QUEEN and HER COURT
The Wolverines celebrated homecoming with the coronation of Avery Wright as the 2025 Vian basketball queen. Escorted by Cash Collins, Queen Avery, a four-year standout on the Lady Wolverines basketball team, was joined center court by senior attendants Kala Gibbins escorted by Jacob Brannick and Rebel Simon, escorted by Dante Glass. Other members of Queen Avery’s homecoming court are junior attendant KianRichardson escorted by Masyn Wright, sophomore attendant Constantine (Tina) Rautenberg escorted by Braxton Drake, freshman attendant Lakota Cheater escorted by Rylan Lane along with flower girl Arlyn Eve Houston and crown bearer Kade Gregory.
“PLAY BALL” – WOLVERINES READY TO SWING THE BAT
There’s plenty of optimism stirring on the dugout steps for Wolverines baseball with the return of eight starters from last season’s 21-20 campaign. Putting numbers on the scoreboard will be a common occurrence as Cash Collins (1B/Sr.) returns after leading the team with a .435 average including 47 hits and 44 runs batted in. The dynamic duo of Draighton Fletcher (C/Jr.) and Riley Ellis (P/SS, Jr.) bring a grin to the face of Brockman. “They’re both 3-year starters and have a solid baseball IQ. Draighton started 39 of 41 games behind the plate and with his speed stole 55 bases while scoring 59 runs last year. Riley drove in 49 runs and was the ace of the staff with a 7-3 mark including 89 strikeouts,” said Brockman, who enters his 27th year as head coach. Michael Polecat (P/2B,Jr.) who was effective on the mound with recording 58 strikeouts adds strength to the pitching rotation where Brockman expects additional depth from Drake Collins (INF/P, Jr.) while Kaden Fullbright (OF/P, Sr.) delivers strong defensive presence evidenced by a .897 fielding percentage. Stryker Fields (DH) enters his final year at the plate capable of delivering clutch hitting along with another senior Ethan Pollock. A quartet of freshmen including Manny Terill, Chris Cheater, Jeremiah Marshall and Rylan Lane will see plenty of innings this spring.
The Wolverines will compete in Class 2A-I again this year with the season opener on the road against Poteau on March 1st.
SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL READY FOR THE FIRST PITCH
As the spring slowpitch approaches, Vian coaches are eager to get the season started to see how the 2025 Wolverines will combine their knowledge of the game and playing experience into a team that will not only swing the bat with productive results as well as keeping opens off the basepaths with a solid defensive effort.
Kayla Gibbins (3B/Sr.) enters her fourth year on the diamond and head coach LaQuieta Bennett describes her as the anchor in this year’s lineup. Halli Russell (Inf/OF, Jr.) and Rayleigh Terrill will return to fill key roles. “Halli’s athleticism and go-getter approach allow me options in our lineup while Rayleigh not only will be effective in the circle but delivers with the bat in her hands,” explained Bennett.
The trio of Eden Girty (So.), Kaidence Roark (So.) and Tressa Sandlin (Jr.) will solidify the outfield rotation. The Lady Wolverine open the season at home on March 11 hosting Heavener.
POSTSEASON HONORS FOR WOLVERINES TRIO
Three seniors from the 2024 Class 2A state runner-up football team were named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-Star by Class honorees include two-way veterans Nate Cheater (OL/6-0, 275), Cash Collins (DL, 6-2, 210) and Tristan Riley (DL, 6-0, 195).
