P4K: Head Football Coach Dustin Kinard diagnosed with cancer, Sandites rally in support

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Football is more than just a sport in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. It’s a community. When the Sandites step foot on that gridiron, they’re playing for the school, the town, the band, the cheerleaders and dancers. They’re playing for the legacy of their parents and siblings who played before them. They’re playing for their coaches, most of whom also played for Sand Springs.

Just two seasons ago the Charles Page High School football team was playing in honor of Don “Pop” Kinard, the father of their head coach, who died from complications arising from lung cancer.

Now they’re rallying behind Dustin Kinard, who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

When Kinard took over the program in 2007 the Sandites hadn’t had a winning season in a decade. Since then they’ve had six winning seasons, seven playoff appearances, three semifinal appearances, and in 2015 they made it to the State Finals for the first time since 1966. Kinard is also an assistant coach for the wrestling program, which won State and Dual State titles in 2017.

But more important than the wins is the camaraderie that Kinard has instilled in the program. A program without controversy. Where the players support each other and can often be found serving their community, working with Special Olympics, and making the halls of CPHS a welcoming place for all students.

Now Sand Springs is taking strides to show Kinard the impact he’s made in their lives. At Thursday evening’s Homecoming Parade, “Pray for Kinard” banners hung from many of the floats and vehicles, and a prayer rally was held at the Ed Dubie Field House following the parade.

At 7:30 p.m. the facility was packed as tight as you would see it at a mandatory school assembly. The town turned out in droves to stand firm behind the local titan.

Kinard will draw strength from his community and the example his father set for him in the battle to come. “I appreciate their support…I love this community and I’m going to fight,” said Kinard. “My dad had three tours in Vietnam and that’s way more than what I’ve gone through, so I’m ready to fight.”

Kinard will meet with an oncologist Friday morning to draw up a game plan, and will be back on the sideline by kickoff when the Sandites host the Bartlesville Bruins for Homecoming.

The Sandite Quarterback Club will be selling P4K shirts at the game Friday night and they will go online Monday at https://inkwellnation.com. Proceeds will go to help the Kinard family. There is also a Facebook fundraiser at this link.

Young, Weir, Scott, Teachnor receive awards from SSPS Board of Ed

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The Sand Springs Board of Education held a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at Charles Page High School and handed out several awards to students and faculty. 

Charles Page High School athletes Carter Young, Riley Weir, and Payton Scott were presented with Sandite Spirit Awards. Young and Weir both won wrestling State titles this season, leading their team to a third place finish.

"(Carter is) an outstanding student and an outstanding young man," said Head Wrestling Coach Kelly Smith. "I'd say the same thing about Riley. Everyone gets to see that final moment...but you wouldn't believe the time and the work and the effort that these guys put in to get where they're at. They're really special to get to this level."

Scott was recognized for winning the Gatorade Football Player of Year award for the State of Oklahoma. His award came with a $1,000 prize that he donated to Sand Springs Special Olympics.

"(Payton Scott is) one of my favorite people on the planet," said Board Member Rusty Gunn. "He's so energetic, so happy. He makes other people happy, he's a great leader on the field and off the field as well."

Pianist Amanda Teachnor was presented with a Pacesetter award for her work in accompanying the Sandite choir and band programs. "Amanda has just done a wonderful job," said Choir Director Peter Whipple. "She's been playing piano for us as long as I've been here. Every day she goes beyond. We appreciate her so much, her work, her spirit, and her willingness to do everything."

Superintendent Sherry Durkee briefly recapped talking points from a District Dialogue session held prior to the Board meeting, including student and teacher walkouts, State funding, school safety, and recent threat hoaxes.

SEE RELATED: SSPS Superintendent Durkee addresses teacher walkouts at District Dialogue

"They were polite and informed," said Durkee, regarding recent student walkouts to protest State funding. "I personally think that was a good platform to have conversation about current events." Durkee visited Central Ninth Grade Center where students walked out for 22 minutes to protest $22 million in state budget cuts. 

