Yearly Archives: 2010

TU’s Kinne, Johnson earn C-USA honors

Staff Report

altIrving, Texas ­­–– The University of Tulsa took two of the six major player of the year honors in Conference USA as voted on by the league’s coaches, it was announced today.

Junior quarterback G.J. Kinne (Gilmer, Texas) was selected as the C-USA Offensive Player of the Year, while fellow junior Damaris Johnson (Norco, La.) was named the Special Teams Player of the Year.

Kinne’s honor marks the 11th time in the last 13 years that a quarterback has won the Offensive Player of the Year award.  He ranks first in C-USA for total offense (322 ypg) and second for pass efficiency (141.8) and passing yards per game (275.6 ypg).  Kinne has led Tulsa to the No. 1 ranking in C-USA in rushing offense, scoring offense and total offense. 

The 6’2” Kinne has completed 60 percent of his passes for 3,307 yards and 28 TDs, and has rushed for 557 yards and 7 TDs. He has produced five 300+ yard passing games and one 400+ yard game this year.  
 
altA kick returner/punt returner Johnson leads the nation for the second straight year in all-purpose yards with a 191.8-yard per game average.  Johnson has five 200+ all-purpose yard games and has 39 plays for over 20+ yards this year.  
 
He became the FBS and C-USA record-holder for career kickoff return yards in only his junior year and he currently has 3,308 career KOR yards.  In 2010, many opponents have kicked away from Johnson, as he returned only 29 kicks on 67 kickoffs.  He has produced 795 yards, one TD and a 27.4-yard average on those 29 returns.  Johnson currently ranks 24th in the FBS for kickoff return yards and 19th for punt returns this season.  
 
He also has a team-leading 771 receiving yards and three TDs, while rushing for 462 yards, a 9.2 average and 6 TDs.  Johnson earned first team all-Conference USA honors as a punt returner and second team recognition as a wide receiver and a kick returner this year.
 

The other Conference USA awards went to MVP Dwayne Harris of East Carolina, Defensive Player of the Year Bruce Miller of UCF, East Carolina quarterback Dominique Davis as Newcomer of the Year and UCF quarterback Jeff Godfrey as Freshman of the Year. 

Kinne, Johnson and their Golden Hurricane teammates will travel to Honolulu, Hawaii to take on the University of Hawaii in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The Warriors, members of the Western Athletic Conference, have posted a 10-3 record including a 6-1 record at Aloha Stadium, the site of the upcoming game. The contest will be televised nationwide on ESPN.

Travel packages for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl are available from Spears Travel by calling 918-254-1608, 1-800-688-8034 or at the company’s website. Fans wishing to donate tickets to the "tickets for troops" campaign may do so by calling 918-631-4688 or by clicking on TulsaHurricane.com.

 

Tulsa Oilers present GTR Challenge Cup.

Rich Lohman

altUnion, Jenks, Broken Arrow and Tulsa high schools to battle before Oilers home games.

TULSA, OK– The Tulsa Oilers announced today that they will partner with GTR Newspapers to present the GTR Challenge Cup. Four Tulsa high school hockey programs will battle in a special holiday tournament at the BOK Center.

Union, Jenks, Broken Arrow and Tulsa will play a double header at the BOK Center on Sunday December 19th prior to the Oilers 4:05 p.m. game with Odessa. The losers of tat days games will meet in a consolation game, followed by the winners in the championship game before the Oilers take on Texas on December 21st at 7:05 p.m.

“We have our players do a lot with the young kids in the Tulsa Youth Hockey program, so this is a great way for the Oilers to help the older kids in the program,” Oilers general Manager Taylor Hall said. “this will be great to have these teams playing at the BOK Center before our games, and we hope the GTR Cup becomes a big event on the Tulsa sports calendar.”

The GTR Cup Schedule:

Sunday Dec. 19—Broken Arrow vs. Tulsa noon
Union vs. Jenks 1:30 p.m.
Oilers vs. Odessa 4:05 p.m.

Tuesday Dec. 21—Consolation Game 3 p.m.
Championship Game 4:30
Oilers vs. Texas 7:05 p.m.

Tickets for all Oiler games are available at the BOK Box Office, tickets.com, Tulsa area Reasor’s stores, and by calling 1-866-7BOK-CTR (866-725-5287). More information is available by calling the Oilers office at 918-632-PUCK (7825).

