All-

VYPE large school infielder in 2011. Ally continued her softball career at the University of Central Oklahoma, where

the Bronchos were MIAA Conference Champions and went on to win the NCAA D2 National Championship her freshman year. Ally earned a spot on the 2013

NCAA D2 National All-Tournament team and also landed ALL-MIAA honors in each of her 4 years. Ally was the first UCO non-pitcher to be named all-

conference in school history and currently holds UCO career records for triples, at bats, games played and game started. Ally also finished her career as the

NCAA D2 career leader in at bats, while finishing #2 in hits & games played, #3 in triples, and #4 in total bases. Ally and the 2013 UCO Softball Team were

inducted into the MIAA Hall of Fame in 2018. Ally’s most memorable sports moment at Union was defeating Jenks on senior

night to cap off a perfect 14-0 district record. Ally says she will always remember the fun times she had with her teammates at the U and being a part of

teams that left a softball legacy to inspire future players.

Thomas Roberson Football & Track

2010 Graduate

A member of the 2008 & 2009 state football and state track championship teams,

Thomas excelled in both sports for the Redskins. On the football field, Thomas

was a three-year starter and was Union’s leading receiver for the 2009 state

championship team while also serving as punt and kick-off returner. Thomas was

named the offensive MVP of District 6A-4 and currently holds the record for

career punt return yards. A stand-out on the track team as well, Thomas was a

member of the 4x100 2009 state championship relay team and member of the

4x100 and 4x400 2010 state runner-up relay teams. Individually, Thomas was

the state runner-up in the high jump in 2009.

Thomas was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Tulsa and was a

2-year starter for the 2012 Conference USA championship team, as well as the

2010 Hawaii Bowl and 2012 Liberty Bowl championship Golden Hurricane

teams. He is currently a real estate consultant in the Tulsa area.

Thomas’ most memorable sports moment at Union was meeting his wife (fellow

Hall of Famer Erin Patterson Roberson) at an 8th grade track meet.

James Roberson Football & Track

2010 Graduate

A member of the 2008 & 2009 state football and state track championship teams,

James was a two-sport standout for the Redskins. A three-year starter in football,

James was a starting free safety for the 2009 state championship football team

where he also excelled as a wide receiver. James was named to the all-District

6A-4 team. Equally as talented on the track, James was a member of the 2009

4x100 state championship relay team and member of the 2010 4x100 and 4x400

state runner-up relay teams. Individually, James was the state runner-up in the

long jump in 2009. James was awarded a football scholarship to the University

of Tulsa and was a letterman his freshman year.

He withdrew from school his sophomore year to enlist in the military and

currently serves in the United States Navy.

Nadia Majidizadeh Golf

2013 Graduate

A standout on the women’s golf team, Nadia won six tournament titles during her

career at Union. She was named to the Tulsa World All-Metro team and was

named Tulsa World Player of the Week on several occasions. Nadia won the

OSSAA Regional Tournament in 2012 shooting a 71. She was also a member of

the State Championship Teams in 2012 and 2013, with an individual finish of 5th

place and 2nd place respectively. Nadia was Salutatorian of the Union Class of

2013.

Nadia went on to play golf all 4 years at the University of Tulsa and was team

captain for two years. She played in 36 career tournaments and had 16 top-30

finishes, including 12 top-20 performances. Nadia was the recipient of Tulsa’s

Ultimate Team Award, which recognizes excellence in athletics and academics.

Nadia graduated Cum Laude with a dual degree in International Business and

Spanish and is currently a Technical Recruiter at Inceed.

Nadia’s most memorable sports moment at Union was being part of the 2012

state championship girls’ golf team.

Jennifer Abernathy Soccer

2010 Graduate

A four-year letter winner in girls’ soccer, Jennifer was a member of the 2007 and

2008 state championship soccer teams. An all-district and all-state selection, Jennifer

was named offensive player of the year and team captain her senior year, leading her

team in both goals and assists.

Jennifer continued her athletic career at Oral Roberts University where she was

named Summit League Freshman of the Year. She went on to earn first team all-

conference honors in 2011, 2012, and 2013. In her senior season at ORU, Jennifer

was the runner-up Southland Conference Player of the Year and earned NCAA All-

Region First Team and Honorable Mention All-American honors. Jennifer was also

an academic all-conference honoree, a third team NCAA Scholar All-American and

was named Southland Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year. In 2013 as the team

captain, Jennifer was ranked in the top ten in the nation for points scored and led her

team to a conference runner-up finish, ranking #51 nationally.

Jennifer’s most memorable sports moments at Union were winning state in 2007 and

2008 and scoring the equalizing goal to go into overtime and then scoring the game

winning goal in overtime against Owasso in the state quarterfinals in 2010.

Dylan Duren Baseball

2006 Graduate

A three-year starter at short stop, Dylan played a huge role on the 2005 & 2006

state championship teams. Dylan, a home run hitter, was honored as an East and

Tulsa South all-star as well as a Frontier Valley all-conference selection. Upon

graduating from Union High School, Dylan accepted an athletic scholarship to

the University of Arkansas where he played baseball for a year before an injury

ended his athletic career.

Dylan graduated from the University of Arkansas in December 2009 with a

bachelor’s degree in accounting and a minor in financial management. Dylan

returned to Oklahoma to attend the University of Tulsa College of Law where he

earned his Juris Doctor with Honors in 2013. Dylan is currently an attorney in

the Tulsa area.

Dylan’s most memorable sports moments at Union were winning back-to-back

state championships in 2005 and 2006.

Davis Duren Baseball

2007 Graduate

A 3-year varsity athlete & member of the 2005 & 2006 state championship

teams, Davis was an All-Conference selection in both his junior and senior

seasons. Davis posted a high school career batting average of .388 and earned a

baseball scholarship to Oklahoma State University where he was a two-year

starter on the team. An All-Big 12 second team infielder in 2010, Davis led the

Big 12 in stolen bases that year. He was also an Academic All-Big 12 honoree in

2008 and 2011. Davis was drafted his junior year of college in the 13th round by

the Houston Astros but decided to stay at OSU to earn his degree. Davis is

currently a procurement lead at Phillips 66 and lives in Owasso.

Davis’ most memorable sports moment was winning back-to-back state

championships while playing alongside his brother Dylan.

Dari Nowkhah Contributions to Athletics

ESPN/SEC Network

Dari Nowkhah is currently an anchor on SEC Network, regularly appearing on SEC

Now and other network programs. Additionally, he calls play-by-play for men’s

basketball and baseball. Nowkhah also serves as co-host of ESPN Radio’s weekly

Dari and Mel Show (Saturdays) with Mel Kiper Jr. Dari joined ESPN in June 2004

as an anchor and in July 2011 was named the host of ESPNU, the 24-hour college

sports network based out of ESPN’s studios in Charlotte, N.C. He also previously

served as a SportsCenter anchor and host of shows including Baseball Tonight and

College Football Live. Before joining ESPN, Nowkhah worked from 2002-04 as a

sports anchor and reporter at Tulsa’s KOTV, Channel 6. Previously he served two

years as sports anchor and reporter at KLKN-TV in Lincoln, Neb.

A native of Tulsa, and 1994 graduate of Union High School, Dari went on to

graduate from the University of Oklahoma in 1998 with a degree in broadcast

journalism. In 2013 he was recognized by OU and named Young Professional of the

Year by the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. He is married

with three children.