Connors State Cowboys are returning to the NJCAA College World Series.

The No. 5 ranked Cowboys for the second day in a row defeated the top-ranked Delgado Dolphins in the South Central District Baseball Tournament 3-1 Saturday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field and earned its first trip since 2008 to the CWS.

The Cowboys (52-9) will open CWS play on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. CDT in Grand Junction, Colo. against the Southern District Champion, Navarro College (43-15), who defeated Alvin Community College 4-2 in the championship game Saturday.

“This has been us all year, we just compete every time at the bat and find ways to win,” said Cowboys head coach Perry Keith, who will be taking his fifth team to the CWS.

“This is just great. We are proud to go back to Grand Junction. This team is just even keel enough that we could really do something special.

“I think people will know we are there. We are going to get after people. We are just going to keep grinding like we have all year.”

The Cowboys behind the suburb pitching of right-hander Daniel Concepcion and some timely base hitting was in complete control of the Dolphins.

It was Connors second consecutive win over Delgado, which faced a must win situation on Saturday, Delgado fell to Connors in 10 innings, 11-10 on Friday night.

Cowboys right hander Daniel Concepcion (8-1) went 8 innings, scattered seven hits, while striking out 6, and walking two. Concepcion threw 117 pitches during his stint, 72 were for strikes.

“Daniel did a great job,” said Keith. “He was able to get his changeup against their left handers (batters). He’s been that way the whole year. That’s our ball club.”

Concepcion attributed his success on Saturday by “keeping ahead on the count.”

“My teammates got me a lead and I just tried to put the pitches on the corner. “

The sophomore from Dorado, Puerto Rico, told Keith after the seventh inning that he could go one more inning before being relieved by closer Justin Ferrell in the ninth.

 “I was tired, it was my game, but I wasn’t going to let down that easy,” said Concepcion. “I worked for it (win) and I just wanted one more inning. I told coach I had it. This was my biggest win in my career so far,” said Concepcion.

Ferrell, freshman from Wagoner, closed out the game for his eighth save of the season, faced just four Delgado batters, walking one, said “this is means everything.

“I got to seal the deal for us,” said Ferrell.

The Dolphins used two pitchers against the Cowboys, who pounded out nine base hits, with Chase Hymel (7-2) taking the loss. Hymel went six innings, allowing 6 base hits, striking out one and walking six. Hymel was relieved by Brandt Bourgeois, who worked the final three innings.

Connors jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning on a base hit and two sacrifice bunts against Hymel.

Victor Claudio walked to open the frame, followed by another walk to Eli Roundtree. Jiro Morales then moved both runners up with a sacrifice bunt. Eric Kirkpatrick then singled home Claudio with a ground ball to center field for a 1-0 lead. Dalton Daniels then brought home Roundtree on a squeeze play, giving Connors a 2-0 advantage.

The Cowboys took a 3-0 lead in the fourth when Morales scored on an error by Delgado first baseman Cameron Hoffman. Dolphins’ third baseman Jordan Caillouet made a diving stop of a Christian Perez ground ball and on the throw to first, Hoffman in stretching for the low throw dropped it, allowing Morales to score.

Delgado got on the scoreboard in the last of the sixth when Voiron’s sacrifice fly to right field plated Brady Williamson, who doubled to open the inning. Williamson advanced to third on Patrick Riley’s infield out.

Connors last appearance in the College World Series was 2008.  “This team has stuck it all year, they have never had any ups or downs,” said Keith. “This has been an easy bunch to coach. They are good to go every day, no matter what’s going on.

“What’s so special about this team is that they stick it every day. They don’t panic, the Region II Tournament was a good example, we were behind every game and came back to win it.

“This is such a good feeling,” said Keith.

CONNORS STATE 3, DELGADO 1

Connors State    020 100 000—3 9 1

Delgado               000 001 000—1 7-1

Concepcion, Ferrell (9) and Morales; Hymel, Bourgeois (7) and Voiron. W-Concepcion (8-1). L-Hymel (7-2).

Additional Photos of their latest win are available here

The City of Muskogee Foundation has provided Connors State College $300,000 in funding to develop the Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship (MDHS), the largest scholarship gift in the history of the college. This program provides students who are studying nursing, pre-nursing, or allied health and residing within Muskogee County with full tuition, fees, and books. “This program between the Foundation and Connors State College has been one of the most impactful initiatives in the history of the college. Everyone wins, students get a great education, the community gets a well-prepared professional workforce and both the Foundation and the college get to fulfill their mission of making a positive difference in people’s lives,” commented President of Connors State College, Dr. Tim Faltyn.  “The partnership between Connors State College and the City of Muskogee Foundation, through the Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship provides the financial resources to develop a localized professional workforce infrastructure and a center for healthcare excellence in Eastern Oklahoma,” added Faltyn.

