Bond issue gives Norman North its own FB stadium
For Justin Jones, every home game involves a short road trip.
Norman North's football team packs its equipment and heads a couple of miles southwest to Harve Collins Stadium on Norman High School's campus. This is the gameday routine Jones has known since he started coaching the Timberwolves in 2018.
It's going to change, and he's thrilled.
Voters passed a $353.9 million Norman Public Schools bond proposal in the Feb. 14 election, and the many upgrades include construction of a football stadium for Norman North. Instead of sharing with the Tigers, the Timberwolves will have their own space.
“(I'm) proud, ecstatic, excited for our kids, for the future of Norman North,” Jones said. “But I also think it's important for those that were here in the past, the alumni. It's a big step for us in getting a stadium.”
The Timberwolves, who went 8-3 last season, have a practice field that hosts junior varsity and freshman games, but it's not equipped to function as a varsity venue. TD O'Hara, Norman Public Schools' athletic director, said the new stadium will take shape “in that general area,” but a timeline and details haven't been finalized because the process is so early.
Jones and O'Hara noted that the impact will extend beyond the football team. The marching band won't have to haul instruments across town. The cheerleaders, pom squad and student section can support the team on their campus. And Norman North will be able to host track meets.
“There's just so many different entities that it hits and connects,” O'Hara said. “And the other important piece is that it shows the commitment to coaches as well, as far as retaining good coaches and also trying to get good quality coaches to come into our district. It shows that there is a commitment there and understanding of the value and importance of having that type of facility.”
Friedrichsen picks Wake Forest
One of the top men's basketball recruits in the state has committed to Wake Forest.
Parker Friedrichsen, a senior guard at Bixby, announced his decision Monday in a Twitter video. It's the latest turn in a whirlwind recruitment process for Friedrichsen, who is a four-star prospect, according to 247Sports.
Last March, the 6-foot-3 Friedrichsen was the first commit in Oklahoma State's class of 2023, but he decommitted in May and picked up many more offers. He signed with Notre Dame, but he received a national letter of intent release following news of a coaching change. Coach Mike Brey announced he is leaving Notre Dame, and Friedrichsen reopened his options.
His list of suitors featured a slew of regular NCAA tournament teams, including Creighton, Davidson and Iowa. Friedrichsen has led Class 6A Bixby to a 19-4 record entering the postseason. He dropped 51 points against Sapulpa, surpassing the 2,000-point mark for his career.
Football recruiting updates
• Witt Edwards of Wagoner received an offer from Oklahoma State. Edwards, a class of 2024 prospect who plays multiple positions, won a Class 4A state title with the Bulldogs this past season. Wagoner senior Gabe Rodriguez, the younger brother of Detroit Lions breakout star Malcolm Rodriguez, has already committed to the Cowboys as a preferred walk-on.
• Class of 2025 Washington tight end Nate Roberts landed a TCU offer. Roberts' list of offers has grown since he won a state championship with Class 2A Washington.
• Class of 2025 Millwood receiver Jaden Nickens added Penn State to his growing list of offers.
• River Warren, Bishop McGuinness' class of 2024 quarterback, picked up an offer from Bowling Green.