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Rick Couri, KRMG Sports director: July 2008 Archives
You know him, you love him, you call him El-Rushbo, But will you also call him owner?? 
Rush Limbaugh told a St. Louis radio station that he just might buy the St. Louis Rams if the opportunity presented itself.
Check out the story and just imagine how much fun it would be with Rush as an NFL owner!
Please leave your thoughts below, this could be interesting!
Read the inspiring and emotional story of former Broken Arrow kicker Peter Jessee. Peter was partially paralyzed after taking a surfing lesson in Hawaii. The following are a series of emails from Peter's father, Bud Jessee as he updates the story and Peter's condition.
Friday, August 1st
Tuesday, July 29th
Friday, July 25th
Today was another very busy day. The Miami Project was here to spend the day with us and shoot some video to be used to promote spinal cord research. From the very beginning of Peter's occurrence, we vowed to make more people aware of the trauma of a spinal cord injury. This was the first step in that mission. We started the day at 8 and finished the video and interviews at 3 p.m. All of this while still keeping his rehab schedule of driving, pool therapy and physical therapy. The video will be used in their fund raising efforts. It will be posted on their website once they edit all my bloopers. Thanks to my friend David Moore in Orlando, FL for helping us contact the Miami Project.
As far as rehab today, Peter was back in the pool and was able to take some steps again today. The therapist did realize that he was getting fatigued and made him stop early. She noticed that he started using more hip and told him that shows fatigue and would train the muscles the wrong way. Janet, Whitney and Peter's good friend Wes Moody, were here to watch him in the pool and witness these steps in the right direction.
We then had our last team conference today. In attendance were the doctor, nurse, physical and occupational therapist, psyhcologist and social worker. All gave Peter shining marks for his improvement, attitude and work ethic. Today was the first time the doctor has recognized his accomplishments in the pool and encouraged him to make sure he continues pool therapy when he returns home.
Speaking of home. We will be returning to Tulsa August 8th. Thanks to my family in Kansas, the Crossland family of Crossland Construction will be flying us home in their corporate jet. We will be leaving Denver around 1 PM on the 8th so I think we will arrive at Tulsa International around 3:30 p.m. at the Tulsa Air terminal on Sheridan Road. I will provide better details in the next week. This is a huge burden off my mine and I can't thank the Crossland family enough.
This Saturday night Oiler Ice Center and Tulsa Youth Hockey Association will be having a fund raising tournament for Peter. I want to thank all my friends in the hockey family for making this possible.
I was reading a book, "Prison to Praise" by Merlin Carothers. The very last chapter in the book discussed when a situation like Peter's happens, instead of asking God why this happen, thank him for the situation. I 'm not thanking him for what happen to Peter, but the situation I am now facing. This does sound bizarre, but the more I thought of it the more it made sense. Since this happen I have found so many things that I should be thanking God. The outpouring of everyone to help us in a time of need. From seeing that our lawn is mowed to moving some furniture for Janet. The soccer teams, football team, and hockey community stepping up to send items to Peter to help cheer him up and it worked. The friends that have come to see Peter. My friends and family in Denver that have helped in so many different ways. The hundreds of cards and emails that have been sent. Everyone that contributed to Peters' trust fund. Ed Leinbach for flexibilty in Janet's career. My American National family and all the agents in Tulsa. Crossland Construction providing us a way home. The outpouring of love and concern for my family. All of this has truly been a blessing. Thanks to everyone.
He will walk again
Bud
Thursday, July 24th
We have all kept up with Peter and now we can all help. Read the letter below from a friend of the Jessee family as she describes what they have planned!
We are doing a fundraiser for the Jessee Family at the Oilers Ice Arena this Friday July 25th. The high school teams that play hockey are playing a round robin Tournament. It starts at 11:00 pm and they play until 6:00 am saturday morning.
People can come watch - there is no admission but if you would like to make a donation feel free. No pressure. The games will be held at the Oilers Ice Center at 65th and Mingo and the Ice Center has donated the ice time.
3 companies will match all donations up to $10,000.00, so every donation is tripled. what a great opportunity to help out!!
Thank you
Brenda Wilson
Wednesday, July 23rd
Today was a very positive day for Peter. He had pool therapy and was able to take about two dozen steps in the pool. The therapist are still trying to figure out how he is accomplishing this feat, but the one thing that we are sure of is his brain is telling his legs to move and they are moving. He is not able to hold himself up when he takes these steps. He holds on to a rail along one side of the pool and the therapist holds him up by the other hand and then he moves his legs. We are praising God for this movement.
By the time I get back to you the Miami Project will be here to interview us for a promotional video of spinal cord research. They will be here Thursday. The main message we are wanting to convey is to make people aware of surfers myelopathy and the effects spinal cord injury has on a family. The Miami Project is the top research facility in the U.S headed up by Marc Buoniconti who was paralyzed a few years ago. His dad Nick Buoniconti, Miami Dolphin player in the 70's, started the foundation to promote research. We are very honored that they want us to be a part of their awareness program.
Every day we see new faces in the hospital and it makes you aware that everyday somebodys life is being changed forever. A new face here is one I think I have already told you about. 17 year old Katy Rennie, from my home area of southeast Kansas is a new patient here from an auto accident. I ask that you include her in your prayers along with Peter. Pray for their continued improvement, strength and courage to continue their fight.
He will walk again
Bud
Monday, July 21st
Every Sunday here at Craig they have chapel at 10:30. We have not missed one since our arrival and today was no exception. It was a very emotional service. Our co-patient Dale is going home to Huntsville, Arkansas Thursday. Dale is the 60 year old gentleman that I told you about in an earlier email. He was shot by a co-worker's 22 year old boyfriend in Springdale, AR. Jan 15th. She was killed, Dale is now paraplegic. He has been here since Jan. 30th and is ready to go back to his beloved state of Arkansas. Dale and I have conversed over the last six weeks and I did not realize how much it meant to him until this morning. What I had taken as my usual talking habits, Dale told everyone in church how we became part of his family and our encouragement for him when his family was unable to be there was comforting to him. Dale then came over to me and we hugged and cried together there in church. The relationships that we have formed with other patients and their families have been a blessing from God in it's own right. So since this was Dale's last Sunday in church with us here, I asked him to lead all of us in the Razorback chant. Woooooooo Pig Sueeeeeeee (2 times) Wooooooo Pig Sueeeeee, RAZORBACKS. I think that is how it goes. I'm sure I will be corrected by someone if I am wrong. The service ended with Dale singing Amazing Grace to us. We will miss Dale here, but we will meet again.
Another busy week for visitors from BA with Easton Woods and his mother Lisa. They came in Friday and spent the day with Peter and Easton spent the night with Peter in his room. They brought us a prayer quilt provided by St John's Episcopal Church in Tulsa. Saturday night they attended the Rockies game with us, seeing a Rockies victory.(see attached pictures) Fellow BA hockey player Matt Cooper was also here Sat. to visit Peter. Matt was unable to go to the Rockies game with us due to having some car trouble. Monsignor Gaalaas came by today, back in Denver after a visit to Crested Butte with his sister. The visitors from back home are so important to Peter. He knows that the support he has helps him in his road to recovery.
Janet has returned to be with us and she will stay here this week. Whitney will be here Wednesday along with Peter's good friend Wes Moody and they will stay through the weekend. The Miami Project, the top spinal cord injury research center in the nation, will be here this week to interview and video us for a short video on our story to help promote spinal cord research. Please pray to give us words of wisdom to help promote the research for the devasting effects of spinal cord injuries. Pray for Peter this week to regain sensation in his lower body and to continue his progress in taking steps in the pool. One thing Peter is struggling with is when he goes out in public places. Please pray to give him strength when he leaves the confines of the hospital and has to deal with the real world outside of the hospital walls.