"The people I was around tended to know what they were talking about. Not to say every single kid was engaged, but I said 'what are you here for?' and I got an earful," said Durkee. The district did not sanction the walkout and students were counted absent from class, but the schools did contain the students and keep the event organized.

Durkee said the district has adopted an unofficial policy of taking all potential school threats seriously in the wake of the Florida massacre. Several threats have been made in recent weeks against the high school and ninth grade centers. The district has been working closely with the Sand Springs Police Department to track IP addresses and find the source of the threats. So far, each threat has been determined to be a joke. 

In other news:

  • Board approved out out-of-state travel for Clyde Boyd Middle School science teacher Janet Johnson to attend a Science Immersion Trip in Pigeon Key, Florida and an International Botball Competition in Indian Wells, California. 
  • Board approved out-of-state travel for Sherry Pearson to attend the School Nutritional Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • Board approved out-of-state travel for Athletic Director Rod Sitton and the Sandite Track and Field Team to attend a track meet in Mansfield, Texas.
  • Board approved a lease agreement with the Oral Roberts University Mabee Center for graduation ceremonies on May 12, 2018. 
  • Board approved the listing of nine school buses and seven other vehicles as surplus.
  • Board approved a statement of agreement with the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa for a 21st Century Community Learning Full Steam Ahead After School Program and Spring Break Camp from March 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018. 
  • Board approved a one-year license agreement with Employee Evaluation Systems, Inc.
  • Board approved an agreement with Lifetouch Preschool Portraits for picture day in Fall 2018.
  • Board approved the employment of one STEM Technology Teacher for the 2018-2019 school year. 
  • Board approved a resolution setting a date, time, and place for the sale of $4,825,000 in General Obligation Combined Purpose Bonds. 
  • Board approved the 2018-2019 School Calendar. 

A look back at Sand Springs's biggest stories in 2017

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Sandites enjoy a free concert from The Rogues Five at Riverfest.

From high school athletics to a growing economy and quality of living improvements, the history books will look on 2017 as a pivotal year in Sand Springs. Here's a look back at some of the biggest stories around town. 

Jan. 19 – USDA rolls out new Rural Development loan opportunities for Sand Springs area. – Read More.

Jan. 19 - CPHS Wrestling team pins entire U.S. Grant team in fourteen minutes and two seconds, setting national record for fastest dual won entirely by pin. - Read More. 

Feb. 01 – Ray Brown Park receives $37,000 renovation. – Read More.

Feb. 11 - CPHS Wrestling team wins first-ever Dual State Championship 40-26 over Broken Arrow.  - Read More.

Feb. 25 - Riley Weir, Daton Fix, Jack Karstetter, Beau Bratcher, and Payton Scott win individual State Titles and lead Sand Springs to their first State Wrestling Championship since 1971. - Read More.

Feb. 27 - ALDI grocery store and St. Francis Warren Clinic & Urgent Care announce plans to open new locations in River West Development. ALDI is new to community, Warren Clinic is relocating from Charles Page Boulevard. - Read More.

Mar. 02 - CPHS Womens' Basketball wins Area Championship to advance to State Tournament for first time since 2011. - Read More.

Mar. 06 – Rusty Gunn elected as Board of Education President, Mike Mullins sworn into new term on Board. – Read More.

Mar. 22 – Chinowth and Cohen opens new Prattville location.

Mar. 27 - Sand Springs City Council authorizes new murals and $1.5 million Prattville Fire Station. - Read More.

Apr. 04 – Payless ShoeSource announces shuttering of Sand Springs and Sapulpa locations. – Read More.

Apr. 05 – CPHS Winter Percussion wins State Championship. – Read More.

Apr. 19 – El Maguey Mexican Restaurant relocates to new building in River West. – Read More.

Apr. 20 – Tim Wright, Larry Hurst, and Dr. Stacey Butterfield are inducted into Sand Springs Education Association Hall of Fame. – Read More.

