Sports

A fatality wreck during a recent event in Texas has organizers of this weekend’s Smoke on the Water Drag Boat Races reviewing their safety measures.

“It makes you take a step back and evaluate things. It was a shock that rattles you to your core. We are aware, concerned and cautious moving forward. It’s (safety) something we don't take lightly,” said co-organizer Josh Finnigan.

During the Duel on the Brazos in Waco, Texas, the third stop of the Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA) yearly racing circuit, Frank Carter’s boat began to flip.

Under the circumstances which led to her hiring as El Reno High School’s softball coach, Bri Michalicka was expecting to encounter some rocky situations during her first two months on the job.

Former head coach Jason Little resigned in March under a cloud of controversy after one season.

Michalicka was hired in early May, having no head coaching experience on the high school level and just one season under her belt as Little’s assistant.

It goes without question that Matt Miller knows how to drive into the winner’s circle on the Southern Drag Boat Association racing circuit.

The El Reno native has put his “Miller Time” boat into the first-place spot in the Top Eliminator Class six times since the end of the 2022 circuit and did something no other driver has done in the association’s history, which turns 51 this season.

“Last year we went 5-0 and took the Top Eliminator crown and we were the first to do that in the 50-year history of the championship,” said Miller.

El Reno head softball coach Bri Michalicka (above) held her first youth skills camp recently.

More than 40 young players took part in three days of skills training such as fielding, throwing, catching and base running.

The event ended with snow cones and a slip and slide.

El Reno High School begins its 2024 preseason drills Monday.

After three days of workouts on fundamentals, El Reno High School’s youth softball camp ended with some fun with a round water slide and snow cones.

Five El Reno High School grapplers played key roles for various Team Oklahoma squads during the summer dual team national events across the United States.

The group logged a 46-31 overall record, with several earning All-American status in Greco-Roman, Freestyle or both.

“Super proud of the kids representing El Reno and Oklahoma in these national events. It shows that they have put in the hard work and it’s paying off.

El Reno High School graduate Kallie Maifield (center) recently signed with Haskell Indian Nations University to play golf. Looking on are EHS head coach Cameron Wilkins (right) and his wife, EHS counselor Sara Wilkins.
 

Members of El Reno High School’s 2023-24 girls basketball team recently held a cookout and swim party where they were presented their Class 5A State Championship rings.

Each ring is filled with over 50 jewels designed by head coach Jennifer Douglas and made by Signature Rings.

There were 28 rings made at around $250 each. The cost was paid for by private donations and local business sponsors.

El Reno won its first-ever title in girls hoops with a 28-0 record.

The Olympics are coming to El Reno.

Well, in a smaller and not so official version at least.

On the same day as the opening ceremonies for the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris (July 26), the 2024 Smoke on the Water Drag Boat Races kicks off its three-day run at Lake El Reno.

“In the spirit of the Olympics on Friday evening, we will have a kids opening ceremony event with a torch lighting,” said Smoke on the Water co-organizer Josh Finnigan.

SOUTHWEST

Ellsworth: July 7.
Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 86°F and murky.
Blue and channel catfish fair on chicken liver, shad and worms around flats, main lake and points.

Fort Cobb: July 6.
Elevation is 1 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 84°F and stained.
Blue, channel and flathead catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait around coves and shallows.

Lawtonka: July 7.
Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 86°F and clear.