Moore
Tisdale left fans with long legacy to follow
Sooner great dies after battle with Cancer
NORMAN — I only met Wayman Tisdale once. Was never able cover any of his games or attend any of his jazz concerts. In fact, his playing days at the University of Oklahoma are only a hazy memory.
But, the one time I was able to come face to face with the Sooner legend, he left a lasting impression. Because when I met him, there was no reason in the world for him to be in a good mood or to welcome me with a smile. But that is what he did as he was getting his prosthetic leg fitted last summer. His leg had recently been amputated and he acted like we were discussing a game he was looking forward to playing in. Excited, enthusiastic and hopeful for what the outcome would be.
As soon it was announced that the 44-year-old Tisdale had died of complications to the cancer he had been fighting for two years, responses flew in from across the country. They included former college and pro teammates, coaches and friends in the entertainment business.
Almost all of them were asked what will be Tisdale’s legacy. Some dealt with his basketball skills.
“Wayman’s one of the biggest reasons why I chose Oklahoma,” former Sooner Stacey King said. “I wanted to be part of something special and it made logical sense to go to OU because I wanted to pattern my game after him. I wanted to be like him. People used to talk about ‘Be like Mike (Michael Jordan),’ but I wanted to be like Wayman. We’ve lost a special person. I don’t think there will ever be another Wayman Tisdale.”
Or his humanitarianism.
“Wayman Tisdale was not only a great athlete and musician, he was above all a great person,” OU President David Boren said. “He constantly demonstrated his care and concern for others and was a worthy role model for all of us young and old. The University of Oklahoma will always be proud of his association with the university.”
And his musical career.
“He was truly an inspiration to me, paving the way for an athlete like myself to pursue a passion for writing and performing music,” Bernie Williams, the former New York Yankees star turned jazz musician told The Associated Press. “I had the honor and privilege of having Wayman perform on the title track of my new album, and was looking forward to collaborating with him again.”
But regardless of who has offered their comments, I hear the same adjectives when describing him. What a great personality or how nice he was. Or just a class act.
When I spoke to him last year, he mentioned that his faith, his family and his outlook on life are what helped him stay positive through the entire ordeal of fining out he had cancer, the chemotherapy and the subsequent amputation. It still amazes me because when I sprain my ankle, I’m in a bad mood for days.
However, the way he handled his situation has been a lesson for me in several ways. First, to go to the doctor and get my self checked out regularly. Like most men, I have a laxed attitude when it comes to my physical well being.
But even more importantly, he showed everyone how to approach life when everything around you seems to be falling apart. It’s a lesson I first learned from my mother.
The way Tisdale dealt with his obstacles only reinforced a quote my mother made me learn by Charles Swindoll.
“I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so, it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.”
Tisdale seemed to live that mantra everyday.
“I have seen so many e-mails and seen so many clips that people have sent me,” Tisdale said. “There are millions and millions of people that are a lot worse off than what my condition is. So for me to sit around and have a pity party I would look crazy. I am all right and I am going to be able to help somebody else down the line.”
- Moore
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Residents who have Monday trash service will have big trash pick up in the months of March, July and November; Tuesday trash service will be April, August and December; Thursday is January, May and September and Friday is February, June and October.
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Fire in new auditorium at Southmoore High School
The Moore fire marshal is still investigating a small fire that occured shortly after 1:30 p.m. Friday at Southmoore High School.
Susie Pierce asked school board members to call an emergency meeting Wednesday to discuss insurance and restoration fees on the fire at Southmoore High School.
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City passes tax rebate for Target
Chris Lundy, manager of public partnerships with the Target corporation addressed city council members Monday night to discuss building a store in Moore.
The Moore Economic Development Authority voted unanimously for a sales tax rebate to Target.
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County will remove limbs
Cleveland County Commissioners asked assistant district attorney David Batton to draft a resolution for roadside limb removal in the unincorporated area caused by the recent ice storm. Commissioner Rusty Sullivan said the county will remove the limbs through April 30.
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Savage, Patrick and Walker named site teachers
Fisher Elementary School site teacher of the year, Stephanie Savage, graduated from Yukon High School and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She has been married for 19 years to Scott and the have three children, Blake, Paige and Allison.
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Changes made to big trash services
