BARTLESVILLE HALL OF FAME: GOOD SPIRIT HAPPINESS, NOSTALGIA RULE AND PREVAIL AT INDUCTION CEREMONY
The 1969 Doenges Ford Injuns (Indians) were inducted into the 2025 Bartlesville Athletic Hall of Fame by the Bartlesville Sports Commission on Oct. 3 at the Bartlesville Community Center.
Courtesy Photo
MEMORY’S WELL
My Auld Lang friend, has it really been that long,
since we laughed, cried and sang our youthful song?
Oh, those halcyon days seemed they would never end,
we didn’t seek for sight beyond life’s next bend.
We clung to that carefree fresh-faced fraternity
as if childhood would last an eternity.
But the tide of time carried us away
to the future — we couldn’t fight its sway.
Oh, how the years have passed! Unstoppable.
How often we’ve mourned, without console,
to return to that time of companions fair
before aches and pains and pounds and peppery hair.
But love for our old pals still glows in our soul,
somehow thoughts of them make us whole.
Ponce de Leon searched for the Fountain of Youth
in the wrong place; he couldn’t grasp the full truth —
that youth-hood lives forever in memory’s well,
and whenever we remember, it is well.
And when kind fate brings us together again —
the heart sings — we are once more as we were then.
-Michael Jerry Tupa
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By Mike Tupa
Oct. 12, 2025
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Surprises, tears, laughs, cheers, bittersweet nostalgia, odd contrasts — and siblingphobia the agony of da’feet .
Those were among the highlights of emotions and stories that filled the walls of the Bartlesville Community Center and thrilled the hearts of the more than 200 people in attendance.
On tap was the 2025 Bartlesville Athletic Hall of Fame (BaHOF) Induction Celebration, which welcomed three individuals and a team into its honored roll call.
This year’s honorees included long-time Bartlesville High School coach and former educator Gerald Thompson, former Bartlesville High basketball star Noah Hartsock, former homegrown gymnastics legend Mike Epperson, who was a member of a college national championship team, and the entire team of the 1969 American Legion Doenges Ford Injuns (Indians).
The BaHOF is under the stewardship of the Bartlesville Sports Commission (BSC). BSC Board Chairman Chris Batchelder served as emcee for Friday’s inductions.
Batchelder was on center stage for the evening’s biggest contrast. During one segment he introduced the 6-foot-8 Hartsock, who towered over him by a few inches when they stood side-by-side. Prior to Hartsock’s remarks, Batchelder had to adjust the microphone arm upward.
Next up, Batchelder brought up Mike Epperson for his award. Epperson was listed at 5-foot-5 in college. Batchelder had to flex his neck the other way.
But whether super tall or compact, all the inductees had the same traits in common — fierce competitiveness, determination, loyalty and class.
“It was awesome,” Batchelder told the Bartlesville Area Sports Report. “I would say it was our best yet. It was certainly the first time we’ve sold it out (250 people). It was great. … All the (inductee) comments were meaningful and very heartfelt.”
The BaHOF began in 2008, just a year after the sports commission had started. There have been approximately 70-to-80 individuals and 20-or-more teams/organizations enshrined all together in the annual banquets.
“There’s nothing more meaningful for somebody than being recognized in their hometown for stuff they’re really, really proud of that they did or accomplished,” Batchelder said.
Following is a summary of each of Friday’s inductions.
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Longtime coach and educator Gerald Thompson, right, accepts the 2025 Bartlesville Athletic Hall of Fame plaque from Bartlesville Sports Commission Board Chairman Chris Batchelder on Oct. 3 at the Bartlesville Community Center.
Courtesy Photo
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GERALD THOMPSON
“I’m honored to be in this great class of inductees,” said Thompson, a Bartlesville native who taught and coached for many years in Oklahoma City or Tulsa prior to returning home in 1987 to work in Bartlesville Public Schools for the remainder of his teaching career through around the mid-2010s.
But he continues to serve as a boys’ basketball coach for the past 19 years. The list of head boys coaches that he’s assisted are Tim Bart, Clent Stewart, Tommy DeSalme and current Bruin coach Jake Christenson.
