A SkyTrack is used to get things done up high where most people aren’t able to reach. The SkyTrack for the Lady Crusaders is also recognized by the names of 5’ 11” senior Emily Dick and 6’ junior Jessica Penner. Their height and leaping ability have caught the attention of opposing coaches and players and for good reason.

The two spiking specialists were recognized by being selected to the all tournament team at the Best of the West volleyball tournament held at Clinton, Oklahoma and have combined for an average of 13 kills per match so far during the 2010 season. With a record of 10 wins and 7 losses the Crusaders are focused on their goal of hosting a regional tournament and going to state. To accomplish that goal they plan on using their “SkyTrack”.

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Media Contact:
Mark Thiessen
580.343.2262

The Crusaders split the first two games of the match but lost the tiebreaker by a score of 12-15. Emily Dick and Jessica Penner were selected to the all tournament team.  Scores of the matches for the Crusaders were
 
 Weatherford 25-12, 25-23
 Shawnee 25-23, 25-12
 Cache  20-25, 26-24, 15-12
 Pampa, TX 22-25, 4-25
 OBA  18-25, 18-25
 Clinton 25-22, 25-18
 Bethany 25-18, 25-17

 Semifinals match:
 Oklahoma Bible Academy 17-25, 25-23, 12-15

Coach Slagell sees improvement in the team and stated that they are working on a more advanced offense that she feels will pay off against stronger competition.

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Media Contact:
Mark Thiessen
580.343.2262

Jay Penner has moved from wide receiver in 2009 to quarterback for the 2010 season and was the lone bright spot for the Crusaders on offense. Penner scored on runs of 22 yards and 5 yards. He also ran in an extra point attempt for the two point conversion. The next junior high game is September 13 at Duke with a start time of 6:30 p.m.

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Media Contact:
Terry Fellenstein
580.343.2262

On Friday nights for the opponents of the Crusader football team reaching the end of the line means a close up encounter with senior defensive ends Jared Boese and Ben Sawatzky. Boese, at 6’ 3″ 165 pounds, and Sawatzky, at 6’ 0” 181 pounds, have been given the job of sealing off the outside during the run situation and rushing the quarterback on passing downs. 

In 2009, Boese was the team leader with 122 tackles and 7 sacks.  He was also a 1st team all district special teams player. Sawatzky averaged 8 tackles and 2 sacks per game at linebacker for the 2009 season including 8 tackles for a loss.

These two players have the combination of size, quickness and aggressiveness needed to control the outside running game. For the opponents of the Crusaders on Friday nights, it won’t take long until they reach “The End Of The Line”.

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Media Contact:
Mark Thiessen
580.343.2262

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Media Contact:
Mark Thiessen
580.343.2262

Blake Engelman, 2009 CBA valedictorian, also selected OSU a year ago to study mechanical engineering based on the availability of the degree program and recognition of academic excellence.

The two young men have more in common than earning valedictorian honors at CBA and the selection of OSU for their college education. Both students qualified for a scholarship as an Oklahoma Academic scholar.

This $5,500 annual scholarship is funded by the Oklahoma legislature and administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. To qualify for the scholarship the two students scored at or above the 99.5 % on the ACT exam. This translates to a score of 34 or better.

In addition both students received the distinguished Robert C. Byrd Scholarship which is designed to recognize exceptionally able high school seniors who show promise of continued excellence in postsecondary education. The program is federally funded and awards funds to state education agencies (SEAs), which make scholarship awards to eligible applicants. The average scholarship is $1,500 per year.

Students receive the scholarships for college expenses. Each of these two scholarships is renewable for four or five years if the required grade point average is maintained.

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Media Contact:
Mark Thiessen
580.343.2262

The varsity lost the first game by a score of 22-25 but rallied to win the next three games and the match. Coach Slagell attributed the loss in the first game to mental errors and was impressed by the toughness the girls showed as they came back to win the next three games. Scores for the matches were:

CBA Junior High vs. Clinton  25-11, 25-14
CBA Junior Varsity vs. Clinton  15-25, 16-25
CBA Varsity vs. Clinton  22-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-8

On Tuesday, the Crusaders were victorious over the Southwest Covenant Patriots. The Crusaders had a strong day on offense with a total of 17 kills. Coach Slagell also saw improvement in the area of serve receive. Scores for the teams were:

CBA Junior High vs. Southwest Covenant  25-11, 27-25
CBA Junior Varsity vs. Southwest Covenant  25-19, 10-25, 5-15
CBA Varsity vs. Southwest Covenant  25-18, 25-10, 25-18

Thursday the Crusaders hosted a triangular meet with Cache and Heritage Hall. Cache is ranked #4 and Heritage Hall #2 in 4A division volleyball.

Against Cache the Crusaders lost the first game by a score of 12-25. They made improvement throughout the match losing the second game by a score of 19-25 and the third game by a score of 23-25. The Crusaders missed 11 serves and that was the difference in the match according to Coach Slagell.

In the following match against Heritage Hall the Crusaders lost 11-25, 17-25, and 17-25. Coach Slagell was impressed with the determination the team showed. In the last game the team was down 7-19 and then outscored Heritage Hall 10-6 before losing the match.

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Media Contact:
Mark Thiessen
580.343.2262

Media Contact:
Mark Thiessen
580.343.2262

With the return of several players lost to injuries last year the Crusaders are anticipating an improved season and a strong showing in the playoffs. The Crusaders return 11 starters from the 2009 season and have 9 seniors leading the way as they prepare  for the 2010 season.

According to Coach Fellenstein, strengths this year include 6 returning starters on both offense and defense and improved size and strength of the team as a whole. An important key to success as the season develops will be keeping injuries to a minimum.

Team leaders on offense and their positions are Pate Gossen at quarterback, Andrew Troyer at running back, Spencer Huiatt at end, and Jacob Friesen at guard. Team leaders on defense and their positions are Tyler Henry at linebacker, Jared Boese at defensive end, and Ben Sawatzky at defensive end. Crucial district matches include Thackerville on September 10, Tipton on October 15, Ryan on October 21, and Temple on October 29.

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Media Contact:
Mark Thiessen
580.343.2262

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Media Contact:
580.343.2262