He will walk again,
Bud
Peter's day began with a phone interview with KRMG's Rick Couri. Rick has been very supportive of us and has been posting my updates on the KRMG website. I do not know when it will air. Just tune in and Rick will probably let everyone know when it will air. I think Peter did a good job despite being a person of few words. We now have a website for Peter thanks to Eric Cockrell. Eric is a coach for the Broken Arrow Hockey club. You can go there and leave comments and words of encouragement to Peter. Thanks Eric for you contribution and effort on the website. It will be a big help. Go to www.peterjessee.com.
Today the young lady from Seattle, Addie, that was a patient here with surfers myelopathy called me to let me know of another young man that was injured from the same thing back on Dec. 31st at Maui. That makes six that we are aware of in the last year and a half. All in Hawai'i except one. I am beginning to believe that there are many more out there. We need to make everyone aware of this problem and stop the pain. This is pain that is not necessary and could be avoided. If you know anyone that is going on vacation where they may surf, make sure they are aware of the dangers.
Now for today's report on Peter. He was back in the pool. He took about a half dozen steps. The right leg was moving pretty good and the left kind of dragged. The therapist said she did not know how he was accomplishing what he was doing because she could not feel the muscles working that should be making him walk. I think it might be mind over matter. He is so determined to walk again that he is making his legs work one way or another. If he can do that then his determination will carry him through this ordeal. He is so positive and determined and I am so proud of him. He is one tough young man and giving up is not an option. Again thanks for the many cards, support and prayers all of you have provided. He will walk again Bud Wednesday, July 16th
Not much change in last few days in Peter's condition. His spirits remain high. He is having a few more muscle spasms and the pool therapist said she felt his groin muscle flexing when he was trying to do a scissor motion in the water with his legs. So we think we are getting some muscle movement in different locations. He still has no feeling below the belly button so we are hoping that will come back in due time.
Peter had driving lessons yesterday and that went real well. He said he felt very comfortable driving. Monday evening we took off for a stroll around the surrounding neighborhood and then Peter remembered that it was the night that the Newfoundland dogs visit the hospital., We had to hurry back. He really enjoys those dogs. He is now asking me to get a dog. He wants a Labrodoodle like his sisters. Whitney's dog, Ajia, is a one the whole family has fell in love with.
Answered prayers are happening. My friend Bob Brown in Joplin is returning home after a seven week stay in the hospital from a heart attack and Chris henderson is making progress back in Tulsa. We need to add Katy Rennie to our prayer list. Katy is from my home area in Kansas. She is a 17 year old that has a spinal cord injury from a car accident four weeks ago. She arrived here at Craig Monday. Please pray for her recovery. Pray for Peter to continue the muscle improvement and to start regaining sensation in his lower body.
God Bless Everyon, He will walk again Bud
Monday, July 14th
What a weekend. Just when we thought Peter taking his first step in the pool on Thursday was going to be the top highlight for the week, we were blessed with one of the greatest weekends since our arrival here at Craig. That came through friends and family. I take that back. It came from only family, because all of you have become family.
The members of the family that were here this weekend started with the biggest thrill of all for Peter. His good friends Carl Salazar and Ryan Sanders were brought to Denver by Carl's dad Ken. They spent most of the day Fri. and Ryan and Carl spent the night with us in Peter's room. They headed back home Sat. afternoon. I am telling you this was special. Seeing the love between three young men and sharing that love is something I will never forget and for Ken to share with me why he made the effort to bring Carl and Ryan is something that has changed my life. Peter and Carl were kickers on the Broken Arrow football team last year and they formed a bond that only they understand. It is special. Carl is going to set records the next two years at BA. All of you wait and see. Pictures are attached.
Our next visitor Friday was Bozena Brinkman, an associate of mine with American National from Salt Lake City. Bo always brings light and cheer to any room and I am sure glad she was my study groups representative to visit us. The rest of my study group are ugly.
Then walked in Mel and Connie Newdigger from Northville, MI.(Detroit) Mel was my general agent for American National when I started 28 years ago in Joplin. Mel is now with Farmers and I threw the present that he brought Peter away as soon as he left. A Farmers Insurance t-shirt. We kept the Detroit Red Wings Championship hat. I think that was from Connie anyway. Mel would never spend any money for a gift. I think Farmers furnished the t-shirt.
My cousin Denise finally returned from vacation and came by and I think she might have been a little overwhelmed by the number of family that were already here.
Then the catering service finally showed up. Monsignor Patrick Gaalaas from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in Tulsa, delivered a pizza from our favorite pizza place here, Rico's. Monsignor use to live across the street from us in Broken Arrow. We became very well acquainted when we lead the crusade against three young men that rented a house in our neighborhood that were terrorizing the neighborhood. He is here on vacation visiting his sister. And guess what, the Salazar's knew Monsignor from St Benedicts in BA.
Then Ashley Wagner, a fellow patient that returned to have additional rehab, came into the room. Ashley is from Leoti, KS and attends K-State. She was leaving Friday for a short return home and will return to Denver next week for some surgery. Monsignor Gaalaas lead us in prayer for Ashley. She is a wonderful young lady and she has been so inspirational to Peter and me. We love her to death and I hope she will allow me to keep in touch with her despite me constantly wearing my Kansas shirt every day since her arrival. I can now have it washed.
Agents from Tulsa then arrived. Paul Rosberg, Dallas Haefeker, Mike Pinion and his wife Kristy. They were here with us at 6 p.m central time and joined Carl, Peter, Ryan and me for the prayer chain. Thanks to all of you for joining us in prayer and we know that prayer is working. Then came Sunday and Jeff and Julia Johnson, our Regional Director from here in Denver, and Byron and Joan Day an associate of mine here in Denver, came by to see Peter. Then at 4 p.m. we went to Janeen and Darby Tuckers home for a cookout. Peter and their son, Drew, played hockey together when they lived in Tulsa.
Janet and Whitney have been busy back home preparing the house for our arrival. Thanks to Josh Moses, Teresa, Wes and Presley Moody, John Michael. Jarrod, sorry Janet did not get the last name, and my cousin Matt Jessee for helping Janet move some furniture and boxes around so construction crews can start this week. This help was priceless.
Peter and I are anticipating a fantastic week. With the prayers that have taken place the last few days and the attitude that Peter has, I really think the upcoming days are going to be a very positive step in Peter's recovery.
God bless all of you. He will walk again Bud
Sunday, June 29th
It has been a great week end for Peter. Starting with Friday we attended the Daniel Graham, #89 for the Denver Bronco's, football camp for high school age kids. Peter was the guest of honor and Daniel's dad, Tom Graham, the gentleman that invited us, gave Peter the royal treatment and tour. We had the privilege of meeting several NFL coaches, former players and former college players. I did not win many friends by wearing my OU t-shirt especially when we were introduced to Tony Lindsey, former OSU quarterback. OSU fans, Tony is a classy guy, you should be proud of him. This camp was free to all the kids and all the coaches and helpers were volunteers. Tom is standing to my left and Marilyn, Tom's wife, is standing to Janet's right.(attached photo) They are super and great Christians. I know they were sent by God at a time we needed their love and support.
As you can see, Janet and Whitney were here this week. It was great having them here. Whitney really brightens our lives and Peter really enjoys having her around. She went back to Tulsa tonight and Janet is staying here for awhile.
Nothing new on the medical side, but due to a great week end Peter is ready to start his fight again tomorrow morning. Therapy starts at 0800.
