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Lane Dortch wanted to play high school football in his senior year at Fort Gibson, but he credits Kenyatta Wright for expanding his horizons.

Dortch said Wright, the Tigers’ linebackers coach, made him think beyond high school.

“He inspired me to play college football,” Dortch said. “He didn’t push me, but being around him gave me the desire to play. It’s crazy because I never thought I would be coached by someone who played in the National Football League. That was exciting for me.”

Before heading off to Northeastern State, Dortch is particularly excited about getting ready to play in the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State football game on Friday in Tulsa.

“This was an opportunity that just came out of the blue,” he said. “(Head) Coach (James) Singleton called me one day and told me I was in the all-state game.”

He is one of three football players and 13 area athletes competing this coming week in the OCA games. The games start Monday.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Dortch recalls one piece of advice he got from Wright that he carried with him for the season.

“He would tell me, ‘I know you’re going to make mistakes but if you’re going 100 mph, you’re going to be all right,’” he said. “I listened to what he said. He helped me stay focused.”

Dortch had a successful senior year. He was named to the All-Phoenix team and the best part for him came when NSU recruited him. He eventually signed with the RiverHawks.

“I wasn’t expecting anybody to recruit me,” he said. “But I learned more about the game from coach Wright and I think he’s one of the reasons why I’ve made it this far.

“I also have been blessed because I have a family that supports me. I’m thankful to have people around me who push me.”

The Fort Gibson standout is one of six area boys participating this week. A total of eight girls are competing.

The all-state games are also noted by the area athletes who are not competing. Wagoner’s Kevin Peterson and Muskogee’s Victor Williams, both originally selected for football, won’t play. Williams is Dartmouth-bound and Peterson is getting ready for his freshman season at Oklahoma State. Most Division I athletes bypass the games.

Some other surprises among those not present are the seniors from Class 4A state baseball champion Hilldale. The Hornets had no one who made the roster.

“I can’t answer (why we don’t have anybody in the game). It’s a shame because people think if you win a state championship, you should have an all-stater,” Hilldale coach Darren Riddle said. “These things are not based on merit but more of coaches being a buddy with other coaches.

“Girls basketball even has a tryout for all-state. I think the selection process needs to revamped  in baseball.”

Eufaula’s Dylan Helms is the lone baseball player going to All-State. There were no boys basketball players chosen and on the latest volleyball release available from the OCA, no area players are listed.

Fort Gibson has the most athletes playing with four. The others are Hayley Jaynes in swimming and Jodi Glover and Julia Hill  in basketball.



Monday

All-State Golf, Cherokee Hills Golf Club, Catoosa, 8:30 a.m.

(Area players: Catrina Pearson, Muskogee; Zach Oliver, Checotah)

All-State Swimming, Jenks HS, 6 p.m.

(Area players: Hunter Jaynes, Fort Gibson)



Tuesday

All-State Baseball (Small), ORU, 4:30 p.m.

(Area players: None)

All-State Tennis, Case Tennis Center, TU, 5:30 p.m.

(Area players: Madison Carey and Emily Linebarger, Tahlequah; Taylor Jordan, Midway)

All-State Volleyball (Small), Bixby HS, 6 p.m.

(Area players: None)

All-State Baseball (Large), ORU, 7 p.m.

(Area players: Dylan Helms, Eufaula)

All-State Volleyball (Large), Bixby HS, 7:30 p.m.

(Area players: None)



Wednesday

All-State Wrestling, Bixby HS, 7 p.m.

(Area players: Lukas Etchison, Muskogee)

All-State Girls Basketball (Small), Mabee Center, ORU, 7 p.m.

(Area players: Pete Douglas, Oktaha)

All-State Girls Basketball (Large), Mabee Center, ORU, 8:30 p.m.,

(Area players: Jodi Glover, Julia Hill Fort Gibson)



Thursday

All-State Boys Basketball (Small), Mabee Center, ORU, 7 p.m.

(Area Players: None)

All-State Boys Basketball (Large),  Mabee Center, ORU, 8:30 p.m.

(Area players: None)



Friday

All-State Football,  Union HS Tuttle Stadium, 8 p.m.

(Area players: *Kevin Peterson, Wagoner; Travis Sandlin, Vian; *Victor Williams, Muskogee; Lane Dortch, Fort Gibson, Sonny O'Field, Sequoyah)



*indicates an all-state selection but has since withdrawn from participation in the games.