February 2, 2022 Issue, Page 4 of 8

Page Text

4 A g rS ipcourttlsu r e February 2, 2022 Elk City High School senior announced for 4A All-State Football team Daylen Thompson will play running back for All-State West in July homa 4A State semi-finals, the quarterback, and coaches.” natural progression for his life. crew has battled back against While Thompson was eager “I know how much coaches their fair share of adversity. to give out credit to numerous have changed my life,” Thomp- In fact, during their first people, he is clear upon what son explained. “Plus, I love two years of high school play, he will most miss. football. Who doesn’t want the Big Elks went without a “Oh, what am I going to to do what they love most for single win. miss the most?” Thompson work?” Through their dedicated asked. “That is easy to answer. A native of Listman, Ala- determination under the It is the fans. We have a very bama, Thompson began play- guidance of Head Coach Dave supportive community that ing football at the tender age Meadows, the team played the stuck with us through all the of five. eventual 4A champions, the losses. That doesn’t happen in In 2014, he and his family Clinton Red Tornadoes, which every town. Sometimes you relocated to Elk City. was the closest game during will be playing teams that have “I’m happy that we moved playoffs. had a rough season or two, and In fact, Meadows even ex- you can tell by looking at their here,” he said. pressed previously that he stands that their fans have Thompson is currently ac- felt their semi-finals matchup given up. That kind of makes tive in powerlifting. against Clinton was the true the team give up, too, if they At the January 19 pow- state championship game, evi- don’t have that support. That erlifting match in Snyder, denced by the close score that never happened with us. Our Thompson came out with a was still anybody’s ballgame stands were just as full when first-place win. until late in the fourth quarter. we were losing as they were “I’m in the 198 division,” Thompson was instrumen- when we were winning. I don’t he said. “At Snyder, I squatted tal in the Cinderella season, know if that makes sense, but 485 pounds, benched 285, and scoring 18 touchdowns. the fans really do help you win deadlifted 485. I like lifting, Because of that, Thompson ballgames.” too, but it also helps get stron- said he was not surprised when Thompson said that the 4A ger for football.” he was listed on the All-State All-State game will be played Weather permitting, the roster. on July 29, though the location Big Elks Powerlifting Team By Shonda Little Thompson will suit up with mates from the upcoming Elk “I’m really happy that I is yet to be determined. is scheduled to meet up with the All-Team West at the run- City High School graduating made it,” Thompson said. “I The young athlete hopes Anadarko on Friday. Last week, Elk City High ning back position. class of 2022, Thompson has kind of figured I would make that Elk City fans will contin- “My favorite subject is School was informed that one Although Thompson is seen great victories and bitter it. I was like third or fourth ue to follow his progress both math. I like it because it is of their seniors, 17-year-old hesitant to brag too much on defeats while playing his favor- in the whole state in rushing there and with the Southwest- easy,” Thompson said. Daylen Thompson, had been himself, his excitement for the ite sport. and second in 4A. We had a re- ern Oklahoma State University When asked about a favor- announced as a member of this prestigious selection was pal- Although one couldn’t tell ally good season, but I do know Bulldogs, where he has signed year’s Oklahoma 4A Football atable. by watching this year’s Big Elks on to play running back next ite teacher, he laughed, “I don’t that I wouldn’t have done as All-State Team. Along with his fellow team- stomp their way into the Okla- well without our great line, our fall. want to make anyone mad at Thompson plans to pursue me. But, honestly, I like them a degree in exercise science to all. Elk City has great teachers.” become a football coach even- His favorite food is chicken tually. alfredo, and working out is his Considering that Thomp- favorite hobby. son has been playing his favor- Thompson is the son of ite sport since early elementa- Christopher and Talisa Thomp- ry, he feels that coaching is the son. Good Luck Teams! 1210 S. Main St, Elk City 580-225-0100 www.elksupply.com We want From to wish youryoufriends a great season! at Merritt High School Homecoming crowns Dayli Great Pollard Plains National Bank Great Plains National Bank Great Plains 2017 W. Third | 1300 S. Main rt || Egpbankok.com National Bank 2017 W. Third | 1300 S. Main | Elk City Wal-Mart | gpbankok.com Zack Carr jumps to block the Warriors attempt to get Queen and Coby Skelton King. The girls lost to Hammon 580-225-2265 two on the board. Staff photo by Sheryl Ponce. while the boys beat the Warriors on their home court. Staff photo by Sheryl Ponce. We hope Merritt you have a great Homecoming of your hardwork through a difficult and challenging year.year! 580.243.0466 Have andFun This exciting Year! things! TFS TERRY’S FURNITURE (580)225-4006 OR (800)925-4006 terrysfurnitureshowroom.com SHOWROOM Cash or Check Monday 2001 SOUTH MAIN 90 Day Lay-A-way Thru Threw Saturday ELK CITY, OKLAHOMA Special Financing 9-6 We hope each of you has a great season! Elk City Nursing Home 301 N. Garrett, Elk City 580-225-2811 At left, Merritt cheerleaders create excitement during Want to sponsor the half-time performance. Above, Hagen Justice steps up to take his shot at the free-throw line, putting another the sports pages? point on the board to help with a win over the Warriors. Contact Neva Staff photos by Sheryl Ponce. at [email protected]