Council Betrays Christmas Parade

David Arnett, Publisher

Analysis:  Radical secularists won the day as the Tulsa City Council Tuesday failed to stand in majority for Tulsa’s historic Christmas Parade.  For over 70 years, the parade thrilled children as tens of thousands enjoyed the Holiday Season together in downtown Tulsa.  A parade will happen this year, but without Christmas in the name.

This controversy was created deliberately by duplicity and deception.  Apparently, the Parade Committee believes it rules over the Citizens of Tulsa – in considerable arrogance.  With no public notice or debate, the name was changed in 2009.  When this was discovered, some organizations withdrew.  A local car club notified Committee Chairman Larry Fox December 9, 2009 that their members had unanimously decided not to participate.

Fox’s response by e-mail said, “Unbelievable – you are a car club, so I don’t see how that is relevant – in any case the event is the same, only the official name has changed – and the theme has actually always been holiday amyway (sic).”

The response from the club was just as brief, “That’s what you really believe?  That’s unbelievable.  Amazing that people don’t understand that this is much much more than just a holiday.  Such deception.”

In attendance at that 2009 parade, about a dozen people protested the removal of the historic name.  They were interviewed by local media.  They stood in the cold and demonstrated their convictions.

In solicitation for this year’s parade, Larry Fox as chairman and primary contact for the event published a solicitation for “sponsorship opportunities” and a “speciality unit application” which at this writing are still available online at the links provided.  Both documents describe the event as a “Christmas Parade.”

Also, the 2010 Sponsorship Application lists a parade route that was not followed last year nor will it be followed this year (it says they will go south on Boulder, but they go further west on 3rd Street to Denver then turn south).  

Both the secularists and the daily newspaper argued that the name change would not be grounds for the City Council to deny the permit.  Of course not, but that was not the reason provided to the City Council.  Specifically, the City Council could have rejected the parade application because a “Holiday” parade is not the historic “Christmas” parade usually held at that time of the year – a change made without public consideration or comment.  

It could also be denied because, as a resident along the proposed route, I objected arguing that a “Holiday” parade was not planned for a reasonable time, place and manner if it was not the historic Christmas Parade.  How many others this event may inconvenience is not known, but I, for one, objected at the City Council meeting.

I also objected to the disingenuous if not deceitful solicitations for participation apparently intended to gain support and participation under false pretense – thus a fraud perpetrated by Larry Fox and his committee upon the people of Tulsa using the name of Christmas.

Jess Bowers who operates an alpaca ranch was planning to participate in the parade, but now refuses because of the deceptive name-change saying, “It’s a bait and switch.”

In point of fact, a handful of arrogant self-appointed condescending ruling elite dedicated to radical secularism have high-jacked Tulsa’s historic Christmas parade – replacing it with a “Holiday” parade.  Why?

Motives are hard to know and harder to prove, but a few downtown promoters have always been heavily invested in making our city center a Mecca for alternative lifestyle residents.  They have said so in public conversations.  As a resident, I object to that narrow market focus as do many other business people downtown.  Could this be a “gay” hate for religion thing?

Regardless of the motives, sponsors must know that this controversy could have been avoided.  The parade could have included both Holiday and Christmas within the official name.  By their actions the parade committee demonstrates that their inclusive policy is not something that includes Christians.

The most ironic part of the City Council meeting on this issue was listening to pompous Blake Ewing say he believed if Jesus were on the council, Jesus would vote for the permit.  Yo Ewing, want a bet on that?  Whatever, you just lost my business in your establishments.

Another fool on this parade, activist attorney Greg Bledsoe, lectured the Council on points of no disagreement.  Ok, so it was hard to stay awake during that, but what the heck – he had his say.

The question now becomes, will Tulsans support this parade giving praise and honor to sponsors or will they vote by directing their time and attention elsewhere.  Some will attend and many may not.  Some Tulsans will again protest the removal of the name and betrayal of our community history – the USA Patriots is one group that has announced they will protest.

Some may alter their entry to prominently name theirs a “Christmas Parade Float” and others may change their presentation to more prominently feature the Christian reason for the season.

One civic leader with the will and ability to do so has pledged to establish a limited liability corporation with which he will organize another Christmas Parade – most likely not in the downtown area.

It has been suggested that Christian Churches could bring paper cups to hand out hot coco with the cups asking people to support the return of the name “Christmas Parade” next year.  It is the more passive protest suggestion, but provides an opportunity to tell participants why they feel the name is important – to witness … so to speak.