Members of Connors State College, The City of Muskogee Foundation and The City of Muskogee are pictured at the awards luncheon. From left to right: Brien Thorstenberg, Bob Coburn, Gwen Coburn, Lisa Wade Raasch, Ryan Blanton, Dr. Tim Faltyn, DJ Thompson, Rev. Leroy Walker, and Frank Merrick.

With several major health care facilities and hospitals over 3,500 medical professionals, Muskogee is quickly becoming a hub of outstanding medical services.  Connors State College’s nursing program is one of the largest in the state, boasting a pass rate of the National Council Licensure Examination that exceeds state and national averages.  The college also has several allied health programs through a partnership with Indian Capital Technology Center including Radiology Technician, Medical Lab Technician, and Physical Therapy Technician.  These Associate Degree programs afford graduates excellent economic opportunities and encourage post-secondary education and employment of the local Muskogee workforce. 

MDHS Scholarship recipients are required to sign a two year work commitment in exchange for the receipt of the scholarship.  This commitment ensures that all participants have access to quality educational and degree completion opportunities while also encouraging job growth and economic development in the regional healthcare sector.   “The Foundation is very proud of our partnership with Connors and the establishment of the Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship. We feel like this grant is going to be one that shows some of the best outcomes and greatest long-term impact for Muskogee,” said Foundation Grants Manager D.J. Thompson.

Connors will receive a $500 State Regents’ Economic Development grant that will be matched by the college and will be used to further enhance the partnership.  “These are additional dollars coming to Muskogee and helping the citizens and community.  We feel like our investment in the Muskogee Making a Difference Scholarship program leveraged an additional bonus for Muskogee,” said Thompson.

For additional information about the Muskogee Making a Difference Scholarship visit www.connorsstate.edu/md or call 918.684-3421.  For additional information about the City of Muskogee Foundation visit www.cityofmuskogeefoundation.org

After  distinguished guests, student, family members and friends gathered in the main arena of the Muskogee Civic Center, Dr. Faltyn was the first to address the graduating students by congratulating them on their accomplishment and reminding them that they will always be a part of the Connors State College family. The honorable Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb delivered this year’s Commencement Address. Lamb stressed the importance of staying in Oklahoma to begin their careers or to further their education, stating that the state of Oklahoma is on the move and doing big things. Other speakers included: OSU A&M Regent Tucker Link, CSC Student Government President Lynsey Meharg, and CSC Vice-President Dr. Ron Ramming. Additional distinguished platform guests included: OSU A&M CEO Jason Ramsey and BCM Director Rowdy Morris.

The program concluded with the presentation of the diplomas to all participating students. The Muskogee Civic Center was filled with parents, grandparents, spouses, children and friends to celebrate the graduate’s accomplishments.  Find photos of Graduation here or watch the video on youtube here

Connors State College has many Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree options. Some of the degree plans we offer are:  Agriculture,  Nursing, Allied Health, Business Administration, General Studies, Pre-Education, Pre-Nursing, and Psychology. A complete list and detailed descriptions can be found on our website at www.connorsstate.edu. For any questions please call Warner- (918) 463-6300 or Muskogee-(918) 687-5405. Also visit: www.connorsstate.edu/md to learn how you can go to school for free if you are studying Nursing or Allied Health!

Prizes will be awarded. $400 for 1st Place, $300 for 2nd Place, and $200 for 3rd Place

For more information please see the Flyer/Registration Form or contact Bill Muse at (918) 463-6231

The Cowboys rallied from a 2-0 deficit with six runs in the seventh inning to win the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament 6-2 over Seminole State College.

“I can’t be more proud of these guys,” said Cowboys head coach Perry Keith. “We’ve done this all year, just a grind it out ball club.  We got behind 2-0, and I knew we would come back.

“Our guys just don’t panic. This has been an outstanding group to coach. Just a bunch of grinders, nothing fancy.”

The victory sends the No. 11-ranked Cowboys into the NJCAA South Central District beginning Friday at Connors State’s Biff Thompson Field. The double elimination tournament runs through Sunday and will involve the Cowboys and the champions from Regions 16, 23 whose’s finals were late Sunday night.

It will be the Cowboys first appearance in the South Central District since 2008 when they took the championship and advanced to the NJCAA College World Series.

CSC’s starter Colton Strother (5-2), sophomore from Broken Arrows threw seven innings gave up a home run in the fifth and another run in the top of the seventh when his teammates’ bats came alive in their half of the inning.

Strother scattered five hits, struck out four and walked three in getting the win. Keith then called on closer Justin Ferrell to work the final two innings facing seven Seminole batters striking out two and giving up two hits.

“This is so exciting, I’ve been dreaming about this championship game all year,” said Strother. “We’ve worked hard for this. I just wanted to come in and throw strikes and no walks.

“I knew I had a good defense behind me and a good offense ahead. The seventh inning was huge for us. It took the pressure off,” said Strother.

