OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) announced the 2025-26 Oklahoma Coaches of the Year, naming 23 educators from across the state. Five of those honorees hail from the Green Country region, underscoring the area’s strong tradition of athletic mentorship.
OSSAA’s selection process
Each year OSSAA evaluates coaches based on their contributions to student growth, competitive success, and community involvement. The award not only celebrates excellence at the state level but also positions the recipients for consideration in the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Sectional and National Coach of the Year programs.
Coaches recognized in boys’ sports
- Jerry Ricke – Lincoln Christian (football, 11‑player)
- Jacob Mayfield – Calumet (basketball)
- Sinue Rodriguez – Sallisaw (soccer)
- Sammy Johnson – Fort Gibson (wrestling)
- Sam Horsechief – Sequoyah Tahlequah (cross country)
- Austin Miller – Holland Hall (tennis)
- Todd Kimrey – Edmond North (golf)
- Mitchell Wagner – Jenks (swimming and diving)
- Tanner Allen – Okeene (track and field)
- Ryan Beaman – Okarche (baseball)
- Tony Tomberlin – Ryan (football, 8‑player)
Coaches recognized in girls’ sports
- Kyle Richey – Carl Albert (basketball)
- Christina Maynes – Community Christian (volleyball)
- Sam Bowers – Oologah‑Talala (soccer)
- Jenny Laverty – Laverne (cross country)
- Doug Hennigan – Bixby (tennis)
- Ellen Glasgow – Bishop Kelley (swimming and diving)
- Lane Martin – Ada (golf)
- Kami Beller – Washington (track and field)
- Luke Thompson – Arapaho‑Butler (fast‑pitch softball)
- Chad Whitney – McLoud (wrestling)
- Eric Castle – Leedey (slow‑pitch softball)
- Rae Burdett – Crossings Christian (spirit)
Why the awards matter
“Coaches shape lives, build character and create opportunities for their students far beyond athletics,” said OSSAA Executive Director David Jackson. “We’re fortunate to have so many dedicated coaches in Oklahoma. They deserve this recognition and to be elevated to a national level.”
The honored coaches will now be considered for NFHS sectional and national accolades, giving Oklahoma’s high‑school programs additional visibility on a broader stage. For families and students in Green Country, the recognition highlights the region’s commitment to fostering disciplined, values‑centered environments where faith, family, and personal liberty are reinforced through sport.
Looking ahead
As the 2025‑26 school year progresses, the selected coaches will continue to lead their teams in competition while serving as mentors who emphasize character development, academic achievement, and community service. Their upcoming national nominations will further showcase Oklahoma’s dedication to high‑quality athletics and the positive role coaches play in shaping the next generation.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
