Sandite Recruiting Report: Sims and Floyd Offered by Kansas Wesleyan, Downey Commits

/

#55 Marcus Sims, far right, was offered by Kansas Wesleyan.

Charles Page High School senior Zane Downey recently announced his commitment to play golf at Southern Nazarene University.

“I want to give thanks to my Lord Jesus Christ for blessing me with this opportunity,” Downey posted on Instagram. “I want to thank all my family and friends for believing in me and pushing me to be the best that I can.”

“I also want to thank my coach Matt Webb for always reminding me to stay level headed and take it one day at a time. And most importantly my Dad for all those times driving me to the course to practice and always being my biggest supporter and competitor.”

SNU is an NCAA Division II program in Bethany, Oklahoma, competing in the Great American Conference. The Crimson Storm tied for seventh in last year’s GAC tournament and tied for 17th at the NCAA Super Regional Preview in October. They are led by 13th year head coach Derrick Taylor.

Fellow senior Mason Ward announced his commitment to Coffeyville Community College on Monday, November 13th.

Football

Two senior football players announced offers to play college ball recently. Owen Floyd and Marcus Sims were both offered by Kansas Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan is an NAIA program in Salina, Kansas, competing in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Coyotes went 8-3 on the season and 4-1 in the KCAC under second-year head coach Matt Myers.

Floyd (6’0” 190 pounds), a linebacker, also has offers from Hendrix College and Oklahoma Wildcats Prep.

Sims (6’0,” 265 pounds), an offensive lineman, also holds offers from Southwestern College, Langston University, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Eight other Sandites have received offers to play football at the next level.

Senior OL Tyler “Tank” Smith (5’10,” 285 pounds) is committed to playing at Hendrix College.

Senior DE Dallas Elifrits (6’1”, 230 pounds) holds offers from McPherson College and Bethel College.

Senior lineman/TE Evan Williams (5’10”, 215 pounds) committed to play at Bethel College on November 10th.

Sophomore quarterback Easton Webb (6’3” 175 pounds) is committed to playing baseball at Oklahoma State University, but he also holds a Division I football offer from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

Sophomore lineman Ryley Kester (6’4” 270 pounds) has received offers from UNLV, Houston, Tulsa, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, and Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Sophomore receiver Brock O’Dell (5’10” 170 pounds) holds one college offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Senior running back Kenneth Page (6’0” 190 pounds) holds one offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Junior receiver Kooper Kelly holds one offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Softball

Junior RHP/IB/OF Addison Hughes announced on Wednesday that she had received an offer to play at East Central University, an NCAA Division II program in Ada, Oklahoma.

The Tigers went 21-27 overall and 14-19 in the Great American Conference last season under 17th-year head coach Destini Anderson.

Hughes went 12-7 in the circle this season with a 2.89 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, 115 strikeouts, and two perfect games.

She also holds offers from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Coffeyville Community College.

Senior RHP/INF Kelsi Hilton signed an LOI with Southern Nazarene University on November 8th.

Baseball

Senior RHP/OF Cole Pearson (6’2” 150 pounds) is committed to playing at McPherson College next season.

Six Sandite baseball players signed letters of intent to play college ball on November 8th.

Senior INF/RHP Jackson Stewart (5’11” 195 pounds) signed with McPherson College.

Senior RF/LHP Kayden Campbell (5’9” 165 pounds) signed with Cowley County Community College.

Senior right-handed pitcher Eli Buxton (6’6” 185 pounds) signed with Arizona State University.

Senior OF/LHP Miller Tavaglione (6’2” 190 pounds) and senior INF/RHP Jace Arnold (6’2” 180 pounds) signed with Allen County Community College.

Senior INF Wyatt Rutledge (6’2” 170 pounds) signed with Northern Oklahoma College at Enid.

Girls Basketball

5’10” senior small forward KiAryn Taylor is committed to Ranger College.

5’3” senior guard Sakauri Wilson signed a letter of intent to play at Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Wednesday, November 8th.

5’7” senior guard Taiona “Yonnie” Morris recently announced her commitment to play at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Boys Basketball

6’4” junior guard Deke Thompson holds one offer from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Soccer

Two senior soccer players signed LOIs on November 8th.

Senior Ava Watts signed to play Division I soccer at Texas A&M-Commerce.

Senior Kate Webb signed to play at University of the Ozarks.

Coaches, players, and parents can send recruiting updates to sanditepridenews@gmail.com.

