2018 Tommy Noble Fields & Futures Linking Arms Partner Award

Jan 24, 2019

Northwest Classen High School coaches accepting the 2018 Tommy Noble Fields & Futures Linking Arms Partner Award at the 2018 Bowtie Ball

The Coaches of Northwest Classen High School

At the 2018 Fields & Futures Bowtie Ball, coaches from Northwest Classen High School stood center stage and proudly accepted the 2018 Tommy Noble Fields & Futures Linking Arms Partner Award, presented by Inasmuch Foundation.

This award is presented annually by Fields & Futures to an individual or group that best characterizes our mission to ignite hope and confidence in the students of Oklahoma City Public Schools by growing sports participation.

Across the board, school sports is the chain that consistently links students to academics. The stronger the chain, the better the performance in the classroom and the community.

A chain, however, is only as strong as its weakest link. In areas struggling with high rates of crime, poverty, and drop-outs, a revolving door of coaches can be the chain’s greatest defect.

At Northwest Classen High School, Athletic Director Cindy George has spent the past few years replacing links and strengthening the chain.

Not long ago, the average tenure for a coach at Northwest Classen was just one or two years. Three years was almost unheard of. Today, three years is on the short end.

That George has been able to institute a culture of loyalty and longevity within the athletic department is an admirable feat. It’s a tough environment, with tough kids and tougher circumstances.

But these coaches understand their job is not just to win games. It’s to win students.

They accomplish this by simply being there, day after day. By being the constant in a world of chaos and unpredictability.

And when that seems like an impossible task, they have each other to lean on.

They have each other to link arms with.

Congratulations, Northwest Classen High School Athletics! It is our honor to call you our partner.

For more on Northwest Classen Athletics, read Jenni Carlson’s NewsOK.com article “How keeping coaches has changed Northwest Classen.”

Daryen “DJ” Jefferson: In a Lane of His Own

Daryen "DJ" Jefferson isn't just another student-athlete at Douglass High School – he's wired a little bit differently. The high school valedictorian discovered his passion for long-distance running when he was 10 years old and hasn't looked back. As he prepares for the next chapter of his journey – college athletics – he's just hitting his stride and in a lane of his own.

F&F Booster Club – The Power of Many

Every supporter, partner, and donor who has been a part of our journey during the past 12 years can proudly say they are a member of the F&F Booster Club and have helped put more kids on more teams. But we will always need more boosters to support more kids. So, today, we are excited to launch a citywide effort to grow the F&F Booster Club. A donation of any amount automatically makes you a member!

Fields & Futures