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Edmond Memorial's Kathrin Rowe named Gatorade Oklahoma Volleyball Player of the Year

oklahoman
·4 min read

Edmond Memorial's Kathrin Rowe named Gatorade Oklahoma Volleyball Player of the Year

Edmond Memorial's Kathrin Rowe was named the 2022-23 Gatorade Oklahoma Volleyball Player of the Year on Friday, becoming the fifth volleyball player from the school to win the award.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court, distinguishes Rowe as Oklahoma’s best high school volleyball player.

The 5-foot-7 junior setter and right-side hitter led the Bulldogs to a 25-4 record and the Class 6A state championship this past season. Rowe recorded 350 digs, 338 kills and 337 assists, posting a .378 kill percentage on the attack. She also compiled 41 service aces and 40 blocks. The Class 6A Tournament MVP, she was the 2022 Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

Rowe has volunteered locally at a homeless shelter and food bank, and she has donated her time as a youth volleyball coach.

More:Oklahoma high school fall sports 2022 All-State and All-City teams in football & more

Jenks' Maren Johnson spikes the ball as Edmond Memorial's Kathrin Rowe (14) and Chandler Lawrence (70 defend during the 6A state volleyball championship match between Edmond Memorial and Jenks at Noble High School in Noble, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 22, 2022.
Jenks' Maren Johnson spikes the ball as Edmond Memorial's Kathrin Rowe (14) and Chandler Lawrence (70 defend during the 6A state volleyball championship match between Edmond Memorial and Jenks at Noble High School in Noble, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 22, 2022.

Mississippi State hires OU's Zac Selmon as athletic director

Mississippi State has hired former Oklahoma assistant athletic director Zac Selmon as its AD.

Selmon is the son of former OU football great Dewey Selmon and nephew of fellow Sooner legends Lucious and Lee Roy Selmon, the latter a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Zac Selmon previously worked as Oklahoma’s deputy AD for external engagement and senior associate AD for administration and development. Selmon started four years at tight end for Wake Forest and graduated with a degree in religion and international studies.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum cited Selmon’s family athletic heritage in a news release and said Friday that the school found an outstanding leader with a servant’s heart.

“Winning and winning the right way is in Zac Selmon’s DNA," Keenum added.

Selmon thanked Keenum for his confidence and said he was incredibly excited to begin the opportunity guiding MSU athletics.

“I have a deep and abiding respect for Mississippi State’s traditions and the role this university plays in taking care of what matters in this state and nation,” Selmon said in the release.

Selmon replaces John Cohen, who left in October to become AD at Auburn. Bracky Brett had served as MSU’s interim AD and guided the program through the emotional aftermath of football coach Mike Leach’s sudden death last month from a heart condition.

Brett named Bulldogs defensive coordinator Zach Arnett as interim coach before promoting him to head coach.

More:How Zac Selmon was able to 'wow' Mississippi State president Mark Keenum in AD search

Zac Selmon, the new Mississippi State University Director of Athletics smiles while listening to a question during the press conference introducing him to the MSU community Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 in Starkville, Miss.
Zac Selmon, the new Mississippi State University Director of Athletics smiles while listening to a question during the press conference introducing him to the MSU community Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 in Starkville, Miss.

OCU mourns death of longtime soccer coach Brian Harvey

Longtime Oklahoma City University soccer coach Brian Harvey, who retired in 2019 with a combined men's and women's record of 813-341-70 in 34 years at the school, died Friday at age 75.

Harvey made a huge impact on soccer throughout the community, region and country. Harvey served as the coach of several professional soccer teams in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, including the Oklahoma City Slickers and Heat.

"Brian Harvey is an iconic figure in the history of Oklahoma City University Athletics," said Jim Abbott, former OCU athletics director. "What Abe Lemons was to basketball, Brian was to soccer. Brian's impact on the sport of soccer in Oklahoma is immeasurable, and his positive influence on the men and women who played for him is his real legacy. Brian exuded integrity, positivity and character, and I'm so grateful for his friendship and the example he set for our department every day."

A native of Liverpool, England, Harvey graduated from St. Bonaven­ture University in 1966 with a degree in physical education. He played soccer professionally in Australia, China, England and the United States. Harvey first came to the United States to play for the Dallas Tornadoes in the North American Soccer League and toured with the Tornadoes around the world. He competed against the legendary Pele in Hong Kong in 1972.

Harvey is survived by his wife Judy and daughter, Nicole, who played for OCU in 2001-04 and served as Harvey's student assistant in 2005.

—Staff and wire reports

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Kathrin Rowe named Gatorade Oklahoma Volleyball Player of the Year