Sandite Recruiting Report: Tyler Smith Commits to Hendrix College

/

Tyler smith (#72) is committed to Hendrix College. (Photo by Charity Emigh).

Charles Page High School senior offensive lineman Tyler “Tank” Smith (5’10” 285 pounds) announced on X Friday that he has committed to playing football at Hendrix College next season.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity,” tweeted Smith. “I want to thank my parents for all their love, support, always being there, and everything they have done for me.”

“To my coaches, thank you for always pushing me to be my best and for everything they have taught me over the years. I also want to tank all my teammates, friends, and family for all of their support.”

Smith, an All-District selection this past season, chose Hendrix over offers from McPherson College and Southwestern College.

Hendrix is an NCAA Division III program in Conway, Arkansas competing in the Southern Athletics Association.

The Warriors went 3-7 last season under 11th-year head coach Buck Buchanan. Hendrix discontinued football in 1960 before resurrecting it under Buchanan’s leadership in 2013. Since then they have posted six winning records.

Nine other Sandites have received offers to play football at the next level.

Senior OL Marcus Sims (6’0”, 265 pounds) holds offers from Southwestern College, Langston University, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Senior DE Dallas Elifrits (6’1”, 230 pounds) holds offers from McPherson College and Bethel College.

Senior lineman/TE Evan Williams (5’10”, 215 pounds) committed to play at Bethel College on November 10th.

Sophomore quarterback Easton Webb (6’3” 175 pounds) is committed to playing baseball at Oklahoma State University, but he also holds a Division I football offer from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

Sophomore lineman Ryley Kester (6’4” 270 pounds) has received offers from UNLV, Houston, Tulsa, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, and Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Sophomore receiver Brock O’Dell (5’10” 170 pounds) holds one college offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Senior linebacker Owen Floyd (6’0” 190 pounds) has earned two offers this season from Hendrix and Oklahoma Wildcats Prep.

Senior running back Kenneth Page (6’0” 190 pounds) holds one offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Junior receiver Kooper Kelly holds one offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Softball

Junior RHP/IB/OF Addison Hughes holds offers from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Coffeyville Community College.

Senior RHP/INF Kelsi Hilton signed an LOI with Southern Nazarene University on November 8th.

Baseball

Senior RHP/OF Cole Pearson (6’2” 150 pounds) is committed to playing at McPherson College next season.

Six Sandite baseball players signed letters of intent to play college ball on November 8th.

Senior INF/RHP Jackson Stewart (5’11” 195 pounds) signed with McPherson College.

Senior RF/LHP Kayden Campbell (5’9” 165 pounds) signed with Cowley County Community College.

Senior right-handed pitcher Eli Buxton (6’6” 185 pounds) signed with Arizona State University.

Senior OF/LHP Miller Tavaglione (6’2” 190 pounds) and senior INF/RHP Jace Arnold (6’2” 180 pounds) signed with Allen County Community College.

Senior INF Wyatt Rutledge (6’2” 170 pounds) signed with Northern Oklahoma College at Enid.

Girls Basketball

5’10” senior small forward KiAryn Taylor is committed to Ranger College.

5’3” senior guard Sakauri Wilson signed a letter of intent to play at Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Wednesday, November 8th.

5’7” senior guard Taiona “Yonnie” Morris recently announced her commitment to play at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Boys Basketball

6’4” junior guard Deke Thompson holds one offer from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Golf

Senior Mason Ward announced his commitment to Coffeyville Community College on Monday, November 13th.

Soccer

Two senior soccer players signed LOIs on November 8th.

Senior Ava Watts signed to play Division I soccer at Texas A&M-Commerce.

Senior Kate Webb signed to play at University of the Ozarks.

Coaches, players, and parents can send recruiting updates to sanditepridenews@gmail.com.

Ty Pennington to Transfer to Northern Arizona University

/

Ty Pennington didn’t take long to announce his next college destination. Ten days after entering the transfer portal, the redshirt freshman has indicated he will be heading to Northern Arizona University.

Pennington, a 2022 Charles Page High School alum, posted photos in an NAU uniform Monday alongside fellow former Pitt State player Kolbe Katsis. It appears to be more than just a visit, as he captioned the post “Coming soon 🪓,” while Katsis posted on his X account that he was “100% committed” to NAU.

Pennington was 46-of-69 passing this season for 447 yards, six touchdowns, and only one interception at Pittsburg State University, an NCAA Division II program in Kansas.

He was also fourth on the team in rushing yardage with 76 carries for 359 yards and four touchdowns.

