Sports & Recreation
Oklahoma senior LB Austin Box dies
Written by Dick Pryor Thursday, 19 May 2011 19:58
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A spokeswoman for the state medical examiner's office says Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box has died. Spokeswoman Cherokee Ballard confirmed the death Thursday afternoon. El Reno Police Chief Ken Brown says officers and medics responded Thursday morning to a call of an unresponsive male he identified as Box. Brown says Box first was taken to an El Reno hospital, then transferred by air ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital.
The senior from Enid started in six games for the Sooners during the past two seasons. As a junior, he recorded his second career interception in a win over Oklahoma State and recorded eight tackles as Oklahoma beat Connecticut in the Fiesta Bowl. University athletic department spokesman Kenny Mossman didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.
UPDATED:Â Â The family of Austin Box has asked Mercy Health Center to release this statement on their behalf:Â Â
The Box family wishes to express their appreciation for the outpouring of sympathy from across the state. We particularly want to thank the University of Oklahoma, the coaching staff and players for their kindness and support. Austin loved everything about Oklahoma - the people, his hometown of Enid and his many close friends. Most of all, Austin loved his family and we loved him.  We invite you to join us in celebrating his life.
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Olympic champion Blubaugh dies
Written by Dick Pryor Tuesday, 17 May 2011 16:58
OKLAHOMA CITY - Olympic wrestling champion Doug Blubaugh, who won an NCAA wrestling championship for Oklahoma State in 1957, has died from injuries suffered in an alleged hit and run accident Monday night in Tonkawa. The Ponca City native won an Olympic gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. Blubaugh later became wrestling coach at Indiana University. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1979.
Fallin signs Oklahoma Route 66 bill bike trail bill
Written by Dick Pryor Friday, 13 May 2011 22:08
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - There's new life for the Mother Road. Gov. Mary Fallin has signed legislation into law that designates part of State Highway 66 as a "Historic Bike Trail." It will stretch from the Kansas state line and Quapaw to Texola and the Texas state line.The measure directs that when funds become available, the Department of Transportation will create a shoulder lane for use by bicycle traffic on the Historic Route 66 Bike Trail.
The measure's author, Arcadia Rep. Lewis Moore, says the new lane will permit cyclists to see the great old bridges, the Round Barn, Pop's and museums along the statewide bike trail. Route 66 attracts many tourists from across the United States and abroad who want to experience the sights and sounds of the highway.
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OKC fans are Thunder-struck
Written by Dick Pryor Wednesday, 11 May 2011 22:11
OKLAHOMA CITY - Despite heavy rains in the metro area, pro basketball fans are pouring into downtown Oklahoma City to get in place for tonight's Game Five of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies. The Thunder squared the series at two games apiece with a dramatic 3-overtime win Monday night in Memphis. That kept the Thunder's hopes alive and gave them the home court advantage in the rest of the series. OETA's Susan Miller hit the rainy streets today to talk to Oklahomans who are Thunder-struck and find out what it takes to become the ultimate Thunder fan. Tonight's game tips off at just after 8:30 at the Oklahoma City Arena. The winner of the Thunder-Grizzlies series will face the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals.Â
Oklahoma 5, Oklahoma St. 1
Written by Dick Pryor Thursday, 14 April 2011 20:07
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - The Oklahoma Sooners rode the pitching and hitting of sophomore Keilani Ricketts to a 5-1 win over Oklahoma State in college softball at Norman. Ricketts allowed just the one run on three hits and struck out 11 while adding a two-run home run in Wednesday night's game. Her second inning homer gave OU a 2-0 lead. OU's Brittany Williams added a two-run homer and Jessica Shults hit a solo shot. The Cowgirls only run came in the sixth on a walk, a single and a groundout. The Sooners improve to 33-11 overall and 6-3 in the Big 12 while OSU falls to 32-10 and 3-4 in the conference.