Prior to that, Thompson served as a girls’ basketball assistant for Carol Green and Rod Berger and served as the head girls basketball coach from 1998 through 2003.
As a youth growing up in Bartlesville, Thompson was known for his athletic skills — and his taller-than-average height.
This combination led to a rather unusual experience for Thompson during his playing days for College High School.
It happened while Thompson was riding home in coach Cecil Epperley’s Dodge Dart car. Thompson was squeezed in the back seat between Bob and Bill Pritchard.
“Gerald started making these crazy noises,” said Bob during a video honoring Thompson. “He had cramps in both legs. He’s really in pain.”
But Epperley was in a hurry to get home and didn’t want to stop the car.
The Pritchards managed to wrestle Thompson’s shoes off him and opened the back window with the idea of sticking his legs out of the car to get relief. They also opened the door with the same idea.
Finally the crisis passed.
“I know he was in pain,” one of the Pritchards said. “But my brother and I laughed about it … for a long time.”
Thompson ended his playing career in college but went on to teach social studies and coach.
“He truly cared about his athletes as individuals on and off the court,” said Cassie (Consedine) Assante, a Lady Bruin athlete in the 2000s and also a member of the BaHOF. “He was the type of coach that would give you a ride home if there was a torrential rain pouring.”
In his portion of the video, Stewart said: “I’m so lucky to have him as part of my life. He continues to be a friend and mentor and continues to guide me on my journey through life.”
Berger also expressed appreciation for his association with Thompson.
After he accepted his plaque, Thompson quickly offered thanks to his two daughters that were present.
“How much you’ve poured into my life is immeasurable,” he told them.
Thompson spoke about growing up in Bartlesville.
“My youth was shaped in the west side of Bartlesville,” he said and paid tribute to three institutions that helped shape his life — Douglass Elementary, the Westside Community Center and the Boys Club.
He also recognized the coaches of his youth and high school teams.
Near the conclusion of his remarks, Thompson addressed his former players and students and said the greatest reward “was to be a part of the players’ lives. … My heart is thrilled as I have watched your lives and grow and mature and flourish over the years. I’ve learned the most important thing is not just the ‘W’s, but it’s the lives you impact and that impact you. That’s my greatest win.”
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Noah Hartsock gives his acceptance speech after being inducted into the 2025 Bartlesville Athletic Hall of Fame by the Bartlesville Sports Commission on Oct. 3 at the Bartlesville Community Center.
Courtesy Photo
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NOAH HARTSOCK
Hartsock helped boost Bartlesville to the state tournament three straight seasons (2003-06) during his sophomore to senior years.
He averaged well more than 20 points and approximately 10 rebounds per game his final two years.
His Bruin coach Tim Bart recalled — on the presentation video — one specific incident of Hartsock’s hardwood heroics.
“We were playing in area and it's lose and go home,” Bart said. “Noah scored the points for us to go up by one. … and then he races down court and blocks the shot we win the game.”
Among his many honors, Hartsock garnered the KTUL-8 Player of the Year award.
Hartsock played college basketball at Brigham Young University. The team qualified for the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons. The video noted he starred in the biggest comeback in NCAA tourney history.
“He was one of the toughest competitors and winners,” said his former BYU coach Dave Rose.
Hartsock also played more than a year of pro basketball in Europe.
When he got on the podium to accept his award, Hartsock congratulated the other inductees and expressed love for the Bartlesville community, in which he grew up.
He also expressed appreciation for his coaches and for volunteer Gary Ross, who provided at his own expense bottles of water for Bruin players and others during every game, whether on the road or at home.
Hartsock recalled with affection how his siblings “beat me up,” during their driveway games. Those rugged encounters helped toughen Hartsock for the life battles that awaited.
He then became choked up when he pointed out his siblings had all flown in to support him for the Hall of Fame induction.
“I didn’t know they were coming,” he spoke through his tears.
He ended up again praising Bartlesville, which he hadn’t visited in more than decade.
“It’s such a special place,” he said. “It’s a real spiritual place. I’m eternally grateful to come from here.”