Many cards have been arriving and Peter enjoys reading everyone of them. Thanks for your cards, prayers and emails.
We ask for your prayers this week to give Peter the strength and courage to continue his fight.
Thanks
Bud
Janet Jessee Team Jessee
Friday, June 27th
Yesterday was a very tough day for Peter emotionally. He bounced back at the end of the day when another angel was sent by God. As Peter was finishing weight lifting class around 4 p.m., a giant of a man and his beautiful wife walked in looking for Peter. They introduced themselves to us, Tom and Marilyn Graham, former linebacker of the Denver Bronco's back in the 70's. Their son Daniel, #89 a tight end, is currently playing for the Bronco's. Daniel is having a camp Friday, tomorrow, and Tom asked Peter if he could come as a guest of honor. Peter's eyes lit up like you would not believe. Peter has been very hesitant about going out in public and this is a God send that this opportunity came. He is ready for this. Tom and Marilyn came to our room and professed their faith in God and assured Peter that God would get him through this occurrence. I have no idea who contacted Tom and Tom only knows it came from someone at Conoco/Phillips to someone else and then someone else. All I can say is whoever sent this angel from God thank you and of course I am also thanking God. So all you Denver Bronco fans, tomorrow afternoon at 1 pm mountain time, I want you thinking about where Peter is and eat your hearts out.
Today we received many cards and letters and a special package from Coach Spavital. Thanks coach, you made Peter real happy to see the shorts with the number 39 on them. Again, the day finished up with a positive. He reads every card and every email and they really help his spirits.
Today on the medical side, there is no change. Still moves his hips, having some feeling in the areas he does not like me to talk about, but I bring them up to him all the time. He rode a three wheel mountain bike outfitted for hand cycling on the streets around the hospital that he really enjoyed.
Janet and Whitney are arriving tonight. Whitney will be spending the week end and Janet will be staying longer. Peter and I are real excited about them being here. It is great to be together again. We are Team Jessee and all of you are on our team.
God Bless everyone and thank you for your support and prayers.
Bud
Tuesday, June 24th
Today was another great day. Our good friends Bron and Christy Cummins and their son Cole, flew to Denver for the day and were able to spend about three hours with Peter. They were a sight for sore eyes. Bron has been Peter's hockey coach since he was 9 years old. Cole is a team mate and good friend. Christy was able to get a few pictures and I have them attached. Thanks Bron, Christy, and Cole for being here for Peter. And a special thanks to the friends that arranged to get you here.
On the medical side today, Peter had some sensation when they inserted a catheter in his urinary bladder for some test. I should not use the word sensation, it was more like pain. In other words he felt the tube. The nurse and doctor thought that was a good sign. Peter was not so sure. I was thanking the Lord. The legs are not moving yet, he still is able to move his hips and he is moving the muscle just above the knee.
Peter's spirits still remain high thanks to all your prayers, cards, emails, and texts. We keep thanking God for every little sign we see and pray for God to continue to give Peter the strength to continue his fight.
Also continue to keep Chris Henderson, who was injured in a motorcycle accident, in your prayers. Chris has made some remarkable progress, so the prayers are working. Also remember Bob Brown from Joplin, Mo recovering from a severe heart attack.
God bless everyone and continue the pray chain.
Bud
Monday, June 23rd
Peter and I were able to attend a Colorado Crush arena football game last night with a group from Craig hospital. Getting out in the real world is a challenge for Peter. He does not feel comfortable in these situations and it tends to be a big reminder to him that he is currently in a wheel chair. Please pray to give him strength in these situations.
We have another busy week in therapy so please pray to give him strength and courage to meet the rigorous schedule.
We received the package from the soccer booster club and I can not thank you enough. It made his day, especially the autographed game ball from the last game of the season. Thank you BA soccer boosters. You are our angels.
Many of you have asked for me to send the address of the hospital. Please send cards. He enjoys the cards more than I ever anticipated.
Craig Hospital
3425 South Clarkson Street
%Peter Jessee
Room 230
Englewood, CO 80113
Phone 303-789-8000
Special thanks to Art French, his son Neal and Tony Mason for helping Janet with the yard work.
Thanks to everyone for your support and emails. Peter has received many emails and please understand he does read them but he is a little behind answering them.
Continue your prayers because the prayers are being answered. Please continue prayers for strength courage and healing for Peter. Please pray for Janet, Whitney and me to give us the courage and strength to be supportive and positive for Peter. They are working .
Thanks
Bud
June 18th
I have always heard that life is a roller coaster. Even though I thought that I have been on a roller coaster with many ups and downs during my life, I now look back and realize that my life has always been on the ups. I reached the top of that roller coaster on May 22 and then on May 23rd the roller coaster ride has had more ups and downs than I have had in my 54 years of life.
Today we started with one of the most down days since the May 23rd occurrence. Peter was mentally and emotionally exhausted. He could not complete one class and broke down crying. I did not know what to do other than hug him and start praying and ask God to give him strength. We cried and prayed for about 30 minutes. We finally made it to physical therapy class, but he was still emotionally drained. It was really tough for him to complete any of the exercises. At the end of P/T he was laying on his stomach on a padded table. I sat down next to him and started rubbing his back. He then said, "Dad are my hips moving?" I looked down and they were moving side to side. I asked him to tell me which way he was moving them and he told me side to side. The P/T therapist confirmed he was moving the hips. He then rolled over to his back and was in the sitting position with his legs straight in front of him with the left leg about 12 inches from the edge of the table. I was getting the wheel chair in position for him and his left leg fell off the table. I looked down at him and he said, "Dad I just moved my leg." I picked his leg up and put it back in front of him and I said "do it again." And he did. I had the physical therapist come over to watch and Peter moved the leg again. So imagine having your legs straight out in front of you in a sitting position and moving the left leg in a scissor motion 12 inches to the left. That is what Peter accomplished. This is huge. Your prayers and our prayers are being answered. God keeps giving us signals not to give up, to keep the faith and be a witness for Him. We will have many more ups and downs on this roller coaster ride and we need to remember that all the ups are messages from God that we are progressing forward.
So now it is time for a cheer from the folks back home. A cheer for Peter and the school he has given his dedication. I ask everyone from Jenks, Union, Owasso, Sapulpa and all the surrounding area to join. Put down your school colors and unite.
Everyone from Broken Arrow knows how to respond when I say this and I think all the surrounding schools know how to respond. So respond back to me when I say..............GO BAAAAA...
Bud
P.S Yesterday Peter received an autographed hockey stick signed by the entire Colorado Avalanche hockey team. There was not an actual card from whomever arranged this, just a slip of paper that had the name of Tom Karalis and a Kristy. Thanks TK, you taught him how to skate and now you are helping him walk again.
Many cards arrived today and I did not realize how much a card meant to him. He really enjoys the cards from people he does not even know. It is so comforting to him that there are that many people that care. I want to acknowledge one card from a good friend of Peter's, Carl Salazar. Sally, Peter will be back there this fall to cheer you on and give you the support to kick your name into the record books. One more time. GO BAAAA...
Monday, June 16th
Today was another good day in physical therapy. Peter was able to get in the pool and the therapist said she could feel some pulsating in his upper leg when he was trying to kick them. Small sign big hope.
Below is a link to the Honolulu Star Bulletin. There was a story on Peter in todays' paper. I need to tell you that some of my quotes are not exactly accurate. That is my disclaimer. But the main emphasis is to try and make more aware so it does not happen again.
Again thanks for all the prayer and continue to send Peter word of encouragement through a text message, cards and emails. He is trying to answer all, but please understand the time constraints.
Thanks and God Bless everyone.