While technically the backup quarterback, Pennington frequently saw early-game action due to his dual threat capabilities.

The Gorillas went 11-2 on the season, winning the MIAA before falling 24-21 to No. 2 Grand Valley State in the second round of the playoffs.

Following the end of the season, head coach Brian Wright departed Pitt State to become head coach at NAU, an NCAA Division I program competing in the Football Championship Series (FCS).

Wright replaces Chris Ball, who was fired after going 20-30 over five seasons. The Lumberjacks went 5-6 this season to tie for fourth in the Big Sky Conference.

Pennington was an All-State selection and a four-year starter at Sand Springs, where he holds most of the school passing records. He threw for 6,455 yards and 54 touchdowns in his prep career and picked Pitt State over a preferred walk-on offer from Oklahoma State.

Sandite Recruiting Report: Southwestern College Offers Sims & Smith

/

Tyler smith (#72) and Marcus Sims (#55) were both offered by Southwestern College. (Photo by Charity Emigh).

Two Charles Page High School senior offensive linemen announced Saturday that they had received offers to play football at Southwestern College.

Tyler “Tank” Smith (5’10” 285 pounds) and Marcus Sims (6’0”, 265 pounds) both announced their offers within five minutes of each other.

Southwestern is located in Winfield, Kansas and is an NAIA program competing in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The Moundbuilders went 8-3 this past season under ninth-year head coach Brad Griffin.

Sims also holds offers from Langston University and Northwestern Oklahoma State University while Smith has been offered by McPherson College and Hendrix College.

Senior DE Dallas Elifrits (6’1”, 230 pounds) also announced an offer over the weekend, from McPherson College.

McPherson is another NAIA program competing in the KCAC. The Bulldogs went 5-6 this year under fifth-year head coach Jeremiah Fiscus.

Elifrits also holds an offer from Bethel College.

Ten total Sandites have received offers to play football at the next level.

Senior lineman/TE Evan Williams (5’10”, 215 pounds) committed to play at Bethel College on November 10th.

Sophomore quarterback Easton Webb (6’3” 175 pounds) is committed to playing baseball at Oklahoma State University, but he also holds a Division I football offer from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

Sophomore lineman Ryley Kester (6’4” 270 pounds) has received offers from UNLV, Houston, Tulsa, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, and Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Sophomore receiver Brock O’Dell (5’10” 170 pounds) holds one college offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Senior linebacker Owen Floyd (6’0” 190 pounds) has earned two offers this season from Hendrix and Oklahoma Wildcats Prep.

Senior running back Kenneth Page (6’0” 190 pounds) holds one offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Junior receiver Kooper Kelly holds one offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Softball

Junior RHP/IB/OF Addison Hughes holds offers from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Coffeyville Community College.

Senior RHP/INF Kelsi Hilton signed an LOI with Southern Nazarene University on November 8th.

Baseball

Senior RHP/OF Cole Pearson (6’2” 150 pounds) is committed to playing at McPherson College next season.

Six Sandite baseball players signed letters of intent to play college ball on November 8th.

Senior INF/RHP Jackson Stewart (5’11” 195 pounds) signed with McPherson College.

Senior RF/LHP Kayden Campbell (5’9” 165 pounds) signed with Cowley County Community College.

Senior right-handed pitcher Eli Buxton (6’6” 185 pounds) signed with Arizona State University.

Senior OF/LHP Miller Tavaglione (6’2” 190 pounds) and senior INF/RHP Jace Arnold (6’2” 180 pounds) signed with Allen County Community College.

Senior INF Wyatt Rutledge (6’2” 170 pounds) signed with Northern Oklahoma College at Enid.

Girls Basketball

5’10” senior small forward Kiaryn Taylor holds offers from Cleveland Community College, Western Texas College, Ranger College, and Lincoln Trail College.

5’3” senior guard Sakauri Wilson signed a letter of intent to play at Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Wednesday, November 8th.

5’7” senior guard Taiona “Yonnie” Morris recently announced her commitment to play at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Boys Basketball

6’4” junior guard Deke Thompson recently announced his first college offer from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Golf

Senior Mason Ward announced his commitment to Coffeyville Community College on Monday, November 13th.

Soccer

Two senior soccer players signed LOIs on November 8th.

Senior Ava Watts signed to play Division I soccer at Texas A&M-Commerce.

Senior Kate Webb signed to play at University of the Ozarks.

Coaches, players, and parents can send recruiting updates to sanditepridenews@gmail.com.