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Mike Epperson, right, accepts the 2025 Bartlesville Athletic Hall of Fame award from Bartlesville Sports Commission Board Chairman Chris Batchelder on Oct. 3 at the Bartlesville Community Center.
Courtesy Photo
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MIKE EPPERSON
A 1984 Bartlesville High School graduate, Epperson is likely the best gymnast to come out of Bartlesville.
Tom Schlesinger noted that while Epperson was still in high school he was competing at the senior nationals.
“Two things he taught me were humility … and perseverance,” said another former colleague and lifetime friend Scott Schaffer.
Epperson competed in college at the University of Nebraska, where he became a multiple All-American and also a member of a national championship team his senior year.
In addition, several times we went up against international competition.
Epperson’s son and daughter also competed for Nebraska.
Near the end of the video, Thomas Schlesinger referred to Mike Epperson as “an incredible competitor.”
“He was cool,” Schlesinger continued. “He never looked nervous. He always looked like he knew exactly what he was going to do and how he was going to do it.”
Epperson, who traveled from Virginia to accept his induction, revealed how his sister played a role in his development.
“My very first coach was my sister,” he said. “She’s sitting here and I still get fear when I look at her.”
Even though Epperson was just six or seven years old, his sister was convinced he would be a great gymnast.
“She would make me get up at 5 in the morning and run laps around our backyard,” he said. “She would time me.”
Epperson also praised his other coaches as well as Phillips Petroleum for its support back then of the gymnastics program.
About getting inducted into the BAHOF he said “I’m so honored and humble.”
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The 1969 Doenges Ford Injuns (Indians) were inducted into the 2025 Bartlesville Athletic Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 3 at the Bartlesville Community Center.
Courtesy photo
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1969 BARTLESVILLE DOENGES FORD INJUNS (INDIANS)
More than a dozen former players, or family members of former players, were present to help share the spotlight of one of Bartlesville’s greatest sports achievements.
This squad qualified for the American Legion World Series — the only time that’s been accomplished in the 90-season history of Bartlesville American Legion Baseball.
The players on this squad grew up playing youth or make-shift baseball with or against each other.
“We played a lot on the sandlot,” said Don Shelton in the introductory video. “It was fun growing up together. We eventually got into organized baseball.”
The Injuns won the 1969 Oklahoma American Legion state title tourney held on Woodward and then traveled to Memphis, Tenn., for the American Legion Mid-South Regional.
“Being a little old town from Bartlesville, Oklahoma,” resulted in Bartlesville receiving the lowest seed, noted Allan Barnes.
But the Injuns beat host Memphis in the first round and romped through the regional to get to the World Series.
Alan Solenberger — the son of the 1969 team’s manager Al Solenberger — said that “I don’t think Bartlesville has had another team that was as talented.”
Coach Solenberger’s happiest achievement with that 1969 team?
“Every player went to college and graduated … I think that’s what my dad was proudest of,” said Alan Solenberger.
Assisting Al Solenberger was coach Vic Baginski — a pair with contrasting personalities that complemented each other as an effective coaching duo.
Shelton and Tim Baker both expressed emotional gratitude for the support of the Bartlesville community and the parents — as well as the coaches, umpires and supporters — during that magical 1969 journey.
Representing her brother Mark Johnson, a player on the team, Lori Ahlert thanked the Bartlesville Sports Commission for “honoring this team. It was a big part of our family’s life.”
In accepting the award, player Mike Yount said: “The summer of 1969 was special because we were playing with our friends.”
He also acknowledged Dixie Lee, who was in attendance at the induction, for his service as godmother of the 1969 team and coordinator of all the parents.
“It was a wonderful summer, a wonderful time, wonderful friends and wonderful memories. All the parents were wonderful,” Yount said. “If life could be any simpler I don’t know how it could be, really. We have nothing to do but play baseball. There were no complications.”
“We were teenage boys, I don’t know there was any thinking going on,” said Bill Berryhill, the co-acceptor of the plaque, during his brief comments.
“What a great team. Thank you,” he concluded.