Local Initiatives
Ready for Some Football?
Co-ops across Oklahoma have found a way to help shine a brighter spotlight on high school athletes.
Players from the Henryetta, Okla., High School Knights football team pose at a co-op sponsored media day event. (Photo By: Western Farmers Electric Cooperative)
The co-ops co-sponsored First Look Media Day for an organization called Coaches Aid, a media outlet dedicated to the coverage of high school sports.
The national organization also supports the publication of a football preview magazine called, Oklahoma High School BLITZ.
“We were looking for a way to increase exposure for Oklahoma cooperatives and their service areas,” said Mark Faulkenberry, manager of marketing and communications for Western Farmers Electric Cooperative. “This partnership had the potential to be the perfect fit for both.”
Ninety-nine schools from throughout Oklahoma sent up to 10 team representatives to Oklahoma City for the Aug. 20 event.
More than 600 high school players turned out for photos, interviews and a chance to visit with Coaches Aid staffers who cover Oklahoma sports for the website, CoachesAid.com.
“A lot of small-town schools don’t get much exposure, so this was a great opportunity for the young men,” said Sondra Boykin, communications coordinator for Western Farmer’s Electric Cooperative.
The Anadarko-based G&T is the regional partner for the distribution cooperatives that make up the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Oklahoma. The co-ops will be working with their local media outlets throughout football season to help get the players recognition for their athletic and academic accomplishments.
They can also feature the young athletes on their websites and in their newsletters and other publications.
The co-ops’ efforts don’t end with football season. “For basketball season, we’re hoping to do both boys and girls,” said Boykin. “Last year, there were more than 100 schools represented so this could be a really huge event.”