Sports

The best regular season in the history of the Oklahoma City Thunder still has the chance to get better and better in the playoffs. Having sewn up home field advantage throughout the post-season and pushing forward with a first-round sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies, optimism is growing for a deep playoff run.

Las Vegas gamblers have made the Thunder the betting favorite to win the championship and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the top choice to be named the league’s Most Valuable Player. He would be the third Thunder player to be MVP following Kevin Durant in 2014 and Russell Westbrook in 2017.

– Mick Cornett, Jones PR

The Team RIVERSPORT World Party brought together athletes, Mayor David Holt and the International Canoe Federation for a night to kick off the celebration of OKC’s journey to 2028.

Guests mingled over appetizers, meeting some of the world’s top Canoe Slalom athletes. An auction raised funds for their journey to the 2028 Olympics, followed by a fireworks show to mark the occasion.

As OKC gears up to host canoe slalom and kayak cross events in 2028, the city is making moves to create a world-class experience for athletes and spectators alike, ensuring a welcoming stage for the whole world to watch.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

The Oklahoma City Thunder is honoring Black History Month with a special celebration at Paycom Center on Saturday, Feb. 1, as the team takes on the Sacramento Kings. This HBCU night will highlight Langston University with a halftime performance by the university’s Marching Pride Band and the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Students can also enter the annual Black Heritage Creative Contest by Feb. 7 for a chance to win a Thunder Prize Pack.

Throughout February, the Thunder will feature Black history facts in the arena, amplify Black voices on digital platforms and distribute books by Black authors.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

In October 2020, Oklahoma City professional boxer Alex Saucedo competed in Las Vegas for the World Boxing Organization World Title. However, he ended up in the hospital with a traumatic brain injury from the opening seconds of the 10-round fight.

Saucedo’s pro career ended with a 30-2 record, including 19 knockouts. Premiering on Netflix this week is the documentary “Saucedo,” which focuses on redefining his identity and finding his new purpose after the unexpected end of his boxing career.

Filmed in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, many Oklahomans contributed and collaborated in front and behind the camera. Be sure to watch!

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Remember Mickey Mantle’s nickname, “Commerce Comet,” which he earned during his Hall of Fame career with the Yankees? The Oklahoma City Baseball Club is bringing the name back home as the Oklahoma City Comets.

Fan feedback through social media and email submissions, community and key stakeholders, and focus groups played a significant role in selecting the new name. The baseball team remains a Los Angeles Dodgers Triple-A affiliate through at least 2030, featuring players one step away from Major League Baseball.

Get a jump start on Comets merchandise at Shop OKC Comets or purchase season tickets/memberships at OKC Comets tickets.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Surfing is hardly what visitors to Tulsa anticipate, but now the city is catching the eye of surfers nationwide. The Tulsa Wave Park has sparked a surfing culture along the Arkansas River, featuring standing waves that let surfers ride and carve continuously, with no need to wait for the next wave.

The park uses hydraulic engineering to create perpetual surfable waves – 500 miles from the nearest ocean beach. River Parks Authority Executive Director Jeff Edwards said the wave park is part of a larger $50 million project including a pedestrian bridge and upgrades to the dam. Let’s surf in Tulsa!

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Last Friday, Sept. 6, Derek Loccident won his second medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games, taking place in Paris, France. Loccident also earned a silver medal in the men’s T64 long jump last week.

Loccident is from Oklahoma City and played football at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO).

“I feel great, absolutely amazing,” Loccident told GreatRange, according to The Oklahoman. “I came in kind of banged up from the long jump a few nights ago. My goal was to clear two metres as I’ve had limited practice for high jump. Then wherever I placed, I placed.

Read more here.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

If it seems like everything’s changed in college football, it’s because nearly everything has. More teams are changing conferences than ever before, including the University of Oklahoma. The Sooners begin play in the Southeastern Conference this Friday, and the Sooners’ first SEC game is Sept. 21 when they host Tennessee.

Oklahoma State is staying in the Big-12 Conference, but the league has an entirely different look. Four new schools have joined: Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah. The Cowboys open Aug. 31 against Temple in Stillwater. The first league game on Sept. 21 against Utah will also be at home.

– Mick Cornett, Jones PR

Katie Moon, a pole vaulter who recently won a silver medal in the Summer Olympics in Paris, is moving back Tulsa and putting down roots. Recently, Moon has been splitting her time between Atlanta for Olympic training and Tulsa, where her husband lives and works. Now that the Olympics have concluded, Moon is looking forward to returning home and being in Tulsa full time.

