THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Van Buren High School Athletics

OWASSO – There’s a video online of Thomas H. Begay, one of the U.S. Marine’s Navajo Code Talkers from WWII, singing the Marine Corp Hymn in his native Dine language. It’s a pleasant display, in the sometimes terrible frontier of the web, of America’s military history prominently displayed. Thursday in Owasso, Mr. Begay visited the Lady Rams’ softball game against Enid as the honored guest, and this time Owasso Public Schools delivered the tribute. Begay delivered the ceremonial first pitch and Owasso’s starting lineup honored United States military veterans with honorary dog tags as their batting order was called from the press box. From WWII to Vietnam, Desert Storm and beyond, military veterans from diverse experiences were recognized at the game. The evening proceeded with heartfelt tributes in this annual event, which was the vision of assistant coach Milt Denny, himself a military veteran. Owasso’s girls won 11-0 in five innings, scoring all 11 runs in the first inning. In the pregame ceremony, sophomore catcher Mia Ochoa presented her dog tags to Pfc. Kyle Patton, 23, of the 82nd Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina – her older brother. Patton, who said he will remain active duty through November, came home just four days ago and got to see Ochoa play for the first time in four years. “She’s a monster,” he said. Ochoa won the starting job as a freshman and has remained a steady defensive player for Owasso. She was asked to describe what sort of player she would be without the influence of her brother, 8 years her elder. “Not as tough,” Ochoa said. “He was an athlete growing up, so him pushing me, I looked up to him.” The Owasso Fire Department brought a fire engine and raised a large American Flag above the field. Owasso’s sixth, seventh and eighth-grade combined choirs delivered a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem as the color guard from Tinker Air Force Base presented the colors. Additionally, Owasso Choir students Gabby King, Natalynn Moran, Laura Pannhof, Ryleigh Spencer and Caitlin Willits sand “God Bless America” during the fourth-inning stretch. A trumpet player from the Pride of Owasso performed TAPS. The win was awarded to Jordan Hausher, who struck out seven of the 10 batters she faced in three innings of work. Aubrey Schroyer threw two innings of relief. Owasso (18-5, 8-0) sent 15 batters to the plate in the first inning and refreshed the lineup after that. Although there were few poor at bats, Hausher’s line was maybe the best: 2-for-2 with four RBI and a double. She had a bases-clearing double in the first inning. Enid’s record is 4-20 overall and 0-10 in district games. Owasso is scheduled to play every day next week, from Monday through Saturday.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Van Buren High School Athletics

LADY RAMS, PATRIOTISM SHINE IN OWASSO'S UNIQUE MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT

CHRISTIAN FAVALORA

Tulsa World | 9/16/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Christian Favalora