John Marshall announces plan for new athletic facility
John Marshall High School announced Wednesday plans to build a new athletic facility for more than $900,000 that will house a new weight room, locker rooms, offices and more.
The West-Davidson Athletic Training Facility is being built on donations from former Tulsa quarterback Bob West and Ken Davidson, both John Marshall graduates.
“We would like to make clear that our continued support for John Marshall is based on the academic improvements, led by Principal, Dr. Aspasia Carlson, and athletic improvements under the leadership of head football coach and two-time Oklahoma State University All-American, Rashaun Woods,” the donors said in a joint statement.
“Dr. Carlson’s vision for a rigorous academic program and co-curricular programs to develop the ‘whole child’, coupled with the athletic turnaround made by Rashaun Woods, have poised John Marshall to become the type of school that will increase district enrollment. And, even more important, encourage those who have discounted OKCPS as a viable option to look at our district again.
“And obviously, we are encouraged by the fact that during the last five years coach Woods has produced five D-1 athletes and more than 30 JMHS football players who have been offered athletic scholarships to play at some level.”
West is a 1957 graduate whose father was the school’s first principal. West later became an oilman.
Davidson was a 1972 graduate who became a successful oilman and cattle rancher.
The facility will include a new weight room with overhead doors and a large ceiling fan that allows John Marshall to convert the original weight room into a cardiovascular equipment room and cardio room for girls athletics.
In the past, both boys and girls teams shared the same weight room.
Coaches will also have new offices along with a video room and training room. An equipment room and trophy room will also be built.
Anadarko promotes Paddlety to head coach
Chris Paddlety has always dreamed of being a head coach. Now he gets that chance at his alma mater.
Paddlety was named the new football coach at Anadarko after spending the past 13 years as an assistant coach.
“I’m ready to start a new era,” Paddlety said.
Anadarko was 8-3 last season, continuing a run of eight straight playoff appearances. Paddlety replaces longtime coach Kent Jackson, who resigned last month but will remain the school’s athletic director.
Paddlety was the team’s offensive coordinator the past 11 seasons, helping win two state championships. He’ll remain in charge of the offense while also instilling his own nuances into the overall program.
“We’re going to be doing basically the same things but then of course adapt and evolve with the time and the kids, add my little twist on there,” Paddlety said. “We’re going to continue everything that we’ve instilled — hard work, discipline, dedication and I would say tradition now.”