Roof ’s recovery sealed with his shot put title

Nick Roof might have had his football dream dashed, but nothing could stop him in the shot put at the Class A state meet.

Roof dominated his peers with a state meet-record 53-foot, 8-inch throw Friday at Western Heights’ James McCurtain Track & Field. It was his first throw of the day, and from there the junior from Thomas High School wasn’t matched.

“Really did not expect that,” Roof said. “I’ve really been trying to break that record for the past three meets. I was messing up a lot, but I’m glad I popped one off today.”

Every throw leading up to Friday was a blessing for Roof, especially considering his odds of living were slim in the fall.

Playing middle linebacker in a football game against Watonga in November, Nick met the fullback and took a hit to the head. He’d suffered a concussion three weeks before, didn’t play for two weeks, and tried to “tough it out” even though he didn’t feel quite right when he returned. “I should have taken it more serious,” Nick said. “I kinda regret it now, but I’m thankful to be here.”

When Nick went into the locker room at halftime, Nick’s mother, Brandee — who’s a registered nurse — was told she needed to check on her son. Nick had passed out.

At the emergency room in Weatherford, Nick was diagnosed with an acute subdural hematoma, a bleeding in the brain with a 50 percent to 90 percent fatality rate and a 20 percent chance of normal recovery. Kenneth “Lucky” Roof, Nick’s father, was in New Mexico on a hunting trip when he was told his son was getting rushed to The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Nick spent two days in the intensive care unit.

When he emerged, Nick fortunately didn’t need surgery, but was told his football career was done. It was especially devastating news for the Roofs, a family embedded in the state’s football history.

Nick’s grandfather, Kenneth, and uncle, Woody, are each members of the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame for their coaching success at Thomas and Weatherford, respectively. Woody’s cousin, Reagan, is the head football coach at Bethany.

“Football was such a big blessing to our family that it was really heartbreaking to Nick,” Brandee said.

Yet, the end of Nick’s football career didn’t derail his chances of making an impact in track and field. While Nick had plans for football, he now has a shot put title to defend next season ... and a new lease on life.

“It was only by the grace of God he survived that, and he’s logically sound,” Brandee said. “We just hope he’s a light of hope and faith and others can see that God is always good and keeps his promises.”

Moments after walking off the track on Friday afternoon, Luther’s

didn’t yet know if she had qualified for the 100-meter final, but her smile was big.

Already with one gold medal in her possession, Wright had just run her personal-best 100 time, 12.66 seconds, so it was a successful day at the Class 3A state track meet at Frank McNabb Field.

Wright won the high jump Friday morning, clearing 5-feet, 2-inches.

“It was like a dream,” said Wright, a junior. “It didn’t really click until I was sitting in the tent, and I was like, ‘I did it!’

“I worked so hard for it. It was a lot of competition. I was actually thinking I needed 5-8, but I guess it was just my time.”

As it turned out, Wright advanced to Saturday’s 100 final with the third-fastest preliminary time, giving her a shot at another gold.

Little, Brown dominate pole vault

If there’s not already a McClain County Pole Vaulters’ Club, maybe and

should start one. Little, from Purcell, and Brown, from Washington, easily won their respective Class 3A pole vault titles.

In the boys competition, Little cleared 15-feet, 6-inches, 2-feet ahead of silver medalist

of Marlow. Brown took the girls title with a vault of 11-0, while Luther’s cleared 9-6 for second place.

Harrah’s Collyer takes long jump gold

Two months ago, senior

was helping Harrah to the incredible team accomplishment of a state basketball championship.

On Friday, Collyer stood on the podium all alone as a Class 4A long jump champion.

Collyer jumped 17-8 coming in ahead of Seminole’s at 17-3

Tuttle, Heritage Hall boys take 800 relay titles

Tuttle and Heritage Hall boys relay teams closed the day on a good note, each winning Friday’s final race, the 800 relay.

Tuttle’s team of

and set the 4A state meet record, winning the event in 1:28.57, edging Roland’s 2015 record of 1:28.85.

Heritage Hall’s foursome of

and won the 3A race in 1:29.75, just 0.26 off their own 3A state meet record set last year.