Referencing Tulsa, Moon shared that “I’m so ready to be there; I love the vibe; I just really enjoy my time there,” according to 2 News Oklahoma.

Congratulations on another successful Olympics, Katie, and welcome home!

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame annually recognizes athletes who positively represent the state at national and international levels and the spirit of Jim Thorpe. The 2024 class of inductees were honored this week and include:

• OSU nine-time state champion golfer Patty McGraw-Coatney

• OSU and 1960 Olympic Gold Medal wrestler Shelby Wilson

• OU All-American defensive back Roy Williams

• Mike Metheny, l egendary baseball coach from Southeastern Oklahoma State University

• OU quarterback Steve Davis (posthumously), represented by his brother, Joe Davis

• OU baseball and basketball star Ryan Minor (posthumously), represented by his twin brother, Damon Minor

Congratulations to all these great Oklahomans!

– Mick Cornett, Jones PR

The Energy FC soccer team has a new majority owner. Businessman Christian Kanady – who is heavily involved in oil and gas, bioscience, entertainment and now, professional sports – bought controlling interest in the club with intentions to play in the new Oklahoma City Maps 4 multi-purpose stadium.

The stadium is expected to be on the site of the former Producers Co-op property along Oklahoma City Boulevard. With a budget of $71 million, the stadium is a couple of years away from beginning construction and will be built as a minor league stadium with potential expansion to a Major League Soccer facility.

– Mick Cornett, Jones PR

Navy Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Storm Oliver, a native of Moore, Oklahoma, will participate in the Department of Defense (DOD) Warrior Games Challenge, taking place June 21-30 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.

More than 250 seriously wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans will participate. Oliver will compete against athletes that represent the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and U.S. Special Operations Command.

Hosted by U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC), this year marks the event’s 14th anniversary.

To read more, click here.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The University of Oklahoma aims to become the first NCAA Division 1 softball team to win four consecutive championships after capturing the title in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

The Sooners will face the University of Texas in a best-of-three game series, taking place Wednesday through Friday of this week.

Game 2 on Thursday night will take place at 7 p.m. and air on both ESPN and KRXO-FM 107.7. If necessary, the game on Friday will also start at 7 p.m. and air on both ESPN and KRXO-FM 107.7.
Congratulations to all of the athletes on the OU softball team. Boomer Sooner!

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

So far, so good for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. The top seed in the NBA’s Western Conference, the Thunder advanced to the second round of the playoffs after sweeping the New Orleans Pelicans in four games.

During the series it was also announced that the Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault had been selected as the NBA Coach of the Year.

For now, the Thunder wait. They will play the winner of the series between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers, and that next round will start with Game 1 in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, May 7.

– Mick Cornett, Jones PR

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the most surprising team in the NBA this season. Somehow, the second youngest team in league history produced the best record in the Western Conference and secured the number one seed in the playoffs.

Game 1 is Sunday night in the Paycom Center and Game 2 will be April 24 at 8:30 p.m., also in Oklahoma City. The Thunder’s first round opponent will be the winner of the play-in game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings, which will be played on Friday, April 19.

It’s the Thunder’s first playoff appearance since 2020.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The Oklahoma Wildcatters welcome J.B. Mauney as coach and Brandon Bates as general manager, marking a new era in bull riding. Mauney, the celebrated titan, brings his legendary skill to coaching, aiming to nurture future talents. With his experience and visionary leadership, Bates complements Mauney’s on-field expertise, setting the stage for the Wildcatters’ rise in the competitive arena.

Supported by owner Talor Gooch, LIV Champion golfer, this powerhouse trio promises to electrify the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) scene, igniting anticipation within the bull riding community for the team’s highly awaited debut and global impact. Tickets go on sale March 4.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

With five league titles since 1996, momentum continues for the temporarily rebranded “Oklahoma City Baseball Club” and work is underway with Major League Baseball to develop and unveil its new identity in 2025. The first home game will be April 2 at 7 p.m. with a six-game series versus the Albuquerque Isotopes – tickets are now available at Oklahoma City Baseball Club for a 75-home game season.

The organization is bringing back fan favorite Fowl Ball Chicken and hand-scooped ice cream. Additionally, the new OKC Chicken Club and desserts, such as doughnut holes served in a helmet-style vessel, will be debuted.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The Oklahoma City Thunder is launching its 16th season hoping to reach the playoffs and watching to see if voters will support a new arena.

Guarded optimism prevails on both fronts. On the floor, the team will be led by Shai Gilgeous Alexander, who has a better supporting cast. The regular season opens Wednesday, Oct. 25 in Chicago.