As for this resident on the route, I will again talk about the parade on AM 740 and FM 102.3 news talk KRMG on The David Arnett Show from 4 to 6 pm Saturday evening.  Your calls are welcome then or comments now may be added to this story below.  Readers must register to comment, but registration is free and dissenting opinions welcome.  For a previous story on the parade, click here. 

Council Betrays Christmas Parade

David Arnett, Publisher

Analysis:  Radical secularists won the day as the Tulsa City Council Tuesday failed to stand in majority for Tulsa’s historic Christmas Parade.  For over 70 years, the parade thrilled children as tens of thousands enjoyed the Holiday Season together in downtown Tulsa.  A parade will happen this year, but without Christmas in the name.

This controversy was created deliberately by duplicity and deception.  Apparently, the Parade Committee believes it rules over the Citizens of Tulsa – in considerable arrogance.  With no public notice or debate, the name was changed in 2009.  When this was discovered, some organizations withdrew.  A local car club notified Committee Chairman Larry Fox December 9, 2009 that their members had unanimously decided not to participate.

Fox’s response by e-mail said, “Unbelievable – you are a car club, so I don’t see how that is relevant – in any case the event is the same, only the official name has changed – and the theme has actually always been holiday amyway (sic).”

The response from the club was just as brief, “That’s what you really believe?  That’s unbelievable.  Amazing that people don’t understand that this is much much more than just a holiday.  Such deception.”

In attendance at that 2009 parade, about a dozen people protested the removal of the historic name.  They were interviewed by local media.  They stood in the cold and demonstrated their convictions.

In solicitation for this year’s parade, Larry Fox as chairman and primary contact for the event published a solicitation for “sponsorship opportunities” and a “speciality unit application” which at this writing are still available online at the links provided.  Both documents describe the event as a “Christmas Parade.”

Also, the 2010 Sponsorship Application lists a parade route that was not followed last year nor will it be followed this year (it says they will go south on Boulder, but they go further west on 3rd Street to Denver then turn south).  

Both the secularists and the daily newspaper argued that the name change would not be grounds for the City Council to deny the permit.  Of course not, but that was not the reason provided to the City Council.  Specifically, the City Council could have rejected the parade application because a “Holiday” parade is not the historic “Christmas” parade usually held at that time of the year – a change made without public consideration or comment.  

It could also be denied because, as a resident along the proposed route, I objected arguing that a “Holiday” parade was not planned for a reasonable time, place and manner if it was not the historic Christmas Parade.  How many others this event may inconvenience is not known, but I, for one, objected at the City Council meeting.

I also objected to the disingenuous if not deceitful solicitations for participation apparently intended to gain support and participation under false pretense – thus a fraud perpetrated by Larry Fox and his committee upon the people of Tulsa using the name of Christmas.

Jess Bowers who operates an alpaca ranch was planning to participate in the parade, but now refuses because of the deceptive name-change saying, “It’s a bait and switch.”

In point of fact, a handful of arrogant self-appointed condescending ruling elite dedicated to radical secularism have high-jacked Tulsa’s historic Christmas parade – replacing it with a “Holiday” parade.  Why?

Motives are hard to know and harder to prove, but a few downtown promoters have always been heavily invested in making our city center a Mecca for alternative lifestyle residents.  They have said so in public conversations.  As a resident, I object to that narrow market focus as do many other business people downtown.  Could this be a “gay” hate for religion thing?

Regardless of the motives, sponsors must know that this controversy could have been avoided.  The parade could have included both Holiday and Christmas within the official name.  By their actions the parade committee demonstrates that their inclusive policy is not something that includes Christians.

The most ironic part of the City Council meeting on this issue was listening to pompous Blake Ewing say he believed if Jesus were on the council, Jesus would vote for the permit.  Yo Ewing, want a bet on that?  Whatever, you just lost my business in your establishments.

Another fool on this parade, activist attorney Greg Bledsoe, lectured the Council on points of no disagreement.  Ok, so it was hard to stay awake during that, but what the heck – he had his say.

The question now becomes, will Tulsans support this parade giving praise and honor to sponsors or will they vote by directing their time and attention elsewhere.  Some will attend and many may not.  Some Tulsans will again protest the removal of the name and betrayal of our community history – the USA Patriots is one group that has announced they will protest.

Some may alter their entry to prominently name theirs a “Christmas Parade Float” and others may change their presentation to more prominently feature the Christian reason for the season.