Peter cell phone for text messages 918-630-0035
email peter.jessee@gmail.com
Craig Hospital
3425 South Clarkson Street
% Peter Jessee
Englewood, CO 80113
Bud
Sunday, June 15th --
Weekends are tough around here trying to find things to occupy your time. But Peter has maintained a positive attitude today, despite Janet and Whitney returning to Tulsa today. This week will be a very challenging week for him with a schedule that starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p,m. He is going to have a one hour lunch.
Today we had four visitors that we did not know before today, sent to us by our friends back home. Forgive me for not remembering names but one was Cindy originally from the Joplin area and a good friend of my good friend in Columbus, KS, Diane Saparito, and a family from Tulsa here on a business trip, that was sent to us by Mike Pinion. I need to go get a guest book. Also had friends from here in Denver, Byron and Joan Day who were gracious enough to take Janet and Whitney to the airport and Jeff, Julie and Gabbi Johnson who brought Peter and me some fantastic lasagna.
Peter is ready to face the week ahead and our prayers this week is to see some improvement every day no matter how big or how small.
Again we thank everyone for all the prayers and we thank God for all the answered prayers.
Bud
Friday, June 13th update
Today was a very emotional day. I am going to spare the suspense. We received a report from the doctor today at 5 P.M., based on an MRI that was taken last night, Peter's spinal cord has improved. This is awesome news and does explain why he is getting some feeling back in the rectum area. Now we know for a fact that there is some healing taking place.
Now for the rest of the story. Last night Peter was taking a shower while sitting in a new type of shower wheel chair. The nurse had not adjusted the front wheels properly. She left Peter in the shower by himself and when he reached for his poof ball, scrungy whatever you call it, the wheel chair tipped forward dumping Peter to the wall, hitting his head and then to the floor. We were also out of the room thinking the nurse was with him. Thank goodness his room mates niece was there to get help.
The doctor came in and wanted to order a cat scan of his head and neck. Peter was terrified and fearful that he had injured his back even more. He complained to the doctor that his lower back was hurting. Peter insisted they check his lower back, so the doctor went ahead and ordered a MRI of the back. For some reason I sensed that God had the accident happen for a reason and that the report would come back with good news. But last night when the doctor called back the results, they told us that the MRI showed that there was nothing new on the MRI so there was no new injury. I guess last night when they were reading the results they were looking for new damage. Today when they compared them to MRI's taken in Hawai'i they saw the improvement.
God knew that we needed a morale boost. If the nurse had adjusted the wheels properly. If she had not left him alone. If we had not left the room. If Peter had not reached for his poof ball, scrungy, whatever. If Peter had not fallen out of the chair, there would not have been a MRI and we would not have known that healing is taking place. God found a way to strength our faith in his healing powers.
We still have a long ways to go, but we know that with your prayers, God will get us through this. My friend, Steve Brewington, told me that a group of distinguished ladies, led by his mother, in Florida ranging in ages of mid 80's to 90's were praying for Peter in their prayer group. You have to know that ladies in their 80's and 90's must have God's ear. The prayers are working and continue to give us faith and hope.
Whitney update. She arrived last night while all the above was going on. She has been a big relief this week end entertaining and staying with Peter. Janet and Whitney will be going home Sunday. Janet needs to get back to Tulsa to help take care of the home front. pray for their safe travel.
God bless all of you and keep the prayers, emails, text messages and cards coming. They brighten Peter's day and put a smile on his face.
Bud
June 12th, 2008
Today was another busy day in therapy. Some of the therapy sessions are not always the most positive outlook on a persons situation. They bring the individual to the understanding that their current situation may be permanent and they need to learn and know certain facts to live with a disability. What I am trying to say is that they discuss things with you that you will not walk again instead of you will walk again. Well, Peter's attitude dipped this evening because of these sessions. Even a poker game was not boosting his spirits. So we go back to his room and there it was. A gift from our angels in Broken Arrow. The package from THE BA soccer booster club. It could not have arrived at a more appropriate moment. The posters are now on the wall and the BA Pennant is hanging proudly in the room. Thank you for the cards and the individual messages on the posters. The great Jim Valvano, coach of the 1983 N.C. State National Basketball Champs, when fighting cancer said, "Don't ever give up ,don't ever give up." I have told Peter about Coach Valvano and that message. I don't think he really appreciated the significance of that statement since he did not know about Jim Valvano. Well tonight we open the poster from The Broken Arrow soccer teams and there on the corner of the poster was a quote. "Never give up." Of course it was not made by the great Jim Valvano, it was made by the great Austin Curry, and Peter knows who the great Austin Curry is. Thank you so much. His spirits are up again.
Now the medical report. At 8:30 tonight Peter and I were on the computers. He said, "Dad I think I need to poop". With his injury he should not be able to feel that sensation. But tonight he did. He still needed asistance to complete the job but the sensation was there that something needed to be done. Again we will take any message from God that there is progress no matter where it comes from.
Please continue the prayers, messages, emails, spirit packages, pictures, anything that you think might boost his spirits. A picture of Peter with former hockey pals Cooper Frederick and Mark Jackson is now on a stand next to his bed. Thanks Coop.
Thanks to all of you and God bless.
Bud
I forgot to tell you that Katie Moffet ________, sorry dont know her by her married name, brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Carol Martin, came by last night. We really enjoyed the visit. If someone could let Katie know I really appreciate her calling her brother. Also I would like Katie to contact me via email so I can keep in touch with her.
Thanks
Bud
Former Broken Arrow kicker Peter Jessee is in a Denver hospital in rehab after becoming partially paralyzed after taking a surfing lesson in Hawaii. Peter's father Bud is sending updates daily and you will be able to read those emails here every day. There is also an address to write to Peter at the bottom of the page.
Today did not start off very positive. Peter had a blood pressure problem this morning but was in good shape by noon. My cousin Denise, that lives here in the Denver area, brought us Olive Garden and Peter's appetite had returned. His appetite that many of you know oh so well, is not up to the Peter Jessee standard, but he did a pretty good job on the Olive Garden food. Everyday he has four hours of therapy and educational classes, so he needs his strength. NOW THE GOOD NEWS. Last night when the nurses were performing a procedure, Peter said he felt them while doing the procedure. Today he reconfirm that he was having some feeling there. Peter would kill me if I told you where the feeling is, so I will just tell you this, it is where the sun don't shine.
We will take a message from God no matter where it comes from. We view this as the first signal from God that we have hope. Your prayers are working and we would appreciate your continued prayers.
I also want to ask everyone to pray for a fellow Broken Arrow family that are in a time of need. Pray for Chris Henderson who was involved in a motorcycle accident while visiting relatives in Texas. He has head trauma and so he desperately needs our prayers.
Also please remember my good friend in Joplin, Bob Brown. Bob had a major heart attack last week.
Peter and I are trying to answer all emails and text messages. Keep them coming. If we do not get an answer to you immediately, don't think we are not reading them. Whitney is going to visit this weekend. Peter and Whitney are going to set up a website. We will keep you posted when it is set up.
Your prayers are being heard by the man upstairs and he is giving us signals they are being heard.
Thanks
Bud
June 9th
Thanks to all the text messages, emails and Xbox arriving via Broken Arrow Hockey of the Tulsa Youth Hockey Association, Peter is in real good spirits especially now that he has his Xbox. In fact he is in his room playing a game with his good friend Wes Moody. Just amazing that you can get on a game on the internet and be talking to your friends back in Tulsa while playing a game as a team.