But the most important date might be Tuesday, Dec. 12, when Oklahoma City voters will decide if they would like to extend the current sales tax rate for a new downtown arena. Mayor David Holt is urging his citizens to vote “yes.”

– Mick Cornett,  Jones PR

The Oklahoma Freedom are riding in seemingly unstoppable form with just one event remaining before they return to the Sooner State and Paycom Center Sept. 8-10!

Going 2-1 in game play in Nashville, Tennessee, the Freedom surged to No. 2 in the league, inching within two games of the No. 1 Austin Gamblers. The squad’s win included victories over the Carolina Cowboys and Missouri Thunder, both part of an impressive four-game win streak.

Don’t miss your chance to watch the Freedom LIVE in Oklahoma City, at Paycom Center Sept. 8-10. Get your tickets for Freedom Fest TODAY at Ticketmaster.com.

– Kacie Albert, PBR

With the Oklahoma Freedom’s September homestand at Paycom Center fast approaching, the team is catching fire!

Last weekend, when the PBR Teams League travelled to Anaheim, California, the Freedom swept game play, going a perfect 2-0. Oklahoma first knocked off the Missouri Thunder by one point, thanks to a key score from Elizmar Jeremias. The team earned their second straight win when they beat the Nashville Stampede, compliments of a crucial ride logged by Alex Cerqueira.

Don’t miss the Freedom when they return to Oklahoma City and Paycom Center Sept. 8-10. Get your tickets for Freedom Fest at Ticketmaster.com.

– Kacie Albert, PBR

The 2023 PBR Teams season is underway, and the Oklahoma Freedom have begun their quest to bring the Sooner State a world championship.

As the season began, the Freedom beat the Ridge Riders 89.25-88 in their opening game. The Freedom then played the Outlaws; however, neither team covered, resulting in a double loss.

Surging to an early league No. 4 rank, the Freedom travel next to Kansas City, Missouri, Aug. 3-5 where they will play the Rattlers, Stampede and Outlaws.

The Freedom ride into Oklahoma City and Paycom Center Sept. 8-10 for Freedom Fest. Get your tickets at Ticketmaster.com.

– Kacie Albert, PBR

Rock climbing is becoming increasingly popular in Tulsa and is fantastic exercise for the entire family. Here are three places to test your skills:

• Chandler Park – This 192-acre park has 15-25′ limestone boulders with routes for every level of climber. You can enjoy beautiful views of Tulsa and the Arkansas River.

• Zen Pen – You can find a few beginner and intermediate climbs at this area located west of Tulsa at Highway 51 and Highway 48.

• For indoor climbing, head to Climb Tulsa. It has 50′ tall walls, areas for beginners and several classes for adults and kids age 7 and up.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

More than 1,700 of the best gymnasts in the country will make their way to Oklahoma City next year for the USA Gymnastics (USAG) Men’s and Women’s Development Program National Championships May 9-14, 2023.

USAG chose the Oklahoma City Convention Center to host its annual competition because of the area’s strong ties to gymnastics.

Previously known as the Junior Olympic Nationals, the event serves as the culmination of the competitive season for USAG’s Artistic Development Programs. Athletes Level 8-10 will vie for all-around and individual glory. Regional winners, like the women’s regional Super Team title, will also be crowned.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

The Oklahoma Freedom made history in their Oklahoma debut, going a perfect 3-0 and delivering the highest marked ride in the league to win the PBR Team Series’ Freedom Fest, becoming the first team to win their inaugural homestand.

The Freedom won three games in walk-off fashion via key scores from Derek Kolbaba.

In the Bonus Round, Chase Outlaw delivered a monstrous 94.5-point ride aboard World Champion Bull Woopaa to punctuate their win.

The Freedom are now No. 3 in the league with just three events remaining before Team Championships Nov. 4-6.

Follow the Freedom on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

– Kacie Albert, PBR

This week the Oklahoma Freedom will make their highly anticipated hometown debut when they host PBR Freedom Fest at Paycom Center Sept. 16-18.

Under the leadership of Oklahoma’s own Cord McCoy, the team is riding a wave of success into the Sooner State event.

During PBR Freedom Fest, the Freedom take on the league’s No. 1 Austin Gamblers, the Texas Rattlers and the Carolina Cowboys in five-on-five games as they look to bring Oklahoma its next national sports championship.

Don’t miss your chance to witness history. Get your tickets now for the family-friendly PBR Freedom Fest at Ticketmaster.com.

– Kacie Albert, PBR