TupaTalk: Nowata Lady Ironmen softball on winning trajectory
Just a word of recognition for a great autumn sports happening in Nowata.
Generally, Nowata High has not fielded one of the area’s strongest softball teams. The Lady Ironmen have endured more downs than ups the past 25 years, although they’ve had some amazing athletes come through the program.
But, through the third week in September, Nowata boasts the area’s best record (19-9) and should be a dangerous playoff opponent.
The biggest change in Nowata’s diamond landscape this season has been the installation of Thad Hewitt as the new head coach.
Even that scenario itself has an odd twist.
For the previous 20-plus years, Hewitt had taught — and coached — at Oklahoma Union High School. During his tenure with Oklahoma Union High softball, the Lady Cougars soared to several 20-win seasons and advanced one year to the state tournament.
But, Hewitt decided last year to resign from Oklahoma Union and return to work at his alma mater Nowata High, which hired him to coach girls basketball.
But, during the summer, Nowata had an opening for head softball coach and Hewitt unselfishly moved into the time-consuming position. His experience, savvy and ability to assess talent and how to use it, combined with a great Nowata group of girls athletes, has been a winning combination.
Meanwhile, Hewitt also is following his daughter Chesnie with the Murray State softball team. Chesnie batted leadoff for a Murray State team that advanced deep in the national tournament last spring.
Best of luck to Hewitt and the Nowata girls as they make their bid to push for a coveted spot at the state competition.
Blast from the past
Following is an excerpt of an E-E article from 2002
Bartlesville High School varsity volleyball coach Tracie Collins had plenty about which to smile Saturday.
Her Lady Bruins knocked off one top-10 team (Tulsa Union) and pushed another (Edmond Santa Fe) to the limit at the Edmond North Tournament.
Bartlesville advanced to the finals of the Silver Division. Tulsa Cascia Hall edged the Lady Bruins for the division championship in three games, 16-25, 25-9, 15-10.
Cascia Hall is the top-ranked team in the state in Class 4A.
“I was really happy to make it to that championship game. I was very pleased on the day,” said Collins. “I think the girls were pleased with their efforts.
“We went 3-3 of the day, which was really good. This is probably the most competitive tournament of the year in the state. All the top 10 teams were there plus those who could have been ranked.”
The Lady Bruins, who are ranked 11th in Class 6A, are 19-12 on the season.
They begin another busy week Tuesday with a roadtrip to Ponca City for a three-school meet with Stillwater. Bartlesville will face a grueling test Friday when it goes to Bishop Kelley for another three-way competition with Edmond North.
The Lady Bruins will finish off the week Saturday at the Jenks Tournament.
Last Saturday’s performance at the Edmond North tourney should have given the squad momentum heading into this week.
They opened the tournament facing Edmond North, the number-two ranked squad in Class 6A.Edmond North won in two games, 25-18, 25-17.
Stephanie Goodman led the Lady Bruins up front with six kills. Stacy Cornforth and Andrea Payne blasted three kills apiece.
Katie Spencer had 12 assists.
Next up, the Lady Bruins faced another top-five ranked team in Edmond Santa Fe.
Santa Fe required the full three games to turn back Bartlesville, 25-15, 19-25, 15-8.
Goodman once again topped Bartlesville in eight kills. Payne added three.
Jackie Hanes went 11-for-11 from the serving stripe with two aces. Kayla Lott was 6-for-6 with an ace. Spencer registered eight assists.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: TupaTalk: Nowata softball team is on winning trajectory