It is obvious that the communities of Broken Arrow, the Tulsa Metro area, all my friends and associates across the country and all my American National family across the country are now on our team to overcome this occurrence. The prayers and communication across the country are in itself miraculous. Many prayers have been answered and there are little miracles happening. One of Peter's classmates from BA, Emalie Hoar, came by to see him Friday and that made his day. Thanks to Emalie. Another answered prayer came from a long time friend of our family. She now lives here in Denver and is going to assist Peter in his recovery. She is truly going to be a very important part of Peter's recovery. I am very excited about the help she is going to provide.
Tomorrow starts a very long journey. Four hours of physical therapy, occupational therapy and educational classes begin. Peter will be busy, but that is what we need to get him on the road to recovery.
Keep him in your prayers as he starts this new journey in his life.
God bless all of you.
Bud and Janet Jessee
To write to Peter;
Craig Hospital
3425 S. Clarkson Street
% Peter Jessee
Room 221-A
Englewood, CO 80113
email - Peter.Jessee@gmail.com
With the financial trouble at SemGroup, the future of the LPGA tournament here in Tulsa is in question. But Octagon, the group who manages the event released a statement saying they are working to bring the ladies back to Cedar Ridge.
KRMG had a chance to visit with tournament director Doug Eibling to get a better idea about what might be happening now.
Do you think the tournament will return? Would you be for helping keep it here with public money?? These and other questions beg your opinions below!Coming off their CBI championship, the TU Golden Hurricane have released the non-conference part of their 2008-09 schedule. The Hurricane will play Oklahoma and Oklahoma State as well as Ohio and Loyola-Marymount. Take a look below at what has been released so far.
TU 2008-09 NONCONFERENCE SCHEDULE
x-at South Padre Classic
y-at BOK Center
z-site to be determined
Nov. 6: Oklahoma Baptist (exhibition), 7:05 p.m.
Nov. 10: Dallas Baptist (exhibition), 7:05 p.m.
Nov. 15: Oral Roberts, 7:05 p.m.
Nov. 20: at Oklahoma State, TBA
Nov. 23: Texas A&MCorpus Christi, TBA
Nov. 25: North Carolina Central, 7:05 p.m.
Nov. 28: x-Texas A&M, 5/7:30 p.m.
Nov. 29: x-Illinois or Kent State, 4:30/7 p.m.
Dec. 3: at Ohio, TBA
Dec. 7: y-Oklahoma, 3:05 p.m.
Dec. 10: Missouri State, 7:05 p.m.
Dec. 14: Presbyterian, TBA
Dec. 20: at Loyola- Marymount, TBA
Dec. 23: Tex as-Arlington, 7:05 p.m.
Dec. 30: BYU, 7:05 p.m.
Jan. 3: Northeastern State (Okla.), TBA
Jan. 7: z-C-USA game, TBA
Jan.10: at Charlotte, TBA
The AF2 playoffs are set and the Tulsa Talons will face Amarillo on Saturday night at 7:05 at the Convention center. Tulsa beat Iowa 64-41 Saturday night to wrap up the Central Division title. John Fitzgerald lit up the scoreboard with 7 TD passes and Kellen Allen caught 11 passes for 177 yards and four scores. It was Allens first game back from ankle surgery. The final regular season standings and the playoff schedule is below. Remember to catch all the Talons games on KRMG.
2008 ArenaCup Playoff Picture/Schedule
American Conference standings
1. W-B/Scranton (14-2) - East Division Champions
2. South Georgia (12-4) - South Division Champions
3. Green Bay (11-5) - Midwest Division Champions
4. Tennessee Valley - (10-6) - Owns HTH advantage over FLA
5. Florida (10-6)
6. Lexington (9-7) - Owns better win percentage in common opponents over MAN (ALB, DBT, GBB, MVT)
7. Manchester (9-7)
8. Quad City (8-8) - Owns point differential in HTH games with LOU (92-83)
First Round Playoff Schedule:
Friday, August 1
No. 6 Lexington (9-7) at No. 3 Green Bay (11-5) 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 2
No. 8 Quad City (8-8) at No. 1 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (14-2) 6:00 p.m.
No. 7 Manchester (9-7) at No. 2 South Georgia (12-4) 6:30 p.m.
No. 5 Florida (10-6) at No. 4 Tennessee Valley (10-6) 7:30 p.m.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE STANDINGS
1. Spokane (15-1) - West Division Champions
2. Tulsa (12-4) - Central Division Champions
3. Bossier-Shreveport (9-7) - Southwest Division Champions
4. Arkansas (11-5)
5. Central Valley (10-6)
6. Lubbock (9-7)
7. Amarillo (8-8) - Owns better win % among common opponents over AUS and BOI (CVC, OKC)
8. Austin (8-8) - Owns better win % among common opponents over BOI (CVC, OKC, SPK, TEX)
First Round Playoff Schedule:
Saturday, August 2
No. 7 Amarillo (8-8) at No. 2 Tulsa (12-4) 7:00 p.m.
No. 6 Lubbock (9-7) at No. 3 Bossier-Shreveport (9-7) 7:00 p.m.
No. 8 Austin (8-8) at No. 1 Spokane (15-1) 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 3
No. 5 Central Valley (10-6) at No. 4 Arkansas (11-5) 5:00 p.m.
Day three of the Big 12 media days belonged to Oklahoma and Texas. The south division heavyweights joined Baylor and Iowa State on Wednesday in Kansas City as media days wound down.
The questions to Bob Stoops centered on the loss of consecutive BCS games and the sophomore season for quarterback Sam Bradford.
Mack Brown answered a lot of questions about his QB as well. See and hear the days highlights when you sign up for All access, once you do the video is free.
You can also see some of the video right here.
Jeff Capel and his Oklahoma basketball team have their work cut out for them. The 2008-2009 non-conference schedule has been released and the Sooners have some fun match-ups.
Some of the opponents include USC and Arkansas as well as the NIT Season Tip-Off.
Blake Griffin got some good news as well as the Oklahoma forward has been named to the pre-season All American team!
Take a look at what we have so far below;
| 2008-09 Oklahoma Men's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule | ||
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| Nov. 5 | Panhandle State (Exhibition) | Norman |
| Nov. 8 | Cameron (Exhibition) | Norman |
| Nov. 14 | American | Norman |
| Nov. 17 | NIT Season Tip-Off Game 1* | Norman |
| Nov. 18 | NIT Season Tip-Off Game 2* | Norman |
| Nov. 22 | Gardner-Webb | Norman |
| Nov. 26 | NIT Season Tip-Off Semifinals | New York, N.Y. |
| Nov. 28 | NIT Season Tip-Off Final | New York, N.Y. |
| Dec. 4 | USC (Big 12\Pac-10 Hardwood Series) | Norman |
| Dec. 7 | at Tulsa (BOK Center) | Tulsa |
| Dec. 10 | Maine | Norman |
| Dec. 13 | Utah | Norman |
| Dec. 20 | vs. VCU (All-College Classic) | Oklahoma City |
| Dec. 22 | at Rice | Houston, Texas |
| Dec. 30 | at Arkansas | Fayetteville, Ark. |
| Jan. 3 | Coppin State | Norman |
| Jan. 5 | Maryland Eastern Shore | Norman |
The All State 400 went to Jimmie Johnson but the story was not the winner, it was the tires. The Goodyear tires brought to the race fell apart at an alarming rate, ruining one of NASCAR's marquee races.
Caution flags were the order of the day as officials tried to get the drivers to change tires more often and keep the race safe. The longest run under a green flag was 12 laps!
Read how the race went and leave your thoughts below.
With college football just a few weeks away, the pre-season awards lists are all coming out. Oklahoma has their share of players on those lists. Auston English is the pre-season defensive player of the year, see and read that story and the team below.