One civic leader with the will and ability to do so has pledged to establish a limited liability corporation with which he will organize another Christmas Parade – most likely not in the downtown area.

It has been suggested that Christian Churches could bring paper cups to hand out hot coco with the cups asking people to support the return of the name “Christmas Parade” next year.  It is the more passive protest suggestion, but provides an opportunity to tell participants why they feel the name is important – to witness … so to speak.

As for this resident on the route, I will again talk about the parade on AM 740 and FM 102.3 news talk KRMG on The David Arnett Show from 4 to 6 pm Saturday evening.  Your calls are welcome then or comments now may be added to this story below.  Readers must register to comment, but registration is free and dissenting opinions welcome.  For a previous story on the parade, click here. 

Oh yes, they call it a streak! Oilers win 4-1.

Rich Lohman

Reed scores a pair of goals as win streak extends to 4.

TULSA, OK– As has been the marching cadence for the Tulsa Oilers (8-12-1, T8th, Berry) this season, there was a flurry of activity prior to their game with the Rapid City Rush (9-7-4, 4th Turner) on Tuesday night.

Coach Bruce Ramsay made a trade with the Missouri Mavericks that brought forward Braden Walls to Tulsa for future considerations. Trevor Cann was sent to Tulsa by the Lake Erie Monsters for the third time this season, and finally, John Mori underwent surgery on Monday and will be out for two months.

All of this is going on while the Oilers are enjoying what has been their most successful series of games since the season began in October. Tulsa has won five of their last six games and has pulled even for 8th place in the Berry Conference, which is the final playoff spot under the new CHL playoff alignment.

Leading the Oilers in points with 24, goals (10) and assists is Chad Costello. Derek Eastman is currently the top power play goal scorer with six and is tied with the lead with Mississippi’s Chris Richards and Kory Scoran of Wichita for the 31 power play goal scorer in the league.

The Rush come to Tulsa after splitting a weekend series at home with the Quad City Mallards, dropping an overtime decision on December 3 5-4 and dropping the Mallards 2-1 the following night. Leading Rapid City in points is Ryan Menai with 23 points, followed by former Amarillo standout Scott Wray with 19 points.

Opening the scoring in the game was former Oiler Brendon Hodge who shot the puck past Oilers goalie Ian Keserich at 4:18. Hodge converted a misplayed puck by Keserich off an assist by Jamie VanDerVeeken. Then at 14:05 Harrison Reed scored his 8th of the season for Tulsa assisted by Chad Costello and Derek Eastman. Reed made it two in a row at 3:08 of the second period assisted by Chad Costello and Jack Combs.

As a penalty for Rapid City’s Jay Birnie was expiring, Sean Erickson gave the Oilers a two goal lead on a blast that sailed past Rush goalie Danny Battochio at 8:59 to give Tulsa a two-goal lead. Through two periods the Oilers outshot Rapid City 22-19 and though the Oilers came close, neither team scored a special teams goal, (power play or shorthanded).

In the third period, both teams stepped up the checking and hitting and both goalies took beatings from being crashed into during breakaways. Keserich was briefly shaken up on one such instance and spent a brief period under the observation of Oilers trainer Stuart Nichols late in the 3rd, and about 4 minutes later he surrendered his net briefly to Trevor Cann after an apparent hand injury.

Cann, who was suffering from flu-like symptoms and practically just off the plane from Cleveland spent 8:15 in the net and stopped all four shots that the Rush fired at him. Ian Keserich returned with less than a minute remaining and the game ended with the Oilers on top for the sixth time in the last seven games. It also added to a win streak that began on November 27th in Evansville with a 6-3 win over the Icemen.

Both teams failed to convert any of their power play opportunities, with Rapid City going 0-for-3 and the Oilers 0-for-6. The team of Keserich and Cann combined to stop 31-of-30 shots. Across the rink, the Rush’s Danny Battochio stopped 22-of-26 pucks sent his way. Harrison Reed, the game’s #1 star, led all scorers with 2 goals, and Jack Combs had two assists on the night.

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

In all the Oilers have been on a run of complete, hard fought victories where they are clicking on all levels of their game. The Oilers will finish their three game home stand on Friday, December 10th when they face the Texas Brahmas at 7:35pm on Friday December 10th in the BOK Center.

Tickets for all Oiler games are available at the BOK Box Office, tickets.com, Tulsa area Reasor’s stores, and by calling 1-866-7BOK-CTR (866-725-5287). More information is available by calling the Oilers office at 918-632-PUCK (7825).