OCPA president rebukes interim study
The president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs believes the focus of politicians should not be on private school classification.
OCPA President Jonathan Small rebuked the interim study that has been organized by State Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, to look at private school classification reform within the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.
“Sen. Sharp’s actions are misguided,” Small said in a release. “Not only should state politicians stay out of these issues, but holding an interim study imposes financial costs and is yet another distraction from the real issues facing our state.
“Unfortunately, this is yet another example of Sen. Sharp’s personal vendetta against students who attend private school. During an education committee meeting in 2017, Sen. Sharp compared policies that give families choices in education to Nazi torture. He continues his attack on these students and families by trying to use his power to influence school sports.”
Sharp last week set a study for Sept. 13 at the State Capitol in which Blanchard superintendent Jim Beckham will present along with others about the impact private schools have had on public schools. OSSAA associate director Mike Whaley will also speak.
Last school year, Beckham’s proposal to separate private schools during postseason competition was denied twice by the OSSAA board of directors.
Wayne looking to build off opening win
Wayne coach Brandon Sharp thinks his guys have embraced being a team.
That hasn’t always been the case in the past.
Coming off a 2-8 season last year, Class A Wayne got off to a good start on Friday when it beat Elmore City-Pernell 21-7.
“We’ve struggled with guys being individuals and not caring as much about the team in years past,” Sharp said. “These seniors are leading us.
“It’s team first.”
On of those seniors was Dawson Mantooth, who was electric whenever he touched the ball. He recorded 156 yards on four carries, including an 80-yard touchdown run. Mantooth added a 27-yard touchdown catch. On defense the senior recorded two sacks.
The Bulldogs defense limited Elmore City Pernell’s rushing attack, holding the Badgers to just 56 yards.
Sharp, who is beginning his 12th season at Wayne, said opening the season in that fashion will be big for his team’s confidence going forward.
“We had two starters that were out, and we were kinda up against the wall,” Sharp said. “So for our guys to see that we can get this done, that’ll help a lot.”
Hall of Fame coach Bill Scott dies
Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Famer Bill Scott, who coached Bristow to three state football championships, died Friday night in Stilwell, according to the Tulsa World.
Scott was 76. Funeral services are pending.
Scott was the head coach at Bristow from 1973-93, leading the Pirates to a 205-58 record with state titles in 1975, 1976 and 1985. Bristow also had two state runner-up finishes and 16 district championships. Scott also coached at Muldrow and Stilwell. His overall record 218-105.
He spent the latter part of his career as an assistant coach for his son Brent, who is now the coach at Kellyville. Bill and Brent coached together there after Brent’s tenure as Sequoyah-Tahlequah’s coach.