OU on Preseason All-Big 12 Team
IRVING, Texas -- Auston English (Oklahoma) was selected Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Chase Daniel (Missouri) was named Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and Darrell Scott (Colorado) was chosen Preseason Newcomer of the Year in a Big 12 Conference media poll.
English was named an All-Big 12 First Team selection last season for his sophomore campaign. The 6-3, 257 defensive end led the Big 12 and ranked 15th nationally with 9.5 sacks in 2007 despite missing three games due to injury. He totaled 36 tackles with 13 for a loss of 83 yards and had five quarterback hurries. In addition English broke up three passes.
Daniel was the 2007 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and Big 12 male Athlete of the Year as a junior. He was also a finalist for the O'Brien, Walter Camp and Manning awards and was named Second Team All-America by the Associated Press, Walter Camp and Sporting News. The 6-0, 225 quarterback finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting while throwing for a MU-record 4,306 yards and 33 touchdowns. Daniel finished the 2007 season seventh in the nation in total offense (325.6 ypg) and 15th in pass efficiency (147.89).
Scott, a 6-2, 215 freshman tailback earned All-America honors from Parade, Prep Star (Dream Team), SuperPrep and USA Today as a high school senior. He was a three-time All-Conference first team performer and garnered All-State honors his junior and senior seasons. Scott rushed for 2,433 yards and 33 touchdowns as a senior while leading St. Bonaventure High School to the state championship.
2008 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team (Media Vote)
Defensive Player of the Year: Auston English, Oklahoma (DE, 6-3, 257, Jr/1L, Canadian, Texas)
Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Daniel, Missouri (QB, 6-0, 225, Sr/3L, Southlake, Texas)
Newcomer of the Year: Darrell Scott, Colorado (TB, 6-2, 215, Fr/HS, Ventura, Calif.)
| Offense | ||||||
| Pos | Name | School | Ht | Wt | Cl/Exp | Hometown |
| WR | Michael Crabtree* | Texas Tech | 6-3 | 206 | So/1L | Dallas, Texas |
| TE | Chase Coffman | Missouri | 6-6 | 245 | Sr/3L | Peculiar, Mo. |
| OL | Duke Robinson | Oklahoma | 6-5 | 330 | Sr/3L | Atlanta, Ga. |
| OL | Phil Loadholt | Oklahoma | 6-8 | 350 | Sr/1L | Fountain, Colo. |
| C | Jon Cooper | Oklahoma | 6-2 | 285 | Sr/3L | Fort Collins, Colo. |
| OL | Louis Vasquez | Texas Tech | 6-6 | 335 | Sr/3L | Corsicana, Texas |
| OL | Colin Brown | Missouri | 6-8 | 325 | Sr/3L | Braymer, Mo. |
| OL | Cedric Dockery | Texas | 6-4 | 315 | Sr/3L | Garland, Texas |
| WR | Jeremy Maclin | Missouri | 6-1 | 200 | So/1L | Kirkwood, Mo. |
| QB | Chase Daniel | Missouri | 6-0 | 225 | Sr/3L | Southlake, Texas |
| RB | Marlon Lucky | Nebraska | 6-0 | 215 | Sr/3L | North Hollywood, Calif. |
| RB | DeMarco Murray | Oklahoma | 6-0 | 191 | So/1L | Las Vegas, Nev. |
| PK | Jeff Wolfert | Missouri | 6-2 | 185 | Sr/2L | Overland Park, Kan. |
| KR | Marcus Herford | Kansas | 6-3 | 208 | Sr/3L | DeSoto, Texas |
| Defense | ||||||
| Pos | Name | School | Ht | Wt | Cl/Exp | Hometown |
| DL | Auston English | Oklahoma | 6-3 | 257 | Jr/1L | Canadian, Texas |
| DL | Ian Campbell | Kansas State | 6-5 | 249 | Sr/3L | Cimarron, Kan. |
| DL | George Hypolite | Colorado | 6-1 | 285 | Sr/3L | Los Angeles, Calif. |
| DL | Brian Orakpo | Texas | 6-4 | 260 | Sr/3L | Houston, Texas |
| LB | Sean Weatherspoon | Missouri | 6-1 | 235 | Jr/2L | Jasper, Texas |
| LB | Joe Mortenson | Kansas | 6-1 | 250 | Sr/3L | Concord, Calif. |
| LB | Joe Pawelek | Baylor | 6-3 | 236 | Jr/2L | San Antonio, Texas |
| DB | Nic Harris | Oklahoma | 6-3 | 226 | Sr/3L | Alexandria, La. |
| DB | William Moore | Missouri | 6-1 | 230 | Sr/3L | Hayti, Mo. |
| DB | Jamar Wall | Texas Tech | 5-10 | 196 | Jr/2L | Plainview, Texas |
| DB | Jordan Lake | Baylor | 6-2 | 206 | Jr/2L | Houston, Texas |
| P | Justin Brantly | Texas A&M | 6-3 | 241 | Sr/3L | Sealy, Texas |
| PR | Jeremy Maclin | Missouri | 6-1 | 200 | So/1L | Kirkwood, Mo. |
Quarterback Sam Bradford is also on the watch list for the Davey O'Brien award. Read about that as well.
Bradford on O'Brien List
July 17, 2008
NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma's Sam Bradford is one of just 31 Football Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks named to the Davey O'Brien Award Watch List that was announced today. The award honors the top quarterback in college football.
Bradford, who will be a sophomore in the 2008 campaign, led the nation in passing efficiency last season as a redshirt freshman. He fired 36 touchdown passes, an NCAA record for freshmen, against just eight interceptions.
On the season, the Oklahoma City native completed 237-of-341 passes for 3,121 yards.
Watch List candidates were selected by a subset of the National Selection Committee and approved by the Davey O'Brien Executive Committee. Semifinalists will be announced October 27; finalists November 24.
This prestigious award focuses on accomplishments both on and off the field. The Selection Committee is asked to evaluate all candidates on their quarterback skills and athletic ability, academics, reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship.
The 2008 winner will be announced during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN December 11. The recipient will be honored February 16, 2009, at the 32nd Annual O'Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Davey O'Brien Award has gone to an Oklahoma player, and both times that player was Jason White. He received the honor in 2003 and 2004.
Oklahoma is also the pick in the Big 12 media poll. The Sooners are picked to win the south, take a peek below and leave your thoughts too!
July 16, 2008
IRVING, Texas -
Missouri and Oklahoma were picked to repeat as division champions in 2008 in a preseason poll of media that cover the Big 12 Conference.
Missouri was the unanimous choice of 51 voters to win the North division. The team returns 17 starters off of last year's 12-2 squad that tied with Kansas for the North title and made its first appearance in the Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship. The Tigers ended the 2007 season with a win over Arkansas in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, their fourth consecutive bowl appearance. Mizzou finished fifth nationally in total offense (490.3 ypg), ninth in passing offense (314.1 ypg) and eighth in scoring offense (39.9 ppg) a year ago.
Kansas was chosen to finish second followed by Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas State and Iowa State.
Oklahoma received all but two first-place votes as the favorite to win the South division. The Sooners welcome back 11 starters from their 2007 Big 12 Championship squad. OU has won five league titles in six appearances, both conference records, and last season became the first team to win consecutive Big 12 championships. Oklahoma finished at 11-3 in 2007, registering at least 10 victories for a nation-leading 30th season.
Texas was picked to place second followed by Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Baylor.
The winners of the North and South divisions will square off in the 2008 Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship Dec. 6, at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium. The game will be telecast nationally by ABC at 7 p.m. CT.