Apr. 22 – Herbal Affair co-founder Sandi Byerly receives Hometown Hero Award. – Read More.

May 02 - Individual Career Academic Plan bill authored by Jadine Nollan is signed into law. - Read More.

May 08 - Mike Burdge elected to 12th term as Mayor, Beau Wilson elected as Vice-Mayor. - Read More.

May 12 - Morgan Ganem releases new album, Paradise. - Read More.

May 13 - Aden Baughman wins 800-meter Track State Championship, Cheyenne Walden wins eighth and ninth State Championships. - Read More.

May 13 – Sand Springs graduates 392 in Class of 2017 – Read More.

May 16 - Hannah Rose releases More Than Conquerors EP. - Read More.

May 21 - CPHS Fishing Club wins Oklahoma Bass Nation State Championship. - Read More.

May 26 – Dog and Duck Antiques opens at 21 East 2nd Street, expanding from booth space in Vintage Stables on Main. – Read More.

Jun. 01 – The Ground Floor Salon opens at Village Square.

Jun. 06 – State Senator Dan Newberry resigns seat seven months after reelection. – Read More.

Jun. 08 – OSU Medicine opens in Shops at Adams Road.

Jun. 24 – EuroMotor Extravaganza returns to Sand Springs after five-year hiatus. – Read More.

Jun. 24 – Historic Twin Cities Elementary is demolished after nearly a century. – Read More.

Jun. 26 – Sand Springs City Council evicts Round Up Club from River City Park. – Read More.

Jul. 09 - Janeway Castle Stone Estate & Venue opens in Sand Springs. - Read More.

Jul. 10 - Sand Springs's Janet Johnson named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist. - Read More.

Jul. 11 - James Garrison hired as new CPHS Head Baseball Coach.- Read More.

Jul. 21 – Carter Young wins Cadet Greco-Roman National Championship. – Read More.

Jul. 29 – Aden Baughman wins National Championship in 800-meter run. – Read More.

Aug. 01 – Daton Fix wins Junior Freestyle World Championship. – Read More.

Sep. 09 – Case Community Park unveiled with all-day Riverfest celebration after $6.2 million renovation. – Read More.

Sep. 13 – Edward Jones agent Casey Loper relocates Sand Springs office to new building. – Read More.

Sep. 30 – YellowHouse Market & Boutique relocates to historic downtown Chastain’s building, buying out DejaVu Décor.

Oct. – Prattville Braums and QuikTrip are demolished, work begins on larger, newer facilities. – Read More.

Oct 11. – Colton’s Steak House and Grill breaks ground in River West development. – Read More.

Oct. 21 – CPHS Boys’ Cross Country team qualifies for State for first time in school history. – Read More.

Oct. 27 – Payton Scott sets school rushing record with 507 yards against Bartlesville. – Read More.

Nov. 02 – Stage department store relocates to former May’s Drug Warehouse building. – Read More.

Nov. 04 – It’s Just a Girl Thing Boutique opens in Prattville.

Nov. 08 - OkieSpice & Trade Co. celebrates grand opening in Sand Springs. – Read More.

Nov. 14 – Voters approve $18 million in General Obligation Bond packages. – Read More.

Nov. 14 – Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman wins Senate District 37 seat vacated by Republican Dan Newberry. – Read More.

Nov. 28 – Downtown Sand Springs hosts inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. – Read More.

Nov. 28 – WSB Homes opens in downtown Sand Springs. – Read More.

Dec. – Philip D. Smith publishes new book, From Praha to Prague. - Read More.

Dec. 01 – Rod’s Books and Relics hosts inaugural Christmas Parade of Books. – Read More.

Dec. 12 – Sand Springs breaks ground on new Prattville Fire Station. – Read More.

Dec. 17 – The House of Hair and Boutique opens on Livi Lee’s Corner. 