Ty Pennington Enters Transfer Portal

/

Photo by Derek Livingston, Pitt State Media.

Ty Pennington is on the move.

The backup quarterback at Pittsburg State University announced on X Friday that he had officially entered his name into the transfer portal.

The redshirt freshman was 46-of-69 passing this season for 447 yards, six touchdowns, and only one interception.

He was also fourth on the team in rushing yardage with 76 carries for 359 yards and four touchdowns.

Notably, he wasn’t relegated to cleanup time and was frequently called upon early in competitive games due to his dual threat capabilities.

The Gorillas went 11-2 on the season, winning the MIAA before falling 24-21 to No. 2 Grand Valley State in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Following the end of the season, head coach Brian Wright departed Pitt State to become head coach at Northern Arizona University. Pitt State hired former defensive coordinator and associate head coach Tom Anthony to the top position last week.

Pennington was an All-State selection and a four-year starter at Sand Springs, where he holds most of the school passing records. He threw for 6,455 yards and 54 touchdowns in his prep career and picked Pitt State over a preferred walk-on offer from Oklahoma State.

Sandite Recruiting Report: Dallas Elifrits Offered by Bethel College

/

Dallas Elifrits (left) was recently offered by Bethel College. (Photo by Charity Emigh).

Charles Page High School senior Dallas Elifrits recently announced that he has received his first offer to play college football.

The defensive end was fifth on the team in total tackles this season with 64 and had a team-leading 10 tackles for loss to earn All-District honors following an 8-4 season.

Elifrits was offered by Bethel College, an NAIA program competing in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Threshers went 6-5 last season under second-year head coach A.B. Stokes.

In addition to Elifrits, nine other Sandites have received offers to play at the next level, including senior lineman/TE Evan Williams (5’10”, 215 pounds) who committed to play at Bethel College on November 10th.

Senior offensive lineman Tyler “Tank” Smith (5’10” 285 pounds) holds offers from McPherson College and Hendrix College.

Senior offensive lineman Marcus Sims (6’0”, 265 pounds) has received offers to play at Langston University and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Sophomore quarterback Easton Webb (6’3” 175 pounds) is committed to playing baseball at Oklahoma State University, but he also holds a Division I football offer from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

Sophomore lineman Ryley Kester (6’4” 270 pounds) has received offers from UNLV, Houston, Tulsa, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, and Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Sophomore receiver Brock O’Dell (5’10” 170 pounds) holds one college offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Senior linebacker Owen Floyd (6’0” 190 pounds) has earned two offers this season from Hendrix and Oklahoma Wildcats Prep.

Senior running back Kenneth Page (6’0” 190 pounds) holds one offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Junior receiver Kooper Kelly holds one offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Softball

Junior RHP/IB/OF Addison Hughes holds offers from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Coffeyville Community College.

Senior RHP/INF Kelsi Hilton signed an LOI with Southern Nazarene University on November 8th.

Baseball

Senior RHP/OF Cole Pearson (6’2” 150 pounds) is committed to playing at McPherson College next season.

Six Sandite baseball players signed letters of intent to play college ball on November 8th.

Senior INF/RHP Jackson Stewart (5’11” 195 pounds) signed with McPherson College.

Senior RF/LHP Kayden Campbell (5’9” 165 pounds) signed with Cowley County Community College.

Senior right-handed pitcher Eli Buxton (6’6” 185 pounds) signed with Arizona State University.

Senior OF/LHP Miller Tavaglione (6’2” 190 pounds) and senior INF/RHP Jace Arnold (6’2” 180 pounds) signed with Allen County Community College.

Senior INF Wyatt Rutledge (6’2” 170 pounds) signed with Northern Oklahoma College at Enid.

Girls Basketball

5’10” senior small forward Kiaryn Taylor holds offers from Cleveland Community College, Western Texas College, Ranger College, and Lincoln Trail College.

5’3” senior guard Sakauri Wilson signed a letter of intent to play at Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Wednesday, November 8th.

5’7” senior guard Taiona “Yonnie” Morris recently announced her commitment to play at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Boys Basketball

6’4” junior guard Deke Thompson recently announced his first college offer from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Golf

Senior Mason Ward announced his commitment to Coffeyville Community College on Monday, November 13th.

Soccer

Two senior soccer players signed LOIs on November 8th.

Senior Ava Watts signed to play Division I soccer at Texas A&M-Commerce.

Senior Kate Webb signed to play at University of the Ozarks.

Coaches, players, and parents can send recruiting updates to sanditepridenews@gmail.com.