As we conclude the first semester of the 2004-05 school year this week, it has been a great year for our students. Our secondary students currently enrolled at the high school have enjoyed studying and working in the new science wing and Fine Arts Center . With construction of the new Field House underway and the media center and connecting link currently in the bidding process, the May 2001 bond has truly been well utilized for the present and future students of Bartlesville Public Schools.

As our Bruin basketball season is beginning, it is once again apparent that the $5.5 million Field House is greatly needed by our students and community.

During basketball season, the present gymnasium is packed with students, fans and family members, oftentimes we cannot accommodate those wishing to attend the games and support our athletes. The new state-of-the-art facility will offer 2,200 seats for fans and will be more safe for students, athletes, and fans. This project is scheduled to be completed in the winter of 2005-2006.

When Bartlesville Public Schools dedicates this new facility to our student athletes, it is our hope to do so honoring the Bartlesville athletes of the past. Display cases will be built throughout the facility that will offer us an opportunity to showcase state trophies and other memorabilia from Bartlesville graduates from all decades.

Currently, the Athletic Heritage Committee, consisting of members of the community, a school board member, the current and former Bartlesville Athletic Director and other staff members, is seeking to relocate trophies awarded to previous athletes. It is our goal at Bartlesville Public Schools to honor the Sooner Spartans, Col-High Wildcats, and Douglas Dragons, along with Bartlesville High School athletes who won state trophies.

Bartlesville schools have a unique heritage, as throughout the decades the school system started as one, then divided into two high schools, then re-combined into one high school in 1982. These changes have made it difficult for alumni to have a place where they could feel a sense of school pride and connection with their school.

When the two high schools were combined into one school in 1982, several trophies and awards were given to community members who wanted them and no official records were made. As a result, it is not known where many trophies are now located.

The Heritage Committee is hoping to locate all of the athletic state championship and state runner-up trophies to be displayed. Two important trophies have been located, the 1967 Col-High state basketball championship trophy and the 1955 State Football Championship won by Douglass High School.

In addition to trophies, other school memorabilia unique to the individual high schools is also sought including uniforms, mascots, letterman jackets or any item that could be displayed. The committee is interested in preserving the rich athletic heritage of Bartlesville Public Schools. Tradition is very important for a school district to maintain.

Please contact the Bruin Athletic Office, 337-0153, if you have any questions or items you would be willing to donate or know where other trophies may be located. It is our hope to honor the Bartlesville athletes of the past for their talents and hard work and by so doing, create a place where our community can honor the legacy of excellence left by Bartlesville athletes through the years.

At this time of year, we wish our students and staff happy holidays and hope they enjoy a well deserved break. We look forward to beginning a new semester in January where we will continue “Striving for Excellence.”