Big 12 teams will be in Kansas City Monday-Wednesday for the annual Big 12 Football Media Day. The 2008 season opens with a full slate of non-conference games beginning Aug. 28.
| North | ||
| 1. | Missouri (51) | 306 |
| 2. | Kansas | 234 |
| 3. | Nebraska | 183 |
| 4. | Colorado | 181 |
| 5. | Kansas State | 108 |
| 6. | Iowa State | 59 |
| South | ||
| 1. | Oklahoma (49) | 304 |
| 2. | Texas (2) | 230 |
| 3. | Texas Tech | 227 |
| 4. | Oklahoma State | 140 |
| 5. | Texas A&M | 118 |
| 6. | Baylor | 52 |
First-place votes in parentheses
TU is the unanimous pick to repeat as the Conference USA west champions in the C-USA coaches poll. The Hurricane also have three players on the pre-season all conference first team. Read the story and see the rankings and players below.
take the time to leave your thoughts as well, just look at the bottom of the page and see how!
July 16, 2008
The 2007 Conference USA Football Championship game featured Tulsa and UCF battling for the league title and the two squads are favored once again for a title shot in 2008, according to the league's 12 head coaches. The defending champion Knights were picked to win the East Division crown, garnering 67 of a possible 72 points. The Golden Hurricane was unanimously picked to win the West, grabbing all 72 available points.
UCF was picked to finish third in the East Division in last year's poll, but behind record-setting running back Kevin Smith, the Knights finished the year 7-1 in the league and advanced to host the third annual C-USA Football Championship game. UCF rolled to the league championship with a 44-25 win over TU and went on to play in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, just the second bowl appearance in program history. The team returns nine starters in 2008 to a defensive unit that picked off a school record 24 passes in 2007.
Despite falling in the C-USA Championship game, Tulsa represented the league in the GMAC Bowl and routed Bowling Green, 63-7, to finish the season at 10-4. The 10 wins were the most for the program since 1991 and along the way TU became the first team in NCAA history to have a 5,000-yard passer, three 1,000-yard receivers and a 1,000-yard rusher. More importantly, nine starters return in 2008 to an offensive unit that led the nation in total offense a season ago.
Houston was voted to finish second in the West and is coming off its third consecutive appearance in a bowl game. The Cougars will be led in 2008 by first-year head coach Kevin Sumlin. Sumlin became the first African-American to head an NCAA FBS program in the state of Texas when he was picked for the job and is the 11th head coach in UH history. He spent the past five seasons at Oklahoma, where he served most recently as both the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. Senior DL Philip Hunt highlights the returning Cougars in 2008.
UTEP was tabbed to take third in the West in 2008 after finishing in fifth place in 2007. Quarterback Trevor Vittatoe returns for his sophomore campaign after having the second-most passing yards among NCAA FBS freshman last season. His favorite target at wideout will also be back in 2008, as Jeff Moturi returns for his senior campaign. Moturi tied the school record by making a touchdown reception in 10 consecutive games and also notched four 100-yard games in 2007.
East Carolina was picked to come in second in the East for the second consecutive season. The Pirates are coming off back-to-back bowl appearances for the first time since 1999-2000 and finished 8-5 last season after a thrilling win over No. 22 Boise State in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl. ECU closed the season by scoring 30 or more points in six of its last seven C-USA games and returns both signal callers on offense. Patrick Pinkney and Rob Kass both saw action under center and will vie for the starting spot again. Pinkney played in all 13 games and made five stars, while Kass made seven starts and played in 10 contests.
Southern Miss was chosen to take third in the East after finishing 2007 7-6 overall for the team's 14th straight winning season. The Golden Eagles made their 18th appearance in a bowl and have appeared in a bowl game for six consecutive years and 10 out of the last 11. Larry Fedora will lead the Golden Eagles in 2008 after being named the program's 18th head coach last December. Fedora spent that last three seasons as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State where his teams were in the Top 10 in rushing yards per game and in the Top 20 in total offense.
Golden Eagle junior running back Damion Fletcher was chosen as the league's preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Fletcher carried the ball 29 times for 155 yards in the Papajohns.com Bowl to finish last season with a single-season best 1,586 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has recorded a total of 16 100-yard rushing games in his first two seasons, along with seven multi-touchdown games and 26 career scores.
Another Golden Eagle, reigning C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Gerald McRath, was picked as the preseason favorite to repeat as the conference's top defensive player. He led C-USA in tackles with 139 (71 solo, 68 assist) in 2007 and averaged 10.7 per game.
UCF cornerback Joe Burnett was tabbed as preseason Special Teams Player of the Year for the second straight season. Burnett has 926 career punt return yards, which ranks first among active players in the NCAA FBS and his three career touchdowns are tied for the most among active players. His average of 13.23 yards per punt return is also tops among all active players.
The 2008 C-USA Football season kicks off on Thursday, August 28 when UTEP travels to Buffalo. C-USA's first televised game follows on Friday, August 29 when Rice will host division foe SMU in a league contest on ESPN. Seven more games will take place on Saturday, August 30, highlighted by East Carolina's contest in Charlotte, N.C. against Virginia Tech that will be televised by ESPN.
2008 C-USA FOOTBALL COACHES PRESEASON AWARDS
Offensive Player of the Year
Damion Fletcher, RB, Southern Miss
Defensive Player of the Year
Gerald McRath, LB, Southern Miss
Special Teams Player of the Year
Joe Burnett, PR, UCF
First Team Offense
QB Chase Clement, Sr., Rice RB Tarrion Adams, Sr., Tulsa RB Damion Fletcher, Jr., Southern Miss OL Patrick Brown, Sr., UCF OL Robby Felix, Sr., UTEP OL Ryan McKee, Sr., Southern Miss OL Doug Palmer, Jr., East Carolina OL Brandon Pearce, Sr., Memphis WR Duke Calhoun, Jr., Memphis WR Jarett Dillard, Sr., Rice WR Brennan Marion, Sr., Tulsa WR Jeff Moturi, Jr., UTEP TE Cody Slate, Jr., Marshall
First Team Defense
DL Albert McClellan, Sr., Marshall DL Moton Hopkins, Sr., Tulsa DL Philip Hunt, Sr., Houston DL Zach Slate, Sr., East Carolina DL C.J. Wilson, Jr., East Carolina LB Joe Henderson, Sr., UAB LB Gerald McRath, Jr., Southern Miss LB Brian Raines, Sr., Rice DB Will Dunbar, Sr., UAB DB Kenneth Fontenette, Sr., Houston DB Andrew Sendejo, Jr., Rice DB C.J. Spillman, Sr., Marshall
First Team Special Teams
K Jose Martinez, Sr., UTEP P Thomas Morstead, Sr., SMU KR Darius Marshall, So., Marshall PR Joe Burnett, Sr., UCF
Fans have spoken and the winner is in. The court at Gallagher-Iba arena will still sport the signature of former OSU head coach Eddie Sutton even though it will be smaller. Read the news release below and see what the court will look like and then leave your comments on our blog!!
Preferred Design For Revered Basketball Court
STILLWATER, Okla. (OSU Athletics <http://www.okstate.com>) -- The Oklahoma State University Department of Athletics has announced it has finalized plans for the re-design of the basketball floor of historic Gallagher-Iba Arena.
The new design was a runaway favorite with Cowboy and Cowgirl basketball fans, garnering 6,503 votes of the more than 14,000 submitted for the eight designs that were considered.
The arena, dubbed the "Madison Square Garden of the Plains" when it opened in 1938, has been voted as the best collegiate basketball facility in the country on three occasions by national media outlets. It still features the original white maple wood floor that was in place when the arena opened. At the time, it was the most expensive basketball floor ever constructed.
The revered floor will return to a more traditional look for the 2008-2009 Cowboy and Cowgirl basketball seasons.
