SALLISAW FIELD HOUSE GETS CONNECTION TO PAST

The Black Diamonds Field House is getting a new connection to it‚s legacy as part of new head coach, Mark Hutson‚s era. The walls are now covered with wallpaper that tells the story of past successes as well as team building phrases that help reinforce positive attitudes. Cultivating the past is part of coach Hutson‚s culture that he brings with him and as a Sooner Legend Hutson understands how powerful it can be to instill a sense of pride in an organization‚s past accomplishments.

Coach Hutson said that the support from the community and boosters has been amazing and he couldn‚t have done this without their help. When asked about why he wanted to make the changes Hutson said, “I wanted to pay respect to the past Sallisaw Black Diamond tradition of coaches and players that have come before. It‚s been great to see the response by the players and seeing them stop to read about the legacy so they can carry on the tradition.”

Sallisaw school board member and athletics supporter Justin McGrew said, “It‚s important for the kids to remember the past and see how Black Diamonds have set a high bar. People forget, but this is a way to teach the kids that we produce great things here so they‚ll set the bar higher for themselves.” The foyer is packed with Sallisaw football history,

The foyer is packed with Sallisaw football history, and the first thing you notice is the “Black Diamond Hall of Honor” which lists accomplishments including the 1980 and 1981 state championships, the 2000 and 2001 state finalist appearances, the 1970, 1990, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2009 state semi-finalists appearances, and the 1956, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011 district championships.

The next wall in the foyer displays “Distinguished Black Diamonds” featuring Paul Dudley, Steve Davis, Matt Wells, and Derek Fine with photos and short biographies. The opposite wall features “Black Diamond Football Player Highlights” with Jace Nickolson, Sam Walkingstick, Garrett Gladd, and a place holder stating, “Next Man Up” and as you leave the field house you are reminded, above the doors, to “Honor the Tradition.”

In the main locker room area along the side of the wall there are reminders about the importance of commitment, effort, believing, attitude, trust, leadership, and family. There are displays featuring player honors, coach highlights, list of past coaches, and as they leave for the field above the door it says, “Play like a Champion Today!”