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Players of the past
Sports
June 8, 2023
Players of the past
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR

Greg Dixon – living lessons taught

A 1985 Checotah graduate, Greg Dixon was one of many players that Hall of Fame coach Ray Grandstaff coached but was the only one that outworked any player Grandstaff had on his teams in any era.

“Greg was as good of a player that I ever coached. He had a terrific attitude and an even greater work ethic. He was here every day to work out and some days he would be waiting on me to open the doors to our workout facility,” said Grandstaff.

Dixon, 6 ft. 2 inches 220 lbs., played several positions like tailback, linebacker or defensive end among others. Checotah and Dixon were very successful in the early and mid 1980’s. The battles with archrival Eufaula were as tough and competitive as any time in history.

Dixon, along with teammates, David Shoemaker and Bill Osmond, were anchors for those Wildcat teams. In 1985, University of Oklahoma recruiter Charlie North came to Checotah. North looked at football film and evaluated players during practice. When North left Checotah, both Dixon and Shoemaker had scholarships to play at Oklahoma.

“North was a great recruiter. He wanted Greg because of his athleticism and flexibility to play different positions,” Grandstaff said.

While at the University of Oklahoma, Dixon played defensive end. He helped Oklahoma win the 1985 National Championship, three Big 8 Championships (1985, 86,87) three Orange Bowl titles and the 1988 Citrus Bowl title. Dixon graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Law. He worked in the Oklahoma City and McIntosh County D.A.’s office and is now the sitting Judge for Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties. When asked what characteristics he learned from coach Grandstaff that he incorporates in his life today Dixon said, “To be professional at my craft, disciplined and to conduct myself in the proper manner.”

“Coach Grandstaff was a professional. We believed in his program and he brought out the confidence in his players. You could trust and follow him anywhere,” added Dixon. Both of his coaches, high school and college, had a profound effect on Dixon’s life. Both Grandstaff and Dixon’s college coach Barry Switzer are in their respective Hall of Fames.

“I will always remember a quote that Coach Switzer said every day before practice, “Every day you get up, you either get better or you don’t.”

The Checotah Wildcats began a new era of football under new Head coach Chad Hendricks. Dixon had this advice to give to the 2013 Wildcat team, “Prepare like a champion. Not just in athletics but in the classroom, in your home and in the community.”

Dixon was inducted into the Checotah Athletic Hall of Fame this past Fall.

Treasurer honored at retirement party
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Treasurer honored at retirement party
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
Retiring McIntosh County Treasurer Betty Whisenhunt received high praise from the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd at Whisenhunt’s retirement party Friday. “She could give courses acros...
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Council approves water rate increase for city and rural users
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
July 3, 2025
A newly adopted ordinance, passed June 9 by the City Council, increases rates for all users, including those living outside city limits. This new ordinance officially raises monthly water rates for re...
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Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
A: Main, News...
Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
A 57-year-old Eufaula woman was killed by lightning during a routine stroll through a cemetery Friday evening. Joy Ann Rogers was walking through Greenwood cemetery shortly before 7 p.m. when a thunde...
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Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
A: Main, News...
Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
July 3, 2025
Her casket rested below center stage at the Checotah Performing Arts Center, open for friends, fans, and family to view her precious body before her life’s celebration began. No one lingered long. Tha...
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Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
A: Main, News...
Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
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Class of 1975 honor Jim Caro as 'Significant Alumni' Classmates from all over the U.S. reunited after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend. The Class of 1975 celebrated their 50th reunion by hon...
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Killing them with kindness
commentary
Killing them with kindness
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What a month it’s been for me personally and in our close-knit communities. Trying to cope with the loss of loved ones has been extremely difficult and downright demanding. Yet having to come to terms...
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For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
commentary
For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past month, I have highlighted portions of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the U...
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Another busy week in the district
commentary
Another busy week in the district
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I started last Saturday June 21, bright and early at Stigler Reunion Days. I kicked things off at the Haskell County GOP Tent, answering questions and catching up with friends and supporters. Then I h...
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Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
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Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and ...
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News
Woman captured following foot chase
July 3, 2025
A 39-year-old Eufaula woman who had an outstanding warrant on an arson charge was arrested Wednesday, June 25, following a foot chase in a wooded area around south 7th Street in Eufaula. Tamara Dean K...
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
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Mike Key talked to his Class of 1975 and other alumni about their Significant Alumni Jim Caro at the Katy Depot Meet & Greet on Saturday.
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