The Cowboys sent 11 batters to the plate in the seventh and pounded out six base hits. The big blow of the inning was Phil Diedrick’s two-run RBI single down the right field line. Diedrick’s single gave the Cowboys a 6-2 lead.

Diedrick, who went 3-for-4 at the plate said he got his pitch and just “drove it where it was thrown.”

“This is a good year to continue my sophomore year,” said Diedrick. “I got the pitch I was looking for. I knew left on left he (Jordan Watson) would throw a breaking ball. I was trying to get something up so I could elevate it for a fly ball to get a run in.”

Diedrick opened the seventh inning with a single to right field followed by Victor Claudio’s base hit to center field. After Eli Roundtree flew out to the shortstop, Jiro Morales drove home Diedrick with Connors first run, to make it a 2-1 game.

Erick Kirkpatrick then got a base hit to keep the bases loaded. Dalton Daniels ground ball to Seminole’s second baseman Melvin Gray was mishandled, allowing Claudio to score tying the game at 2-2.

Christian Perez then laced a shot to centerfield that brought home Dalton with the go ahead run. Keith then hit an opposite field single to left field. On the play Chance Sugg, running for Kirkpatrick was thrown out at the plate for the second out of the inning.

Yariel Gonzalez walked, setting the stage for Diedrick’s second hit of the game, which plated two more runs.

“I knew we were going to break through,” said Diedrick. “We are that kind of team, a grind it out team. It was only a matter of time.”

The victory was Perry’s first win over Seminole head Coach Lloyd (Zero) Simmons in Region II Tournament action.

“We’ve had a lot of battles,” said Perry. “Lloyd and I are just country boys at work. Just baseball guys.”

Concerning the pitching performance of Strother, Perry said, “What we got out of Colton was just great. If you would have told me he would held them with zeroes for five innings, then do what he did.

“We were hoping to get 5 or 6 innings from him and then give it to Ferrell. Colton just kept going and then we popped that lead.

“We got our bats going, That’s what this club has done all year,” said Keith.

Looking ahead at the South Central, Keith said “We’ll enjoy this till midnight then just be who we are…grinders.”

Named to the Region II All-Tournament team from Connors was Phil Diedrick, Yariel Gonzalez, Christian Perez, Kelvin Rivas and Colton Strother.

Cowboys’ head coach Perry Keith was named the Region II Coach of the Year.

Please attend one of these meetings if you are interested in this course. If you are unable to attend a meeting contact Greg Broussard (EDB 110 or greg.broussard@connorstate.edu).

If you are interested in donating funds to support the travel portion of this course, please contact Greg Broussard or the Connors Development Foundation.

Regent Link (Center) and OSU Board of Regents Chairman, Andy Lester (right) are pictured with groups from CSC and NEO.

This field trip is not the only connection Connors has with KLR.  In the Connors State College Beef Show Team’s inaugural season KLR has proven to be a vital supporter by allowing the college to show some cattle from their elite Angus herd. “Mr. Link and his staff have assembled some of the top donor cows in the Angus Breed. Off-spring from these cows will be the most sought after genetics in the Angus breed,” commented Nelson.  The CSC Show Team showed much promise for a strong future with numerous wins at the state and national level. “Our success would not have been possible without the generosity of Regent Link. His group of cattle is some the best in the industry and allowing our students to show them has been extremely beneficial for the launch of our team,” added Nelson.  

Clay Carlson, 2013 Mr. Connors is pictured with President of CSC Dr. Tim Faltyn.

Honors night at Connors State College is an evening that is dedicated for faculty to recognize outstanding academic achievement in the areas of Business, Agriculture, English Composition, World Literature, Mathematics, Psychology, and Science. The LLC Auditorium was packed with over 150 students, parents, friends and faculty as more than 50 students were received awards. The event also recognized members of the CSC Academic Team, Student Government, PresidentsLeadership Class and Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges. The ceremony wrapped up with the announcement of Mr. and Ms. Connors presented by the President of the College, Dr. Tim Faltyn. This year’s award went to Clay Carlson, Mr. Connors and Kendall Golden, Ms. Connors. These two individuals were the 57th recipients of this award. The tradition of Mr./Ms. Connors had its origins in yearbook royalty dating back to 1952 when both a male and female student were declared Con-Rah Queen and King (prior to ’52 there were only Queens). The King and Queen in 1952 were Harold Woodward and Wynema McGuire. From 1954 to ’64 the honored students were called “Joe College” and Betty “Co-ed”.  The names Mr. & Miss. Connors came into being in 1966 with Larry Steward and Leona Barnett. In the 1970’s the Miss became Ms.

2013 Ms. Connors, Kendall Golden is pictured here recieving her award from CSC President, Dr. Tim Faltyn.

Nurse hours will be: Monday-Friday 10:30 am-1:00 pm

 Physicians Assistant hours will be: Thursdays 8:00 am-12:30 pm

 *Please note: The Physicians Assistant can only see patients who are 16 years and older.