"The new design is much simpler and allows the floor to take center stage," said OSU director of athletics Mike Holder. "Honoring and accentuating the history of the floor, which includes two national championships, was the primary goal of the re-design."
The new court will include black trim around the edges of the court. The lanes on both ends of the court are outlined in black, but with interiors that are the color of the rest of the court. The lanes also feature an inset of the Big 12 Conference logo.
The name of Gallagher-Iba Arena spans across the mid-court line. Just off center court on one side is the signature of former head coach Eddie Sutton, along with the floor's designation as "Eddie Sutton Court" with the other side of the mid-court line featuring Cowboy mascot "Pistol Pete".
"Among the many reasons I decided to take the head coaching job at Oklahoma State was because of Gallagher-Iba Arena," said Cowboy head basketball coach Travis Ford. "This arena has a national reputation as one of the toughest places to play for an opposing team. Some of the greatest games ever played have taken place on this white maple floor. The new design honors the floor's great history, which includes the names of two of the finest coaches to ever coach the game of basketball -- Henry Iba and Eddie Sutton."
Oklahoma point guard Jenna Plumley was arrested Tuesday in Norman on counts of petty larceny. Plumley is accused to trying to take about $34.00 worth of make up at a Wal-Mart store.
Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale has made no comment and the school says they will handle the matter internally
If convicted, the charges could lead to fines of between $50.00 and $750.00 and up to 60 days in jail.
QB Clark Harrell Decides to Transfer from Tulsa, the Hurricane will have three quarterbacks when camp opens August 4.
July 16, 2008
Tulsa, Oklahoma - University of Tulsa Head Football Coach Todd Graham announced today that sophomore quarterback Clark Harrell has decided to transfer. Harrell informed Graham of his decision earlier today, and indicated that he would most likely transfer to a Championship Subdivision (formerly Div. 1-AA) or Division II school.
Harrell was one of three quarterbacks competing for the starting quarterback position. Senior David Johnson is the leader of the quarterback race heading into fall camp, while junior college transfer Jacob Bower, also a sophomore, has been competing for the position as well. In addition, GJ Kinne has joined the Golden Hurricane after transferring from the University of Texas. Kinne will have to sit out the 2008 season.
"We think the world of Clark Harrell. The quarterback position is really competitive and Clark wanted to be in a position where he'd have a better opportunity to play right away," said Graham. "We appreciate the hard work and dedication Clark has put forth at The University of Tulsa, and wish him the very best."
Harrell came to Tulsa from Ennis High School where he threw for 3,924 yards as a senior. He sat out the 2006 campaign for the Hurricane and saw action in two games last year. Harrell completed 10-of-13 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game.
"My plan will be to transfer to a university where I won't have to sit out a season. It was a hard decision. I really love this place. I love the coaching staff. I love my teammates. It was a really tough decision. I'm just trying to make the best decision for me," said Harrell. "I'm not going to have a chance to play football the rest of my life, and now that I've been in college for a couple of years, I'm just trying to make the best decision on my playing career and future.
 |
"I feel I'm good enough to play here, but there's also a chance with three of us competing right now and four with GJ (Kinne) coming in and eligible to play next year, someone is not going to play. I like my chances, but that's just reality. So to avoid the possibility of sitting five years, if that were to happen, and not be happy, I just felt it was best to leave now and go somewhere else," added Harrell.
"One of the hardest things I've ever had to do was going in and telling Coach Graham, who I've known for a long time, telling Coach Malzahn, Coach Blankenship, and some of my friends. It was very tough. These are guys I'm going to try to keep in touch with for the rest of my life, and to not play with them anymore will be tough. It was a big decision," said Harrell.
He was an Oklahoma great and he's gone. Bobby Mucer died on Saturday at the age of 62 after battling a malignant brain tumor for several years. Read about Murcer's Oklahoma accomplishments and then see what they said in New York City on the passing of one of the best to EVER come out of Oklahoma!
Do you like Billy Packer or do you hate Billy Packer? There seems to be no middle ground on the college basketball analyst and it looks like 
CBS doesn't like him anymore! CBS may be letting Packer Go after 28 years with the network.
Did you like Billy Packer?? Leave your comments below!
The 2008 Major League Baseball All Star game set a record for the longest ever and in the end, the streak continues. Texas Ranger shortstop Michael Young's sac fly in the 15th scored the Twins Justin Moreau and gave the American League a 4-3 win.
It's the 11th win in the last 12 All Star games with one tie thrown in. Read the game story and see the stats and records as we now get ready for the second half of the baseball season.
Grab your boots and your jeans, the rodeo is in town! The 2008 PBR Express Classic presented by Creek Nation Casino is here this weekend.
The Convention Center is the site Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
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If you feel like a little drive, hop in the car and head to Oklahoma City as the Tulsa Talons try to wrap up their division championship against the Yard Dawgz.
If your kids would LOVE to spend a day with some outstanding football coaches and make a difference at the same time, we have the perfect thing for you.
Tulsa co-offensive coordinator Herb Hand and others are putting on the first "Coach Hand's better than winning football experience" at the University of Tulsa's Chapman Stadium.
The camp cost of $35.00 is a fundraiser for children in Haiti but coach Hand says no child will be turned away for not being able to pay.
Players from 3rd to 7th grade and cheerleaders from 3rd through the 12th grade are all welcome to take part from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. You can read more about how to be involved right here!
Interleague play brings some great match-ups. How about the Cubs-White Sox, maybe the Mets-Yankees, or the Cardinals-Royals. All those series continued last night but none were quite like the Dodgers-Angels game Saturday night.
Angels pitchers Jered Weaver and Jose Arredondo combined on a no hitter, sort of. The Angels due didn't allow a hit but it lasted only eight innings and the Angels lost the game! The Dodgers won 1-0 on an unearned run and didn't bat in the ninth inning so the Angels lost the game and the no hitter. '>You can read how it went here and scratch your head with the rest of us.
When Brett Favre announced his retirement in March, there were a lot of fans who said they didn't believe he was finished. Favre made that look like a good prediction last week when he began looking into getting back into the NFL. The problem?
The Packers don't seem to want him. Read what is happening now and leave your thoughts below on Brett Favre and if she should be the man in Green Bay again next season.
Seattle and Oklahoma City anxiously await Wednesdays decision from U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman.
You can read more about where we are now and how we got here as we wait for 6 p.m. Oklahoma time to see what happens.
Her ruling in the law suit between Seattle and team owner Clay Bennett has a great deal to do with where the Supersonics play next year.
The decision will be released on the District Court website, you can find it right here.
No matter how the suit is decided it still may not be the end as both sides will have the option to appeal.
The Semgroup Championship is on the move again, this time a little later in the month of May. The 2009 tournament will be held from May 25th through the 31st with an eye on making things easier for everyone involved.
Semgroup president Tom Kivisto says the new date will help those with children since it is after most of the schools are out.
Cedar Ridge country club director of golf Buddy Phillips is also pleased with the move because he says it will allow the grass to mature on the course to make conditions better for championship play. 
Paula Creamer won the 2008 event in a playoff with LPGA hall of famer Julie Inkster.
Like baseball? Like fireworks? You can combine the two with the Tulsa Drillers in the next few days.
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Tulsa is coming home for a big homestand you may want to be a part of. Tulsa will face the Corpus Christi hooks Thursday and Friday with huge fireworks shows.You 
can be a part of that plus other cool stuff at the ball yard. Listen to Driller staffer Jason Georgewhile he explains all of the neat things to do. Then, get serious about the team and hear Driller skipper Stu Cole Stu Cole visit about where they stand and what he expects in the second half of the Texas League season.
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