Dec. 27 – YellowHouse Market & Boutique, Sarah and Kyle Baumann win inaugural Sandite Pride Christmas Light Contest. – Read More.

Dec. 29 – El Patron Cocina Mexicana opens in Shops at Adams Road. – Read More.

Meet The Sandites Thursday at 7:00, pregame tailgating at 5:30

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The Charles Page High School football season is soon to kick off, and with it comes the local traditions of Meet the Sandites and pregame tailgaiting. 

Every year the season kicks off with Meet the Sandites, a preseason celebration of Sand Springs athletes. Sandite fans will be introduced to the Sand Springs football, softball, cross country, and volleyball teams, plus the cheer and dance squads. Not just the varsity teams either. The Sand Springs Youth Football and Cheer teams from elementary on up will get to storm the turf with the big kids in a preview of their future high school careers.

Prior to each football game, the award-winning Holy Smokers from Church That Matters host a tailgate cookout event with hot dogs, burgers, chips, and drinks as a fundraiser for the various Sandite athletic programs. The fundraisers routinely generate as much as $10,000 every season. 

The first fundraiser will be held on Thursday, August 17, prior to Meet the Sandites. Proceeds will go to benefit the football program. 

On Friday, September 1 the Sandites will host Pulaski Academy from Little Rock, Arkansas. That tailgate will help fund the volleyball program.

On Friday, September 8, the Sandites will host Choctaw and the tailgate funds will go to the cheer team.

On Friday, October 13, the Sandites will host Muskogee for Homecoming. The wrestling team will receive that tailgate's proceeds. 

On Friday, October 27, the Sandites will host Bartlesville and the boys' basketball team will be the fundraiser recipient.

The last tailgate will be on Senior Night before the Bixby game. The dance team will receive those funds.

The tailgating begins at 5:30 p.m. and costs $5. Meet the Sandites will officially begin at 7:00 p.m. Student athletes are asked to arrive early and begin lining up at 6:35. 

CPHS Class of 1967 graduate Larry Hurst to be inducted into Sandite Hall of Fame

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Education Foundation will be holding its 28th Annual Hall of Fame banquet this Thursday evening at the Charles Page High School Ed Dubie Field House.

CPHS Class of 1967 graduate Larry Hurst is one of three Sandites who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2017.

SEE RELATED: CPHS Class of 1967 - 50 Year Reunion

Hurst was a fullback on the 1966 2A State Champion football team, which holds the only State Championship in Sand Springs football history. The '66 Sandites finished the season undefeated at 12-0 in the second-largest class of competition. Hurst scored the winning touchdown on a 10-yard run to help his team defeat El Reno 14-7 at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City. He continued his athletic career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College where he competed on the Golden Norseman football and track teams and helped the football team to a NJCAA National Championship in 1967.

Hurst graduated the University of Central Oklahoma with a Master's degree in Education, then attained a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He returned to football as a coach. He worked as an assistant at Del City, then took the head coaching position in Blackwell from 1978 through 1981 and held an 11-28 career coaching record.

After a brief stint as Deputy Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma, Hurst returned to education as the Assistant Principal at Edmond Memorial High School.

In 1998 Hurst was hired as the Principal of Sheridan Junior High in Wyoming. He then transitioned to the High School as an Assistant Principal until his retirement in 2013. During his time with Sheridan he also worked as an assistant varsity football coach, freshman coach, and junior varsity coach. 

Hurst passed away on May 31, 2014 at the age of 65 after being struck by an intoxicated driver while bicycling with his wife, Sara. Hannah Terry was convicted of aggravated homicide with a vehicle and sentenced to eight to twenty years in a State penitentiary. Larry and Sara were one year shy of their thirtieth anniversary. Sara maintains a legal practice in Sheridan.

The Hall of Fame banquet will be catered by Rib Crib and will feature a silent auction and music by the CPHS Jazz Band. Sand Springs Teacher of the Year Janet Johnson will also be recognized at the event.